May 31, 2006—A recent study done within the United Kingdom to determine the cause of Sick Building Syndrome found that the physical environment of office buildings appears to be less important than features of the psychosocial work environment in explaining differences in the prevalence of symptoms.
More than 4,000 adults within 44 buildings were studied and no significant relation was found between most aspects of the physical work environment and symptom prevalence.
The study found no significant relation between most aspects of the physical work environment and symptom prevalence. Greater effects were found with features of the psychosocial work environment including high job demands and low support. Only psychosocial work characteristics and control over the physical environment were independently associated with symptoms in the multivariate analysis.
The study used a self-report questionnaire to capture 10 symptoms of the SBS and psychosocial work stress. To see the study abstract, visit the Web site.
