Affiliations: School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Department
of Public Health Sciences, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden | Sundbyberg Rehab and Fysioterapi Center, Sundbyberg, Sweden | PhysioMind, Nacka, Sweden
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Hélène Sandmark, School of
Health, Care and Social Welfare, Department of Public Health Sciences,
Mälardalen University, Box 883, 721 23 Västerås, Sweden. Tel.: +46
21 101666; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress problems are major public health problems. OBJECTIVE: To gain an increased understanding of howworking men seeking
care due to minor mental dysfunctions related to stress recognize their
symptoms, what triggers them, and how this impacts their everyday life. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen men of working age, consecutively seeking care due to
minor mental dysfunctions indicating stress problems, at two clinics in the
Stockholm area in Sweden during 2009 and 2010. METHODS: A qualitative
methodology was chosen, and interviews were performed and analyzed using
qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: In the manifest content,
categories such as difficulties in setting limits, low social support, high work
demands, and mental and physical dysfunctions were identified. Three themes
finally emerged (latent content) and indicated that in this group of informants
there are stressors both within the individual himself, in working life, and a
lack of recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings it would be possible
to implement measures to prevent stress-related problems by promoting coping
strategies on an individual level, encouraging social networks, and regular
physical exercise. By implementing work policies and workplace modifications,
and also providing individual support at the workplace, supervisors and human
resources managers could prevent, or modify stress problems among employees.
Keywords: Recovery, immuno-compromised, musculoskeletal pain, work demands
