Stress Scale-Short Form Research Articles

A study on the characteristics of Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) of workers in one electronics company.

BackgroundThis study investigated characteristics according to demographic, occupational factors of Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) and related scales to MBI-GS.MethodsThe subjects of the study were 3,331 workers in 3 different workplaces of one electronics company. They filled in demographic factors surveys, occupational factors surveys, MBI-GS, Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and World Health Organization Quality Of Life-Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-BREF). The correlations between sub-scales of MBI-GS and KOSS-SF, PHQ-9, WHOQOL-BREF were analyzed respectively. And KOSS-SF, PHQ-9, and WHOQOL-BREF were categorized; mean scores of sub-scales of MBI-GS were compared; and the quartiles of sub-scales of MBI-GS were presented.ResultsA comparison of mean scores of MBI-GS according to demographic and occupational factors showed a significant difference according to age, problem drinking behavior, working time, and working duration in exhaustion regardless of sex. In professional efficacy, a significant difference was observed in age, marital status, working type, and working duration. And as a result of correlation analysis, the correlation coefficient between exhaustion and PHQ-9 was the highest regardless of sex. In addition, regardless of sex, exhaustion and cynicism scores tended to increase and professional efficacy score tended to decrease as the work stress level rose. Same tendency is shown in case of the more severe the symptom of depression and the lower quality of life. When the quartile for sub-scales' score of MBI-GS were investigated, the burnout was more pronounced in female than in male.ConclusionsMany demographic and occupational factors affect burnout were identified in one electronics company, and we investigated which sub-scales of MBI-GS were affected. Through this study, burnout characteristics were identified in a few population group of Korea, and the results are expected to be useful for burnout risk group identification, counseling, etc.

Changes of depression and job stress in workers after merger without downsizing

BackgroundSince the 1980s, restructuring, which includes downsizing, closures, mergers, and privatization, has expanded worldwide, and various studies have investigated its effect on health. However, previous studies have mainly focused on restructuring accompanied by massive lay-offs, and the effect of a merger on workers’ health is still controversial. This study aims to investigate changes in worker depression and job stress after a merger without downsizing, which is unusual in Korea.MethodsRepeated surveys were done in April 2014, April 2015, and April 2016 involving the participation of 209 subjects. Participants were divided into two groups, which were comprised of blue-collar workers (104) and white-collar workers (105). Sociodemographic characteristics, including age, education level, job tenure, gender, marital status, smoking status, and alcohol consumption, were measured via a survey. To determine the level of depression, the Korean version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was employed, and to investigate job stress, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF) was used. For statistical analyses, Pearson’s chi-square test, the Student’s t-test, and repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed.ResultsThe results showed that depression (CES-D, F[2, 400] = 0.466, p = 0.628) was changed but without significance and job stress (KOSS-SF, F[1.899, 379.831] = 3.192, p = 0.045) were significantly different. The between-group difference in the CES-D score between the blue- and white-collar workers by survey administration time was not statistically significant (F = 0.316, p = 0.574). The interaction between the survey time and occupational group was also not statistically significant (F = 0.967, p = 0.381). The between-group difference in the KOSS-SF total score was not statistically significant (F = 1.132, p = 0.289), and the interaction between the survey administration time and occupational group was also not significant (F = 0.817, p = 0.437). In the job stress subgroup analyses Job insecurity and Lack of reward showed a significant difference by survey administration time.ConclusionThis study showed that a merger without massive downsizing can cause negative health effects such as an changes in depression and increase in job stress. To improve the health of workers, both the immediate negative effects on health, and the long-term effects or their resolution over time should be considered prior to the merger.

