Association of Perceived Stress with Sleep, Physical Activity, and Nutritional Status among Adolescents in Private Schools of Bhopal: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental period marked by significant physical, psychological, and social changes, making individuals particularly vulnerable to stress. Stress during this phase is associated with adverse lifestyle behaviors and long-term health consequences. This study was done to assess perceived stress among adolescents and its association with sleep duration, physical activity, and nutritional status among school-going adolescents. Methods: This school-based cross-sectional analytical study included 180 adolescents aged 12–15 years from private schools of Bhopal, selected using multistage random sampling. Perceived stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Anthropometric measurements were recorded, and nutritional status was determined using BMI categories. Sleep duration and physical activity were assessed using a structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22, applying the Chi-square test and ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Among participants, 40.6% had low stress, 39.4% had moderate stress, and 20.0% had high stress. The mean PSS score was 18.6 ± 6.4. Mean sleep duration was 6.9 ± 1.1 hours, and mean BMI was 17.85 ± 1.77 kg/m². Perceived stress showed a statistically significant association with nutritional status, sleep duration, and physical activity (p < 0.001). Most adolescents reported suboptimal sleep duration, and moderate physical activity was the most common pattern. Conclusion: Perceived stress is common among adolescents and is significantly associated with sleep duration, physical activity, and nutritional status. Early identification and school-based lifestyle interventions may improve adolescent well-being.