Workplace stress: prevalence, sources, and consequences among academic staff at the University of Calabar, Nigeria

Background Workplace stress among university academics in sub-Saharan Africa remains insufficiently investigated, particularly in studies that combine validated psychometric assessment with objective clinical measurements and evaluation of stress-related lifestyle behaviours. This study addressed this gap by examining workplace stress and associated factors among academic staff at the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 401 permanently employed academic staff drawn from all 15 faculties of UNICAL. Sample size was calculated using the Kish formula (Z = 1.96, p = 0.75, d = 0.05), incorporating finite population correction, design effect, and a 15% non-response allowance, yielding a minimum target of 364 participants. Systematic random sampling was used within faculties. Workplace stress was assessed using the validated A Shortened Stress Evaluation Tool (ASSET), with scores classified as low (≤142), moderate (143–231), or high (≥232). Objective anthropometric and physiological measurements were collected alongside self-reported data. Associations were examined using chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results Workplace stress was highly prevalent, with 84.3% of respondents classified within the moderate ASSET stress category and 15.0% within the high category. Self-reported stress was significantly associated with gender, educational attainment, academic rank, and teaching experience (all p < 0.001). Using ASSET-derived stress categories, significant associations remained for educational level, rank, and experience (all p < 0.001), whereas gender was not significant ( p = 0.145). Work overload emerged as the leading productivity-related stressor (15.2% first-ranked), while inadequate pay and benefits was the principal job satisfaction stressor (17.7% first-ranked). High-stress respondents reported more frequent alcohol consumption (χ 2 = 9.84, p = 0.043), lower physical activity levels (χ 2 = 11.27, p = 0.024), and greater hypertension medication use. No significant association was observed between BMI category and ASSET stress level (χ 2 = 2.17, df = 4, p = 0.704). Conclusion Workplace stress is pervasive among UNICAL academics and is linked to adverse lifestyle behaviours and hypertension. Institutional interventions should prioritise workload management, equitable remuneration, career advancement opportunities, and access to mental health and occupational wellness services.