Estimation of Occupational Stress Index Score Among King Abdulaziz University Students

Stress is our body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. It can start with simply too much pressure. To estimate the occupational stress index (OSI) score among King Abdul Aziz University international students a simple questionnaire study, with 100% response rate, was conducted. KAU has largest number of students in the Kingdom. The study of stress, OSI score and stressors are accepted important tools for career and personality development and highlighting of students’ problems. The English version of OSI questioner (CHS M278/EHS M270: Work and Health; Winter 2004) used and descriptive research approach selected to calculate OSI score. A t-test performed between OSI score for each individual section and their relevant percentages. P values equal or less than 0.05 considered as significant. For data analysis SPSS and Microsoft Excel version 2013 was used. Total OSI score estimated was 38.3. Main contributing variables are uneasy lab work (32.6%) and decision-making at work (16.3%). The others are absence of rest areas, research grants unavailability. Less work pressure, low working experience, summer holidays, regular monthly stipend, fewer responsibilities, relaxing exams schedule, less number of days spent weakly are all reason for low OSI score. Physical working conditions contribute little but accident or injury shows no contribution for OSI score. Low OSI score proved KAU international students are working in relaxing environment and feel little stress. Such studies are needed to be done on regular basis to evaluate the Kingdom’s largest university student’s problems and challenges they face.