Psychological Stress among Grassroot Level Workers in a PHC of Bagalkot District

ABSTRACT

It is important to study the problems of the grassroot level workers and the levels of stress that they encounter. The stressed Anganwadi and ASHA workers are likely to be unhealthy, poorly motivated, less productive, and less efficient in implementing the various national programs. Objective: The objective was to study the level of stress among the grassroot level workers and the various factors related. Materials and Methods: Study design: This was a cross-sectional study. Setting: This was conducted at PHC of Bagalkot district. Study subjects: Grassroot level workers (Anganwadi [n = 46] and ASHA [n = 29] workers) were selected. Sample size The sample size was 75. Data collection Date were collected through self-reporting questionnaire schedule consisting of two schedules (i) Sociodemographic characteristics and (ii) presumptive stressful life events scale questionnaire. Scores used in the study Fifty-one life events were found to be experienced by the normal Indian population in the past 1 year. For each life event, a mean stress score was given. The total score was obtained for each by adding all the applicable life events scores. Accordingly, they were categorized into no stress, less/moderate stress, and severe stress. Statistical test used Analysis was performed using Chi-square test. Results: About 61.33% were Anganwadi and 38.67% were ASHA workers. 70.67% had mental stress in the past 1 year. 8% of the subjects had a family history of mental illness and 25.33% of them were practicing yoga/meditation. 66.67% of the study subjects had experienced severe stress and 26.67% has mild/moderate stress. The factors such as past history of mental illness, socioeconomic status of the participants, house construction, unfulfilled commitments, unemployment of family member, loan, beginning of school, and marital conflict are significantly associated with level of stress. Conclusion and Recommendations: Psychological stress was found to be more among Anganwadi and ASHA workers. They are suggested to practice healthy lifestyles such as yoga and meditation to relieve stress.