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Baek SU, Yoon JH. Effect of long working hours on psychological distress among young workers in different types of occupation. Prev Med 2024; 179:107829. [PMID: 38122936 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2023.107829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated how the association between long working hours and psychological distress varies across different employment and occupation types in young workers. METHODS Examining a nationally representative sample of 7246 Korean workers (3621 women) aged 15 to 40, we analyzed 23,492 observations spanning from 2016 to 2020. Psychological distress was measured using the Brief Encounter Psychosocial Instrument. We employed a generalized estimating equation to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Of the total observations, 5.2% worked <35 h/week, 52.9% worked 35-40 h/week, 23.5% worked 41-48 h/week, 10.3% worked 49-54 h/week, and 8.2% worked ≥55 h/week. The OR (95% CI) of the association between long working hours and psychological distress was 1.38 (1.11-1.72) for <35 h/week, 1.47 (1.32-1.65) for 41-48 h/week, 1.74 (1.49-2.04) for 49-54 h/week, and 2.11 (1.75-2.55) for ≥55 h/week compared to 35-40 h/week. The OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and psychological distress was significantly higher among wage workers (OR [95% CI]: 2.37 [1.94-2.89]) compared to self-employed workers (OR [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.52-1.36]). Additionally, the OR (95% CI) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and psychological distress was significantly higher among white-collar workers (OR [95% CI]: 3.24 [2.54-4.13]) compared to service/sales workers (OR [95% CI]: 1.22 [0.86-1.72]) or blue-collar workers (OR [95% CI]: 1.71 [1.10-2.67]). No clear gender differences were observed. CONCLUSION Psychological distress caused by long working hours can be pronounced among white-collar and wage workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Uk Baek
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Graduate School, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Al-Madhagi HA. Unveiling the Global Surge: Unraveling the Factors Fueling the Spread of Karoshi Syndrome. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:2779-2782. [PMID: 38145211 PMCID: PMC10746923 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s444900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Karoshi syndrome, also known as "death by overwork", has been a topic of study and concern in Japan since the 1980s. World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) joint unveiled that in 2021, approximately 750.000 deaths due to Karoshi syndrome globally. The joint defined long working as having > 55 h work/week. Karoshi nowadays is no longer limited to Japan and has become a global issue. Karoshi is primarily attributed to factors such as long working hours, job-related stress, and poor work-life balance. This perspective was sought to provide a short overview of Karoshi syndrome, the underlying mechanisms and the state-of-art preventive measures.
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Tsubono K, Ogawa M, Maruyama Y. Comparison of primary school teachers' stress responses between pre-pandemic and pandemic periods: a large-scale nationwide survey in Japan. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2023; 61:406-418. [PMID: 36261339 PMCID: PMC10731416 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2022-0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A schoolteacher's job is considered one of the most stressful occupations globally. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has posed further challenges for schoolteachers. This study aimed to examine the effects of the pandemic on primary school teachers' stress responses in Japan. We analyzed the data from a nationwide survey of public-school teachers conducted between June 2019 and December 2021. The total numbers of participants were 65,968 in 2019, 72,248 in 2020, and 75,435 in 2021. Working hours and perceived main stressors as well as stress response scores were assessed. Contrary to expectations, the results showed that the stress response scores among primary school teachers did not increase in the first year of the pandemic. Rather, the stress response scores and the proportion of high-stress teachers significantly decreased from the pre-pandemic year (2019) to the first year of the pandemic (2020). However, the stress response scores showed a rising trend in the second year of the pandemic (2021). Participants' working hours decreased from 2019 to 2021. The findings in relation to teachers' main stressors matched these trends. Continuous monitoring of teachers' stress levels is required both during and after the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Tsubono
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tokai Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Masaki Ogawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokai Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Yoko Maruyama
- Department of Health Management, Tokai Central Hospital, Japan
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4
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Tsubono K, Mitoku S. Public school teachers' occupational stress across different school types: a nationwide survey during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1287893. [PMID: 37927853 PMCID: PMC10620961 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1287893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives School teaching is regarded as one of the most stressful professions worldwide. To maintain schoolteachers' mental health, the factors influencing occupational stress among schoolteachers must be clarified. This study aimed to investigate public school teachers' work-related stress considering the differences in school types using data from a large-scale nationwide survey conducted during the prolonged coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Japan. Methods Data from a nationwide survey of public school teachers performed between June 2019 and December 2022 were analyzed. The dataset consisted of repeated cross-sectional data. The total number of participants was 270,777 in 2019, 296,599 in 2020, 299,237 in 2021, and 307,866 in 2022. Information on working hours, job demands, workplace support, stress response, and perceived main stressors were assessed for each type of public school. Results Regardless of school type, quantitative workload and long working hours were the most significant factors affecting teachers' stress responses. However, stress-related factors among teachers varied significantly between school types. The percentage of junior high school teachers who perceived "extra-curricular club activities" as their main stressor was the highest among all school types. The highest proportion of elementary school teachers perceived "dealing with difficult students" as their main stressor. Meanwhile, interpersonal conflict scores were the highest among special needs school teachers. Teachers' workload and stress levels significantly increased in the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic (2022) compared to the pre-pandemic year (2019) in all school types despite the marginally small score differences. Conclusions This study highlighted the importance of reducing teachers' workload for their mental health regardless of school types. Meanwhile, perceived work-related stress among teachers differed significantly between school types. Given the possible prolonged impacts of the pandemic on teachers' occupational stress, teachers' stress levels must be monitored throughout and after the pandemic. The results suggest that increasing the number of schoolteachers and support staff and providing adequate organizational support are necessary to prevent teachers' sick leave due to mental disorders. In addition, taking comprehensive countermeasures against teachers' occupational stress, considering the differences in school types, is crucial for safeguarding schoolteachers' mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Tsubono
