Evaluation of preparedness of healthcare student volunteers against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Nursing students' willingness to respond in disasters: a cross sectional study of facilitators and barriers

INTRODUCTION

The preparedness of the healthcare system to address emergency situations is contingent on the inclination of healthcare personnel. Nursing students can serve as valuable resources to supplement the workforce during major incidents and disasters. This study investigated the facilitators and barriers of nursing students' willingness to respond to disasters at the Alborz University of Medical Sciences in 2022.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional descriptive study, 234 nursing students were recruited using convenience sampling. A deductive-inductive questionnaire was developed and distributed through an online self-administered survey comprising demographic information and questions on barriers, facilitators, various disaster scenarios, preferred activities, and reasons for pursuing a nursing career.

RESULTS

The mean willingness scores of nursing students in response to various disasters were as follows: 3.15 for natural disasters, 2.60 for man-made disasters, 2.94 for pandemics, and 3.32 overall. Among the disaster scenarios, the earthquake response obtained the highest willingness score, while infectious disease epidemics received the lowest score. The most and least willingness to perform activities during disaster response were related to bedside care and participation in patients' personal hygiene, respectively. Key determinants of participation included the possibility of immunization and concerns for family safety.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicated that nursing students are generally willing to assist as members of the healthcare team during disasters. However, the willingness to respond to infectious disease epidemics and man-made disasters was below the norm. Concerns about family health and the risk of disease transmission were identified as primary barriers. Addressing these concerns is crucial to enhance nursing students' participation in disaster response.

Exploring the experiences, motivations, and skillsets of nurse volunteers during Hajj: implications for enhancing volunteer programs

BACKGROUND

The annual Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj attracts millions of pilgrims from around the world, necessitating the involvement of healthcare professionals, including nurse volunteers, to ensure the safety and well-being of attendees. This study aims to explore the experiences, motivations, and skillsets of nurse volunteers during the Hajj pilgrimage, focusing on the personal, professional, and spiritual dimensions of volunteering, and providing insights to enhance volunteer programs.

METHODS

The demographic data shows that the majority of nurse volunteers during Hajj 2022 fell in the 30-39 age group and were predominantly women. The study provides insights into the interest, experience, and motives for volunteering, with spiritual motives cited as a primary driver. An overview of volunteer hours, perceived benefits, and pre-existing skills reveals diverse commitments and skillsets among the volunteers.

RESULTS

Nurse volunteers during Hajj 2022 show diverse age and gender composition, strong commitment, spiritual motives, varied engagement, and professional skills. Team dynamics, skills development, and positive experiences are crucial. A potential gap exists in preparatory education. Significant associations are found between age, volunteer hours, training, skill practice, and gender.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the multifaceted benefits of volunteering during Hajj and underscores the need for decision-makers to devise strategies that cater to diverse needs, foster collaboration, and enhance the preparedness of nurse volunteers. Further research is suggested to examine the long-term impact of volunteering during Hajj on nurses' professional development and personal well-being and to evaluate the effectiveness of various recruitment strategies, training programs, and support initiatives.

Understanding volunteerism among dental students and professionals to reach Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 goals

BACKGROUND

Volunteering can be defined as activities a person does for free to help another person or group. Saudi Vision 2030 has a target of one million volunteers from the country by 2030. The aim of this study was to find out the frequencies of the motives, barriers, and experiences of volunteering dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 655 dental students and dentists from 37 cities around Saudi Arabia answered a questionnaire of 59 questions derived from previous studies. The questionnaire was distributed through social media. SPSS software was used to analyze the data, with p-value of 0.05 as significant. Chi-square was used for analytical statistics.

RESULTS

The chance to learn in a health-related field (84.58%) was the most motivating factor to volunteer, and the least motivating factor was financial compensation (46.72%). Females had multiple significantly higher motives percentages than males (p<0.05). The most prominent barrier was time constraints (74.50%), while the least important barrier was parents/family disapproval (28.85%). Lack of transportation was a more significant (p<0.001) barrier for females than males. Of the respondents, 74.50% had previously participated in volunteer work. Among those, 98.36% volunteered in Saudi Arabia and 6.97% volunteered outside of Saudi Arabia. Also, 46.31% volunteered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

A high percentage of dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia engage in volunteer activities. Nevertheless, various impediments must be addressed to achieved the targeted key performance indicator of Saudi Arabia Vision 2030.

Beyond COVID-19: the impact of recent pandemics on medical students and their education: a scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Over the past two years, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has greatly altered medical student education as well as daily life. Medical schools across the world were disrupted and had to immediately adapt the educational experience to the online environment in order to continue the delivery of quality medical education. However, COVID-19 was not the only recent pandemic. This posed the question, were similar disruptions and adaptations also seen in recent past pandemics such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) that could have prepared medical educators for COVID-19? This scoping review investigated the educational and personal impact of recent pandemics on medical students.

METHODS

This review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines for scoping reviews. Nine databases including PubMed, ERIC, and EMBASE were systematically searched using keywords and subject headings related to medical students and SARS, H1N1, MERS, Ebola, Zika, and COVID-19. Studies were limited to research studies published between 2000 and 2020 and in English. Based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, all studies were independently screened by two reviewers first by the title/abstract and then via full text. Data were extracted from the included studies and analyzed qualitatively using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 174 studies fit the criteria. Seven major themes emerged from those studies: educational adaptations and online modifications, knowledge and attitudes of students, mental wellness of students, student involvement and use of telehealth, student vaccination, physical wellness of students, and stigma.

