A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY TO FIND THE ASSOCIATION OF MIGRATION ON DEPRESSIVE AND ANXIETY DISORDERS AMONG NURSING STUDENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN BANGALORE

Objectives:To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders among Nursing students and their association with migration.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences from December 2023 to January 2024. The study included 60 BSc nursing students, using Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Item Score and Zung Self Rating Scales to assess anxiety and depression. Migrant students were compared with local students to explore the impact of migration.

Results: Out of 75 students, 60 participated, with 62% female and 48% male. The majority (73%) were from Kerala, with 87% being migrants. The prevalence of depressive disorders was 11.7%, with a higher proportion (87.5%) among migrants. Anxiety disorders affected 57.5% of the participants, with 78% being migrants. Migrants had a significantly higher prevalence of mild to moderate anxiety symptoms compared to non-migrants. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between migration and Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 Item Score, and it was indicated that migrants had a 3.63 times higher likelihood of developing depressive or anxiety disorders.

Conclusion: Migration significantly impacts the mental health of nursing students, with a notable increase in anxiety disorders among migrants. Depression rates were lower than expected. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer study periods is needed to validate these findings.