Level of perceived stress and coping styles through positive mental health among nursing students in Hail, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study aims to determine the level of stress and the coping style through positive mental health status among student nurses. Further, it aimed to look into the relationship between the level of stress and positive mental health. The study was conducted at the University of Hail, College of Nursing using the descriptive cross-sectional approach. Data was gathered in three months from November to January 2020 through a self-administered questionnaire. There were 175 student nurses who participated in the study as a result of simple random sampling. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the demographic characteristics of the nursing students, perceived stress, and positive mental health. T-test was used to determine differences in age, gender, marital status, and academic program while one-way ANOVA was used at an academic level. Pearson’s product moment of correlation was used to establish a relationship between perceived stress and positive mental health. Results revealed a moderate level of stress (Mean=24; SD=5.83) and a restrained Positive mental health status (Mean=103 SD=11.78) among the student nurses. Gender (p=.017) showed significance in terms of positive mental health status. There is no significant relationship (p=0.987) between Positive Mental Health and Perceived Stress among the nursing students in Hail, Saudi Arabia. Saudi nursing students experienced moderate to high levels of stress and a moderate level of positive mental health. Gender is significant in positive mental health. As no correlation was deemed between perceived stress and positive mental health, enhancement of coping strategies is recommended to train student nurses to handle stress and promote positive mental health.