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Effect of Working from Home on the Association between Job Demands and Psychological Distress

Author

Listed:
  • Hisashi Eguchi

    (Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Akiomi Inoue

    (Institutional Research Center, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Ayako Hino

    (Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Mayumi Tsuji

    (Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Seiichiro Tateishi

    (Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Kazunori Ikegami

    (Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Tomohisa Nagata

    (Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Ryutaro Matsugaki

    (Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • Yoshihisa Fujino

    (Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan)

  • on behalf of the CORoNaWork Project

    (Members are listed in Acknowledgments.)

Abstract

Limited information is available regarding the association between workplace psychosocial factors and general mental health status among workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study examined how working from home affected the association between job demands and psychological distress (PD). A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in December 2020 (N = 27,036). The dependent variable (PD) was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Job demands were assessed using the Job Content Questionnaire. Working from home was determined by participants’ responses to the question, “Do you currently work from home?” We used a two-level regression analysis adjusted for prefecture. Each individual-level variable at Level 1 was nested into each prefecture at Level 2, stratified by working from home or not. Overall, 21.3% of participants worked from home. The interaction between working from home and job demands was significant. Job demands were positively associated with PD. The stratified analysis indicated that the associations were weaker among employees who worked from home compared with those among employees who did not. The association between job demands and PD may be weakened by working from home.

Suggested Citation

  • Hisashi Eguchi & Akiomi Inoue & Ayako Hino & Mayumi Tsuji & Seiichiro Tateishi & Kazunori Ikegami & Tomohisa Nagata & Ryutaro Matsugaki & Yoshihisa Fujino & on behalf of the CORoNaWork Project, 2022. "Effect of Working from Home on the Association between Job Demands and Psychological Distress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-11, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:6287-:d:821234
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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