Support strategies to reduce psychosocial stressors in nursing students through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: a mixed-methods study protocol

Introduction: Psychological distress (PD) is prevalent among university students, especially women. Nursing students from various countries have shown prevalence of PD from 26,6% to 65.3% during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, most nursing students work during their studies, increasing sources of stress and, in turn, the risk of PD. This study aims to evaluate the associations between psychosocial stressors from academic studies and PD, school-work-life conflicts (SWLC), and the intention to quit the nursing program (ITQ) among nursing students;and, subsequently, to suggest adapted support strategies reducing psychosocial stressors from nursing studies. Material and Methods: This study relies on a mixed-method design. First, quantitative data will be collected through a survey completed by 225 nursing students from two nursing schools in Quebec, Canada. Poisson regression model will be used to evaluate whether the stressors increase the prevalence of PD, SWLC, and ITQ. A qualitative phase will involve focus groups with nursing students, teachers, and other nursing school staff to co-construct the support strategies. Results: First, we will identify psychosocial stressors associated to PD, SWLC, and ITQ. Then, we will elaborate support strategies in response to the problems and needs previously identified. Conclusion: The findings will provide new insights on actions to reduce psychosocial stressors from academic studies to reduce PD, SWLC and ITQ among nursing students.