Impacts of Financial Stress on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Nursing Students: A Systematic Integrative Review

AimTo explore the direct relationship between financial stress and mental health and wellbeing of nursing students and characterise the effectiveness of available support mechanisms.DesignSystematic integrative review.Data SourcesAcademic Search Complete, CINAHL, Education Research Complete, MEDLINE, ProQuest Central, PsycNET, Scopus and Web of Science were searched in January and October 2024.MethodsStudies reporting a direct relationship between financial stress and mental health and wellbeing in nursing students were included. Data related to sources of financial stress, mental health impacts, and support mechanisms were extracted, synthesised narratively, and reported thematically.ResultsFindings from nine studies reveal that financial stress significantly affects nursing students' mental health and wellbeing, contributing to emotional distress and reduced quality of life. Financial stress arises from personal, academic and clinical sources, with the intensity varying based on individual demographic profiles and fluctuating throughout their educational journeys. Marginalised and underserved groups experience greater impacts due to pre-existing disadvantages. Current support mechanisms are largely reactive, providing only short-term relief and failing to address root causes. Additionally, students' efforts to alleviate financial stress in one domain often exacerbated it in another.ConclusionThis review highlights the multifaceted and compounding effects of financial stress on nursing students' mental health and wellbeing. Proactive strategies, including structured employment programs, embedded financial literacy education, and transparent pre-enrolment information offer promising solutions.Implications for the ProfessionWhile financial stress cannot be fully eradicated, targeted support for at-risk students can mitigate its impacts, improving their mental health and educational outcomes.ImpactThis review addresses the critical issue of financial stress among nursing students, highlighting its disproportionate impact on marginalised and underserved groups. It underscores the need for proactive interventions and systemic reform to improve educational experiences globally.Reporting MethodPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 Statement.Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution. Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42024514262Patient or Public ContributionNo patient or public contribution. Trial Registration: PROSPERO: CRD42024514262