Published Paper Details:

In the demanding environment of higher education, academic and work-related stress has become a ubiquitous challenge for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) students. This research aims to investigate the impact of such stress on students' immune health through a structured survey-based analysis. The study utilized a 20-question questionnaire administered to 80 students from diverse academic backgrounds. The questions explored stress frequency, physical symptoms, illness occurrence, lifestyle factors (such as diet, sleep, and exercise), and coping strategies. Findings reveal that over 75% of students experience stress sometimes or frequently, with academic pressure identified as the primary cause. Common stress-induced symptoms include sleep disturbances, fatigue, and digestive issues--all of which are indicative of compromised immune function. Alarmingly, 92% of students reported falling sick at least once per semester, and 66% acknowledged a direct connection between stress and their illnesses. The analysis also found that poor lifestyle choices, such as inadequate sleep, low physical activity, and unbalanced diets, further exacerbate stress and weaken immunity. A gender-sensitive lens indicated that female students tend to report higher stress levels and are more likely to seek emotional support, whereas male students often internalise stress, leading to underreporting and fewer help-seeking behaviours. Moreover, while most students recognise the harmful effects of stress on immunity, only a small proportion engage in proactive coping mechanisms or seek professional help. The study concludes that work-related stress significantly undermines immune health among UG and PG students, thereby affecting their academic performance and overall well-being. These findings support the need for comprehensive, gender-sensitive institutional policies focused on mental health, lifestyle education, and accessible stress management programs. By addressing stress holistically, educational institutions can foster healthier and more resilient student populations.