Prevalence and determinants of perceived stress in moroccan nursing students - A cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: Stress is a widespread phenomenon among the student population, particularly among nursing students. It can positively or negatively impact their academic performance and well-being. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of perceived stress among nursing and technical health students and analysing the influencing factors. MATERIEL ET METHODES: This is a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional quantitative study, realised on nursing and technical health care students at the Higher Institutes of Nursing Professions and Techniques of Health of Fez and Rabat using a questionnaire containing socio-demographic data and a scale measuring perceived stress PSS10. RESULTS: The study involved 696 students. The results of the study showed that the majority of students have a perceived stress level ranging from medium (74.9%) to high (19.4%). In addition, good and very good mentions characterize the results of the majority. The determinants related to stress identified were: sex, somatic or psychological disease, the consumption of a psychotropic, sleep disorders, a past trauma, the perception of training as (stressful, or/ and motivating), the training load, the difficulties related to the training, the difficulties related to the examinations and the mentions obtained. The results of the study showed that students with higher grades had a higher perceived stress score. CONCLUSION: Our results show that stress levels are higher among the best -performing students. Improving students' mental health and promoting their well-being is a vital necessity. This can be achieved by integrating specific units for stress management and personal development of students into training programs.