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Associations between strain in domestic work and self-rated health: A study of employed women in Sweden

Social Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Sweden, carin.nyman{at}socmed.gu.se

Kristina Alexanderson

Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden

Gunnel Hensing

Social Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Sweden

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse the association between strain in domestic work and self-rated health among employed women in Sweden, using two different methods of measuring strain in domestic work. Methods: Questionnaire data were collected on health and living conditions in paid and unpaid work for employed women (n=1,417), aged 17—64 years. ``Domestic job strain'' was an application of the demand—control model developed by Karasek and Theorell, and ``Domestic work equity and marital satisfaction'' was measured by questions on the division of and responsibility for domestic work and relationship with spouse/cohabiter. Self-rated health was measured using the SF-36 Health Survey. Associations were analysed by bivariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, and reported as standardized regression coefficients. Results: Higher strain in domestic work was associated with lower self-rated health, also after controlling for potential confounders and according to both strain measures. ``Domestic work equity and marital satisfaction'' showed for example negative associations with mental health β -0.211 (p<0.001), vitality β -0.195 (p<0.001), social function -0.132 (p<0.01) and physical role β -0.115 (p<0.01). The highest associations between ``Domestic job strain'' and SF-36 were found for vitality β -0.156 (p<0.001), mental health β -0.123 (p<0.001). Conclusions: Strain in domestic work, including perceived inequity in the relationship and lack of a satisfactory relationship with a spouse/ cohabiter, was associated with lower self-rated health in this cross-sectional study. Future research needs to address the specific importance of strain in domestic work as a contributory factor to women's ill-health.

Key Words: Domestic work • self-rated health • strain • women

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