Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Nursing Students at Ras Al Khaima Medical and Health Science University in the United Arab Emirates

Document Type : Research articles

Authors

1 Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University

2 Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University

Abstract

Academic stress among college students has been a topic of interest for many years.
College students especially freshmen, are particularly prone to stress due to the transitional
nature of college life. They may have difficulty in adjusting to more rigorous academic
expectations and the need to learn to deal with individuals of different cultural and beliefs.
High perceived stress levels and lack of effective coping skills could be a barrier to achieve
the challenges of the profession. Objective: assess perceived stress and coping strategies
among nursing students at RAK Medical and Health Science University. Setting: The study
was conducted in Ras Al Khaima medical and health science universities in nursing college.
Subjects: The study subjects comprised 100 undergraduate nursing students at RAKMHSU,
United Arab Emirates. Tools: They were socio-demographic profile, Perceived Stress Scale
and Adolescent-Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (ACOPE). Results: The
majority of nursing students (91%) had low to moderate level of stress (49% and 42%
respectively) and only 9% had high stress. The students adopted active coping strategies
rather than avoidant and seeking professional support coping strategies. No significant
difference between PSS level and gender. Conclusion: Nursing students at RAKMHSU had
moderate levels of perceived stress; a major source of stress was academic load. The results
show strong, negative correlations between perceived stress levels and coping strategies.
Recommendations: Psych-educational program, faculty advising system and counseling
services are recommended.

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