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

Association of personal and professional factors, resilience and quality of life of registered nurses in a university medical city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

This study assessed the resilience of nurses in Saudi Arabia during the corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and examined its influence on their quality of life (QOL). A sample of 356 nurses was surveyed in this quantitative, cross-sectional study using the Resilience Scale for Nurses and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) from October 2020 to March 2021. The nurses reported the highest resilience score on "situational pattern", while the lowest score was on "relational pattern." The nurses had good perceptions on their overall QOL and health and rated their "social relationship" as having the highest quality, while their "environmental" domain as having the least quality. Gender, marital status, provision of direct nursing care to COVID-19 patients, "philosophical pattern", "situational pattern" and "dispositional pattern" had multivariate impacts on the QOL dimensions. The study concluded that being resilient can positively impact the nurses' QOL during stressful situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Comparing factors related to perceived control and preventive behaviors from COVID-19 between Japanese and American nursing students: A cross-sectional study

AIM

Higher levels of perceived control are important to maintain health. The difference in factors related to perceived control and preventive behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic between Japanese and American nursing students remains unknown. This study aimed to compare factors related to perceived control and infection preventive behaviors between the two countries.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included nursing students attending four universities in Japan and one in the United States. Using Google Forms, the participants answered a survey comprising sociodemographic data, the Perceived Control and Self-Efficacy Scale, the Perceived Health Competence Scale, and a preventive behavior questionnaire. The data were collected from November 2020 to May 2021. Linear and logistic regressions were used to analyze the factors related to perceived control and preventive behaviors, respectively.

RESULTS

Data from 878 students were analyzed. University/campus emerged as a strong predictor for perceived control and preventive behaviors in both countries, with a positive correlation between perceived control and preventive behaviors. Older age, less frequent alcohol consumption, higher perceived health competence, less frequent work in Japan; and chronic conditions in the United States were associated with frequent preventive behaviors. Younger age was correlated with higher perceived control in Japan, while religion and increased workload were potential factors for American students.

CONCLUSION

Individual factors were pivotal in Japan, whereas interpersonal factors were more likely related to perceived control in the United States. Additionally, in both countries, policy or organizational factors significantly influenced students' preventive behaviors.

Nursing students' knowledge and attitude in relation to COVID-19 prevention behavior

OBJECTIVES

to determine the correlation between nursing students' level of knowledge and attitudes toward COVID-19 prevention behavior.

METHODS

a cross-sectional study was carried out at the Private University in Indonesia. Accidental sampling was used to select 188 third-year bachelor's nursing students as respondents. Data collection was conducted through an online questionnaire (Cronbach's Alpha 0.799-0.959) consisting of 27 questions. The data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially.

RESULTS

as many as 49.5 % of respondents had high knowledge, 98.4 % had a positive attitude, and 89.9 % had positive behavior in preventing COVID-19 transmission. The Chi-square test revealed that knowledge has no correlation with COVID-19 prevention behavior (p-value 0.864), but attitude did (p-value 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS

nursing students' attitudes are related to behavior in preventing COVID-19. Nursing students are expected to maintain positive attitudes and behaviors toward COVID-19 prevention as future health workers at the forefront of health services.

Emotional empowerment through information research and communication to reduce fear of COVID-19 among nursing students: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite an existing body of literature on anxiety reduction using multi-component methods, little is known about the effect of active student participation in research and communication of scientific information on anxiety and fear reduction. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of quality scientific information research and the production of informative videos on the preventive aspects of COVID-19 on fear and anxiety reduction.

METHODS

A randomised controlled trial was conducted with 220 undergraduate nursing students in the first year of the nursing degree. The participating students were randomised into two groups. The experimental group carried out an intervention based on a database search for information on preventing COVID-19 and production of a video giving scientific reasons why prevention measures should be followed. In the control group, students created posters and videos about theoretical aspects of one module of the nursing degree. Both groups were surveyed before and after the intervention, measuring their state of resilience, preventive behaviours, level of anxiety, and fear of COVID-19.

RESULTS

The intervention group showed a greater decrease in fear levels after the intervention than those in the control group. There were no differences between the groups in terms of resilience, preventive behaviours, or anxiety. In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in anxiety levels and fear levels after the intervention compared to the baseline levels.

CONCLUSIONS

An intervention based on active participation in searches for high-quality scientific information and production of information videos on COVID-19 prevention reduced fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19 among nursing students.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

We have retrospectively registered the trial in Open Science Framework and the identification number is https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6QU5S .

Public Health Challenges in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Literature Review

Similar to most countries, Saudi Arabia faced several challenges during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, some of which were related to the religious position of the country. The main challenges included deficits in knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward COVID-19, the negative psychological impacts of the pandemic on the general population and healthcare workers, vaccine hesitancy, the management of religious mass gatherings (e.g., Hajj and Umrah), and the imposition of travel regulations. In this article, we discuss these challenges based on evidence from studies involving Saudi Arabian populations. We outline the measures through which the Saudi authorities managed to minimize the negative impacts of these challenges in the context of international health regulations and recommendations.

Adherence to infection prevention and control measures and risk of exposure among health-care workers: A cross-sectional study from the early period of COVID-19 pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background and Aim

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered a high-risk group for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure, ascribed to the amount of time they spend in health-care facilities (HCFs). This study aimed to assess HCWs' compliance with Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) procedures and the risk of exposure during the early period of the pandemic in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to September 2020. With a response rate of 79.2%, a standardized questionnaire was administered among 247 HCWs, working in eight HCFs. Descriptive and multivariate regression analysis was carried out in STATA version 16.

Results

About 22.5% (55) of the HCWs had proper adherence to IPC procedures. Of the total participants, 28.2% (69) had proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 40% (98) had proper hand hygiene practices, and 33.1% (81) had frequently cleaned their working environment. HCWs who received training on IPC protocols were four times more likely to follow IPC standards than those with no training (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.93; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46, 10.58). Besides, HCWs working in treatment centers were four times more likely to follow IPC standards than those working in conventional hospitals (AOR = 3.61; 95% CI:1.63, 8.02). Nurses were four times more likely to have adherence to IPC measures than cleaners and runners (AOR = 4.37; 95% CI: 1.38-13.88).

Conclusion

The nature and magnitude of the pandemic did not introduce the required degree of adherence to IPC procedures, per se does not match the level of diligence needed to halt SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Our finding suggested that providing periodic training of HCWs with particular emphasis on nonclinical staff is commendable. Furthermore, it is necessary to maintain resilent IPC in HCF through continous follow up and safety drills, to assess the readiness of HFCs' adherance to IPC measures under normal circumstances, which could improve prepardeness for an effective response during epidemics.

