Prevalence and Factors Affecting Job Strain Among The Managers in Primary Health Care Services in Turkey

Purpose: Stress at work is one of the risk factors of occupational health and safety in industrialized and developing countries. Working in the health care services has been accepted as one of the most stressful jobs. The aim of this study is to define stress and contributing factors of job strain in managers in the primary health care services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine prevalence and factors affecting job strain in primary health care managers. A standardized self-administered questionnaire was used for stress assessment with a second questionnaire for socio-demographic factors and working life features. Turkish version of the Swedish Demand Control Questionnaire was used. A total of 55 managers were recruited from Health District in Izmir. A second questionnaire was used to obtain information on socio-demographic and working life features. Results: Among the total of 55 managers, 54 (98%) responded the questionnaire. The mean age was 40 +/- 8 years; 21 (39%) were insecure or partly secure managers. The job strain was found in 71% of the insecure group compared to 36% more secure managers (p=0.026). The job insecurity was a significant risk factor for job strain (OR=4.8, CI=1.4-16.5). Conclusion: The job insecurity was strongly associated with job strain. The study provides an insight on the prevalence and important factors affecting the job strain among the primary health care managers in Turkey.