Self-reported stress among multiprofessional media personnel

Abstract

Background. Recent research shows increasing rates of occupational stress and stress-related disorders. Objective. To study self-reported stress and its association with work (work duty, working hours and shift work), sick leave and gender among multiprofessional media personnel. Methods. We used a questionnaire study among 30- to 55-year-old radio and TV broadcasting employees (n = 1339). Results. Stress was felt 'rather much' by 18% and 'very much' by 6%. Females reported stress (P < 0.05) and absence from work (P < 0.05 more often than males. The probability of having 'rather much' or 'very much' stress was significantly associated with self-reported overtime (P < 0.01) and the amount of reported sick leave (P < 0.05) Conclusion. Self-reported overtime and sick leave appear to be associated with higher level of self-reported stress, regardless of age, gender or work duty.