Depressive symptoms, college adjustment and peer support among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students

Aim This study aimed to identify levels of depressive symptoms, social and personal college adjustment and peer support among nursing and midwifery students. Background Student mental health is of international concern, particularly among students who are undertaking professional qualifications in h...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of advanced nursing 2016-12, Vol.72 (12), p.3081-3092
Main Authors: Horgan, Aine, Sweeney, John, Behan, Laura, McCarthy, Geraldine
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adjustment
Adult
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Female
Humans
Ireland
Male
Mental depression
Mental health
Midwifery
Midwifery - education
Nursing
Nursing education
peer support
Peer tutoring
Pregnancy
student
Students
Students, Nursing - psychology
Young Adult
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Summary:Aim This study aimed to identify levels of depressive symptoms, social and personal college adjustment and peer support among nursing and midwifery students. Background Student mental health is of international concern, particularly among students who are undertaking professional qualifications in health care. Design Cross‐sectional design. Methods Data were collected in 2013 using the Centre for Epidemiology Depressive Symptoms Scale, two subscales of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire; and a subscale of the Peer Support Evaluation Inventory with 417 students in Ireland. Results Findings indicated that 34% of participants experienced depressive symptoms, 20% were poorly personally adjusted and 9% poorly socially adjusted. Most students had good levels of peer support. Statistically significant relationships were found between all key variables. Students in their second year of study had significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms. Participants who reported having poor relationships with their fathers were at higher risk and had more difficulties personally and socially adjusting to university life and study. The alcohol consumption of participants had a statistically significant relationship with depressive symptoms with higher consumption rates having a positive impact on symptoms. Conclusion The mental health of undergraduates undertaking professional healthcare studies needs to be a key research, educational and clinical priority. High rates of adjustment and mental health difficulties, particularly in the second year of the programme need to be examined and more effective interventions developed.
ISSN:0309-2402
1365-2648
DOI:10.1111/jan.13074