51
|
Tsai JHC, Thompson EA. Impact of social discrimination, job concerns, and social support on Filipino immigrant worker mental health and substance use. Am J Ind Med 2013; 56:1082-94. [PMID: 23794397 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The personal and social impact of mental health problems and substance use on workforce participation is costly. Social determinants of health contribute significantly to health disparities beyond effects associated with work. Guided by a theory-driven model, we identified pathways by which social determinants shape immigrant worker health. METHOD Associations between known social determinants of mental health problems and substance use (social discrimination, job and employment concerns, and social support) were examined using structural equation modeling in a sample of 1,397 immigrants from the Filipino American Community Epidemiological Study. RESULTS Social discrimination and low social support were associated with mental health problems and substance use (P < 0.05). Job and employment concerns were associated with mental health problems, but not substance use. CONCLUSIONS The integration of social factors into occupational health research is needed, along with prevention efforts designed for foreign-born ethnic minority workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing; University of Washington; Seattle; Washington
| | - Elaine Adams Thompson
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing; University of Washington; Seattle; Washington
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
László KD, Engström K, Hallqvist J, Ahlbom A, Janszky I. Job insecurity and prognosis after myocardial infarction: The SHEEP Study. Int J Cardiol 2013; 167:2824-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
53
|
Schutte S, Chastang JF, Parent-Thirion A, Vermeylen G, Niedhammer I. Association between socio-demographic, psychosocial, material and occupational factors and self-reported health among workers in Europe. J Public Health (Oxf) 2013; 36:194-204. [DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdt050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
54
|
Jung Y, Oh J, Huh S, Kawachi I. The effects of employment conditions on smoking status and smoking intensity: the analysis of Korean labor & income panel 8(th)-10(th) wave. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57109. [PMID: 23437324 PMCID: PMC3577768 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neoliberal policies and its socioeconomic consequences in Korea have made employment conditions insecure and affected employees' health as well. METHODS AND FINDINGS To examine the association between employment condition and smoking status, we selected male respondents aged 20-59 that participated in all of the 8(th)-10(th) wave of Korean Labor and Income Panel Study(KLIPS) which is a nationally representative data. Precarious working was significantly associated with smoking compared to standard working even after adjusting for socioeconomic indicators and self rated health status. After controlling for overall life satisfaction, the odds ratio of smoking among precarious workers decreased, but it was still marginally significant (OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.99 to 2.07). A relation between precarious working and heavy smoking was also significant. Precarious working was associated with a decreased likelihood of quitting smoking, while it was not significant any more after adjusting for overall satisfaction on life. Precarious work was also related to a higher likelihood of relapse among former smokers, but was not significant after adjusting for other confounders. CONCLUSIONS Precarious workers were more likely to be smokers and heavy smokers than standard workers. Unemployment is also a significant risk factor for decreased quitting and smoking relapse. However, insecure employment was an even more consistent determinant of current smoking behavior than unemployment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youn Jung
- School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhwan Oh
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soonim Huh
- Department of Public Administration, University of Seoul, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Flach PA, Groothoff JW, Bültmann U. Identifying employees at risk for job loss during sick leave. Disabil Rehabil 2013; 35:1835-41. [DOI: 10.3109/09638288.2012.760657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
56
|
