A Comparative Study of Stress Levels among Physically Active and Inactive University Students at Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the stress levels of undergraduate students at Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) who were physically active and those who were not. This study investigated whether regular physical activity acts as a stress-reduction strategy in light of the growing incidence of academic stress among college students. A sample of 400 students was chosen by stratified random sampling as part of a quantitative, cross-sectional design. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and a physical activity questionnaire developed in accordance with WHO guidelines were used to gather data. Students who were physically inactive reported significantly higher stress scores than their physically active counterparts, according to descriptive statistics. Students who were physically active reported feeling less stressed, according to an independent samples t-test that revealed a statistically significant difference in stress levels between the two groups (p <.001). These results demonstrate how important physical activity is for supporting students' mental health. As a preventative measure against academic stress, it is advised that universities establish organized fitness programs and policies to promote active lifestyles among students.