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Prevalence of Psychological Stress among Undergraduate Students Attending a Health Programme in a Malaysian University

Phang, C. K., Sherina, M. S., Zubaidah, J. O., Noor Jan, K. O. N., Firdaus, M., Siti Irma, F. I. and Normala, I.

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Volume 23, Issue 1, January 2015

Keywords: Anxiety, depression, general health questionnaire (GHQ), mental health, psychological stress, undergraduates, university

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Psychological stress among undergraduate students is associated with poor academic results, physical ill-health and psychiatric disorders. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of psychological stress and its associated factors among undergraduate students attending a health programme in a local university. This is a cross-sectional study among undergraduate students attending a health programme in a local university. The 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) was used to determine the presence of psychological stress at a cut-off point of 4 and above. Analysis was conducted to determine any association between gender, ethnicity, year of study in the university, recent health-seeking contact with a doctor, and psychological stress among the participants. The prevalence of psychological stress among undergraduate students attending a health program in a Malaysian University was 49.3%. There was no significant association with any of the socio-demographic factors studied (p>0.05). The prevalence of psychological stress in this study was significantly high, and irrespective of gender, ethnicity, year of study in the university, and recent health-seeking contact with a doctor. Hence, the findings of this study show that it may be a useful strategy to integrate such health programs regularly in activities of colleges and universities, with the aim of promoting mental health and wellness among the students.

ISSN 1511-3701

e-ISSN 2231-8542

Article ID

JST-0454-2012

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