The perception of stress and quality of life of university students in student housing

Abstract

Objective: To assess the stress and quality of life of university students living in student housing at a public university. Method: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Data collection took place in September 2019 at the student residence. The Perceived Stress Scale (EEP-10), the WHOQOL-bref, and a structured questionnaire were used to characterize the students' profile. The data underwent descriptive analysis, univariate analysis (prevalence ratio), and multivariate analysis (cluster and correspondence analysis). Results: 118 undergraduate students with an average age of 22.16 years participated in the study. The majority were male (63.5%) and single (99.1%). The average perceived stress was 24.6, with 58.5% having a high perception of stress. The quality of life was considered average, with the lowest score in the environment domain. There were no significant differences between stress and the variables investigated. However, four association profiles were obtained: (1) low/moderate stress, high quality of life, Humanities area, initial period of the course, non-full-time shift; (2) intermediate quality of life, male gender, Biological Sciences area, final period; (3) high stress, Exact and Earth Sciences area, full-time shift, intermediate period of the course; (4) high/very high stress, low quality of life and female gender. Conclusion: The results indicated association profiles that help in understanding the characteristics of students who face higher levels of stress, instigating the implementation of institutional policies aimed at psychological support and student well-being.