Abriham Zegeye*, Andualem Mossie, Alemu Gebrie and Yohannes Markos
Background: Postgraduate studies are stressful and challenging that may affect the academic performance, physical and mental wellbeing of students. Stress is a risk factor for alcohol consumption, smoking and drug abuse. However, the magnitude and its association with substance use among postgraduate students has not yet assessed in Ethiopia.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess prevalence of stress among postgraduate students and its association with substance use.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted among a sample of 360 postgraduate students at Jimma University. The study participants were recruited by using computer generated simple random sampling method after stratification and proportionally allocated into colleges. The data were collected by using self-administered structured questionnaires that contain socio-demographic characteristics, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ- 12) and Postgraduate Stressor Questionnaire (PSQ-28). Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 20.0 for Windows. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were applied to identify determinants of stress. Statistically significance was declared at p<0.05.
Result: Majority of the respondents 256(74.0%) were males and the mean age of the participants was 29.34 (SD=4.7) years. The current prevalence of stress was 46.2% [95% CI 40.75%-51.25%]. Academic Related Stressor domain was the main source of stress 184(53.2%). Stress was significantly associated with female students [AOR=1.90, 95% CI (1.12-3.22)], among unmarried (single) students [AOR=1.74, 95%CI(1.09-2.77)], khat chewers [AOR=1.99, 95%CI(1.09-3.64)], and cigarette smokers [AOR=2.10, 95%CI (1.07- 4.38)]. The level of stress was significantly reduced [AOR=0.44, 95% CI, (0.25-0.77)] among moderate alcohol users.
Conclusion: Over all, postgraduate students experience high level of stress that may affect their psychological wellbeing. Academic burden is the main source of stress. Unmarried and female students were at risk of stress. Khat chewing and cigarette smoking were predictors of stress. Moderate alcohol intake may reduce the level of stress. Therefore, counseling, coping and preventive measures are recommended to control the risk factors of stress among students.