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tokai Central Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Sachiko Mitoku
- Department of Health Management, Tokai Central Hospital, Gifu, Japan
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5
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Ezekekwu E, Johnson C, Karimi S, Antimisiaris D, Lorenz D. Examining the relationship between long working hours and the use of prescription sedatives among U.S. workers. Sleep Med 2023; 109:226-239. [PMID: 37478659 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2023.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of long working hours has been accompanied by a corresponding rise in sleep disorders. Sedative-hypnotic agents (SHAs), have been reported as the second most commonly misused drug class in the U.S. The key objective of this study was to examine the relationship between working hours on the use of sleep aids and medications with sedative properties. METHODS The 2010-2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data was utilized. SHAs and medications with sedative related properties (MSRPs) were identified. Furthermore, we employed different regression models ranging from multivariable linear regression, Tobit regression, Heckman regression, and multivariable logistic regression, to ensure consistency, robustness, and reliability of associations. RESULTS Overall, a sample of 81,518 observations of full-time workers was analyzed. Working 56hours or more per week was significantly associated (p < 0.05) with an increased odds of using SHAs and MSRPs by 13% (Adjusted Odds Ratio, aOR =1.13, 95% Confidence Interval, CI=1.01:1.26) and 9% (aOR=1.09, 95% CI=1.03:1.16), respectively more than that among those who worked fewer hours. Females in our study had a higher likelihood (aOR=1.11, 95% CI=1.05:1.19) of using SHAs when compared to males. Also, professional services had the highest likelihood (aOR=1.31, 95% CI=1.14:1.50) of using SHAs. CONCLUSION We found that long working hours were significantly associated with an elevated use of SHAs and MSRPs among U.S. workers. Specifically, female workers and individuals working in professional services had the highest likelihood of using sleep medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Ezekekwu
- Department of Health Management and Systems Sciences School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville 485 E. Gray Street Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Christopher Johnson
- Department of Health Management and Systems Sciences School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville 485 E. Gray Street Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Seyed Karimi
- Department of Health Management and Systems Sciences School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville 485 E. Gray Street Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Demetra Antimisiaris
- Department of Health Management and Systems Sciences School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville 485 E. Gray Street Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Doug Lorenz
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Information Sciences, University of Louisville, 485 E. Gray Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
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Ozawa M, Anzai T, Yamauchi T, Takahashi K. Do changes in working hours increase stress in Japanese white-collar workers? Front Public Health 2023; 11:1076024. [PMID: 36817909 PMCID: PMC9928859 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1076024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction High stress at work is associated with negative health outcomes for workers, making stress prevention a critical challenge. Overtime work is an influential stress factor. This study, therefore, aimed to longitudinally evaluate how stress increased depending on changes in working hours among Japanese white-collar workers. Methods We targeted 3,874 participants who were full-time workers and were recognized as having low stress in a web-based cohort in 2018 (T1) and 2019 (T2). We performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression with the following variables: years of experience, years of education, medical background, income, and roommates. Results We observed a greater increase in stress among female who worked 41-50 h per week at T1 and more than 50 hours per week at T2, and those who worked more than 50 h per week at T1 and 35-40/41-50 h per week at T2, compared to those who worked 41-50 h per week both at T1 and T2, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of OR = 2.09, 95% CI (1.18, 3,70); OR =1.86, 95% CI (1.14, 3.03), respectively. However, no association between change in working hours and stress was found among male. Discussion These results show that reducing stress requires decreasing working hours as well as identifying factors that lead to high stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ozawa
- School of Medicine, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Anzai
- Department of Biostatistics, M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamauchi
- Department of Public Health and Environmental Medicine, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Takahashi
- Department of Biostatistics, M&D Data Science Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
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7
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Tsubono K, Ogawa M. The analysis of main stressors among high-stress primary school teachers by job positions: A nationwide survey in Japan. Front Public Health 2022; 10:990141. [PMID: 36620252 PMCID: PMC9815557 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.990141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives A school teacher's job is considered one of the most stressful occupations worldwide. To maintain the mental health of teachers, it is crucial to clarify the factors affecting work-related stress among teachers. The present study thus aimed to examine the main stressors among primary school teachers considering the difference in job positions by using data from a large-scale nationwide survey. Methods We analyzed the data from a nationwide survey of public school teachers conducted between June and December 2021. The total number of participants was 138,651. The information of perceived main stressors, working hours per day, job workloads, job control, workplace support, and stress response scores were assessed by job position. Results Among all teachers' job positions, the working hours of vice-principals were the longest, but their stress response scores were the second lowest. In contrast, the stress response scores among diet and nutrition teachers and health education teachers were the highest; their supervisors' and co-workers' support scores were the lowest among all teachers. Quantitative and qualitative workloads, job control, workplace support from supervisors and co-workers are significantly associated with teachers' stress responses in all job positions. Perceived main stressors among teachers were different depending on job positions. However, regardless of job positions, relationships with supervisors and co-workers were significantly associated with stress response scores among teachers. Dealing with difficult students and parents as well as workloads of clerical tasks were also associated with teachers' stress responses depending on job positions. Conclusions Perceived main stressors among teachers were different depending on job positions. However, relationships with supervisors and co-workers were significantly associated with stress response levels among teachers regardless of job positions. This study highlighted the importance of interpersonal relationships at the workplace in terms of teachers' mental health. The results suggest that providing interpersonal skills training targeting co-workers' relationships and harassment prevention measures would be crucial to maintain teachers' mental health. The results also suggest that increasing school staff and providing sufficient organizational support for teachers will be required to prevent teachers' burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenjiro Tsubono
