A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF SENIOR CITIZENS TOWARD NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES IN SELECTED COMMUNITY AREAS OF RAJASTHAN.

Author Name: 1. Mr. Ravi Kumar 2. Dr. Shakti Singh Soni

Volume/Issue: 06/05

Country: India

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/11.2025-26521353/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Ph.D. Scholar (Nursing), School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Nirwan University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
2. Ph.D. Guide, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Nirwan University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.

ABSTRACT

Background: Ageing is often accompanied by physiological, emotional, and social stressors that negatively impact health and well-being. Non-pharmacological stress reduction techniques—such as yoga, Pranayama, meditation, music therapy, and relaxation methods—are safe, cost-effective, and culturally acceptable options for elderly populations. Despite growing evidence supporting their effectiveness, knowledge and attitude toward these methods remain limited among senior citizens, particularly in semi-urban and rural regions of India. Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitude of senior citizens regarding non-pharmacological stress reduction techniques in selected community areas of Rajasthan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 senior citizens aged 60 years and above in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. Data were collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire and a five-point Likert scale to assess attitudes. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize demographic and response data, while chi-square tests and Pearson correlation were applied to assess associations and relationships. Results: Among participants, 55% demonstrated moderate knowledge, 28% had inadequate knowledge, and only 17% had adequate knowledge. Attitudes were largely favorable (38%) or neutral (40%), with only 22% expressing unfavorable attitudes. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.492, p < 0.001), indicating that increased awareness was associated with a more positive outlook toward these techniques. Conclusion: Senior citizens exhibited moderate awareness but a generally positive attitude toward non-pharmacological stress reduction techniques. The findings highlight the need for structured, nurse-led educational programs in community settings to promote the adoption of culturally relevant, holistic stress management strategies in the ageing population

Key words: Non-pharmacological techniques, stress reduction, Pranayama, yoga, elderly, knowledge, attitude.