Karishma

Correlation between physical activity and stress levels in allied health science students during examination periods

• Authors Details :  
• Christian Gendemeh,  
• Atul Khajuria,  
• Pravin Kumar

Journal title : Yemen Journal of Medicine

Publisher : Mansa STM Publishers

Online ISSN : 2583-4614

Page Number : 140-145

Journal volume : 04

Journal issue : 01

90 Views Original Article

Background: Allied health science students often experience elevated academic stress due to the demanding nature of their curricula, which blend theoretical instruction with clinical practice. Examination periods, in particular, exacerbate psychological pressure, potentially compromising academic performance and overall well-being. Physical activity (PA) has been widely recognized for its protective role against stress, yet limited research has been conducted specifically among allied health science students. This study examined the correlation between physical activity and perceived stress levels among undergraduate allied health students during examination periods at Desh Bhagat University. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional correlational study was conducted over eight weeks, from October to November 2024. 250 undergraduate students were proportionately and randomly selected from the Nursing, Physiotherapy, Radiography, and Medical Laboratory Science departments. Data collection instruments included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire–Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA were performed using SPSS version 25 to analyze the data. Results: Out of 250 questionnaires distributed, 237 were deemed valid for analysis. Among the respondents, 40.9% reported low physical activity, 38.4% moderate, and 20.7% high. In terms of stress levels, 65.4% experienced moderate stress, and 19.4% reported high stress. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between physical activity and perceived stress (r = -0.42, p < 0.001). Furthermore, one-way ANOVA revealed that students with higher physical activity levels had significantly lower stress scores (F = 18.93, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Physical activity is an effective non-pharmacological strategy for mitigating academic stress among allied health science students. The results highlight the importance of promoting regular physical activity, particularly during high-stress academic periods, as a means of enhancing mental well-being and academic success.

Article DOI & Crossmark Data

DOI : https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i1.0068

Article Subject Details

• Health sciences
• Preventive medicine

Article Keywords Details

• Academic Stress
• Examination Periods
• IPAQSF
• Mental Health
• Physical Activity
• PSS-10
• Student Wellness
• Allied Health Students

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