Study on stress among software professionals in Madhapur area of Hyderabad, Telangana

Abstract

Background: Stress is inescapable part of modern life, where workplace is becoming a volatile stress factory for most employees. Occupational stress/work stress/job stress can occur when there is discrepancy between the demands of the environment/workplace and an individual’s ability to carry out and complete these demands. There is paramount need to address the factors which are leading to stress at the earliest since they are increasing rapidly. The objectives of the study were to determine the levels of stress among software professionals and to determine its association with key socio-demographic variables and with working environment.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among software professionals working in Madhapur area of Hyderabad using self-administered, pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire after taking informed consent. Data was analyzed using MS Excel and Epi Info software.Results: Among the study participants, 71.5% were males and 28.5% were females. Mean age of the study participants was 34.04±7.52 years. Around 45.25% were having low stress, 33.5% moderate stress and only 21.25% had high stress according to perceived stress scale. Significant association was found between stress and age, type of family, marital status, gender and working hours per day.Conclusions: In the study, most of them were having low stress according to perceived stress scale. Females were having high stress compared to males. Software professionals have to be educated on factors which are leading to stress to prevent its adverse effects.