FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG EMPLOYED POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE KLANG VALLEY

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the level of stress among postgraduate students who are employed, to determine factors associated with stress in relation to sociodemographic, study-related factors and work-related factors, and finally to identify the coping mechanism associated with stress among them. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 197 postgraduate students that are working, recruited from International Medical University (IMU), Sega University and Open University Malaysia (OUM). Sources of stress were assessed using a 12-item questionnaire. Stress was assessed by using the validated Perceived Stress Scale 10 (PSS-10) questionnaire. Finally, Brief COPE inventory (28 items) was used to assess coping strategies among the students. Results: Majority of the students (82.5%) were found to possess medium stress, and (6.2%) reported high stress, and (11.3%) of the students described low stress. Significant predictors of stress were employment (P = 0.016), academic stressors (P < 0.001), and personal stressors (P = 0.012). The coping strategies that are associated with stress were Problem-focused coping (P<0.001), Emotional-focused coping (P<0.001), and Avoidant Coping (P = 0.001). vi Conclusion: Stressors determined to be associated with stress among postgraduate students that are employed are employment (self-employed), academic, and personal stressors. The coping strategies found to be associated with stress are problem-focused coping, emotional-focused coping, and avoidant coping styles. Further studies to explore the role and utilisation of counselling are required. Key words: Stress, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), Brief COPE inventory