Stress Levels among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Relation to Demographic Factors at Tra Vinh University, Vietnam, 2023

Abstract

The mental health of nursing students is increasingly recognized as a critical issue, particularly given the high demands of their educational and clinical training. This study evaluates the prevalence and severity of stress among 94 nursing students, revealing a significant incidence of stress with potentially serious implications for health. According to the World Health Organization, optimal mental health enables individuals to manage life’s normal stresses and contribute positively to their communities. However, when stress becomes pathological, it can severely impact life balance and health, leading to conditions such as anxiety and depression. Our findings show that 38.3% of nursing students experience stress, with 61.7% exhibiting symptoms of stress and 35.1% facing mild pathological stress. Notably, severe pathological stress necessitating medical intervention was observed in 3.2% of the cohort. The average stress score was 21.2 ± 4.4, indicating a substantial risk of stress progression from normal to mild pathological levels. Demographic analysis revealed no significant differences in stress prevalence based on gender, age, or ethnicity. Living arrangements and economic status did not significantly influence stress rates. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate stress and its detrimental effects on nursing students, potentially enhancing their educational outcomes and long-term mental health.