Level of physical activity and academic stress perceived by nursing students during the exam period

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.110478

Keywords:

Psychological stress, physical activity, nursing students, accelerometers, sedentary behavior

Abstract

Academic stress is a common problem among nursing students, especially during exam periods. This study aims to analyze the relationship between physical activity levels and perceived academic stress in nursing students during final exams. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 43 students. Physical activity was measured using ActiGraph wGT3X accelerometers, and aca-demic stress was assessed with the SISCO Inventory. Descriptive statistics and nonparametric tests (Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis) were used to analyze the data. Results showed that women reported significantly higher levels of academic stress (p=.0049) and that students with higher academic workloads performed less moderate to vigorous physical activity (p<.05). Sedentary behavior was higher in those with lower stress levels (p=.0492). These findings suggest that academic stress may negatively influence physical activity levels, especially during periods of high academic demand. It is recommended that programs that promote both physical activity and stress management be implemented in university environments to improve student well-being.

Author Biographies

  • Veronica Tomasa Cajas Bravo, Hermilio Valdizan National University

    Postdoctoral degree in Qualitative Research from the National University of Córdoba and postdoctoral degree in Diachronic and Synchronous Systems of Scientific Research from the Santo Tomas University of Colombia. PhD in Education, Master in Educational Management and Planning, Bachelor in Education and Economist from the Hermilio Valdizán National University. Specialist in Teacher Training and Public Policies and Public Management from the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Guest professor at the graduate school of the National University of Callao in subjects of university teaching, formulation of public investment projects and thesis seminar. Associate professor - researcher at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Tourism. Director of University Research at UNHEVAL, professor at the UNHEVAL graduate school in the Thesis Seminar Workshop courses. Director and Editor of the scientific journal Revolución Valdizana of UNHEVAL, member of the editorial committee of the scientific health journal REPIS of UNHEVAL. Author of several publications in indexed journals: Investigacion Valdizana and Comunic@cion. Author of the books: Social and Economic Dynamics (2013). Trends in the Peruvian Economy (2014).

  • Digmer Pablo Riquez Livia, Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education

    Bachelor of Education.

    Master of Science in Education.

    Doctor of Education.

  • Zoila Rosa Diaz Tavera, National University of Callao

    Full-time University Professor at the National University of Callao, Peru. Degree in Nursing, Academic Degree of Doctor in Health Sciences, Academic Degree of Master in University Research and Teaching; Specialist in Public Health. Knowledge of foreign languages: English, Italian. Areas of work: Epidemiology, preventive-promotional areas, teaching and research.

  • Lindomira Castro Llaja, National University of Callao

    PhD in Administration, PhD in Education, Full-time teaching assistant at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Director of Academic Quality and Accreditation of the Graduate School of the National University of Callao, Undergraduate and Graduate Thesis Advisor.

  • Teresa Angelica Vargas Palomino, National University of Callao

    Part-time university professor at the National University of Callao.

  • Jorge Miguel Chavez-Diaz, National University of San Marcos

    PhD in Accounting from UNFV. Master's degree in Accounting (specialization in Financial Auditing) from ULADECH. Consultant on accounting and financial issues, using CAAT-GAS. Lecturer in Accounting - Information Systems and Technology. University professor. Winner of the 2023 Peru-JDCCPP National Accounting Award. Expert in conceptual design and review for research.

  • Fernando Martin Ramirez Wong, National University of San Marcos

    Fernando Martín Ramirez Wong was born in Arequipa. From an early age he developed a passion for scientific research in the "Assignments" courses at the primary and secondary schools: Santa Teresita del Niño Jesús and San Francisco de Asís. At the Faculty of Medicine of the National University San Agustín de Arequipa, she won the First Prize in Clinics at the First National Congress of Medical Students in 1987 held at the National University of Trujillo. She did research in Adolescentology and the creation of these services at the Honorio Delgado Regional Hospital. She investigated Blood-borne Risks in Health Workers at the Daniel A Carrion National Hospital in Callao and Ergonomic Risks in Health Sciences Students at the National University of Callao. She studied Hospital Tuberculous Infection Control at the María Auxiliadora National Hospital and Hospital Infection Control in the multicenter research team of INICC worldwide and the Effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy in Cervical Cancer and HIV / AIDS Infection. She currently teaches experimental research in the Pharmacology Section of the Department of Dynamic Sciences of the San Fernando Faculty of Medicine of the National University of San Marcos.