Factors Associated with the Level of Knowledge about Biosafety against COVID-19 in Peruvian Dental Students: A Cross-Sectional Study under a Multivariable Regression Model

AIM

Biosafety is a set of preventive measures aimed at controlling risk factors arising from biological, physical, and/or chemical agents. This topic is particularly important in the dental field since saliva is the main biological agent of the transmission of coronavirus. The present study aimed to determine the factors associated with the level of knowledge about biosafety against COVID-19 in Peruvian dentistry students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present observational, cross-sectional, and analytical study evaluated 312 Peruvian dentistry students. A validated 20-question questionnaire was used to measure the level of knowledge. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare levels of knowledge between categories of each variable. A logit model was used to evaluate associated factors such as sex, age, marital status, place of origin, academic year of study, being in the academic upper third, history of COVID-19, and living with vulnerable family members. A significance level of p < 0.05 was considered.

RESULTS

36.2%, 31.4%, and 32.4% presented poor, fair, and good knowledge levels, respectively. Students under 25 years of age were 64% less likely to pass the biosafety against COVID-19 questionnaire than students 25 years of age and older (OR = 0.36; CI: 0.20-0.66). Students in the academic upper third were nine times more likely to pass the test than other students (OR = 9.38; CI: 4.61-19.07). Finally, third-year students were 52% less likely to pass the exam than fifth-year students (OR = 0.48; CI: 0.28-0.83).

CONCLUSION

Only a minority of dentistry students had a good level of knowledge about biosafety against COVID-19. Younger and less educated students were more likely to fail the questionnaire. On the other hand, those students with outstanding academic performance were more likely to pass the questionnaire.

Face Mask Use and Social Distancing Attitude of Healthcare Students: A Multi-Disciplinary Study

This multi-disciplinary, cross-sectional, and descriptive study investigated health care students' face mask use knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) and social distancing attitudes. The study was carried out from October to December 2021 and surveyed 543 health care students selected via convenience sampling from the three Shaqra University campuses in Saudi Arabia. Standard multiple linear regressions were conducted on face mask use KAP and social distancing attitude to identify their significant associated factors. The students in this study had poor knowledge and a neutral attitude towards and modest use practices of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, being a nursing student, and having greater self-reported COVID-19-prevention knowledge were related to higher levels of face mask use knowledge. Having higher face mask use knowledge was linked to better attitude and practice. Knowledge of COVID-19 and its prevention and decreased COVID-19 risk perception were associated with better face mask use practices. The students had more positive than negative attitudes toward social distancing. Having known someone who was infected by the virus, lower risk perception, and better face mask use practices were associated with more positive social distancing attitudes. The findings imply the need to ensure that future health care practitioners are knowledgeable, have a positive attitude and good practices concerning face mask use, and have positive attitudes toward social distancing. The study implications are relevant for health care education in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere.

Turkish nursing students' compliance to standard precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess nursing students' compliance to standard precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to June 2022, 816 nursing students participated in the study. A socio-demographic questionnaire and Compliance with Standard Precautions Scale were used to collect data. Means and percentages were used to report socio-demographic characteristics multiple regression analysis used to identify the factors influencing compliance with standard precautions.

Results

The mean age of nursing students was 21.30 ± 1.31 years. The majority of nursing students were female, with 703 (86.2%) being female and 113 (13.8%) being male. Compliance among nursing students was 76.8% overall. Nursing students reported the highest compliance (97.7%) with putting used sharp articles into sharp boxes, with 97.1% compliance for covering mouth and nose when wearing a mask. Participants reported the lowest (38.6%) when it came to not recapping used needles after giving an injection. Regression analysis revealed that gender, year of study, and having needlestick injury or contact with blood/body fluids experience all influenced nursing students' compliance with standard precautions.

Conclusions

During the pandemic, nursing students compliance to standard precautions was optimal, according to this study. More research should be done to assess nursing students' compliance with standard precautions and the effect of infection control strategies used to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Life satisfaction of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected life satisfaction of students of medical and health science. The aim of this study was to assess the level of life satisfaction among undergraduate students of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine during the COVID-19 and to evaluate the impact of adherence to COVID-19 disease prevention measures on their level of life satisfaction. Material and methods: The study was conducted using a self-constructed questionnaire and a standardized psychological questionnaire, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, among students of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine in the Pomeranian Voivodeship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: A total of 37 men and 238 women participated in the study. The mean age of all students was 21.5 (SD±3.83, min-max 19-39). The number of 93% of respondents reported avoiding people who coughed and had a cold, and 85.5% avoided large gatherings. When it comes to 84% of the students, they were vaccinated. As far as 73% of the students are concerned, they estimated that they had a medium level of knowledge about SARS-CoV-2 infection. Most students had a low (39.3%) and medium (32.7%) level of life satisfaction. A total number of 28% of the students reported a high satisfaction with life. There was not evidence of the influence of gender, field of study, year of study and the preventive behaviours on their level of life satisfaction. Conclusions: Most Polish students of nursing, midwifery and emergency medicine had a low and medium level of life satisfaction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the possible preventive behaviours, Polish students most often avoided people who coughed and had a cold, and they avoided large gatherings. Not all students registered for vaccination. Keywords: students, life, COVID-19, personal satisfaction

Diagnostic Efficacy of RealStar SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in Comparison to GeneXpert System for the Detection of COVID-19

Background and objective The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has become a major health concern due to the rapid transmission of the virus that causes it: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). To address the growing demand on healthcare systems to control this pandemic, more effective diagnostic methods need to be applied. In this study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) versus the GeneXpert® system. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the central lab of King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Data from all nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS) (150,000) submitted for SARS-CoV-2 analysis from July 2020 to July 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. Furthermore, all NPS (n=384) that were analyzed on both the RealStar® SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR and GeneXpert® systems for confirmatory purposes were included in the study. Acute respiratory illness (ARI) screening forms of the selected samples were reviewed from the electronic database (BestCare system), and they were analyzed and compared at one point in time; therefore, a cross-sectional study was found to be the best suitable study design. Using the statistical analysis software, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was obtained to compare the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). The test was considered significant if the area under the curve (AUC) value was >0.5. Results The diagnostic performance of the RealStar® and GeneXpert® assays in detecting SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated using ROC curve analysis, which showed AUCs of 0.597 and 0.637, respectively. In addition, 35% of the total results fell into a substantial agreement of 0.76 (95% CI: 0.6626-0.8732). The majority of the NPS were reported negative by both RealStar® (246, 80.66%) and GeneXpert® (226, 74.10%). Most samples (210, 68.85%) were obtained from asymptomatic patients, scoring less than 4 (ARI <4) based on the ARI screening form. Conclusion Based on the AUC of ROC, there is no significant difference in the performance characteristics between the RealStar® RT-PCR and GeneXpert® in detecting COVID-19.

