Factors contributing to stress amongst adolescents in Colombo District, Sri Lanka: A cross sectional study

Introduction: In Sri Lanka, adolescents comprise 16.1% of the population. Stress during adolescence may impact maturation of emotional and cognitive capabilities. The objective of the study is to determine the psychosocial factors and other factors that contribute to stress amongst adolescents aged 14 to 16 years living in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on adolescents aged 14 - 16 years (n = 331) from randomly selected schools in the Colombo District, Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect baseline socioeconomic data. Baseline anthropometric measurements of height and weight were measured and BMI was calculated. Adolescent stress was assessed by using the Adolescent Stress Questionnaire (ASQ).

Results: In the current study, 179 (54.1%) adolescents were males. The mean ages of male and female adolescents and their social characteristics were similar. There was a statistically significant increase in the mean height (p<0.001) and mean weight (p<0.001) of male adolescents when compared with female adolescents. The mean total stress scores of female and male adolescents were similar (p = 0.063). The mean score of stress of home life of female adolescents was significantly higher than male adolescents (p<0.001). The mean score of stress of school attendance was significantly higher among male adolescents than female adolescents (p = 0.012).

Conclusions & recommendations: Both male and female adolescents experience considerable stress. Measures to overcome preventable stressors should be implemented at school and at home by parents, teachers and education administrators.