The occupational, family and health conditions of Polish workers living in urban areas

• Main Authors: Dorota Merecz-Kot, Aleksandra Andysz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine 2014-12-01
• Series: Medycyna Pracy
• Subjects: health; family situation; workers; occupational situation; socio-economic status
• Online Access: http://medpr.imp.lodz.pl/Kondycja-zawodowa-rodzinna-i-zdrowotna-pracujacych-polakow-mieszkancow-miast,1948,0,2.html

Background: This article presents the diagnosis of the socio-economic status and health condition of Polish workers living in urban areas. Material and Methods: The study was conducted in the nationwide group of occupationally active people aged 19–65 years. The interview questionnaire comprised an extensive socio-demographic part and a psychometric part, containing questionnaires measuring the status of mental health, work ability, work satisfaction and family functioning. Results: Slightly more than half of the respondents (54%) worked in occupations related to their profession. The majority (88%) worked full-time, 8 h a day (65%) being employed by 1 employer (92%). Most respondents were satisfied with their job (apart from the financial aspect) and family life; 59% of employees were stressed by their job, including 15% of those who experienced strong stress. The family situation was emphasized by 31% of the respondents. At least one health disorder was diagnosed in 42% of the respondents. Musculoskeletal disorders (19%), cardiovascular diseases (13%) and respiratory disorders (11%) were most frequently reported. At the same time 76% of respondents assessed their health as rather good and good. The mental health index fell within the average values, but 12% of patients reached the score indicating the risk of serious mental health problems. Most of employees assessed their work ability as rather good and good. Conclusions: The data presented show the direction of the activities that need to be undertaken in the workplace, namely prevention of occupational stress, musculo-skeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders, which significantly limit work ability. It is also necessary to implement educational programs in the workplace. Such activities, if organized on a regular basis, bring the best results. Med Pr 2014;65(6):785–797