8289507 Examining work-life conflict and thp association with perceived stress and depressive symptoms in early adulthood – findings from a danish population-based cohort study

<h3>Objective</h3> Mental health problems are increasing public health problems in the world today. International studies suggest that imbalance - or conflict - between work and private life can be a risk factor for mental health problems, and that socio-economic status, social support and gender can influence the relationship. However, this has mostly been studied in specific groups, such as health care personnel The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Work-Life-Conflict (WLC) and both perceived stress and depressive symptoms in early adulthood in a Danish population-based cohort, as well as the influence of gender, socioeconomic status and social support meant for this relationship. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> Both a cross-sectional study and a 4-year follow-up study were conducted, which were based on register and questionnaire data from the Danish cohort study, VestLiv. The study population consisted of participants who in 2017 (age: 28 years) had answered questions about both exposure (WLC) and outcome (self-perceived stress and depressive symptoms) as well as co-variates (n=1303), and who at follow-up had data on outcome (n=682). The association between WLC and self-perceived stress was analyzed with multiple linear regression, and the association between WLC and depressive symptoms was analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Effect modification of socio-economic status, social support and gender was examined. The analyzes were stratified by gender and adjusted for social support, employment type, living status, education, equivalized household income and shift work. <h3>Results</h3> An association was found between WLC and both self-perceived stress and depressive symptoms for both sexes. The associations were strongest in the cross-sectional analyses. No effect modification of socio-economic status, social support or gender was found. <h3>Conclusion</h3> WLC may be a relevant element in the prevention of perceived stress and depressive symptoms among people in the Danish labor market. <h3>Funding</h3> No funding received.