The Development and Validation of the Sexual and Relationship Distress Scale

BackgroundSexual distress is an important factor in the etiology, maintenance, and treatment of sexual difficulties, and as such, there is a need for validated measures. A limitation in the research and treatment of distressing sexual difficulties has been the lack of validated measures, and in particular, existing measures are unable to measure the impacts at the relationship level and currently focus on intra-personal distress. AimThis study sought to develop and psychometrically evaluate a new measure of distress associated with sexual difficulties. MethodsAn initial pool of 73 items was created from the results of an earlier qualitative study and administered using an online survey to 1,381 participants (462 men, 904 women, and 14 who identified as “other”), along with measures for the purposes of psychometric evaluation including the Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised, Couples Satisfaction Index 16-item version, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale–Short Form, and questions relating to sexual function. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis in separate split-half samples were conducted, followed by analysis of validity and reliability of the resulting measure. OutcomesThe Sexual and Relationship Distress Scale (SaRDS) was developed to meet the need for a patient-reported outcome measure of individual and relationship distress within the context of sexual dysfunction and resulted in a psychometrically sound 30-item, 14-factor measure of sexual and relationship distress. ResultsThe final 30 items explained 77.5% of the total variance and the confirmatory factor analysis showed that this model has an adequate fit (comparative fit index = .97, normed fit index = .95, root mean square error of approximation = .05). The final measure demonstrated good psychometric properties, with strong internal reliability (Cronbach alpha = .95 for the total score with individual sub-scales ranging from .70–.96), and convergent and discriminant validity when compared to current measures (Female Sexual Distress Scale–Revised, r = .82, P < .001; Couples Satisfaction Index, r = –.69, P < .001; Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale–Short Form, r = .37, P < .001). Clinical ImplicationsThe SaRDS may prove useful for researchers and clinicians interested in understanding and improving the distress experienced within the context of sexual difficulties. The new measure is brief (30 items), easy to administer and score, easily understood (Flesch-Kincaid reading level = grade 3.9), and demonstrates high internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity. Strengths & LimitationsThe SaRDS has advantages over existing measures as it is brief yet includes sub-scales. However, it must be noted that a community sample was used for this study and it would be beneficial to include a clinical sample in future validation studies. ConclusionUnlike most measures in this field, the SaRDS is multi-dimensional and assesses 14 distinct yet related types of sexual and relationship distress experienced in the context of sexual dysfunctions. It can be administered across genders and both members of a couple. It therefore has multiple uses within both research and clinical settings.Frost R, Donovan C. The Development and Validation of the Sexual and Relationship Distress Scale. J Sex Med 2018;15:1167–1179.

Risk Factor, Job Stress and Quality of Life in Workers With Lower Extremity Pain Who Use Video Display Terminals.

ObjectiveTo investigate the general characteristics of video display terminal (VDT) workers with lower extremity pain, to identify the risk factors of work-related lower extremity pain, and to examine the relationship between work stress and health-related quality of life.MethodsA questionnaire about the general characteristics of the survey group and the musculoskeletal symptom was used. A questionnaire about job stress used the Korean Occupational Stress Scale and medical outcome study 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) to assess health-related quality of life.ResultsThere were 1,711 subjects in the lower extremity group and 2,208 subjects in the control group. Age, sex, hobbies, and feeling of loading affected lower extremity pain as determined in a crossover analysis of all variables with and without lower extremity pain. There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of job stress and SF-36 values of the pain and control groups.ConclusionJob stress in VDT workers was higher than average, and the quality of life decreased as the stress increased. Factors such as younger age, women, hobbies other than exercise, and feeling of loading influenced lower extremity pain of workers. Further long-term follow-up and supplementary studies are needed to identify risk factors for future lower extremity pain, taking into account ergonomic factors such as worker's posture.

The Relationship between Emotional Labor and Job Stress among Hospital Workers.

BackgroundWe divided hospital workers into two groups according to whether one was an interpersonal service worker (ISW) or was not (non-ISW). We then explored differences between these groups in job stress and emotional labor type and investigated the mediating factors influencing their relationships.MethodsOur participants included both ISW (n = 353) and non-ISW (n = 71) hospital workers. We administered the Korean Standard Occupational Stress Scale Short Form to measure job stress and the Emotional Labor Scale to indicate both emotional labor type and characteristics. We also administered the Beck Depression Inventory-II to indicate the mediating factors of depressive symptoms, the Beck Anxiety Inventory to indicate the mediating factors of anxiety, and the State Anger Subscale of the State-Trait Anger Expression inventory to indicate the mediating factors of anger.ResultsThe ISW group showed more severe job stress than the non-ISW group over a significantly longer duration, with greater intensity, and with higher level of surface acting. The ISW group showed a significant positive correlation between surface acting and job stress and no significant correlation between deep acting and job stress. Parallel mediation analysis showed that for ISWs surface acting was directly related to increased job stress, indirectly related to depression, and unrelated to anxiety and anger.ConclusionThe ISW group displayed more surface acting and job stress in its emotional labor than the non-ISW group. In the ISW group, surface acting during emotional labor was positively correlated with job stress. Depression partially mediated their relationship.

