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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2006 | Research

The impact of psychosocial and organizational working conditions on the mental health of female cleaning personnel in Norway

Authors: Migle Gamperiene, Jan F Nygård, Inger Sandanger, Morten Wærsted, Dag Bruusgaard

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2006

Abstract

Background

This study examined the association between psychosocial and organizational work conditions and mental health among women employed in the cleaning profession in Norway.

Methods

Self-report questionnaires were mailed to 661 cleaning staff personnel from seven cleaning organizations in seven different cities across Norway. The response rate was 64%, of which 374 (88%) respondents were women. The questionnaires assessed socio-demographic information and employment history, work organization, and psychosocial working conditions. The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist (HSCL-25) was included to assess mental health.

Results

On average, respondents were 43 years old and reported 10.8 years of experience working in the cleaning industry. The proportion of women scoring a HSCL-25 equal to or above 1.75 was 17.5%, which was higher than the average prevalence of mental health problems among working Norwegian women (8.4%). A factor analysis of the questions specific to the psychosocial work environment identified the following four underlying dimensions: leadership, co-workers, time pressure/control, and information/knowledge. Two of these, poor satisfaction with leadership (OR = 3.6) and poor satisfaction with co-workers (OR = 2.3), were significantly related to mental health. In addition, having contact with colleagues less than once a day (OR = 2.4) and not being ethnically Norwegian (OR = 3.0) increased the risk for mental health problems.

Conclusion

Mental health problems are frequent among female cleaning professionals in Norway. Our results indicate that quality of leadership, collaboration with co-workers, and ethnicity were significantly associated with mental health.

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Title: The impact of psychosocial and organizational working conditions on the mental health of female cleaning personnel in Norway
Authors: Migle Gamperiene
Jan F Nygård
Inger Sandanger
Morten Wærsted
Dag Bruusgaard
Publication date: 01-12-2006
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6673-1-24

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The impact of psychosocial and organizational working conditions on the mental health of female cleaning personnel in Norway

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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