Psychosocial Risk Factors and Their Association with Mental Health Status among Healthcare Workers

Abstract

Purpose – This study aims to identify the psychosocial risk factors to which healthcare workers are exposed, to analyse these factors quantitatively according to socio-demographic variables, and to examine the association between psychosocial risk exposure and mental health status.
Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted with 345 healthcare professionals working in healthcare facilities on the Asian side of Istanbul. Psychosocial risk levels were assessed using COPSOQ-II (69 items, 20 subscales) and mental health status was evaluated with GHQ-12 (Likert scoring 0–36, cut-off ≥13). Data were analysed using independent-samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis H, and chi-square tests; normality was assessed based on skewness and kurtosis coefficients.
Results – Of participants, 52.8% worked shifts and 58.8% worked night shifts. The mean GHQ-12 score was 32.42 ± 5.55, substantially above the ≥13 cut-off. Night-shift workers (M=33.12) and those who experienced a work-related accident (M=34.51) showed higher GHQ-12 scores. Male workers had significantly higher cognitive and sensory demand scores (p<0.05). Quantitative demands, cognitive demands, emotional demands, role conflict, leadership quality, feedback, and job insecurity were significantly associated with GHQ-12 scores (p<0.05).
Discussion – Significant associations were found between psychosocial risks and mental health status. Night-shift work and work-related accident experience were associated with higher psychological burden. Regular COPSOQ-based psychosocial risk screening, leadership training, equitable shift scheduling, and institutional psychological support programmes are recommended.