Assessment of Psychosocial Risk Factors and their Impact on Health-Care Workers’ Mental Health: An Empirical Study in Estonian Nursing Homes
Abstract
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, the psychosocial work environment is one of
the most important factors in preserving the wellbeing of healthcare workers and ensuring
the quality of healthcare services. The psychosocial environment in healthcare is complicated
and related to stressful work, high demands and working in shifts. The purpose of the study
is to explore the relationships between work-related psychosocial risk factors and the mental
health of care workers. The study used the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, version
II and the statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 24.
Our results show that the work environment influences the mental health of care workers.
Psychosocial hazards, such as low quality of management, lack of staff, role conflicts, low
dedication among workers, physically and mentally challenging work and stress at work, are
prevalent in the healthcare sector. The management of the organization including the
management of safety issues should be proactive and oriented towards preserving the health
of the employees and offering patient-centred services.
Jel classification: 123
Keywords: psychosocial risk factors, mental health problems, stress, burnout, healthcare, nursing
home
According to the World Health Organization, the psychosocial work environment is one of
the most important factors in preserving the wellbeing of healthcare workers and ensuring
the quality of healthcare services. The psychosocial environment in healthcare is complicated
and related to stressful work, high demands and working in shifts. The purpose of the study
is to explore the relationships between work-related psychosocial risk factors and the mental
health of care workers. The study used the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, version
II and the statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS 24.
Our results show that the work environment influences the mental health of care workers.
Psychosocial hazards, such as low quality of management, lack of staff, role conflicts, low
dedication among workers, physically and mentally challenging work and stress at work, are
prevalent in the healthcare sector. The management of the organization including the
management of safety issues should be proactive and oriented towards preserving the health
of the employees and offering patient-centred services.
Jel classification: 123
Keywords: psychosocial risk factors, mental health problems, stress, burnout, healthcare, nursing
home