Psychological stress of Covid-19 pandemic on radiography students in Nigeria: a single centre study

Authors

  • Michael Promise Ogolodom Department of Radiography, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2038-987X
  • Clement Ugochukwu Nyenke Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Author
  • Sharonrose Ogouchukwu Nwadike Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria Author
  • Evelyn Orevaoghene Onosakponome Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health, PAMO University of Medical Sciences, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Author
  • Mark Chukwudi Okeji Department of Medical Radiography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria Author
  • Samson Omini Paulinus Department of Radiography and Radiological Science, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria Author
  • Misael Ron Industrial Engineer, Specialist in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, Specialist in Strategic Management, PhD Candidate in Public Health. University of Carabobo, Venezuela Author https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6797-3235
  • Awajimijan Nathaniel Mbaba Department of Radiology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria Author
  • Sandra Udoh Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria Author
  • Egop Brownson Egop Department of Radiography, Government House Clinic, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56294/saludcyt2025545

Keywords:

Anxiety, Covid-19, Depression, Education

Abstract

Background: Psychological stress triggers physical and emotional responses that can impact various bodily functions. This study aimed to assess the psychological stress experienced by radiography students at Nnamdi Azikiwe University during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify their coping strategies. 
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a questionnaire among 186 radiography students. The survey collected socio-demographic data, such as gender, age, and academic year, along with responses related to psychological distress. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed. 
Results: Among the 186 respondents, 96 (51.6%) were female, and 90 (48.4%) were male. The majority (62.4%) was aged 20-24 years, and the largest group (38.7%) was in their third year of study (300 Level). Over half (58.1%) of the students lived on campus, and most (87.6%) attended physical classes. A significant proportion (75.3%) reported somatic stress, with common symptoms including headaches (25.3%), physical fatigue (23.5%), and back pain (12.4%). Anxiety-related symptoms included sleep disturbances (36.6%), anger (31.2%), and anxiety (29.2%). Depression affected 87.6% of the respondents, with symptoms such as lack of motivation to study (34.9%), difficulty concentrating (25.3%), hopelessness (17.2%), and suicidal thoughts (10.2%). The main social factors contributing to psychological distress were difficulty in studying (36%), financial problems (22%), and challenges with learning modalities (18.8%). Excessive worrying (52.7%) was the most common psychological factor. The most prevalent impact of psychological distress was low motivation to work (29.6%). Social media was the most frequently used coping strategy (18.3%). There was no significant association between somatic stress and academic year/level (p = 0.319). However, a significant association was found between anxiety and academic level/year (p = 0.050) and between academic level/year and depression (p = 0.000). 
Conclusion: Radiography students experienced significant psychological stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily manifested as somatic stress, anxiety, and depression

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Published

2025-01-01

How to Cite

1.
Ogolodom MP, Nyenke CU, Nwadike SO, Onosakponome EO, Okeji MC, Paulinus SO, et al. Psychological stress of Covid-19 pandemic on radiography students in Nigeria: a single centre study. Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología [Internet]. 2025 Jan. 1 [cited 2024 Nov. 7];5:545. Available from: https://sct.ageditor.ar/index.php/sct/article/view/545