Major depressive episodes and work stress: results from a national population survey

The PERSIAN Cohort: Prevalence of Psychiatric Disorders Among Employees

BACKGROUND

Considering the impact of psychiatric disorders on the productivity of individuals and society's economy, we aimed to determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the employees of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 1282 employees of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2019. The required data were collected by trained psychologists using Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). In this process, psychiatric disorders were considered dependent variables, and demographic variables as independent variables. The relationship between independent and dependent variables was assessed using the chi-square test and Binary logistic regression in Stata version 17.

RESULTS

The prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) among employees was 14.12%, 12.48%, and 3.9%, respectively. The prevalence of GAD in women was significantly higher than men (17.06% vs. 10.02%, P<0.001). The prevalence of GAD was 42.86%, 15.97%, 13.49%, and 16.67 in widowed, single, married, and divorced employees, respectively (P=0.016). The prevalence of MDD in women was significantly higher than men (16.59% vs. 7.64%, P<0.001). The prevalence of MDD was 16.3%, 11.2%, 9.6%, and 8.56% in employees with Bachelor's, Associate, Master's degree, and High school diploma, respectively (P=0.009).

CONCLUSION

Considering the relatively high prevalence of GAD and MDD among the employees of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, strengthening counseling centers in the university and encouraging employees to participate in these centers, and examining them in terms of mental health help identify people at risk of mental disorders in time and provide counseling services to these people.

The moderating role of physical activity on the relationship between work intensity and depressive symptoms among the employees

Our aim was to examine the associations between work intensity and depressive symptoms among the working population, as well as to identify the impact of physical activity (PA) on these relationships. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlations among work intensity, PA, and depressive symptoms. Working hours and working days were positively correlated with depressive symptoms (r = 0.108, 0.063; all p values were <0.001). Regular PA, exercise time, exercise frequency, and exercise years were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms (r = -0.121, -0.124, -0.152, -0.149; all p values were <0.001) and working days (r = -0.066, -0.050, -0.069, -0.044; all p values were <0.001), working hours (r = -0.113. -0.106, -0.161, -0.123; all p values were <0.001). Working days was positively correlated with working hours (r = 0.512, p < 0.001). Different levels of PA alleviated the effect of working hours or working days on depressive symptoms. Working hours seemed to be more correlated with depressive symptoms than working days. The results suggest that PA at any level could buffer against the effects of work intensity and might prove a helpful strategy for improving mental health issues among employees.

Factors Associated with Depression, Anxiety, and Somatic Symptoms among International Salespeople in the Medical Device Industry: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

BACKGROUND

The physical and mental health of corporate employees is equally important, especially for international salespeople in the in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical device industry. The rapid growth of the IVD market is driven by the increasing prevalence of chronic and infectious diseases. This study aims to determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms among international salespeople in China's IVD industry and identify the association of socio-demographic, occupational, organizational, and psychosocial factors with mental health outcomes for depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms in Chinese IVD international salespeople.

METHODS

The study was a cross-sectional survey of international salespeople (ISs) in IVD companies officially registered in China. An online survey was designed to collect data through email contact with IVD companies and social media between August 2022 and March 2023. Measured factors included effort-reward imbalance (ERI), health-promoting leadership (HPL), health climate (HC), inner strength (IS), and perceived social support (PSS). Mental health outcomes assessed using the Core Symptom Index (CSI) were depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms.

RESULTS

A total of 244 salespeople responded to the survey. CSI scores indicated that 18.4% (n = 45) and 10.2% (n = 25) of the respondents had symptoms of major depression and anxiety, respectively. ERI was positively correlated, while the IS and PSS were negatively correlated with major depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms (p < 0.01). The health climate was negatively correlated with major depression (p < 0.05). Education background was associated with somatic symptoms (p < 0.05). ERI, IS, and gender were significant predictors of major depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depression and anxiety in China's IVD international salespeople was considered low compared with the prevalence in Chinese populations during COVID-19 but higher than those before the pandemic. Effort-reward imbalance, inner strength, and gender were significant factors in major depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms among IVD international salespeople.

A longitudinal perspective on the interplay of job demands and destructive leadership on employees' work ability in Germany

PURPOSE

Work ability as a predictor of early retirement or lengthy/frequent sick leaves becomes more and more relevant due to the demographic change. Therefore, factors, which affect employees' work ability, need to be further examined with a theoretical base. According to Karasek's job demands-control (JDC) model, high job demands and low control are related to poor employee health. The subsequent job demands-control support (JDCS) model proposed that a lack of support, also from leaders, has a negative impact on health indicators. This article looked at whether destructive leadership reinforces the negative influence of high job demands on employees' work ability.

METHODS

We used the BAuA Working Time Survey waves 2015, 2017, and 2019 (BAuA-WTS), which are representative of employees in Germany. Our data set covers 2448 respondents, who took part in all three waves. Central to the analyses were the variables job demands, control, destructive leadership, and work ability.

RESULTS

Results from pooled ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effect (FE) models revealed that job demands influenced work ability negatively, whereas neither control by the employee nor the interaction of job demands and control was significant regarding effecting work ability in the FE models. Destructive leadership exerted a negative effect on work ability and moderated job demands significantly in the FE models meaning a further decrease in work ability.

CONCLUSION

Leadership behavior should be further examined as an important factor for work ability.

The Prevalence of Depression and Its Associated Risk Factors Among Government Primary School Teachers in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif (2019-2021): A Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION

In Saudi Arabia, 34% of Saudis have been diagnosed with a mental health illness at some point in their lives, with depression making up to 6% of the population. Teachers' mental health is a major problem across the world and has an impact on their students. This study is an attempt to investigate the prevalence of depression and its severity and associated sociodemographic and occupational risk factors among government primary school teachers in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. The research tool used to conduct this study is an electronically administered Arabic-language questionnaire distributed randomly to all government primary school teachers in Dammam, Khobar, and Qatif. The numbers of participating teachers are 358,242 males and 116 females.