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Tokai Central Hospital, Gifu, Japan,*Correspondence: Kenjiro Tsubono ✉
| | - Masaki Ogawa
- Department of Pharmacy, Tokai Central Hospital, Gifu, Japan
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8
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Use it too much and lose everything? The effects of hours of work on health. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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Saito S, Qi R, Tran HTT, Suzuki K, Takiguchi T, Noto S, Ohde S, Takahashi O. A nationwide web-based survey of factors associated with depressive symptoms among Japanese workers. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:1078-1089. [PMID: 33985382 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211017586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Precarious employment has affected mental health, and limited data are available on the association of low stress tolerance with depressive symptoms among Japanese workers. AIMS This study aimed to examine the relationship between stress tolerance and depressive symptoms among Japanese workers, including company employees, civil servants and self-employed persons in various industries. METHODS We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study. From March 26 to April 6, 2020, we performed a web-based survey of Japanese workers. The questionnaire included questions on socioeconomic factors, the SOC scale that assesses stress tolerance, the CES-D, and the EQ-5D-5L. Multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with depressive symptoms. RESULTS We included 3,001 participants in the analysis. A high SOC score, adequate sleeping time and frequency of exercise were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Employment status and long working hours were not associated with depressive symptoms. Younger workers had lower SOC scores than older workers. An inverse correlation between the SOC score and CES-D score was found among Japanese workers. CONCLUSIONS Improving stress tolerance among younger workers is needed to prevent worsening mental health regardless of employment status for Japanese workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Saito
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Health Technology Assessment, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ruan Qi
- Field of Health Informatics and Business Administration, Graduate School, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Huyen Thi Thanh Tran
- Field of Health Informatics and Business Administration, Graduate School, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenji Suzuki
- Field of Health Informatics and Business Administration, Graduate School, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toru Takiguchi
- Field of Health Informatics and Business Administration, Graduate School, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shinichi Noto
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ohde
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Health Technology Assessment, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Takahashi
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Health Technology Assessment, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.,Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of General Internal Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Kreuzfeld S, Felsing C, Seibt R. Teachers' working time as a risk factor for their mental health - findings from a cross-sectional study at German upper-level secondary schools. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:307. [PMID: 35164735 PMCID: PMC8845294 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12680-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The work of teachers has changed due to an increase in the range of tasks. However, there is a lack of current information on working hours, task distribution and the possible health effects. METHODS For the first time for Germany as a whole, a cross-sectional survey determined how long teachers at upper-level secondary schools work per week, what influences their working hours and how different recording methods affect the total working hours. To this end, 6,109 full-time teachers estimated their working hours based on twelve categories and then documented these daily over 4 weeks. Afterwards, the effects of long working hours on teachers' ability to recover and emotional exhaustion were analysed. RESULTS The article shows the large interindividual variance in the working hours of teachers and a significant influence of sex, age, and subject profile. Self-reported working hours varied substantially by method used to record working time with work time reported via daily diaries totaling 2 h per week more than hours recorded by a single estimation. A substantial proportion of the teachers (36%) work longer per week than European guidelines allow (> 48 h); 15% work even more than 55 h per week. Teachers who work more than 45 h per week suffer more often from inability to recover (46%) and emotional exhaustion (32%) than teachers who work less than 40 h per week (26% and 22% respectively). CONCLUSIONS Taking professional experience and teaching subjects into account could in future contribute to a fairer distribution of workload among teachers. This could protect individual teachers from long working hours, ensure sufficient recovery and also reduce the risk of emotional exhaustion. In order to identify teachers whose health is at risk at an early stage, voluntary preventive care offers would be considerably helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffi Kreuzfeld
- Institute for Preventive Medicine of the Rostock University Medical Center, St.-Georg-Str. 108, D-18055, Rostock, Germany.
| | - Christoph Felsing
- Institute for Preventive Medicine of the Rostock University Medical Center, St.-Georg-Str. 108, D-18055, Rostock, Germany
| | - Reingard Seibt
- Institute for Preventive Medicine of the Rostock University Medical Center, St.-Georg-Str. 108, D-18055, Rostock, Germany
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Matsushita M, Yamamura S. The Relationship Between Long Working Hours and Stress Responses in Junior High School Teachers: A Nationwide Survey in Japan. Front Psychol 2022; 12:775522. [PMID: 35087451 PMCID: PMC8786715 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.775522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Long working hours and mental health problems among teachers are a concern in Japan. More specifically, it has been reported that junior high school teachers tend to work overtime. In this study, examined the working hours of junior high school teachers in public schools and investigated the association between overtime work and stress responses across job titles. Methods: From June to December 2018, 54,772 teachers in public junior high schools completed a web-based nationwide survey regarding occupational stress and submitted self-evaluated working hours per day of the previous month. Psychological and physical stress responses were assessed using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Results: Results showed that 59.6% of the participants worked 11 h or more per day. Additionally, the length of working hours significantly differed across job titles (χ2 (30) = 5295.8, p < 0.001, Cramér’s V = 0.14). With respect to tenured teachers, sex (female), age, taking charge of the class, number of working years in the same school, working hours of 10 to 11 h, 11 to 12 h, 12 to 13 h, and 13 h or more were significantly associated with high stress, compared to those who worked less than 9 h per day. Moreover, for fixed-term teachers, sex (female), age, working hours of 9 to 10 h, 10 to 11 h, 11 to 12 h, 12 to 13 h, and 13 h or more were related with more stress as compared to those who worked less than 9 h per day. On the other hand, there was no significant relationship between long working hours and stress response among vice-principals, even though they tended to work the longest hours. Conclusion: We verified that Japanese junior high school teachers work long hours. Long working hours were associated with stress responses in both tenured and fixed-term teachers, but not in vice-principals. However, vice-principals work the longest hours among teachers, and we suggest that these long working hours may be a hidden problem that is often overlooked.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masateru Matsushita
