STRESS AMONG FOURTH-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING THEIR COURSE TERM PROJECT

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the level of stress among fourth-year undergraduate students in preparation of their course term projects. Materials and Methods: 51 students of Physiotherapy, Biology and Information Systems from a university in São Paulo were included. The student were evaluated using a questionnaire and the Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for adults. Results: The Physiotherapy group reported most frequently having to do the activities very quickly (n= 10, 76.9%). Of these, 69.2% (n=9) reported that the work often requires skill or specialized knowledge (p=0.002 and p=0.02, respectively, Kruskal-Wallis Test). The Biology group seemed to have the worst relationship with the bosses and the best with colleagues and also reported the highest number of symptoms associated with stress in 24 hours, one week and one month (p<0.0001, p<0.0001 and p=0.009 respectively, Kruskal-Wallis Test). Conclusion: The Information Systems group presented a lower number of symptoms related to stress, suggesting more adaptability to the demands and day-by-day problems as compared to Physiotherapy and Biology. DESCRIPTORS Burnout Professional. Stress Disorders. Traumatic. Universities. Students. Monograph.