[A comparison of stress levels of elementary students by geographical regions].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to compare stress levels of elementary students according to three regional levels: a large city, a medium-sized city, and a rural area.


METHODS
This was a descriptive comparative survey using a convenience sample of 1,161 5th-and 6th-grade students. The stress level was measured by a stress scale that consisted of 65 items regarding personal characteristics, family, school, and peer factors. The data were analyzed by chi2-test, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regression using the SPSS 10.0 statistical program.


RESULTS
Overall, the mean stress scores reported by the participants were near the middle of a 5-point scale and the level of family-related stress was highest, followed by peer, school, and individual-related stress. Sixth-graders and female students showed higher stress levels than 5th-graders and male students, respectively. The participants reporting unsatisfaction with their lives and those living in large cities tended to have significantly higher stress levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Grade, gender, life satisfaction, and regional levels were all significant factors associated with high stress levels among elementary students. Development of stress management programs for this specific population, especially targeting students who are female and living in large cities, is needed.
Lee
Chung Yul
CY
College of Nursing, Nursing Policy Research Institute, Yonsei University, Korea.
Lee
Gyu Young
GY
Ahn
Yang Heui
YH
Lee
Hyeon Kyeong
HK
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002666:Psychology, Child; D012424:Rural Population; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D013383:Suburban Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population