This study aimed to assess ‘job strain” (JS) and effort-reward imbalance (ERI), two markers of work-related stress, among psychiatric healthcare workers exposed to patients’ psychological suffering. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed in a regional French public hospital. The response rate was 65% and the prevalence of JS was estimated at 37%. Occurrence of JS was increased in the inpatient sector (OR 1.94 [1.01-3.74], P(χ²)=0.046), decreased by day work (OR 0.53 [0.29-0.95], P(χ²)=0.032), and by larger hospital seniority. The ERI ratio (mean 0.537 ± 0.228) was higher among psychiatrists and workers doing overtime. It was lower in staff who felt supported during episodes of violence. These results suggest the need for specific preventive measures targeting these risk factors.

The authors have declared no competing interest.

This study did not receive any funding

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The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

The protocol has been approved by the Clinical Research Medical Board (Dr Jonathan Chelly - Chair Clinical Research) together with the Hospital Ethics Board (Dr Jean-Philippe Suppini), Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Toulon - La Seyne Sur Mer. (IRB #00012962).

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All data produced in the present work are contained in the manuscript