Latent profile analysis of stress and resilience among rural women: A cross-sectional study

Stress is a cardiovascular disease risk factor, and resilience may serve as a buffer for stress. Little is known about stress and resilience among rural women.

The purposes of this study were to identify profiles of rural women based upon indicators of psychosocial and environmental stress and to examine the relationships between the identified profiles and resilience.

A cross-sectional, descriptive design was used to explore stress, social support, and resilience among a representative sample of women (n = 354).

Data were collected to measure perceived stress, social support, chronic stress, and resilience.

A latent profile analysis identified three profiles (59.9% Low Stress, 25.4% Moderate Stress, and 14.7% High Stress). Women in the High Stress profile were less likely to afford necessities and have attended college and more likely to be employed. Women in the Low Stress profile had the highest scores for all five resilience subscales.

The current study demonstrates the social and environmental impact of stress and how this stress can manifest differently for different women. Underserved women may benefit from strategies that reduce stress and improve social support and resilience. Future research is needed for advancing health equity in rural populations.