The Prevalence and Risk factors of Stress among College-going Students of Giridih, Jharkhand: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: According to the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) 2015-16 among individuals 18 years or above in twelve Indian cities, mental disorders contributed to a significant load of morbidity and disability. A total prevalence for neurotic and stress-related disorders was identified to be 6.2% for Jharkhand. This compromised psychological health of students precipitates the form of multiple mental health disorders including stress. This study aims to determine the prevalence of stress and explores various factors associated with it. Methods: A college-based cross-sectional study was conducted online on Google forms in degree colleges offering three or more three-year program courses in the Giridih district of Jharkhand. The study participants were 236 college students in between 18-30 years of age. This included the Perceived Stress Scale and captured various independent factors. Results: The prevalence of stress among college-going students in Giridih, Jharkhand was estimated at 5% for low stress, 89% for moderate stress and 6% for high stress. Factors such as sleeping in free time, reading in free time, social media or television or gaming in free time and close family members with a history of depression were found to be associated with stress. Conclusion: This study documents the high prevalence of stress in college-going students and explores the various factors that could possibly be the reason for stress in students. Identification of such factors is important for students to pave a progressive future pathway to achieve overall good physical, mental as well as psychological health.