Coping mechanism used by homemakers in Kumaon region (Uttarakhand, India) to deal with stress in their day-to-day life

CONTEXT: Chronic stress, if not appropriately addressed, can cause a variety of mental health disorders. In patriarchal societies like India, little is known about the coping mechanisms used by homemakers to deal with stress in their lives. AIM: To identify usual coping mechanisms used by the homemakers residing in Kumaon region, India, to deal with stress in their day-to-day lives. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a population-based, cross sectional study done in the urban field practice area of a teaching tertiary care health facility in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 324 ever-married, apparently healthy homemakers age 18–59 years residing in the area for at least 6 months were interviewed. Systematic random sampling along with population proportionate to size method was used to recruit study participants. Pretested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on coping mechanisms used by the study participants. Standardized questionnaires were used to determine possible depressive or anxiety disorders. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were entered in Microsoft Excel Sheet followed by analysis in SPSS and Epi Info. Chi-square test, Chi-square for trend, and Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: Multiple ways including praying, watching TV, taking care of children, and talking to family and friends were identified as the usual coping mechanism used by study participants. Coping mechanism varied with the mental health status and other sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants. CONCLUSION: Coping strategy was predominantly “emotion-based” in the study population. Understanding of usual coping mechanism used by women may help counselors and clinicians in fine-tuning their therapeutic approach as per needs and preferences of such women.