# PSS-4 stress scale: what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_PSS-4 stress scale: who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/pss-4-stress-scale

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

> A PSS-4 stress scale checks for how stressed you have felt over the last month. In Kenya it is recommended for anyone feeling overwhelmed or close to burnout, when you need to take stock.

**PSS-4 stress scale at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Anyone feeling overwhelmed or close to burnout. | When you need to take stock. | Higher scores mean more stress; high stress is worth a conversation with a professional. | Part of the My Wellness Health mental health screening. |

## PSS-4 stress scale: common questions

**Q: What does the PSS-4 stress scale check for?**

A: How stressed you have felt over the last month.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Anyone feeling overwhelmed or close to burnout.

**Q: How often?**

A: When you need to take stock.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: 4 questions about the last month.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: Higher scores mean more stress; high stress is worth a conversation with a professional.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Part of the My Wellness Health mental health screening.

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

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Mental health screening, KES 100) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

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/)
- [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)
- [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)

## Other screening tests

- [GAD-7 anxiety questionnaire in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/gad-7-anxiety-questionnaire)
- [PHQ-9 depression questionnaire in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/phq-9-depression-questionnaire)