Technological variables predictors of academic stress in nursing students in times of COVID-19

OBJECTIVE: to analyze which technological variables, derived from the use of electronic devices, predict academic stress and its dimensions in Nursing students. METHOD: analytical cross-sectional study carried out with a total of 796 students from six universities in Peru. The SISCO scale was used and four logistic regression models were estimated for the analysis, with selection of variables in stages. RESULTS: among the participants, 87.6% had a high level of academic stress; time using the electronic device, screen brightness, age and sex were associated with academic stress and its three dimensions; the position of using the electronic device was associated with the total scale and the stressors and reactions dimensions. Finally, the distance between the face and the electronic device was associated with the total scale and size of reactions. CONCLUSION: technological variables and sociodemographic characteristics predict academic stress in nursing students. It is suggested to optimize the time of use of computers, regulate the brightness of the screen, avoid sitting in inappropriate positions and pay attention to the distance, in order to reduce academic stress during distance learning.