Psychosocial Work Conditions, Mental Distress, Burnout, and Hypnotic Use Among Healthcare and Social Workers: A Comparative Analysis With General Employees.

OBJECTIVE

Healthcare and social workers (HSWs) often face demanding psychosocial work environments, which may lead to hypnotic use. This study investigates the associations between psychosocial work conditions, mental distress, burnout, and hypnotic use among HSWs compared to general employees.

METHODS

Data from the 2022 Survey of Perceptions of Safety and Health in Work Environment in Taiwan included 202 HSWs and 808 matched general employees. Regression analyses examined relationships between psychosocial factors (e.g., job demands, job control, workplace violence) and mental health outcomes.

RESULTS

HSWs reported higher job demands, workplace violence, burnout, and hypnotic use than general employees. Adverse psychosocial factors were linked to mental distress for both groups, with HSWs showing significantly higher odds of hypnotic use (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.21-5.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted interventions are essential to enhance workplace conditions and mental health for HSWs.