ORIGINAL PAPER
The occupational, family and health conditions of Polish workers living in urban areas
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Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland
(Zakład Psychologii Zdrowia i Pracy / Department of Health and Work Psychology)
Corresponding author
Aleksandra Andysz
Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera,
Zakład Psychologii Zdrowia i Pracy, ul. św. Teresy 8, 91-348 Łódź
Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2014;65(6):785-97
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
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