  • Jose Gustavo Pena Huertas, Technological University of Peru

    Industrial Engineer with 40 years of professional experience, specialized in organization, planning, costs and budgets, and in scientific research, management and university teaching. Master in Labor Administration and Industrial Relations, PhD in Administration, and specialization in Research Projects and Research Work Consulting at the Universidad Continental, Diplomas in Statistics and Scientific Research, Information and Communication Technologies for Teaching and Research, University Thesis Preparation, and also in Scientific Research and University Chair at the Universidad Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. With a marked career orientation towards business management and university educational management; I have held management, advisory and university teaching positions at the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University, occupying various management positions in the Faculty of Industrial Engineering in the period 1987 - 2000, Faculty of Administrative Engineering and Industrial Engineering (2002-2008 and 2019-2022), and in the Faculty of Stomatology (2009-2012); Likewise, I have served as advisor to the Academic Vice-Rector of the Inca Garcilaso de la Vega University in the period 2013-2018, and as main advisor to the Academic Vice-Rector of the National University of Callao in the period July 2017 - October 2021.

  • Roberto Carlos Davila-Moran, Continental University (UC)

    Industrial engineer and master in quality management and human development, he has extensive experience that has allowed him to participate in various multidisciplinary research projects. In addition, he has published several articles in internationally indexed scientific journals. His ability to develop rigorous research, combined with his knowledge and experience in the field of industrial engineering, allows him to make significant contributions in the field of research. In his research work, he stands out for his ability to identify problems and opportunities for improvement by proposing innovative and effective solutions to optimize his performance. His commitment and dedication to each project, added to his ability to work in a team, make him a highly valued professional in the academic and business fields.

References

Alghadir, A. H., Gabr, S. A., Iqbal, Z. A., & Al-Eisa, E. (2019). Association of physical activity, vitamin E levels, and total antioxidant capacity with academic performance and executive functions of adolescents. BMC Pediatrics, 19(1), 156. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-019-1528-1

Arce Varela, E., Azofeifa Mora, C., Morera Castro, M., & Rojas Valverde, D. (2020). Asociación entre estrés académi-co, composición corporal, actividad física y habilidad emocional en mujeres universitarias. MHSalud: Revista en Cien-cias del Movimiento Humano y Salud, 17(2), 1-27. https://doi.org/10.15359/mhs.17-2.5

Barraza, A. (2019). Estrés académico en alumnos de tres niveles educativos: un estudio comparativo. Praxis Investigativa ReDIE: revista electrónica de la Red Durango de Investigadores Educativos, 11(21), 149-163. https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/articulo?codigo=7145135

Barraza Macías, A. (2007). El Inventario SISCO del Estrés Académico. Investigación Educativa Duranguense, 7, 90-93.

Bernedo-García, M. C., Quiroga-Sánchez, E., Fernández-Martínez, E., Liébana-Presa, C., Álvarez, L. M., González, B. B., Martínez, M. E. F., & Arias, J. J. J. (2022). Estresores en los estudiantes de enfermería durante sus prácticas clí-nicas: Estudio de revisión sistemática. South Florida Journal of Health, 3(4), 353-365. https://doi.org/10.46981/sfjhv3n4-002

Bergmann, C., Muth, T., & Loerbroks, A. (2019). Medical students’ perceptions of stress due to academic studies and its interrelationships with other domains of life: A qualitative study. Medical Education Online, 24(1), 1603526. https://doi.org/10.1080/10872981.2019.1603526

Chang, W., Shi, L., Zhang, L., Jin, Y., & Yu, J. (2021). The Mental Health Status and Associated Factors Among Medical Students Engaged in Online Learning at Home During the Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study From China. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 755503. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.755503

Chuquimia, M. (2020). Hábitos alimentarios, actividad física y nivel de estrés académico en situación de emergencia sanitaria de los estudiantes de la Escuela Profesional de Ciencias de la Nutrición de la Universidad Nacional de San Agustín, Arequipa-2020 [Tesis de pregrado, Universidad Nacional San Agustin de Arequipa]. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12773/11921

