Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2022 Feb;31(1):11-21. 10.5807/kjohn.2022.31.1.11.

Relationships Among Musculoskeletal Problems, Sleep Problems, and Self-Rated Mental Health of Home-Care Workers: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Sleep Problems

• Yang JH
• Lee EJ
• Jung I
• Park B

• KMID: 2537007
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2022.31.1.11

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to identify the relationship among musculoskeletal problems, sleep problems, and self-rated mental health of home-care workers.
Methods
Data were collected from 447 home-care workers spanning three occupation types: life supporters for the elderly, home-visit caregivers, and life supporters for the disabled. Musculoskeletal problems, sleep problems, and self-rated mental health were assessed using structured questionnaires. Factors affecting self-rated mental health were analyzed using multiple regression. SPSS was used to test the mediating effects of sleep problems on musculoskeletal problems and self-rated mental health.
Results
Among the general characteristics, the variables that showed significant differences in musculoskeletal problems were monthly income level, caring-related career duration, weekly working hours, and occupation type; and the variable that showed significant differences in self-rated mental health was occupation type. Among the occupation types, supporters for the disabled had the most musculoskeletal problems and the lowest self-rated mental health. Musculoskeletal problems among home-care workers had a direct negative effect on self-rated mental health and indirect negative effects on sleep problems.
Conclusion
Measures are needed to reduce the differences in working conditions and health status among the occupation types of home-care workers. Considering the relevance between the health issues of home-care workers, the development of a carefully designed health promotion strategy is required.

Keyword

Home health aides; Musculoskeletal pain; Sleep deprivation; Mental health; Mediation analysis