Stress and Anxiety Levels among Second Year Students in Three Faculties of the University of Peradeniya

Background: University students often experience high levels of stress and anxiety due to academic, familial, economic, and relationship challenges. Effective interventions require a clear understanding of the prevalence and triggers of these issues.
Aims: This study aims to assess stress and anxiety levels and identify associated factors among second-year students in the Faculties of Arts, Medicine, and Management at the University of Peradeniya.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023, excluding repeaters. A total of 613 students (167 Medical, 130 Management, 316 Arts) were selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, including general information, stress and anxiety triggers, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test.
Results: Medical students reported the highest levels of stress (44.44%) and anxiety (67.32%), while Arts students had the lowest stress levels (35.44%) and Management students the lowest anxiety levels (49.58%). Females in the Arts faculty reported higher stress, whereas males in other faculties reported more stress and anxiety. Key stressors included assignments, limited resources, and dissatisfaction with lectures and exams. Anxiety was notably linked to poor grades, study environment issues, and perceived obesity among Arts students.
Conclusions: Stress and anxiety levels varied across faculties, with medical students being the most affected. Academic-related factors were the primary stressors, though non-academic issues like rejections and chronic illnesses also played a significant role.