Fear Related to COVID-19, Mental Health Issues, and Predictors of Insomnia among Female Nursing College Students during the Pandemic

Abstract

Fear of infection has been sparked by the advent of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Insomnia in college students, especially its correlations and predictions with mental diseases, remains a research concern. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of fear related to COVID-19, depression, anxiety, and insomnia among female nursing college students throughout the pandemic and to determine the predictors of insomnia. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional descriptive study used 145 female nursing college students. Results: Students reported fear related to COVID-19, depression, and anxiety at rates of 79.3%, 30.2%, and 35.2%, respectively. Insomnia disturbed 24.7% of students. Anxiety predicted worsening insomnia in the student (AOR = 1.08, 95% CI: 0.92–0.97, p < 0.001). Fear related to COVID-19 was also a predictor (AOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 1.07–1.21, p < 0.05). Additionally, when depression severity declined, the chance of insomnia improved (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.85–0.91, p < 0.001). Insomnia was more common in chronically unwell students (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.01–2.24, p < 0.05). Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, university students’ mental health should be monitored, and all essential safeguards should be taken, including resource allocation, awareness raising efforts, and the building of a mental health counseling facility.