CONCLUSION

This review provided insights into how medical students were affected by recent pandemics and their perceptions of pivoting to online education, mental health, and knowledge of the diseases. Additionally, this review showcases the various educational adaptations that emerged uniquely during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as telehealth services or video conferencing tools, that can be utilized in a post-pandemic environment.

Fear, stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia related to COVID-19 among undergraduate nursing students: An international survey

The emergence of COVID-19 has produced unprecedented change in daily life activities leading to major impacts on psychological wellbeing and sleep among individuals worldwide. The study aimed to assess levels of fear, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia among undergraduate nursing students in four countries two years after the start of the pandemic. An international, multi-centre cross-sectional electronic survey was conducted between December 2021 and April 2022. An on-line questionnaire was distributed via Qualtrics® and JISC® software. Instruments included the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Insomnia Severity Index, and a demographics and academic background questionnaire. The independent variables included demographic and academic backgrounds, while fear level, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia were the dependent variables. A total of 918 undergraduate nursing students from KSA, Oman, UK, and UAE were participants in the study. Students presented with stress (91.6%), anxiety (69.1%), depression (59.8%), and insomnia (73.2%). The participants' mean Fear of COVID-19 Scale score was 12.97 (SD = 6.14). There were significant positive relationships between fear of COVID-19, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Undergraduate nursing students experienced moderate to severe levels of Fear of COVID-19, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia two years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological intervention and peer support are needed to reduce the long-term adverse outcomes of mental health problems and insomnia. It is important to introduce education about crisis management of infectious disease during pandemics into the nursing curriculum to increase student knowledge and improve their preparedness for such emergencies.

A Network Analysis of Brief Measure of Perceived Courtesy and Affiliate Stigma During COVID-19 in Hubei China

PURPOSE

The current study aims to test perceived affiliate and courtesy stigma in Hubei province China during the early periods of COVID-19 by using network analysis.

METHOD

In this study, 4,591 participants (3,034 female, mean age = 26.64) from the Hubei Province of China were recruited to conduct network analysis.

RESULTS

The network analysis found network connections between Estranged - Blamed, Shamed - No Strong Point, and Rejected - Plague were the strongest. The most important stigma features (nodes) of COVID-19 (i.e. Plague, No Strong Point, Discriminated, and Disgusting).

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study uncovered the most central features of perceived affiliate and courtesy stigma on COVID-19, proposing these features (and associations between features) could be prioritized for anti-stigma interventions for the COVID-19 pandemic.

From disobedience to struggle for adaptation: ​​nursing students' experiences of attending the clinical learning environment during Covid-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the clinical education of nursing students all over the world. Considering the importance of clinical education and clinical learning environment (CLE) in the education of nursing students, identifying the challenges and problems faced by these students during the covid-19 pandemic helps to plan more effectively in this regard. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of nursing students in CLEs during the Covid-19 pandemic.

METHODS

A descriptive qualitative research was conducted, which used a purposive sampling technique to recruit 15 undergraduate nursing students from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences between July 2021 and September 2022. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. For data analysis, conventional qualitative content analysis based on Graneheim and Lundman approach was used.

RESULTS

The data analysis led to emergence of two themes of "disobedience " and "struggle for adaptation". The disobedience theme consists of two categories: "objection to attend CLE" and "patient marginalization". The theme of struggle for adaptation includes two categories: "using support sources" and "applying problem-oriented strategies".

CONCLUSION

At the beginning of the pandemic, the students were unfamiliar due to the disease, as well as fear of contracting themselves and infecting others, so they tried not to be in the clinical environment. However, they gradually tried to adapt to the existing conditions by applying support resources and using problem-oriented strategies. Policymakers and educational planners can use the results of this study to plan for solving the challenges of students during future pandemics and improve the condition of CLE.

Preisolation measures and clinical features for pediatric patients with suspicious COVID-19

Background

In December 2019, many cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. In the following 3 months, the disease out broke in China. Preisolation measures was used to screen out COVID-19 patients in the pediatric respiratory ward of our hospital.

Aims

To investigate the new measures for screening COVID-19 patients and to analyze the clinical features of children with suspicious COVID-19.

Methods

A total of 50 preisolated children with suspicious COVID-19 who were admitted to our hospital in Mianyang, China, between January 28 and March 5, 2020, were included. Patients presented with fever and cough or fever accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. A detailed epidemiological history screening was performed. A real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect SARS-COV-2 nucleic acid. Low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) was applied when pneumonia was suspicious. Routine blood tests were performed to rule out COVID-19. Patients' data were collected, and the basic clinical features, epidemiological history, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examination results, and outcomes were analyzed and summarized.

Results

No definite cases were detected, while two patients were suspected of having COVID-19. The pathogenic results of the 50 patients mainly included Mycoplasma pneumoniae, followed by Epstein-Barr virus, and rotavirus. Thirty-five patients suffered from bronchopneumonia. The preisolated patients had similar clinical and epidemiological characteristics as patients with fever, cough, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Conclusions

Preisolation measures combined with pathogen screening can minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections by preventing patients with suspicious COVID-19 from contacting other patients before they are explicitly excluded. Clinical analysis of the patients was helpful for clinical nursing management.

Challenge, fear and pride: nursing students working as nurses in COVID-19 care units

Context and Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

A year and a half later: Clinical experiences of intern nursing students in the COVID-19 Pandemic: A constructivist grounded theory

Aims

The aim of this study is to develop a theory to explore the clinical experiences of interns in clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious public health problem influencing the healthcare systems worldwide. Nursing students were excluded from clinical practice for a long time due to the pandemic. However, the prolonged and uncertain pandemic conditions required the inclusion of fourth-year nursing students in clinical practice.

