Abstract:
Introduction: Excessive stress causes physical and mental health problems and also impairs
students’ academic achievement and personal or professional development. The transition from
high school to higher education for students is a stressful experience as they struggle to cope
with an array of changing conditions including: movement away from home, change of peer
group, the establishment of new friendships and expected to cope with the university academic
demands and interaction with local and expatriate instructors with different backgrounds.
Therefore, this transition period is accompanied by positive and negative emotional experiences.
Objective: To assess the perceived stress level and associated factors among health science
students at Debre birehane University, North Shoa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed both quantitative and qualitative
methods. Study population was selected by using stratified random sampling technique and data
were collected by using structured pre-tested self administered questionnaire. Stratified random
sampling method with proportionate allocation was used to get the required sample size 279.
Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Frequencies, binary and
logistic regression were used to describe and analyze study variables. Ethical approval was
granted from JU College of public Health and Medical sciences ethical committee.
Result. The overall Mean PSS score in the study population was 31.09(SD =8.19) and was
significantly higher among female students. In this study, 174(63.7%) respondents had got a
PSS-14 score greater than 28, with a 95 % CI of (34.78-36.66). The odds of perceived stress
level among first year students were higher compared to fourth year student [AOR=3.59; 95%
CI (1.47, 8.71)]. High level of perceived stress exists among respondents who had poor
relationship with class mates and dorm mates [AOR=5.331; 95% CI=.43,19.78].
Conclusion and Recommendation: A higher level of perceived stress was found by this study.
According to this study gender, pocket money, social support, and relationship with class mates
and dorm mates, physical problem and ever uses of substance were a significant factors
contributing to perceived stress level. Policy makers and the university management to
consistently plan suitable activities or programs for the students such as on managing stress