RESULTS

By using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ9) scale, it was found that 36.6% suffer from mild depression, 30.4% suffer from moderate to moderately severe depression, and 11.2% suffer from severe depression. The obtained results indicated that there is an association between the variable of the prevalence of depression and some sociodemographic factors such as physical or psychosocial abuse, and the occupational characteristic variables such as teaching more than three or more subjects and bad relationship with the school administration.

CONCLUSION

More studies are needed to address the mental health issues among school teachers in Saudi Arabia.

Depression and suicidal ideations in relation to occupational stress in a sample of Egyptian medical residents

INTRODUCTION

Medical students, interns, and residents have higher rates of depression than the general population, according to previous literature.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this paper were to determine the rate of depression and its severity in a group of Egyptian residents of Ain Shams University hospitals.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional comparative study that took place in El-Demerdash Hospital from March 1, 2019 to September 1, 2020, with 220 Egyptian residents of Ain Shams University Hospitals participating.

RESULTS

The socioeconomic stress scale had a statistically significant relationship with depression scores (p value = .008) and suicide scores (p-value = .010), according to the findings. Additionally, there was a statistically significant relationship between suicide scores and depression scores (p-value = .001). The relationship between obstetrics and gynecology and high suicide risk was statistically significant (p value = .010), with obstetrics and gynecology having the highest percentage of high suicide risk (10 out of 19 residents, 52.63%), followed by pediatrics with 4 out of 11 residents (36.36%).

CONCLUSION

The pediatrics department had the highest percentage of residents who were depressed, while the obstetrics and gynecology department had the highest suicide risk. Feeling underpaid, disruption of home life, having insufficient time, being concerned about keeping skills up to date, and having a large volume of work were also found to be the most stressful aspects of residency.

Perceived Work Ability during Enforced Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Finnish Higher Educational Staff

Background: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were forced to suddenly shift to working from home (WFH). How this disruption of work affected employees’ work ability is not known. In this study, we investigated the developmental profiles of work ability among Finnish higher education employees in a one-year follow-up during the enforced WFH. Secondly, we investigated demographic, organizational, and ergonomic factors associated with the developmental profiles. Methods: A longitudinal web-survey was conducted with four measurement points (April 2020–February 2021). Employees of a Finnish university who answered the questionnaire at baseline and at least at two follow-up surveys (n = 678) were included (71% women, 45% teachers/research staff, 44% supporting staff, 11% hired students). Perceived work ability was measured on a scale of 1–5 in all timepoints. Latent class growth curve analysis was used to identify profiles of work ability. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the associations of demographic factors, perceived stress, musculoskeletal pain, functionality of home for work, and organizational support with the work ability profiles. Results: Six distinct work ability profiles were identified. For most (75%), work ability remained stable during the follow-up. A total of 17% had a favourable trend (very good-stable or increasing) of work ability, and 8% had non-favourable (poor-stable or decreasing). Poor ergonomics at home, low organizational support, high stress, and musculoskeletal pain were associated with non-favourable development of work ability. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in development of work ability during forced WFH was found. Several factors were identified through which work ability can be supported.

Hotel building design, occupants' health and performance in response to COVID 19

In the COVID-19 pandemic, the employee realized the importance of a healthy workplace. A healthy workplace provides natural protection against respiratory disease and reduces exposure to viruses. Therefore, the current COVID-19 pandemic should be a wake-up call to understand the importance of building design and a dress rehearsal for future challenges because building-based prevention and control measures have become one of the most significant ways of fighting against the epidemic. This study investigates the role of hotel building design in employee health and performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study covered the LEED-certified hotel building in India. The formulated Hypothesis was tested empirically by the structural equation modeling (SEM) for determining the potential of the hotel building design. It was obtained from the study that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel building design of the hospitality industry had a more significant influence on employee performance, followed by employee health.

Review of the Internal Structure, Psychometric Properties, and Measurement Invariance of the Work-Related Rumination Scale - Spanish Version

Background: The aim of the current study was to examine the internal structure and assess the psychometric properties of the Work-Related Rumination Scale (WRRS) – Spanish version in a Puerto Rican sample of workers. This instrument is a 15-item questionnaire, which has three factors, affective rumination, problem-solving pondering, and detachment. This measure is used in the occupational health psychology context; however, there is little evidence of its psychometric properties.

Materials and Methods: A total sample of 4,100 from five different study samples was used in this cross-sectional study design in which the WRRS was used. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) to examine the internal structure of the Work-Related Rumination Scale. Measurement invariance across sex and age was examined.

Results: The three-factor model was supported; however, four items were eliminated due to their cross-loadings and factorial complexity. This 11-item Spanish version of the WRRS was invariant across sex and age. Reliability of the three-factors of WRRS were within the range of 0.74 to 0.87 using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega. Correlations between the three factors were as expected as well as with other established measures.

Conclusion: The results suggest that the WRRS-Spanish version appears to be a reliable and valid instrument to measure work-related rumination using its three factors. Comparison across sex and age appear to be useful in occupational health psychology research setting since results suggest that the WRRS is invariant regarding those variables.

A Bayesian network based study on determining the relationship between job stress and safety climate factors in occurrence of accidents

BACKGROUND

Job stress and safety climate have been recognized as two crucial factors that can increase the risk of occupational accidents. This study was performed to determine the relationship between job stress and safety climate factors in the occurrence of accidents using the Bayesian network model.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed on 1530 male workers of Asaluyeh petrochemical company in Iran. The participants were asked to complete the questionnaires, including demographical information and accident history questionnaire, NIOSH generic job stress questionnaire, and Nordic safety climate questionnaire. Also, work experience and the accident history data were inquired from the petrochemical health unit. Finally, the relationships between the variables were investigated using the Bayesian network model.

