Affiliations: Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control,
Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China | School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health,
University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW, Australia | Japan National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health, Kawasaki, Japan
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Professor Derek R. Smith, %WorkCover
New South Wales Research Centre of Excellence, School of Health Sciences,
Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Ourimbah, NSW 2258, Australia.
E-mail: Derek.Smith@newcastle.edu.au
Abstract: Objective: To investigate the prevalence, distribution and
correlates of occupationally-related psychosomatic complaints among a
previously understudied workforce. Participants: A selection of 336 public health professionals working
in Beijing, China. Methods: A self-reporting questionnaire survey was used (99%
response rate). Results: The incidence of ocular discomfort was relatively high for
health professionals aged below 60 years, headache or dizziness was mostly
reported by the older age groups, insomnia or sleep disorders were common among
those aged 30–39 years, while self-reported depression or emotional
instability were concentrated in younger staff. Regression analyses revealed
that age, personal life habits, family status, work conditions and occupational
environment were related to eye discomfort, headache, dizziness, insomnia,
sleep disturbance, depression or emotional instability. Moreover, undertaking a
busy work schedule of long duration and work-induced stress were major
correlates for illness and other subjective symptoms. On the other hand, having
a friendly working atmosphere and a high interest in one's work were negatively
correlated with psychosomatic symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, our study suggests high-intensity work and
various other occupational factors may be strongly related to psychosomatic
symptoms among health professionals in China.
Keywords: Workplace stress, psychosocial risk factors, occupational health, health care workers, Chinese workforce
