Comparison of Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress among GNM and B.Sc. Students

Background: College life has become synonymous with many challenges in the demanding landscape of higher education. The transition of age, with academic pressures and social expectations, creates a vulnerable environment where psychological distress can occur. Aim: The study aimed to investigate the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress within B.Sc. and GNM nursing students and examine the potential connections between these mental health factors. Methodology: A comparative study design was used. Using a convenient sampling technique 350 samples were screened. The study was conducted among 120 GNM and 230 BSc students enrolled in a Bengaluru Nursing College. Information was gathered using a formal questionnaire and DASS-21. Result: Most of the participants were aged between 18-20 years (73.7%), 68.3% were females and 65.7% belonged to B.Sc. Nursing students were more depressed and anxious. (Level of normal and mild depression: B.Sc. were 148 and 27 and GNM were 113 and 6; Level of extremely severe and moderate anxiety: B.Sc. were 1 and 48 and GNM were 1 and 33) and less stressed than GNM students. (Level of normal and moderate stress: B.Sc. were 216 and 0 and GNM were 73 and 26) A positive correlation was there between Depression and Anxiety (r=.461; p=0.01), a significant positive correlation between anxiety and stress (r=0.461; p=0.01), and stress and depression and depression and anxiety were found. No statistical associations of these variables with sociodemographic factors were established. Conclusion: Academics and peer dynamics create subdue pressure and may result in small a for anxiety, small d for depression and small s for stress among the students. Programmes to reduce such should be planned. Major Findings: B.Sc. Nursing students showed lower anxiety and stress levels but higher mild depression compared to GNM students, who experienced higher anxiety due to financial and background challenges. A significant correlation existed between depression, anxiety, and stress, with no association to sociodemographic factors. Interventions like counseling and stress management are recommended.