Occupational stress and associated factors among couriers: A Cross-Sectional study

In all spheres of life, occupational stress has steadily emerged as a major influence on people's physiology and psychology. There is currently little research on couriers as a high-risk group for occupational stress.

This study aims to explore the occupational stress levels among couriers in Shenzhen, China, and to analyze the contributing factors. The findings will provide a reference for managing and preventing occupational stress, thereby enhancing the occupational health and well-being of this workforce.

This study enrolled 1500 couriers through convenience sampling from June 2022 to December 2023. Data on demographic, lifestyle, and work-related characteristics were collected through the online questionnaire survey. Occupational stress was assessed using the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). A logistic regression model was employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine the relationships between occupational stress and work-related variables, such as tenure, job role, weekly hours worked, and occupational health literacy.

The prevalence of occupational stress among couriers was found to be 49.2%. Logistic regression analysis showed that couriers with a college degree or higher education level, alcohol consumption, irregular meal patterns, sedentary lifestyle, parcel delivery and collection couriers, working over 56 h per week, limited social support, and inadequate knowledge and practices regarding occupational health were more susceptible to occupational stress. Furthermore, individuals working more than 56 h weekly exhibited a 1.81 times higher risk of experiencing occupational stress compared to those working below 40 h per week [OR (95% CI) = 1.81 (1.17, 2.83)]. The couriers those deliver and collect parcels demonstrated a 1.62-fold higher risk of occupational stress compared with other couriers [OR (95% CI) = 1.62 (1.20, 2.19)]. Individuals with occupational health knowledge exhibited a 34% reduced risk of occupational stress [OR (95% CI) = 0.66 (0.53, 0.83)], while those practicing occupational health behaviors exhibited a 47% risk reduction [OR (95% CI) = 0.53 (0.39, 0.71)].

Couriers are susceptible to elevated levels of occupational stress. Urgent action is required to address the problem of occupational stress among couriers. It is advised that the government, businesses, and trade unions work together to create a comprehensive "prevention-intervention-guarantee" system for occupational health protection.