PERCIEVED STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Stress is common among university students due to academic workload, examinations, and future concerns. High stress can affect students’ mental health, sleep, and academic performance. Coping strategies are important in managing stress and maintaining well-being.

Objective: To assess the level of perceived stress and coping strategies among university students and to determine their relationship.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Peoples University of Medical and Health Sciences for Women (PUMHSW). A total of 280 students from BSN (Generic), DPT, Pharm D, and BSPH programs were selected through convenience sampling. Data collection was carried out after obtaining informed consent from the participants, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Mini-COPE Inventory. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21, utilizing descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) to assess stress levels and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient to determine the relationship between stress and coping mechanisms.

Results: The mean PSS-10 score was 21.5 ± 6.5, indicating moderate stress. 91.1% of students reported moderate stress, 6.4% reported high stress, and 2.5% reported low stress. Problem-focused coping was the most frequently used strategy, followed by emotion-focused coping, while avoidant coping was less common. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative association between problem-focused coping and perceived stress (r = -0.32, p < 0.01), a weak negative association with emotion-focused coping (r = -0.15, p = 0.02), and a significant positive correlation between avoidant coping and stress (r = 0.40, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Moderate stress was common among university students. Coping strategies play an important role in stress management. The study highlights the need for stress reduction and mental health support programs for students.