@article{ref1,
title="Factors associated with perceived stress in Middle Eastern university students",
journal="Journal of American college health",
year="2021",
author="Cheema, Sohaila and Maisonneuve, Patrick and Abraham, Amit and Chaabna, Karima and Tom, Abdallah and Ibrahim, Hania and Mushannen, Tasnim and Yousuf, Wajiha and Lowenfels, Albert B. and Mamtani, Ravinder",
volume="ePub",
number="ePub",
pages="ePub-ePub",
abstract="University students face high levels of stress-related factors, such as an unfamiliar environment, challenging workload, and uncertainty about their ability to succeed. Participants: A total of 370 students in Qatar who consented to participate between February 2017 and February 2018. <br><br>METHODS: This cross-sectional study assessed perceived stress [using a validated 4-point perceived stress scale (PSS-4)], as well as diet, exercise, body mass index, sleep, and life satisfaction. <br><br>RESULTS: Among students aged 18-39 (mean = 20.1 ± 3.0 years), PSS-4 scores varied between 0 and 16 (mean = 7.4 ± 3.4). Elevated stress was significantly associated with female sex, country of origin, residing off-campus, eating when bored, lack of self-discipline, disturbed sleep, and low levels of life satisfaction. Furthermore, students with PSS-4 scores above the median level were 2.3 times likelier to report difficulty concentrating on academic work. <br><br>CONCLUSION: Elevated stress levels are present in university students in Qatar. Strengthening coping skills may improve health and academic performance.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0744-8481",
doi="10.1080/07448481.2020.1865979",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2020.1865979"
}