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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

Published in:

01-09-2016 | Original Paper

Workplace social capital, mental health and health behaviors among Brazilian female workers

Authors: Marcos Pascoal Pattussi, Maria Teresa Anselmo Olinto, Raquel Canuto, Anderson da Silva Garcez, Vera Maria Vieira Paniz, Ichiro Kawachi

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 9/2016

Abstract

Objective

Previous studies have investigated the relationship between workplace social capital and mental health, yet few have sought to examine the mediating mechanisms. We sought to explore the role of workplace social capital on health related behaviors and on mental health among female employees in Brazil.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 553 women aged 28–50 years working in the production line of a poultry processing plant. We assessed workplace social capital, common mental disorders, stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and health related behaviors (physical activity, healthy eating habits and co-occurrence of risk behaviors). We used structural equation modeling to clarify relationships between exposures, outcomes, and mediating variables.

Results

Our model demonstrated a direct effect of social capital on the outcomes studied. Higher workplace social capital was associated with lower stress and common mental disorders as well as more favorable health-related behaviors. Our model also showed an indirect effect of social capital on mental health and on behaviors that was mediated by lower levels of perceived stress.

Conclusion

Workplace social cohesion may play an important role in the promotion of mental health and healthy behaviors among women employees.

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Title: Workplace social capital, mental health and health behaviors among Brazilian female workers
Authors: Marcos Pascoal Pattussi
Maria Teresa Anselmo Olinto
Raquel Canuto
Anderson da Silva Garcez
Vera Maria Vieira Paniz
Ichiro Kawachi
Publication date: 01-09-2016
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 9/2016
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1232-5

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Workplace social capital, mental health and health behaviors among Brazilian female workers

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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