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 st udents (n=900) studying at Tabriz and Urmia universities were recruited in the study during 2 010-2011. 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. T he questionnaire was completed by the participants in both schools after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test. 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). The problem-solving skills training program reduced depression scores. Providing information and using the problem-solving skills training are recommended.