Design

A qualitative research design based on the Constructivist Grounded Theory approach was used in this study.

Methods

The research data were collected from fourth-year nursing students doing an internship at a university hospital in Turkey. Fourteen nursing students (12 females and 2 males) in the clinical practice during the COVID-19 pandemic with a mean age of 22.64 ± 0.225 were included in the study. In the collection of data, firstly, the purposeful sample selection method, then the theoretical sample selection method was used. On the online interview platform, the data were collected through individual interviews with those agreeing to participate in the study between July 2021 and August 2021 using a semi-structured interview form. The results were analyzed with initial, focused and theoretical coding. The research was reported based on the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guide.

Results

A core category and five main categories emerged in the study. The core category is a lonely bird and the main categories are emotions, challenges, coping methods, nursing experiences and solution suggestions.

Conclusions

This research can help create a conceptual framework of clinical practice experiences of intern nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is thought that intern nursing students need to be supported by reliable authorities before and during the internship. Intern students stated that they experienced many emotions together and felt alone. Our study results revealed that intern nurses need more psychological support, especially during the pandemic period. A remarkable finding of the research is that interns now think of themselves as professional nurses. For interns to develop effective coping methods, intensive and regular training should be organized in cooperation with the hospital and school administration.

Psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing students in the first wave: A cross-sectional survey

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychological impact on nursing students at the end of period of confinement during the first wave of the COVID‐19 outbreak in Spain.

Design

A cross‐sectional study reported in line with the STROBE guidelines.

Methods

Nursing students were invited to complete an online questionnaire at the end of the 2019–2020 academic year using convenience sampling. The questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic factors, work, and life experiences in relation to COVID‐19, habits and lifestyle using the World Health Organization Five Well‐Being Index (WHO‐5) and the Generalized Anxiety disorder‐7 scale. Variables related to anxiety were analysed using multiple lineal regression analysis,

Results

The prevalence of low psychological well‐being in the 203 students was 44.3% and of anxiety 55.7%. In the multivariate analysis the variables associated with anxiety were having worked in the pandemic, having had symptoms of COVID‐19 and having been afraid of getting infected.

Conclusions

The levels of anxiety due to the COVID‐19 pandemic in nursing students have been high, and levels of psychological well‐being have been low. The fact of having worked during the pandemic, having had symptoms compatible with COVID‐19 or being afraid of getting infected are associated with the highest scores for anxiety.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study gives more evidence on the psychological impact on nursing students during the first wave of the pandemic in Spain. This can be used to design anxiety management programmes for inclusion into teaching syllabuses. It also gives arguments for the setting up of psychological and emotional support services for these students and other healthcare professionals working during the pandemic.

Anxiety and coping strategies among nursing students returning to university during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Despite the continued expand of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, nursing students are returning to on-campus learning and training in clinical settings. The COVID-19 pandemic might constitute a new source of anxiety that increases the already high anxiety levels of nursing students. This study aimed to assess the COVID-19 infection-related anxiety and coping strategies among nursing students returning to university campuses during the COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 282 nursing students who returned to campus during the summer semester of the academic year 2019/2020. The returning students were invited to complete an online questionnaire consisting of three parts: 1) sociodemographic variables and infection-related information, 2) the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) Scale, and 3) the Brief-Coping Behavior Questionnaire (Brief-COPE).

RESULTS

Of the participating students, 70.6% reported mild to severe anxiety levels. Female students and students who had fears of becoming infected with COVID-19 were found to be at higher risk of anxiety than were other students. A positive correlation was found between students' anxiety levels and their dysfunctional coping strategies, which included denial, behavioral disengagement, venting, and self-blame. Students who had chosen to study nursing willingly used coping planning. Further, other sociodemographic variables and infection-related information were associated with dysfunctional and emotion-focused coping strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

The participating nursing students showed significant COVID-19-related anxiety upon returning to on-campus learning. Unfortunately, the students were found to use some dysfunctional coping strategies which were associated with increased levels of anxiety. The results highlight the important role of universities and nursing faculty members in supporting students emotionally and ensuring their personal safety inside the classroom and in clinical settings.

Coping with Fears of Covid-19 Pandemic Among Nursing Students During Clinical Practice: Malawi's Perspective

PURPOSE

Fears of the Covid-19 pandemic have brought additional psychological pressure among nursing students. Nursing students at Mzuzu University in Malawi resumed clinical practice amidst the first wave of the pandemic and completed their rotation from September to December 2020. However, it was not known how they were coping with fears of the Covid-19 pandemic during clinical practice and this had set the impetus for conducting this study.

METHODS

The study used qualitative approach employing a descriptive phenomenological design. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted on students who had completed a clinical rotation during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Four themes emerged from the data analysis, and these were staying positive amidst the Covid-19 pandemic; applying the Covid-19 preventive measures; the role of religion and use of avoidance strategies.

CONCLUSION

Students should be encouraged to use coping strategies that have been proven to promote psychological well-being in times of crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices about coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among Birzeit University students: a cross-sectional study

Aim

COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been characterized as a pandemic, as it spreads all over the world and has so far infected more than 20 million worldwide. In Palestine, the first seven cases were documented on March 5 2020, followed by the declaration of the state of emergency. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices toward COVID-19 among Birzeit University students.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out; a questionnaire was developed based on the WHO, CDC, and ECDC recommendations. The questionnaire was distributed online and filled out by Birzeit University students. Chi-square testing was performed to check for significant association between KAP (knowledge, attitude, and practices) and different socio-demographic variables. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify and control the confounding factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 22).

