FATIGUE IN THE WORKFORCE OF NATIONAL-HEALTH-SERVICE TRUSTS - LEVELS OF SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND LINKS WITH MINOR PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDER, DEMOGRAPHIC, OCCUPATIONAL AND WORK ROLE FACTORS

The aims of this study were: (1) to obtain a systematic estimate of th e levels of fatigue in representative samples of the major occupationa l groups of health care workers; (2) to examine the relationship betwe en fatigue and mental health as a function of occupational and work ro le factors; and (3) to test the proposition that fatigue arises from a combination of poor mental health and high job stress. Questionnaire data from 7720 NHS Trust staff was used. Higher levels of fatigue were reported among health care workers in comparison with general populat ion figures. Highest levels of general fatigue, the subjective sensati on of tiredness, were experienced by doctors (especially women doctors ), professions allied to medicine and managers. Highest levels of fati gability, the onset of symptoms after exertion, were experienced by an cillary and nursing staff. Both general fatigue and fatigability were associated with high levels of psychological distress. Support was als o found for the proposition that fatigue arises from a combination of poor mental health and high work demands. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science In c.