Prevalence of psychological stress among undergraduate students attending a health programme in a Malaysian University

• Main Authors: Phang, Cheng Kar, Mohd Sidik, Sherina, Jamil @ Osman, Zubaidah, Naing, Khin Ohnmar@Noor Jan, Mukhtar, Firdaus, Ismail, Siti Irma Fadhilah, Ibrahim, Normala
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Putra Malaysia Press 2015
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40631/1/Prevalence%20of%20psychological%20stress%20among%20undergraduate%20students%20attending%20a%20health%20programme%20in%20a%20Malaysian%20University.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/40631/; http://www.pertanika.upm.edu.my/Pertanika%20PAPERS/JST%20Vol.%2023%20%281%29%20Jan.%202015/%283%29%20JST-0454-2012.pdf
• Institution: Universiti Putra Malaysia

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.