Results

A total of 665 students have completed the online questionnaire. The mean age was 20.55 ± 3.069 years. Multivariate analysis revealed that males, students from health professions and scientific faculties, and those with highly educated parents had manifested a good knowledge level (GKL) about COVID-19. With regard to students' practices, fewer negative practices were displayed by students from health professions faculty and the students living at the middle governorate of Palestine, compared to north, south, and Jerusalem dwellers. With regard to the practices, the vast majority of the participants showed a positive and very cautious practice in relation to the COVID-19 epidemic.

Conclusion

Our results revealed that students had variable knowledge about COVID-19, and the vast majority depended on the official media briefs in Palestine as a source of information. With regard to practices, positive and cautious practices with regard to the COVID- 19 epidemic were carried out by the vast majority of participants.

Social Isolation and Anxiety Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown in China

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures have had a profound impact on the emotions, anxiety, and mental health of affected communities. Despite this, there is a lack of knowledge about the possible generational and geographical differences in the effects on the mental health of individuals. This study examines the impact of COVID-19 related quarantine on symptoms of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD) among parents and children (N = 4503). It also compares the outcomes of residents from the initial COVID-19 epicenter of Wuhan to those in surrounding areas. Subgroup analyses were conducted by child and parent samples, and by Wuhan city and other cities in the Hubei province. Propensity score radius matching and ordinary least squares regressions were used to examine the relationship between quarantine and GAD symptoms. Results showed that quarantine had more psychological impact on parents than children, regardless of geographic location. Parents that experienced quarantine in Wuhan city, reported a significantly higher level of symptoms of GAD than those that did not. Parents from other cities showed no such difference. For both children and parents, interpersonal communication about COVID-19 and social media exposure to pandemic-related information were linked to GAD symptoms. Targeted policies and interventions are needed to address the psychological impacts of COVID-19 lockdown.

Systematic review of medical student willingness to volunteer and preparedness for pandemics and disasters

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to estimate the willingness of students to volunteer during a disaster, and how well-prepared medical students are for volunteering by assessing their knowledge and medical school curriculum of disaster and pandemic medicine.

RESULTS

A total of 37 studies met inclusion criteria including 11 168 medical students and 91 medical schools. 24 studies evaluated knowledge (64.9%), 16 evaluated volunteering (43.2%) and 5 evaluated medical school curricula (13.5%). Weighted mean willingness to volunteer during a disaster was 68.4% (SD=21.7%, range=26.7%-87.8%, n=2911), and there was a significant difference between those planning to volunteer and those who actually volunteered (p<0.0001). We identified a number of modifiable barriers which may contribute to this heterogeneity. Overall, knowledge of disasters was poor with a weighted mean of 48.9% (SD=15.1%, range=37.1%-87.0%, n=2985). 36.8% of 76 medical schools curricula included teaching on disasters. However, students only received minimal teaching (2-6 hours).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that there is a large number of students who are willing to volunteer during pandemics. However, they are unlikely to be prepared for these roles as overall knowledge is poor, and this is likely due to minimal teaching on disasters at medical school. During the current COVID-19 pandemic and in future disasters, medical students may be required to volunteer as auxiliary staff. There is a need to develop infrastructure to facilitate this process as well as providing education and training to ensure students are adequately prepared to perform these roles safely.

Second Line Volunteering in Lombardy Covid-19 Emergency as a Perspective on Medical Education and Psychological Distress

OBJECTIVE

Healthcare personnel across Italy were called to arms during COVID-19 emergency beginning March 2020. Despite their medical training, not all of them were able to fight in first line. Volunteering for COVID-19 Lombardy ICU Network Coordination Centre (C19-LINCC) was an opportunity to volunteer without being under biological threat: a smart-working in direct phone contact with the ICUs. Our aim was to investigate if second line volunteering during the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on stress levels and whether medical training could mitigate them, along with personality factors, namely psychological flexibility.

METHOD

Volunteers of the C19-LINCC self-rated their own medical education related to SARS-CoV-2 and psychological response to the emergency. The questionnaire included five psychological scales (PSS, IES, MBI, AAQ-II, GHQ-12) addressing burnout, stress, general health, attention, cognitive fusion, and psychological flexibility.

RESULTS

Psychological distress (GHQ p≤0,0001) and perception of personal achievement (MBI_p≤0,0001) change whether the subject is a volunteer or not, while perception of medical education does not have a significant impact between the two groups. No differences were found in acceptance, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility skills, however they inversely correlated with stress, burnout, and anxiety levels.

CONCLUSIONS

During this period of mandatory lockdown, trained and in-training doctors showed to benefit from this smart home-based volunteering in the C19-LINCC. In addition to volunteering, psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and acceptance skills can act as protective factors. Potentially, these are soft skills that could be added to medical education.

Stronger Together: The Student Experience During the Onset of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

This study examined the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on nursing students. The Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis qualitative approach was used to analyze alternative assignments added during the Spring and Summer 2020 courses. Participants included nursing students at the baccalaureate, master, and doctoral levels.

RESULTS

Stress and anxiety emerged as the prevalent theme. Fear was the second most prevalent theme; however, no doctoral students cited fear as a concern. All three cohorts cited a sense of duty and dedication to patient care.

CONCLUSIONS

All of the participants reported similar concerns and emotions that influenced them at the onset of the pandemic. Baccalaureate students' emotions were associated with concerns about working conditions and the safety of themselves and loved ones. The master of nursing students' emotions were reflective of the moral and ethical components of patient care. The doctoral students embodied the transition to advanced nursing practice and implications for future practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(9):517-521.].