Factors related to mental health effect among nursing students in Japan and the United States during the coronavirus pandemic: A cross-sectional study

In the context of mental health, university students have been considered a vulnerable population. However, limited studies have underscored the association between preventive health behaviour levels and mental health effects among nursing students. The current cross-sectional study provides a comparative analysis of the impact of mental health factors on nursing students in Japan and the United States (US) in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The study consisted of 878 participants, comprising both undergraduate and graduate nursing students from four universities in Japan, and one from the US. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to analyse the participant data in this study. In contrast to the American students, the Japanese students demonstrated significantly lower levels of perceived control and significantly higher levels of preventive health behaviours. Furthermore, Japanese students exhibited significantly higher levels of stress and/or symptoms of depression induced by the social distancing orders compared to the American students (z = -4.218, P < 0.001). However, no difference was observed after adjusting for perceived control, individual factors, socio-economic factors, and preventive behaviours. During the pandemic, risk factors that can worsen mental health among the nursing students included younger age [odds ratio (95%CI) = 0.62 (0.48-0.81)], women [OR = 2.17 (1.02-4.61)], higher preventive health behaviour [OR = 1.05 (1.02-1.08)], lower perceived control [OR = 0.97 (0.94-0.99)], and lower perceived health competence [OR = 0.93 (0.90-0.96)]. Thus, this study recommends establishing training programmes that enhance perceived control and perceived health competence while encouraging preventive behaviour to support the mental health of nursing students, particularly young female students.

Teaching Evolving Information and Guidelines Using Technology

Evidence-based practice can provide a guideline for teaching evolving information and guidelines related to communicable diseases. Teaching nurses with technology and the social constructivism framework allows for the transmission of knowledge and identification of knowledge limitations. The current health care challenges related to infectious diseases have provided opportunities for expanding how nurses are educated about evolving guidelines. This article provides an example of teaching nurses using the chain of infection. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2023;54(2):58-60.].

The relationship between the sources of confidence in overcoming COVID-19 and the improvement of medical students' professional identity: mediation by medical students' attention to COVID-19

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of COVID-19 highlights the shortage of human medical resources, and improving medical students' professional identity is crucial to improving this situation. The sources of confidence in overcoming COVID-19 and medical students' attention to COVID-19 were significant factors affecting their professional identity. However, no study has investigated the mediating role of medical students' attention to COVID-19 in their relationship. This study investigates the relationship between these three factors in three medical university students in Hunan Province.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey study that used convenience sampling method was conducted on 2775 medical students from three universities in the Hunan Province of China from March 15 to April 19, 2020. An intermediary model was established to evaluate the role of medical students' attention to COVID-19 in the sources of confidence in overcoming COVID-19 and the improvement of medical students' professional identity.

RESULTS

The sources of confidence in overcoming COVID-19, medical students' attention to national crisis events, and the improvement of medical students' professional identity was positively associated with each other (β = 0.328 ~ 0.464, P < 0.001). The mediating effect accounted for 23.3% of the total effect and 30.4% of the direct effect. Medical students' attention to COVID-19 partially mediates the relationship between the sources of confidence to overcome COVID-19 and the improvement of medical students' professional identity.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that the sources of confidence in overcoming COVID-19 and medical students' attention to national crisis events have a significant predictive effect on the improvement of medical students' professional identity. Medical students' attention to COVID-19 mediated the relationship between the sources of confidence to overcome COVID-19 and the improvement of medical students' professional identity. The findings have emphasized the theoretical and practical significance of professional identity education for medical students.

Self-Compassion and Resilience in a National Sample of Nursing Students Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nationwide, nursing students experienced multiple interruptions in learning because of the pandemic. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 on resilience and self-compassion. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to examine pandemic-related factors, resilience, and self-compassion using the Brief Resilience and Self-Compassion scales. The majority of participants (n = 259, 73.4 percent) described declining mental health. There was a moderate relationship between resilience, self-compassion, and age (r = .30, n = 353, p = .00/r = .290, n = 353, p < .01). Resilience and self-compassion are integral to student success. Strategies to support students' mental and physical health are discussed.

Experiences of first year undergraduate nursing students using Instagram in their clinical practicum during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Social media provides us with easy access to information. For students, it is an additional learning resource used in different types of theoretical and practical teaching methodologies.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper was to describe the perspective of undergraduate nursing students on the use of Instagram during their clinical practicums in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive and exploratory study based on an interpretative framework.

SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS

First-year undergraduate nursing students at the Universidad Europea de Madrid were included.

METHODS

In-depth interviews and researchers' field notes were used to collect the data. Purposive sampling and inductive thematic analysis were applied. During the interviews, themes such as accompaniment during practicums or training opportunities were identified.

RESULTS

The use of Instagram helped students to feel closer to professors, identifying it as an opportunity to remedy the possible lack of connection between theory and practice. Moreover, Instagram helped them build an image of nursing in clinical practicum environments. By using Instagram, undergraduate nursing students were able to better integrate and apply the knowledge acquired at university during their clinical practicums in hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results can be applied to future studies on the use of social media platforms as teaching tools in clinical practicum settings and to observe the evolution of the image and role of nursing and its relationship with social media.

Factors Influencing Preventive Behaviors for COVID-19 in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to determine how undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and health beliefs affected their COVID-19-related infection-prevention behaviors.

METHODS

This study used a descriptive survey. A total of 188 undergraduate nursing students from two universities in South Korea participated in this study. The data were collected from June 2020 to August 2020. Factors influencing infection-prevention behaviors were identified using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

The participants' mean knowledge level regarding COVID-19 was 84.05 ± 11.78 out of 100. The average health belief score was 2.80 ± 0.32 points out of 5. COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors were correlated with experiences of searching for COVID-19 information (r = .22, p < .01), perceived severity (r = .24, p < .01), perceived benefits (r = .29, p < .01), cues to action (r = .30, p < .01), knowledge (r = .27, p < .01), and perceived barriers (r = -.19, p < .05). Factors that significantly affected COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors were the participants' years of study, experiences regarding COVID-19 prevention education, perceived severity, perceived barriers, and cues to action.

