Abstract

Background: Garment sector has crucial working field in world. Work-related stress is common and alarming public health problem at workplace. It causes variety health and behavioural problems.

Aim: The objective of this study is to define level of job level, work-related stress’ symptoms, social support and coping mechanisms of garment workers and to determine any related factors.

Method: This study is descriptive and cross-sectional. The study population comprised garment workers in the 16-65 age range. The data was collected by Assessment Form, The Brief Stress Coping Profile and Brief Job Stress Questionnaire.

Result: The study consisted of 719 workers. A clear majority of employees (54%) (388) were in the 25-44 age group and 12.5% (90) were in the 16-18 age group. The level of work-related stress was statistically higher among the workers who had chronic disease, low economic, education status and poor quality of sleep. Psychological and physical physiological reactions to stress were found higher among women workers and those with chronic disease. It also was seen that job stress scores had a meaningful relationship with “emotional expression involving others” (r =.20) and “Avoidance and suppression” coping profile (r =.16; p <.01).Psychological symptom scores were found to have a low level of meaningful relationship with “Seeking help for solution” (r =-.08), “changing point of view” (r=.13) and “emotional expression involving others” coping profiles (r=.21).

Conclusion: Work-related stress causes many health and behavioral problems. Work related reasons and coping profiles have powerful effects on stress.

Keywords: Stress reactions; Perceived work stressors; Coping skills; Occupational stress; Occupational health nurses