ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Recent research shows increasing rates of occupational stress and stress-related disorders. OBJECTIVE: To study self-reported stress and its association with work (work duty, working hours and shift work), sick leave and gender among multiprofessional media personnel. METHODS: We used a questionnaire study among 30- to 55-year-old radio and TV broadcasting employees (n = 1339). RESULTS: Stress was felt 'rather much' by 18% and 'very much' by 6%. Females reported stress (P < 0.05) and absence from work (P < 0.05) more often than males. The probability of having 'rather much' or 'very much' stress was significantly associated with self-reported overtime (P < 0.01) and the amount of reported sick leave (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Self-reported overtime and sick leave appear to be associated with higher level of self-reported stress, regardless of age, gender or work duty.