The Association of Job Characteristics and Stress Indicators in TV Manufacturing Plant Workers

Jung, Young Yeon; Lee, Jong Young; Woo, Kuk Hyeun

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the association of job characteristics and stress indicators, from May 1st to 10th, 1996. The study population was 210 workers (clerical workers, 67; engineers, 82; assembly line workers, 61) engaged in a television manufacturing company. A questionnaire method was used to collect the data regarding to job demand, job control, behavioral type, life style and psychiatric symptoms. Clinical examination was conducted to measure blood pressure, serum cholesterol, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Percentage of high subjective job strain group was significantly higher in clerical workers(9.0 %) than in engineers(4.9 %) and in assembly line workers(3.3 %) (p < 0.01). Mean values of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c were significantly different between types of occupation and were the highest in clerical workers (p < 0.05). Significant association was found between perceived job characteristics and psychiatric symptom score (p < 0.01). The more job demand and the less job control was, the higher psychiatric symptom score was reported. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly related to job control (p < 0.05). The more job control was, the higher blood pressure was reported. In multiple regression analysis, job demand, job control and age were significant variables explaining the psychiatric symptoms and R2 was 0.23. Perceived job characteristics and type of occupation were not significant in explaining diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol. Type of occupation, job demand, age and BMI were significant variables explaining lasting blood sugar and R2 was 0.25. Type of occupation was the only significant variable explaining HbA1c and R2 was 0.07. According to this result, occupational type and subjective job characteristics must be considered in study of job stress. As a result of multiple analysis, subjective job characterics are significantly related to psychiatric symptoms and type of occupation is significantly related to fasting blood sugar and HbA1c.