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COVID-19 Lockdown in New Zealand: Perceived Stress and Wellbeing among International Health Students Who Were Essential Frontline Workers

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Listed:
  • Anita Jagroop-Dearing

    (School of Health and Sport Science, Eastern Institute of Technology, Taradale Campus, 501 Gloucester Street, Hawkes Bay 4112, New Zealand)

  • Griffin Leonard

    (Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori, Otago Medical School, University of Otago, Frederick Street, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand)

  • Syed M. Shahid

    (School of Health and Sport Science, Eastern Institute of Technology, Auckland Campus, 238 Queen Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand)

  • Ondene van Dulm

    (School of Health and Sport Science, Eastern Institute of Technology, Taradale Campus, 501 Gloucester Street, Hawkes Bay 4112, New Zealand)

Abstract

This study examined the stresses and wellbeing of international postgraduate health and nursing students at a tertiary education institute in New Zealand who were mainly essential frontline healthcare workers during the COVID-19 lockdown. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected by purposeful sampling ( n = 43). The study utilised a cross-sectional survey, along with the Short Form of Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), adapted for the COVID-19 lockdown, and followed by semi-structured individual interviews. This study is the first in New Zealand to demonstrate that, with a mean PSS-10 score of 21.7 (±7.1), international health students experienced higher than optimal levels of stress, with supporting qualitative data identifying four themes for the sources of stress: (1) familial relationships, (2) essential work, (3) finances, and (4) study. However, these students coped because of the extensive support provided by their education institute and employers. These students played a critical role in the pandemic’s response and made a significant public health contribution by working in the frontline of the COVID-19 outbreak. Considering the global shortage of healthcare workers and understanding the key challenges, means of coping and support provisions, as we have here, offer insights for building and maintaining a resilient and resourceful health workforce through international health and nursing students in New Zealand and elsewhere.

Suggested Citation

  • Anita Jagroop-Dearing & Griffin Leonard & Syed M. Shahid & Ondene van Dulm, 2022. "COVID-19 Lockdown in New Zealand: Perceived Stress and Wellbeing among International Health Students Who Were Essential Frontline Workers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-17, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:15:p:9688-:d:881803
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Beck, Matthew J. & Hensher, David A., 2020. "Insights into the impact of COVID-19 on household travel and activities in Australia – The early days of easing restrictions," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 99(C), pages 95-119.
    2. Imran Aslan & Dominika Ochnik & Orhan Çınar, 2020. "Exploring Perceived Stress among Students in Turkey during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-16, December.
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