Demographic Factors as Predictors of Nursing Students’ Educational Stress: A Multisite Study

Abstract

Introduction: Students may experience discomfort due to various circumstances, including stress. Academic pressure and some demographic factors, particularly in clinical settings, were noted to be the nursing students’ primary cause of their stress.

Objectives: This study intended to determine the demographic factors influencing the nursing student’s level of educational stress.

Methods: Predictive-correlational design was used in this study among conveniently selected nursing students (n=519) in region 11 and 12, Philippines based on the following criteria: legal age, currently enrolled in BSN program, regardless of status, gender, religion, and ethnicity, and willing to partake in the study. An online survey questionnaire was used for data gathering. Data analysis was done using the SPSSv.29.

Results: The respondents were predominantly female first year nursing students aged 20 years old. Majority of them were living with their parents and belonged to a lower income class. Additionally, high level of educational stress was revealed in terms of Self-Concept Distress (x̄=3.62); Pressure from External Expectations (x̄=3.70) and Academic Pressure (x̄=3.39). Similarly, the educational stress showed a significant positive relationship with GWA (χ2= 1468.649, p=<.001), family’s monthly income (rs=0.114, p=.010), and mode of transportation (χ2= 642.026, p=<.001). Moreover, students’ age (β=0.180, p=.002), general weighted average (β=0.115, p=.030), year level (β=-0.134, p=.026), and living status (β=0.141, p=.001) were significant predictors of educational stress.

Conclusions: Nursing students experience significant educational stress, primarily due to self-concept distress, external expectations, and academic pressures, which often undermine their confidence and well-being. While demographic factors like age, sex, and living status showed no significant associations with stress, academic performance and family income emerged as critical predictors, highlighting the pressures to maintain high grades and the impact of financial concerns. These findings underscore the need for targeted support strategies that address the specific challenges of nursing education, including practical resources to mitigate stress related to academic demands and financial strain.