Long-term associations of stress and chronic diseases in ageing and retired employees

Abstract

Long-term associations of prolonged stress symptoms and work-related stressors with chronic diseases were assessed in a sample of ageing and retired food industry workers (N = 100, mean age 62 years) using independent samples t-test, chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analyses. Data was gathered at health checkups and using self-report questionnaires in 1989 and 2000. Prolonged stress symptoms were associated with overall morbidity. Higher scores of stress symptoms predicted musculoskeletal disorders, diseases of the nervous system, eye and ear, endocrine and metabolic diseases, and mental disorders. Of work-related stressors, only job dissatisfaction had a long-term association with endocrine and metabolic diseases. Importantly, prolonged stress symptoms could not be explained by job strain and demands. Identification of prolonged stress symptoms along with traditional and potential risk factors, and combining this knowledge with stress reduction and management is essential for disease prevention and in postponing subsequent onset of disease.

Keywords:

• Ageing employees
• chronic diseases
• prolonged stress symptoms
• work-related stressors

Acknowledgements

The Finnish Work Environment Fund supported this work.