Work Characteristics as Predictors of Correctional Supervisors' Health Outcomes

J Occup Environ Med. 2016 Sep;58(9):e325-34. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000000843.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined associations among health behaviors, psychosocial work factors, and health status.

Methods: Correctional supervisors (n = 157) completed a survey that assessed interpersonal and organizational views on health. Chi-square and logistic regressions were used to examine relationships among variables.

Results: Respondents had a higher prevalence of obesity and comorbidities compared with the general US adult population. Burnout was significantly associated with nutrition, physical activity, sleep duration, sleep quality, diabetes, and anxiety/depression. Job meaning, job satisfaction, and workplace social support may predict health behaviors and outcomes.

Conclusions: Correctional supervisors are understudied and have poor overall health status. Improving health behaviors of middle-management employees may have a beneficial effect on the health of the entire workforce. This paper demonstrates the importance of psychosocial work factors that may contribute to health behaviors and outcomes.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety
  • Burnout, Professional*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Exercise
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nutritional Status
  • Prisons*
  • Sleep
  • Social Support*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Workplace*