Cheng Y, Chen CJ. Modifying effects of gender, age and enterprise size on the associations between workplace justice and health. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2012; 87:29-39. [PMID: 23212893 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-012-0831-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the distribution of perceived workplace justice and examined the modifying effects of gender, age and enterprise size on the associations between workplace justice and poor health. METHODS A total of 9,636 male and 7,406 female employees from a national survey conducted in 2007 in Taiwan were studied. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess workplace justice (9 items), psychosocial work conditions, self-rated health and burnout status. RESULTS A clear gradient was observed across employment grades, with employees of lower grades reporting lower workplace justice. Government employees were found to have higher levels of workplace justice than those in private sectors, and among those in private sectors, female employees in larger enterprises were found to have significantly lower workplace justice. Multivariate regression analyses showed that employees with workplace justice in the lowest tertile had increased scores in work-related burnout (11.0 and 12.8 points in men and women, respectively) and increased risks for poor self-rated health (OR = 2.5, 2.6) as compared to those with workplace justice in the highest tertile. The associations were stronger in younger groups than in older groups, and in female employees of larger enterprises than those of smaller enterprises. CONCLUSION Employees with lower socioeconomic position and female employees in larger enterprises might be more likely to be exposed to work practices that give rise to the sense of injustice. The underlying mechanisms for the observed stronger associations between lower workplace justice and poor health in younger groups and in workers of larger enterprises deserve further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yawen Cheng
- Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan,
| | | |
Collapse
|
57
|
Rueda S, Raboud J, Rourke SB, Bekele T, Bayoumi A, Lavis J, Cairney J, Mustard C. Influence of employment and job security on physical and mental health in adults living with HIV: cross-sectional analysis. OPEN MEDICINE : A PEER-REVIEWED, INDEPENDENT, OPEN-ACCESS JOURNAL 2012; 6:e118-26. [PMID: 23687526 PMCID: PMC3654507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 06/25/2012] [Accepted: 07/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the general population, job insecurity may be as harmful to health as unemployment. Some evidence suggests that employment is associated with better health outcomes among people with HIV, but it is not known whether job security offers additional quality-of-life benefits beyond the benefits of employment alone. METHODS We used baseline data for 1660 men and 270 women who participated in the Ontario HIV Treatment Network Cohort Study, an ongoing observational cohort study that collects clinical and socio-behavioural data from people with HIV in the province of Ontario, Canada. We performed multivariable regression analyses to determine the contribution of employment and job security to health-related quality of life after controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS Employed men with secure jobs reported significantly higher mental health-related quality of life than those who were non-employed (β = 5.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.07 to 6.48), but insecure employment was not associated with higher mental health scores relative to non-employment (β = 0.18, 95% CI -1.53 to 1.90). Thus, job security was associated with a 5.09-point increase on a 100-point mental health quality-of-life score (95% CI 3.32 to 6.86). Among women, being employed was significantly associated with both physical and mental health quality of life, but job security was not associated with additional health benefits. INTERPRETATION Participation in employment was associated with better quality of life for both men and women with HIV. Among men, job security was associated with better mental health, which suggests that employment may offer a mental health benefit only if the job is perceived to be secure. Employment policies that promote job security may offer not only income stability but also mental health benefits, although this additional benefit was observed only for men.
Collapse
|
58
|
Tzeng DS, Chung WC, Lin CH, Yang CY. Effort-reward imbalance and quality of life of healthcare workers in military hospitals: a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12:309. [PMID: 22958365 PMCID: PMC3471021 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Taiwan’s National Defense Bureau has been merging its hospitals and adjusting hospital accreditation levels since the beginning of 2006. These changes have introduced many stressors to the healthcare workers in these hospitals. This study investigates the association between job stress, psychological morbidity and quality of life in healthcare workers in three military hospitals. Methods We posted surveys to 1269 healthcare workers in three military hospitals located in southern Taiwan. The surveys included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF), and the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) Questionnaire. High effort-reward (ER) ratio and overcommitment were defined when scores fell into the upper tertile of the total distribution. Results The survey was completed by 791 healthcare workers. On average, women reported a higher ERI than men. High ERI was associated with younger age, higher psychological morbidity, and poor physical and psychological QOL domains in this population. High ER ratio and high overcommitment were associated with psychological morbidity and poor QOL in both sexes. However, high ER ratio was not significantly associated with the social QOL domain in either sexes or the physical QOL domain in males. Conclusions There was a clear association between ERI and QOL in the healthcare workers in the military hospitals under reorganization and accreditation in this study. We found ER ratio and overcommitment to be suitable indicators of job stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Sheng Tzeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
