Job control, job demands, social support at work and health among adolescent workers
Fischer, F.M.; Oliveira, D.C.; Nagai, R.; Teixeira, L.R.; Lombardi Júnior, Márcio.; Latorre, M.do.Rosario.D.O.; Cooper, S.P.
Revista de Saude Publica 39(2): 245-253
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0034-8910 PMID: 15895145 DOI: 10.1590/s0034-89102005000200016Document Number: 256164
Objective: To evaluate the physical and psychological dimensions of adolescent labour (job demands, job control and social support in the work environment), and their relationship to reported body pain, work injuries, sleep duration and daily working hours. Methods: 354 adolescents (aged 14-18 years) attending evening classes at a public school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, answered questionnaires regarding their living and working conditions and health status. Data were collected during April-May 2001. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine relationships among variables. Results: Psychological job demands were related to body pain (OR, 3.3), higher risk of work injuries (OR, 3.0), and reduced sleep duration during Monday-Thursday (P<0.01). Lower decision authority in the workplace (P=0.03) and higher job security (P=0.02) were related to longer daily working hours. Conclusions: Besides physical stressors, psychological factors should be considered when studying adolescent working conditions, as they may be associated with negative job conditions and health effects.