Depressive and anxiety symptoms among higher vocational nursing interns in Ningbo, China: a cross-sectional study

Extensive studies have revealed that undergraduate nursing students experience several mental health problems during internships. Nevertheless, the mental health status of higher vocational nursing interns, especially 2-year college interns, has been neglected. This study examined the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, along with associated risk factors, among higher vocational nursing interns, and, for the first time, compared symptom prevalence between junior college and senior college interns, as well as between 2-year and 3-year college interns.

This cross-sectional study enrolled nursing interns from a higher vocational college in Ningbo, China. Mental health status was assessed using the Chinese versions of the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the main factors associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms by calculating multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

The overall prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were 36.93% (95% CI: 32.72-41.24%) and 19.56% (95% CI: 16.26-23.31%), respectively. The prevalence of depressive symptoms (P = 0.012) and anxiety symptoms (P < 0.001) was significantly higher among 2-year college students than among 3-year college students. Factors such as younger age (OR: 1.26), residence in rural areas (OR: 1.80), low family function (OR: 2.96), internships in third-class hospitals (OR: 1.67), and enrollment as a 2-year college student (OR: 1.62) significantly increased the risk of depressive symptoms. Rural areas (OR: 3.337), low family functioning (OR: 2.905), internships in third-class hospitals (OR: 1.420), and being a 2-year college student (OR: 4.231) significantly increased the risk of anxiety symptoms during the internship.

The results of this study suggest that psychological problems have been dramatic among Chinese higher vocational nursing students, especially the 2-year college interns, during internships. Our findings provide information to aid in promoting the mental health of this vulnerable population.