The most deprived socioeconomic quarter was associated with a 1.7-fold increase in coronary event rates in men and a 2.4-fold increase in women compared to the least deprived quarter.
Observational (n=5,542)
No
Does low job control increase the risk of coronary heart disease in civil servants?
Effect estimate: RR 1.74 (95% CI 1.58-1.91)
Absolute Event Rate: 7.1% vs 4%
OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between adverse psychosocial characteristics at work and risk of coronary heart disease among male and female civil servants. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study (Whitehall II study). At the baseline examination (1985-8) and twice during follow up a self report questionnaire provided information on psychosocial factors of the work environment and coronary heart disease. Independent assessments of the work environment were obtained from personnel managers at baseline. Mean length of follow up was 5.3 years. SETTING: London based office staff in 20 civil service departments. SUBJECTS: 10,308 civil servants aged 35-55 were examined-6895 men (67%) and 3413 women (33%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: New cases of angina (Rose questionnaire), severe pain across the chest, diagnosed ischaemic heart disease, and any coronary event. RESULTS: Men and women with low job control, either self reported or independently assessed, had a higher risk of newly reported coronary heart disease during follow up. Job control assessed on two occasions three years apart, although intercorrelated, had cumulative effects on newly reported disease. Subjects with low job control on both occasions had an odds ratio for any subsequent coronary event of 1.93 (95% confidence interval 1.34 to 2.77) compared with subjects with high job control at both occasions. This association could not be explained by employment grade, negative affectivity, or classic coronary risk factors. Job demands and social support at work were not related to the risk of coronary heart disease. CONCLUSIONS: Low control in the work environment is associated with an increased risk of future coronary heart disease among men and women employed in government offices. The cumulative effect of low job control assessed on two occasions indicates that giving employees more variety in tasks and a stronger say in decisions about work may decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.
Bosma et al. (1997) conducted an observational in Myocardial infarction and coronary death (n=5,542). Most deprived socioeconomic quarter (Q4) vs. Least deprived socioeconomic quarter (Q1) was evaluated on Rate of coronary events per 1000 population per year (men) (RR 1.74, 95% CI 1.58-1.91). The most deprived socioeconomic quarter was associated with a 1.7-fold increase in coronary event rates in men and a 2.4-fold increase in women compared to the least deprived quarter.