Academic Stress Among Nursing (BSCN) Students And Its Association With Sociodemographic In A Private Nursing College In Karachi, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Background:

Academic stress is a prevalent issue among nursing students, caused by rigorous academic demands, clinical exposure, and personal challenges. Previous studies highlighted the impact of stress on students' mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. This study explores the level of academic stress experienced by Generic Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) students in a private nursing college in Karachi, Pakistan.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of academic stress and identify the sociodemographic factors associated with stress among BScN students. The research further investigates the correlation between academic stress and perceived stress among nursing students.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional study design was used and data was collected through online questionnaires. Two tolls were used in this study to measure stress level The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Scale for Assessing Academic Stress (SAAS). Our study sample size is 105 based on the prevalence rate of the 67.8% of moderate stress.
Results:
The study results show that 62.9% of students experienced moderate stress, with 10.5% reporting high stress levels based on the PSS. According to the SAAS 43.8% of students reported academic stress. The study further highlights the sociodemographic factors, such as age, gender, and type of residence, were significantly associated with stress levels.

Conclusion:
The findings highlight the significant prevalence of academic stress among nursing students in Karachi. The study highlighted the need of targeted interventions, such as stress management workshops and mental health support programs, to alleviate stress. The study also emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive learning environment to enhance students' academic performance and mental well-being, ultimately benefiting the nursing profession.