Assessment of the Relation between Occupational Stress and Smoking Status among Steel Industry Workers

Background and Aim: Occupational stress antagonizes human health directly as well as by instigating behavioral adversities like smoking; though it’s relation with latter is yet unveiled. This study aimed at ascertaining the relation between occupational stresses and smoking status among workers of a steel industry in Iran.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 105 workers of steel industry in Iran. Standardized Health and Safety Executive Management Standards Indicator Tool (HSE-MS IT) along with subjects’ demographic features were used to assess occupational stress; while smoking status was measured by standardized methods of Otten et al (1999). Data analyzed via IBM-SPSS 22. Results: The average age and work experience of smokers or non-smokers were 39.5±10.2, 38.4±5.5, 13±6.1, and 12.9±5.9 years respectively. Total occupational stress scored 2.96±0.35; 13.5% staff were at high stress risk. Outcome scores were significantly different between smokers and non-smokers in stress dimensions including role, relationships, managers’ support and peer support. Conclusion: Although smoking workers revealed better situation in role dimension, yet smoking employees depicted higher stress in relationships, managers’ support and peer support dimensions. Inferences qualify for imperative measures to implicate smoking cessation programs, as well as regime to attenuate occupational stress at workplaces.

Keywords:

Occupational stress , HSE-MS Indicator Tool , Smoking