ABSTRACT
Aims: To examine exposure to workplace bullying as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and depression in employees
Methods: Logistic regression models were related to prospective data from two surveys in a cohort of 969 hospital employees [63 men and 480 women], aged 18-60 years. Outcomes were new reports of doctor diagnosed cardiovascular disease and depression during the two year follow up among those who were free from these diseases at baseline
Results: The prevalence of bullying was 5% in the first survey and 6% in the second survey. Two per cent reported bullying experiences in both surveys, an indication of prolonged bullying. After adjustment for sex, age, and income, the odds ratio of incident cardiovascular disease for victims of prolonged bullying compared to non-bullied employees was 2.3 [95% CI 1.2 to 4.6]. The association between prolonged bullying and incident depression was significant, even after these adjustments [odds ratio 4.2. 95% CI 2.0 to 8.6]
Conclusions: A strong association between workplace bullying and subsequent depression suggests that bullying is an etiological factor for mental health problems. The victims of bullying also seem to be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease