Sources of Stress among Saudi Arabian Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Nov 14;18(22):11958. doi: 10.3390/ijerph182211958.

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing students experience higher levels of stress than those in other health-related disciplines; however, there are limited data exploring stress among these students in a Saudi context.

Aim: This study examines sources of stress among nursing students at an academic institution in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using a descriptive quantitative cross-sectional research design.

Methods: Data were collected from a convenience sample of 500 undergraduate nursing students, with a response rate of 71.8%, using an adapted Stress in Nursing Students (SINS) questionnaire.

Results: Nursing student sources of stress fell into three categories: academic concerns, clinical practice, and social factors.

Discussion: The results demonstrate commonality between other countries' sources of stress for nursing students but highlight cultural factors unique to Saudi Arabia. This study shows opportunities for cross-cultural learning and areas needing cultural tailoring to reduce stress among nursing students.

Keywords: Saudi Arabia; baccalaureate; bridging; nursing students; stress.

MeSH terms

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate*
  • Humans
  • Saudi Arabia / epidemiology
  • Students, Nursing*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires