Impact of occupational stress on health status in Canada

Studies have shown that high psychological demands and low decision latitude may be involved in the development of major health problems. The objective of the current study was to describe the importance of these factors among the Canadian working population. The sample included 7,250 participants from the National Population Health Survey (NPHS) of 1994-95. Women were significantly more exposed than men to high psychological demands (56% versus 49%), to low decision latitude (61% versus 49%), and to these two factors simultaneously (33% versus 22%). The exposure to each of these factors was more frequent among younger and less educated people. Simultaneous exposure to both factors was more frequent among younger people and those with intermediate education level. There was a socio-economic gradient for the exposition to these factors. Some jobs with the highest exposure were identified.