Procrastination, Academic Stress, and Health-related Quality of Life among Makerere University Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the link between procrastination, academic stress, and health-related quality of life. A sample of 180 students from Makerere University was selected using the simple random sampling technique. This study adopted a quantitative study approach that utilized a cross-sectional and correlational survey design. A self-administered questionnaire was used in the data collection. Collected data were coded and analyzed using simple linear regression for hypotheses one, two, and three, and Baron and Kenny method of mediation analysis for hypothesis 4. Results indicated that procrastination was a significant predictor of academic stress (β= 2.573, t (179) = 8.133, p =000 < 0.05), as well as academic stress and healthy related quality of life (β= 0.035, t (179) = 4.054, p =000 < 0.05), similarly, procrastination and health-related quality of life (β= 0.054, t (179) = 2.976, p =0003< 0.05). The results further indicated that academic stress partially mediated the relationship between procrastination and health-related quality of life (β= 0.029, t (179) = 2.899, p =.004 <.01). Therefore, procrastination and academic stress should not be disregarded because they have significant effects on students' quality of life and health. Based on the above findings, it was recommended that students be given adequate information by the Makerere University management about the dangers of procrastination, as it may contribute to academic stress and lead to a decline in their quality of life. This may still help students adopt positive coping mechanisms for academic stress.