Impact of Stress and Mental Health on Students’ Academic Performance in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka

Students in tertiary education settings face a wide range of ongoing stressors related to academic and societal demands. The effects of these stressors have affected students’ performance negatively, according to previous research, as the World Health Organisation reported that in 2019 and 2020, more than 900,000 deaths were recorded due to suicides orchestrated by stress among individuals aged between 15 and 29 years. In a bid to address this social phenomenon and contribute to knowledge, this study investigated the impact of stress and mental health on students’ academic performance in Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka. Structural Strain theory by Robert Merton 1938 served as the theoretical framework. It also employed a cross-sectional survey design and multi-stage sampling technique where a total of 400 respondents who are students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, were randomly sampled using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. Data collected were presented and analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequency distribution tables, and charts. Interviews were transcribed and analysed with the use of the thematic method of data analysis. The study hypotheses were tested using the chi-square (x²) test of statistics. The study findings revealed that most students, especially final-year students, experience stress. It was also found that financial continued prevalence of stress among students. Also, it was observed in the study that stress has an impact on students’ mental health and academic performance, especially a decline in reading culture. Further, it was noted that family background has significant influence on the experience of stress among undergraduates and that there is a positive relationship between stress/mental health challenges and poor academic performance. Concluding, from the findings, it is glaring that stress and mental health challenges are social problems affecting a significant number of students in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka. Hence, there is a swift need for stakeholders in the education sector (i.e., parents, guardians, teachers, lecturers, the ministry of education, the government, etc.) to join hands and work out a model to reduce the prevalence of stress and mental health challenges among students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and beyond. The study recommended, amongst other things, that there be a need for awareness creation on ways students can overcome or manage stress and mental health challenges in a bid to achieve their desired academic goals.

Academic Performance, Mental Health, Stress, Students

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