Work Environment, Mental Health, and Eating Behavior in Mexican Nurses.

Nursing staff in public hospitals face highly demanding working conditions, which are related to mental health and eating problems. The current study aimed to identify the most frequent work characteristics associated with mental health problems and eating behavior in nursing staff. A cross-sectional study was performed on a random sample of 190 nurses at a specialized hospital in Mexico City. Work characteristics, mental health problems (stress, depression, and anxiety), emotional eating, and loss-of-control eating were measured using standardized scales. Associations among relevant work variables and mental health and eating behavior were assessed using logistic regression models adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. High prevalence of stress (28%), depression (35%), anxiety (33%), emotional eating (27%), and loss-of-control eating (38%) were found. These mental health problems have been associated with variables related to work overload, little appreciation of work, and exposure to the suffering and death of patients. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60(1), 31-37.].

Domestic work, occupational stress and depression in nurses at a public hospital in Mexico City

AIM: To identify the effect of the domestic on the depression of nurses in a public hospital in Mexico City. BACKGROUND: Domestic work performed mainly by women coupled with the demands of work is associated with the possibility of developing mental disorders, especially depression. INTRODUCTION: Working conditions have an impact on the physical and mental health of nurses. Participation in domestic activities adds to wear and tear on workers. METHODS: The research had a cross-sectional design with a random sample of 329 nurses from a third-level hospital in Mexico City. Occupational stress and domestic work were evaluated with nursing Stress Scale questionnaires and the Individual Worker Health Survey (PROESSAT). The DASS-21 subscale was used for depression. The associations were analyzed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The probability of suffering from depression was 7 times higher for women engaged in domestic work. Experiencing death, lack of support and having an additional job increased their association. DISCUSSION: The work-family conflict, as well as lack of support, is associated with depressive symptoms in nurses. CONCLUSION: There is a need to implement strategic programs that provide nurses with tools to deal with work-family conflict reconciliation. It is necessary to offer more favorable working conditions in the practice of nursing.