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Human Sciences, Konan Women's University, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Kinki Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Itami, Japan
| | - Schuhei Yamamura
- Department of Psychiatry, Kinki Central Hospital of the Mutual Aid Association of Public School Teachers, Itami, Japan
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12
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Han S, Ko Y, Moon JE, Cho YS. Working hours are closely associated with depressive mood and suicidal ideation in Korean adults: a nationwide cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23102. [PMID: 34845294 PMCID: PMC8630033 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02574-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Long working hours have been presumed to negatively influence health. However, evidence is lacking regarding any associations of working hours with depressive mood or suicidal ideation. We investigated the relationships of working hours with depressive mood and suicidal ideation in a representative sample of the Korean general population. We analyzed data collected by the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys VI and VII (2013–2018). Depressive mood and suicidal ideation were identified through self-reporting. We divided participants into four groups according to weekly working hours: 30–40, 41–50, 51–60, and > 60 h/week. Sampling weights were applied to obtain estimates for the general Korean population. We analyzed 14,625 participants, of whom 5383 (36.8%), 4656 (31.8%), 2553 (17.5%), and 2033 (13.9%) worked 30–40, 41–50, 51–60, and > 60 h/week, respectively. In these groups, 3.6%, 4.4%, 5.2%, and 6.3% of the participants reported depressive mood, while 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.2%, and 3.6% reported suicidal ideation. In multiple regression analyses, compared with the 30–40 h/week group, the adjusted odds ratios of the 41–50, 51–60, and > 60 h/week groups for depressive mood were 1.35 (1.08–1.69), 1.5 (1.14–1.97), and 1.6 (1.19–2.14). A similar trend was evident for suicidal ideation (odds ratios 1.16 [0.82–1.63], 1.48 [0.99–2.21], and 2.29 [1.53–3.42]). Long working hours are significantly associated with depressive mood and suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangsoo Han
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, 170 Jomaru-ro, Bucheon, 14584, Republic of Korea
| | - Yujin Ko
- Department of Psychiatry, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, 170 Jomaru-ro, Bucheon, 14584, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Moon
- Department of Biostatistics, Clinical Trial Center, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, 170 Jomaru-ro, Bucheon, 14584, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Soon Cho
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, 170 Jomaru-ro, Bucheon, 14584, Republic of Korea.
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13
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Hojo M. Association between student-teacher ratio and teachers' working hours and workload stress: evidence from a nationwide survey in Japan. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1635. [PMID: 34493251 PMCID: PMC8422828 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11677-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Too long work hours of Japanese school teachers, along with an increasing number of teachers taking leave due to mental illness, are well known and recognized as a serious social problem. In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by reducing the density in the classroom, the Japanese government has decided to reduce the upper-limit of class size in primary schools after 2021, which is expected to result in lowering the student-teacher ratio. The aim of this study was to examine the association between student-teacher ratio, teacher work hours and teacher stress. Methods Data on student-teacher ratio, teacher work hours, and teacher stress were obtained from a large-scale international survey conducted by OECD. The number of teachers participated in the survey was 3308 (primary school) and 3555 (lower-secondary school). After excluding teachers with missing observations, the analytic sample consisted of 2761 (primary school) and 3006 (lower-secondary school) teachers. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. Results Regression results revealed that student-teacher ratio was positively correlated with total work hours and workload stress of teachers. In particular, teachers working in schools with high student-teacher ratio spent more time on time-consuming tasks such as marking/correcting student work and communication with parents or guardians. The coefficient estimates suggested that, on average, lowering the student-teacher ratio by five in lower-secondary school was associated with 2.8 hours shorter working hours per week (p<0.001). Conclusion Our empirical results suggested that the class-size reduction policy starting in 2021 could reduce teacher stress and long work hours through the consequent decrease in student-teacher ratios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masakazu Hojo
- Department of Economics, Komazawa University, Tokyo, Japan.
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Heidari J, Burton NW, McCuaig-Holcroft L, Kellmann M. "I never thought it would be that bad" - Increasing teachers' awareness of psychological well-being through recovery-stress monitoring and individualised feedback. Work 2021; 69:1217-1227. [PMID: 34334441 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The demanding working conditions of teachers make them susceptible to stress. Monitoring temporal changes in recovery and stress may provide a valuable approach for maintaining well-being. OBJECTIVE This exploratory study followed a two-stage approach aimed at: a) collecting data about the potential effects of holidays on stress in teachers, and b) utilizing these findings to provide tangible feedback to teachers. METHODS Thirty-seven German teachers completed online questionnaires over six months (eight measurements) which included two holiday periods (Easter break, Summer break). Sociodemographic data regarding recovery and stress were gathered using the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire Work. Interested teachers received individual feedback sessions. RESULTS The results, inter alia, indicated significant time effects for the dimensions Overall Stress (F(7,119) = 5.31, p < 0.001) and Overall Recovery (F(3.7,67.7) = 4.33, p = 0.004). Significant positive changes were identified over the Summer, but not the Easter break. In the feedback sessions, group-based findings were connected with the individual recovery-stress values. Notable scores were highlighted in a matrix. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates an approach to monitoring and providing group and personalised feedback to raise teachers' awareness and sensitivity of psychological health status in relation to their working environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jahan Heidari
- Faculty of Sport Science, Unit of Sport Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nicola W Burton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
