Prevalence and Determinants of Perceived Stress among Undergraduate Respiratory Therapy Students in Saudi Arabia

Authors

• Abdulmajeed A. Baogbah, Georgia State UniversityFollow
• Ralph D. Zimmerman, Georgia State UniversityFollow
• Laryssa D. Frederick, Georgia State universityFollow
• Corinne M. Hathaway, Georgia State UniversityFollow

Abstract

Background: Stress is a common phenomenon among health sciences students, severely impacting students in different ways. Similar to other students, undergraduate Respiratory Therapy (RT) students are at a high risk of stress exposure that may harm their well-being. To enhance students’ well-being, it is essential to examine the prevalence and determinants of perceived stress among undergraduate RT students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during the academic year (2023-2024) to explore the prevalence and determinants of perceived stress. Data was collected through an anonymous self-administered survey consisting of 46 questions, including demographics, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14), and sources of stress survey. Results: A total of 384 participants completed the survey. The study findings revealed a high prevalence of stress among students (60.9%), with a mean PSS score of 28.5±9.2 among participants. Females significantly reported higher levels of stress than males (pConclusion: Stress is prevalent among undergraduate RT students in SA. Therefore, institutions should establish robust feedback mechanisms and prioritize mental health and counseling services resources, considering students' multifaceted challenges.

Author Bio(s)

Abdulmajeed A. Baogbah, MScRT, is a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. He is also pursuing a PhD in Health Sciences with a concentration in Cardiopulmonary Care.

Ralph D. Zimmerman, PhD, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, is a Clinical Professor and Coordinator of Interprofessional Education in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. He is also a licensed respiratory care practitioner in the state of Georgia.

Laryssa D. Frederick, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, RPFT, is a Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Clinical Education in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. She is also a licensed respiratory care practitioner in the state of Georgia.

Corinne M. Hathaway, MSc, RRT, RRT-NPS, AE-C, is a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Respiratory Therapy at the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions at Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. She is also a licensed respiratory care practitioner in the state of Georgia.

Recommended Citation

Baogbah AA, Zimmerman RD, Frederick LD, Hathaway CM. Prevalence and Determinants of Perceived Stress among Undergraduate Respiratory Therapy Students in Saudi Arabia. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Mar 03;24(1), Article 22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46743/1540-580X.2879