Curotto-Winder, D. A., Becerra- Bravo, G., & Bravo-¬Cucci, S. (2022). Asociación entre el nivel de actividad física, sedentarismo y dolor de espalda en estudiantes de nutrición y dietética de una universidad de Lima en contexto de Pandemia por COVID-19. Retos, 45, 1019-1030. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v45i0.90979

Durán-Galdo, R., & Mamani-Urrutia, V. (2021). Hábitos alimentarios, actividad física y su asociación con el estrés aca-démico en estudiantes universitarios de primer año de ciencias de la salud. Revista Chilena de Nutrición, 48(3), 389-395. https://doi.org/10.4067/s0717-75182021000300389

Evenson, K. R., Scherer, E., Peter, K. M., Cuthbertson, C. C., & Eckman, S. (2022). Historical development of accel-erometry measures and methods for physical activity and sedentary behavior research worldwide: A scoping review of observational studies of adults. PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0276890. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276890

Faúndez-Casanova, C., Letelier, B., Muñoz, M., Pino, C., Plaza, P., Silva, L., & Castillo-Retamal, F. (2022). Conducta sedentaria, nivel de actividad física y desarrollo de las funciones ejecutivas en estudiantes durante Covid-19 en Chile: Un estudio piloto. Retos, 47, 221-227. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v47.90598

Ferguson, T., Olds, T., Curtis, R., Blake, H., Crozier, A. J., Dankiw, K., Dumuid, D., Kasai, D., O’Connor, E., Virga-ra, R., & Maher, C. (2022). Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: A systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The Lancet Digital Health, 4(8), e615-e626. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2589-7500(22)00111-X

Freedson, P. S., Melanson, E., & Sirard, J. (1998). Calibration of the Computer Science and Applications, Inc. Accelerometer: Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 30(5), 777-781. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005768-199805000-00021

Guzmán-Castillo, A., Bustos N., C., Zavala S., W., & Castillo-Navarrete, J. L. (2022). Inventario SISCO del estrés aca-démico: Revisión de sus propiedades psicométricas en estudiantes universitarios. Terapia Psicológica, 40(2), 197-211. https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-48082022000200197

Heinen, I., Bullinger, M., & Kocalevent, R.-D. (2017). Perceived stress in first year medical students—Associations with personal resources and emotional distress. BMC Medical Education, 17(1), 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-016-0841-8

Herbert, C., Meixner, F., Wiebking, C., & Gilg, V. (2020). Regular Physical Activity, Short-Term Exercise, Mental Health, and Well-Being Among University Students: The Results of an Online and a Laboratory Study. Frontiers in Psy-chology, 11, 509. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00509

Herbert, C. (2022). Enhancing Mental Health, Well-Being and Active Lifestyles of University Students by Means of Physical Activity and Exercise Research Programs. Frontiers in Public Health, 10, 849093. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.849093

Luciano, F., Cenacchi, V., Vegro, V., & Pavei, G. (2021). COVID‐19 lockdown: Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep in Italian medicine students. European Journal of Sport Science, 21(10), 1459-1468. https://doi.org/10.1080/17461391.2020.1842910

Malm, C., Jakobsson, J., & Isaksson, A. (2019). Physical Activity and Sports—Real Health Benefits: A Review with Insight into the Public Health of Sweden. Sports, 7(5), 127. https://doi.org/10.3390/sports7050127

Marcial, D., Villalobos Lara, R. E., & Marcial Alamilla, E. M. (2024). Impacto de un programa de intervención en la reducción del estrés percibido en estudiantes universitarios del área de la salud (Impact of an intervention program on the reduction of perceived stress in university students in the health area). Retos, 57, 473-478. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v57.105918

Ministerio de Salud. (2023). Minsa: Solo el 26% de peruanos adultos realiza actividad físi-ca. https://elperuano.pe/noticia/206989-minsa-solo-el-26-de-peruanos-adultos-realiza-actividad-fisica

Montoya Gonzalez, S., Mera-Mamián, A. Y., Mondragón Barrera, M. A., Muñoz Rodriguez, D. I., & Gonzalez-Gomez, D. (2022). Propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario de Comportamiento Sedentario (SBQ-s) en universitarios co-lombianos. Retos, 46, 745-757. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v46.94103

Nowak, P. F., Bożek, A., & Blukacz, M. (2019). Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Quality of Life among Uni-versity Students. BioMed Research International, 2019, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9791281

