Measurement properties of the Arnetz and Hasson stress questionnaire in Swedish university freshmen

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the measurement properties of the Arnetz and Hasson seven-item stress questionnaire in order to select high-risk freshmen for a stress and alcohol intervention research project. Methods: Two complete cohorts of university freshmen at two universities were asked to participate in an intervention study. All subjects responded to seven Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) measuring common areas associated with stress. Measurement properties were evaluated by analysing internal consistency and construct validity. Results: A total of 2,032 (72%) freshmen agreed to participate. In total 14,184 out of 14,224 (99.7%) of the Visual Analogue Scales were answered. The Chronbach's alpha coefficient for the complete scale was 0.787. The Varimax rotation factor analysis, using an eigen value of 1, resulted in one factor that covered all items with factor scores of 0.50 and over. This factor explained 46% of the variance. A logistic regression analysis established that mental symptoms, living outside a serious relationship, and female gender were associated with a high stress level. Conclusions: The Arnetz and Hasson stress questionnaire is easy to use and offers sufficient internal consistency and construct validity.