Gender differences in perceived stress level among undergraduate students in Armenia

Abstract

Abstract Background Stress is an important issue in academic institutions and can have a negative impact on overall academic performance. This study was conducted as a research assignment during the Basics of Healthy Lifestyle course and aimed to investigate the stress level among undergraduate students at the American University of Armenia (AUA). Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate students recruited by non-random convenience sampling. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to conduct face to face interviews. The questionnaire contained 40 close-ended questions on students' perceived stress level, the Student Stress Scale (SSS) (sum of scores of 31 questions) to measure actual stress, and socio-demographic characteristics. Data entry, descriptive and comparative statistics were performed using SPSS software. Secondary data analysis was conducted to explore gender differences in stress level. Results Overall, 111 AUA students participated and slightly over half of participants (59.5%) were female. The SSS revealed that 46.0% of students experience medium stress levels (self-perceived mean stress score =-5.8). Only 21.6% perceived themselves as having high stress levels; however, SSS showed that about one third had high stress. Female participants' perception of being highly stressed and having high stress level based on SSS were similar (28.8% and 27.3%, respectively). In contrast, less males perceived being highly stressed (13.3%), though, SSS showed that 40.0% of males experienced high stress levels. Conclusions The majority of AUA undergraduate students experienced medium or low stress levels. Male students experience higher stress levels, but their perceived stress level was much lower than in among females. Research is needed to explore the gender differences in stress levels and coping mechanisms among students. These findings may be useful for university administration for developing stress-reduction and stress-management strategies. Key messages There are disparities in perceived stress and actual stress levels between male and female students that warrant further exploration. Gender differences in stress level of the students should be considered for stress-reduction and stress-management strategies.