ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Between December 1999 and December 2004 the footwear manufacturing industry in Elche suffered a 24% fall in employment. In this context, it was decided to conduct study to detect possible changes in the demand for mental health care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The first-time consultations between December 2001 and June 2002 were compared with those seen between October 2004 and April 2005. Differences were looked for in the percentage of referrals for work-related stress factors. The role of these work-related stress factors in the changes detected in the sociodemographic profile of the patients was also evaluated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Changes were detected in the sociodemographic profile (gender and education level), employment status and reason for consultation. First consultations increased in the following groups: males, with a higher education level, unemployed, on sick leave or pensioners, and also those with employment problems as the main reason for consultation or a worsening of other health conditions.