| | - Louise McCuaig-Holcroft
- School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Kellmann
- Faculty of Sport Science, Unit of Sport Psychology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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15
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Lizana PA, Aballay J, Vicente-Rodríguez G, Gómez-Bruton A. Low interest in physical activity and higher rates of obesity among rural teachers. Work 2021; 67:1015-1022. [PMID: 33325447 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have evaluated the causes of physical inactivity in rural teachers from South America. Determining the causes and effects of physical inactivity in rural teachers could be the base for future intervention studies aiming to improve physical activity (PA) engagement in this population. OBJECTIVES To examine the levels of PA in rural teachers and evaluate the associations between their jobs, interest in PA, body composition and practice of PA. METHODS Body mass index (BMI) and body fat % (BF) of rural teachers from the Valparaiso Region in Chile were measured; interviews regarding PA habits, interests and PA practice were conducted. The relationship between BF% and interest in PA and the practice of sports was analysed stratifying by sex. RESULTS Around 71% were overweight/obese and 80% of the teachers reported not practicing any PA. These figures are higher than the Chilean national average for adults (64.5% overweight/obese). Moreover, females presented a higher BF% than male teachers (35.98% vs. 26.44%, p < 0.05). The main causes of not performing PA were: firstly, the lack of time (51.8%), and secondly, fatigue after work and/or finishing work late. In addition, rural teachers claim that in their free time they continue to finish tasks that they were not able to complete during their working hours. CONCLUSIONS Rural Chilean teachers show a high prevalence of obesity and low PA levels. Moreover, rural teachers have a work overload stemming from their jobs, and this could be an important link to an overall sedentary lifestyle. Further studies should focus on the relationship between teacher obesity, physical activity, nutrition and work overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Lizana
- Laboratory of Morphological Sciences, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jocelyn Aballay
- Laboratory of Morphological Sciences, Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - German Vicente-Rodríguez
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development (GENUD) Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences (FCSD), University of Zaragoza, Misericordia, Huesca, Spain
| | - Alejandro Gómez-Bruton
- Growth, Exercise, Nutrition and Development (GENUD) Research Group, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Department of Physiatry and Nursing, Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences (FCSD), University of Zaragoza, Misericordia, Huesca, Spain
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16
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Kotera Y, Maxwell-Jones R, Edwards AM, Knutton N. Burnout in Professional Psychotherapists: Relationships with Self-Compassion, Work-Life Balance, and Telepressure. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105308. [PMID: 34067641 PMCID: PMC8156437 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Though negative impacts of COVID-19 on occupational mental health have been reported, the mental health of psychotherapists has not been evaluated in depth. As this occupational group treats ever-increasing mental health problems, it is essential to appraise key factors for their mental health. Accordingly, this study aimed to explore burnout of professional psychotherapists. A total of 110 participants completed self-report measures regarding burnout, self-compassion, work–life balance and telepressure. Correlation, regression and moderation analyses were conducted. Both of the burnout components—emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation—were positively associated with weekly working hours and telepressure, and negatively associated with age, self-compassion and work–life balance. Weekly working hours and work–life balance were significant predictors of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Lastly, self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between work–life balance and emotional exhaustion but did not mediate the relationship between work–life balance and depersonalisation. The findings suggest that maintaining high work–life balance is particularly important for the mental health of psychotherapists, protecting them from burnout. Moreover, self-compassion needs to be cultivated to mitigate emotional exhaustion. Mental health care for this occupational group needs to be implemented to achieve sustainable mental health care for workers and the public.
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17
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Tanabe R, Hisamatsu T, Fukuda M, Tsumura H, Tsuchie R, Suzuki M, Sugaya N, Nakamura K, Takahashi K, Kanda H. The association between problematic internet use and neck pain among Japanese schoolteachers. J Occup Health 2021; 63:e12298. [PMID: 34888997 PMCID: PMC8661443 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Problematic internet use (PIU) has been suggested in relation to psychological symptoms among schoolteachers, but the relationship with physical symptoms remains unclear. We examined whether PIU or longer Internet usage time is associated with neck pain in schoolteachers. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study among 2582 teachers aged 20 years or older (35.6% women) in Shimane and Tottori, Japan in 2018. Neck pain was defined as ≥5 points on the Neck Disability Index. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) was used to assess PIU. Internet usage time on weekdays and weekends was divided into five groups: 0, 1-29, 30-59, 60-119, and ≥120 min/day. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of the CIUS score and Internet usage time on weekdays or weekends with neck pain, adjusting for sex, age, position at school, insomnia, and psychological distress. RESULTS We observed 800 (31.0%) teachers with neck pain. The median (interquartile range) of their CIUS scores was 7 (2, 14). A higher CIUS score was independently associated with a higher prevalence of neck pain (odds ratio of 4th vs. 1st quartiles, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.87; trend P = .006). Compared with non-Internet users, Internet users on weekdays had almost double the odds of neck pain although the difference did not reach the customary level for designating statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, teachers with higher scores in CIUS were associated with a higher prevalence of neck pain in Japan, suggesting adults with PIU being at risk of physical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Tanabe
- Department of Public HealthOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Takashi Hisamatsu
- Department of Public HealthOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Mari Fukuda
- Department of Public HealthOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
| | - Hideki Tsumura
- Department of PsychologyFaculty of Integrated Arts and SciencesTokushima UniversityTokushimaJapan
| | - Rina Tsuchie
- Department of NursingFaculty of MedicineShimane UniversityShimaneJapan
| | - Masako Suzuki
- Department of psychologyFaculty of Education and HumanitiesJumonji UniversitySaitamaJapan
| | - Nagisa Sugaya
- Unit of Public Health and Preventive MedicineFaculty of MedicineYokohama City UniversityKanagawaJapan
| | - Koshi Nakamura
- Department of Public Health and HygieneGraduate School of MedicineUniversity of the RyukyusOkinawaJapan
| | - Kenzo Takahashi
- Teikyo University Graduate School of Public HealthTokyoJapan
| | - Hideyuki Kanda
- Department of Public HealthOkayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical SciencesOkayamaJapan
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18
