The Ministry of Health has launched on a national field survey to study the effects of work related pressures on the human health and find appropriate methods for reducing and preventing this phenomenon.

An official source at the Ministry of Health confirmed that Minister of Health Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah has received the approval of the Ministry of Interior to allow them to carry out this field survey, with the support and cooperation of all the Kingdom’s provinces, government bodies, ministries and the private sector. The national survey, entitled “Health and the Pressures of Life,” will be conducted in collaboration with King Saud University, the Research Center at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Prince Salman Center for Disability Research (PSCDR).

He pointed out that the survey is a national project adopted by King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), which will based on a scientific approach using a random sampling selection method throughout all the Kingdom’ provinces and regions, and will contribute in providing the decision-makers and specialists with accurate statistical data and indicators.

The fieldwork of this survey requires eight months; it commenced in December 2012 and will end in August.

The source clarified to a local newspaper that the work pressures are defined as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or other types of demands placed on them at work, either in the nature of the job or the result of practices associated with the work environment, whether directly or indirectly for a duration of time.

From a medical perspective, work related pressure is considered an abnormal condition that causes stress, which in turn leads to an increase in the secretion of the adrenaline hormone, raising the heart rate and preparing the body for emergency action. This bodily reaction is only tolerable for a short period of time, however if it extends beyond that, it will negatively impact the physical and psychological health of a person.

The survey team members will be provided with necessary health documents and cards certified by the Ministry of Health.

Nowadays, the work environment has in general many characteristics that impose on employees longer work hours and greater productivity, due to intense competition.

The source added that many recent studies indicate that about 70 percent of employees who admitted that they are feeling a substantial amount of stress, are experiencing many health problems closely linked to the pressures they are exposed to at their workplace.

Symptoms associated with workplace stress include constant anxiety, depression, dyspepsia (indigestion), chronic headaches, high blood pressure, an increase in the heart rate and a sense of straining in the body muscles. These are usually due to either the employees’ inability to meet the work requirements or their inability to coordinate between work and other life requirements.

Furthermore, the impact of work pressures are not confined to the workplace, they are transferred with the employee back to his home, consequently leading to potential family problems, tension in martial relations and negligence of family affairs. The effects may even extend to influence the employee’s social relations; therefore he/she might be prone to becoming isolated and interact less with the community.