59
|
Cheng WJ, Cheng Y, Huang MC, Chen CJ. Alcohol dependence, consumption of alcoholic energy drinks and associated work characteristics in the Taiwan working population. Alcohol Alcohol 2012; 47:372-9. [PMID: 22493045 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/ags034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To examine the association between work characteristics and the risk of alcohol dependence across different employment types and occupations, including the pattern of alcohol consumption in the form of energy drinks and its association with alcohol dependence. METHODS A total of 13,501 men and 8584 women participated in a national survey in Taiwan. Alcohol dependence was defined as ≥2 points in the CAGE questionnaire. A self-administered questionnaire recorded drinking behaviors, consumption of alcoholic energy drinks, employment type, occupation and a number of psychosocial work stressors, namely job demands, job control, employment security and workplace justice. RESULTS Of the total, 9.4% of men and 0.8% of women were CAGE-positive, and 6.0% of men and 0.7% of women regularly consumed alcoholic energy drinks. In male and female regular consumers of alcoholic energy drinks, 38.7 and 23.3%, respectively, were alcohol-dependent. Multivariate regression analyses showed that male employees in manual skilled occupations, with lower workplace justice, having weekly working hours <40 h and on piece-rated or time-based pay systems were at higher risks of alcohol dependence. CONCLUSION Certain occupational groups and workers with adverse psychosocial work characteristics should be targets for prevention of alcohol dependence. Alcoholic energy drink consumption should be taken into consideration while studying alcohol dependence in the work population in Taiwan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Ju Cheng
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, 17 Xu-Zhou Rd., Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
60
|
Luz TCB, Luiza VL, Avelar FG, Hökerberg YHM, Passos SRL. [Use of medication among hospital workers]. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2012; 17:499-509. [PMID: 22267044 DOI: 10.1590/s1413-81232012000200023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although medication is acknowledged as a key element in treating health problems, there is little information available on the use of medication by hospital workers. To estimate the prevalence and describe the patterns of medication consumption by hospital workers and to identify the factors associated with such consumption in this population, data from the "PROSEC" baseline cohort were analyzed (n=417). The prevalence of overall medication consumption was 72.4%, most of which was for nervous complaints (25.4%), especially analgesics (17.8%). Use of any amount of medication was independently associated with gender, number of medically diagnosed conditions and health problem in the two weeks prior to the interview. Use of a drug was significantly associated with income whereas self-diagnosed health problems were independently related with the use of two or more pharmaceutical products. The high prevalence of medication usage in this population, with analgesics being the most consumed medication, should be seen as a cause for concern, since many consumers are unaware that these products are not exempt from risk. Women and individuals in poor health are the main candidates for intervention programs in order to promote adequate and proper use of these pharmaceutical products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Chama Borges Luz
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Antropologia Médica, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
61
|
Kim IH, Muntaner C, Vahid Shahidi F, Vives A, Vanroelen C, Benach J. Welfare states, flexible employment, and health: A critical review. Health Policy 2012; 104:99-127. [PMID: 22137444 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2011.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 11/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
|
62
|
Maniwa R, Iwamoto M, Nogi A, Yamasaki M, Yang JJ, Hanaoka H, Shiwaku K. Behavioral intervention in the overweight and obese employee: the challenge of promoting weight loss and physical activity. J Rural Med 2012; 7:25-32. [PMID: 25648082 PMCID: PMC4309326 DOI: 10.2185/jrm.7.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Effects of gender and employment situation on weight loss and lifestyle modification were
assessed in a 3-month intervention study done for overweight and obesity. A total of 384
individuals in Izumo City Japan, participated from 2000 to 2006. Lifestyle modifications
were quantitatively evaluated by calculating calories of energy intake and expenditure.
