Perceived Professional Stress Levels among IT Professionals in a Private Company in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India - A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: In the past 30 years, there had been more than 916 IT providers registered with National Association of Software and Service companies. Career in the IT field warrants struggles with deadlines, working at odd and long hours and poor inter-personal relationships all affecting the mental wellbeing of workers. Hence this study aimed to assess the levels of stress and its association factors. Material and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 170 IT professionals in Chennai. Survey was conducted collecting socio demographic details. Perceived stress scale (PSS) was used to assess the stress levels. Descriptive statistics was computed for background variables. Association between various factors and levels of stress were analyzed using chi – square test. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors. Results: Among the study participants, majority 83 (48.8%) were between 21 – 30 years and 95 (55.9%) had work experience > 5 years. Most of them worked on day shifts 105(61.8%). 133 (78.2%) had moderate to high stress level. Workers with less hours of sleep, doing mixed shift of work, substance usage and belonging to middle class were found to be having high perceived stress. (P<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, 2/3rd of the participants had moderate-high level of stress. It is necessary to increase the active stress management policies and counseling services to be given priority.