Pattern and sources of stress among students in a private university in Osun State, south-west Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Stress is common amongst undergraduates because of the demand and challenges in the pursuit of their career. Stress also affects their health and academic performance often leading to withdrawal from school, depression and substance abuse. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and sources of perceived stress among undergraduate students in a private Nigerian University.

Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of 247 students that completed a semi-structured perceived student stress scale questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: Majority (97.2%) were stressed with 36% being moderately stressed. Major sources of stress included change in living environment (52.2%) and poor sleep (51.4%). Significant factors associated with stress among respondents were poor academic performance (OR=7.46, 95%CI=3.10-17.86, p=0.001), and having financial difficulties (OR=9.17, 95% CI=2.50-33.33, p=0.001). Use of sedatives (52.5%) and prayer (43.3%) were the commonest coping strategies among respondents.

Conclusions: Perceived stress was common among respondents. There is need for early detection and management of stress among Nigerian university students.

Keywords: Perceived stress; Nigeria; private; students