Table 2

 Prevalence of perceived fair to poor health, psychological distress (GHQ of six or more), and other indicators in the previous month among current and former flight attendants (n = 1955)

In serviceNot in servicep Value (χ2)
Perceived fair to poor health by age class
    25–3945.2%35.9%0.033
    40–4950.7%47.8%0.151
    50–5957.9%40.3%0.125
    60+38.1%
    Total47.0%40.6%0.004
Psychological distress by age class
    25–3915.8%10.0%0.079
    40–4921.1%8.9%0.001
    50–5921.0%15.2%0.491
    60+10.5%
    Total17.2%12.7%0.004
Social support and coping
    No one to confide in10.4%19.6%0.000
    Use alcohol to relieve stress and sadness10.8%13.5%0.068
Past mental health problems
    History of serious depression39.1%38.2%0.691
    Ever have suicidal thoughts14.1%15.3%0.586
    Ever attempt suicide2.8%3.5%0.273