STRESS AND ITS CHALLENGES AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

It is on note; undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria, Ebonyi State in particular undergo series of stress at the course of their academic pursuits. The challenges this stress pose to the undergraduates include reduced academic achievements, decrease motivation, increase in the risk school dropout, and mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and so on. It is adduced that the sources of stress to the students ranges from poor power supply and water, hostel fee hike, increased transport fare, exorbitant electricity bills, insufficient libraries, insecurity and parental pressure to achieve high grades. The purpose of the study include: to determine the causes, effects of stress and identify intervention strategies in stress management. The following theories were used: theory of Reasoned Action and the theory of planned behaviour (TRA & TPB) and Health Belief Model. The choices of the two theorems are their implication to health education. Descriptive research survey is used. This is to enable researchers describe the characteristics of the population under study. Understanding the challenges stress poses to undergraduates will help to facilitate the development of effective strategies to help reduce stress on students.