Personal and psychosocial factors and symptoms compatible with sick building syndrome in the Swedish workforce

Abstract

A random sample of 1000 subjects (20-65 years of age) received a postal questionnaire regarding sick building syndrome (SBS), including the three-dimensional model of demand-control-support (DCS). The response rate was 70% (n = 695), and 532 were occupationally active. Female gender and atopy were the main predictors of symptoms. Eye symptoms were more common at low social support combined with strained work situation [odds ratio (OR) 2.37], and at high social support combined with active work situation (OR 3.00). Throat symptoms were more common at low social support combined with either passive (OR 1.86) or strained situation (OR 2.42). Tiredness was more common at low social support combined with either passive (OR 2.41), strained (OR 2.25), or active situation (OR 1.87), and at high social support combined with active work situation (OR 1.83). Low social support combined with either passive (P = 0.01) or strained job situation (P = 0.01) was associated with a higher symptom score (SC). The lowest SC was found at a relaxed work situation, irrespective of social support. In conclusion, female gender, low age, asthma, atopy and psychosocial work environment are associated with symptoms. The three-dimensional model can predict symptoms compatible with SBS, but in a more complex way than earlier research indicated. Practical Implications A multi-disciplinary approach, including psychosocial stress factors as well as personal factors such as gender, age, atopy and asthma, and indoor exposures, should be applied in studies on symptoms compatible with sick building syndrome (SBS). Males and females perceive psychosocial work conditions differently, and may react differently to job stressors. The psychosocial work environment can be as important as gender and atopy as a predictor of SBS symptoms.

Relation of dampness to sick building syndrome in Japanese public apartment houses

“…This may be because non-occupational females such as homemakers spent longer periods in the dwellings than the males in this study. It has also been generally stated that the frequency of complaints about sick building symptom was higher in females than in males [14,15]. The history of allergy or asthma had significantly higher ORs, which is in agreement with previous studies [15][16][17].…”

“…Since our study focused on the general population, the subjects involved elderly people compared to those in studies performed in the workplaces. Several studies reported lower prevalence of SBS symptoms at high age [15,20,21]. It has been reported that 21-to 40-year-old individuals had more symptoms than either younger or older individuals [22].…”

Dampness, food habits, and sick building syndrome symptoms in elementary school pupils

“…It has been reported that psychosocial factors are associated with SBS [19]. Lifestyle factors-such as work time, sleep time, and alcohol consumption-are also related to SBS [20].…”

Sick building syndrome among parents of preschool children in relation to home environment in Chongqing, China

“…Numerous studies have shown that female gender [7][8][9][10][11], allergies [3,12] and building dampness [13,14] are SBS risk factors. A low ventilation rate [4][5][6]15], indoor air pollution [16,17], psychosocial factors [18][19][20], a sensation of dryness [21], are also SBS risk factors.…”