The Impact of Stress on the Mental Health of Unmarried Pregnant Undergraduates in Ekiti State.

Abstract
This study was designed to assess the impact of stress on the mental health and academic
performance of unmarried pregnant undergraduates. A total of 120 pregnant students were
surveyed using a structured questionnaire, which included both demographic questions and
items related to stress, academic challenges, and mental health. The data were analyzed using
descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, to interpret the
findings. The study focused on four main research questions: the level of stress encountered by
unmarried pregnant students, the academic challenges they face due to pregnancy, the impact
of stress on their academic performance and participation, and the relationship between
stressors and mental health outcomes. The findings of the study revealed that unmarried
pregnant students experience significant stress that adversely affects their academic
performance, mental health, and overall well-being. The majority of respondents reported feeling
overwhelmed by the academic workload (49%), struggling to manage pregnancy-related
physical discomforts, and experiencing difficulties in balancing academic responsibilities with
pregnancy (44%). Academic challenges, including frequent medical appointments, disrupted
study schedules, and difficulty attending lectures, were prevalent, with nearly half of the
students (49%) indicating that pregnancy-related health issues impacted their ability to maintain
regular attendance. These stressors also affected their academic performance, with 48% of
respondents acknowledging a decline in participation in class discussions and group projects,
and 46% reporting missed assignments and deadlines due to pregnancy. Furthermore, stress
from these academic and pregnancy-related pressures contributed to mental health issues such
as depression, mood swings, emotional distress, and feelings of isolation. A significant number
of students (49%) indicated that they felt anxious about the future of their education, and 45%
expressed concerns about the social stigma of being unmarried and pregnant. These findings
underscore the compounded challenges faced by unmarried pregnant students and highlight the
need for supportive interventions to help them cope with the dual pressures of academia and
pregnancy.