Effect of problem-solving skills on depression scores in nursing and midwifery students

Depression is common among nursing and
midwifery students. Problem-solving is a short-term intervention that
can be used to treat psychological problems. This study was carried out
to evaluate the effect of problem-solving skills training on depression
scores among nursing and midwifery students.
Methods & Materials: This was a clinical trial. Nursing and Midwifery
students (n=900) studying at Tabriz and Urmia universities were
recruited in the study during 2010-2011. The Beck Depression Scale
was administered in both schools. Ninety two students who achieved a
score above 10 in the Beck Depression Scale were selected. One school
was randomly allocated to the intervention group and the other one was
allocated to the control group. Students in the intervention group
received six sessions of problem-solving skills training within three
weeks. The questionnaire was completed by the participants in both
schools after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the
independent t-test.
Results: After the intervention, the Beck Depression Inventory score in
the intervention group decreased from 18.60 to 13.41 (P<0.01). There
were no differences in the control group before and after the
intervention (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The problem-solving skills training program reduced
depression scores. Providing information and using the problemsolving
skills training are recommended