ABSTRACT
This study was aimed at investigating the association between the stress levels of nursing students and their sociodemographic and academic characteristics. This quantitative, analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted in four Brazilian higher education Institutions. Data were collected from April 2011 to March 2012, using a sociodemographic and academic tool form for the students and the Assessment of Stress Among Nursing Students. 705 students participated and the results showed a predominance of medium stress levels, followed by high stress levels. Statistically significant differences were found for stress and age group, institution type (public/private), work activity, satisfaction with the course and if the student had ever thought of dropping out of the course. This study showed that education is assessed as a stressor and that there is an association between the nursing students' characteristics and the stress level.
DESCRIPTORS:
Nursing. Students; nursing. Higher education institutions. Education; higher. Stress; psychological