Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2006 Dec;18(4):327-338.

Relationship between Community Social Support and Psychosocial Distress in Workers

• Lim HY
• Kim HS
• Choi YH
• Chang SH
• Lee KS
• Choi KJ
• Oh WK
• Choi JW
• Jeoung CH

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to examine the relationship between community-based social support and psychosocial distress in workers.
METHODS
The study subjects were 596 workers recruited from 11 companies in Chungju city. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographics, health-related behaviors, job characteristics, job stress, work-based social support, community-based social support and level of psychosocial distress.
RESULTS
Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that workers with no chronic disease, exercise and sufficient sleep had a higher score of psychosocial distress than those with chronic disease, no exercise, and not enough sleep. Coworker's work-based social support and community-based social support were negatively associated with psychosocial distress. The R square value of total independent variables on psychosocial distress was 0.409, and that of community-based social support on psychosocial distress was 0.052.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that community-based social support served as a protective factor against psychosocial distress in some workers. We recommend the establishment of a worksite stress reduction program in occupational level as well as community-based social support.

Keyword

Psychosocial distress; Social support

MeSH Terms

Chronic Disease
Chungcheongbuk-do
Questionnaires
Workplace