NYMC Faculty Publications
Factors Associated With Perceived Stress in Middle Eastern University Students
Author Type(s)
Faculty
DOI
10.1080/07448481.2020.1865979
Journal Title
Journal of American College Health
First Page
2462
Last Page
2469
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2022
Department
Surgery
Abstract
University students face high levels of stress-related factors, such as an unfamiliar environment, challenging workload, and uncertainty about their ability to succeed. A total of 370 students in Qatar who consented to participate between February 2017 and February 2018. 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. 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. Elevated stress levels are present in university students in Qatar. Strengthening coping skills may improve health and academic performance.
Recommended Citation
Cheema, S., Maisonneuve, P., Abraham, A., Chaabna, K., Tom, A., Ibrahim, H., Mushannen, T., Yousuf, W., Lowenfels, A. B., & Mamtani, R. (2022). Factors Associated With Perceived Stress in Middle Eastern University Students. Journal of American College Health, 70 (8), 2462-2469. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1865979