Influence of the Psychological Effect of COVID-19 on Saudi Student Nurses' Attitudes toward Nursing and Their Future Career Plans

Background: The effects of COVID-19 on the attitude of student nurses toward the nursing profession remain unclear because few studies have been conducted on this topic. Thus, this study examines the influence of the psychological effects of COVID-19 on student nurses' attitudes toward the nursing profession and their desire to become nurses. Method: The study utilised a quantitative, cross-sectional, and observational design. It surveyed a convenience sample of 726 student nurses in Saudi Arabia during the first semester of the 2021-2022 academic year. Results: The students reported low levels of COVID-19 fear, anxiety, stress, phobia, and obsession. The students reported positive attitudes toward the nursing profession and 86.0% highlighted their desire to continue with nursing as their future profession. Gender, knowing someone infected with COVID-19, confidence in the government's pandemic response, fear, anxiety, and phobia were significant predictors of the nurses' attitudes. Community, family members in the profession, COVID-19-related anxiety, and preference for the nursing profession were significant predictors of the student's desire to continue nursing. Conclusions: Living in a rural community, having family members in the nursing profession, having low levels of COVID-19-related anxiety, and having positive attitudes toward nursing increased the likelihood of nursing students continuing their nursing careers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Automated summary

This study investigates the influence of COVID-19 on the attitudes of Saudi Arabian student nurses toward the nursing profession and their desire to become nurses. The results show that the students have low levels of fear, anxiety, stress, phobia, and obsession related to COVID-19. They also have positive attitudes toward nursing and a strong desire to continue their nursing careers.