CONCLUSION

COVID-19-related preventive health behaviors are promoted by increasing awareness about the disease and promoting COVID-19 education in nursing curriculums.

Cross-sectional study of the knowledge, perception and attitude of first-year university students in Iraq towards SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and COVID-19 vaccines

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to first assess the knowledge and perception of first-year university students in Iraq about COVID-19 in general and SARS-CoV-2 latest variant of concern, and to evaluate the attitudes towards protection measures including vaccination.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional study was conducted among newly enrolled students at the American University of Iraq-Baghdad. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test an association between the outcomes measured on a 5-point Likert scale and the binary and the categorical independent variables, respectively. χ² test was used to test the association between nominal categorical variables, while Kendall's τ-b was used for ordinal variables.

PARTICIPANTS

Students (n=432) were invited to fill out a survey specifically tailored to assess their knowledge, perception and attitude towards Omicron variant and COVID-19 vaccines acceptance. 363 students enrolled in various majors participated in this study.

RESULTS

Assessment of COVID-19 knowledge and perception revealed that students still lack reliable info and data about FDA-approved treatment options (70.5%), SARS-CoV-2 variants (96.5%) and approved vaccines. Students' attitude and practices towards recommended safety measures should be reassessed to better manage the pandemic. Adherence level was shown to be associated with the belief in its capacity to effectively manage the new variant. Interestingly, 85% of the students have received at least one dose of approved vaccine. A significant positive correlation was detected between the level of adherence to recommended precautions and the intention to take a third booster shot if proven effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Students' reliable knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic including the various strains and approved vaccines should be improved to better manage the pandemic and set foundations for a more appropriate approach when another pandemic occurs. Special workshops should be organised to ensure that students and the public have a more trusted source of information about COVID-19.

Knowledge, attitude, perception, and factors associated with the risk perception of COVID-19 among nursing college students in Japanese universities: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aim

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the world has brought different attitudes and perceptions among social strata. Nursing students being future first-line healthcare workers are more at risk of being infected and exposed to various stressors from shared information. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and perception of COVID-19 among nursing students and to estimate predictors of their risk perception.

Methods

We conducted an online survey among undergraduate nursing students at three selected Japanese Universities. Data on knowledge, attitude, and perception toward COVID-19 were collected using a structured questionnaire. We performed multiple logistic regression analyses to identify factors associated with the risk perception toward COVID-19 infection.

Results

Of the 414 nursing students who participated in the study, 368 (90.4%) reported that the media including radio, television, internet, and/or social media were the main source of knowledge. Fever (96.1%) and dry cough (89.6%) were reported as the main symptoms. Regarding the attitude toward the treatment and preventive measures, almost 92.8% of participants recommended the use of vaccines. Being female appeared to be three times associated with the fear of getting infected (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:3.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.21-7.58). Students who took part in extracurricular activities reported that they feared being infected with COVID-19 (aOR:2.62; 95% CI:1.33-5.16). Other factors did not show an association.

Conclusion

Knowledge and attitude of nursing students toward COVID-19 were accurate for the majority of them, with the main source of information being the media. Practicing extracurricular activities and being female were associated with the fear of the disease. Efficient and controlled communication is needed during widespread disease outbreaks.

Healthcare graduate students' perceived control and preventive behavior for COVID-19 in Japan and the United States: A cross-sectional study

Background

Both individual and policy level perceived control are known to be positively related to preventive behavior, and both may differ among healthcare graduate students with different cultural backgrounds. This study compared the preventive health behavior and perceived control among domestic and international healthcare graduate students in Japan and the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyzed factors associated with preventive health behavior and perceived control.

Methods

The study used a self-administered online survey, conducted at two universities in Japan and one university in the United States. The survey included sociodemographic data and scales of preventive health behaviors, perceived control (policy level), and perceived health competence (individual level). Association among variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling.

Results

A total of 610 students (485 domestic and 125 international) in Japan and 231 students (220 domestic and 11 international) in the United States completed the survey. Participants' average age was 31.3 years, and 67.0% were female. Model fit of structural equation modeling was good (χ2 = 9.419, P = 0.151, comparative fit index = 0.995, RMSEA = 0.026). Japanese students had better preventive health behavior than American (β = -0.407, P < 0.001) and international students in both countries (β = -0.112, P < 0.001). However, Japanese students had significantly lower perceived control than American students (β = 0.346, P < 0.001) and international students in both countries (β = 0.188, P < 0.001). Overall higher perceived control (β = 0.175, P < 0.001) and being female (β = 0.141, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with better preventive behavior. Although higher perceived control was related to higher perceived health competence (β = 0.295, P < 0.001), perceived health competence was not associated with preventive behavior (β = 0.025, P = 0.470). Religion was not associated with perceived control or preventive behavior.

Conclusion

Nationality was identified as the main factor associated with both perceived control and preventive behavior. Policy level perceived control was more strongly associated with preventive health behavior than individual level perceived health competence. Further investigations in the contribution of specific cultural dimensions associated with perceived control and preventive behaviors are recommended.

Association of University Students' COVID-19 Vaccination Intention with Behaviors toward Protection and Perceptions Regarding the Pandemic

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic is a serious global health problem. Vaccination is suggested to be one of the most efficacious precautionary measures, in combination with other protective behaviors. The purpose of this study was to explore the association of students’ intention to get vaccinated about COVID-19 with protection behaviors and perceptions about the pandemic. Material and Methods: The study sample included 1920 university students who electronically completed two validated questionnaires anonymously and voluntarily from December 2020 to January 2021. Results: Results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that as the perceived general risk was getting lower, the number of protective behaviors significantly diminished (p < 0.001). Additionally, respondents who believed that they had minor or no personal risk had undertaken significantly fewer preventing behaviors in comparison with participants who thought they had major personal risk (p = 0.006). However, the experience of respondents with people having COVID-19 had statistically significant association with undertaking more preventing behaviors (p = 0.004). Lower general perception of risk had statistically significant association with lower determination to obtain the vaccines of COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Personally knowing someone who had the coronavirus and undertaking more behavioral changes due to the coronavirus situation were significantly related to greater determination to obtain the vaccines of COVID-19 (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The results of this study can provide universities with the appropriate information about the improvement of COVID-19 vaccination strategies.

