Exploring the characteristics and health outcomes of working from home: Analysis of 2021 California Health Interview Survey data

IF 2.7 3区医学 Q2 PUBLIC, ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH American journal of industrial medicine Pub Date : 2023-12-09 DOI:10.1002/ajim.23556

Sungwon Park PhD, RN, Chang Gi Park PhD, OiSaeng Hong PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAOHN

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Abstract

Background

Working from home (WFH) may affect health behaviors and mental health. The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic saw many US employees transition to WFH, which has persisted in various job sectors and significantly impacted employees. However, its effects on health outcomes have remained unclear. We aimed to explore the characteristics and health outcomes of, and health-related differences between, WFH and not-WFH groups.

Methods

Using the 2021 California Health Interview Survey data, we analyzed health behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and fruit-related nutrition) and the mental health status of 12,438 individuals using descriptive statistics, Pearson's χ² test, and regressions.

Results

A total of 39% were WFH and 61% were not-WFH. Overall, the WFH group had worse health behaviors and mental health than the not-WFH group. Age was associated with smoking in both groups (WFH: b = 0.37; not-WFH: b = 0.35), but with fruit-related nutrition only in the WFH group. Household income and occupation were associated with alcohol consumption in both groups. Age (WFH: b = −1.58; not-WFH: b = −1.39), household income (WFH: b = −0.75; not-WFH: b = −0.34), and job duration (WFH: b = −0.34; not-WFH: b = −0.40) were associated with mental health in both groups; those who were younger and had lower household incomes and job durations had worse mental health.

Conclusion

Health management is a clear necessity for the WFH group. Irrespective of WFH status, young workers with shorter than 5 years' job duration reported mental distress, highlighting a need for distress assessment and management for the young workforce.

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探索在家工作的特点和健康结果：2021 年加州健康访谈调查数据分析

在家工作（WFH）可能会影响健康行为和心理健康。在冠状病毒病-2019（COVID-19）大流行期间，许多美国员工转而采用全职在家工作，这种做法在各行各业持续存在，并对员工产生了重大影响。然而，其对健康结果的影响仍不明确。我们旨在探索全职家庭与非全职家庭群体的特征和健康结果，以及两者之间与健康相关的差异。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

American journal of industrial medicine 医学-公共卫生、环境卫生与职业卫生

CiteScore

5.90

自引率

5.70%

发文量

108

审稿时长

4-8 weeks

期刊介绍： American Journal of Industrial Medicine considers for publication reports of original research, review articles, instructive case reports, and analyses of policy in the fields of occupational and environmental health and safety. The Journal also accepts commentaries, book reviews and letters of comment and criticism. The goals of the journal are to advance and disseminate knowledge, promote research and foster the prevention of disease and injury. Specific topics of interest include: occupational disease; environmental disease; pesticides; cancer; occupational epidemiology; environmental epidemiology; disease surveillance systems; ergonomics; dust diseases; lead poisoning; neurotoxicology; endocrine disruptors.