Objectives: To investigate the current status of academic stress and its associated factors among nursing students during clinical practice at University of Health Sciences.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 174 third- and fourth-year nursing students at University of Health Sciences in 2026. Academic stress was assessed using the ESSA.
Results: The prevalence of high, moderate, and low academic stress levels among third- and fourth-year nursing students at University of Health Sciences in 2026 was 39.1%, 36.8%, and 24.1%, respectively. The study revealed a statistically significant association between academic stress and the students' living arrangements during their studies (p = 0.024).
Conclusion: Nursing students undergoing clinical practice experience moderate to high levels of academic stress. University and the Faculty of Nursing should enhance psychological support activities, academic counseling, and cultivate a positive living and learning environment to mitigate academic stress for students, with particular attention paid to high-risk academic year groups and students living alone.