RESULTS

A high job stress condition could decrease the high safety climate from 53 to 37% and increase the accident occurrence from 72 to 94%. Moreover, a low safety climate condition could increase the accident occurrence from 72 to 93%. Also, the concurrent high job stress and low safety climate could raise the accident occurrence from 72 to 93%. Among the associations between the job stress factor and safety climate dimensions, the job stress and worker's safety priority and risk non-acceptance (0.19) had the highest mean influence value.

CONCLUSION

The adverse effect of high job stress conditions on accident occurrence is twofold. It can directly increase the accident occurrence probability and in another way, it can indirectly increase the accident occurrence probability by causing the safety climate to go to a lower level.

The association between effort-reward imbalance, work-life balance and depressive mood in Korean wage workers: The 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey

Background

This study was conducted to determine the association between work-life (WL) balance, effort-reward (ER) imbalance, and depressive mood in Korean wage workers when 2 models were considered simultaneously.

Methods

We analyzed 26,014 Korean workers including 13,471 men and 12,543 women from the 4th Korean Working Conditions Survey data. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between WL, ER status, and the depressive mood of Korean workers. We classified the subjects into a total of 4 groups as follows. Group 1: WL and ER status are both “balanced”, group 2: WL status is “imbalanced” and ER status is “balanced”, group 3: WL status is “balanced” and the ER status is “imbalanced”, group 4: WL and ER status are both “imbalanced.”

Results

We found significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) for depressive mood in groups 2, 3, and 4 compared with group 1 after adjusting for the general and occupational characteristics of the subjects in both men and women. We also found that the trend of ORs increased gradually from groups 2 to 4 compared with group 1 in both men and women; group 2: OR: 1.23 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.35), group 3: OR: 1.40 (95% CI: 1.27–1.55), group 4: OR: 1.99 (95% CI: 1.74–2.28) compared with group 1 in men; group 2: OR: 1.28 (95% CI: 1.15–1.42), group 3: OR: 1.45 (95% CI: 1.31–1.59), group 4: OR: 2.04 (95% CI: 1.76–2.36) compared with group 1 in women.

Conclusions

As a result, we found the association between imbalanced WL, ER status, and depressive mood in Korean workers using 2 models simultaneously. It is important to provide a balanced WL and ER condition to improve the mental health of workers.

Associations of job strain and family strain with risk of major depressive episode: A prospective cohort study in U.S. working men and women

BACKGROUND

Studies assessing sex differences in the associations of psychosocial strain with depression have shown mixed and inconsistent results. Our objective was to examine prospective associations of job strain and family strain with risk of major depressive episode (MDE) among United States workers, as well as assess potential effect modification by sex.

METHODS

Using data from the nationally representative and population-based Mid-life in the United States (MIDUS) study with a prospective cohort design and a 9-year follow-up period, the effects of job strain and family strain at baseline on risk of MDE within the 12 months prior to the follow-up assessment were examined in 1581 workers (805 men, 776 women) who were free from MDE within the 12 months prior to the baseline survey, by multivariate Poisson regression analysis.

RESULTS

After adjustment for relevant covariates, there was evidence for effect modification by sex for the association between job strain and MDE but not for the association between family strain and MDE. Indeed, high job strain was prospectively associated with the risk of MDE (RR and 95% CI = 2.14 [1.14, 4.03]) in men but not in women. Moreover, high family strain was prospectively associated with a higher risk of MDE (RR and 95% CI = 1.57 [1.05, 2.37]) in the whole sample.

CONCLUSION

Family strain was associated with risk of MDE regardless of the sex of a person. In contrast, high job strain may involve an increased risk of developing MDE only in men but not in women.

Prevalence and predictors of work-related depression, anxiety, and stress among waiters: A cross-sectional study in upscale restaurants

Background

Poor mental health often interrupts people’s regular activities making them unable to work effectively resulting in poor performance and high turnover intention. We examined the prevalence and predictors of depression, anxiety and stress among waiters in upscale restaurants.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study involved 384 waiters in upscale restaurants in the Accra Metropolis. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire which embedded DASS-21 (Cronbach Alpha = 0.815). The analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics using STATA 15. Statistical significance was set at p-value <0.05 at 95% confidence interval.

Results

The prevalence of depression was 38.3%, while anxiety and stress were 52.3% and 34.4% respectively. Females (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.02–2.79), waiters who foresee a better remuneration (AOR = 3.09, 95%CI = 1.95–4.87), consume caffeine (AOR = 1.44, 95%CI = 0.90–2.32), and use non-prescription drugs (AOR = 2.22, 95%CI = 1.39–3.55) were more likely to have depression. Females (AOR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.17–2.96), those who foresee better remuneration (AOR = 2.85, 95%CI = 1.82–4.49), and those who use non-prescription drugs (AOR = 2.13, 95%CI = 1.38–3.28) were more likely to have anxiety. Females (AOR = 1.74, 95%CI = 1.01–2.99), waiters who are positive of career success (AOR = 1.70, 95%CI = 0.99–2.91), who foresee better remuneration (AOR = 2.99, 95%CI = 1.85–4.83), consume caffeine (AOR = 1.54, 95%CI = 0.93–2.54), and who use non-prescription drugs (AOR = 3.16, 95%CI = 1.93–5.17) were more likely to be stressed.

Conclusion

There is a high prevalence of poor mental health among waiters. Urgent intervention by hospitality stakeholders is needed to improve their working conditions and psychosocial health to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goal of promoting mental health and wellbeing.

[Ethnicity and immigration status: How are they associated with work and depressive symptoms?]

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research is to determine whether, in the Canadian workforce, cultural identity traits, particularly ethnicity and immigrant status, might modify the association of work with depressive symptoms.

