Household Environment and Mental Stress in Married Women: Micro-Level Study from Odisha

Abstract

This study explores how household environmental conditions influence the perceived mental stress of married women residing in Nimapara Block, Puri District, Odisha. A descriptive-analytical design was adopted, using primary data from 137 married women aged between 22 and 50 years, selected through purposive sampling. Mental stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Statistical analysis was performed using multiple linear regression after verifying assumptions such as normality, linearity, multicollinearity, and homoscedasticity. The regression model demonstrated strong explanatory power (Adjusted R² = 0.706), with education level, overcrowding index, household chores burden, air ventilation, lighting, kitchen type, sanitation, and monthly income emerging as significant predictors of stress. Education had a strong negative relationship with stress, while overcrowding and domestic workload significantly heightened stress levels. Interestingly, better sanitation facilities showed a positive association with stress, possibly due to increased domestic responsibilities. Variables such as employment status, type of housing, and fuel used were found to be statistically insignificant. The findings highlight that both structural and domestic environmental factors substantially influence women’s psychological well-being. The study emphasizes the need for integrated interventions that combine household infrastructure improvements, promotion of women’s education, and redistribution of domestic responsibilities to enhance mental health outcomes among married women in semi-urban areas.