Psychological stress perceived with respect to general health among urban Indian women

ABSTRACT

Women face many sexist constraints globally, increasing the likelihood of psychological stress and related disorders. The present study explores general health constraints among urban Indian women with respect to stress. A cross-sectional study adhering to “strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology” (STROBE) guidelines was conducted in urban colonies in Delhi. A wide array of women above 18 years of age was recruited, which included students, working professional as well as housewives. General health issues and health behaviors among women were assessed through a questionnaire and stress was evaluated through Cohen’s perceived stress scale (PSS)-10. Overall 532 women were contacted, among which 306 women (mean age = 28.8 ± 7.52) years participated. There was significant difference in mean PSS-10 scores, mean±standard error = −3.3 ± 0.6 and −3.1 ± 0.6; p < .0001 for irregular periods and dysmenorrhea, respectively. Likewise, there was significant difference (Mean± SE = −8.9 ± 0.7; p < .0001) in stress scores among women with chronic respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal pain symptoms. Changes in eating behavior during stress; prolong sitting/standing; and lack of exercise were categorized as ‘negative health behaviors.’ One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in PSS-10 scores (Mean ±SE = −11.3 ± 0.7; p < .0001) among participants exhibiting all “negative health behaviors.” General health issues, not necessarily diagnosed medical condition can be psychological stressors among urban Indian women. Poor health behaviors adapted by urban Indian women like prolong sitting/standing, changes in eating habits during stress, and lack of exercise are associated with increased perception of stress.

KEYWORDS:

• Stress
• urban Indian women
• general health

Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to all the women who volunteered to participate in this study and Pfizer Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY 10017 for funding this study. We also thank Mr. Manish Kumar Singh, Senior Bio-Statistician, Clinical Research, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India for his valuable inputs in statistical analysis.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by a grant program from Pfizer Inc. and Eli Lilly and Company, New York, NY 10017.