STRESS REDUCTION THROUGH STRUCTURED RELAXATION TRAINING

Abstract

Background: Stress among elderly populations is a growing concern, particularly in rural communities where healthcare access is limited. Relaxation techniques are recognized as effective non-pharmacological interventions to reduce stress. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 elderly individuals in rural Guntur district. Structured teaching programmes on relaxation techniques were delivered, and stress levels were assessed using pre-test and post-test measures. Results: Pre-test findings showed 75% of participants had inadequate knowledge of relaxation techniques. Post-test results revealed significant improvement, with 91.7% demonstrating adequate knowledge. Mean stress scores improved from 9.62 (SD=4.65) to 26.30 (SD=2.96). Conclusion: Structured teaching programmes significantly enhanced knowledge and reduced stress among elderly participants. This approach is practical, cost-effective, and suitable for community health nursing interventions.