Effect of stress on academic performance of second year nursing and midwifery students during their first academic year in Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Berekum

Abstract

The study aimed to identify the effect of stress on academic performance of second year nursing and midwifery students during their first academic year in Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College, Berekum. A cross-sectional design was used to collect in-depth information for the study. The samplepopulation was obtained using a proportionate stratified sampling technique. A total of 58 students were sampled for the study. The data for the study was collected by administering the questionnaire to the participants. The study found that the majority of respondents indicated that causes of stress in the academic environment were academic workload 50 (86.2%) and fear of failing in examination 47 (81.0%). Over half of the respondents indicated that lack of confidence 29 (50%) and unable to manage study and leisure time 30 (51.7%) were causes of stress in the academic environment. Majority 56 (96.6%) of the respondents indicated that long-term stress reduces one‟s ability to concentrate on studies.The study recommended that management of the school should make room for stress management courses in the school curriculum and also organizing stress management forum and campaign to help address stress among students.The study concluded that the major cause of academic stress is academic load on students.stress have negative impact on the students‟ academic success such as reduced ability to concentrate on studies. employing effective coping strategies is pertinent to their academic success and general life