Beyond Individual Factors: Assessing Occupational Hazards As Predictors of Mental Disorders Among Industries Workers; [Izvan Osobnih Cimbenika: Procjena Profesionalnih Opasnosti Kao Prediktora Mentalnih Poremecaja Kod Industrijskih Radnika] Publisher



Khandan M ; Akhondzadeh S ; Zakerian SA ; Shamsipour M ; Ahmadabadi MN ; Ebrahimi A
Source: Sigurnost Published:2025

Abstract

SUMMARY: Work conditions are important factors in health, and unfavorable job factors such as airborne contaminants can negatively impact on mental health. These contaminants can be in the form of chemical vapors, dust, fumes, gases, or combinations thereof. This study aimed to investigate the associations between anxiety and depression with both individual and occupational factors, focusing particularly on airborne contaminants in industrial workplaces in Qom province, Iran. Conducted in 2024, this cross-sectional study randomly selected employees from various accessible industries. Data were collected using self-reported demographic information, and Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaires, and documented measurements of airborne pollutants from the industries. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of anxiety and depression using SPSS v26. Among the 368 participants, the majority were male (83.7%) with a mean(±SD) age of 36.29(±8.14) years. The prevalence of moderate and higher levels were 45.4% for anxiety, 42.4% for depression, and 49.2% for stress. Exposure to unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants was significantly associated with both anxiety and depression (P<0.05). In addition, sleep quality and stress were significant predictors of mental problems. The prevalence of mental disorders was noticeable. Besides individual factors, occupational hazards like unacceptable exposure to airborne contaminants were associated with both depression and anxiety. Collaborative efforts from all stakeholders are essential to enhance mental well-being and manage work-related risks effectively. © 2025 Croatian Association of Technical Examiners. All rights reserved.