The Differential Impact of Job Isostrain and Home-Work Interference on Indicators of Physical and Mental Health in Women and Men

Objectives: To evaluate (1) whether the physical and mental health of male workers differs from that of female workers, and, if so, whether (2) this is affected by the interplay between work and nonwork burden. Methods: We pooled two large Belgian databases (BELSTRESS III, SOMSTRESS) comprising data on 4810 (2847 women). Gender-specific logistic regressions were performed using a four-level variable as predictor. This combined two predictors: isolated job strain (isostrain) and home-work interference (HWI). Results: Male workers are at greater risk of chronic fatigue when they experience high isostrain but not high HWI. Although accumulated high isostrain and high HWI affect women mainly via chronic fatigue, the same pattern has a greater impact on men's perceived health. There was no difference for the other patterns. Conclusions: To improve workers' well-being, organizations should develop work and nonwork balance policies specific for men and women.