Factors related to fighting the COVID-19 pandemic by nursing students at higher education institutions

Abstract

In this academic environment, the changes in the teaching-learning process resulting from the implementation of remote teaching generated feelings of uncertainty and concern about the negative impact on the academic process, justifying the search for factors related to coping with these students during the pandemic. The objective of this study was to analyze the coping/resilience strategies developed by students from two higher education institutions (HEIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach, carried out in two HEIs, one public and the other private, located in the Norte Fluminense region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. The research universe consisted of 720 nursing students, and the sample consisted of 140 respondents from the public HEI and 150 from the private HEI, totaling 290 participants. The IRAMUTEQ® software was used to generate the analyses of similarity and word cloud. From the analyses it was possible to observe some resources that were used by the students to develop resilience, such as: avoiding access to negative news and seeking optimism; performing physical activities; resorting to spirituality and social support; adhering to the vaccination campaign against COVID-19; the development of adaptive capacity; anxiety control; seeking psychological treatment. The research showed diverse situations, which serve as an example for future experiences, knowing how to deal in a resilient way, regardless of the situations, will always be a positive point, because it helps in solving problems in various areas of life.