METHOD

Data were derived from the nine cycles of the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) conducted by Statistics Canada. Based on a sample of 6477 workers, multilevel regression models were brought into being. Analyses were adjusted for family-related factors, non-work social support, and personal characteristics.

RESULTS

After accounting for potential confounders, ethnicity and work-related factors were distinctly and directly associated with depressive symptoms. Workers belonging to visible minorities had significantly fewer depressive symptoms than their Caucasian counterparts. Unlike Caucasians, they were more often overqualified, less in a position to use their skills, and largely without decision-making authority. On the other hand, all analyses having to do with immigrant status led to inconclusive results.

CONCLUSION

Ethnicity seems to have some bearing on the association of work with depressive symptoms among members of the Canadian workforce. It might be beneficial to carry out targeted interventions aimed at improving working conditions according to ethnicity and situations involving professional overqualification.

Associations of multiple occupational exposures with major depressive and generalized anxiety disorders: Findings from the French National Working Conditions Survey

BACKGROUND

There have been numerous studies on the associations between psychosocial work factors and mental health, but very few of them explored the cumulative effects of these factors. The objectives were to study the associations between multiple occupational exposures and two common mental disorders, major depressive episode (MDE) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), among employees in France.

METHODS

The data came from the 2016 French National Working Conditions Survey based on a representative sample of 20,430 employees (8579 men and 11,851 women) aged 15-65 years. MDE and GAD were assessed using the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview) standardized diagnostic interview. Occupational exposures included 21 psychosocial work factors grouped into five dimensions, four factors related to working time/hours, and four physical work exposures. Logistic regression modeling for weighted data was performed to evaluate the associations of occupational exposures with MDE and GAD in men and women separately.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MDE and GAD was higher among women (8.6% and 8.7%, respectively) than among men (4.3% and 4.6%). Most psychosocial work factors were associated with MDE and/or GAD. A linear increase in the risk of MDE/GAD with the number of psychosocial work factors was found for each dimension, except workplace violence. The risk of MDE also increased linearly with multiple physical work exposures.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that a wide variety of occupational exposures were associated with clinical depression and anxiety, and that the risk of disease increased with multiple exposures to psychosocial and physical factors at work.

Positive Psychology for Mental Wellbeing of UK Therapeutic Students: Relationships with Engagement, Motivation, Resilience and Self-Compassion

This study aimed to examine the relationships between mental wellbeing and positive psychological constructs in therapeutic students (psychotherapy and occupational therapy students). The number of therapeutic students has increased recently; however, they suffer from poor mental health, which may be improved by potentiating their positive psychological constructs, bypassing mental health shame. Therapeutic students (n = 145) completed measures regarding positive psychological constructs, namely mental wellbeing, engagement, motivation, resilience, and self-compassion. Resilience and self-compassion predicted mental wellbeing, explaining a large effect. Self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between resilience and mental wellbeing. This study highlights the importance of positive psychological constructs, especially resilience and self-compassion, for mental wellbeing of therapeutic students.

Job Dissatisfaction Mediated the Associations Between Work Stress and Mental Health Problems

Objective: This study aimed to explore the relationships and the underlying mechanisms between work stress and mental health problems, and potential mediation effects through job dissatisfaction in a working population. Methods: A large population-based study among workers in China was conducted. The self-reported scales of assessing job dissatisfaction and work stress were included in the questionnaire. Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2 and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 were used for assessment of mental health. Univariate logistic regression was conducted to test the associations between work stress and mental health. Path analysis was conducted to test the proposed mediation model. Results: Of the 6,190 included employees, 27.72% reported that they perceived work stress, 14.84% of them reported that they were not satisfied with their work, 5.01% of the employees reported depressive symptoms, and 3.75% of the employees reported anxiety symptoms. The results of univariate logistic regression showed that employees who perceived work stress were more likely to report anxiety symptoms (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.78; 95% CI: 2.03-3.79) or depressive symptoms (AOR = 1.61; 95% CI: 1.22-2.12). The path analysis showed that work stress was positively associated with job dissatisfaction. Job dissatisfaction mediated the relationship between work stress and mental health problems among Chinese working adults. Conclusion: This study suggests the importance of psychosocial work environment for mental health among Chinese working adults. Work dissatisfaction is a stressor that may induce negative consequences on the mental health among Chinese workers. Interventions to help workers with stress management may be beneficial for their mental health.

Cross-cultural comparison of mental health between Japanese and Dutch workers: relationships with mental health shame, self-compassion, work engagement and motivation

Purpose

The primary purpose of this descriptive study was to compare the levels of, and relationships among mental health problems, mental health shame, self-compassion, work engagement and work motivation between workers in Japan (collectivistic and success-driven culture) and the Netherlands (individualistic and quality-oriented culture).

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional design, where convenience samples of 165 Japanese and 160 Dutch workers completed self-report measures about mental health problems, shame, self-compassion, engagement and motivation, was used. Welch t-tests, correlation and regression analyses were conducted to compare (1) the levels of these variables, (2) relationships among these variables and (3) predictors of mental health problems, between the two groups.

Findings

Dutch workers had higher levels of mental health problems, work engagement and intrinsic motivation, and lower levels of shame and amotivation than Japanese workers. Mental health problems were associated with shame in both samples. Mental health problems were negatively predicted by self-compassion in Japanese, and by work engagement in Dutch employees.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study relates to exploring differences in work mental health between those two culturally contrasting countries. Our findings highlight potential cultural differences such as survey responding (Japanese acquiescent responding vs Dutch self-enhancement) and cultural emphases (Japanese shame vs Dutch quality of life). Job crafting, mindfulness and enhancing ikigai (meaningfulness in life) may be helpful to protect mental health in these workers, relating to self-compassion and work engagement. Findings from this study would be particularly useful to employers, managers and staff in human resources who work with cross-cultural workforce.

