Nurs Open. 2026 Apr;13(4):e70521. doi: 10.1002/nop2.70521.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: This study aimed to assess differences in perceived stress levels and their influencing factors among nursing interns during different periods of a public health emergency.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study.
METHODS: The survey was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jiangsu Province, China, from July to August in 2019, 2020, and 2021. A total of 355 nursing interns participated. Data included general information (gender, age, etc.), scores of the Internship Nurse Stressor Scale, and WHOQOL-BREF (physiological, psychological, social, environmental dimensions). Correlation analysis explored relationships between variables, and multiple linear regression identified influencing factors of stress.
RESULTS: Participants were predominantly female (335/355). Stress levels were moderate across periods but significantly different (F = 4.513, p = 0.012). Influencing factors varied. In 2019, factors influencing stress included being an only child (β = 0.206, p = 0.026) and the physiological dimension score of the WHOQOL-BREF (β = -0.257, p = 0.031) [R2 = 0.173, F = 2.850, p = 0.006]. In 2020, the psychological dimension score of the WHOQOL-BREF was the main factor (β = -0.326, p = 0.035) [R2 = 0.112, F = 2.563, p = 0.023], whereas in 2021, the physiological dimension score was the primary influencing factor (β = -0.448, p < 0.001) [R2 = 0.394, F = 7.093, p < 0.001].
PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: This study provides valuable evidence on the stress levels and influencing factors of nursing interns across different periods of public health emergencies. Relevant departments within schools and hospitals should monitor interns’ physical well-being, taking into account the workload and challenges associated with their internships whether it is before the outbreak or during the later period of public health emergencies. During the early period, addressing their psychological well-being is particularly important. This can be achieved by establishing effective psychological support channels and offering counselling services.
PMID:41914211 | DOI:10.1002/nop2.70521
