“When Academic Pressure Rises” Stress Levels, Sources of Stress and Coping Strategies Among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Ghana: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Stress has become a major concern among students, particularly those in health-related programs such as nursing. The demanding academic workload, clinical responsibilities, and limited sup-port systems place nursing students at high risk of psychological distress. To determine the prevalence, major sources, coping mechanisms, and predictors of stress among undergraduate nursing students of Nursing and midwifery school of a public University in Ghana. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional analytical study among 150 undergraduate nursing students in levels 100–400 selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Students’ Stress Inventory. Descriptive statistics, t -tests, analysis of variance, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression were used for analysis. Most participants (58.67%) experienced moderate stress, while 26.67% reported high stress. The major stressors identified were lack of social support (87.33%), examination fears (85.33%), financial constraints (81.33%), and heavy workload (79.33%). Common coping mechanisms included prayer/meditation, watching movies, religious support, and listening to music. Regression analysis showed that age and academic level significantly predicted stress, with younger and Level 200 students reporting higher stress. Being in a dating relationship also significantly increased stress levels. Stress is highly prevalent among undergraduate nursing students, driven largely by academic pressures, financial challenges, and inadequate social support. Coping strategies are primarily religious and socially oriented. Younger students and those in Level 200 are particularly vulnerable.