Examining Anxiety and Depression among Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross- Sectional Study

Abstract Background Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being, especially among undergraduate nursing students. Nursing students face unique stressors that can impact their mental health. This study aimed to determine the of anxiety and depression level among undergraduate nursing students at Chattogram, Bangladesh. Methods A cross-sectional study design was employed, and data were collected using an online questionnaire (google form) that included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Convenience sampling was used to select 120 BSc Nursing students aged over 18 years. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 28. Results The majority of participants were female (88.3%), and the mean age was 20.58 years, range 18 to 23. The prevalence of anxiety was 66.0%, with 28.0% scoring in the borderline abnormal range and 38.0% in the abnormal range. For depression, 22.4% were in the borderline abnormal range, and 18.4% in the abnormal range. Pearson correlation test showed gender was significantly associated with anxiety (p = 0.004), while no significant associations were found between depression and gender, depression and (academic qualifications, contagious disease status, or close family members' infection status). The logistic regression analysis, revealing that age is significantly associated with depression among nursing students; older students have higher odds of experiencing depression (OR = 1.384, p = 0.037). Conclusion This study highlights a significant burden of anxiety among undergraduate nursing students at CINC, with a substantial proportion experiencing abnormal levels of anxiety. The findings underscore the importance of addressing mental health issues among nursing students and implementing strategies to promote their mental well-being.