Social support as a mediator in the relationship between technostress or academic stress and health: analysis by gender among university students

INTRODUCTION: This research aims to study the role of social support as a mediator in the relationship between technostress or academic stress and health in university students. METHODS: A descriptive, quantitative cross-sectional study has been carried out through a self-reported survey answered by 389 students during March and April 2022. The current level of health was the outcome variable. Technostress and academic stress were the criterion variables. Perceived social support was the mediator variable. The sociodemographic variables and ICT use at the educational level were the independent variables. RESULTS: Women have higher levels of technostress and academic stress than men. Social support significantly and positively mediates the relationship between academic stress and self-perceived health in men. DISCUSSION: There is a clear need to develop new social management strategies that assist students in developing stable and long-lasting social networks, which can reduce stress during the student period and provide personal tools for later working life.