Stress and Coping Strategies among Nursing Students in Clinical Practice during COVID-19

Stress is common among nursing students and it has been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined nursing students' stress levels and their coping strategies in clinical practice before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A repeated-measures study design was used to examine the relationship between nursing students' stress levels and coping strategies before and during the pandemic. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to validate the survey and a student T-test was used to compare the level of stress and coping strategies among 131 nursing students. The STROBE checklist was used. During COVID-19, there was a reliable and accurate relationship between stress and coping strategies. Furthermore, both stress and coping strategy scores were lower before COVID-19 and higher during COVID-19. Nursing students are struggling to achieve a healthy stress-coping strategy during the pandemic. There is a need for the introduction of stress management programs to help foster healthy coping skills. Students are important resources for our health system and society and will continue to be vital long term. It is now up to both nursing educators and health administrators to identify and implement the needed improvements in training and safety measures because they are essential for the health of the patient as well as future pandemics.

Spanish nursing and medical students' knowledge, confidence and willingness about COVID-19: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 challenges world governments. In Spain, measures to contain the pandemic are novel, and include the possibility of contracting Nursing and Medical students who might not be ready or willing to treat infected cases.

OBJECTIVES

To study Spanish Nursing and Medical students' knowledge about COVID-19 community transmission prevention measures, treating infected patients, and their confidence and willingness to treat cases. To learn their views about the first public health policy measures adopted by the Spain government to contain the pandemic.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

237 Spanish Nursing and Medical students.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was designed on the knowledge, confidence and willingness to treat, and the suitability of the public health policy measures adopted in Spain. The data were collected through social networks. The results were compared according to their university degree.

RESULTS

Knowledge about community prevention was suitable, unlike knowledge about treating infected patients. Students had little confidence in treating cases, but their willingness and moral responsibility were high. Very few significant differences were found in their university degrees. Medical students evaluated the measures taken in Spain more favorably.

CONCLUSIONS

Students' knowledge about COVID-19 community prevention measures was adequate, but not about preventive measures when treating patients with COVID-19. They felt little confidence despite being willing to treat infected patients. The sample agreed with the public health measures adopted in Spain.

Fear of Contagion Among Nursing Students in the Era of COVID-19

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 quickly spread to pandemic proportions, resulting in anxiety and fear for many students. The Fear of Contagion model was explored in first-semester nursing students.

METHOD

This study used a qualitative design with content analysis of narrative responses to questions derived from the Fear of Contagion model and an a priori template based on the model.

RESULTS

The results included five themes: (a) doing their part to prevent the spread but wanting to do more; (b) making specific behavior changes to prevent the spread and effects of the virus; (c) experiencing fear, anxiety, and stress; (d) uncertainty but hopefulness; and (e) positive regard and concern for others.

CONCLUSION

Fear of contagion in this study reflected many of the elements of the original model. Interventions to not only reduce fear but also facilitate education are recommended for nursing educators. [J Nurs Educ. 2021;60(7):404-407.].

Anxiety among Nursing Students towards Clinical Placement during COVID-19 in a Tertiary Hospital of Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction:

The world is facing the pandemic of COVID-19 caused by the corona virus since December 2019 and has caused millions of death throughout the world. Exposure of nursing students in clinical placement during pandemic is fearful and stressful with high risk of infection which can cause anxiety and different levels of psychological crisis to individuals. The main objective of the study is to find out the prevalence of anxiety among nursing students during clinical placement in the pandemic of COVID-19.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 144 nursing students enrolled in different clinical placement of a tertiary hospital of Nepal from 20th January 2021 to 2nd February 2021. Ethical approval was received from the Institutional Review Committee. Demographic, COVID-19 related and Beck Anxiety Inventory questionnaires was used for assessing anxiety. Whole sampling was done. Descriptive statistics was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 2016 version.

Results:

Out of 144 females enrolled in the study, all the nursing students 144 (100%) having clinical placement had anxiety. Among them, 117 (81%) had mild anxiety and 27 (19%) had moderate level of anxiety. All the students used coping strategies for the anxiety. The most commonly used strategy to cope with anxiety was religion (5.03±1.78).

Conclusions:

All the nursing students had anxiety during the clinical placement and all the students used the coping strategies for the anxiety. Majority of the nursing students had mild anxiety. Religion was most common method of strategy to cope with anxiety.

Latent Profiles and Influencing Factors of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms Among Adults During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected public health and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms among adults in Hubei Province, China. In this study, a total of 2,930 (662 males and 2,268 females) adults answered a questionnaire obtaining information on their demographics, posttraumatic stress symptoms (i.e., intrusion and avoidance), social media exposure, social media involvement, and self-efficacy. Results of the latent profile analysis identified four latent profiles of posttraumatic stress symptoms, which are, no symptoms, high intrusion–low avoidance, moderate symptoms, and high symptoms. The multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed the contributors to the posttraumatic stress symptoms subgroups. Adults with high social media involvement were classified into the high intrusion–low avoidance group, whereas adults with low self-efficacy were included in the moderate symptoms group. Meanwhile, adults with high social media involvement and low self-efficacy were included in the high symptoms group. Interventions may focus on decreasing social media involvement for the adults in the high Intrusion–low avoidance group, improving self-efficacy for the adults in the moderate symptoms group, and reducing social media involvement and improving self-efficacy for the adults in the high symptoms group.

