Job Stress and Psychological Problems among Women Information Technology Professionals in India

Abstract

Introduction: Computers have revolutionized the working scenario in most of the industrial and business sectors around the world and have given a new dimension to the spectrum of occupational health. The impact of computers on the physical, mental and social health of the workers is seldom realized. This study was done to evaluate the job stress and psychological factors among women IT professionals. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was done among 609 women IT professionals working in an IT company in Chennai. Beck Depression Inventory was used for screening depression. Zung’s self-rating anxiety scale was used for screening of anxiety. Job stress Questionnaire was used to evaluate the job stress among the study participants. Results: Psychological problems were present in 263(43.2%) of the study participants. Generalized anxiety was present in 41.5% of the participants, while depression was present in 10% of them. The psychological problems had a significant impact on the musculoskeletal problems and carpal tunnel syndrome (p<0.05). Conclusion: Psychological problems are serious causes of morbidity in individuals, as it not only involves the affected individuals, but also the family members, friends and their social circle. Occupational causes for psychological problems may be rectified by promoting positive work environment, establishing an employee friendly workplace and efforts to strengthen quality interpersonal relationships at workplace.