Impact of anxiety and depression symptoms on perceived self-effi cacy in nursing students

Abstract

Objective: To identify the relationship between perceived self-effi cacy and self-esteem and the presence of anxiety and depression symptoms in students at the beginning of the undergraduate nursing course. Methods: Cross-sectional study developed in two public Higher Education Institutions. The sample consisted of 82 participants. Three validated instruments were used to measure the variables: Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, General Self-Effi cacy Scale and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results: Most students showed anxious symptoms (73.2%) and moderate levels of self-esteem (89.0%) and perceived self-effi cacy. College students with anxiety and depression symptoms had lower scores of perceived self-effi cacy than those without anxiety and depression (p<0.001). Conclusion: The presence of anxiety and depression compromises undergraduate nursing students' perceived self-effi cacy. These results are adequate stimulus for the implementation of mental health care programs at universities, which, in the medium and long term, may provide healthier, more satisfi ed nurses that will offer competent and safe care to their clients.