Climate Change Related Depression, Anxiety and Stress among Faculty of Nursing Students at Assiut University

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Demonstrator of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt.

2 Professor of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt.

3 Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Egypt.

4 Lecturer of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Assiut University, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Nursing students may be particularly exposed to the psychological consequences of climate change due to their emphasis on the future and the chance that climate change would alter their career paths. Aim: To assess climate change related depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students. Research design: A descriptive correlational research design was used in this study. Setting: The study was carried out at faculty of nursing, Assiut University. Sample: A random, stratified sample of 330 students was included in the study. Tools: Demographic characteristics and clinical data questionnaire, climate change awareness and attitude questionnaire, patient health questionnaire, generalized anxiety disorder scale, and perceived stress scale were used to assess study variables. Results: Students responded to climate change awareness and attitude three dimensions with mean= (72.9, 74.4 and 68.2) sequencely. Nearly half of students (49.1%) had mild depression, 43.9% had mild anxiety and 40.3% had moderate stress. Highly statistically significant positive correlation found between climate change awareness and attitude with depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusion: The majority of students demonstrated acceptable levels of awareness and a relatively positive attitude towards climate change, also experiencing moderate levels of stress and only mild levels of anxiety and depression. A strong positive correlation between heightened awareness and attitude regarding climate change and elevated levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Recommendation: Integrating information about effects of climate change on health in curriculum and educational materials for healthcare professionals.

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