Occupational Stress and Associated Factors Among Couriers: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: In all spheres of life, occupational stress has steadily emerged as a major influence on people's physiology and psychology. There is currently little research on express delivery as a high-risk group for occupational stress. Objective: This study aims to explore the occupational stress levels among couriers in Shenzhen, China. and analyze the contributing factors. The findings will provide a reference for managing and preventing occupational stress, thereby enhancing the occupational health and well-being of this workforce. Methods: This study enrolled 1,500 couriers through convenience sampling from June 2022 to December 2023. Data on demographic, lifestyle, and work-related characteristics were collected through a questionnaire survey. Occupational stress was assessed using the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). A logistic regression model was employed to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine the relationships between occupational stress and work-related variables, such as tenure, job role, weekly hours worked, and occupational health literacy. Results: The prevalence of occupational stress among couriers was found to be 49.2%. Logistic regression analysis showed that couriers with a college degree or higher education level, alcohol consumption, irregular meal patterns, sedentary lifestyle, employment in pick-up and delivery roles, working over 56 hours per week, limited social support, and inadequate knowledge and practices regarding occupational health were more susceptible to occupational stress. Furthermore, individuals working more than 56 hours weekly exhibited a 1.81 times higher risk of experiencing occupational stress compared to those working below 40 hours per week [model 2,OR (95% CI) = 1.81 (1.17, 2.83)]. Couriers engaged in package pick-up and delivery tasks demonstrated a 1.62-fold higher risk of occupational stress compared with other couriers [model 2,OR (95% CI) = 1.62 (1.20, 2.19)]. Individuals with occupational health knowledge exhibited a 34% reduced risk of occupational stress [model 2,OR (95% CI) = 0.66 (0.53, 0.83)], while those practicing occupational health behaviors exhibited a 47% risk reduction [model 2,OR (95% CI) = 0.53 (0.39, 0.71)]. Conclusions: Couriers are susceptible to elevated levels of occupational stress, particularly with extended work hours exceeding 48 hours per week and for those involved in pick-up and delivery tasks. Conversely, possessing adequate occupational health knowledge and engaging in appropriate occupational health behaviors serve as protective factors, lowering the risk of occupational stress. These findings offer novel insights for strategies aimed at preventing occupational stress within the courier workforce.