Level of Academic Stress Among B.Sc. Nursing Ist Year Students, Jammu

Abstract

Background: Academic Stress can have an impact on a student’s academic performance which can be both positive and negative effects depending on its severity and how students perceive it. Minimal level of academic stress can lead to positive outcomes such as motivation and improved task performance while severe stress can result in anxiety, depression, social dysfunction and even suicidal intention 1. Academic stress is something to be managed rather than eliminated. To manage stress properly it is necessary to understand its antecedents as well as consequences 2. Aim: Assess the level of academic stress among B.Sc Nursing 1st year students. Materials and methods: A quantitative research approach, descriptive research design was adopted for this study. Samples of 50 B.Sc Nursing 1st year students were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Self-structured 5-point Likert scale was used to assess the level of academic stress. The data was analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics i.e. frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation and chi-square. Major findings of the study: It is found that among 50 B.Sc. Nursing 1st year students, 56% (28) had moderate stress, 28% (14) students had severe stress, 14% (7) had mild stress and 2% (1) had extreme stress. Statistical analysis showed that mean of B.Sc. Nursing students level of academic stress was 3.180 and Standard deviation was 0.690. Association between the levels of academic stress and socio demographic variables showed that there was a significant association between levels of academic stress among B.Sc. Nursing 1st year students with parent’s education. Conclusion: Academic stress may adversely affect the performance and their health condition. So, it is very important to arrange some workshops at the beginning of each semester and schedule for extra-curricular activities like practicing yoga, meditation, physical exercise etc 3. Thus, the students will be able to learn how they can overcome their stress while studying. Through effective counselling, counsellors and also psychologists can help the students to reduce the stress and motivate them for better academic performance.