Levels of Emotional and Physical Stress Symptoms Among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Brazil: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

This study aimed to compare stress levels, symptoms, and phases among undergraduate and graduate students in a Brazilian public university.<b>Methods:</b>A cross-sectional, comparative study was conducted in July 2023 using the Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory (LSSI) and a sociodemographic questionnaire. A total of 1,049 students participated (688 undergraduates’ group [UG]; 361 graduates’ group [GG]). Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, and binary logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic variables associated with stress.<b>Results:</b>Both groups exhibited high levels of stress, with undergraduates presenting a greater prevalence of severe stress (27.7%) compared to GG (22.7%). Younger age, lower income (UG), and working while studying (GG) were associated with higher stress. The exhaustion phase showed the strongest association with severe stress, especially among GG (OR=13.15). Physical symptoms were more predictive of severe stress in the GG.<b>Conclusions:</b>Distinct profiles of stress were identified between academic levels. The phases of resistance and exhaustion, and the intensity of physical symptoms, were key predictors of severe stress, especially in GG.