Nursing students on the frontline: Impact and personal and professional gains of joining the health care workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain

BACKGROUND

Final-year nursing students in Spain augmented the health care workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE

To understand the lived experience of nursing students who joined the health care workforce during the first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak (March-May 2020).

METHOD

Qualitative content analysis of the reflective journals of 40 nursing students in Spain.

FINDINGS

The analysis identified four main themes: 1) Willingness to help; 2) Safety and protective measures: Impact and challenges; 3) Overwhelming experience: Becoming aware of the magnitude of the epidemic; and 4) Learning and growth.

DISCUSSION

The wish to help, the sense of moral duty, and the opportunity to learn buffered the impact of the students' lived experience. Despite the challenges they faced, they saw their experiences as a source of personal and professional growth, and they felt reaffirmed in their choice of career. Promoting opportunities for reflection and implementing adequate support and training strategies is crucial for building a nursing workforce that is capable of responding to future health crises.

Evidence mapping and quality analysis of published dental literature on COVID-19 - A systematic review

A large number of scientific articles have been published regarding impact of COVID-19 infection on dental practice, dental professionals, and the mode of spread of infection via dental procedures. The present systematic review was planned with an aim of evidence mapping and quality analysis of published research on the dental aspects of COVID-19 infection. The protocol was registered at https://share.osf.io/registration/46221-C87-BA8. The search was performed in Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases till 15th July 2020. There was no restriction of year of publication and language. All types of published articles related to Dentistry, Dentist, Dental practice, and Oral health education on COVID-19 were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools were used for the risk of bias analysis of included studies. A total of 393 articles were short-listed and were checked for eligibility and finally, 380 articles were included. Among the 380 research articles published (till July 15, 2020), the majority of the included articles belonged to the lowermost strata of the evidence pyramid. There were 54 original research articles with no randomized clinical trial, systematic review or, meta-analysis pertaining to the dental perspective of COVID-19 infection. The level of available evidence about dentistry and COVID-19 infection is very low with a lack of researches of highest quality. The guidelines/recommendations for dental professionals, proposed by the different scientific organizations/societies regarding COVID-19 infection are only consensus-based necessitating the need to formulate evidence-based guidelines. There is a need to identify essential research questions and strengthen the study designs in most of the aspects related to the dentistry and COVID-19 pandemic.

Nursing Students' Perceptions, Knowledge, and Preventive Behaviors Toward COVID-19: A Multi-University Study

Background: Knowledge, perception, and preventive behavior should be considered in the planning of effective educational interventions for the coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and in increasing awareness about the health risks brought about by this disease. This research aimed to assess knowledge, perceptions, and preventive behavior toward the COVID-19 infection among student nurses.

Methods: The study has quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of 1,226 student nurses from seven universities in Saudi Arabia was surveyed from March 22 to April 4, 2020. A four-part online survey on demographic characteristics, perceptions, knowledge, and preventive behavior of Saudi student nurses was carried out.

Results: Nearly all students were aware of the outbreak (99.2%), and most of them received information on COVID-19 primarily from social media (71.0%). Over three-fourths of the students were confident that the government (89.1%) and Ministry of Health (MOH) (86.5%) were doing a good job responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. The overall average score in the knowledge questionnaire was 9.85 (SD = 1.62, range = 0–12), which is equivalent to 82.1%. The majority of the students always performed most of the preventive behavior identified in the survey, except “washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 s after blowing my nose, coughing, or sneezing” (39.2%) and “daily cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces” (41.6%). Being female, being in the fourth year, and gaining good perceived knowledge were associated with high actual COVID-19 knowledge. University, gender, age, academic level, and perceived COVID-19 knowledge were the associated factors.

Conclusions: The findings of this study have provided baseline information on the current state of Saudi nursing students' perceptions, knowledge, and preventive behavior toward COVID-19 as the crisis is happening. The findings revealed some areas that should be focused on by nursing education, as well as health agencies, to ensure that the students have adequate knowledge and correct preventive behavior.

Experiences and needs of nursing students during pandemic outbreaks: A systematic overview of the literature

Background

Recent epidemics have placed overwhelming demands on health systems, leading at times to the deployment of nursing students during the crisis. Little is known about the impact this experience has on students. Although studies have explored nursing students' knowledge about infection control, there are no specific recommendations regarding how these issues should be addressed in nurse education.

Purpose

To conduct a comprehensive systematic overview of the literature concerning nursing students in the context of emerging infectious disease epidemics or pandemics caused by zoonotic viruses.

Methods

Systematic overview.

Results

Forty-eight articles were included. Five themes were identified: education; knowledge, concern about risk and preventive behaviour; willingness to work during a pandemic outbreak; experiences and emotional impact; and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusions

There is a need to enhance nurse education to ensure that students have adequate education in infection prevention and control and the opportunity to develop the skills and attitudes required to provide care to infected patients during a pandemic. The outcomes of these education programmes would need to be evaluated using valid and reliable instruments so as to enable comparisons to be made to prepare future nurses to deal with new pandemics in an increasingly globalized world.

How the Italian Nursing students deal the pandemic Covid-19 condition

Background and Aim of the work:

Since December 2019, a new infectious disease known as Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has rapidly spread globally until it has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. At the same time, if we consider the University context, there is little attention paid during basic nursing education to emergency response, and faculty members report feeling poorly prepared to teach students about this topic. The present study aims to investigate how the Covid-19 pandemic condition influenced the psychological well-being of the Italian nursing students.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was administered to Italian nursing students which contains two parts: a demographic section and the assessment to the psychological well-being nursing student with the Impact of Event Scale-Revised and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

Results:

Given the emergency health situation from Covid-19, our initial concern was to find a large number of students with difficulties in mentally processing this situation even with problems such as depression, as their future profession is heavily involved in the management of this pandemic. Fortunately our results have denied our initial hypothesis since both the impact management levels of the event, assessed with the IES-R scale, and the depression levels, assessed with the PHQ-9 recorded values that were almost normal.