COVID-19 Infection among Nursing Students in Spain: The Risk Perception, Perceived Risk Factors, Coping Style, Preventive Knowledge of the Disease and Sense of Coherence as Psychological Predictor Variables: A Cross Sectional Survey

The exploration of patterns of health beliefs about COVID-19 among nursing students may be beneficial to identify behaviors, attitudes and knowledge about contagion risk. We sought to analyze the variables of risk perception, perceived risk factors, coping style, sense of coherence and knowledge of preventive measures as possible predictors of having suffered from COVID-19. Participants were nursing students from 13 universities in Spain. Sociodemographic and health variables were collected. To test the independent variables, the Perception Risk Coping Knowledge (PRCK-COVID-19) scale was created and validated because there was no specific survey for young people adapted to the pandemic situation of COVID-19. It was validated with adequate psychometric properties. A total of 1562 students (87.5% female, mean age 21.5 ± 5.7 years) responded. The high perception of the risk of contagion, the high level of knowledge and a coping style focused on the situation were notable. Significant differences by gender were found in the coping styles, problem-focused, avoidance and knowledge scales, with women scoring higher in all categories. The multiple regression analysis was significant (F = 3.68; p < 0.001). The predictor variables were the coping styles subscale search for support and the intrinsic and extrinsic perceived risk factors. Our model predicts that nursing students with a social support-based coping style are at a higher risk of becoming infected with COVID-19, based on their own health belief model.

COVID-19 and Saudi Arabia: Awareness, Attitude, and Practice

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has transformed our appreciation of healthcare awareness worldwide. The amount of related data accumulated during this time has surpassed any other outbreak of a viral pathogen. Healthcare awareness is related to one of the nine pillars of the “World health organization (WHO) operational planning guidelines to support country preparedness and response”. This review is structured around the awareness/knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)-related publications in Saudi Arabia up to date to understand the impact of COVID-19 on these domains. The excellent communication effort response from governments, international, and individuals to keep the public informed about the outbreak is highlighted. Unraveling such impacts on the Saudi communities, including healthcare workers (HCWs)/professionals (HCPs), students, patients with different diseases, and non-professional individuals, is essential in containing the outbreak and planning preventive measures in case of future outbreaks.

Willingness and Influencing Factors to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination Among Chinese Medical Students

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the desire of medical students in China to get vaccinated or not get vaccinated and the reasons for either decision.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from 11 March and 12 March 2021, by administering an online questionnaire to the Chinese medical students. Data entry and analysis were conducted using IBM SPSS ver. 26.0.

Results

Of 3,047 students who completed the survey, 37.9% (1,154) of participants indicated that they would be vaccinated against COVID-19, while 62.1% (1,893) declared that they would not. Attitudes to the COVID-19 vaccine (p = 0.000), levels of eHealth Literacy (p = 0.000), the impact of COVID19 (p = 0.000), concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine (p = 0.000) and gender (p = 0.000) strong associations with willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Conclusion

The willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccination was sub-optimal among medical students in China. Educational interventions to improve medical students' perceptions and acceptance toward the COVID-19 vaccine are needed.

Practices and associated factors of infection prevention of nurses working in public and private hospitals toward COVID-19 in Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution-based cross-sectional study

Objective

To assess the levels of practices and associated factors of infection prevention of nurses working in public and private hospitals toward coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia.

Methods

Institution-based cross-sectional study design employed in public and private hospitals in Bahir Dar city from 26 March 2021 to 8 April 2021. A total of 442 study participants were recruited using stratified followed by simple random sampling techniques. A self-administered questionnaire was prepared and pretested on 5% of the total sample. The collected data were checked for completeness and consistency, and then the data were coded, entered, and cleaned with SPSS version 25 software. Descriptive statistics were carried out to display the means and proportions of sociodemographic characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between the level of prevention practices and the independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to report the results. A significant association was set at p-value <0.05.

Results

Of the total 442 samples, 431 (with response rate of 97.5%) answered the questions completely. The mean (±standard deviation) age of the participants was 29.33 (±5.62) years and 217 (50.3%) were females. The proportion of good prevention practices of nurses toward COVID-19 was 39.4% (95% confidence interval: 35%-44%). Female (adjusted odds ratio = 1.77, 95% confidence interval: 1.18-2.68), have training on COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio = 1.65, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-2.48), personal protective equipment access (adjusted odds ratio = 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-2.44), availability of infection prevention guideline (adjusted odds ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-2.49), and favorable attitude (adjusted odds ratio = 2.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-3.36) were factors significantly associated with good infection prevention practices.

Conclusion

Most nurses in Bahir Dar City public and private hospitals had poor prevention practices against COVID-19. Training provision, infection prevention guidelines distribution, sustainable personal protective equipment access, and promotion to change their attitudes are intervention areas that required emphasis.

Online survey of university students' perception, awareness and adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures

BACKGROUND

Determining factors correlated with protective measures against COVID-19 is important to improve public health response. This study describes student opinions related to university COVID-19 preventive measures.

METHODS

In fall 2020, 643 US university students completed an online survey on perception, awareness, and adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures. Outcomes included protocol effectiveness (self or others), protocol adherence (self or others), consequences of protocol violation, knowledge of violations, and level of concern for COVID-19. Multiple linear regression models determined correlates of outcome variables. Covariates included gender, race, residence, area of study, class, and knowledge of someone with a positive COVID-19 test.

RESULTS

Overall, students agreed with protective measures (equivalent to higher scores). In adjusted linear models, females (versus males) had significantly higher scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p < 0.001), consequences of protocol violation (p = 0.005), and concern about COVID-19 (p < 0.001). Asian/Pacific Islander (versus white) had significantly higher scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p < 0.001), consequences of protocol violation (p = 0.008), and concern about COVID-19 (p = 0.001). Graduate students (versus freshman) had higher scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p < 0.001), protocol adherence (self) (p = 0.004) and concern about COVID-19 (p < 0.001). In contrast, participants who had a positive COVID-19 test had significantly lower scores for protocol effectiveness (self) (p = 0.02), protocol adherence (self) (p = 0.004), and consequences of protocol violation (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Overall, females, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and graduate students were more likely to agree with or adhere to COVID-19 prevention guidelines but those who tested positive for COVID-19 were less likely to do so. These results may inform future prevention efforts.

