Association of stress factors and depressive symptoms with the academic performance of nursing students*

Abstract

Objective: To verify the association of stress factors and depressive symptoms with the academic performance of nursing students. Method: Cross-sectional, quantitative, observational research conducted at a public university in Manaus. Socio-demographic data, academic performance coefficient and individual semester performance, the Instrument for the Assessment of Stress in Nursing Students and the CES-D Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale were used to characterize the students. Pearson's correlation coefficient, ANOVA test and multiple linear regression were used for the analysis. Results: 155 nursing students participated in the study. The stress factors “performance of practical activities”, “professional communication” and “professional education” had a positive correlation with individual semester performance, while the factors “depressive affect”, “interpersonal” and “somatic/attitudes” had a negative correlation. Conclusion: The present study identified positive impacts of stress factors on academic performance, however, the presence of depressive symptoms was associated with lower academic performance.