Sources and Effects of Stress among University Students

Abstract

The study investigated major sources and effects of stress among Kyambogo University students. The study also established ways through which students managed stress. Stratified random sampling was used to select 140 students from the Faculty of Science according to their departments and gender. A descriptive survey design was employed and data were collected using a questionnaire and focus group discussions. Data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages. A Chi-square test was employed to determine whether there was any significant difference in the levels of stress between genders (p ≤ 0.05). Results show that finances (132, 94%) and examinations (127, 91%) were the major sources of stress. Inability to concentrate (121, 86%), irritability (112, 80%) and loss of weight (99, 71%) were common effects of stress. Results from the Chi-square test show that female and male students were not equally stressed by relationships and peer pressure. Also, apart from finance (Male 69%: Female 63%) and Heavy workload and fatigue (Male 58%: Female 53%), the rest of the components females exhibited higher stress than males. This suggests that female students were more stressed than male students. Students mostly used sharing their frustrations with friends (127, 91%) and acceptance (117, 84%) as coping strategies. Nevertheless, in order to effectively cope with stress, it is recommended that students should engage in regular Physical Activity (PA).