A Study to Assess the Adjustment Problems and Coping Strategies Used by Students in Selected Nursing Colleges of District Mandi, H.P. In A View to Develop an Information Booklet

Vollständiger Abstract

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BACKGROUND First-year nursing students may encounter difficulties while adapting to academic requirements, hostel living, separation from family, clinical responsibilities, and changes in their social environment. These challenges can influence their physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and academic well-being. AIM To assess adjustment problems and coping strategies among students in selected nursing colleges of District Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, and to determine the relationship between adjustment problems and coping strategies. METHODOLOGY A quantitative approach with a descriptive research design was adopted. The study involved 300 first-year B.Sc. Nursing and GNM students selected through non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-structured checklist for adjustment problems and a five-point Likert scale for coping strategies. Frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. RESULTS The findings showed that 206 (68.7%) students had moderate adjustment problems, 94 (31.3%) had mild adjustment problems, and none had severe adjustment problems. Regarding coping strategies, 220 (73.33%) students demonstrated average coping, 43 (14.33%) demonstrated poor coping, and 37 (12.33%) demonstrated good coping. The mean adjustment problem score was 11.06 ± 2.88, while the mean coping strategy score was 72.58 ± 13.64. A strong positive correlation was observed between adjustment problems and coping strategies (r = 0.724, p < 0.001). Significant associations were found between adjustment problems and age, father’s occupation, and mother’s occupation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The study concluded that first-year nursing students commonly experienced moderate adjustment problems and generally used average coping strategies. Early identification of adjustment difficulties and supportive measures such as orientation, counseling, and guidance may help promote students’ well-being and academic functioning.