A cross-sectional study of stress among junior college students in a rural area of Sangli district of Maharashtra, India.

Abstract

Objectives: Higher secondary school certificate examination is considered to be one of the most important year in an academic career. Excessive Stress during this year could results in increased prevalence of psychological problems like depression and anxiety. This could ultimately have negative impact on the outcome of the achievements. The objective of the current study is, to assess the stress and its association with various academic factors among students of higher secondary school from a rural area in Sangli district of Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods:  It is cross-sectional study, conducted among the students of a randomly selected higher secondary school from the rural area in Sangli district of Maharashtra, India. Sampling technique used in the study was stratified random sampling and calculated sample size. The study was conducted during September 2012 to February 2013. A pretested self administered questionnaire was used for the data collection. Analysis was done using percentage, chi-square test. Results: Among the 396 students participated in the study, 118 (30.2%) were positive for stress. Stress was observed in 69 (38.1%) female students and 49 (23.3%) male students; the association with gender was statistically significant. Association between stress and stream of education was not observed. Stress was significantly associated with depression and perceived academic stressors. Conclusion: Students from all the three fields are exposed to stress.  Academic stress is an important factor in development of stress. Introduction of stress management education in the curriculum can prove useful in dealing with the problem.