Mental Health and Well-Being in the Workplace: A Cross Sectional Analysis of Socioeconomic and Demographic Determinants by Using PDHS 2017-18

Abstract

In low-and middle-income countries, public health dimensions, particularly mental health and well-being in the workplace, remain critical yet under-explored, while social injustice and limited social protection inflame vulnerabilities. This cross-sectional study examines the links between occupational, demographic, and socioeconomic factors and well-being among 5,485 adult employees in Pakistan, using PDHS data from 2017 to 18. Descriptive analysis reveals a portfolio of pronounced disadvantages: around 80% of employees have no formal education, 75% of respondents live in rural areas, and only 12.3% are covered by social security health insurance. The average household size is 9 members, revealing substantial family responsibilities, while 84% of households are male-headed. Model findings show that factors such as urban residence, access to health insurance, and higher education attainment are strongly associated with improved well-being scores. Lower socioeconomic status and large household sizes emerge as significant factors. These outcomes call for integrated policies that address educational equity, expand social protection schemes, and incorporate mental health support within occupational health frameworks. By improving psychologically safe and supportive workplaces, Pakistan can advance Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and well-being) and 8 (decent work and economic growth), fostering individual capacities and national productivity. This effort provides the first nationally representative evidence on workplace mental health in Pakistan, offering a foundation for evidence-informed interventions in similar resource-constrained settings.