Abstract
PurposeThe physical and mental wellbeing of an individual is impacted by the type occupation one does. This study aims to establish the prevalence of mental and physical disorders, the association of occupational groups and health-related quality of life, and the extent of work-loss and work-cut back in past 30 days among the employed in the Singapore resident population.MethodsData from a population-based, epidemiological survey of a representative sample of Singapore citizens and permanent residents aged 18 years and above were used. Lifetime diagnosis of select mental disorders was established using the World Health Organization’s Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (WHO-CIDI 3.0). Data on nicotine dependence, work productivity, quality of life and socio-demographics were obtained via self-report. Ten major occupational groups based on the Singapore Standard Occupational Classification were included in the analysis.ResultsThe sample comprised 4021 employed individuals who were predominantly males (54.7%) and aged 35–49 years (35.4%). ‘Service and sales workers’ (22.6%), ‘Professionals’ (17.3%) and ‘Legislators, senior officials and managers’ (16.4%) were the three largest occupational groups. Socio-demographic characteristics differed significantly (p < 0.001) across all occupational groups. Lifetime prevalence of mood disorders among the employed was 8.4% and the most prevalent physical disorder was chronic pain (18.9%). No significant differences were observed in work productivity loss across the occupational groups.ConclusionsThe disparities in the socio-demographic characteristics and prevalence of mental and physical disorders across occupational categories provide policymakers with vital information to pilot effective interventions that can improve the psychosocial and physical conditions at work.
Highlights
Majority of people’s time is spent working and the workplace “is one of the key environments that affect their mental wellbeing and health” (World Health Organization 2000)
Studies conducted across European and North American countries have shown that different types of occupations are associated with high rates of mental disorders; people involved in occupations such as sales, services, clerical, teaching, welfare workers, cooking seem to be at risk (Stansfeld et al 2011)
All information in this study was obtained by self-report and this introduces potential the study. This is one of the few representative studies which have provided a current comprehensive overview of mental and physical orders among the employed in Singapore
Summary
Majority of people’s time is spent working and the workplace “is one of the key environments that affect their mental wellbeing and health” (World Health Organization 2000). Studies conducted across European and North American countries have shown that different types of occupations are associated with high rates of mental disorders; people involved in occupations such as sales, services, clerical, teaching, welfare workers, cooking seem to be at risk (Stansfeld et al 2011). Studies of psychosocial work characteristics and mental health revealed that job strain leads to increased risk of depression and other common mental disorders (Stansfeld and Candy 2006; Netterstrom et al 2008). Studies have shown that workplace productivity loss is associated with physical and mental health conditions (Boles et al 2004; Mitchell and Bates 2011). Studies have shown that workplace productivity loss is associated with physical and mental health conditions (Boles et al 2004; Mitchell and Bates 2011). Holden (2011) recognized that psychological distress when present as a co-morbid condition determines an increased risk of productivity loss for a variety of health conditions
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