Stress: A Silent Threat to University Students

  • Subia Jamil Jinnah University for Women Karachi
  • Sahar Abdul Qadir Faculty of Pharmacy, 
  • Muntaha Ghulam Faculty of Pharmacy,
  • Shariqa Khawaja Faculty of Pharmacy, 
  • Syeda Maheen , Nadeem Faculty of Pharmacy,
  • Syeda Aisha Shahid Faculty of Pharmacy, Jinnah University for Women Karachi
Keywords: Distress, depression, prevalence, stress level, university student.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the level of stress among university students. Materials and Methods: a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study constituting approximately 200 randomly selected university students. For convenience confidentiality is maintained. Stress is measured by using stress scale of 24 closed ended questions. The questionnaire is filled by university students under the supervision of pharmacist. Results: The study shows that approximately 82 percent student showing a great trait and characteristics of stress that are creating un-healthy behaviors. 17% of students have low self-esteemand13% of students were always preoccupied with thoughts and 11% of students keeps on thinking even if relaxing and 50% of the students face problem regarding their sleep pattern which is badly influencing the behavior of the students. This suggest that they are more prone to experience stress related illnesses like diabetes, irritable bowel, migraine, back and neck pain, high blood pressure, heart disease/strokes, mental ill health (depression, anxiety & stress). The extent of stress level observed among university student is certainly alarming and thus. Approaches are needed that reduce the negative aspects of stress (distress). Conclusion: The prevalence of stress among university students is alarming. The study suggests that there is a need for primary and secondary preventive measures, with the development of adequate and appropriate support services for this group.

Author Biographies

Subia Jamil, Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Faculty of Pharmacy

Sahar Abdul Qadir, Faculty of Pharmacy, 

Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Muntaha Ghulam, Faculty of Pharmacy,

 Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Shariqa Khawaja, Faculty of Pharmacy, 

Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Syeda Maheen , Nadeem, Faculty of Pharmacy,

 Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Syeda Aisha Shahid, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Jinnah University for Women Karachi

Published
2017-04-12