Available online 22 November 2023

The prevalence of psychological distress and coping abilities among international students during COVID-19 is not well understood.

The pandemic's stress and uncertainty, coupled with a lack of social connections and financial constraints, have resulted in higher rates of mental health issues among international students.

The interconnected nature of coping dimensions emphasizes the importance of interventions that address multiple aspects of coping for promoting students' overall well-being.

Amidst the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, international students face significant mental health burdens.

This study aimed to explore international health science students’ mental health and coping abilities during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

A survey was conducted between May and September 2022 using an online questionnaire with the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and Coping Self-Efficacy Scale.

A total of 105 international students from 3 Australian universities were recruited with 84% of the participants being nursing students. There was no comparison group of local/Australian-born students. Psychological distress was reported by 67% of respondents. Problem-focused coping prevailed with higher scores than emotional-focused and social support coping. Financial struggles with rent increased psychological distress likelihood, while social support mitigated it. Social support coping was significantly associated with psychological distress, clinical placement, and problem-focused and emotional-focused coping. Emotional-focused and Problem-focused coping was associated with participants’ age.

The study underscores the need for affordable housing and support networks while recognizing the interdependence of coping dimensions for enhancing students' overall well-being.

Australia

coping strategies

COVID-19

international students

psychological distress

© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Organization for Associate Degree Nursing.