Design and Validation of a Questionnaire on Risk Perception, Coping Behaviors and Preventive Knowledge against COVID-19 among Nursing Students

As shown in the previous literature, in view of the future responsibilities of nursing professionals and the consequences for healthcare, it is of great interest to examine their risk perceptions, coping behaviors, and sense of coherency during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study is to design and to validate a specific questionnaire that evaluates the factors relating to perceived risk, coping behaviors, and preventive knowledge against COVID-19 infection among nursing students from Spain. This is a psychometric study of a questionnaire's design and its validation in 1562 nursing students at 16 undergraduate nursing institutions in Spain. An ad-hoc survey was designed by a panel of six experts drawing from the literature. After a trial test, the questionnaire was formed with four scales (perception, risk, coping, and knowledge of preventive practices for COVID-19), with a total of 69 items. The final questionnaire was composed of 52 items grouped into four scales, with good psychometric properties to measure risk perception (Cronbach's alpha 0.735), factors related to perceived risk (Cronbach's alpha 0.653), coping behaviors (Cronbach's alpha 0.80), and knowledge of preventive practices against COVID-19 (Cronbach's alpha 0.77). This questionnaire, specifically designed and validated for nursing students, is the first to address four important areas in the development of preventive measures against COVID-19.

Predictors of nursing students' intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination: A multi-university study in Saudi Arabia

AIMS

This study examined the predictors of student nurses' intention to vaccinate against COVID-19. We measured the nursing students' risk perceptions, anxiety, fears and beliefs on COVID-19 vaccine; attitudes towards it and vaccine literacy (VL).

DESIGN

This study is a multi-university study utilizing the quantitative, cross-sectional and predictive approach.

METHODS

Using convenience sampling (n = 1170), we surveyed 10 Saudi universities from November 26, 2020, to December 31, 2020. Forward stepwise multinomial logistic regression was performed in identifying the factors predicting student nurses' intention to vaccinate against COVID-19.

RESULTS

The overall mean in the risk perception, anxiety and fear was 9.59 (SD = 2.82, possible range = 1-15), 3.95 (SD = 4.77, possible range = 0-20) and 18.17 (SD = 6.65, possible range = 7-35) respectively. They also reported a mean of 29.90 (SD = 6.56, possible range = 8-40) on COVID-19 belief. COVID-19 positive and negative attitudes mean score was 3.64 (SD = 0.92) and 2.72 (SD = 0.90) in a 1-4 range of scores respectively. The functional and interactive-critical COVID-19 VL of the students were at moderate levels. More than half of the respondents (55.9%) intended to be vaccinated against COVID-19, 17.6% did not intend to do so and 26.5% were unsure. High-risk perceptions, low levels of COVID-19 anxiety, positive beliefs and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine, and high levels of interactive-critical COVID-19 VL were significant predictors of student nurses' intentions to vaccinate against COVID-19.

CONCLUSION

Policymakers could consider the factors identified in this study and why the students did not intend to receive the vaccine in planning a nationwide vaccination program. The colleges of nursing could also utilize the findings in developing educational programs that aim to improve VL and beliefs and attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccination Knowledge, Perception, and Reason for Adherence and nonadherence Among Nursing Students in Egypt

Introduction

Vaccines are considered preventive measures to reduce coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread around the world. There are many factors for adherence and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination.

Objectives

The study aimed to investigate nursing students’ knowledge, perception, and factors that influence their adherence to COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was conducted among nursing students at the Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University, Egypt, during the period between September 1 and November 30, 2021.

Results

Of the total of 500 participants, 76% took a COVID-19 vaccination. About 89% of participants rated the correct answer related to COVID-19 vaccination. Obligatory to enter the faculty, protect family and friends, and protect myself were the most reasons of adherence (80.3, 73.7, and 70.8%, respectively) while fear of adverse events and lack of information about vaccine were the most reasons of nonadherence (87.5 and 79.2%, respectively) to COVID-19 vaccination. The majority of participants (62%) had expressed positive perception toward COVID-19 vaccination. Education level, training program about COVID-19, previous infection with COVID-19, perception toward COVID-19 vaccination, and knowledge toward COVID-19 vaccination were significantly ( p   =   .035, p   =   .027, p   =   .009, p   =   .008 and p   =   .033, respectively) associated with students’ adherence to take COVID-19 vaccines.

Conclusion

Accurate knowledge and perception about COVID-19 vaccines are the stronger predictors of vaccine hesitance or acceptance among nursing students in Egypt. Campaigns to increase knowledge and perception of COVID-19 and its vaccines among nursing students are needed to improve vaccine acceptance and reduce vaccine hesitance.

Improving Nursing Students' COVID-19 Knowledge Using a Serious Game

Improving nursing students' understanding of the novel COVID-19 is an essential component of their education. We designed and developed a serious game-based computer learning application that requires nursing students to solve problems through simulated cases. This study aimed to compare knowledge mastery among nursing students who used this teaching method versus those who received online lectures. A retrospective observational study was conducted using preclass, postclass, and final test scores of 130 students retrieved from the university's database of test scores. Both teaching methods produced significant increases in short-term knowledge of COVID-19. There was no statistical difference between the two methods in pre- and postclass scores; however, the serious game group scored higher than the online lecture group in knowledge retention. In summary, the serious game application is a potentially effective method for COVID-19 education among nursing students, particularly in terms of its capacity for improved knowledge retention.

COVID-19 Pandemic-Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviours, and Actions among Faculty of Health Sciences Students

The aim of the study was to assess the level of knowledge about COVID-19 disease and preventive behaviour of undergraduate students of nursing, midwifery, and emergency medicine. Material and Methods: An electronic survey was conducted among students of nursing, midwifery, and emergency medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, from 8 April 2021 to 6 June 2021 in the Pomeranian Voivodeship. Results: A total of 37 men and 238 women participated in the study. A moderate level of knowledge was found in 88% and high in 11% of students Midwifery students had a higher level than nursing students (p = 0.002) and students of emergency medicine (p = 0.003). The female gender is much more afraid of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (p = 0.021). The most common preventive measure was to avoid people who coughed or had a cold (93%). Only 84% of students were vaccinated. Students who had a high level of knowledge more often avoided people who coughed or had a cold (p = 0.03) and gave up on meeting with friends (p = 0.02). Conclusions: Constant education of students on the principles of dealing with the risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 is necessary. It is important to continually motivate students to adhere to the principles of prevention. In the face of the existing epidemiological threat, there is a need to change the curricula for the fields of health sciences by adding the subject infectious diseases—clinic and nursing, with special attention to practical aspects.

