EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF RELAXATION METHODS ON REDUCING ACADEMIC-RELATED STRESS IN HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS
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Keywords
Academic Induced Stress, Health Sciences students, Perceived Stress Scale, Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), Relaxation Techquine
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: This research mainly emphasizes on academic induced stress faced my students of health sciences. Stress is a natural response to noxious stimulus, which significantly impacts the individuals as well as society, leading to adverse consequences comprising of medical dropouts, marital/relationship issues and many challenges in the healthcare setup as well. Examining the prevalence of stress among students of health sciences, this study emphasizes on the immediate strategies for stress management. By applying relaxation techniques including Progressive Muscle Relaxation and deep breathing exercises as ways to overcome stress and as well improve the mental and physical well-being of students going through it.
AIM OF STUDY: The aim of this study to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of relaxation techniques in reducing academic-induced stress among students of health sciences.
METHODOLOGY: A study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design, employing a one-group pre-test post-test methodology to achieve its objectives. The research involved gathering data from 76 undergraduate students enrolled across various departments of University. These students ranged from first-year to fourth-year participants. The pre-test assessment included demographic information and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Among the 76 students, 52 actively participated in the sessions, while 24 did not. Following a month, the same scale was used for the post-test assessment. A paired t-test was utilized to compare the pre-test and post-test scores, analyzing the impact of the PMR technique.
RESULT: Finding of study showed that among 52 students majority of the sample reports "Moderate Perceived Stress," constituting 75.0% of the respondents. A smaller proportion of respondent’s report "Low Perceived Stress" (15. 4%).An even smaller proportion reports "High Perceived Stress" (9.6%).
The significance level (p = > 0.05) shows that with a p-value of 0.234, there is not enough evidence to conclude that there is a significant linear relationship between Pre and Post Intervention PSS.
Study revealed that there is slight decrease in perceived stress after intervention of progressive muscle relaxation with deep breathing.
CONCLUSION: Progressive muscle relaxation technique with deep breathing is found to be effective in reducing perceived stress among. Health science students. There is a slight decrease in perceived stress after the intervention. This study suggests a potential positive impact of the intervention on perceived stress levels.
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Sobia hasan
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY IQRA UNIVERSITY-NORTH CAMPUS
Tehreem Anis
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR - DEPARTMENT OF REHABILITATION SCIENCES Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
Hina Saeed
LECTURER - DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICAL THERAPY IQRA UNIVERSITY-NORTH CAMPUS
Alliya Batool Haidery
CEO Pakistan Centre for Autism
Ghousia Shahid
Sr. Assistant professor, Bahria University College of Physical Therapy, University health sciences campus
Rabia Intikhab
Senior Lecturer, Hamdard College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences Hamdard University