Abstract:

INTRODUCTION: OBJECTIVE: This study has been performed to evaluate the mental status of the blue-collar women and housewives in Honaz district, Denizli.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 110 women working in a textile factory and 110 housewives aged 20-59 in Honaz district, to compare in terms of mental health. Data were collected through face to face interview method in December 2012. The first part of the questionnaire contains socio-demographic and cultural data, information about family and household, work life and lifestyle, the second part was 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) which was developed by Goldberg. GHQ scoring 2 and above is considered mental health distress. Chi-square and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to evaluate the contributing factors of mental health.RESULTS: A total of 220 women including 110 female worker and 110 housewive participated to the study, 68.2% of female worker and 92.7% of housewives were 30 years and above. According to GHQ scoring, mental health distress prevelance of women workers and housewives was 43.6% and 50.0%, respectively and there was no significant difference. Low educational level, older age, being single and presence of people with disabilities at home were found to be independent risk factors.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: CONCLUSION: This study revealed that there is no significant difference in terms of mental health distress among blue-collar women and housewives. Mental disorders are common health problems in both groups.

Keywords: