Risk Perception, Academic Performance, and Knowledge of the COVID-19 Pandemic among Nursing Students

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia Assistant Professor, Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Port-Said University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Global education systems are faced with a challenge from COVID-19. Aim:
This study aimed to examine risk perception, academic performance, and knowledge of the covid-
19 pandemic among nursing students. Methods: From March 5 to April 20, 2020, a cross-sectional
descriptive study design was conducted in the nursing college of Qassim University. The study was
conducted with a purposive sample using a self-administered online survey made available on
specific social platforms. The total enrollment in this study was 190 nursing students. Results: The
results showed that most students had good knowledge of COVID, 53.7% of them had high
perceptions of their academic achievement, and 51.6% of them had moderate perceptions of the risk
of COVID. Furthermore, the highly knowledgeable student nurses had a mediocre academic record
(r =0.377, p=0.001). Additionally, pupils who performed better academically also displayed lower
risk perception (r= -0.216, p=0.003). Conclusions: Our research indicated that Saudi Arabia's future
frontline healthcare workers, nursing students, demonstrated a high degree of understanding, risk
perception, and academic achievement toward COVID-19. When employing suitable preventative
measures to stop the spread of the disease, it is also crucial to update the student's knowledge of the
diagnosis and case treatment of COVID-19. Recommendations that conducting in-service training
courses on COVID-19 is essential for enhancing academic performance

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