The sick building syndrome as a subjective perception-theoretical approach and assessment methods

The SBS is characterised by irritations of mucosa, vegetative complaints such as headache and fatigue as well as mental health impairment, depression and irritability (WHO definition). Since well-being is a subjective perception, the individual self report is mandatory. In the ProKlimA project a modular questionnaire was developed in which SBS symptoms, general aspects of well-being and function as well as psychosocial characteristics were included in a modular fashion. Assessment included sensory irritation (SI list), psychosocial characteristics (POMS) and bodily complaints, assessed with a standard German complaint list (BL). In addition the individual indoor-air perception, stress reactions, the perceived work-environment, health locus of control, life satisfaction and work related use were assessed. Analysis of the questionnaire filled out by 4596 employees at the first measure point showed a high consistency of responses. Psychometric testing showed a high reliability and acceptable validity of the questionnaire. The results suggests that well-being within the SBS complex can be assessed in a methodological way and that the developed questionnaire can be used to assess SBS symptomatology as well as psychosocial determinants also in further SBS studies.