Eleven men and 15 women failed to complete the intervention; they were significantly
younger in both genders, and the women had a higher rate of employment than the completing
group (91 men and 267 women). Intervention induced a weight loss of 1.9 kg for men and 1.6
kg for women, with no significant differences by gender. Significant differences were
found in changes in energy intake and expenditure in both genders, but these disappeared
after adjusting for weight. There were significant decreases in weight (1.6 kg in
unemployed, 2.5 kg in employed) in men. Increases in walking and exercise for the employed
were smaller than those for the unemployed. The relationship between changes in weight and
energy balance by employment status was independently significant using multiple
regression analysis. Employment is associated with difficulty in losing weight due to
limited exercise time in behavioral intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rumi Maniwa
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Mamiko Iwamoto
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Akiko Nogi
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Nursing and Human Nutrition, Yamaguchi Prefectural University, Japan
| | - Masayuki Yamasaki
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Japan ; Research Project Promotion Institute, Shimane University, Japan
| | - Jian-Jun Yang
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Japan ; School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, China
| | - Hideaki Hanaoka
- Department of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Sciences, Graduate School of Health Science, Hiroshima University, Japan
| | - Kuninori Shiwaku
- Department of Environmental and Preventive Medicine, Shimane University School of Medicine, Japan ; Research Project Promotion Institute, Shimane University, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
63
|
Idris MA, Dollard MF, Winefield AH. The Effect of Globalization on Employee Psychological Health and Job Satisfaction in Malaysian Workplaces. J Occup Health 2011; 53:447-54. [DOI: 10.1539/joh.11-0035-fs] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Awang Idris
- Work and Stress Research Group, Centre for Applied Psychological ResearchSchool of Psychology, University of South AustraliaAustralia
- Department Anthropology and SociologyUniversity of MalayaMalaysia
| | - Maureen F. Dollard
- Work and Stress Research Group, Centre for Applied Psychological ResearchSchool of Psychology, University of South AustraliaAustralia
| | - Anthony H. Winefield
- Work and Stress Research Group, Centre for Applied Psychological ResearchSchool of Psychology, University of South AustraliaAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
64
|
The recognition of occupational diseases attributed to heavy workloads: experiences in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2011; 85:791-9. [PMID: 22109675 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-011-0722-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Health problems caused by long working hours and work stress have gained growing concerns in Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. In all the three countries, cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and mental disorders attributed to heavy workloads or stressful work events are considered compensable occupational diseases by workers' compensation systems. This study compared the trends of such cases and correlated the trends with changes in working hours during the period from 1980 to 2010. METHODS Data on occupational diseases were obtained from official statistics of the workers' compensation systems. Information on working hours was obtained from official statistics and national surveys of employees. RESULTS While occupational cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and mental disorders attributed to work stress were increasingly compensated in all the three countries, the averaged working hours and the percentage of employees with long working hours had been in decline discordantly. CONCLUSION Findings of this study suggested that reducing working hours alone is unlikely to reduce the problems of work stress. There is an urgent need to monitor and regulate a wider range of psychosocial work hazards. Especially, precarious employment and its associated health risks should be targeted for effective prevention of stress-related health problems in the workplace.
Collapse
|
65
|
Employment Insecurity, Workplace Justice and Employees’ Burnout in Taiwanese Employees: A Validation Study. Int J Behav Med 2011; 18:391-401. [DOI: 10.1007/s12529-011-9152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
66
|
Association of contractual and subjective job insecurity with sickness presenteeism among public sector employees. J Occup Environ Med 2010; 52:830-5. [PMID: 20657303 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181ec7e23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We examined the associations of contractual job insecurity (fixed-term vs permanent employment contract) and subjectively assessed job insecurity with sickness presenteeism among those who had no sickness absences during the study year. METHODS Survey data from a sample of 18,454 Public sector employees were gathered in 2004 (the Finnish Public Sector study). RESULTS Fixed-term employees were less likely to report working while ill (odds ratio = 0.88, 95% confidence interval = 0.77 to 0.99) than permanent employees. Subjective insecurity was associated with higher levels of working while ill, and this association was stronger among older employees. These results remained after adjustments for demographics, health-related variables, and optimism. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that subjective job insecurity might be even more important than contractual insecurity when a public sector employee makes the decision to go to work despite feeling ill.
