Stress levels and coping strategies among undergraduate nursing students in Greece during economic recession: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Aim: To identify factors contributing to Greek nursing students' stress and the coping strategies used.

Background: Stress experienced by nursing students in the context of ongoing economic recession is as yet unexplored.

Design: A cross-sectional study .

Methodology: Undergraduate nursing students (n = 424) completed the Student Nurse Stress Index (short version) and the Brief COPE questionnaires during the year 2017.

Results: Most of the participants stated that their current financial status (81.7%) contributed towards their experience of stress, and they had higher scores on the interface worries subscale (p < 0.001). Female gender (p < 0.001) seniority (p = 0.005) and stress of transportation from home to university (p = 0.019) significantly increased the SNSI total score as well as most of the stress subscales scores. As far as coping subscales were concerned, higher means were shown in active/positive coping (mean 2.95), seeking support (mean 2.84), expression of negative feelings (mean 2.71) and avoidance (2.47). However, the use of higher maladaptive coping strategies was noted in cases presenting higher SNSI Total score, interface worries and personal problems.

Conclusion: The introduction of stress management training and conflict management skills ought to be considered. Fund raising initiatives should be considered to provide financial assistance to those in need.

Keywords: Coping strategies; Cross-sectional study; Economic crisis; Nursing students; Stress.