Similarities and differences in well-being between Australian,Saudi Arabian and South African pre-registration nursing students

BackgroundEmotional wellbeing is essential for mental and physical health. Although all university students are vulnerable to psychological distress, nursing students are particularly susceptible, and recognised at higher risk due to the stressful nature of the nursing program.AimThe aim of this cross-sectional study was to compare the demographic characteristics and emotional wellbeing with regard to levels of anxiety, depression, behavioural control, positive affect and general distress of preregistration nursing students in Australia, Saudi Arabia and South Africa.DesignCross-sectional design.MethodsA total of 1381 pre-registration nursing students from two universities in Saudi Arabia and one university in both Australia and South Africa completed the self-report measurement tool, the Mental Health Inventory. A one-way analysis of variance was used to compare well-being among pre-registration nursing students in these three countries.FindingsThe results revealed that when compared to the Australian and South African cohorts, the Saudi Arabian cohort had significantly higher anxiety (Australia M = 26.79, SD = 8.15; Saudi Arabia M = 33.12, SD = 8.24; South Africa M = 29.48, SD = 7.54), depression, (Australia M = 10.15, SD = 3.65; Saudi Arabia M = 13.10, SD = 4.49; South Africa M = 11.83, SD = 3.72), and lower scores in the Mental Health Inventory (Australia M = 152.44, SD = 28.60; Saudi Arabia M = 138.11, SD = 30.09; South Africa M = 145.67, SD = 26.32).ConclusionThere were statistically significant differences in overall psychological distress and well-being among students in the three countries. Strategies to improve emotional wellbeing and reduce the negative aspects of mental health such as anxiety and depression of preregistration nursing students are needed.     

The experiences of a group of pre-registration mental health nursing students

Research that only utilises mental health students as a sample group is quite rare. Yet there are many potential stressors that may impact on the experience of these students including; the theory-practice gap, the learning culture experienced in clinical practice, the effects of the programme's assessment and learning strategies and the intentional and unintentional effects of the curriculum. Therefore the aim of this study was to explore the experiences of a group of mental health student nurses by utilising these four concepts as a framework. Focus groups were used to generate data and the sample consisted of fourteen mental health branch students who, within the pre-registration nursing programme, formed a problem-based learning group. The group met on an annual basis at key junctures during the three-year diploma programme. The focus groups were tape-recorded and the data interpreted and organised by utilising an adapted form of content analysis. Three themes were identified; the conflicting pressures of life as a mental health student nurse, adjustment to problem based learning and experiences in mental health practice and views on mentorship. A discussion of the implications of the findings for the planning of nursing curricula and mental health branch programmes is outlined.     

学习适应性在护理高职生情绪智力与心理健康关系中的中介作用

目的 探讨高职护生情绪智力、学习适应性与心理健康状况的关系.方法 2017年11月至2018年1月,采用情绪智力量表(EIS)、大学生学习适应性量表、症状自评量表(SCL-90)及一般人口学问卷对整群随机抽取的福建省1 678名高职护生进行问卷调查.结果 高职护生的情绪智力与学习适应性呈正相关(P＜0.01);情绪智力...     

Associations between health behaviors and mental health in Australian nursing students

Aim: Nursing students experience high levels of stress, anxiety and depression. This study examined associations between health behaviors and stress, anxiety and depression in Australian nursing students. Design: this was a cross-sectional study. Methods: Participants completed an online survey providing demographic information and responses to the 21-item Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, short Food Frequency Questionnaire, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Workforce Sitting Questionnaire. Associations were evaluated using multivariate linear regression. Results: Mild to extremely severe stress (46.6%), anxiety (52.8%) and depression (42.2%) were prevalent. Intake of snack-foods was associated with higher depression (β = 8.66, p < 0.05) and stress (β = 3.92, p = 0.055) scores. More time spent sitting was associated with higher depression (β = 0.48, p < 0.001) and stress (β = 0.28, p < 0.05) scores. Skipping meals correlated with higher stress, anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion: More support must be provided to nursing students to manage psychological distress and mental health during university study.     

