A COMMUNITY BASED STUDY TO ASSESS THE REASONS OF STRESS AND ITS MANAGEMENT AMONG YOUTHS IN DAKSHINA KANNADA
Shueer Ahamed*, Satish S. and A. R. Shabaraya
ABSTRACT
The study conducted in Dakshina Kannada explores the prevalence of stress, its unique stressors, existing coping strategies, and the need for tailored interventions among the youth. The demographic analysis reveals that a majority of participants are aged between 15 and 20 years (61.5%), with females making up 58.8% of the sample. Most participants reside in urban areas (52.5%). The study identifies academic pressure (63.1%) and financial concerns (33.9%) as the leading stressors faced by the youth. Coping strategies vary widely, with 52.2% of participants turning to friends or family for support, while 30.2% engage in hobbies as a means of stress relief. However, 34.9% report ignoring the problem altogether, indicating that some individuals may struggle with effectively managing their stress. Physical symptoms of stress are common, with 71.8% of participants experiencing headaches and 40.5% reporting sleep difficulties. These symptoms highlight the significant impact of stress on both mental and physical health. While a majority of respondents (58.1%) feel comfortable seeking help for stress, 41.9% face barriers to accessing mental health support, indicating that there are challenges in utilizing available resources. This suggests a need for improved mental health services and awareness to ensure that all youth have the support they need. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of addressing the specific stressors faced by the youth in Dakshina Kannada. It calls for the promotion of effective coping strategies and tailored interventions to support their mental well-being and reduce the impact of stress on their lives.
Keywords: Stress, youth, stressors, mental health, well-being, academic pressure.
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