Perceived job strain among Swedish occupational therapists with less than 10 years of work experience

Occupational therapists with less than 10 years of work experience have been shown to be at higher risk of work-related stress. There is a need for further research on the level of job strain they perceive.

To investigate the perceived level of job strain among Swedish occupational therapists with less than 10 years of work experience and differences between groups who have worked for 0-5 years and 6-10 years.

In this cross-sectional study, a web-based survey was sent to 345 occupational therapists with less than 10 years of work experience, with 252 responding. Data was collected using the Swedish Demand-Control-Support Questionnaire and questions on job strain and sociodemographics.

The participants scored 19.68 points on the control scale and 20.01 points on the support scale, indicating high levels of control and support, and 13.33 points on the demand scale (high demand ≤ 14 points). Twelve percent worked in high strain jobs. Most (75%) worked in low strain and active jobs.

The participants reported low levels of job strain. However, to prevent mental health problems, employers need to identify those in active jobs to ensure that they have time to exercise control over their work situation.