Family Stress, Somatization, Social Support and Depression among Middle-aged Workers

Lee, Eliza

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify family stress, somatization, social support, depression and its influencing factor among middle-aged workers.
METHODS
The research was cross-sectional descriptive study. The subjects were 212 middle-aged workers living in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. Data collection was done from May 21 to 31, 2015 using self-reported structured questionnaires asking about general characteristics, family stress, somatization, social support and depression. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson's correlation coefficient, stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 19.0 program.
RESULTS
Mean score of family stress was 41.67 (range: 25~125), somatization 17.42 (range: 12~60), social support 69.79 (range: 12~84) and depression 13.01 (range: 0~60) and reported as depression in 34.0%. Social support (beta=-.36, p<.001), somatization (beta=.28, p<.001), family stress (beta=.15, p=.014) had significant association with depression and the most important variable was social support.
CONCLUSION
It is suggested to check social support system in middle aged workers and needed to reinforce social support of community based on the relation of occupational category. Also, it is necessary to legalize the institutional devices to prevent and control depression to ensure industrial safety and disaster prevention.