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Depression in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic review and meta-analysis

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  • Carmen Quesada-Puga
  • Gustavo R Cañadas
  • José Luis Gómez-Urquiza
  • Raimundo Aguayo-Estremera
  • Elena Ortega-Campos
  • José Luis Romero-Béjar
  • Guillermo A Cañadas-De la Fuente

Abstract

The pandemic meant a change in academic approach. This had an impact on the mental health of students, leading to, among other problems, depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence and factors that favoured the development of depression in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence was conducted in October 2023, using Pubmed, CINAHL and Scopus as the data sources used for the search. This review followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Search equation was: “(undergraduate nurses OR nursing students) AND depression AND (COVID-19 OR Sars-CoV-2)”. The final set of articles was N = 12. Quantitative primary studies using anonymous scales and surveys to assess the prevalence of depression in nursing students in the last 3 years were included. Studies show a high prevalence of depression among young university students with figures above 50%. The total sample of students in the meta-analysis was n = 4,479 with a prevalence value of 32% (CI95% 22%-42%). Affected students are characterised by young, female students. Concerns included generalised academic uncertainty, social isolation, work overload, fear of contagion and concern about teaching delivery. Coping mechanisms were generally resilience, spiritual support, laughter therapy, seeking information about COVID-19 and eating food. In conclusion, students, especially female students, are at high risk of depression due to social isolation. In addition, coping techniques were inadequate and future strategies to prevent this situation should be considered.

Suggested Citation

  • Carmen Quesada-Puga & Gustavo R Cañadas & José Luis Gómez-Urquiza & Raimundo Aguayo-Estremera & Elena Ortega-Campos & José Luis Romero-Béjar & Guillermo A Cañadas-De la Fuente, 2024. "Depression in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic review and meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 19(7), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0304900
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304900
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    1. Chanhee Seo & Christina Di Carlo & Selina Xiangxu Dong & Karine Fournier & Kay-Anne Haykal, 2021. "Risk factors for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt among medical students: A meta-analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 16(12), pages 1-15, December.
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