Differences between women and men in the relationship between psychosocial stressors at work and work absence due to mental health problem

OBJECTIVES

Women have a higher incidence of mental health problems compared with men. Psychosocial stressors at work are associated with mental health problems. However, few prospective studies have examined the association between these stressors and objectively measured outcomes of mental health. Moreover, evidence regarding potential differences between women and men in this association is scarce and inconsistent. This study investigates whether psychosocial stressors at work are associated with the 7.5-year incidence of medically certified work absence due to a mental health problem, separately for women and men.

METHODS

Data from a prospective cohort of white-collar workers in Canada (n=7138; 47.3% women) were used. We performed Cox regression models to examine the prospective association between self-reported psychosocial stressors at work (job strain model) at baseline and the 7.5-year HR of medically certified work absence of ≥5 days due to a mental health problem.

RESULTS

During follow-up, 11.9% of participants had a certified work absence, with a twofold higher incidence among women. Women (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.93) and men (HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.97 to 2.05) exposed to high strain (high demands and low control) had a higher incidence of work absence compared with those unexposed. Among women only, those exposed to an active job situation (high demands and high control) also had a higher risk (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention efforts aimed at reducing psychosocial stressors at work could help lower the risk of work absence for both women and men. However, important differences between women and men need to be further studied in order to orient these efforts.

Working conditions and depression in the French national working population: Results from the SUMER study

OBJECTIVES

The objectives were to explore the associations between various types of occupational exposures and depression in the French national working population, most of the studies in the literature focussing on a limited number of exposures and on symptom scales.

METHODS

The study was based on a nationally representative sample of 25 977 employees, 14 682 men and 11 295 women. Depression was measured using the PHQ-9 instrument and algorithm. Occupational exposures included factors related to both the psychosocial and physical work environment. Weighted logistic regression analyses were performed to study the associations between exposures and outcome with adjustment for covariates among men and women separately.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression was higher for women than for men (5.70% versus 3.78%). The final models showed that low decision latitude, low reward, bullying, work-family and ethical conflicts for both genders, and high psychological demands, low social support, and long working hours among women were risk factors for depression. No occupational exposure of physical, biomechanical, chemical and biological nature was associated with depression. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant associations were found between psychosocial work exposures and depression, and there were some differences in these associations between genders. This study is one of the first to provide a comprehensive overview of occupational exposures in association with depression. More prevention towards the psychosocial work environment is needed to improve mental health of working populations.

Psychosocial work stressors, high family responsibilities, and psychological distress among women: A 5-year prospective study

BACKGROUND

Psychological distress is a strong and independent predictor of major depression. Assuming multiple roles (such as being both a mother and an employee) under stressful conditions may lead to psychological distress. This study evaluated, for the first time, the longitudinal effect of the simultaneous exposure to psychosocial work stressors and high family responsibilities on women's psychological distress.

METHODS

Women were assessed at baseline (N = 1307) and at 3- and 5-year follow-ups. Psychosocial work stressors of the demand-control and effort-reward imbalance models were measured with validated questionnaires. Family responsibilities were also self-reported and referred to the number of children and their age(s) as well as housework and childcare. Psychological distress was measured with the validated Psychiatric Symptoms Index questionnaire. Prevalence ratios (PR) of psychological distress were modeled with log-binomial regressions.

RESULTS

Having high family responsibilities did not increase women's prevalence of psychological distress. However, being exposed to either job strain or effort-reward imbalance led to a higher prevalence of psychological distress at the 3- and 5-year follow-ups (PR of 1.25-1.62). Being simultaneous exposed to these psychosocial work stressors and high family responsibilities also increased the prevalence of psychological distress (PR of 1.44-1.87), but no interactions were observed between stressors and responsibilities.

CONCLUSIONS

In this 5-year prospective study, simultaneous exposure to psychosocial work stressors and high family responsibilities increased the prevalence of psychological distress among women. Work stressors were, however, driving most of the effect, which reinforces their importance as modifiable risk factors of women's mental health problems.

Identifying Strategies for Decreasing Work-Related Stress Among Working Men: An International Delphi Consensus Study

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to identify helpful, feasible strategies that can be implemented by working men to decrease work-related stress.

METHODS

An international Delphi consensus study was conducted with four panels of stakeholders. Three rounds of surveys were sent to panellists who rated the helpfulness and feasibility of strategies. Strategies were considered to have reached consensus if 80+% of at least three panels "agreed" or "strongly agreed" that the strategies were helpful or feasible.

RESULTS

Eighty-one strategies reached consensus out of a total 127 for helpfulness in decreasing work-related stress. Eleven strategies did not reach consensus in any of the vignettes. Only two strategies reached consensus for feasibility.

CONCLUSION

While many strategies are perceived as helpful for decreasing workplace stress, the feasibility of the strategies likely depends on an individual's particular needs and context.

Reciprocal associations between job strain and depression: A 2-year follow-up study from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe

BACKGROUND

A growing number of people suffered from depression. This study examined the depression prevalence in workers across 10 European countries plus Israel and the reciprocal associations between job strain and depression.

METHODS

The study population consisted of 7,879 workers aged 50-63 years at baseline (2004) from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Job demands (physical or psychosocial) and job control variables were derived from the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Two 4-category job strains (physical and psychosocial) were obtained based on the cross-tabulation of these dichotomized demands and control variables. There were 4,284 depression-free, 3,259 high physical strain-free and 3,195 high psychosocial strain-free participants at baseline who were followed up for 2 years to detect incident depression, high physical job strain, or high psychosocial strain, respectively. The reciprocal associations between job strain and depression were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression and multivariate multilevel logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression varied from the lowest 12.5% in Germany to the highest 27.2% in France. Compared to individuals with low strain, a significantly higher risk of depression were found in individuals with high physical strain (OR = 1.39) and high psychosocial strain (OR = 1.55), after adjusting for potential confounders. Depression at baseline was not significantly associated with subsequent high job strain. Similar results were observed from multilevel models that took into consideration of the potential country-level influences.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of depression varies across countries in Europe. Avoiding high job strain may be an effective preventive strategy to prevent depression epidemic.

