Stress and Anxiety Among Grade 12 Science Students in Lalitpur, Nepal: Prevalence, Associated Factors, and Insights

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a critical transitional phase marked by significant physical, emotional, and social changes, often accompanied by increased susceptibility to mental health challenges such as stress and anxiety. For grade 12 science students in Nepal, particularly in the Lalitpur district, the academic pressure and societal and personal expectations exacerbate these challenges. Stress and anxiety during this formative period can adversely affect educational performance and long-term mental well-being. Understanding the factors influencing these issues is crucial for designing interventions to support adolescents' mental health. The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with stress and anxiety among grade twelve science students of Lalitpur district.

Method: All interested 12th-grade science students (from probability proportionate sampling (PPS) of the class selection from 10 schools) were included in the study. In the survey, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale - 21 Items (DASS 21) questionnaire was used. The chi-square test was done by using SPSS 21 to test for statistical significance. Cross-sectional quantitative descriptive and inferential statistics were done to analyze bivariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:  obtained from the study were that the percentage of stress and anxiety among the study population was 51.2% and 55.1% respectively. Multiple logistic regression results reported that residency status [AOR: 0.991, 95% CI 0.677-1.450], enjoying living with parents [AOR: 6.459, 95% CI 0.700-1.413], problems during sleeping [AOR: 0.372, 95% CI 0.257-0.538] and use of electronic gadget during bedtime [AOR: 0.633,95% CI 0.436-0.919] were some associated variables of stress with their AOR at 95% CI. Similarly, Multiple logistic regression results reported that residency status [Adjusted OR=1.055; CI=0.726-1.532], enjoying living with peers [AOR=2.486, 95% CI 1.016-6.082], problems during sleeping [AOR=0.480,95% CI 0.333-0.691], using electronic gadget during bedtime [AOR=0.604,95% CI 0.421- 0.866] were associated variables of anxiety. Residency status, enjoying living with parents/peers, sleeping time, problems during sleeping, time spent on the internet, using electronic gadgets during bedtime, and using alcoholic beverages were associated variables with stress and anxiety.

Conclusion: The research study has significantly concluded that anxiety is related to the age of respondents, residency status, enjoyment with peers, sleeping problems, and using electronic devices during bedtime are the major significant factors for anxiety.