Perceived Academic Stress and Sleep Disturbances among Undergraduate Nursing Students in Jaipur: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional StudyA Study to Assess the Knowledge and Infection Control Practices Among Nursing Students in Selected Colleges of Nursing

Abstract

Undergraduate nursing students frequently experience academic stress as a result of rigorous coursework, clinical duties, tests, and professional expectations. Academic achievement, physical health, psychological well-being, and sleep quality can all be adversely affected by excessive stress. Because getting enough sleep is crucial for learning, memory consolidation, and making sound clinical decisions, sleep problems among nursing students have grown in importance. The goal of the current study was to evaluate undergraduate nursing students in Jaipur's perceptions of academic stress and sleep disturbances and ascertain the correlation between these factors.

Methodology: 250 undergraduate nursing students from particular nursing colleges in Jaipur participated in a descriptive cross-sectional study. A practical sampling method was used to choose the participants. The Perceived Academic Stress Scale, a Sleep Disturbance Assessment Scale, and a demographic questionnaire were used to gather data. Data analysis was done using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: According to the study's findings, 16.8% of students had low academic stress, 28.4% had high academic stress, and 54.8% had moderate academic stress. In terms of sleep problems, 24.0% reported mild sleep abnormalities, 24.8% reported severe sleep disturbances, and 51.2% experienced moderate sleep disturbances. Academic stress and sleep disruptions were shown to be significantly positively correlated (r = 0.71, p < 0.05). Academic stress was shown to be highly correlated with the year of study, while screen time prior to sleep and daily study hours were found to be significantly correlated with sleep disruptions.

Conclusion: The study found that undergraduate nursing students frequently experience academic stress, which has a substantial impact on sleep quality. To support students' academic progress and well-being, regular stress management programs, counseling services, and sleep hygiene instruction are advised.