Academic stressors, social support, and academic performance of nursing students at a private university

Abstract

This research, aimed at exploring the factors contributing to academic stress, social support, and academic performance among nursing students in a private university, employed a descriptive-correlational methodology with a one-shot survey design. The study involved 50 participants, aged 18–23, enrolled in the Nursing Department of Central Philippine University for the academic year 2022–2023. These students had relocated to Iloilo City from various regions or countries to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. A survey questionnaire comprising three sections was crafted to align with the study's objectives and variables. Prior to data collection, authorization was obtained from the department dean, and respondents provided consent for participation. Subsequently, the completed questionnaires were collected, and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) through frequency distribution, percentages, mean, and correlation coefficient analysis. The academic stressors reported include personal inadequacy, fear of failure, interpersonal difficulties with teachers, teacher-pupil relationships/teaching methods, and inadequate study facilities. These stressors encompass struggles with public speaking, language fluency, exam anxiety, disciplinary concerns, teacher biases, communication gaps, teaching styles, noisy environment, and insufficient classrooms. Despite these challenges, nursing students exhibited satisfactory academic performance. Social support from friends/family, though rated lower, still played a role in managing stress. Results found no significant correlation between academic stressors and nursing students' academic performance, and no significant correlation between social support and performance. The study revealed that despite facing high academic stressors and limited social support, nursing students consistently perform well academically, suggesting other factors may also play a role.