Undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and viewpoints on depression

Abstract

This study aimed at identifying viewpoints, knowledge and indicative signs of depression among nursing students. Four instruments were used for data collection: A - Viewpoints on Depression; B - Knowledge on Depression; C - Beck's Inventory and D - Zung's Scale. The descriptive quantitative analysis added to qualitative reflections. Students showed that they were interested and that they had attended courses on mental health; 65.4% had high scores according to the expected viewpoints for depression; 61.5% showed excellent knowledge concerning depression. Two scales of depression showed moderate depression in one student. On basis of individuals responses, the students' lack of experience, some prejudice or erroneous information were observed.