Are work-related stress and positivity associated with health-related quality of life? Results of an observational study in a transport company in Italy

Abstract

Aim The job of a driver, particularly that of a public transportation driver, is a complex activity, requiring the mental and physical integrity of the operator. The presence of altered health status, fatigue related to prolonged driving, and all those conditions that interfere with the worker’s performance contribute to an increased risk of traffic accidents and occupational injuries. The aim of the study is to evaluate in an Italian transportation company how work-related stress and positivity affect the health-related quality of life of employees. Subject and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2019 to January 2020. Participants filled out a questionnaire divided into four sections (registry and socio-demographic, Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire, Short Form 12 Survey, Positivity Scale) that aimed to gather information on work stress factors and health-related quality of life and positivity. Results Two hundred eight individuals responded to the questionnaire, including drivers and company staff. Significant differences were observed for the PCS dependent variable: in married participants (p = 0.026), in participants with children (p = 0.002) in the univariate analysis, and bivariate with the MCS variable (p = 0.001). Significant differences were observed for the MCS dependent variable only in the bivariate analysis: PCS (p = 0.001). Conclusion In this transport company, there was a high level of health-related work well-being in each of the activities carried out within it, since positivity was strongly associated with both physical and mental factors and given the homogeneity of the job demand and decision latitude.