Introduction: The multiple role of women is closely related to the emergence of anxiety disorders, depression and feeling guilty. This study aims to examine the level of stress in women working in the tobacco sector and the coping mechanisms used.

Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was used to determine the level of stress and its relationship with the coping mechanism used. A total of 75 women selected using non-random sampling who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. The data collection was carried out using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Ways of Coping (WOC) questionnaires. The data then analysed using univariate analysis to determine perceived stress levels and the coping mechanisms used, and also using bivariate analysis to know the correlation between the perceived stress and coping mechanism.

Results: A total of 62 respondents (82.67%) experienced low stress and 13 respondents (17.33%) experienced high stress. Most respondents (n = 43; 57.33%) use emotional focused coping mechanisms, while 42.67% other respondents use problem focused coping mechanisms. The results of statistical tests using Chi-square showed the p value 0.736, which means there is no statistically significant correlation between stress levels and coping mechanisms used.

Conclusion: An effective coping strategy is needed by women workers in the tobacco sector to deal with the stress experienced. Further research using qualitative methods is needed to dig deeper into the coping mechanisms of women workers in the tobacco sector.

Keyword: stress, coping mechanism, women worker, tobacco, multiple role.