The Impact of Crisis Management Training for University Entrance on the Levels of Stress, Anxiety, and Depression Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Given the prevalence of depression, stress, and anxiety among first-semester students and their negative consequences, this study aimed to determine the impact of crisis management training on incoming university students' levels of stress, anxiety, and depression at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This experimental interventional study included 80 undergraduate students from the first semester of nursing, midwifery, and paramedical faculties at Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences in 1402. Sampling was conducted using a random minimisation method to create control and intervention groups. The data collection tools included demographic data and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaire data. Crisis management training was provided to the intervention group through four lecture sessions, while no intervention was given to the control group. The data were collected and analysed at three time points: Before, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Results: The demographic findings revealed similar participant characteristics in both groups. The results indicated a statistically significant difference in all investigated variables (P = 0.001) when considering the interaction effect between groups and different measurement times. Conclusions: Crisis management training for university admissions significantly improved students' levels of stress, anxiety, and depression following the educational program.