PERCEIVED POSTPARTUM STRESS AND COPING STRATEGIES AMONG POSTNATAL MOTHERS AT AIMS, KOCHI

Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the perceived postpartum stress among postnatal mothers, identify coping strategies adopted by postnatal mothers, find out correlation between the level of perceived postpartum stress and coping strategies among postnatal mothers and find out the association between the level of perceived postpartum stress and demographic variables.Methods: A quantitative descriptive study was conducted among 100 postnatal mothers. Convenience sampling technique was used. Hung postpartum stress scale and coping strategies inventory short form were used for the assessment of postpartum stress and coping strategies.Results: Among the 100 participants, 63% of the postnatal mothers had mild stress, 33% had moderate stress, and only 4% had severe stress. Majority of the mothers were used problem-focused engagement as a coping strategy. There was a positive correlation found between the level of perceived postpartum stress and coping strategies such as emotion-focused engagement and emotion-focused disengagement. There was significant association found between the level of perceived postpartum stress and demographic variables such as age, education, length of marriage, status of pregnancy, method of baby feeding, pregnancy events, intrapartum events, birth weight of baby, child birth experience, status of newborn, and postpartum events.Conclusion: The high proportion and severity of postpartum stress observed among this study group proves that postpartum stress is common and cannot be ignored.

Gender Differences of Occupational Stress Associated with Suicidal Ideation among South Korean Employees: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

ObjectiveIn this study, the relationship between occupational stress and suicidal ideation was investigated, focusing on gender differences among Korean employees.MethodsCross-sectional data for 53,969 workers were collected at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital health screening centers. Risk of suicidal ideation was assessed using a self-reported questionnaire examining suicidal ideation during the past year. Occupational stress was measured using 24 items of the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF). Logistic regression analysis was employed to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of the relationships between suicidal ideation and components of occupational stress.Results In multivariable-adjusted models, all job stress contributed to increased risk of suicidal ideation in males. Most subscales, except insufficient job control and organizational system, were risk factors of suicidal ideation in females. Further adjustments for depression markedly attenuated this relationship. However, the effects of insufficient job control and lack of reward on suicidal ideation remained significant in males, and interpersonal conflict remained significant in females.Conclusion The results suggest that occupational stress plays a significant role in increasing risk of suicidal ideation through elevation of depressive symptoms. Gender differences in components of occupational stress associated with suicidal ideation were also observed.

Assessment of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) in untreated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The assessment of depression in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is confounded by symptom overlap. The Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-short form (DASS-21) is a commonly used measure of negative affect, but it not known whether the DASS-21 is suitable for use in an OSA sample. This study compared the fit of Lovibond and Lovibond's (1995) correlated 3-factor structure of the DASS-21 and measurement invariance between a non-OSA and an OSA sample using confirmatory factor analysis. As measurement invariance was not found, to determine the source of non-invariance differential item functioning (DIF) was examined using dMACS. The correlated 3-factor structure (with correlated errors) of the DASS-21 was a better fit in the non-OSA sample. dMACS indicated that there was a degree of DIF for each of the subscales, especially for the Anxiety subscale, in which 2 symptoms (that are also physiological symptoms of OSA) produced lower severity scores in the OSA sample compared with the non-OSA sample. However, the degree of DIF for each of the subscales is not sufficient to cause concern when using the DASS-21; therefore, the total DASS-21 is suitable for use in an OSA sample. Interestingly, the impact of symptom overlap in anxiety symptoms may be reducing anxiety scores because of DIF, which contrasts with the proposed effect of symptom overlap in depression, where it leads to the inflation of depression scores in OSA. This deserves greater consideration in relation to OSA and other clinical disorders or chronic illness conditions with different patterns of overlapping symptoms. (PsycINFO Database Record

