Published online Dec 19, 2023. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i12.1087
Peer-review started: July 30, 2023
First decision: October 9, 2023
Revised: October 14, 2023
Accepted: November 9, 2023
Article in press: November 9, 2023
Published online: December 19, 2023
Emergency department nurses are at high risk for nightmare distress and depressive symptoms. Understanding the relationship between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms and adopting appropriate interventions can alleviate nightmare distress and depressive symptoms among emergency department nurses. Therefore, this study was conducted to explore the correlation between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms among emergency department nurses through a cross-sectional survey.
Mental health issues are increasingly pronounced among emergency department nurses. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms among emergency department nurses and to suggest effective interventions to improve their mental health.
This study investigated emergency department nurses in several provinces in China to explore the relationship between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms in this population.
In this study, 280 emergency department nurses in nine provinces were selected using a convenience sampling method. They completed the Chinese version of the Nightmare Distress Questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. SPSS 25.0 statistical software was used to analyze the collected data.
The results of this study showed that more severe nightmare distress among emergency department nurses was associated with more pronounced depressive symptoms and that the severity of nightmare distress in this population was influenced by factors such as education level, work stress, and self-reported health.
The severity of nightmare distress in emergency department nurses is positively correlated with depressive symptoms. Nightmare distress can cause serious psychological problems, and early interventions for this population can alleviate depressive symptoms. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing effective interventions.
This study investigated emergency department nurses in only China; future studies could include those in multiple countries to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between nightmare distress and depressive symptoms among emergency department nurses and to promote mental health in this profession.