Affiliations: National Center of Work and Rehabilitation,
Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden | Division of Industrial Ergonomics and CMTO,
Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jennie Medin, Nordic School of
Public Health, Nya varvet 25, Box 121 33, 402 42 Göteborg, Sweden. E-mail:
medin@nhv.se
Abstract: Aims: The objective of this pilot study was to explore whether
organisational change and work-related stress, as measured by the Job Content
Questionnaire, were associated with first-ever stroke among working people aged
30–65. Methods: In a case-control study a total of 65 consecutive
cases, aged 30–65 years of age, with first-ever stroke were recruited from
four hospitals in Sweden during 2000–2002. During the same period, 103 random
population controls in the same age interval were recruited. Data on
job-related stress and traditional medical risk factors were collected by a
questionnaire. Results: In the multivariate analyses, organisational change
(OR 3.38) increased the likelihood of stroke, while experiencing an active job
(OR 0.37) decreased the likelihood of stroke. Regarding risk factors outside
work, age (OR 1.11), low physical activity (OR 5.21), low education (OR 2.48)
and family history of stroke (OR 2.59) were associated with increased
likelihood of stroke. Conclusion: This study suggests an association between
organisational change, work-related stress and stroke. The likelihood of stroke
was lower for people in active job situations.
