Siti Maisharah S.G, Sabariah Noor H, Nur Hafzan M.H
Objective: Stress is common among university students, but this condition may sometimes be beyond expectation and may interfere with academic performance, emotional or even health outcome. The objectives were to measure and to examine the difference between perceived stress level before (pre) and after (post) clerkship; and also to explore the possible stress triggers, strategy to cope stress as well as the suggestions to alleviate stress.
Methods: The samples of this study were all of 67 students, whom divided into 7 groups and assigned to Outpatient/Counselling Clerkship in Hopsital Universiti Sains Malaysia for 7 consecutive weeks. They were given a set of questionnaire at the first and the last day of clerkship. The stress level was measured using 14-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). The subjects were given 10 minutes to fill in the questionnaire before collected by the researcher. The data analyzed by SPSS 18.0.
Results: The total of PSS score pre clerkship was higher with mean of 29.08 (SD 7.91) as compared to post clerkship score with mean value of 27.70 (SD 6.86). However, this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Most common stress trigger was ‘clerkship assignment and assessment’ (n=53, 84.1%). ‘Napping and sleeping’ (n=59, 93.7%) were reported as the most effective ways to cope with stress. The most agreed suggestions to alleviate stress was to ‘improve and expand wireless internet in pharmacy and library building’ (n=63, 96.8%).
Conclusion: Stress level decreased by 4.75% after clerkship finished, but not statistically significant. Higher cohort samples needed. Suggestions from students to alleviate stress need to be reviewed and considered.
