Psychosocial Health and Workability among Staff Working with People with Cognitive Restrictions and Intellectual Disabilities

Cathrine Oscarsson Kjellstrand, Gunvor Gard^*

Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.

DOI: 10.4236/health.2014.618285                

Abstract

Little is known about the psychosocial work situation among staff working with people with cognitive restrictions, and research is needed. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the symptom panorama and psychosocial work situation of staff working with people with cognitive restrictions and to identify predictors for their job satisfaction and workability. A cross sectional study was performed. Method: The Questionnaire Psycho Social Nordic (QPS-Nordic questionnaire) was used. Results: The results showed that the majority of the staff working with people with cognitive restrictions were satisfied with their job, but musculoskeletal symptoms were described by 40%. Decision demands at work were high compared to quantitative and learning demands. Musculoskeletal symptoms were related to low ability to master the work, low job control and high job demands. Symptoms from the neck region were correlated to stress. A low level of neck pain was related to a high level of job satisfaction. Predictors for workability were positive challenges in work and not being hindered by musculoskeletal symptoms in work. Predictors for job satisfaction were mastery, workability and not having pain during the last 7 days. Conclusion: Due to the relatively small sample the results should be interpreted with caution. The results indicated that positive challenges in work and not being hindered by musculoskeletal disorders predicted workability in this group and that mastery, workability and not having pain during the last 7 days predicted job satisfaction.

Keywords

Musculoskeletal Disorders, Workability, Job Demands, Job Satisfaction

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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