The Effect of Physical Exposures and Job Stress on Sleep Quality and Mental Health in a Group of Pink-Collar Workers in Iran

BACKGROUND: Pink-collar workers are a group of workers in the service industries. Teachers are classified as a group of pink-collar workers, who are under a high level of stress. This study aimed to investigate the effect of physical exposures and job stress on mental health and sleep quality of technical and vocational teachers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 622 teachers. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were employed to evaluate sleep status; the Osipow Questionnaire was used to assess job stress; the musculoskeletal intervention center – Norrtalje questionnaire (MUSIC) was used to measure physical exposures; and the 12-Item General Health Questionnaire was used to assess mental health. RESULTS: The mean scores of general health, job stress, and work hardness were 10.97 ± 6.29, 153.40 ± 22.63, and 15.61 ± 2.77, respectively; the mean score of ESS and PSQI were 6.22 ± 3.61 and 5.44 ± 2.97, respectively. The mental health status of the participants was significantly worse with more exposure to various types of job stressors and physical exposures. There was a significant relationship between sleep quality and general health score. CONCLUSION: The mental health status was considerably better in women, smokers, and people who exercised, have less work experience, do not do shift work, work fewer hours per week, and have good sleep quality. Physical exposures and various occupational stressors can reduce mental health. There was a significant relationship between job stress and decreased sleep quality but sleep quality was not significantly associated with age, BMI, work experience, and working hours per week.