Assessing the Role of Trust in Information Sources, Adoption of Preventive Practices, Volunteering and Degree of Training on Biological Risk Prevention, on Perceived Risk of Infection and Usage of Personal Protective Equipment Among Italian Medical Students During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Background: During the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Bologna Medical School surveyed medical students to learn more about their preparation to confront challenges posed by the pandemic and whether it affects perceptions of viral infection risk. This information could help design risk-reduction interventions with training to mitigate possible viral exposure. Method: A cross-sectional online survey examining students' characteristics, volunteer status, adoption of evidence-based preventive measures, trust in information sources used, infectious disease training, and knowledge of PPE usage in relation to perceived risk of infection from SARS-CoV-2 in daily living, academic, and healthcare activities. A multivariate path model estimated the simultaneous influences of all exogenous factors on perceived risk. A Poisson regression model assessed the same multivariate effects on knowledge of PPE usage. Results: The analysis sample included 537 respondents. Perceived risk of infection was highest in hospital activities. On average, students were able to use only four out of seven types of PPE albeit they adopted most of the evidence-based preventive measures. Adoption of preventive measures was positively associated with perceived risk of COVID infection. Conversely, training on PPE usage and volunteer work were associated with lower perceived risk in healthcare setting and higher PPE knowledge. Conclusion: Implementing early safety-based educational programs remedy students' lack of knowledge in infectious disease prevention and mitigate their risk of infection. Voluntary work should be encouraged with potential benefit for both their continued medical training and strengthening the healthcare system's response to public health emergencies.

Nursing Students’ Challenges and Experiences of Undergoing Clinical Rotation Program during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contagion which has resulted in millions of casualties worldwide has been bringing pressure and challenges to nursing students undergoing clinical rotation programs. In Indonesia, several schools of nursing have issued policies to keep facilitating clinical rotation education in the hospital. This policy identified several challenges that the students should face. AIM: This study aimed to explore nursing students’ challenges and experiences undergoing clinical rotation programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach to content analysis was employed. The study participants were 31 nursing students who undergo clinical rotation. These participants were purposefully chosen to use criteria. Participants’ age ranged from 23 to 25 years and has passed both the intensive care unit and intensive cardiovascular care unit stage. Data were collected through focus group discussion which was carried out 4 times and each FGD lasted for 90–120 min then analyzed using content analysis method that includes five major segments: Introduction, coding, theme creation, thematic classification, and reporting. RESULTS: The themes from the study included negative emotion in the initial stage, positive emotions, a competency that difficult to achieve, and strategies for coping and self-care. CONCLUSION: Constructive emotion coping strategy is believed to assist students in dealing with challenges amid the clinical rotation program. Implementation of clinical rotation learning for nursing students requires preparation from various aspects, such as student readiness, clinical supervisors, and support from academic institutions.

Emotional states and coping methods in nursing and non-nursing students responding to COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in China

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the emotion, coping strategy, dealing methods and their correlation in the COVID-19 outbreak among nursing and non-nursing students.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A cross-sectional online survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Full-time nursing and non-nursing undergraduate students.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to determine the emotional status in the COVID-19 pandemic among nursing and non-nursing students. Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) was used to measure the emotion regulation strategies and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) was used to evaluate the coping methods among nursing and non-nursing students.

RESULTS

In total, 746 students including 366 nursing students and 380 non-nursing students participated in the survey. Compared with the non-nursing students, a significant decrease was noticed in GAD-7 score (p<0.01) and PHQ-9 (p<0.01) in the nursing students. The cognition re-evaluation score in the nursing students was significantly lower than that of the non-nursing students (p<0.05). In the nursing students, the score of anxiety was positively correlated with ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01), while the score of depression was also positively correlated with ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between SCSQ and the scores of anxiety (p<0.05) and depression (p<0.05). In the non-nursing students, the anxiety score was positively correlated with the SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01), while the depression score was positively correlated with the ERQ expression inhibition (p<0.01) and SCSQ negative coping (p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 affected the emotional status of nursing and non-nursing students. The emotional status was correlated with the emotional regulation and coping methods. Staff involved in the nursing professionals should pay attention to the psychological status of the nursing and non-nursing students, and give moderate psychological interference in the presence of COVID-19.

The Health Behaviour of German Outpatient Caregivers in Relation to the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Study

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected outpatient caregivers in a particular way. While the German population becomes increasingly older, the number of people in need of care has also increased. The health and, thus, the health behaviour of employees in the outpatient care become relevant to maintain working capacity and performance in the long term. The aims of the study were (1) to examine the health behaviour and (2) to explore pandemic-related perceived change of health behaviour among outpatient caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a mixed-methods study, 15 problem-centred interviews and a web-based cross-sectional survey (N = 171) were conducted with outpatient caregivers working in Northern Germany. Interviewees reported partially poorer eating behaviour, higher coffee consumption, lower physical activity, skipping breaks more often and less sleep duration and quality during the pandemic. Some quantitative findings indicate the same tendencies. A majority of participants were smokers and reported higher stress perception due to the pandemic. Preventive behaviour, such as wearing PPE or hand hygiene, was increased among interviewees compared to the pre-pandemic period. Our findings indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect outpatient caregivers' health behaviour, e.g., eating/drinking behaviour and physical activity. Therefore, employers in outpatient care should develop workplace health promotion measures to support their employees in conducting more health-promoting behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nursing students' attitudes, knowledge and willingness of to receive the coronavirus disease vaccine: A cross-sectional study

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and willingness of nursing students to receive the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine and the influencing factors.

Background

Vaccination is one of the most effective measures to prevent COVID-19, but the vaccination acceptance rate varies across countries and populations. As trustworthy healthcare providers, nursing students’ attitudes, knowledge and willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may greatly affect the present and future vaccine acceptance rates of the population; however, studies related to the vaccine acceptance rates among nursing students are limited.

Methods

A convenience sampling method was adopted to select two medical universities in China. Following the cluster sampling method, nursing college students who were eligible for the study were selected. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by asking nursing students to complete an online questionnaire from February to April 2021. Descriptive statistics, t-tests/one-way analysis of variance (normal distribution), U tests/H tests (skewness distribution) and multivariate linear regression were performed.