Conclusions:

Nursing students are better able to face the situation since they find themselves in the role of spectators and not in the role of actors in the care of patients with Covid-19. If the training ameliorates psychological well being, therefore, it is necessary to provide and preserve nurses expertise to encourage teaching in nursing degree courses on maxi emergencies to prepare future nurses to face them adequately. (www.actabiomedica.it)

COVID-19-related stigma profiles and risk factors among people who are at high risk of contagion

Rationale

COVID-19 is likely to be stigmatized. The people of Hubei province perceived courtesy and affiliate stigma due to the geographic linkage to COVID-19. Perceived courtesy stigma refers to the perception of stigma of people who are associated with COVID-19 (e.g., the geographic linkage). Affiliate stigma is the internalization and psychological responses of perceived courtesy stigma among the associates.

Objective

The current study aims to reveal different patterns of perceived courtesy and affiliate stigma among people who are at high risk of contagion of COVID-19, and to examine the possible risk factors.

Method

A sample including 2813 adults who located in Hubei Province, China (female: n = 2,184, 77.64%; male: n = 629, 22.36%; mean age = 37.85 years, SD = 6.61 years, range = 18–63 years) were employed in the current study, using latent profile analysis for searching stigma profiles.

Results

Three profiles of stigma were found: the “Denier” (35.98%), “Confused moderate” (48.13%) and “Perceiver” (15.89%) displaying the low, moderate and high level of perceived courtesy and affiliate stigma, respectively. Multinomial logistic regression analyses revealed that generally people with a high level of education, perceived threats, anxiety symptoms, and familiarity with quarantined cases have a high likelihood to be distributed into the “Perceiver”.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our findings highlight the issues of COVID-19-related stigma and provide evidence for launching effective health actions to promote a cohesive society and culture of health. The media can transmit scientific knowledge, promote positive interactions and social cohesion between the stigmatized group and the dominant group, and create spaces for stories that nurture group identification among the implicated people. Future studies should use more representative sample and improve the measures.

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People at high risk of contagion of COVID-19 may experience stigma.

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Stigma may concern perceived courtesy and/or affiliate stigma.

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Three distinct profiles of stigma were identified.

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Risk factors were measured at the interface of individuals and the community.

Willingness and Self-Perceived Competence of Final-Year Medical Students to Work as Part of the Healthcare Workforce During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may increase demand for healthcare professionals (HCPs), either because of a HCP shortage due to illness or because of the need to increase surge capacity. Final-year medical students are one of the resources potentially available to expand the workforce. There is a need to explore the willingness of final-year medical students to meet this demand, examine their perceived competence, and determine how their overall perceived competence correlates with their willingness.

Methods

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered electronic questionnaire was used. The questionnaire included demographic data, students’ self-perceived competence derived from the patient care theme of the Saudi Medical Education Directives (SaudiMED) framework, and their willingness to be measured on a 5-point Likert scale. The study targeted final-year medical students at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Results

The number of participants was 134 (56.1% response rate), of whom 47 students (34.3%) were willing to work, while 31 (23.1%) were somewhat willing. The mean total self-perceived-competence score was 58.36/88 (66.3%). Demonstration of essential clinical skills had the highest mean score 11.48/16 (71.8%) among learning outcomes. There was a positive moderate correlation between willingness and mean perceived-competence score (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.45, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Fifty-seven percent of medical students were willing to work as part of the healthcare workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Better overall self-perceived competence appeared to correlate with more willingness. Students perceive themselves to be more competent in essential clinical skills. Appropriate training and supervision are suggested in all tasks assigned to them, with additional care required in areas with a lower perceived competence, such as prescription writing and essential clinical procedures.

Latent profiles of the comorbidity of the symptoms for posttraumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder among children and adolescents who are susceptible to COVID-19

The present study aims to examine the comorbidity patterns of the symptoms (intrusion and avoidance) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and the role of perceived threat and courtesy stigma in distinguishing specific patterns of the symptoms for PTSD and GAD among children and adolescents who are susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Hubei, China. A total of 1172 (683 female and 489 male) children and adolescents aged 8-18 years were involved in completing the measurements of PTSD, GAD, perceived threat of COVID-19, and COVID-19-related courtesy stigma. The Latent Profile Analysis identified the three profiles of the symptoms for PTSD and GAD which were labeled as Moderate PTSD, Mild Comorbidity, and Severe Comorbidity. The scores of the symptoms for PTSD, GAD, perceived threat, and stigma were different among the three profiles. The risk factors (i.e., perceived threat and stigma) that are related to comorbidity patterns were examined through a three-step method. The possibility of entry into the Severe Comorbidity Profile increased with increasing perceived threat and stigma. The mental health care interventions for children and adolescents who are susceptible to COVID-19 can be developed to reduce perceived threat and stigma.

