Academic Stress: Its Causes and Results at a Ugandan University

Abstract

The study examined academic stress, study habits and academic performance of 196 (113 males and 83 females) undergraduates of Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda using a cross-sectional survey research design. Findings showed that daily academic hassles were found to be the most stressful (M = 3.11; SD = 0.96) while personal problems were reported as the least stressful (M = 2.27; SD = 0.86). First year students experienced greater academic stress from financial hardships (χ 2 = 10.71; p = .03), academic overload/time (χ 2 = 10.23; p = .04) and social expectations (χ 2 = 10.79; p = .01) than the continuing students. Motivation was the most used study habit (M = 6.52; SD = 1.18) among the respondent, while studying a chapter was the least common study habit (M = 3.86; SD = 1.35) among the students. Faculty of Development Studies students had better study habits (χ 2 = 8.75; p = .03) than other faculties/institute based on grade performance. The GPA/CGPA 4.40 -5.00 category had superior study habits (χ 2 = 11.47; p = .01) than the other GPA/CGPA categories. Age (OR =. 88) was a significant predictor of having supplementary exams. Our results highlight the need for strategic interventions focusing on reducing academic stressors and improving the study habits of the undergraduates considering the uniqueness of the different faculties and year of study for improved academic performance.

Investigating the Relationship between Educational Stress and Emotional Self-Efficacy

“…According to the study of American Health Association that was carried out with 97.357 students in 2006, 32 percent of students consider educational stress as a reason for low grades and dropout [44]. High expectations, information overload, academic pressure, unrealistic ambitions, limited opportunities and high competition are the most common causes of academic stress [33]. Educational stress decreases performance, poses a threat to students' well-being, and causes mental and physical health problems [31].…”

Coping Self‐Efficacy and Academic Stress Among Hispanic First‐Year College Students: The Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence

“…According to Nakalema and Ssenyonga (), high expectations, information overload, academic pressure, unrealistic ambitions, limited opportunities, and high competitiveness are some of the more common causes of academic stress among college students. The impact of these factors is exacerbated among 1st‐year students because the adjustment challenges these students face are most prevalent.…”

A cross‐sectional study of stress and its sources among health professional students at Makerere University, Uganda

“…While these findings show high prevalence of stress, studies done particularly among health professional students in African universities have documented worrying levels of stress ranging from 21.6% to 86% (Amr, El‐Gilany, El‐Moafee, Salama, & Jimenez, ; Dessie, Ebrahim, & Awoke, ; Ofili, Oriaifo, Okungbowa, & Eze, ). In Uganda, data about stress among health professional students are scarce; however, a study done to explore academic stress among students of Mbarara University revealed that students had moderate levels of stress and it affected their academic performance negatively (Nakalema & Ssenyonga, ).…”