Stress management strategies among radiography students in the UAE: The influence of GPA and class level on coping approaches.

Résumé

INTRODUCTION: Radiography students experience high stress from academic and clinical demands; ineffective coping can lead to burnout and reduced academic performance. Few studies have examined the influence of Grade Point Average (GPA) and class level on coping strategies among radiography students. This study aims to investigate stress management strategies among radiography students and assess the impact of GPA and class level.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 608 radiography students in Egypt, the UAE, and Jordan between April and June 2024. The questionnaire included demographics, GPA, class level, and coping strategies. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to evaluate associations at p < 0.05.RESULT: Most participants were female (70.4 %) and aged 18-22 years. Class level did not significantly affect coping strategies (χ or FET as appropriate; p > 0.05). Common strategies included breaks (50.3 %) and weekly exercise (31.9 %). Overeating was reported by 47 %, decreasing from freshmen (56.1 %) to seniors (43.2 %). GPA showed significant associations. High GPA students more often took breaks (52.9 %, p = 0.010), engaged socially (39.4 %, p = 0.038), and were less likely to use drugs (p = 0.009), prescription medication (p = 0.022), or smoke (p = 0.001). Meditation was less frequent among high GPA students (30.8 %, p = 0.015).CONCLUSION: Class level had little influence, while GPA strongly shaped coping. A high GPA was associated with adaptive behavior, whereas a low GPA was associated with substance use and maladaptive strategies.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Institutions should promote adaptive coping, reduce harmful behavior, and tailor interventions to academic profiles to improve well-being and outcomes.