The correlation between occupational stress, coping strategies, and the levels of psychological distress among nurses working in mental health hospital in Jordan

PURPOSE

Psychiatric nurses encounter variety of demanding and stressful events such as dealing with aggressive patients, and hostile. This study purposed to assess workplace stress, coping strategies, and psychiatric distress among psychiatric nurses.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A descriptive explanatory design was employed. One hundred and nineteen psychiatric nurses were recruited in the study and data were collected in the period between June and September 2017.

FINDINGS

The results showed that participants experienced moderate level of occupational stress and psychiatric distress. In addition, they utilized different coping mechanism.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Stress management techniques program is very effective in helping psychiatric nurse to deal with occupational stress which might influence their wellbeing. Moreover, this program assists them to use more effective coping strategies as problem solving.

Occupational factors associated with major depressive disorder: A Brazilian population-based study

BACKGROUND

There have been very few studies exploring the occupational risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD) in the working populations in Latin America. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between a large set of occupational factors and MDD in the Brazilian working population.

METHODS

The study was based on the cross-sectional data from the Brazilian National Health Survey, 2013. 60,202 people were interviewed (response rate: 91.9%). Among them, 36,442 were working, 19,450 men and 16,992 women. MDD was measured using the diagnostic algorithm (DSM-IV criteria) of the PHQ-9. Occupational factors included job characteristics, working time factors, psychosocial work stressors and physico-chemical exposures. Logistic regression models were performed and adjusted for sociodemographic factors. All analyses were conducted using weighted and stratified data by gender.

RESULTS

The following occupational factors were associated with a higher risk of MDD: working part time (≤20 h a week) and stress at work for both genders, workplace violence, intense physical activity, exposure to noise and chemicals among women, and prolonged exposure to sun among men. Associations of stress and violence at work with MDD were particularly strong.

LIMITATIONS

Cross-sectional study design, healthy worker effect and reporting bias may have impacted the results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, one of the first studies among the Brazilian working population, showed that psychosocial work stressors were the strongest risk factors for MDD. Physico-chemical exposures deserve more attention in association with MDD. Prevention policies oriented toward the work environment may help to prevent depression at the workplace.

Occupational stress, coping strategies, and psychological-related outcomes of nurses working in psychiatric hospitals

AIMS

Psychiatric nurses experience a wide range of stressful events, evolving from the care of violent, aggressive patients, recurrent relapse, and poor prognosis of mental disorders. The aim of the study was to assess workplace stress, coping strategies, and levels of depression among psychiatric nurses.

METHODS

A descriptive correlation design was conducted on psychiatric nurses working in mental health settings Port-Said, Egypt. Data were collected from 70 nurses at a mental health hospital.

RESULTS

The results revealed that psychiatric nurses had moderate levels of work-related stress and depression, and exhibiting different coping strategies. Stress and depression are prevalent among psychiatric nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing programs aimed at teaching them how to deal with stress at work and improving their coping strategies and problem-solving skills are recommended.

Prison employment and post-traumatic stress disorder: Risk and protective factors

OBJECTIVES

To examine the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in a sample of prison employees, investigate risk factors, and explore protective factors for PTSD.

METHODS

We surveyed 355 Washington State Department of Corrections employees. The survey included the PTSD checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5), the Critical Incident History Questionnaire, and the Work Environment Inventory.

RESULTS

We found 19% of the sample met the criteria for diagnosable PTSD. Several risk factors were associated with a higher PCL-5 score, including exposure to critical incidents, and having greater ambiguity in the job role. Being happy with job assignments and having positive relationships with supervisors and coworkers were associated with decreased PCL-5 score.

CONCLUSIONS

Prison employees have a PTSD rate equivalent to Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans and higher than police officers, suggesting the importance of developing programs for promoting resilience to stress, incorporating the knowledge gained on risk, and protective factors.

Motivation Types and Mental Health of UK Hospitality Workers

The primary purposes of this study were to (i) assess levels of different types of work motivation in a sample of UK hospitality workers and make a cross-cultural comparison with Chinese counterparts and (ii) identify how work motivation and shame-based attitudes towards mental health explain the variance in mental health problems in UK hospitality workers. One hundred three UK hospitality workers completed self-report measures, and correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to identify significant relationships. Findings demonstrate that internal and external motivation levels were higher in UK versus Chinese hospitality workers. Furthermore, external motivation was more significantly associated with shame and mental health problems compared to internal motivation. Motivation accounted for 34-50% of mental health problems. This is the first study to explore the relationship between motivation, shame, and mental health in UK hospitality workers. Findings suggest that augmenting internal motivation may be a novel means of addressing mental health problems in this worker population.

Perceived Stress, Depressive Symptoms, and Oxidative DNA Damage

OBJECTIVE

Psychosocial stress may influence the risk of disease through its association with oxidative DNA damage. We examined whether perceived stress and depressive symptoms were associated with urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), with mutual interaction on 8-OHdG.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 6517 individuals aged 45 to 74 years who participated, between 2010 and 2012, in a follow-up survey of an ongoing cohort study. Perceived stress during the past year was measured using a self-report questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were measured using a column switching high-pressure liquid chromatography system coupled to an electrochemical detector.

RESULTS

Higher perceived stress was significantly associated with higher 8-OHdG (2.1% increase per one-category increase of stress; ptrend = .025), even after adjusting for sex, age, supplement use, psychosocial factors, psychotropic medication use, smoking, and body mass index. This association was modestly attenuated after further adjustment for physical activity, suggesting possible mediation or confounding by this factor. Depressive symptoms were not significantly associated with 8-OHdG. No significant interaction was detected between perceived stress and depressive symptoms on 8-OHdG.

