Application of the HADS to academic and non-academic nurses in Germany

Despite an increase in depression and anxiety-related illnesses among nursing staff, it is still unknown whether the manifestation of specific symptoms varies among academic and nonacademic nurses. The random sample consisted of 212 German nurses. In addition to listing demographic and educational information, the German version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied. The values of the anxiety sub-scale were located in the lower range in both groups and without significant difference (academic nurses: M=5.9, SD=3.0/non-academic nurses: M=6.2, SD=3.2). The HADS depression sub-scale showed a significant difference (P=0.001) between the non-academic group (M=4.7, SD=3.2) and the group of academic nurses (M=3.3, SD=2.9). Before making definite statements on whether an academic education can contribute to a reduction of anxiety or depression symptoms among nursing staff, it is necessary to further explore the manifold factors of psychosocial stress in a profession that currently underg...