A Study of Occupational Stress and Risk Factors Among Palm Oil Mill Workers

Abstract

Occupational stress could damage the health of worker as it may affects their emotional and physical wellbeing. The aim of the study is to determine the relationship between depression, anxiety and stress level and risk factors (physical environment, conflict at work and job requirement) among palm oil mill workers. Fifty (50) workers from palm oil mill industries were participated as respondents. Questionnaires and interviewed sessions were used to determine the level of depression, anxiety and stress, risk factors and relationship between the variables. The result obtained reveal that majority of the palm oil mill workers have a normal level of depression, anxiety and stress. Conflict at work was reported as top risk factor that affect the worker’s psychological state followed by job requirement and physical condition of the workplace. Lastly, there is a significant relationship between depression level and physical environment and job requirement (p = 0.001, r = −0.511) (p = 0.000, r = 0.574). Anxiety level and job requirement also show a significant positive relationship (p = 0.004, r = 0.403). In conclusion, the result shows a positive and negative significant correlation between the variables. Besides normal and low depression, anxiety and stress level was detected among palm oil mill workers. Thus, the employer can continuously implement the control measure based on the nature of work to maintain workers’ psychological state.