Some factors of chronic social stress in male expeditionary-workers in the Arctic territories of the Tyumen region (pilot study)

Abstract

The expeditionary-shift method of organizing labor involves an increase in the intensity of work during the shift, a longer work shift, a decrease in inter-shift rest in the absence of days off and minimal social and domestic provision, and, accordingly, a pronounced impact of chronic social stress factors. Aim of the study was to investigate the parameters of stress at work and in the family among men aged 25–54, employed in expeditionary-shift work in the arctic territories of the Tyumen region.Material and methods. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted on an organized population of men aged 25–54 years, employed in expeditionary-shift work for more than five years at one of the industrial enterprises of the Tyumen region (n = 203). The comparison group consisted of an organized population of men in the same age range working permanently in the city of Tyumen (n = 239). Determination of stress at work and stress in the family was carried out according to the standard WHO questionnaire MONICA-psychosocial.Results and discussion. Among men employed in the expeditionary-shift form of work, most often over the previous 12 months, a change in specialty was established, an increase in the load and responsibility at the workplace, a more negative attitude towards work, an increase in conflicts with subordinates, but also the possibility of rest after a working day with a decrease in ‘other” changes at work; according to the parameters of stress in the family, among them a change in marital status, an increase in conflicts in the family and at the same time opportunities for a relaxing home rest were most often determined.Conclusions. Thus, the results of the pilot study, which determined a significantly higher prevalence of some factors of chronic social stress after five years of work in the arctic territories of the Tyumen region, should become a scientific basis for the formation of a socially oriented preventive program to reduce the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases among workers in the oil and gas production complex employed by the expedition-shift form of work.