Abstract
Background
This study investigates the effect of gender role and the psychosocial work environment on the psychological well-being of hospital staff in two general hospitals in the province of Valencia (Spain).
Method
A cross-sectional survey was carried out among 313 workers by means of a self-answered questionnaire. The outcome variable (psychological well-being) was evaluated with four dimensions of the “SF-36 Health Survey” (mental health, vitality, limitations in the emotional role and limitations in the social function). The explanatory variables were: characteristics related to gender role, professional characteristics and the psychosocial working environment evaluated according to Karasek and Johnson’s demand–control–support model. The adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated by logistical regression.
Results
Those who have very good marital relationship have less risk of presenting bad mental health, OR 0.43 (0.24–0.78), and limitation in the social function, OR 0.43 (0.24–0.77), and in the emotional role, OR 0.35 (0.16–0.74). Those who dedicate more than 30 h a week to domestic chores have a higher risk of limitation of social function, OR 2.48 (1.16–5.31). Those exposed to high psychological demands present a higher probability of having bad mental health, OR 1.77 (1.04–3.00). Those exposed to low job social support have a higher risk of bad mental health, OR 1.86 (1.09–3.19), low vitality, OR 2.21 (1.30–3.77), and limitation in the social function, OR 1.88 (1.10–3.22).
Conclusion
Gender role and psychosocial work environment have a negative influence on the psychological well-being of hospital staff.
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Acknowledgements
Our study was partially financed by an investigation fund of Conselleria de Sanitat: Generalitat Valenciana (health programmes 2001) and other of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III: Gender and Health Network (G03/42).
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Escribà-Agüir, V., Tenías-Burillo, J.M. Psychological well-being among hospital personnel: the role of family demands and psychosocial work environment. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 77, 401–408 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0525-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-004-0525-2