Study of Stress Among Bachelor of Public Health Students, Dental Public Health Program, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Province, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The cross-sectional study aimed to examine the relationship between environment, perception, and stress among students during the COVID-19 pandemic at Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani Province. Data were collected from September 1-30, 2021. The sample were 160 students from the first year to the fourth year Bachelor of Public Health students in the Dental Public Health program. The research instruments were a questionnaire covering personal information, environment, perception, and stress. The content validity tool was verified by three experts with item-objective congruence that value items were 0.66 to 1. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.82, 0.97, and 0.89, respectively. Statistical analyses included frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and simple logistic regression. Results found that most students were female (84.38%), with an average GPA of 3.07 (S.D.=0.40). The average monthly expenditure was 6,482 Thai bath (S.D.=4,964), most students (95.00% reported no underlying diseases, and 70.63%resided in private dormitories. Alcohol consumption and smoking rates were 41.88% and 1.88%, respectively. The perception of the college environment non-conducive was 51.25%. The COVID-19 awareness at the high level was 70.00% and reported low stress was 54.38%. There were no significant associations between the college environment (OR=1.15; 95% CI 0.61-2.14, p=.65) or perception of COVID-19 (OR=1.25; 95% CI=0.63-2.49, p=.50) and stress levels. Despite the lack of statistical significance, enhancing the college environment to support academic success and mental well-being.