PERCEIVED STRESS IN UNDERGRADUATE PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS OF PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Stress results from different kind of stressors that affect students either positively or
negatively depending on their coping ability. Academic stressors are the main cause of stress and
depression among undergraduate allied health sciences’ students. The aim of this study was to
determine the prevalence of perceived stress and its association with gender among undergraduate
physical therapy students of Peshawar. Methodology: Level of perceived stress was assessed using
cross sectional study design at different Physiotherapy institutes of Peshawar, Pakistan. A total of 300
students were recruited from five different institutes. Degree and prevalence of stress was assessed
using Perceived stress scale (Cohen PSS 10). Results: Seventy-two percent students were found to be
moderately stressed, 23.3% were highly stressed whereas 4.7% had low level of stress. Female students
showed significantly higher stress levels (23.50±4.80 vs 21.50±5.60, p=0.01). Control on irritation and
confidence were considered as positive stressors whereas nervousness, stress and loss of patience were
found to be the important negative stressors. Conclusion: A significant number of physiotherapy
students fall in moderate to high stress categories with female preponderance.