Factors associated with perceived stress in Middle Eastern university students. Issue 8 (17th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cheema, Sohaila; Maisonneuve, Patrick; Abraham, Amit; Chaabna, Karima; Tom, Abdallah; Ibrahim, Hania; Mushannen, Tasnim; Yousuf, Wajiha; Lowenfels, Albert B.; Mamtani, Ravinder
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 2462
• Page End: 2469
• Publication Date: 2022-11-17
• Subjects: Mental health -- Middle East -- risk factors -- stress -- university students; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1865979
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: University students face high levels of stress-related factors, such as an unfamiliar environment, challenging workload, and uncertainty about their ability to succeed. Participants: A total of 370 students in Qatar who consented to participate between February 2017 and February 2018. Methods: This cross-sectional study assessed perceived stress [using a validated 4-point perceived stress scale (PSS-4)], as well as diet, exercise, body mass index, sleep, and life satisfaction. Results: Among students aged 18–39 (mean = 20.1 ± 3.0 years), PSS-4 scores varied between 0 and 16 (mean = 7.4 ± 3.4). Elevated stress was significantly associated with female sex, country of origin, residing off-campus, eating when bored, lack of self-discipline, disturbed sleep, and low levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, students with PSS-4 scores above the median level were 2.3 times likelier to report difficulty concentrating on academic work. Conclusion: Elevated stress levels are present in university students in Qatar. Strengthening coping skills may improve health and academic performance.