Does stress and university adjustment relate to health in peru?

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between university adaptation, perceived stress and mental and physical health. We also evaluated if perceived stress mediated the relationship between university adaptation and health. A cross-sectional study was carried out among general studies undergraduate students of one private university in Lima, Peru. The sample was composed of 200 students with an average of 18.13 years old (SD = 1.41). Multiple regression and mediation analyses were assessed to understand the relationship between university adaptation and health. Multiple linear regression estimations had the following results for mental and physical health. Interpersonal relationships in university better related to mental health. This model was composed by interpersonal relationships (Interpersonal), dedication to study and future career plans, which accounted for 23% of the whole model. Physical health model was composed of perceived stress and study which accounted for 22% of the whole model of physical health. Mediation analysis showed that perceived stress fully mediated the relationship between study and physical health. Our findings could help further understand how college students are adjusting in order to have a better health. These findings have important implications on assessing interventions for students that are struggling to adapt to college demands.