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de Souza JM, Pinto RZ, Tebar WR, Gil FCS, Delfino LD, Morelhão PK, da Silva CCM, Oliveira CBS, Christofaro DGD. Association of musculoskeletal pain with poor sleep quality in public school teachers. Work 2020; 65:599-606. [PMID: 32116278 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teachers perform repetitive movements all day, which can cause pain in body regions. This article analyzes the association of pain with sleep quality in this population. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship of musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality in teachers from public schools. METHODS The sample consisted of 242 teachers, selected in a random process. Musculoskeletal pain and sleep quality were evaluated by using a questionnaire. The association between sleep quality and musculoskeletal pain was evaluated using the chi-square test. The magnitude of the associations was verified by Binary Logistic Regression, adjusted by sex, age, BMI, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Teachers with poor sleep quality presented higher body mass index (BMI) values when compared to teachers with good sleep quality (27.9 vs 26.0, p = 0.012). Teachers with poor sleep quality were approximately twice as likely to report thoracic pain (OR = 2.16[95% CI = 1.12-4.16]), wrist pain (OR = 3.28[95% CI = 1.18-9.07]), low back pain (OR = 3.09[95% CI = 1.29-7.41]), and ankle/foot pain (OR = 2.83[95% CI = 1.32-6.08]). CONCLUSIONS Teachers with poor sleep quality were approximately twice as likely to present pain in several body parts. Our findings revealed that poor sleep quality was significantly associated with musculoskeletal pain in Brazilian teachers of public schools, regardless of confounding factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson M de Souza
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael Z Pinto
- Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - William R Tebar
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda C S Gil
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro D Delfino
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila K Morelhão
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudiele C M da Silva
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Crystian B S Oliveira
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Diego G D Christofaro
- São Paulo State University (Unesp), School of Technology and Sciences, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Weekly Working Hours and Mental Health Status in Different Occupations: Evidence From the 2015 to 2016 California Health Interview Survey. J Occup Environ Med 2020; 61:e452-e458. [PMID: 31567660 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this paper was to identify shapes of the curves between weekly working hours (WWH) and mental health status (MHS) and determine WWH for the best MHS in 13 occupations. METHODS This cross-sectional study applied public data of the 2015 to 2016 California Health Interview Survey. Restricted cubic spline regression was used to determine non-linear trends. RESULTS A statistically significant nearly V-shaped curve was demonstrated between WWH and MHS in total population, men and management, business and finance occupations. WWH for the best MHS were 42, 45, and 46 hours, respectively. CONCLUSION These results suggest MHS be susceptible to WWH in total population, men and management, business and finance occupations. WWH for the best MHS for relevant populations could provide evidence for better work hours regulations in California.
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20
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Kuwato M, Hirano Y. Sense of coherence, occupational stressors, and mental health among Japanese high school teachers in Nagasaki prefecture: a multiple regression analysis. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1355. [PMID: 32887598 PMCID: PMC7650266 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09475-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND International research has indicated that teachers have an increased risk of mental disorders and work-related stress, compared with those working in other fields. In Japan, the deterioration of teachers' mental health has recently become a serious social issue. Teaching is a high-stress occupation, and job stress can affect teachers' physical and mental health. This study aimed to determine how sense of coherence, job satisfaction, and workplace social support contribute to the mental health status of public and private high school teachers in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. METHODS The analytic sample comprised 370 high school teachers from eight public and three private schools in Nagasaki Prefecture who answered an anonymous survey comprising the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which is a measure of mental health status, and questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, occupational stressors, workplace social support systems, job satisfaction, and sense of coherence. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of mental health. RESULTS The survey was sent to 681 people, of whom 370 responded and were included in the analysis (effective response rate: 54.3%). The analysis indicated that sense of coherence was the strongest predictor of mental health (β = -.391, p < .0001), followed by workload stressors (β = .260, p < .0001), low job control (β = .099, p = .021), and job satisfaction (β = -.088, p = .040). CONCLUSION The results suggest that a greater sense of coherence and job satisfaction are associated with greater mental health. Meanwhile, workload stressors and low job control undermined mental health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miho Kuwato
- Nagasaki Rehabilitation College 42, Akasako, Omura, Nagasaki, 856-0048, Japan.
| | - Yuko Hirano
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Nagasaki University 1-7-1, Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8520, Japan
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21
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Park S, Kook H, Seok H, Lee JH, Lim D, Cho DH, Oh SK. The negative impact of long working hours on mental health in young Korean workers. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0236931. [PMID: 32750080 PMCID: PMC7402483 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Long working hours are known to have a negative effect on health. However, there is no clear evidence for a direct link between mental health and long working hours in the young adult populations. Therefore, we aimed to determine whether long working hours are associated with mental health in young adult workers. Data were collected from a 2012 follow-up survey of the Youth Panel 2007. A total of 3,332 young adult employees (aged 20 to 35) were enrolled in the study. We analyzed stress, depression, and suicidal thoughts by multivariate logistic regression analysis based on working hours (41 to 50, 51 to 60 and over 60 hours, compared to 31 to 40 hours per week), which was adjusted for sex, age, marriage status, region, and educational level. From the 3,332 young adult employees, about 60% of the workers worked more than 40 hours and 17% of the workers worked more than 50 hours per week. In a Chi-square test, stress level, depression, and suicidal thoughts increased with increasing working hours (p-value <0.001, 0.007, and 0.018, respectively). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that, compared to the 31 to 40 hours per week group, the adjusted odds ratios of the 41 to 50, 51 to 60, and over 60 hours per week groups for stress were 1.46(1.23–1.74), 2.25(1.79–2.83) and 2.55(1.72–3.77), respectively. A similar trend was shown in depression [odds ratios: 2.08(1.23–3.53), 2.79(1.44–5.39) and 4.09(1.59–10.55), respectively] and suicidal ideation [odds ratios: 1.98(0.95–4.10), 3.48(1.48–8.19) and 5.30(1.61–17.42), respectively]. We concluded that long working hours were associated with stress, depression, and suicidal ideation in young employees, aged 20 to 35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungjin Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Cheonan Medical Center, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Hyungdon Kook
