Job strain and unhealthy lifestyle: results from the ELSA-Brasil cohort study
Unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking and sedentary behaviour are among the main modifiable risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases. The workplace is seen as an important site of potential health risks where preventive strategies can be effective. This study investigates independent associations between psychosocial work stress, physical inactivity, and smoking among public servants in the largest Brazilian adult cohort in order to study cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data (2008–2010) from 15,105 civil servants (12,096 current workers) working in six regions of the country and participants in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil). Job strain was assessed using the Brazilian version of the Swedish Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire, and physical activity was assessed using a short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The association was assessed by means of multinomial and logistic regression, stratified by sex.
RESULTS:
When compared with low-stress activities (low demand and high control), job strain showed an association with physical inactivity (aOR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.10–1.56) or with the practice of physical activities of lesser duration than recommended (aOR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.12–1.77). For women, higher chances of physical inactivity were identified among the job strain and passive job groups (aOR = 1.39; 95% CI = 1.15–1.67 and aOR = 1.34; 95% CI = 1.13–1.58, respectively). Greater control at work was a protective factor regarding physical inactivity among men, and social support at work was a protective factor regarding smoking and physical inactivity among women. No association was observed between demand/control and smoking.
CONCLUSIONS:
Work-related stress was associated with the assessed unhealthy lifestyle variables. Our results are comparable to those found in more developed countries, providing additional evidence of an association between an adverse psychosocial work environment and health-related behavior. They are, therefore, useful for policy-makers in planning and promoting a healthier working force.