Stress level among the geriatric population of urban area in eastern Nepal.

ABSTRACT

Stress is part of everyone's life which may be severe in geriatric population due to multiple and interrelated factors. A cross sectional study was carried out among hundred geriatric people living in an urban area of Dharan with an aim of identifying the level of stress in this population and to find out its association with different demographic variables. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. Instrument containing twenty five questions related to physical, psychological and socioeconomic stress was used. Data was analyzed by using percentage, frequency and inferential statistics (Chi- square test). Out of hundred respondents 67% were in the age group of 65 to 75 years. Fifty one percent of the respondents' had moderate stress, 40% had mild stress and remaining 9% had severe stress. Stress was significantly associated with variables such as age, education level, personal income, and financial dependence. Overall result is that geriatric population experience moderate to severe stress which varies in severity. The study findings call for the attention from concerned authorities to plan appropriate measures in order to minimize the stress among geriatric populations. Hence, their life can become productive and they can have improved quality of life.