Examination of depression, anxiety, and stress in nursing students receiving distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine depression, anxiety, and stress among nursing students (NSs) receiving distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 583 NSs who received remote education during Covid-19 at a public university in the 2020–2021 academic year. Study data were collected online using the Personal Information Form and depression anxiety stress scale short form-21.
RESULTS: According to the study results, the mean depression score of NSs was 9.11±5.14, the mean anxiety score was 6.21±4.18, and the mean stress score was 8.66±4.63. The study found that female students had higher levels of stress (p=0.002), anxiety (p=0.043), and depression (p=0.020) compared to male students. Third-year students exhibited significantly higher levels of stress (p=0.015) and anxiety (p<0.001) than students in other academic years. Students who experienced a decrease in income reported higher stress levels compared to those who did not (p=0.006). Students with a device exhibited higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than those without a device. The mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress of students with sleep problems were higher than those of students without sleep problems.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, NSs receiving distance education were found to have high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. Providing internet and technological device support for NSs in future distance education implementations in Türkiye and conducting various studies to harmonize nursing education with distance education are recommended.