Understanding stress vulnerability in aging: a cross-sectional study of older adults in a community-based program in Brazil

Vollständiger Abstract

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Objective: To determine the prevalence of perceived stress and to identify sociodemographic, nutritional, behavioral, and sleep-related factors associated with perceived stress among older adults enrolled in a community-based health program in Brazil. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study of 205 adults aged ≥ 60 years participating in a university-based community health and physical activity program in Goiás, Brazil. Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Independent variables included sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, lifestyle behaviors, and sleep quality. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with perceived stress. Results: The prevalence of higher perceived stress levels among participants was 61%. Women had substantially higher odds of perceived stress compared with men (OR 5.32; 95%CI 2.39 – 11.83). Single or widowed participants also showed higher odds (OR 4.41; 95%CI 1.68 – 11.58). Low intake of fruits and vegetables was associated with nearly fourfold higher odds of perceived stress (OR 4.06; 95%CI 1.53 – 10.76). Participants in middle and upper economic classes also showed higher odds (OR 5.47 and 6.72, respectively). Poor sleep quality was strongly associated with perceived stress (OR 4.29; 95%CI 1.57 – 11.73). Conclusion: Perceived stress was highly prevalent among older adults participating in this community-based program and was associated with sociodemographic characteristics, dietary patterns, and sleep quality. These findings highlight the importance of integrated public health strategies addressing lifestyle behaviors, social support, and sleep health in similar community-based contexts.