Abstract. Introduction. The aim of the study was to identify the presence of depressive symptoms among nursing students at the University of Palermo through the use of the QIDS-SR16 (Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-Report). Materials and methods. The study was conducted in April 2024. The study design is cross-sectional. The study population is made up of first, second- and thirdyear nursing students at the University of Palermo (Italy) and students beyond the allotted time to attain a degree. The QIDS-SR16 questionnaire was administered to evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms among nursing students. In order to evaluate the role of the variables of the first section of the questionnaire, an ordered logistic regression was performed with QIDSR-16 as the dependent variable. Results. 801 respondents completed the questionnaire. What emerges from the QIDSR-16 test is that 35% present moderate-severe-very severe symptoms. The ordered logistic regression shows the statistically significant covariates associated with the QIDSR-16 test, namely: age (aOR=0.96), year of studies (the risk increases as the year of study increases), being a smoker (aOR=1.93), being single (aOR=1.37), perceived health status (the risk increases as the level of perceived health status decreases), perceived low economic status (aOR=2.57), and having had sleep disorders in the last two weeks (aOR=4.13). Conclusions. The demanding nature of the course of study, combined with academic and clinical stress, may contribute to increasing psychological vulnerability of these students. It is essential to implement targeted interventions to promote the mental health of nursing students.

Key words: University students, nursing students, Italy, Sicily, depression, depressive symptoms, mental health

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