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hongdeok Seok
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Busan Adventist Hospital, Sahmyook Medical Center, Busan, Korea
| | - Jae Hyoung Lee
- Medical School for International Health, Ben Gurion University, Beersheba, Israel
| | - Daeun Lim
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Seoul, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyuk Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk-Kyu Oh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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22
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Sato K, Kuroda S, Owan H. Mental health effects of long work hours, night and weekend work, and short rest periods. Soc Sci Med 2020; 246:112774. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.112774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Effect of Long Working Hours on Depression and Mental Well-Being among Employees in Shanghai: The Role of Having Leisure Hobbies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16244980. [PMID: 31817855 PMCID: PMC6950581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16244980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our aim is to examine the associations between long working hours and depression and mental well-being among the working population in Shanghai, as well as to identify the impact of having hobbies on these relationships. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, with depression assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale and mental well-being assessed by the World Health Organization five-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scale. The phenomenon of long working hours (69.3%) was quite common among employees in Shanghai, and the rate of working over 60 h was 19.3%. Those who worked over 60 h had the highest prevalence of poorer mental health compared with individuals working ≤40 h per week. After adjustment in the logistic regression model, those who reported weekly working time over 60 h were 1.40 (95%CI: 1.03–1.90) and 1.66 (95%CI: 1.26–2.18) times more likely to have depression and poor mental well-being (PMWB), respectively. Adjusted ORs for having hobbies were 0.78 (95%CI: 0.62–0.97) and 0.62 (95%CI: 0.51–0.75), respectively. Meanwhile, having hobbies could significantly lower the mean score on the PHQ-9 and elevate the mean score on the WHO-5 in each working time group, with no interaction effect. Long working hours could have a significantly negative impact on workers’ psychological health. Importantly, having hobbies in their daily lives might help to mitigate the adverse effects of long working hours on workers’ depression and mental well-being.
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24
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Naono-Nagatomo K, Abe H, Yada H, Higashizako K, Nakano M, Takeda R, Ishida Y. Development of the School Teachers Job Stressor Scale (STJSS). Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2019; 39:164-172. [PMID: 31245931 PMCID: PMC7292283 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Japanese teachers are not only responsible for students but also for tasks outside the classroom, including engagement with parents and the community, and maintaining safety. They work longer hours and have lower self‐efficacy than teachers in other countries. Thus, we aimed to develop an assessment scale for job stress in teachers and to evaluate its psychometric properties. Methods We developed the “School Teachers Job Stressor Scale (STJSS) Draft” comprising 45 items, based on previous anonymous self‐report questionnaires collected from 98 teachers in four elementary and middle schools in Miyazaki City, Japan. Subsequently, the scale draft and the previously validated Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (23‐item abridged version) were distributed to 2276 teachers from 73 elementary and middle schools in Miyazaki City. Finally, we analyzed data from 1300 participants. After excluding inappropriate data based on ceiling and floor effect analysis, we carried out a good‐poor, item‐total correlation, and exploratory factor analyses. We then verified construct validity, criterion‐related validity, and reliability using correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and Cronbach's alpha, respectively. Results After item‐total correlation analysis, five items were excluded. Exploratory factor analysis extracted five factors: “Time spent outside of work,” “Self‐assessment of one's ability as a teacher,” “Relationship with other teachers,” “Social interactions outside of teaching,” and “Duties outside of teaching.” The final version of the STJSS comprised 23 items and five factors. Conclusion The 23‐item STJSS developed to measure specific stressors in Japanese teachers to improve their mental health care could provide an accurate assessment tool with adequate reliability and validity. We developed the 23‐item “School Teachers Job Stressor Scale (STJSS)” to measure specific stressors in Japanese teachers to improve their mental health care which could provide an accurate assessment tool with adequate reliability and validity.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Naono-Nagatomo
- Mental Health and Welfare Center of Miyazaki Prefecture, Miyazaki City, Japan.,Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Miyazaki, Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki City, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Abe
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Psychological Science, Center for Development in Higher Education, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
| | - Hironori Yada
- Health Sciences Specialization Clinical Nursing Division, Graduate School of Medical Research, Yamaguchi University, Ube City, Japan
| | - Kenichi Higashizako
- Graduate School of Education Research, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki City, Japan
| | - Michihiko Nakano
- Graduate School of Education Research, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki City, Japan
| | - Ryuichiro Takeda
- Health Care and Safety Center, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki City, Japan
| | - Yasushi Ishida
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, University of Miyazaki, Faculty of Medicine, Miyazaki City, Japan
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25
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Yoshino K, Suzuki S, Ishizuka Y, Takayanagi A, Sugihara N, Kamijyo H. Relationship between amount of overtime work and untreated decayed teeth in male financial workers in Japan. J Occup Health 2017; 59:280-285. [PMID: 28367874 PMCID: PMC5478502 DOI: 10.1539/joh.16-0247-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Continuous or frequent overtime work has been shown to have harmful effects on human health. Meanwhile, one of the main reasons for tooth loss is caries. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between overtime work and untreated decayed teeth in male financial workers. Methods: The participants were recruited by applying screening procedures to a pool of Japanese registrants in an online database. Participants filled out a questionnaire about their oral health, behavior, and working conditions. Participants comprised a total of 951 financial male workers, aged 25-64 years. Results: The likelihood of tooth decay increased with amount of overtime work (p=0.002). After adjusting for age, income, educational background, oral hygiene behavior, snacking behavior, regular dental visitation, bad interpersonal relationships at work, and smoking habit, a multiple logistic regression analysis found that participants with 45-80 h of overtime work (odds ratio [OR], 2.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-5.33) or over 80 h of overtime work (OR, 3.01; 95% CI, 1.13-7.97) were more likely to have untreated tooth decay. The percentage of participants who gave "too busy with work" as the reason for leaving decayed teeth untreated increased with amount of overtime (p<0.001). Conclusion: These results indicate that overtime work is strongly related to untreated decayed teeth. In addition to oral health education and dental checkups, decreasing stress and decreasing the amount of overtime work may also have a positive effect on oral health in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Yoshino
