Factors Affecting Stress among the Elderly in Bang Cha Keng Subdistrict Mueang Samut Songkhram District Samut Songkhram Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to investigate factors affecting stress levels among elderly residents in Bang Jakreng Subdistrict, Mueang Samut Songkhram District, Samut Songkhram Province. The research utilized multi-stage random sampling to select 250 elderly participants aged 60 years and above from five villages. Data were collected using a three-part questionnaire comprising demographic information, health factors assessment, and the SPST-20 stress assessment tool. The study examined relationships between various factors and stress levels using chi-square analysis. Results showed that the majority of participants were female (69.20%), aged 60-69 years (49.69%), married (51.60%), and had monthly incomes below 5,000 baht (68.00%). Analysis revealed that 63.2% of participants experienced moderate stress levels, while 27.6% reported low stress, 7.2% high stress, and 2.0% severe stress. Four factors demonstrated significant relationships with stress levels (p < .05): age (χ² = 14.368), occupation (χ² = 30.251), physical health factors (χ² = 8.012), and social and environmental health factors (χ² = 14.695). Physical health factors showed moderate levels (M=2.64, SD=0.49), while both social-environmental and mental-emotional health factors showed low levels. These findings provide valuable insights for developing targeted interventions and support systems for elderly stress management in the community.