Abstract
Objective:
To identify the relationship between perceived self-efficacy 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-Efficacy 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-efficacy. College students with anxiety and depression symptoms had lower scores of perceived self-efficacy than those without anxiety and depression (p<0.001).
Conclusion:
The presence of anxiety and depression compromises undergraduate nursing students’ perceived self-efficacy. 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 satisfied nurses that will offer competent and safe care to their clients.
Keywords
Self efficacy; Self concept; Anxiety; Depression; Students, nursing