Abstract

Background: Stress is a common psychosocial challenge among undergraduate students and may influence physical as well as mental functioning. Ayurveda does not describe “stress” as a single named disorder, but concepts such as Chinta (excessive worry), Udvega and Vishada provide a framework for understanding mental disturbances and their effects on Sharira. Rasavaha Srotas is concerned with the formation, transport and nourishment associated with Rasa Dhatu. The present study explored the association between stress measured by the Student Stress Scale (SSS) and Aim: To assess the association of stress on Rasavaha Srotas in undergraduate students with special reference to the Student Stress Scale. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 222 apparently healthy undergraduate students aged 18–26 years. Participants were selected by simple random sampling after written consent. Stress was assessed using the Student Stress Scale; Rasavaha Srotas status was assessed using questionnaires based on Rasavaha Srotas Dushti, Rasa Dhatu Vriddhi and Rasa Dhatu Kshaya Lakshanas. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Association between categorical stress and Ayurvedic outcome grades was assessed by the chi-square test at a 5% level of significance. Results: Of 222 students, 57 (26%) had slight stress, 144 (65%) had a lot of stress and 21 (9%) had extreme stress; none fell in the no-stress category. Rasavaha Srotas Dushti was mild in 76 (34%), moderate in 114 (51%) and severe in 32 (15%). Rasa Dhatu Vriddhi Lakshanas were mild in 133 (60%), moderate in 75 (34%) and severe in 14 (6%). Rasa Dhatu Kshaya Lakshanas were mild in 82 (37%), moderate in 100 (45%) and severe in 40 (18%). A significant association was observed between SSS category and Rasavaha Srotas Dushti (χ²=17.129, df=4, p=0.001825) and between SSS category and Rasa Dhatu Kshaya Lakshanas (χ²=45.1809, df=4, p<0.00001). No significant association was observed between SSS category and Rasa Dhatu Vriddhi Lakshanas (χ²=0.1485, df=4, p=0.997375). Conclusion: In this sample, higher stress categories were associated with greater severity of Rasavaha Srotas Dushti and Rasa Dhatu Kshaya Lakshanas, whereas Rasa Dhatu Vriddhi did not show a significant categorical association with stress. The findings provide observational support for an Ayurvedic mind–body interpretation of stress and Rasa/Rasavaha Srotas disturbance, while causality cannot be established from the cross-sectional design.