Health effects of relocation at work.
The health effects of a work-related stressor over a six-month period in 355 employees at a university medical center were prospectively measured. Subjects were assigned to cohorts determined by whether they experienced a move from their office or laboratory during a time of building construction and renovation. After controlling for demographic factors, preexisting health status, prior physician utilization, and bed-disability, movers had a higher rate of bed-disability (P = .05). They were also more likely to report a deterioration in their health (P less than .05). Movers with high support at work and high total social support were more likely to report increased physician utilization. The findings suggest that a work-related stressor can adversely affect health, but this study does not support the hypothesis that such effects are moderated by social supports. Family physicians should be sensitive to the potential adverse health effects of work-related stressors on their patients.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006262:Health; D006268:Health Facilities; D006274:Health Facility Moving; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires