NURSE EDUCATION IN PRACTICE, vol.65, 2022 (SCI-Expanded)
Aim: This study assessed the role of intolerance of uncertainty and anxiety sensitivity on nursing students' depression, anxiety, and stress levels.Background: Stress is widespread among nursing students who struggle with moderate mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. A priori prediction of the factors affecting nursing students' mental health status should be considered. Design: A descriptive study was carried out between 1 June and 15 July 2021. Participants: The sample consisted of 366 Turkish nursing students in a city located south of Turkey.Methods: Data were collected with socio-demographic forms-the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3, the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale-12, and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21-through web-based records. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were performed with the obtained data.Results: The students' mean age was 21.63 +/- 2.41. The mean score of the depression sub-dimension of DASS-21 was 8.33 +/- 4.29 and that of the anxiety sub-dimension and stress sub-dimension was 6.70 +/- 3.98 and 8.73 +/- 3.81, respectively. The multiple linear regression analysis showed that the Intolerance of unceratinity scale-12 prospective anxiety sub-dimension and Intolerance of unceratinity scale-12 inhibitory anxiety sub-dimension, and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 physical symptoms, cognitive symptoms, and social symptoms subdimensions explained 31.6% of depression, 38.9% of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 anxiety, and 36.4% of Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 stress sub-dimension.Conclusions: The nursing students' depression and anxiety levels were moderate, and their stress level was mild. The study results revealed that anxiety sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty play an essential role in predicting students' mental health status.