Association of Co-Exposure to Psychosocial Factors With Depression and Anxiety in Korean Workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2020 Sep;62(9):e498-e507. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001951.

Abstract

Introduction: This study assessed the association of co-exposure to psychosocial factors with depression and anxiety in Korean workers.

Methods: All data were from the 2017 Korean Working Conditions Survey.

Results: Males and females who perceived organizational injustice, hid their emotions at the workplace, felt they were paid inappropriately, and had no support from managers were more likely to report depression and anxiety. Males who reported long working hours, no ability to influence decisions, work pressure, and no ability to apply their own ideas at the workplace were more likely to report depression and anxiety. Co-exposure to a greater number of psychosocial factors had stronger associations with depression and anxiety in men and women.

Conclusion: Employers should reduce depression and anxiety in their workers by providing comprehensive interventions that protect them from co-exposure to work stressors.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety* / epidemiology
  • Depression* / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Republic of Korea / epidemiology
  • Workplace*