Perception of Stress among Masters’ Students at Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA)

Dr. Jean Mfizi Ngaboyishema, Dr. Sebuhuzu Gisanabagabo and Jean Paul Kanyamihigo Kayonde
Adventist University of Central Africa (AUCA), Rwanda
Email: jcnmfizi@gmail.com

Abstract: Stress is a status of experiencing appearing and menacing occasions in an individual’s physiological, moral, physical, psychological welfare, or simply a combination of these events. It is considered as a concern in the daily life of individuals’ worldwide. The aim of this research was to measure levels of academic-related stress among students enrolled in a Master’s programme at AUCA during semester three of the academic year 2021 – 2022. Applying a web designed survey for a sample of 110 students; only 87 respondents participated in the study, giving a response rate of 79 percent. Results of the research revealed that among the respondents, 10.34 percent perceived high stress levels. 73.56 percent experienced moderate level of stress, while 16.1 percent reported a low level of stress. A high level of perceived stress was found among females compared to males and also among junior staff compared to other employment positions and unemployed respondents. Regarding the age and area of specialization, respondents between 26 – 35 years old and those taking finance as major have been found more stressed across the three levels. This calls for the University to organize regular trainings on stress detection to better understanding the signs of stress and how to alleviate its effects before it becomes severe.