International Journal of Nursing and Health Research

Authors
Jyothimol PV, Sonia Maria Lobo

Abstract
Introduction: Stress may be viewed as an individual’s reaction to change that requires an adjustment or response, which can be physical mental or emotional¹. Responses directed at stabilizing internal biological process and preserving self-esteem can be viewed as healthy adaptation to stress¹. The stress levels of nursing students is higher than those in most other academic programs and some studies have been suggested that their stress levels are higher than their counterparts in medical school social work and Pharmacology programs². Objectives: To assess the stress of first year BSc nursing students. To assess the effectiveness of relaxation technique in terms of reduction in the mean post-test stress score. To find out the association between mean pre-test stress score and selected demographic variables. Methodology: An evaluative approach was used for this study. Quasi-experimental one group pre-test post-test design was adopted for the study. 30, I^st year B.Sc. nursing students were selected using simple random sampling method from a selected college of nursing Mangalore. Baseline proforma and stress rating scale were the tools used and the data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results of the study showed that the mean pre-test stress level score (44.10) was more than the mean post- test score (23.20). The computed‘t’ value (t₂₉=9.03) was higher than that of the table value (t₂₉=2.05, p<0.05). There was no significant Association between the pre- test level of stress score and selected demographic variables. Conclusion: Findings of the study revealed that progressive muscle relaxation technique was effective to reduce the stress among student nurses. They must be motivated to learn and practice progressive muscle relaxation to promote their level of wellbeing. This study suggested the need for progressive muscle relaxation in the reduction of stress