The role of demographic characteristics on mental health disorders among Turkish construction workers

Abstract

The construction sector is one of the cornerstones of economic development around the world, and it is the small and medium-sized construction companies working in this sector that are the driving force behind this economic growth. While many factors affect the project performance of these companies, one of these factors is thought to be the mental health status of the workers. In this context, the aim of this research is to examine the mental health disorders of workers in small and medium-sized construction companies. The research aims to evaluate various demographic factors that may affect the mental health of workers and to suggest appropriate strategies. The study was carried out using a quantitative method and the data was obtained from surveys conducted among Turkish construction workers in SMEs. The survey form, consisting of a total of 31 questions, was administered to 216 randomly selected construction workers in SMEs. As data analysis methods, ANOVA statistical methods and t-tests were used to examine the relationship between mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and stress and demographic variables. It was found that the participants' living area affected the group average level of depression, but did not affect the group’s average levels of stress and anxiety. Finally, it was found that the depression scores of the participants living on the construction site were higher than those of the participants living in the apartment. It was also found that the chronic illness status of the participants affected the group’s average level of anxiety, while stress and depression did not affect the group’s average level. We also found that the anxiety scores of participants with chronic illnesses were higher than those of participants without chronic illnesses.