Specific psychosocial exposures for workers' mental health: A population-based study

Background. In order to plan interventions it is important to obtain evidence on the relation between a health outcome and specific exposures. However, there are few studies that identify the effect of specific psychosocial work exposures on poor mental health. This is the aim of this study. Methods. Population-based cross-sectional study in Catalonia. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) of minor psychiatric disorder associated with several psychosocial work exposures. Results. The items with highest PR were "Are there times when you need to be at work and at home at the same time?" (PR=1.81), "Are you worried about a variation in your salary?" (PR=1.77), "Is your work emotionally demanding?" (PR¿=¿1.65) and "Are you worried about it being difficult for you to find another job if you became unemployed?" (PR=1.51). Conclusions. This study could be useful in order to begin planning interventions on specific psychosocial exposures to protect mental health in the workplace.