Work-related Psychosocial Risks and Mental Health of Youths During the Covid-19 Pandemic
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Abstract
Introduction: Youth represent a significant part of the workforce globally. This study aimed to determine the effects of work-related psychosocial risk factors on mental health of working youth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from August to October 2021 on 307 working youths in Klang Valley, Malaysia. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire version three (COPSOQ-III) and 7-item Generalized Anxiety Syndrome (GAD-7) were used to assess work-related psychosocial risk factors and mental health problems symptoms. Statistical analysis followed by Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression analysis were performed to determine associations between the variables. Results: The results showed most of the working youth experienced low workplace bullying, moderate workload, work-pace and work-life conflict, high support from supervisors and colleagues, and severe job insecurity. Most of the respondents had moderate sleep disturbance (55.0%), burnout (56.7%), stress (45.0%), depressive symptoms (59.0%), and anxiety (38.1%). Correlation between work-pace and stress show strong correlation with ρ = .623 (p < .001). The work-pace, work-life conflict, workplace bullying, and job insecurity accounted for approximately 37.5% of the variance in stress (Adjusted R2= .375, F (4,302) = 46.913, p < .001). Limitation: This study's limitations include the use of self-reported data from respondents, which makes misclassification feasible, and its cross-sectional design. Conclusion: Work-pace was identified as the strongest contributor to stress among working youth. The findings can be used by employers to raise the performance, commitment, and response of their workers
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