Psychological distress and workplace psychosocial risks
I. Sellami, A. Abbes, A. Feki, M. L. Masmoudi, M. Hajjaji, K. Jmal HammamiIntroduction
Concern is increasing regarding the relationship between psychological distress and psychosocial risks in the workplace. Both psychological distress and psychosocial risks are significant challenges to workers’ health, well-being, and productivity.
Objectives
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between psychological distress and psychosocial risks within the workplace settings.
Methods
The study was carried out among a sample of workers. Data collection took place from January to June 2022 through a self-administered survey, which included items on socio-professional characteristics, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, and the validated French version of the Karasek questionnaire.
Results
This study included 70 workers. The mean age was 38.1 ±10.2 years. The mean of the job tenure was 14.5±11.1 years. About half of the electricians had high psychological demand (47.1%), 61.4% had a low latitude, and 70% had low social support. The Karasek model indicated that 31.4% of employees were in a state of job strain, with 25.4% facing iso-strain. We found that 10% of participants presented a probability of a serious mental illness. Psychological distress was associated with high psychological demand and low social support.
Conclusions
Findings from this study indicate that psychological distress is closely linked with psychosocial risks in the workplace, and both are common among workers. These factors represent a major concern for occupational health systems. Promoting mental health effectively requires taking into account the particular work conditions that increase exposure to psychosocial risks.
Disclosure of Interest
None Declared