Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety during clinical practice among nursing students at Mbale Regional referral hospital.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2026-07-24
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Busitema University
Abstract
Background: Anxiety is one of the mental health concerns among nursing students. They experience varying levels of anxiety during their clinical training. Elevated levels of anxiety among nursing students negatively affect their academics, learning and overall well-being. Social-demographic factors and clinical stressors affect levels of anxiety during clinical practice among nursing students. There is limited data on the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety during clinical practice among nursing students in Uganda. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with clinical practice anxiety among nursing students at MRRH. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out among 320 nursing students having their clinical placement at MRRH. Data were collected electronically using a researcher administered questionnaire. Anxiety was assessed using the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Clinical stressors were assessed using the adapted KEZKAK questionnaire. Socio-demographic data were also captured. The data were exported to STATA for analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of anxiety. Bivariate and modified Poisson regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with anxiety. Results: A total of 320 nursing students participated in the study. The prevalence of clinically significant anxiety (BAI ≥ 8) was 666.6%. Mild anxiety was observed among 23.3% of participants, moderate anxiety among 18.4%, and severe anxiety among 24.3%. Male students were less likely to experience clinically significant anxiety compared to female students (aRR = 0.61,95%CI: 0.50-0.74). Nursing students who reported lack of competence were more likely to experience anxiety (aRR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.09-1.65), while interpersonal relationship stressors were also associated with anxiety (aRR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.00-1.38). Conclusion: Anxiety during clinical practice was common among nursing students on placement at MRRH. These findings highlight the need for psychological support and better supervision during clinical placements.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Nakigozi, N. B. (2026). Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety during clinical practice among nursing students at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital [Undergraduate research report]. Busitema University.