Factors Associated with Stress Levels among Elderly Workers in the Bang Saen Beach Trading Occupation Group in Saen Suk Municipality, Muang District, Chonburi Province

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between various factors, including personal factors, environmental factors, uncertain attitudes regarding stress, and knowledge about stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is cross-sectional, descriptive research. The sample group comprises 104 elderly workers who are aged 60 or older from the Bang Saen beach trade group in Saen Suk Municipality. Data was collected using questionnaires from November 2023 to February 2024. The relationship was examined using correlation and chi-square statistical method

RESULTS: The study results reveal that most participants are female (59.6%) and range in age from 60 to 73 years, with an average age of 64.55 years. In terms of marital status, 45.2% are married. Additionally, 70.2% have an education level below high school, and 54.8% earn a monthly income between 10,001 and 20,000 baht. Most participants do not have an underlying medical condition (51.9%). Environmental uncertainty is generally at a moderate level (54.8%), with 44.2% experiencing high levels. Overall stress perception is moderate (51.0%) or high (49.0%), while stress management knowledge is either sufficient (51.0%) or high (49.0%). In terms of workplace stress, very high stress is reported by 60.6%, followed by high (36.5%), moderate (2.9%), and low (0.0%) levels. Statistical analysis indicates significant relationships between environmental uncertainty, stress perception, stress management knowledge, and workplace stress levels at a 0.01 level (r = 0.247, p = 0.012, r = 0.765, p < 0.001, r = -0.196, p = 0.046).

CONCLUSION: The research suggests providing information on stress and modifying stress management practices to reduce potential stress occurrences.