Work Stress, Overcommitment and Somatization among Early Childhood Professionals during COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction In addition to posing major public health challenges, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected psychological and physical stressors in workplaces as well strain by workers worldwide. Even prior COVID-19, working conditions of early childhood professionals (ECPs) were described critical leading (psycho)somatic complaints. Despite high societal relevance ECPs potential increase caused there is a lack empirical evidence which extent work-related demands had an adverse effect on during COVID-19. Objectives We aimed obtain updated prevalence rates somatic symptoms unfavourable inducing stress (in terms effort-reward imbalance; ERI) childcare. The overall objective was establish associations between work phase pandemic. Given tendency overcommit themselves, we further explored moderating role overcommitment. Methods Between June 2020 May 2021, questionnaire data collected using validated instruments (i.e., ERI, PHQ-15) from childcare centers family providers ( N = 1.009). informed about study contacted through youth welfare office. Multiple logistic regression tested influence ERI overcommitment severity symptoms. It controlled for age, gender leadership position. SPSS 28.0 used analyze data. Results ratio sample averaged 1.28 SD 0.45), with 72.7% subjects exceeding cut-off value > 1, indicating gratification crisis. sum score PHQ-15 8.99 5.43). Based ≥ 10, somatization at moderate level estimated be 44.6%. mean 15.14 3.55) 23.4% highest tertile. OR 4.12, 95% CI : 2.73 - 6.22) 5.20, 2.17 12.47) associated increased likelihood greater Yet, interaction both predictors remained non-signifcant. Being female having no position somatization. Conclusions results demonstrate among midst female-dominated sector, may risk somatoform disorders. There remains strong need action reduce order decrease symptom burden. Large-scale longitudinal studies are needed investigate coping persistence this occupational group. Disclosure Interest None Declared