Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Abstract BACKGROUND: Although a certain amount of stress is essential, excessive stress can adversely
influence the physiological and mental health. Hence, this study aims to assess common stressors
and coping strategies among university students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted from October to November
2019 in Iran. Twelve students were recruited based on purposeful sampling to participate focus group
discussions (FGD). Transcripts of three sessions of FGD were analyzed applying Graneheim and
Lundman (2004) approach, and a thematic network was applied to illustrate the findings.
RESULTS: The finding emerged 78 codes, 14 subthemes, and 4 main themes. Stressors were
classified in two main themes, including individual stressors and the social ones. Behavioral strategies
and the cognitive ones were among two categories of coping strategies. According to the thematic
network, a full stress student affecting the precious stressors and the social, cultural, and the economic
context may manage his/her stress applying the coping strategies.
CONCLUSION: The findings revealed that university students experienced different kinds of stress,
and usually, they do not apply right coping strategies. It is important to establish stress counseling
programs for university students. Besides, it is proposing to provide 1st year university students with
workshops about the cause of stress and effective coping strategies.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Adolescent girls experience physical, psychological, and social changes during
puberty. Lack of sufficient information, skills, and readiness to overcome this stressful situation make
them vulnerable. The present study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and strategy
used for coping with puberty crises of female secondary school students in Karaj, Iran.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five‑hundred and seventy female secondary school students from
Karaj, Iran participated in this cross‑sectional study. Knowledge, attitudes, and coping strategies of
adolescents about puberty were evaluated using various questionnaires. The obtained data were
analyzed using Chi‑square, Fisher’s exact, Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney, and Spearman tests.
RESULTS: The average age of participants was 15.28 ± 1.58 years old. About 85.1% of the
participants had high knowledge about puberty and 66.7% had a good attitude toward it. Nearly, 54.2%
of the girls used the avoidance‑oriented coping strategy. There was no significant relationship between
knowledge and attitude regarding selective strategies to cope with stressful situations in puberty.
CONCLUSION: According to the results, continuous training in secondary schools is necessary to
improve adolescents’ knowledge and attitudes toward puberty. Moreover, more training is required
to change the dominant avoidance‑oriented coping strategy to a task‑oriented approach, especially
at the first‑grade level in secondary school.