Mental Health Status and the Readiness of Nursing Students to Serve During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Aims: This study aims to assess the state of mental health of nursing students in Kosovo and their willingness to provide professional health services for individuals at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional survey, undergraduate nursing students from three higher education institutions in Kosovo participate from May 25, 2020, to June 5, 2020. Data was collected through a structured, anonymous, self-directed questionnaire via the online platform-google forms. Questions about nursing knowledge, skills and competencies, and willingness to work, if necessary, in healthcare facilities in Kosovo before graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic, were organised according to the Likert scale. Results: Four hundred and seventy-two nursing students (82% female; and mean age 20.3±1.8 years) participated in the study. 18.2% of students required further evaluation for depression, 48.3% for anxiety, and 30.7% for stress. 77.8% of students agreed that they had acquired sufficient knowledge, 80.6% that they had sufficient skills, and 75.9% that they had sufficient competencies, during their studies, to work as nurses. Female students had higher stress (8.55±4.06) and anxiety scores (6.65±4.08) compared to their male counterparts (7.46±4.35; and 5.02±4.07; respectively) (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among categories of stress, anxiety and depression, and nursing student’s willingness to work or not during COVID-19 pandemic (p>0.05). Conclusion: Most nursing students in Kosovo appear ready and willing to join qualified nurses in healthcare institutions in delivering health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights: Most nursing students are willing to provide health services during the pandemic. The female students had higher stress and anxiety scores than their counterparts. This study discovered that students needed psychological support during the pandemic. Serving during the pandemic will put into practice problem-solving skills.