SOURCES OF STRESS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN A NIGERIAN UNIVERSITY: IMPLICATION FOR COUNSELING

Introduction: Stress is common amongst undergraduates because of demand and challenges in the pursuit of their career. Stress also affects their health and academic performance often leading to withdrawal from school, depression and substance abuse. Objective: To assess the prevalence and sources of stress among undergraduate students Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was performed to determine sources of stress and to evaluate stress levels using a validated Student Stress Survey questionnaire (Cronbach's Alpha - 0.78). A total of 247 students participated in the study. Data were analysed using SPSS version 17. Results: Prevalence of mild, moderate and severe stress was 33.2%, 36% and 27.9% respectively while 2.7% of the study group were not under stress.Respondents mean age (SD) was 21years (2.0). There were 145 (58.7%) females and 102 (41.3%) males.Stress was significantly greater in first year. Intrapersonal sources of stress were the most common source of stress. The five most frequently stressors were- change in eating habits (52%), change in sleeping habits (51%), change in living environment (40.5%), minor illness (40%)and change in social activities (36.8%). Failure in some courses ranked 10th (34%). Gender, course of study and year of study were significant factors affecting stress among the students (p = 0.001). Bivariate regression analysis showed that change in sleeping and eating habits were significant stressors among students of all years (OR ; 95%CI ; p = 0.002). Conclusion: This study demonstrated high level of stress among undergraduate students. Guidance and counselling, periodic stress assessment and management training should be incorporated into the school curriculum.