Adaptation of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form into Turkish: a study of validity and reliability

Objective: The purpose of the current research was to adapt the 4th version of the Parenting Stress Scale Short Form (PSI-SF) into Turkish. Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was carried out on the data obtained from 323 parents so as to investigate whether the factor structure in the original scale was congruent in the Turkish culture. In order to examine the reliability of the index, PSI-SF was administered to parents who applied to psychiatry services, counseling and research centers, and school psychological guidance and counseling services due to various psychological problems of their children and to those who did not apply to any of these services for their children. The significance of the scores taken from the measurement tool by groups was tested using t-test. The reliability of the index was determined through test-retest method on the 49 parents with a one-month interval. Results: As a result of the CFA, the goodness of fit values were found to be RMSEA=0.06, NFI=0.97, CFI=0.98 and GFI=0.95. The values obtained demonstrated that the original factor structure of the PSI-SF had a good fit with Turkish culture. Significant differences were detected between the parents whose children received and did not received psychological guidance or in all of the sub-dimensions of the PSI-SF. test-retest correlation values regarding the PSI-SF was calculated to be .58 for parental stress (PS) subdimension, 0.69 for parent-child dysfunctional interaction (PCDI) subdimension, 0.60 difficult child (DC) subdimension, and 0.91 for the whole index. Conclusion: The values obtained from the Turkish adaptation study of the PSI-SF revealed that the index is a reliable and valid measurement instrument to be used in Turkish culture. The PSI-SF can be used to determine the stress level of the parents and reveal its relationship with other variables.

Self-resilience as a protective factor against development of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in police officers.

BackgroundThis study was conducted to check whether self-resilience, one of the characteristics known to affect the occurrence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms after experiencing traumatic events, could serve as a protective factor for police officers whose occupational factors are corrected.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in which 112 male police officers in Gangwon Province participated. They visited the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital Occupational Environment Center for medical check-ups from June to December 2015. Their general characteristics were identified using structured questionnaires, and they were asked to fill in the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF). Further, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D), Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale-Korean (CD-RI-K), and Impact of Event Scale-Revised-Korean version (IES-R-K) were used to evaluate their job stress, depression, self-resilience, and PTSD symptoms. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to correct their personal, occupational, and psychological factors to analyze the relationship between self-resilience and PTSD symptoms.ResultsAmong 112 respondents who experienced a traumatic event, those with low self-resilience had significantly higher rate of PTSD symptoms than those with high self-resilience even after correcting for the covariate of general, occupational, and psychological characteristics (odds ratio [OR] 3.51; 95 % CI: 1.06–19.23).ConclusionsDespite several limitations, these results suggest that a high degree of self-resilience may protect police officers from critical incident-related PTSD symptoms.

Quality of life of HIV-infected patients who switch antiretroviral medication due to side effects or other reasons

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among HIV patients following switch from a first- to second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen.Research design and methods: This was an observational study of adult HIV patients in the US at 35 academic and community health centers. Patients were required to be switching an antiretroviral regimen for the first time at the enrollment visit. Patients were assigned to a study cohort based on whether the switch was due to treatment-related side effects or for any other reason as reported by their physician. Patients completed the Medical Outcomes Study–Human Immunodeficiency Virus (MOS-HIV) health survey, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale Short Form (DASS-21), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire–status (HIVTSQs) at the enrollment visit (baseline) and a follow-up survey was completed approximately 4 weeks later. The within cohort change in survey measures from baseline to follow-up was assessed by two-sample paired t-test.Results: Patients who switched their ART regimen due to treatment-related side effects (n = 50) had statistically significant improvements (p < .05, baseline to follow-up) in mean Physical and Mental Health Summary scores (MOS-HIV scale) and in all three HIVTSQ summary scores. Patients who switched for other reasons (n = 44) did not experience statistically significant improvements in these same measures.Conclusions: HIV patients whose regimen was switched due to treatment-related side effects experienced an improvement in QOL following the switch. Physicians should take the potential impact on QOL into consideration when deciding on a switch in ART regimen, particularly when patients are intolerant of their current treatment. The results are based on a patient survey and may have been influenced by recall and response bias.

