KUMJ | VOL. 24 | NO. 1 | ISSUE 94 | JANUARY - MARCH, 2026
Educational Stress and Quality of Life among High School Students in Cambodia
Keo R, Thi WM, Laohasiriwong W, Mahato RK, Sornlorm K
Abstract: Background
High levels of academic pressure have been shown to adversely affect students’
mental health and overall well-being. However, evidence regarding the relationship
between educational stress and quality of life (QoL) among high school students
in Cambodia remains limited. This issue has become increasingly important as the
country’s education system continues to evolve in response to rapid socioeconomic
changes.
Objective
To describe the status of quality of life among high school students and its association
with educational stress in Cambodia.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1192 high school students from four
provinces using multistage random sampling. Face-to-face interviews with structured
questionnaires were performed to collect the study data. A generalized linear mixed
model was applied to identify associations between study factors and quality of life
while controlling covariates.
Result
The average quality of life score was 77.02 (± 14.31) with 21.56% reporting poor (95%
CI: 19.31-23:9), 59.56% moderate (95% CI: 56.75-62.32), and 18.88% good quality of
life (95% CI: 16.75 -21.20). Low to moderate educational stress significantly increased
the likelihood of good quality of life (AOR=1.95, 95% CI: 1.26-3.02). Additionally, high
quality of life was associated with being in grade 12 (AOR=2.87, 95%CI: 1.92-4.30),
and having normal/mild depression (AOR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.14-2.58).
Conclusion
Fewer than one-fifth of students reported good quality of life. Educational stress
emerged as a strong quality of life determinant, with study level and depression
showing significant associations. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive
school-based interventions including stress management programs and mental
health screening to address factors affecting adolescent well-being.
Keyword : Educational stress, High school students, Quality of life
