A COMPREHENSIVE STRESS MANAGEMENT APP FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Stress, a prevalent mental health disorder, significantly impacts university students, warranting dedicated attention due to its potential effects on their well-being and safety. The "Stress Management Application for Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Students" is a strategic initiative designed to identify and assist students experiencing stress, consciously or unconsciously. The development of this application stems from the observation that numerous students face stress from academic challenges and family issues but feel embarrassed to seek face-to-face counselling. Additionally, economic pressures and living costs contribute to their financial stress. Aligned with Malaysia's Sustainable Development Goals, this application aims to collaborate with the UKM Counselling Unit to mitigate stress among students. It targets UKM students specifically, providing an innovative solution to detect stress levels—categorized as good, moderate, or dangerous—through a series of standard assessment questions. The application also facilitates access to nearby health facilities and offers a guidance function to arrange counselling appointments, with student information sent directly to the UKM Counselling Department. Furthermore, the application includes resources for effective stress management, such as exercise-based therapies. Developed using Android Studio and following the waterfall model, the application underwent planning, analysis, design, implementation, and testing phases. This comprehensive approach ensures that the application helps reduce stress among UKM students and streamlines the counselling process, enhancing the university's ability to support its students effectively.