The moderation effect of mindfulness on the relationship between adult attachment and wellbeing

Attachment theory was developed by Bowlby (1980) to explore the propensity of humans to make strong affectional bonds with significant others and to explain the different forms of emotional distress experienced when these relationships are disrupted. The concept of adult attachment is commonly employed in empirical studies of psychological interventions. One such intervention that significantly increases wellbeing is mindfulness. Mindfulness diminishes the extent to which circumstances are judged as positive or negative. Therefore, mindfulness might decrease the extent to which working models, primed by feelings of threat, are activated. To quantify what effect mindfulness has on wellbeing, the current study explored the relationship between adult attachment, wellbeing and mindfulness. Participants (N=165) completed an online survey which included the Experiences in Close Relationships—Revised Questionnaire (ECR-R), the Friedberg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI-14) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale—short form (DASS-21). Results indicated that wellbeing, assessed by measures of depression, anxiety and stress, was strongly associated with an individual's attachment style. However, only attachment anxiety showed a predictive capacity on wellbeing. Furthermore, the results indicate that mindfulness is a significant moderator in the relationship, with mindfulness diminishing the effect of insecure attachment on wellbeing.

A randomised control trial of an Internet-based cognitive behaviour treatment for mood disorder in adults with chronic spinal cord injury.

Prospective parallel waitlist randomised controlled trial. Evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an Internet-based psychological intervention treating comorbid mood disorder in adults with spinal cord injury (SCI). Improved mood and satisfaction with life were primary outcomes. Victoria, Australia. Electronic Personal Administration of Cognitive Therapy (ePACT). Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form (DASS21), Personal Well-being Index, Helplessness subscale of the Spinal Cord Lesion Emotional Well-being Scale v1 Australia, at each time point.Participant qualifying criteria:Adults (18-70 years), chronic SCI, attend SCI review clinic at Austin or Caulfield Hospital and score above normative threshold of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form (DASS21). Forty-eight participants completed Time 2 post intervention (n=23) or time equivalent for waitlist control group (n=25) telephone interviews. The measures were repeated a third time (Time 3) for a small subgroup (n=12) at 6 months post intervention within the study implementation time frame. Univariate within group analyses revealed significant improvement in mood in the intervention group at Time 2: (lower depression (effect size (ES)=0.4), anxiety (ES=0.4) and stress (ES=0.3)) and higher satisfaction with life (ES=0.2). Waitlist control group improved in depression only (ES=0.3) by Time 2. Multilevel variance components analyses, although not as positive, were still encouraging. Improvement in mood symptoms was maintained in the small group reinterviewed at Time 3. Although Internet-based interventions for mental health issues in SCI not a solution for all, our results indicate that they are a potentially valuable addition to the currently available options.

Anxiety symptoms and occupational stress among young Korean female manufacturing workers.

