Work-Related Factors Associated With Health and Well-Being of Early Care and Education Workers
Emilee L Quinn1, Jennifer J Otten, Bert Stover
1From the Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (E.L.Q.); Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (J.J.O., B.S., T.P., N.S.S.); Nutritional Sciences Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington (J.J.O.); and Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County, Seattle, Washington (T.P.).
Objective:
We assessed and examined relationships between the health and working conditions of early care and education workers.
Methods:
We surveyed early care and education workers ( n = 2242) about their socioeconomic characteristics; work organization; psychosocial, physical, and ergonomic exposures; coping behaviors; and health.
Results:
Nearly half of respondents reported chronic health conditions. Most worked full time, half earned less than $30,000 a year, and many reported unpaid hours or inability to take breaks. One-quarter reported economic strain. Numerous exposures were prevalent. Workers' general health was poorer than normed averages, although their physical functioning was slightly better. Sixteen percent of workers reported work-related injuries, and 43% reported depressive symptoms. Factors associated with health included socioeconomic characteristics, having a chronic condition, job type, access to benefits, eight psychosocial stressors, four physical exposures, sleep, and alcohol consumption.
Conclusions:
Findings support the need for attention to this workforce's health.
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