Prevalence and Correlates of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among BSN Students in Karachi, Pakistan

Abstract

Undergraduate nursing students are highly liable to mental health challenges due to the rigorous demands of their academic and clinical training. This study investigated the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students in Karachi, Pakistan, and explored potential associations with demographic factors. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected from 110 BSN students from 2 public sector universities of Karachi, employing the validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Purposive sampling was used and data were analyzed employing SPSS version 24, incorporating descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square tests). The results revealed that 26% of participants exhibited depressive symptoms (16% mild, 10% moderate), 50% reported anxiety (10% mild, 30% moderate, 10% severe), and 16.7% experienced stress (all mild). No significant association was found between demographic variables (e.g., age, gender, academic performance) and psychological distress. The findings underscore the high prevalence of anxiety and depression among nursing students, highlighting the urgent need for institutional mental health support systems. Recommendations include integrating psychological counseling, stress management workshops, and mental health education into nursing curricula to mitigate these challenges and promote student well-being.