BackgroundThe prevalence of anxiety disorders has been increasing in South Korea, with recent studies reporting anxiety disorders as the most common mental disorder among all South Korean females. Anxiety disorders, which are independent risk factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, are significantly correlated with productivity loss, high medical costs, impaired work performance, and frequent worker absence, and thus are potentially serious problems affecting the health of South Korean female workers. In previous studies, anxiety disorders were shown to have a significant correlation with occupational stress. This study seeks to examine the prevalence of anxiety symptoms as well as the relationship between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms among South Korean female manufacturing workers.MethodsA structured self-reported questionnaire was administered to 1,141 female workers at an electrical appliance manufacturing plant. The questionnaire collected data on general characteristics, health behaviors, sleep quality, job characteristics (shift work, shift work schedule, and job tenure), occupational stress, and anxiety symptoms. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, occupational stress with the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF), and anxiety symptoms with the Korean version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory. A chi square test was conducted to determine the distribution differences in anxiety symptoms based on general characteristics, health behaviors, job characteristics, and sleep quality. A linear-by-linear association test was used to determine the distribution differences between anxietysymptoms and the levels of occupational stress. Last, logistic regression analysis was used in order to determine the association between occupational stress and anxiety symptoms.ResultsThe prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 15.2 %. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis that adjusted for sleep quality and general characteristics, a significantassociation was found for those with anxiety disorders; the odds ratios (OR) were significantly higher the greater the total KOSS-SF score (moderate-risk group OR=2.85, 95 % CI=1.79–4.56; high-risk group OR=5.34, 95 % CI=3.59–7.96). In addition, excluding insufficient job control, all other KOSS-SF subscales were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms, and a relatively high OR was seen in the high-risk group for job demand (OR=3.19, 95 % CI=2.27–4.49), job insecurity (OR=4.52, 95 % CI=2.86–7.13), and occupational culture (OR=4.52, 95 % CI=2.90–7.04).ConclusionThere was a significant association between anxiety symptoms and occupational stress stemming from the psychosocial work environment among these South Korean female manufacturing workers. Future longitudinal studies are needed to examine the association between the occupational stress caused by the psychosocial work environment and the incidence of anxiety disorders and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, intervention programs that aim to address the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and improve the psychosocial work environment, especially for younger female manufacturing workers, are needed.

일개 대학 경비근로자의 수면의 질과 직무스트레스가 건강관련 삶의 질에 미치는 영향

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of sleep quality and occupational stress on health-related quality of life among a university's security workers. Methods: 128 security workers voluntarily participated in the study. The survey asked demographic, health related, job related factors, the Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form(KOSS-SF), sleep quality questionnaire, and 12-Short Form Health Survey version 2.0(SF-12v2). The data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, multiple linear regression, and multiple logistic regression. Results: The interrupted rest time was significantly negatively related to occupational stress. The occupational stress significantly affected sleep quality. The significant variable affecting Physical Component Score(PCS) and Mental Component Score(MCS) was sleep quality and occupational stress, respectively. Conclusions: HRQOL was founded to be affected by occupational stress and sleep disorder among the security workers. Based on this study, we suggest that the management of both occupational stress and sleep quality is crucial to improve the HRQOL.

Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory as related factor for post traumatic stress disorder symptoms according to job stress level in experienced firefighters: 5-year study.

ObjectivesAs first responders to an increasing number of natural and manmade disasters, active-duty firefighters are at increased risk for physical and psychiatric impairment as reflected by high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because little is known about related factor with PTSD according to job stress level among firefighters, we assessed utility of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) using 5-year medical surveillance.MethodsData were analyzed from 185 male firefighters without psychiatric disease history and who at assessments in 2006 and 2011 completed all questionnaires on personal behaviors (including exercise, drinking and smoking habits) and job history (including job duration and department). MMPI, Events Scale-Revised-Korean version (IES-R-K) and Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF) were used to screen for personality trait, PTSD symptom presence and job stress level, respectively. IES-R-K subgroups were compared using two-sample t- and χ2 tests, and factors influencing IES-R-K according to KOSS-SF were determined using uni- and multivariate logistic regression.ResultsMean age and job duration were higher in PTSD-positive than negative groups. In multivariate analysis, increased PTSD risk was associated with: job duration (Odds ratio (OR) = 1.064, 95 % CI 1.012–1.118) for firefighters overall; masculinity-femininity (OR = 5.304, 95 % CI 1.191–23.624) and job duration (OR = 1.126, 95 % CI 1.003–1.265) for lower job stress level; and social introversion (OR = 3.727, 95 % CI 1.096–12.673) for higher job stress level.ConclusionsMMPI relates with PTSD according to job stress level among experienced firefighters. Masculinity-femininity and social introversion were the strongest related factor for PTSD symptom development in low and high job stress levels, respectively.