Lecturers' accounts of facilitating clinical supervision groups within a pre-registration mental health nursing curriculum

In 1994 the Department of Health recommended that nurses be introduced to the process of clinical supervision during pre-registration training. Since then a body of literature has emerged, largely focusing on students' experiences of a variety of training initiatives in supervision. There is however a paucity of literature exploring the experiences of nursing lecturers engaged in such initiatives. This paper reports the findings from one part of a three-year prospective longitudinal study examining mental health students' and lecturers' experiences of group clinical supervision undertaken as part of a pre-registration course. In this part of the study eight mental health nursing lecturers participated in semi-structured individual interviews in which they discussed their experiences of facilitating student supervision groups. Content analysis of the interview data produced eight major categories: 'attitudes to supervision'; 'perceptions of the student experience'; 'preparation and support'; 'approaches to supervision'; 'the "good" supervisor'; 'the lecturer as supervisor'; 'the structure and process of sessions; and 'the content of supervision'. The findings suggest that the idea of undertaking supervision for students is attractive to lecturers. However, several issues need to be addressed if this type of initiative is to be successful in preparing students for their future role as supervisee.     

Effectiveness of the Mental Health First Aid programme for general nursing students in Hong Kong: A randomised controlled trial

BackgroundInsufficient mental health related knowledge among healthcare professionals and students may lead to higher levels of stigma towards and increased social distance from mentally unwell patients. Moreover, university students enrolled in healthcare programmes are particularly susceptible to stress, depression, anxiety and other mental health problems.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the effectiveness of the Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Programme for undergraduate general nursing students in improving their mental health literacy, decreasing their social distance from persons with mental health issues, increasing their mental health first-aid intention, and enhancing their confidence in assisting others. The programme was also extended the effectiveness to help students to maintain their own mental wellbeing.MethodsA randomised controlled trial study with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up research design was conducted. Three hundred and fifty-eight students were recruited. The experimental group comprised 182 students, of whom 168 completed MHFA training and a post-test questionnaire in mid-2017, and 167 students completed a follow-up questionnaire early in 2018. Meanwhile, 175 and 165 of the 176 students in the control group completed the post-test and follow-up questionnaires, respectively.ResultsThe effectiveness of the MHFA programme was supported by the results of repeated measures analysis of variance with Greenhouse-Geisser correction. Significant interaction effects were found in mental health knowledge in recognition of depression (ηp² = 0.17; 95% CI: 0.24, 0.42), recognition of schizophrenia (ηp² = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.47), depression social distance (ηp² = 0.20; 95% CI: ?0.41. ?0.22), schizophrenia social distance (ηp² = 0.31; 95% CI: ?0.58, ?0.37), confidence in helping (ηp² = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.11. 0.14), mental first-aid actions (ηp² = 0.08; 95% CI: 1.75, 2.90), and mental wellbeing (ηp² = 0.15; 95% CI: ?0.53, ?0.19).DiscussionMental illnesses present substantial challenges to healthcare professionals worldwide. MHFA training should be promoted locally and integrated within compulsory training and extracurricular activities in curricula developed for healthcare and general university students.ConclusionThis study confirms the benefits of MHFA for general nursing students in developing their professional understanding of and willingness to assist people with mental health problems, and in developing, maintaining, and improving their understanding of their own mental health.     

Women's mental health nursing: depression, anxiety and stress during pregnancy

Depression affects more women than men, with a preponderance of cases occurring during prime childbearing years (15-44 years of age). Research shows newborns and infants exposed to maternal antepartum depression, anxiety and stress exhibit pronounced neurobiobehavioral dysregularities. The present study investigated the relationship between maternal psychosocial and biochemical profiles during the antepartum period. Participants were recruited from prenatal registration at a large metropolitan hospital in the southeastern USA--the sample consisted of 59 pregnant women (mean age = 22 years). Structured clinical interviews and maternal self-report were utilized to assess maternal psychosocial distress at mid- (26-28 weeks) and late- (32-34 weeks) gestation. Salivary cortisol levels served as an objective stress measure. The resultant high incidences of maternal depression, anxiety and stress provide evidence of the need for nurses to closely monitor psychosocial and biochemical profiles of all women to thwart the negative effects on the developing human foetus. Clinical nursing implications of the requisite consideration of antepartum maternal psychosocial conditions are discussed.     

