Stress Management and Coping Strategies among Pregnant Students in Colleges of Education: A Case Study of Students in Akatsi College of Education

Abstract

Women experience and celebrate special events in their lifetimes such as pregnancy and childbirth. Pregnancy brings joy for most women in Africa because it is seen to be a fulfillment of womanhood. While pregnancy is usually associated with joy, the moment is equally associated with anxiety and fear especially if it is unplanned. There is evidence that pregnant students experience stress in the traditional Universities in Ghana. The purpose of the study was to examine the level of stress and the coping strategies used by pregnant students in Akatsi College of Education, specifically in terms of campus duties, academic workload, accommodation restrictions, and ways of coping with academic activities pregnancy. The study was a case study qualitative research using a semi-structured interview. Respondents encompassed six pregnant students who are still students of Akatsi College of Education. The majority of pregnant students in Akatsi College of Education experienced stress from the school environment in relation to their comfortability in terms of food, clothing, and accommodation. Pregnant students faced stigma from colleagues. Even though the pregnant students were not suggesting to the College to be given preferential treatment, a large number of respondents wished the college allows them to either rent accommodation outside campus or be given a room meant for only pregnant students. It was realised that the majority of respondents adopted coping strategies to deal with stress on campus. There is a need for a policy direction for Akatsi Colleges of Education for pregnant students to be allowed to rent outside campus or be given separate rooms. Also, there is a need for flexibility in the style of uniform and options for pregnant students on campus to cook their own food. Counselling/GESI units in Akatsi College of Education to institute measures to identify pregnant students and prepare them psychologically.