Assessment of work-related stress utilizing the Find My Stress mobile application among university students and adult workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate work-related stress and the efficacy associated with the newly developed Find My Stress mobile application. The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly influenced the quality of life, transcending geographical boundaries and inducing stress that has detrimentally affected health and work efficiency. METHODS: A total of 440 male and female participants, comprising university students and adult workers, were enrolled in the study. Participants completed an assessment in the application that consisted of three components 1) perceived work stress, 2) environmental stress factors, and 3) application efficiency. RESULTS: University students exhibited higher perceived stress levels compared to adult workers (p = 0.031). The predominant physical factors contributing to musculoskeletal disorders in university students were identified as movement and posture factors, particularly related to vibration and organization. Conversely, environmental factors took precedence in adult workers, followed by posture and movement. The reliability of the perceived work stress questionnaire was evaluated by Cronbach's alpha coefficient and yielded a value of 0.96. The Find My Stress application demonstrated high efficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of work stress were observed in both university students and adult workers. Initial signs of musculoskeletal disorders in university students primarily manifested in the neck and upper back, arms, and hands, while adult workers predominantly reported complaints related to the arms and hands. The Find My Stress application emerges as a valuable tool for screening occupational stressors.