Work characteristics were measured

Work characteristics were measured by the modified version
of the Karasek model and through questions about
night shift work and occupational status.
Results After adjusting for age, education, income and
other work characteristics, low social support at work and
high job strain were associated with psychological distress.
For low social support, the association was stronger in men
(Prevalence Ratio = 2.02; 95% Confidence Interval 1.6–
2.6) than in women (PR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.2–1.4). High
job strain was similarly significant in both women
(PR = 1.43; 95% CI 1.2–1.7) and men (PR = 1.30; 95%
CI 1.0–1.7). Men having a routine non-manual work presented
29% more psychological distress than those undertaking
professional roles. Night shift work did not show
significant association with psychological distress. In the
multilevel analysis, the prevalence of psychological distress
did not vary significantly across work units.
Conclusion Job strain and poor support at work seem
important psychological stressors in the workplace in Brazil.
Our findings are comparable to those found in more developed
countries, providing additional evidence of an association
between an adverse psychosocial work environment
and psychological distress, being thus useful for policymakers
in planning and promoting healthier and happier
working force necessary for economic development.