Perceived Stress and Academic Achievement among King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences’ Students in Al-Ahsa Governorate

Background: Stress is a non- specific response of the body to any threat. Students usually face academic stress which has a negative impact on their motivation and academic performance. Academic achievement and performance is critical for both theoretical and practical domains, particularly some specialties such as health sciences. Today's healthy students who are in good psychological and social health can then develop and promote healthy lifestyles for their patients. Aim: To investigate the relationship between perceived stress and academic achievement among King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences’ Students in Al Ahsa Governorate. Research design: A descriptive correlational research design. Settings: The study was conducted in King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences. Subjects: College of Applied Health Sciences’ students, all available students; levels 4, 5, and 6. Tools: Tool I: Sociodemographic and clinical data questionnaire. Tool II: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Results: More than three quarters of the studied subjects had a moderate level of stress which is associated with GPA ranged from 3.5 to 5 with no significant relationship with their academic achievement. Being single, having good health, enough income, practicing sports and receiving social support were the main factors that affecting the students’ level of perceived stress. Conclusion: More than three quarters of the studied subjects had a moderate level with no significant relation to their academic achievement. Recommendations: Encourage the students to engage in extracurricular activities, fostering a supportive and lively college community is important for reinforcing students’ well-being.