EXPLORING PERCEIVED STRESS LEVELS AND COPING STRATEGIES: AN ANALYSIS AMONG UNDERGRADUATE PHARMACY STUDENTS.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37231/apj.2024.7.1.567Abstract
Abstract: The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has ushered in a new educational paradigm, initially exerting a negative impact on the mental well-being of students globally, including those enrolled in Malaysian universities. It is noteworthy that conventional, face-to-face learning at Universiti Teknologi MARA resumed in September 2022, which directly forced students’ transition from virtual learning during the pandemic to physical learning post pandemic. Consequently, this research project was undertaken with the objective of assessing the perceived stress levels among students pursuing a Diploma of Pharmacy at Universiti Teknologi MARA Cawangan Pulau Pinang (UiTMCPP) Bertam Campus. The study also explored into the origins of stress, encompassing both academic and non-academic factors, which students encountered in the post-pandemic era, as well as the strategies they employed to manage this stress. Data for this study were collected from 220 students through an online questionnaire, which incorporated the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) to gauge their perceived stress levels, inquiries pertaining to academic and non-academic stressors, and investigations into the methods they adopted for stress management. Data from completed questionnaires were recorded into SPSS version 26 software for analysis. The outcomes of this research project revealed that a majority of the students reported experiencing a moderate level of stress. In summary, this study provides insights into the challenges confronted by Diploma of Pharmacy students at UiTMCPP Bertam Campus, with a specific emphasis on their perceived stress levels, the factors contributing to their stress, and the coping mechanisms they employ. These findings offer valuable information concerning the mental health of students in this context and may serve as a basis for devising strategies to support their well-being during these demanding circumstances.
Keywords: : Students; Stress; Stressors; Academic; Non-Academic; Coping Strategies
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