Exploring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Academic Burnout Among Nursing College Students in China: A Web-Based Survey

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought changes and challenges to nursing students. However, little is known about the prevalence of academic burnout among nursing students in this challenging circumstance. This study aimed to assess nursing student academic burnout and its influencing factors. MATERIAL/METHODS: We conducted a sample survey of a 4-year undergraduate nursing university in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China. The social-demographic information questionnaire, Academic Burnout Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Impact of Event Scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and Professional Identity Scale were used. Stepwise multiple linear regression was used to clarify the relationship among sociodemographic characteristics, resilience, and academic burnout. RESULTS: Of all the study participants, 51.30% had a certain degree of academic burnout. Academic year, satisfaction with specialty, satisfaction with online learning, professional identity, and psychological resilience were negatively correlated with academic burnout among nursing students. Depression was positively correlated with academic burnout. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students had a high degree of academic burnout. Academic year, satisfaction with specialty, satisfaction with online learning, professional identity, and psychological resilience were protective factors that reduced nursing students’ academic burnout.