Collapse
|
67
|
Job stress models, depressive disorders and work performance of engineers in microelectronics industry. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2010; 84:91-103. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-010-0538-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2009] [Accepted: 04/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
68
|
László KD, Pikhart H, Kopp MS, Bobak M, Pajak A, Malyutina S, Salavecz G, Marmot M. Job insecurity and health: a study of 16 European countries. Soc Sci Med 2010; 70:867-74. [PMID: 20060634 PMCID: PMC2845821 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2009] [Revised: 10/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Although the number of insecure jobs has increased considerably over the recent decades, relatively little is known about the health consequences of job insecurity, their international pattern, and factors that may modify them. In this paper, we investigated the association between job insecurity and self-rated health, and whether the relationship differs by country or individual-level characteristics. Cross-sectional data from 3 population-based studies on job insecurity, self-rated health, demographic, socioeconomic, work-related and behavioural factors and lifetime chronic diseases in 23,245 working subjects aged 45-70 years from 16 European countries were analysed using logistic regression and meta-analysis. In fully adjusted models, job insecurity was significantly associated with an increased risk of poor health in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, Poland and Russia, with odds ratios ranging between 1.3 and 2.0. Similar, but not significant, associations were observed in Austria, France, Italy, Spain and Switzerland. We found no effect of job insecurity in Belgium and Sweden. In the pooled data, the odds ratio of poor health by job insecurity was 1.39. The association between job insecurity and health did not differ significantly by age, sex, education, and marital status. Persons with insecure jobs were at an increased risk of poor health in most of the countries included in the analysis. Given these results and trends towards increasing frequency of insecure jobs, attention needs to be paid to the public health consequences of job insecurity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krisztina D László
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
69
|
Holden L, Scuffham PA, Hilton MF, Vecchio NN, Whiteford HA. Work Performance Decrements Are Associated With Australian Working Conditions, Particularly the Demand to Work Longer Hours. J Occup Environ Med 2010; 52:281-90. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3181d1cdbb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
70
|
Tsai JHC, Salazar MK. A theoretical model for understanding mental health, substance use, and work performance among Asian immigrants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010; 57:425-33. [PMID: 19780512 DOI: 10.3928/08910162-20090916-03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Mental illness and substance use disorders are prevalent among workers. Each year businesses lose billions of dollars to decreased work performance associated with these issues. This article discusses a theoretical model that depicts relationships between social discrimination, job concerns, and social support and workers' mental health problems and substance use and work performance. The focus is Asian immigrant workers, a population underrepresented in the literature. This model serves to assist occupational health nurses in the practice and research arenas better understand the complexities of mental health problems and substance use among Asian immigrant workers. Occupational health nurses are in a prime position to recognize, identify, and respond to at-risk workers. Examples of areas that might be considered by occupational health nurses when using this model are included.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hsin-Chun Tsai
- Department of Psychosocial and Community Health, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
71
|
Sein MM, Howteerakul N, Suwannapong N, Jirachewee J. Job strain among rubber-glove-factory workers in central Thailand. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2010; 48:503-510. [PMID: 20720343 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.ms962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Job strain has become a major concern because of its potential impacts on worker well-being and performance. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of, and examine factors associated with, job strain among workers in a rubber-glove factory, in a central province of Thailand. A total of 200 workers aged 18-55 yr, who had worked at the factory for at least 6 months, completed the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) (Thai Version). Two of 5 scales in the JCQ were used to measure job strain, i.e.; job control and psychological job demand. The prevalence of job strain was 27.5%. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated two variables significantly associated with job strain: low supervisor social support (adjusted OR=3.08; 95%CI: 1.38-6.91) and high job insecurity (adjusted OR=2.25; 95%CI: 1.04-4.88). Effective training for supervisors, to create good relationships among workers and supervisors, and ensuring steady and secure jobs for good employees, are necessary.
