Perceived levels of stress and its correlates among residents of old age home in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Elderly are vulnerable to stress from various causes. The elderly in old age homes are a distinct population with lack of family and social support contributing to an increased prevalence of stress. This study was carried out to assess the perceived stress among inmates of an old age home in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 inmates of an old age home in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu between May and July 2012, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Perceived levels of Stress among elderly were assessed using the perceived stress scale-10. <b>Results:</b> Nearly 18% of the participants had high stress scores and 60% had moderate stress scores. Gender, co-living status with spouse was found to be significantly associated with stress scores. <b>Conclusion:</b> The perceived stress was high among inmates of old age homes. There is a need for organized family and social support to improve the physical and psychological health of elderly. Exploratory research studies are necessary to identify the problems among elderly, especially those in old age homes.