# PSS-4 stress: what your score means

_The PSS-4 asks four questions about the last month and scores stress from 0 to 16: up to 5 is low, 6 to 10 moderate and 11 or more high._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/stress-and-burnout/screening

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> The PSS-4 asks four questions about the last month and scores stress from 0 to 16: up to 5 is low, 6 to 10 moderate and 11 or more high.

**PSS-4 questions:** 4
_About the last month._

**Stress and burnout: at a glance**

| Who should get checked | How it is checked | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PSS-4 score 0 to 5: low stress | The PSS-4 Perceived Stress Scale (4 questions) | PSS-4 stress screening | Mental health screening, KES 100 |

## PSS-4 stress: what your score means: your questions answered

**Q: What does a PSS-4 score of 0 to 5 mean?**

A: Low stress.

**Q: What does a PSS-4 score of 6 to 10 mean?**

A: Moderate stress.

**Q: What does a PSS-4 score of 11 to 16 mean?**

A: High stress: consider talking to a professional.

**Q: Which test is used?**

A: The PSS-4 Perceived Stress Scale (4 questions).

**Q: What if the result is not normal?**

A: A look at what is driving your stress. Practical changes at work and home. A screen for depression and anxiety, which often come with burnout. Counselling if stress stays high.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Many employers in Kenya offer counselling through wellness programmes; ask HR.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: Not sure what is due for you? The stress screening uses the PSS-4 Perceived Stress Scale, four questions about the last month, and tells you whether your stress level is low, moderate or high. It costs KES 100. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 8pm) to book what you need at a facility that suits your budget and location.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)
- [World Health Organization, Burn-out an occupational phenomenon (ICD-11)](https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases)

## More on this condition

- [Stress and burnout: signs, risks and checks in Kenya](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/stress-and-burnout)
- [How to lower your risk of stress and burnout](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/health/stress-and-burnout/prevention)