Background

Suboptimal health status (SHS) is recognised as a subclinical, reversible stage of a chronic disease. Previous studies have proposed that SHS may be related to poor lifestyle factors, as well as work-related and study-related stress.

Objectives

The present study was designed to assess the relationship between health status, general distress and job-related risk factors.

Material and methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of 606 current workers in Klaipeda, Lithuania, who had no history of clinically diagnosed disease. The SHS score was derived from SHSQ-25; the General Symptom Distress Scale (GSDS ) was used for distress evaluation.

Results

90% (547) of respondents revealed an optimal health level. The main domains of SHS status were fatigue and mental status. SHS was related to cardiovascular, digestive and musculoskeletal symptoms, as well as to frequent infections and allergy. SHS was more prevalent in women. The overall health status depends on the following job-related risk factors: the professional potential to grow, rest, deadlines, competition, work experience, income, etc.

Conclusions

Health status was related to distress and mainly manifested itself through fatigue, anxiety and sleep disturbances. Resting hours, professional potential to grow, risk in another person’s life and work in public have a significant influence on SHS.