Oro, P., Esquerda, M., Viñas, J., Yuguero, O., & Pifarre, J. (2019). Síntomas psicopatológicos, estrés y burnout en estudiantes de medicina. Educación Médica, 20, 42-48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edumed.2017.09.003

Restrepo, J. E., Bedoya Cardona, E. Y., Cuartas Montoya, G. P., Cassaretto Bardales, M. D. L. M., & Vilela Alemán, Y. P. (2023). Academic stress and adaptation to university life: Mediation of cognitive-emotional regulation and social support. Anales de Psicología, 39(1), 62-71. https://doi.org/10.6018/analesps.472201

Schultchen, D., Reichenberger, J., Mittl, T., Weh, T. R. M., Smyth, J. M., Blechert, J., & Pollatos, O. (2019). Bidirec-tional relationship of stress and affect with physical activity and healthy eating. British Journal of Health Psycholo-gy, 24(2), 315-333. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12355

Seedhom, A., Kamel, E., Mohammed, E., & Raouf, N. (2019). Predictors of perceived stress among medical and non-medical college students, Minia, Egypt. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 10(1), 107. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_6_18

Stanton, R., To, Q. G., Khalesi, S., Williams, S. L., Alley, S. J., Thwaite, T. L., Fenning, A. S., & Vandelanotte, C. (2020). Depression, Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Associations with Changes in Physical Activity, Sleep, Tobacco and Alcohol Use in Australian Adults. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(11), 4065. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17114065

Teque-Julcarima, M. S., Galvez Diaz, N. del C., & Salazar Mechán, D. M. (2020). Estrés académico en estudiantes de enfermería de universidad peruana. Medicina naturista, 14(2), 43-48.

Toribio-Ferrer, C., & Franco-Barcenas, S. (2016). Estrés Académico: El Enemigo Silencioso del Estudiante. Salud y Administración, 3(7), 11-18.

Trigueros, R., Padilla, A. M., Aguilar-Parra, J. M., Rocamora, P., Morales-Gázquez, M. J., & López-Liria, R. (2020). The Influence of Emotional Intelligence on Resilience, Test Anxiety, Academic Stress and the Mediterranean Diet. A Study with University Students. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(6), 2071. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17062071

Wang, S., Li, H., Chen, X., Yan, N., & Wen, D. (2022). Learning burnout and its association with perceived stress, social support, and the Big Five personality traits in Chinese medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry, 22(1), 785. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04453-6

World Health Organization. (2020). Directrices sobre actividad física y comportamiento seden-tario. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128

Yang, C., Chen, A., & Chen, Y. (2021). College students’ stress and health in the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of academic workload, separation from school, and fears of contagion. PLOS ONE, 16(2), e0246676. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0246676

Zamora Betancourt, M. D. R., Caldera Montes, J. F., & Guzmán Valderrama, M. G. (2021). Estrés académico y apoyo social en estudiantes universitarios. Dilemas contemporáneos: Educación, Política y Valo-res. https://doi.org/10.46377/dilemas.v9i.2916

Downloads

Published

01-12-2024

Issue

Vol. 61 (2024)

Section

Original Research Article

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Retos

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and ensure the magazine the right to be the first publication of the work as licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of authorship of the work and the initial publication in this magazine.
  2. Authors can establish separate additional agreements for non-exclusive distribution of the version of the work published in the journal (eg, to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Is allowed and authors are encouraged to disseminate their work electronically (eg, in institutional repositories or on their own website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as to a subpoena more Early and more of published work (See The Effect of Open Access) (in English).

This journal provides immediate open access to its content (BOAI, http://legacy.earlham.edu/~peters/fos/boaifaq.htm#openaccess) on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge. The authors may download the papers from the journal website, or will be provided with the PDF version of the article via e-mail.

How to Cite

Cajas Bravo, V. T., Riquez Livia, D. P., Diaz Tavera, Z. R., Castro Llaja, L., Vargas Palomino, T. A., Chavez-Diaz, J. M., Ramirez Wong, F. M., Pena Huertas, J. G., & Davila-Moran, R. C. (2024). Level of physical activity and academic stress perceived by nursing students during the exam period. Retos, 61, 1306-1313. https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v61.110478