Assessment of dentists' awareness and knowledge levels on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is the most recent infectious disease that is spreading rapidly throughout the world. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness levels of dentists on COVID-19. This survey study, consisting of 37 questions, was sent to dentists via an online link in the first two weeks of April 2020. The questionnaire consisted of questions related to the knowledge level of dentists on COVID-19 during the pandemic period. The knowledge level of dentists was assessed with a 24-point scoring, consisting of correct answers. A Chi-square test was used to compare qualitative data (p < 0.05). A total of 267 dentists participated in this study, of which 51.7% were aged under 30 years, and 67% were women. The participants' knowledge level means score was 19.03 ± 3.15. According to these results, 231 were determined (86.5%) as high knowledgeable. Positive associations between increased knowledge level and factors such as being a woman, working in a university hospital, and being informed outside the institution were determined. The knowledge level of the dentists working in Istanbul about the COVID-19 pandemic is quite high.

Studying During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Inductive Content Analysis of Nursing Students’ Perceptions and Experiences

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the latest pandemic with a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Crises like these can harm the academic functioning and psychophysical health of nursing students. With this qualitative study, we aim to explore how students perceive the COVID-19 crisis and what their personal experiences were while studying during the global pandemic. In the study, data saturation was achieved after analyzing the reports of 33 undergraduate nursing students, using the inductive thematic saturation method. Data were collected using an online form, which students filled out, describing their perceptions and experiences. Qualitative inductive content analysis of students’ reports resulted in 29 codes, indicating different student perceptions of the efficiency of state institutions in crises. All students described the spread of misinformation on social networks and the risky behavior of the population. Most are afraid of infection and worried about the well-being of their family, so they constantly apply protective measures. Students recognize their responsibility to the community and the importance and risks of the nursing profession. They also describe negative experiences with public transportation and residence in the student dorm. The fear of possible infection in the classroom is not significant, however, students are afraid of the clinical settings. Thirteen students reported difficulty in concentrating and learning, while all students praised teacher support and faculty work in this crisis.

How Much Do Young Italians Know About COVID-19 and What Are Their Attitudes Toward SARS-CoV-2? Results of a Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives:

At the end of 2019, an outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia, called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 (SARS-CoV-2), was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It subsequently spread throughout China and elsewhere, becoming a global health emergency. In February 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) designated the disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to investigate the degree of knowledge of young Italians about COVID-19 and their current attitudes toward the SARS-CoV-2 and to determine if there were prejudices emerging toward Chinese.

Methods:

An online survey was conducted on February 3, 4, 5, 2020, with the collaboration of Italian website “Skuola.net”. Young people had the opportunity to participate by answering an ad hoc questionnaire created to investigate knowledge and attitudes about the new coronavirus, using a link published on the homepage.

Results:

A total of 5234 responses were received, of which 3262 were females and 1972 were males. Most of the participants showed generally moderate knowledge about COVID-19. Male students, middle school students, and those who do not attend school, should increase awareness of the disease; less than half of responders say that their attitudes toward the Chinese population has worsened in the last period.

Conclusions:

Global awareness of this emerging infection should be increased, due to its virulence, the significant risk of mortality, and the ability of the virus to spread very quickly within the community.

Anxiety and coping strategies among nursing students during the covid-19 pandemic

Anxiety is highly prevalent among nursing students even in normal circumstances. In Israel during the covid-19 pandemic and mandatory lockdown, nursing students encountered a new reality of economic uncertainty, fear of infection, challenges of distance education, lack of personal protection equipment (PPE) at work etc. The objective of this study was to assess levels of anxiety and ways of coping among nursing students in the Ashkelon Academic College, Southern District, Israel.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among all 244 students in the nursing department during the third week of a national lockdown. Anxiety level was assessed using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale with a cut-off point of 10 for moderate and of 15 for severe anxiety. Factor analysis was used to identify coping components. The prevalence of moderate and severe anxiety was 42.8% and 13.1% respectively. Gender, lack of PPE, and fear of infection were significantly associated with a higher anxiety score. Stronger resilience and usage of humor were associated with significantly lower anxiety levels, while mental disengagement with higher anxiety levels.

The nursing department's staff may contribute in lowering student anxiety by maintaining a stable educational framework, providing high quality distant teaching and encouraging and supporting students through this challenging period.

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Anxiety is highly prevalent among nursing students even in normal circumstances.

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The prevalence of moderate and severe anxiety during the covid-19 pandemic was 43% and 13% respectively.

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Female gender and lack of PPE at work were significantly associated with higher anxiety scores.

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Stronger resilience and usage of humor were associated with significantly lower anxiety levels.

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Mental disengagement (alcohol, sedative drugs usage and excessive eating) was associated with higher anxiety levels.

A Comparative Analysis of Factors Influencing Two Outbreaks of Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) in Saudi Arabia and South Korea

In 2012, an emerging viral infection was identified in Saudi Arabia that subsequently spread to 27 additional countries globally, though cases may have occurred elsewhere. The virus was ultimately named Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and has been endemic in Saudi Arabia since 2012. As of September 2019, 2468 laboratory-confirmed cases with 851 associated deaths have occurred with a case fatality rate of 34.4%, according to the World Health Organization. An imported case of MERS occurred in South Korea in 2015, stimulating a multi-month outbreak. Several distinguishing factors emerge upon epidemiological and sociological analysis of the two outbreaks including public awareness of the MERS outbreak, and transmission and synchronization of governing healthcare bodies. South Korea implemented a stringent healthcare model that protected patients and healthcare workers alike through prevention and high levels of public information. In addition, many details about MERS-CoV virology, transmission, pathological progression, and even the reservoir, remain unknown. This paper aims to delineate the key differences between the two regional outbreaks from both a healthcare and personal perspective including differing hospital practices, information and public knowledge, cultural practices, and reservoirs, among others. Further details about differing emergency outbreak responses, public information, and guidelines put in place to protect hospitals and citizens could improve the outcome of future MERS outbreaks.