Stress levels and coping strategies in nursing students in the pandemic contexto

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate stress levels and coping strategies used by nursing students in the pandemic context. Methods: Descriptive study, carried out with 144 Nursing students whose data were obtained through a questionnaire to identify the sociodemographic profile, the Stress Assessment in Nursing Students (AEEE) instrument and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Brief scale (Brief COPE). Results: The majority of students were female, aged between 20 and 24 years old, single, did not have children, were employed, but did not work in the health sector. When applying the AEEE instrument, 40.28% showed a high level of stress, where “Theoretical activities” was the highest predictor. In the analysis of coping strategies, “Planning” was the most used strategy, followed by Religion and Positive Reinterpretation. This study contributes to paying attention to the use of methodologies that adapt to the student's profile in the context in which it operates. It is also recommended that higher education institutions monitor the mental health status of their students. Conclusion: Nursing students have a high level of stress, mainly related to theoretical activities. Furthermore, during the pandemic, planning was their main coping strategy.