Emmanuel et al. J Biomed & App Sci FUD (2025) 4:1
Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Gender differences, Nursing students, Risk factors
2025-10-01 DOI: Emmanuel et al. JOBASFUD_2024_3_2_008
Background: The psychological well-being of nursing students is increasingly compromised by stressors encountered during their academic journey, leading to significant mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to identify gender differences and the risk factors associated with anxiety and depression among nursing students at Bayero University Kano. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 217 nursing students selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, including the Hamilton Anxiety Scale and Beck's Depression Inventory, and analyzed using SPSS version 28. Results: The findings revealed that 69.57% of participants experienced mild levels of depression, while 71.43% reported mild levels of anxiety. Key risk factors contributing to these mental health challenges included overwhelming academic demands, fear of judgment, and the impact of physical health issues. Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to support students in managing stressors effectively, enhance mental health resources, and improve educational counseling services to address the challenges faced by nursing students. By fostering a supportive environment, institutions can promote better mental health outcomes and academic success among this vulnerable population.