Males have higher stress levels (lower stress scores) than females across countries
In our previous study, we found that the global median stress score for Ring AIR users was 76.95, with notable regional variability. As a follow-up, we segmented the data between genders and compared their stress scores to the global average (Figure 1). We observed that males had significantly lower stress scores compared to females across all regions (Mann-Whitney U test, p < 0.0001).
Specifically, in Asia, both males and females had the lowest stress scores, with males reporting 73.15 ± 15.10 and females at 77.12 ± 13.72 values. For both genders, stress scores were similar across Europe (Males: 77.35 ± 13.67, Females: 81.40 ± 12.29) and the GCC (Males: 77.30 ± 14.59, Females: 81.03 ± 13.31). The Americas showed the highest stress scores (lowest stress), with males at 78.40 ± 14.25 and females at 82.08 ± 13.37.
Figure 1: Boxplots denoting the difference in stress scores from the global median (76.95) for males and females across Asia (N: M = 6634, F = 1695), Americas (N: M = 5534, F = 4100), Europe (N: M = 6392, F = 1932), and GCC (N: M = 886, F = 353). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. **** denotes p-value < 0.0001. Error bars denote the 95% confidence interval.
Stress score patterns across countries vary with age and gender
For a more detailed analysis of how stress scores change with age across genders, we selected six countries with the highest and lowest reported stress scores. Consistent with our earlier findings, we found that stress scores increased with age for both genders, but the patterns of this change differed between countries (Figure 2).
Using a two-way ANOVA to analyse the effects of gender and age on stress scores, we found significant differences between genders (p < 0.0001) and then across age (p < 0.0001) in terms of daily stress scores.
Across all countries, males under 25 years appeared to have the highest stress levels, except in India, where males aged between 25 and 34 years had the least Stress Rhythm Scores. In India (4.95), the UK (5.85), and Switzerland (6.22), the largest gap in gender stress scores was found in the under-25 years age group. Conversely, in the USA (5.25), Czechia (6.42), and the UAE (5.25), the most significant gender difference was seen in the 35-44 years age group.
Additionally, the increase in stress scores with age for females was less steep in India, the USA, and the UAE as compared to Czechia, Switzerland, and the UK. Finally, in the UK, for those over 65 years, females had lower stress scores than males. This trend was also observed in India and Switzerland, but for the 55-64 age group.
Figure 2: Stress Scores by age group for males and females across a) India (N: M = 4019, F = 930), b) Czechia (N: M = 1844, F = 479), c) the United Arab Emirates (N: M = 755, F = 308), d) the United Kingdom (N: M = 1019, F = 384), e) the United States of America (N: = 4912, F = 3908), and f) Switzerland (N: M = 600, F = 215). Statistical analysis was performed using Dunn's test. *, **, ****, and ns denote p-value <0.5, <0.01, <0.0001, and not significant, respectively. The error bars denote the 95% confidence interval.
Conclusions, Limitations and Future Directions
Stress significantly impacts healthspan and lifespan by increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to investigate the effects of gender and age on stress levels among Ultrahuman Ring AIR users. Contrary to much of the existing literature, our findings revealed that, on average, males tend to experience higher levels of stress compared to females. A potential reason for this observation could be that men engage in poorer stress management with respect to the circadian rhythm or that they face a higher volume of stressors throughout the day.
Our study also indicated that, on average, younger adults (both males and females) report higher stress levels compared to older adults. These observations align with some existing research suggesting that older adults may have developed more effective coping mechanisms over time, which help mitigate the impact of stress on their well-being 7. However, it is essential to appreciate that the nature of stressors faced by different age groups differs qualitatively. For example, younger adults might be dealing with academic pressures, early career challenges, and financial instability, whereas older adults might face health issues, uncertain care, and concerns about retirement.
Given that Ultrahuman Ring AIR users typically have higher fitness levels than the general population, our findings may not be broadly generalizable. Additionally, the stress rhythm score is based on a single primary data stream of heart rate, which can provide relatively unidimensional data.
In summary, our findings reveal significant gender and age-dependent variability in stress responses across different countries. The observed differences underscore the need for nuanced approaches to stress management that consider both gender and age. Addressing the limitations of this study, such as potential bias in the user base and the unidimensional nature of our stress measure, as well as expanding the scope of future research, will enhance our understanding of these gender and age-related stress patterns. This, in turn, will improve strategies for managing stress effectively across diverse populations and age groups.
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