J Nurs Acad Soc.  1992 Dec;22(4):569-588.

Stressful Life Events and Somatic Symptoms of Urban Women

• Kim YH
• Park HS

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the experience of stressful life events and somatic symptoms of urban women. Data were collected by interviewing 200 women from June to July 1, 1991. Viable data work obtained from 162 of the women. Modified version of a stressful life events measurement toll developed P.S. Lee (1984) and the Somatic Discomfort Inventory by Wittenborn were used to measure the variables. Data were processed by an S.P.S.S. program and analyzed. statistically for percentage, T-test, ANOVA and Pearson Correlation coefficient. Result of the Study are as follows : 1) The group total mean score of stressful life events was 92.66+/-10.41. The higher scores in the "Test and school" of the Extrapersonal factor, in the "Health problems" of the Intrapersonal factor and "Conflict and differences within the family" of the Interpersonal factor, factors, which a suggested by Neuman's model. 2) The group total mean score for somatic symptoms was 100.41+/-9.74. The higher scores were for the factors of "Fatigue (1.94)", "Menopause(1.74)", "Muscular system (1.67)" and "Sleeping (1.67)" 3) The mean scores of stressful life events were higher in the 40~60 age group, for middle school graduates(P<.05), career women and those in nuclear families(P>.05). 4) The mean scores of somatic symptoms were higher in the 45~60 age group, for middle school graduates, non career women and women with 5 or more children(P<0.05). 5) There was a positive correlation between the scores of stressful life events and somatic symptoms(r=.585 P<.05). The higher the level of stressful life events the higher the score of somatic symptoms, the results were consistent with the Extrapersonal, Intrapersonal and Interpersonal stress factors of Neuman's Health Care Systems This research assessed the stressful life events of women, who play the most important role in the family for illness prevention and health promotion and suggested the importance of programs in the Primary Health Services to build basic coping resources.

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care
Female
Health Promotion
Health Services
Humans