Results

A total of 1488 valid questionnaires were collected. The score rates of the attitude, knowledge and vaccination willingness dimensions were 70.07%, 80.70% and 84.38%, respectively. Attitude was significantly influenced by vaccination status of family members. The main factors influencing knowledge were gender, grade and academic background. In terms of willingness, gender, academic background, visits to high-risk areas, vaccination status of family members and the side effects experienced after receiving other vaccines were significant influencing factors.

Conclusions

Nursing students showed satisfactory vaccine acceptance rates. However, more attention should be paid to male students, younger students, those with a medical background, those with low grades and those whose family members had not received the COVID-19 vaccine or had side effects from the vaccine.

Attitudes of Nursing Students towards Vaccination and Other Preventive Measures for Limitation of COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study in Three European Countries

Several preventive measures have been applied to limit the COVID-19 pandemic, including successful the development and introduction of vaccines. The aim of this study was to investigate adherence to preventive measures and vaccination intentions among nursing students in three European countries and the factors associated with vaccination intention and advising vaccination. A cross-sectional study using convenience/snow-ball sampling strategy was performed in Slovenia, Poland, and Serbia between 12 February and 5 March 2021. Data from 872 eligible respondents were analyzed (mean age 23.5 ± 6.5 years, 89% female). Higher adherence to preventive behavior was declared by those working in healthcare (p < 0.001), engaged in COVID-19 departments (p < 0.001), had not had the disease yet (p < 0.001), and had children (p = 0.01). Those groups also expressed higher vaccination intention and advised vaccination to others. Higher vaccination intention and advising vaccination were mostly associated with belief in benefits of vaccine, trust in institutions, perceived effectiveness of vaccine, influence of social environment, protection of patients and perceived health care professionals' duty. Fear of side effects and general refusal of vaccines are the main reasons for vaccination hesitancy. The results of the study indicate how higher education institutions can support the development of appropriate professional attitudes and behaviors among nursing students.

Risk perceptions, fear, depression, anxiety, stress and coping among Saudi nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted various aspects of the society on a global scale. Schools and universities provide rich resources for adolescents and young adults to develop significant coping mechanisms.

AIM

This study assessed the perceptions of risk, fear, mental health status, and coping strategies among Saudi student nurses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Using an online survey, the mental health of the students was assessed by the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale short form version, whereas the coping was assessed by the Brief-Coping Orientation of Problem Experienced scale.

RESULTS

The students had modest risk perception and fear of contracting COVID-19. "Religion" was reported as the most frequently used coping strategy. Approximately 43.3%, 37.2%, and 30.9% of the respondents manifested some degree of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Poor COVID-19 knowledge, perceived seriousness of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia, perceived risk of COVID-19 infection, and the use of some coping strategies were predictors of fear. Knowing someone infected with COVID-19, fear, and several coping strategies predicted students' mental health.

CONCLUSION

This study provides data that can be used to create educational and health policies that focus on the mental health of university students, specifically nursing students.

Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines in Chinese college students

Background: Vaccination is an important preventative measure against the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. To implement vaccination and immunization programs effectively, it is essential to investigate public attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines. This study examined the attitudes of Chinese college students toward COVID-19 vaccines and their associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in college students nationwide from December 27, 2020 to January 18, 2021. Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines and acceptance of future vaccination programs were assessed. Results: Totally, 2,881 college students participated in this survey; of them, 76.3% (95% CI: 74.8% - 77.9%) were willing to accept a COVID-19 vaccine in the future. Multiple logistic analysis revealed that students living in urban (OR=1.409, 95% CI: 1.152 - 1.724, p=0.001) and those studying health-related courses (OR=1.581, 95% CI: 1.291 - 1.935, p<0.001) were more likely to have a positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, those who were worried about being infected with COVID-19 (very much vs no, OR=1.690, 95% CI: 1.212-2.356, p=0.002), heard previously about COVID-19 vaccines (OR=1.659, 95% CI: 1.268-2.170, p<0.001), believed that vaccines are safe (Yes vs No, OR=3.570, 95% CI: 1.825-6.980), thought that vaccines can protect people from being infected with COVID-19 (Yes vs No, OR=1.957, 95% CI: 1.286-2.979, p=0.002), and had encouraged their family and friends to have a vaccine (Yes vs No, OR=17.745, 95% CI: 12.271-25.660, p<0.001) had higher acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination. Conclusions: A high rate of acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines was found among Chinese college students. However, vaccine uptake may be reduced by concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy. Alleviating these concerns and enhancing public confidence in vaccines are crucial for future immunization programs against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Factors Influencing the Preventive Practice of International Students in South Korea against COVID-19 during the Pandemic

As the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) spreads worldwide, quarantine guidelines are being constantly updating to prevent the transmission of this virus. Regardless of which country international students live in, they might receive limited crucial quarantine guidelines from that country’s government. The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing the preventive practice of international students in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study. Data were collected from international students in three universities from July 10 to July 31 in 2020. A total of 261 international students participated in the survey, using an online questionnaire. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. Preventive practice during the COVID-19 pandemic was affected by duration of stay in Korea (β = −0.21, p < 0.001), attitudes (β = 0.22, p = 0.001), and trust in Korea’s quarantine system (β = 0.33, p < 0.001). This study showed that attitudes and trust in the quarantine system could affect personal preventive practice during the outbreak of a highly contagious disease such as COVID-19.

Perceived Control, Preventative Health Behaviors, and the Mental Health of Nursing Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Perceived control is an individual's subjective beliefs about the amount of control he or she has over the environment or outcome. Objective: To examine the relationship between perceived control, preventive health behaviors, and mental health effects of undergraduate nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study used online self-administered questionnaires. Participants were nursing students attending 3 universities in Tokyo, Japan. Relationships among variables were quantitatively analyzed using linear regressions and a structural equation modeling after adjusting for demographic factors. Results: A total of 557 students participated in the survey. The analysis indicated that higher levels of perceived control were significantly related to higher levels of preventive health behaviors. Although higher preventive health behaviors were related to negative mental health effects, higher levels of perceived health competence translated to improved mental health effects. Perceived control was not directly related to mental health effects but positively related to perceived health competence. Long work hours per week and short hours of sleep per day were associated with lower preventive health behaviors. There were significant differences in the levels of perceived control and preventive health behaviors among students at the 3 universities. Discussion: To improve health behaviors and health competence and subsequently alleviate the mental health effects caused by strictly adhering to recommended health behaviors, students may be supported by the strategies that increase their perceived control. In addition to institutional support, students also require adequate sleep and financial stability to help prevent infections while protecting their mental health.