Job strain and mortality ratio: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Abstract

Objectives: Research has explored the relationship between job strain and adverse effects on physical and psychological health. Accordingly, the effects of job strain on mortality risk were pooled based on longitudinal studies.

Study design: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods: Both researchers searched for published articles in scientific databases until May 2019. Then, the articles were screened based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results were combined, and analyses of subgroups and reviewing the bias of the publication were performed as well.

Results: Seventeen longitudinal studies included in the meta-analysis were from three continents: Europe, Asia, and America. The risk ratio (RR) of mortality based on job strain was equal to 1.20, with a confidence interval (CI) of 1.04-1.37 (P = 0.00.10). In men, the RR is 1.21, and the CI is 1.02-1.44 (P = 0.032), and in women, the RR is 0.97 and CI is 0.84-1.12 (P = 0.686). Evaluation of publication bias indicated nothing significant.

Discussion: Based on the findings, it was found that job strain was a risk factor for mortality, and this finding was more appropriate for men. Hence, reducing job strain can be a deterrent against the dangers that threaten health.

Keywords: Job strain; Meta-analysis; Mortality; Systematic review.