Abstract

Sleep problems are related to a wide range of depressive and anxiety disorders. The condition can be very disabling and lead to chronic physical and mental health problems. About etiological factors, exposure to adverse life events and occupational stressors are often mentioned. In this sense, the present cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate if psychosocial factors as work are associated to sleep problems among Court workers in Minas Gerais State, Brazil. All 12,251 permanent workers who were active in the 296 Minas Gerais law districts were eligible. The estimation of the sample size (n = 1000) considered number of workers, prevalence of sick leave of 40% and 95% confidence interval. A stratified proportional random sampling was performed. Data was collected by telephone survey, including socioeconomic, occupational, and health information. Psychosocial factors of work was evaluated in consonance with the Karasek Demand-Control model. Logistic regression analysis indicated associations between sleep problems and occupational variables. A basis for mental health policies in Brazilian judiciary services is presented.