Perceived Stress among Adolescent School Students in Hubli: A Cross-Sectional Study

Madhavi  Gajula; Dattatreya  Bant; Geeta V  Bathija

doi:10.5455/njcm.20210625054326

Authors

Madhavi Gajula MVJ Medical College & Research Hospital, Bangalore
Dattatreya Bant Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi
Geeta V Bathija Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5455/njcm.20210625054326

Keywords:

Adolescent, Stress, School students, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Perceived stress scale (PSS-10)

Abstract

Background: Psychological morbidity in children and adolescents is high. The present study was done to assess the level of perceived stress and psychological morbidities among secondary school students.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 311 adolescent students in 9^th and 10^th classes of two government and two private schools in Hubli city, Karnataka. A validated and culturally adapted version of the 12-item general health questionnaire (GHQ-12) and perceived stress scale (PSS-10) was administered with Cronbach's alpha of 0.74. coGuide software was used for analysis.

Results: Out of 311 students, 159 (51.13%) were males; 50.5% were from government schools, 72.3% were from 10^th class while 27.7% were from 9^th class. On assessment by PSS-10 scale, 11.9% had low stress, 63.7% had average stress, and 24.4% were highly stressed. According to GHQ scale, 43.4% had evidence of distress while 50.2% had severe psychological distress.

Conclusion: There was a high prevalence of stress among school students. It calls for regular assessment by trained psychologists. Integration of mental health services with school health services is the need of the hour.

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