Analysis of nursing student stress in their academic routine

Abstract

Objective: To assess the intensity of stress factors among nursing students during their academic life. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and exploratory study was conducted from June to August 2023 with nursing students from a private and philanthropic higher education institution in the interior of São Paulo, Brazil. The Nursing Student Stress Assessment instrument was used, which consists of sociodemographic data and specific aspects in common situations in the students' routine to quantify the intensity of stress, covering six domains: “Environment”, “Theoretical Activity”, “Practical Activity”, “Communication”, “Time Management”, and “Professional Development”. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics to identify associations between variables. Results: Out of the 66 participants, 43.9% are in the age range of 21 to 25 years; 77.2% are female; with 28.7% enrolled in the 2nd period of the course; where 59% of the interviewees already work; 68.1% reside with their family and 66.6% live in the city of the course. The results of the stress level were stratified by overall classification. The frequency of stress intensity classification indicated a low level in all six domains. There was a significant association in the domains of Environment with two variables: age (p - valor: 0,023) and domicile in Sorocaba (p - valor: < 0,001), also between “Theoretical Activity with Place of Residence” (p - valor: 0,004). Conclusion: The analysis over the periods revealed a favorable outcome, as nursing students manage to maintain an academic routine with a low level of stress, demonstrating effective coping skills in dealing with stressors.