Collapse
|
72
|
Andrés AR, Collings S, Qin P. Sex-specific impact of socio-economic factors on suicide risk: a population-based case-control study in Denmark. Eur J Public Health 2009; 20:265-70. [PMID: 19933779 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckp183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many authors have investigated the impact of sex on the association between socio-economic status (SES) and suicide, a definite consensus has not yet emerged. Using Danish population registration data including 15 648 suicide deaths of individuals aged 18-65 year during 1981-97 and matched population controls, we investigate the associations of multiple SES factors with suicide risk and explore the sex-specific aspects of these associations. METHODS We use conditional logistic regression models to estimate the statistical relationship between SES, sex and suicide. RESULTS SES, proxied by low income, unskilled blue-collar work, non-specific wage work and unemployment, increases suicide risk more prominently for men than for women. Marital status has a comparable influence on suicide risk in both sexes; parenthood is protective against suicide, and the effect is larger for women. Living in a large city raises suicide risk for women but reduces it for men; residents with a foreign citizenship in Denmark have a lower risk of suicide compared with Danish citizens, but this protection is confined to male immigrants. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that suicide risk is associated with a range of SES proxies but the strength and/or direction of the association can differ by sex. Risk assessment and, therefore, prevention approaches should take this into consideration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Rodríguez Andrés
- Departamento de Análisis Económico y Finanzas, Universidad de Castilla La Mancha, Albacete, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
73
|
Abstract
Economic recessions, the industrial shift from manufacturing toward service industries, and rising global competition have contributed to uncertainty about job security, with potential consequences for workers' health. To address limitations of prior research on the health consequences of perceived job insecurity, we use longitudinal data from two nationally-representative samples of the United States population, and examine episodic and persistent perceived job insecurity over periods of about three years to almost a decade. Results show that persistent perceived job insecurity is a significant and substantively important predictor of poorer self-rated health in the American's Changing Lives (ACL) and Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) samples, and of depressive symptoms among ACL respondents. Job losses or unemployment episodes are associated with perceived job insecurity, but do not account for its association with health. Results are robust to controls for sociodemographic and job characteristics, negative reporting style, and earlier health and health behaviors.
Collapse
|
74
|
Tsai JHC, Salazar MK, Strasser PB. A Theoretical Model for Understanding Mental Health, Substance Use, and Work Performance among Asian Immigrants. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1177/216507990905701005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Mental illness and substance use disorders are prevalent among workers. Each year businesses lose billions of dollars to decreased work performance associated with these issues. This article discusses a theoretical model that depicts relationships between social discrimination, job concerns, and social support and workers' mental health problems and substance use and work performance. The focus is Asian immigrant workers, a population underrepresented in the literature. This model serves to assist occupational health nurses in the practice and research arenas better understand the complexities of mental health problems and substance use among Asian immigrant workers. Occupational health nurses are in a prime position to recognize, identify, and respond to at-risk workers. Examples of areas that might be considered by occupational health nurses when using this model are included.
Collapse
|
75
|
Yeh WY, Cheng Y, Chen CJ. Social patterns of pay systems and their associations with psychosocial job characteristics and burnout among paid employees in Taiwan. Soc Sci Med 2009; 68:1407-15. [PMID: 19269078 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2009.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Today, performance-based pay systems, also known as variable pay systems, are commonly implemented in workplaces as a business strategy to improve workers' performance and reduce labor costs. However, their impact on workers' job stress and stress-related health outcomes has rarely been investigated. By utilizing data from a nationally representative sample of paid employees in Taiwan, we examined the distribution of variable pay systems across socio-demographic categories and employment sectors. We also examined the associations of pay systems with psychosocial job characteristics (assessed by Karasek's Demand-Control model) and self-reported burnout status (measured by the Chinese version of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory). A total of 8906 men and 6382 women aged 25-65 years were studied, and pay systems were classified into three categories, i.e., fixed salary, performance-based pay (with a basic salary), and piece-rated or time-based pay (without a basic salary). Results indicated that in men, 57% of employees were given a fixed salary, 24% were given a performance-based pay, and 19% were remunerated through a piece-rated or time-based pay. In women, the distributions of the 3 pay systems were 64%, 20% and 15%, respectively. Among the three pay systems, employees earning through a performance-based pay were found to have the longest working hours, highest level of job control, and highest percentage of workers who perceived high stress at work. Those remunerated through a piece-rated/time-based pay were found to have the lowest job control, shortest working hours, highest job insecurity, lowest potential for career growth, and lowest job satisfaction. The results of multivariate regression analyses showed that employees earning through performance-based and piece-rated pay systems showed higher scores for personal burnout and work-related burnout, as compared to those who were given fixed salaries, after adjusting for age, education, marital status, employment grade, job characteristics, and family care workloads. As variable pay systems have gained in popularity, findings from this study call for more attention on the tradeoff between the widely discussed management advantages of such pay systems and the health burden they place on employees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yu Yeh
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
76
|
Quinlan M, Bohle P. Overstretched and Unreciprocated Commitment: Reviewing Research on the Occupational Health and Safety Effects of Downsizing and Job Insecurity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2009; 39:1-44. [DOI: 10.2190/hs.39.1.a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, a leading business practice has been often-repeated rounds of downsizing and restructuring (also referred to as reorganization, re-engineering, and a host of other euphemistic terms) by large private and public sector employers. Frequently associated with other practices such as outsourcing, privatization, and the increased use of temporary workers, downsizing/restructuring has increased the level of job insecurity among workers as well as leading to changes in work processes (including work intensification and multi-tasking) and management behavior. How has downsizing/restructuring and increased job insecurity affected the occupational health, safety, and well-being of workers, and what measures have employers, unions, and governments taken to address any adverse effects? The authors reviewed international studies of the occupational health and safety (OHS) effects of downsizing/restructuring and increased job insecurity undertaken over the past 20 years. After imposing quality filters, they obtained 86 studies. Analysis revealed that 73 (85%) of the studies found poorer OHS outcomes (using a range of measures). Studies were examined to see whether they provided clues as to the reasons for negative outcomes.
