ASSESSMENT OF STRESS AND COPING MECHANISMS ADOPTED BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE IN UNIVERSITY OF BENIN, EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to assess the level of stress and coping mechanisms adopted by undergraduate Agricultural Science students in faculty of Agricultural Science in University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria. Participants included 358 Agricultural Science students randomly selected from 100-500 levels in University of Benin. A descriptive cross sectional study was employed in this study. The Instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the common statistical software, Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). All questions were individually analyzed, taking into considerations all the available factors. Frequency, percentages, mean and standard deviation and graph were used for the analysis of the data. Results were presented using tables and students were scored on a scale of 0 – 4 on how often they perceived stress. Findings revealed that the mean age of respondents was 19-24 years 195(60.2%) and majorities were males 166(51.2%). A higher number of the participants 282(87.0%) reported high level of perceived stress while 42(13.0%) reported moderate stress levels. The most common coping mechanisms they used to combat stress was using the internet with a mean score of 3.76. The study thus calls on need for emphasis on positive and effective stress coping mechanisms in the tertiary institutions curriculum. Attrition of Agricultural Science students due to moderate stress level can lead to poor Academic performance. Also, Academic related stress will prevent quality outcome and output of graduates to the society. In conclusion, taking into consideration this background, there is need to examine and understand the various sources of stress among students and give due attention to each source.

Key words: Stress, Coping mechanisms, Coping Mechanism.