Relation Between Stress and Lifestyle for Care Workers

Yukiko Kawano

doi:10.11648/j.sjph.20160401.19

Abstract

This study examined the possible relations between work-related stress and the lifestyle of care workers. A questionnaire regarding occupational stress and lifestyle on care labor was administrated to 507 (119 males and 388 females) care workers. Regardless of a difference in gender, generation, the care environment (care home and home visit), and the employment form (full-time and part-time), many care workers experienced occupational stress. Care workers with more work experience tended to have higher levels of stress than inexperienced workers, and certified care workers had more stress than visiting care for persons with severe disabilities. No relation was observed between stress and lifestyle of the care workers. In conclusion, in the case of care workers, their stress may not be influenced by lifestyle, even if the difference in occupational stress was found through the difference in years of experience and qualifications.

Highlights

The Health and Welfare Services for the Persons with Disabilities based on Long-term Care Insurance Act (Act No 123, 1997) and the Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act (Act No 123, 2005) have been established in Japan, the social need for care services continues to increase
Non-significant differences were found among the frequency of stress group and low-stress group for gender, generation, care environment, and employment form
It was reported that gender and generational differences would be expected for persons with stress

Summary

Introduction

The Health and Welfare Services for the Persons with Disabilities based on Long-term Care Insurance Act (Act No 123, 1997) and the Services and Supports for Persons with Disabilities Act (Act No 123, 2005) have been established in Japan, the social need for care services continues to increase. The Care Work Foundation published a survey report [5] on the stress of 1,250 care workers employed at group homes and special unit cares in 2004. 85.5% felt high levels of stress in workplace conditions and labor offices. These participants identified four events that induced high stress: 1. Anxiety of increased risk of accidents during the night shift.

Methods

Results

Conclusion