The job demand-control-support model and work-related musculoskeletal complaints in daytime and nighttime janitors: The mediating effect of burnout

Wonil Lee; Nanette L Yragui; Naomi J Anderson; Ninica Howard; Jia-Hua Lin; Stephen Bao

doi:10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103836

The job demand-control-support model and work-related musculoskeletal complaints in daytime and nighttime janitors: The mediating effect of burnout

Appl Ergon. 2022 Nov:105:103836. doi: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103836. Epub 2022 Jun 28.

Authors

Wonil Lee¹, Nanette L Yragui², Naomi J Anderson³, Ninica Howard⁴, Jia-Hua Lin⁵, Stephen Bao⁶

Affiliations

¹ Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA. Electronic address: lwon235@lni.wa.gov.
² Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA. Electronic address: yran235@lni.wa.gov.
³ Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA. Electronic address: anna235@lni.wa.gov.
⁴ Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA. Electronic address: howo235@lni.wa.gov.
⁵ Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA. Electronic address: lija235@lni.wa.gov.
⁶ Safety & Health Assessment & Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA. Electronic address: baos235@lni.wa.gov.

PMID: 35777183
DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103836

Abstract

Janitors' jobs require repetitive work with low control (skill discretion, decision authority) and social support. Previous studies have found this constellation of work conditions leads to high stress levels. This study investigated the relationships among job demand-control-support, burnout, and musculoskeletal symptoms for commercial janitors in Washington State. Structural equation modeling was performed using data from 208 participants with analyses comparing models of daytime and nighttime janitors. Burnout fully mediated the relationship between job demands and musculoskeletal complaints among daytime janitors. Among nighttime janitors, burnout mediated between job demands, job control, and social support, and musculoskeletal complaints. The nighttime janitors' model was more fully supported compared to the daytime model. This study is one of a small number that examine and bring attention to the importance of janitors' burnout. Recommendations to improve the psychosocial work environment toward mitigating burnout and reducing musculoskeletal complaints are provided.

Keywords: Burnout; Commercial janitors; Daytime and nighttime janitors; Job-demand-control-support model; Musculoskeletal complaints.