Exploring the Relationship between Mental Well-being and Attendance among Nursing Students: Findings and Recommendations for Enhancing Student Mental Health and Engagement

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing students' high pressure and psychological consequences during their studies make mental well-being crucial to their academic performance and engagement. Evidence shows that nursing and medical students often suffer from mental health issues such as burnout, stress, anxiety, and depression due to the demanding and complex curriculum, which can impact their attendance and performance in the classroom.

Objectives: This study explores the relationship between mental well-being and attendance among nursing students.

Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design, with participants consisting of first-semester nursing students who were actively involved in learning. Mental well-being was assessed using a mental well-being scale, while attendance was measured by the number of times students attended class.

Results: The study findings revealed that the correlation test between mental health and absenteeism among nursing program students yielded a p-value of 0.382. Furthermore, the test results for mental health levels between diploma and undergraduate nursing students produced a p-value of 0.080. The mental health difference test between Papuan and non-Papuan students showed a p-value of 0.741. Additionally, the mental health level test for students who met the administrative attendance requirements and those who did not yield a p-value of 0.907.

Conclusions: The study found no significant relationship between mental health and absenteeism among nursing students. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in mental health between diploma and bachelor's degree nursing students, nor between Papuan and non-Papuan ethnicities. Although there was a non-significant difference in mental health between students who met administrative attendance criteria and those who did not, no significant relationship was found between mental health and attendance. The study recommends further research into the causes of mental health problems in nursing students, such as social pressure, dietary patterns, and sleep habits. Expanding research to include nursing students from different universities and regions can provide a broader understanding of mental health problems among nursing students and help develop more effective strategies to address these problems. Additionally, the study recommends conducting more focused research on interventions and programs to improve the mental well-being of nursing students and their involvement in learning. This research on interventions and programs can include mentoring programs, counseling services, and specific mental health promotion programs. Finally, the study suggests conducting in-depth research on the role of the campus and clinical practice environments in the mental well-being of nursing students and their attendance in learning.