Working Time Characteristics and Mental Health among Corrections and Transportation Workers

Abstract Objectives Mental health disorders are a leading cause of work disability and while the psychosocial workplace environment plays critical role, working time characteristics also implicated. We sought to examine association between mental in cohort two unionized, full-time worker populations, correctional supervisors, transportation maintainers. Methods Using cross-sectional study design, we surveyed workers on across seven domains including length shift, intensity or proximity sequential shifts, day, social aspects hours predictability, variability, control, free time. Burnout symptoms (Oldenburg Inventory) depressive (eight-item Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were assessed along with behaviors. used log-binomial regression models estimate prevalence ratios 95% confidence intervals after adjusting age, gender, company. Results A total 318 surveyed. The majority (72%) reported fixed shift. burnout was higher among reporting more frequent shift (working 6 days row) (PR: 1.15, CI: 1.01, 1.31; P = 0.04). Low psychological demands high support associated fewer symptoms, independent characteristics. unpredictable 1.17, 1.35; 0.04) lower increased schedule control 0.86, 0.77, 0.96; 0.01). Higher as well sufficient sleep adequate exercise Conclusions Different work-related (i.e. burnout) general symptoms). Work results suggest that mechanism may be through need recovery from exposures work. Both predictability work-life imbalance lack Comprehensive prevention policies consider organization balance help improve workers’ health.