护理学生心理健康教育与临床护理能力的关系研究

目的探讨对护理学生(以下简称护生)实施心理健康教育干预与提高临床护理能力的关系。方法我校2007级中专护生共4个班,随机选取一、二班为实验组(心理干预组),三、四班为对照组(未心理干预组)。实验组共90人,对照组共92人。对照组仅在学生入校后第2学期进行症状自评量表(SCL-90)评分;实验组采用心理健康教育方法进行心理健康干预,分别在学生入校后第2学期和实习末进行SCL-90问卷调查,并对两组的临床护理能力进行评价。结果通过心理健康教育干预后,实验组护生SCL-90得分均显著下降,心理健康水平明显提高(呈全面性正向反应)。实验组护生的护理技术操作能力、交流沟通能力、应付复杂护理工作能力等方面明显高于对照组护生。结论护理教育在强化基础知识与专业理论知识教育的基础之上,更要加强心理健康教育,从而有利于临床护理能力的培养和提高。     

Simulation: A shared learning experience for child and mental health pre-registration nursing students

Learning through the use of simulation is perceived as an innovative means to help manage some of the contemporary challenges for pre-registration nurse education. Mental health and child nurses need to have the knowledge and skills to effectively address the holistic needs of service users. This article reports on a pilot simulated learning experience that was designed with key stakeholders for pre-registration child and mental health nursing students. This involved young actors playing the role of someone who had self-harmed to help students develop their skills for working with young people who experience emotional distress. Focus groups and a questionnaire were used to evaluate the pilot. Students valued the practical approach that simulation entailed and identified the benefits of the shared learning experience across the different fields of practice of nursing. However, some students reported anxiety performing in front of peers and indicated they would perform differently in practice. The pilot identified simulation as a potentially useful approach to help child and mental health student nurses develop skills for caring for young people. However, there is a need for caution in the claims to be made regarding the impact of simulation to address gaps in nursing skills.     

护生实习期间心理健康状况调查分析

目的 了解实习护生的心理健康状况,从而提高护生的心理健康水平.方法 采用龚耀先修定的症状自评量表(SCL-90),对70例实习护生进行问卷调查.结果 护生实习前期、中期、后期存在差异,各因子分均高于全国常模,且差异显著.实习前期中专护生和大专护生在人际关系方面有差异.实习中期中专护生和大专护生在强迫、抑郁、焦虑、偏执、其他因子方面有差异,而在人际关系、敌对、恐怖、精神病性方面有显著性差异.实习后期中专护生和大专护生在精神病性方面有显著性差异.结论 实习护生心理有其独特性,应将素质教育融人到课堂及临床教学中,才能不断提高实习护生的心理健康水平.     

护生心理健康状况与应对方式、社会支持的相关性探讨

目的：了解护生心理健康状况与应对方式、社会支持的相关性。方式：采用症状自评量表（SCL-90）、应对方式问卷和社会支持量表对202名护生进行调查,并与国内常模进行比较。结果：护生SCL-90的9个因子均分均高于常模,护生中有59．41％存在心理健康问题,13．86％护生有明显心理障碍,突出表现为人际敏感、偏执、强迫、敌对、抑郁等;护生SCL-90各因子和解决问题、求助应对因子呈显著负相关,与自责、幻怨、退避和合理化呈显著正相关;社会支持各因子分与SCL-90各因子呈一定程度的负相关。结论：护生存在不同程度的心理健康问题．并与应对方式和社会支持密切相关。     

护理专业男生心理健康状况及与人格特征的相关性研究

目的了解医科大学护理专业男生心理健康状况及与人格特征的相关性。方法采用症状自评量表(SCL-90)、艾森克个性问卷(EPQ)对广州某医科大学105名护理专业男生进行测评。结果①护理专业男生SCL-90各因子得分均显著低于大学生常模(P0.01或P0.001),强迫和精神病性2个因子得分高于国内成人常模(P0.01或P0.001),与护理专业女生得分相比差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。②护理专业本、专科男生SCL-90各因子得分仅在躯体化因子上差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。本科护理专业男、女生SCL-90各因子得分差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。专科护理专业男、女生仅在人际敏感、恐怖2个因子得分上差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。③护理专业男生SCL-90总分及各因子分与人格问卷的内外向维度分呈负相关(P0.05或P0.01)(除敌意因子外),与神经质维度分呈正相关(P0.05或P0.01),其中SCL-90均分与神经质维度相关最为密切(r=0.687)。结论护理专业男生心理健康状况好于普通大学生,情绪稳定、外向等人格特征有利于提高护理专业男生的心理健康水平。     

