Objectives: The aim of this study was to elucidate the factors affecting the difficulties in receiving a medical consultation among workers with mental health problems.
Methods: The present study was performed using a cross-sectional survey. We requested occupational physicians and nurses who were members of the Japan Society for Occupational Health to distribute self-administered questionnaires to their clients.
Results: Ninety-nine workers (68 males and 30 females), aged 40.6 ± 9.1 yr, returned completed questionnaires; 65% of the respondents had been diagnosed with depression. The most common difficulty perceived by them was that there were no intra-office counselors. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the number of months between the onset of mental health problems and the first medical consultation was significantly associated with age and having no sick leave allowance.
Conclusions: The implementation and enhancement of sick leave allowance may promote early intervention in regard to workplace mental health problems. Mental health education and regular checkups for older workers is also critical for early detection and intervention of mental health problems.