CONCLUSIONS

In a general Japanese population, we found a weak positive association between perceived stress and urinary excretion of 8-OHdG, whereas no association was observed between depressive symptoms and 8-OHdG. Further studies are needed to examine whether the association between perceived stress and 8-OHdG is modified by depressive symptoms.

Depressive Symptom and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study of Korean Female Workers Working at Traditional Markets

Background: Depression is one of the psychiatric diseases with a high prevalence rate, globally, and reportedly more prevalent among women than among men. Especially, women workers working at traditional markets are in depressive conditions without occupational health services. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors having a significant effect on the depressive symptoms of women workers at traditional markets in South Korea. Methods: A cross-sectional study was used and subjects for the present study were 500 female workers in three selected representative traditional marketplaces in South Korea. Results: The results of hierarchical regression analysis indicated that increased BMI (β = 0.297, p = 0.017), poor nutritional status (β = 0.596, p < 0.001), street vendor status (β = 2.589, p = 0.001), job stress (β = 0.491, p < 0.001), lower back pain (β = 0.377, p = 0.011), lower self-efficacy (β = −0.368, p = 0.002) and diminished family function (β = −0.633, p = 0.001) affected workers’ depressive symptoms. The explanatory power of these variables was 38.5%. Conclusions: Based on these results, future research should focus on incorporating theses significant factors into effective interventions designed to decrease depressive symptoms in this population. Moreover, this study will increase interest in occupational health nursing, particularly in relation to vulnerable social groups, and expand the scope of practice in the field.

Double Exposure to Adverse Psychosocial Work Factors and High Family Responsibilities as Related to Ambulatory Blood Pressure at Work: A 5-Year Prospective Study in Women With White-Collar Jobs

OBJECTIVE

Accumulating evidence shows that psychosocial work factors of the demand-control and effort-reward imbalance models may contribute to increase blood pressure (BP). Women are more likely to be exposed to these psychosocial factors than men. Moreover, women spend twice as much time per week performing family responsibilities than men. This study aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association of the double exposure to psychosocial work factors and high family responsibilities in women with BP for a 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

At baseline, the study sample was composed of 1215 working women. Psychosocial work factors were measured using validated scales. Family responsibilities were measured using items related to "the number of children and their age" and "housework and children care." Ambulatory BP measures were taken every 15 minutes during a working day. Associations between psychosocial measures and BP were examined using analyses of covariance.

RESULTS

Women with a double exposure to effort-reward imbalance and high family responsibilities had significantly higher BP means than women not exposed to these factors at baseline (diastolic: +2.75 mm Hg), at 3-year follow-up (systolic: +2.22 mm Hg and diastolic: +2.55 mm Hg), and at 5-year follow-up (systolic: +2.94 mm Hg and diastolic: + 3.10 mm Hg). No adverse effect on BP was observed for the double exposure to the psychosocial work factors of the demand-control model and high family responsibilities.

CONCLUSIONS

A double exposure to effort-reward imbalance at work and high family responsibilities might contribute to elevated ambulatory BP at work among women. BP elevations related to this double exposure may persist for several years.

Health and Stress Management and Mental-health Disability Claims

This study examines the associations between health and stress management (HSM) practices and mental-health disability claims. Data from the Salveo study was collected during 2009-2012 within 60 workplaces nested in 37 companies located in Canada (Quebec) and insured by a large insurance company. In each company, 1 h interviews were conducted with human resources managers in order to obtain data on 63 HSM practices. Companies and workplaces were sorted into the low-claims and high-claims groups according to the median rate of the population of the insurer's corporate clients. Logistic regression adjusted for design effect and multidimensional scaling was used to analyse the data. After controlling for company size and economic sector, task design, demands control, gratifications, physical activity and work-family balance were associated with low mental-health disability claims rates. Further analyses revealed three company profiles that were qualified as laissez-faire, integrated and partially integrated approaches to HSM. Of the three, the integrated profile was associated with low mental-health disability claims rates. The results of this study provide evidence-based guidance for a better control of mental-health disability claims. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Psychological Health and Overweight and Obesity Among High Stressed Work Environments

Correctional employees are recognized to underreport stress and stress symptoms and are known to have a culture that discourages appearing "weak" and seeking psychiatric help. This study assesses underreporting of stress and emotions. Additionally, it evaluates the relationships between stress and emotions on health behaviors. Correctional employees (n=317) completed physical assessments to measure body mass index (BMI), and surveys to assess perceived stress, emotions, and health behavior (diet, exercise, and sleep quality). Stress and emotion survey items were evaluated for under-reporting via skewness, kurtosis, and visual assessment of histograms. Structural equation modeling evaluated relationships between stress/emotion and health behaviors. Responses to stress and negatively worded emotions were non-normally distributed whereas responses to positively-worded emotions were normally distributed. Emotion predicted diet, exercise, and sleep quality whereas stress predicted only sleep quality. As stress was a poor predictor of health behaviors and responses to stress and negatively worded emotions were non-normally distributed it may suggests correctional employees are under-reporting stress and negative emotions.

The associations of supervisor support and work overload with burnout and depression: a cross-sectional study in two nursing settings

AIMS

To investigate the moderating effects of work overload and supervisor support on the emotional exhaustion-depressive state relationship.

BACKGROUND

Burnout and depression are prevalent in human service professionals and have a detrimental impact on clients. Work overload and supervisor support are two key job demands and job resources, whose role and interplay for the development and maintenance of burnout and depression are not fully understood yet.

DESIGN

Two consecutive cross-sectional surveys: survey 1 investigated 111 hospital nursing professionals and survey 2 examined 202 day care professionals. Data collection was completed in 2010.

