Citation

Simsek Z, Ersin F, Kirmizitoprak E. J. Agromed. 2015; 21(1): 56-60.

Affiliation

c Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital , Ipekyol-Sanliurfa , Turkey.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1059924X.2015.1106372

PMID

26479204

Abstract

Stress is one of the main causes of health problems, especially mental disorders. These health problems cause a significant amount of ability loss and increase cost. It is estimated that by 2020, mental disorders will constitute 15% of the total disease burden, and depression will rank second only after ischemic heart disease. Environmental experiences are paramount in increasing the liability of mental disorders in those who constantly face sustained high levels of stress. The objective of this study was to develop a stress scale for seasonal migrant agricultural workers aged 18 years and older. The sample consisted of 270 randomly selected seasonal migrant agricultural workers. The average age of the participants was 33.1 ± 14, and 50.7% were male. The Cronbach alpha coefficient and test-retest methods were used for reliability analyses. While the factor analysis was performed for the structure validity of the scale, the Kaiser-Meyer Olkin coefficient and Bartlett test were used to determine the convenience of the data for the factor analysis. In the reliability analyses, the Cronbach alpha coefficient of internal consistency was calculated as 0.96, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.81. In the exploratory factor analysis for validity of the scale, four factors were obtained, and the factors represented workplace physical conditions (25.7% of the total variance), workplace psychosocial and economic factors (19.3% of the total variance), health problems (15.2% of the total variance), and school problems (10.1% of the total variance). Four factors were explained as 70.3% of the total variance. As a result of the expert opinions and analyses, a stress scale with 48 items was developed. The highest score to be obtained from the scale was 144, and the lowest score was 0. The increase in the score indicates the increase in the stress levels. The findings show that the scale is a valid and reliable assessment instrument that can be used in epidemiological research and planning interventions.

Language: en