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Tokyo Dental College
| | - Seitaro Suzuki
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Tokyo Dental College
| | - Yoichi Ishizuka
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Tokyo Dental College
| | | | - Naoki Sugihara
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Tokyo Dental College
| | - Hideyuki Kamijyo
- Department of Social Security for Dentistry, Tokyo Dental College
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26
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LEE K, SUH C, KIM JE, PARK JO. The impact of long working hours on psychosocial stress response among white-collar workers. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2017; 55:46-53. [PMID: 27498571 PMCID: PMC5285313 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2015-0173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the association between long working hours and psychosocial stress responses. In total, 1,122 white-collar workers from a company in Korea completed self-administered questionnaires following a lecture about the study aim, procedures, and confidentiality. Psychosocial stress responses were evaluated using the Psychosocial Well-being Index - Short Form (PWI-SF), and psychosocial working conditions were evaluated with the Korean Occupational Stress Scale - Short Form (KOSS-SF). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for demographic variables and psychosocial working conditions to examine associations between long working hours and psychosocial stress responses. In comparison with the reference group, which worked 40-44 hours per week, the crude odds ratio (OR) of the respondents who worked 60 or more hours was 4.56 (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.55-8.15) in terms of psychosocial stress responses. After adjusting for demographic variables, the adjusted OR of those working ≥60 hours was 5.61 (95% CI, 3.01-10.47). After adjusting for both demographic variables and psychosocial working conditions, the adjusted OR of those working ≥60 hours was 3.25 (95% CI, 1.56-6.79). This study found that long working hours are significantly related to psychosocial stress responses among white-collar workers in one Korean company.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyungjin LEE
- Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine & Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Republic of Korea
| | - Chunhui SUH
- Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine & Institute of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Republic of Korea
- *To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
| | - Jong-Eun KIM
- Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Oh PARK
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, KOSHA, Occupational Health Research Department, Republic of Korea
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Irie K, Yamazaki T, Yoshii S, Takeyama H, Shimazaki Y. Is there an occupational status gradient in the development of periodontal disease in Japanese workers? A 5-year prospective cohort study. J Epidemiol 2017; 27:69-74. [PMID: 28142014 PMCID: PMC5328729 DOI: 10.1016/j.je.2016.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of periodontal disease (PD) may be affected by socioeconomic status. This study examined the relationship between occupational status and PD in a 5-year prospective cohort of Japanese workers. METHODS In total, 19,633 participants had initial examinations at the Aichi Health Promotion Foundation, of whom 8210 participants aged 20 years or older did not have PD. Follow-up examinations were conducted for 3757 participants, accounting for 45.8% of baseline participants. Ultimately, 3390 participants were analyzed according to the criterion of job classification at baseline, which was based on the International Standard Classification of Occupations, 1987. Oral examinations were performed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). The CPI scores were coded as follows: healthy (score of 0); bleeding after probing (1); dental calculus (2); shallow pockets (3); and deep pockets (4). Participants with one or more sextants with a score >2 were diagnosed with PD. Poisson regression analysis was performed to adjust for age and other potential confounders. RESULTS Overall, 31.6% of men and 23.8% of women had developed PD (CPI scores of 3 or 4). The adjusted relative risk (RR) for PD (CPI scores of 3 or 4) in men was not significant. On the other hand, the adjusted RRs for PD (CPI score of 4) in men were 2.52-, 2.39-, and 2.74-fold higher for skilled workers, sales persons, and drivers, respectively, than for professionals. In contrast, we found no gradient in women. CONCLUSIONS We found a gradient related to the risk of developing PD according to occupational status among men in a Japanese worker population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Irie
- Department of Preventive Dentistry and Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Preventive Dentistry, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toru Yamazaki
- Epidemiology Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Japan
| | - Saori Yoshii
- Aichi Health Promotion Foundation, Nagoya, Japan
| | | | - Yoshihiro Shimazaki
- Department of Preventive Dentistry and Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry, Aichi Gakuin University, Nagoya, Japan.
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Bannai A, Ukawa S, Tamakoshi A. Long working hours and sleep problems among public junior high school teachers in Japan. J Occup Health 2015; 57:457-64. [PMID: 26228520 DOI: 10.1539/joh.15-0053-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Long working hours may impact human health. In Japan, teachers tend to work long hours. From 2002 to 2012, the number of leaves of absence due to diseases other than mental disorders, or mental disorders among public school teachers increased by 1.3 times (from 2,616 to 3,381), or 1.8 times (from 2,687 to 4,960), respectively. The present study aimed to investigate the association between long working hours and sleep problems among public school teachers. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted from mid-July to September 2013 in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Questionnaires were distributed to 1,245 teachers in public junior high schools. Information about basic characteristics including working hours, and responses to the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were collected anonymously. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the association between long working hours and sleep problems separately by sex. RESULTS The response rate was 44.8% (n=558). After excluding ineligible responses, the final sample comprised 515 teachers (335 males and 180 females). Sleep problems was identified in 41.5% of males and 44.4% of females. Our results showed a significantly increased risk of sleep problems in males working >60 hours per week (OR 2.05 [95% CI 1.01-4.30]) compared with those working ≤40 hours per week. No significant association was found in females. CONCLUSIONS There is a significant association between long working hours and sleep problems in male teachers. Reducing working hours may contribute to a reduction in sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Bannai
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine
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