Impact of COVID-19 on academic activities of final year nursing students: a Zambian reflection

Kennedy Mwila; Florence Kalolo; Steward Mudenda; Christabel Nangandu Hikaambo

doi:10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20212377

Authors

Kennedy Mwila Department of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Florence Kalolo Department of Nursing Sciences, Texila American University, Lusaka, Zambia
Steward Mudenda Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
Christabel Nangandu Hikaambo Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20212377

Keywords:

Coronavirus disease, COVID-19, Academic activities, Pandemic, Nursing students, Online infrastructure, Education sector Zambia

Abstract

Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had many impacts on the education sector. The pandemic has had negative impacts on the academic activities of nursing students globally. Therefore, we assessed the impact of the COVID-19 on final year nursing students’ academic activities in Lusaka and Mufulira districts of Zambia.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that employed quantitative methods using a structured questionnaire among 196 final year nursing students from 1August 2020 to 30 September 2020. Data were analysed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 21.

Results: A female predominance (67.9%) and a response rate of 86% were obtained. Many students strongly agreed (32.7%) and agreed (20.4%) that they did not complete their course work resulting in some concepts being poorly taught, 86.1% strongly agreed that they had delayed final examinations, and 51.5% strongly agreed that they did not do their clinical attachments. Students strongly disagreed (40.3%) that the e-library and wireless facilities in their school were well-stocked. Hence, this resulted in some students (40.3%) missing class lessons and assessments.

Conclusions:The COVID-19 epidemic has negatively affected the academic activities of nursing students in Zambia. Ministries responsible for education must put in place measures that will mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the education sector. Schools must adapt to the changes in the way of conducting learning and assessment sessions. Finally, schools must improve on their e-library and wireless facilities to effectively support online learning.

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Author Biography

Kennedy Mwila, Department of Educational Administration and Policy Studies, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia

Department of Pharmacy, Lecturer I

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