Association Between Indoor Air Quaity and Stress Among University Student in Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: Indoor air quality (IAQ) has been increasingly recognized as a factor influencing mental health. University students, who spend prolonged hours in indoor academic settings, may be vulnerable to the effects of poor IAQ on psychological well-being. However, evidence from Indonesian contexts remains limited

Objective: This study aims to investigate the association between indoor air quality and stress levels among university students in Indonesia.

Method: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the association between indoor air quality and stress levels among university students in Indonesia. A total of 54 students were selected using simple random sampling. IAQ parameters—temperature, humidity, CO?, and PM2.5—were measured in indoor academic environments using digital air quality monitors. Stress levels were assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests to determine the relationship between IAQ and stress levels.

Result: The majority of respondents were aged 20–22 years (38.9%) and represented a balanced gender distribution. Indoor air quality was categorized as good (33.3%), moderate (27.8%), or poor (38.9%). Most students reported normal or mild stress levels. Chi-square analysis showed no statistically significant association between IAQ and stress levels (?² = 3.81, df = 6, p = 0.702)..

Conclusion: The study found no significant association between indoor air quality and stress levels among university students. While environmental quality remains important, psychological stress in academic settings may be more strongly influenced by academic and social factors. Further longitudinal studies are needed to explore this relationship in greater depth.