CHANGES IN STRESS SYMPTOMS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO CHANGES AT WORK IN 1981-1992 AMONG ELDERLY WORKERS IN MUNICIPAL OCCUPATIONS

Objectives This study evaluated perceived changes in stress symptoms a nd the relationship of these changes to work during an Ii-year period. Methods The sample consisted of municipal workers in different occupa tional groups who had remained in the same occupation during 1981-1992 (N = 924, 350 men and 574 women, 14.8% of the original sample in 1981 ). The age range was 44-51 years in 1981. Changes in the physical and mental stress symptoms and changes at work were analyzed with the aid of a structured questionnaire in 1981 and 1992. Results The questionna ire surveys revealed that stress symptoms were markedly increased, esp ecially aches and pain in the upper and lower limbs, but also respirat ory and cardiovascular symptoms. Avoidance reactions, including sense of apathy in general and desire to stay at home in the morning, were t he most increased psychological symptoms. The women experienced a grea ter increase in symptoms than the men. Changes in symptoms were associ ated with changes at work in that, in general, the more symptoms had i ncreased, the more the work had also been changed. Conclusions The res ults suggest that the impact of work on the functional capacity and sy mptoms of workers might start even earlier than the age of 45 years. T his finding is of crucial importance when preventive measures and poli cies are being planned in regard to stress and physical and mental loa d at work. Results on the relationship of changes in cardiorespiratory symptoms and work tentatively suggest that, by developing job content and social support, even a positive impact on physical symptoms is po ssible.