RESULTS

After controlling for general well-being and sociodemographic characteristics, nurses' emotional exhaustion was associated with increased depressive state in both samples. We found a meaningful three-way interaction: our results show consistently that the relationship between emotional exhaustion and depressive state was strongest for nurses with high work overload and low supervisor support. Additionally, nurses with low work overload and low supervisor support were also found to have stronger associations between emotional exhaustion and depressive state.

CONCLUSION

The findings indicate that nurses' reported supervisor support exerts its buffering effect on the burnout-depression link differentially and serves as an important resource for nurses dealing with high self-reported work stress.

Self-reported patient psychosocial needs in integrated primary health care: A role for social work in interdisciplinary teams

Despite being identified as significant determinants of health, depression and anxiety continue to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in primary care settings. This study examined the psychosocial health needs of patients at four urban interdisciplinary primary health teams. Quantitative analysis revealed that nearly 80% of patients reported anxiety and/or depression. Self-reported anxiety and depression was correlated with poor social relationships, compromised health status and underdeveloped problem-solving skills. These findings suggest that social workers have a vital role to play within interdisciplinary primary health teams in the amelioration of factors associated with anxiety and depression.

Employers' perceptions and attitudes toward the Canadian national standard on psychological health and safety in the workplace: A qualitative study

The estimated societal and economic costs of mental illness and psychological injury in the workplace is staggering. Governments, employers and other stakeholders have been searching for policy solutions. This qualitative, exploratory study sought to uncover organizational receptivity to a voluntary comprehensive standard for dealing with psychological health and safety in the workplace. A series of five focus groups were conducted in a large Western Canadian city in November 2013. The seventeen participants were from the fields of healthcare, construction/utilities, manufacturing industries, business services, and finance. They worked in positions of management, consulting, human resources, health promotion, health and safety, mediation, and occupational health and represented organizations ranging in size from 20 to 100,000 employees. The findings confirm and illustrate the critical role that psychological health and safety plays across workplaces and occupations. This standard resonated across the represented organizations and fit with their values. This alignment posed challenges with articulating its added value. There appears to be a need for simplified engagement and implementation strategies of the standard that can be tailored to the nuanced differences between types and sizes of industries. It appears that organizations in the most need of improving psychological health and safety may be the least receptive.

Predictors of impaired work functioning in employees with major depression in remission

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to (i) assess work functioning in employees returning to work with a major depression in remission, (ii) study the predictors of impaired work functioning.

METHODS

Participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD), on long term sick leave (mean 27 weeks) and treated in a specialized mental healthcare setting, were selected from an intervention study sample. They were eligible for this study if they were remitted from their depression and had returned to work for at least 50% of their contract hours at 18 month follow-up. Work functioning was assessed with the Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) and the Need For Recovery scale (NFR). Potential predictors of impaired work functioning were demographic characteristics (assessed at baseline), health characteristics (assessed at baseline, six and twelve month follow-up), and personality- and work characteristics (assessed at 18 month follow-up).

RESULTS

After their return to work with MDD in remission, employees were on average still impaired in their work functioning. Personality characteristics were the strongest predictor of this impaired work functioning, followed by health and work characteristics. In the final prediction model, only a passive reaction coping style remained as predictor.

LIMITATIONS

We used self-report data with respect to work functioning and work characteristics and not an assessment by a supervisor.

CONCLUSIONS

Personality trait, coping style, and ability to manage the work environment should be addressed in mental health and return-to-work interventions. Subsequent improved work functioning may be beneficial for mental health and may reduce societal costs.

Relating Factors for Depression in Korean Working Women: Secondary Analysis of the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V)

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the health behaviors and risk factors for self-reported depression in Korean working women.

METHODS

This study adopted a secondary analysis from the fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V) for the Health Examination Survey and Health Behavior Survey, using stratified, multi-stage, cluster-sampling design to obtain a nationally representative sample. Data were gathered on extensive information including sociodemographic, occupational characteristics, health behaviors and depression. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to compute the odds ratio (OR) between health behaviors and depression to identify the health behaviors and the risk factors for depression with adjustment for the complex sample design of the survey.

RESULTS

The prevalence rate of depression was 15.5% among working women. Depression was more common in older female workers and in those with part-time job. Current smokers were significantly more likely to be depression-positive. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, significant variables of depression were marital status (OR = 2.02; 95% CI [1.05, 3.89]), smoking status (OR = 1.55; 95% CI [1.01, 2.38]), stress (OR = 0.20; 95% CI [0.15, 0.26]), employment condition (OR = 1.77; 95% CI [1.34, 2.33]) and health status (OR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.53, 2.87]).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the study, factors leading to depression were marital status, current smoking, stress, employment condition and self-reported health status. Further studies are expected to unravel the characteristics of stress. Health care providers for women need to evaluate underreported depression and change their associated health behaviors. Also it is necessary to establish preventive strategies for female workers to control the negative effect of depression in the workplace.

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mitigates depressive behavior in a rat model of chronic stress

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder associated with chronic stress. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) is a growth factor that serves important roles in the brain during development and at adulthood. Here, the role of IGF2 expression in the hippocampus was investigated in a rat model of depression. A chronic restraint stress (CRS) model of depression was established in rats, exhibiting depression-like behavior as assessed with the sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST), and with evaluation of the corticosterone levels. Hippocampal IGF2 levels were significantly lower in rats suffering CRS than in controls, as were levels of pERK1/2 and GluR1. Lentivirus-mediated hippocampal IGF2 overexpression alleviated depressive behavior in restrained rats, elevated the levels of pERK1/2 and GluR1 proteins, but it did not affect the expression of pGSK3β, GluR2, NMDAR1, and NMDAR2A. These results suggest the chronic restraint stress induces depressive behavior, which may be mediated by ERK-dependent IGF2 signaling, pointing to an antidepressant role for this molecular pathway.