心理干预对护理专业学生心理健康状况的效果研究

目的探讨心理干预对改善护理专业学生心理健康水平的效果。方法对2006级护理专业学生共962人应用症状自评量表进行心理测评,对筛选出有明显心理问题的护生115人进行心理干预,包括心理健康教育讲座、团体干预、个体干预3种形式。结果干预后,仅参加心理健康教育讲座的护生强迫和抑郁2个因子的分值在干预前后差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);同时参加心理健康教育和团体干预的护生,除躯体化和精神病性2个因子外,其他各因子干预前后差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05);在心理健康教育的基础上进行个体心理干预的护生,除躯体化、敌对和精神病性3个因子外,其他各因子干预前后差异均具有统计学意义(P0.05或P0.01)。结论心理干预对改善护理专业学生心理健康状况有显著作用,但对其职业心理素质的培养仍是一项持续的工作。     

Promoting mental health nursing: employing undergraduate nursing students as assistants in mental health

The difficulty in attracting graduates of nursing programmes into mental health nursing (MHN) remains an ongoing challenge. Moreover, it is frequently claimed that undergraduate nursing students do not always regard MHN favourably for future employment. Although undergraduate nurses are employed as assistants in nursing (AIN) in mental health settings, there is no published research exploring their role, the career trajectory into MHN, or its effectiveness as a recruitment strategy. In this paper, we draw on the literature to delineate factors that might contribute to the desire of AIN to work in MHN. Nine factors were identified: acceptance by nurses, fitting in with the culture, managing the workload, developing a realistic appraisal of the effectiveness and limits of psychiatry, constructive learning from direct interpersonal interactions with clients, practising communication skills, being supported in a structured way, working with positive role models, and the overall quality of the employment setting. A comprehensive understanding of these factors can enhance the experience of undergraduate nursing students working as AIN, and potentially increase recruitment into MHN.     

实习护生一般自我效能感、应对方式与心理健康状况的相关性研究

目的探讨一般自我效能感、应对方式对实习护生心理健康状况的影响。方法采用一般自我效能感量表（GSES）、特质应对问卷（TCSQ）和症状自评量表（SCL-90）,对226名实习护生的自我效能感、应对方式及心理健康状况进行测评。结果本组护生SCL-90总分及强迫、人际关系、焦虑、恐怖4个因子的得分均高于全国常模,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。家庭背景、学习成绩不同的实习护生其自我效能感、应对方式存在显著差异。单因素相关分析显示：实习护生的一般自我效能感及应对方式与SCL-90中的多个因子存在显著相关。多元逐步回归分析显示：一般自我效能感、消极应对对实习护生的心理健康状况有预测作用。结论实习护生的自我效能感、应对方式是影响其心理健康状况的重要因素。     

Group clinical supervision in pre-registration nurse training: the views of mental health nursing students

In 1994 the Department of Health recommended that nurses be introduced to the process of clinical supervision during pre-registration training. In response to this recommendation, the now defunct English National Board (ENB) stated that: "It will be a requirement that all students of pre-registration nursing programmes receive preparation in what to expect from clinical supervision" (ENB, 1995, p. 4). Despite the fact that no further guidance was issued there is an emerging body of literature exploring this area. This paper reports findings from the initial phase of a three-year prospective longitudinal study examining students' experiences of group clinical supervision undertaken as part of their pre-registration training. In this part of the study 32 mental health nursing students participated in focus groups in which they discussed their expectations of clinical supervision. Content analysis of the data produced five major categories: 'the nature of clinical supervision'; 'roles and responsibilities'; 'staying safe and doing no harm'; 'being in a group'; and 'being a student'. The findings suggest that the idea of supervision is attractive to students, although there are significant anxieties both about supervision in general and of group supervision in particular.