title: Depressive symptoms, college adjustment and peer support among undergraduate nursing and midwifery students.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to identify levels of depressive symptoms, social and personal college adjustment and peer support among nursing and midwifery students.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Student mental health is of international concern, particularly among students who are undertaking professional qualifications in health care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cross-sectional design.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected in 2013 using the Centre for Epidemiology Depressive Symptoms Scale, two subscales of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire; and a subscale of the Peer Support Evaluation Inventory with 417 students in Ireland.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicated that 34% of participants experienced depressive symptoms, 20% were poorly personally adjusted and 9% poorly socially adjusted. Most students had good levels of peer support. Statistically significant relationships were found between all key variables. Students in their second year of study had significantly higher rates of depressive symptoms. Participants who reported having poor relationships with their fathers were at higher risk and had more difficulties personally and socially adjusting to university life and study. The alcohol consumption of participants had a statistically significant relationship with depressive symptoms with higher consumption rates having a positive impact on symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mental health of undergraduates undertaking professional healthcare studies needs to be a key research, educational and clinical priority. High rates of adjustment and mental health difficulties, particularly in the second year of the programme need to be examined and more effective interventions developed.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Aine
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6377-4140
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Horgan
authors.affiliation: Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.affiliation: School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Behan
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Geraldine
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: McCarthy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007494:Ireland; D008297:Male; D008880:Midwifery / Q000193:education*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013334:Students; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adjustment; depression; mental health; nursing; peer support; student