Collapse
|
77
|
Chen DR, Chang LY, Yang ML. Gender-specific responses to social determinants associated with self-perceived health in Taiwan: A multilevel approach. Soc Sci Med 2008; 67:1630-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2008.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2007] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
78
|
Cheng GHL, Chan DKS. Who Suffers More from Job Insecurity? A Meta-Analytic Review. APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY-AN INTERNATIONAL REVIEW-PSYCHOLOGIE APPLIQUEE-REVUE INTERNATIONALE 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-0597.2007.00312.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 562] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
79
|
Quinlan M. Organisational restructuring/downsizing, OHS regulation and worker health and wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2007; 30:385-99. [PMID: 17662403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2007.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of international evidence indicates that downsizing and related forms of organisational restructuring are having profound adverse effects on worker safety, health and wellbeing. In particular, evidence links downsizing to poorer mental health outcomes, including bullying and other forms of occupational violence. In Australia federal, state and territory occupational health and safety (OHS) legislation imposes obligations on employers who make changes to the workplace or work processes to identify hazards, undertake risk assessment, consult with employee representatives and take appropriate steps to manage any significant hazards that are identified, including psychosocial hazards. This study shows that while Australian regulators are aware of the problems posed by downsizing they have made only modest efforts to pursue compliance with legislative duties, producing some guidance material that refers to restructuring and workloads and launching a small number of prosecutions. At the same time, there is an increased willingness to address staffing levels and other impacts of downsizing (like working in isolation). Employer and union responses were also examined. The article concludes by identifying a number of initiatives that would enable regulators, unions and employers to address the problems posed by downsizing more effectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Quinlan
- School of Organisation and Management, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Business School, Middlesex University, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
80
|
Edimansyah BA, Rusli BN, Naing L, Mohamed Rusli BA, Winn T. Relationship of psychosocial work factors and health-related quality of life in male automotive assembly workers in Malaysia. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2007; 45:437-48. [PMID: 17634693 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.45.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The present study investigates the relationship between psychosocial work factors and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in male automotive assembly plant workers in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 728 male workers were recruited in March-July 2005 from 2 major automotive assembly plants in Selangor and Pahang. In this cross-sectional study, information on socio-demography, psychosocial work factors using the 97-item Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and an abbreviated 26-item version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire containing 4 domains (physical health, psychological, social relationship, and environment) was self-administered to all workers involved. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The prevalence of reported good or very good overall HRQOL and general health was 64.9% and 53.7%, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that created skill was positively associated with physical health and psychological domains; whilst, skill discretion was positively associated with social relationship and environment domains. Social support was positively associated with physical health and environment domains; whilst, co-worker support was positively associated with psychological and social relationship domains. Job insecurity and hazardous condition were negatively associated with all domains, whilst psychological job demands was negatively associated with the environment domain of HRQOL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Abdin Edimansyah
- Division of Occupational Medicine, Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|