Mental health of Chinese primary care patients with lower urinary tract symptoms

The aim of this study was to evaluate the mental health of Chinese primary care patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). This was a cross-sectional observational study. Five hundred and nineteen subjects with LUTS completed a structured questionnaire containing the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-Short Form, the International Prostate Symptom Score, the adapted International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Urinary Incontinence Short Form and questions about socio-demographics. Overall, 17.7% of subjects reported depressive symptoms, 24.3% anxiety symptoms and 9.6% stress symptoms. In males, demographic factors associated with poorer mental health included being not married; clinical factors included higher LUTS severity, weak stream, straining and mixed urinary incontinence. In females, demographic factors associated with poorer mental health included being younger, not married and lower household income; clinical factors included higher LUTS severity, incomplete bladder emptying, urgency and weak stream. Chinese primary care patients with LUTS appear to be an at-risk group for poorer mental health with increased prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and may require routine screening to identify those who may require more tailored interventions to address both their urinary symptoms and psychological distress.

Job stress as a risk factor for absences among manual workers: a 12-month follow-up study.

This study was conducted to evaluate the impact of job stress on absence from work caused by illnesses and accidents through a prospective research design. A total of 2,349 manual workers were included in this analysis. In the first survey, job stress was determined using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form. In the second survey, information on absence due to accidents or illnesses during the past one year was obtained through a questionnaire. The relationship was analyzed using a logistic regression model with multiple imputation. After adjusting for confounding variables for males, absence due to accidents was statistically associated with high job demand, insufficient job control, inadequate social support, and organizational injustice. In addition, high job demands and organizational injustice were related to increased absence due to illnesses in both genders. A lack of reward was associated with increased absence due to illnesses among female workers. We found that job stress was associated with a higher risk of absence caused by accidents or illnesses of manual workers.

서울시 학교급식시설 조리종사자의 직무 스트레스와 근골격계질환

Purpose: School foodservice employees (SFEs) could be exposed to the risk of musculoskeletal disease and of job stress due to their job characteristics. This study was to evaluate the level of job stress and the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms (WRMS) in Seoul city's SFEs, and to determine associations between job stress and WRMS. Methods: The study design was cross-sectional, and 975 SFEs were recruited. Self-administered questionnaire included the 'Korean occupational stress scale-short form' and the 'KOSHA GUIDE H-9-2012' instrument to evaluate the job stress and WRMS, respectively. SFEs' medians of job stress were compared to the reference values of published study in Korean workers. Results: The participants reported greater levels of job demand and physical environment than the general Korean population. WRMS were reported in 89.0% of participants at any body part, and 41.1% were presumed to need for medical intervention. High levels of job demand and of physical environment were significantly associated with WRMS. Conclusion: Subscales of job demand and physical environment were relatively high in SFEs and those were related to the occurrence of WRMS. To reduce the WRMS prevalence, a job stress management program focused on job demand and physical environment may be required.

Risk factors of musculoskeletal symptoms in university hospital nurses.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate musculoskeletal symptom prevalence in university hospital nurses and explore the relation between musculoskeletal symptom prevalence and work related factors.MethodsA structured questionnaire was conducted with 620 nurses in a university hospital to look into the characters of responsibility and musculoskeletal symptom prevalence. The questionnaire respondents numbered 534, so the response rate was 86.1%. Among the respondents, three who gave insincere answers were excluded. The final study population was 531 respondents. ANSI Z-365 checklist was applied to look into ergonomic characteristics, and Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form was employed to measure job stress.ResultsIn the case of the whole body, symptom prevalence amounted to 70.8%. Regarding each body region, shoulder symptom prevalence accounted for the highest, or 44.8%, waist 40.7%, and neck 33.3% in order. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, in the case of the whole body, the group with a high ANSI checklist grade had odds ratio of 3.59 (95% CI 1.48 ~ 8.76), and the group with high job stress had 3.19 (95% CI 2.01 ~ 5.07).ConclusionRegarding the occupational factors related to musculoskeletal symptoms of university hospital nurses, it was found that ANSI Z-365 checklist high risk group, total job tenure, department, shiftworks, and job stress had high relation with musculoskeletal symptoms. It is necessary to find an ergonomic solution and a stress reduction plan to prevent musculoskeletal disease.