TITLE:
Psycho-Emotional Aspects and Risk Factors Associated with the Onerous Nature of Retirement Concerning Civil Servants within the Public Administration in Parakou (Benin)
AUTHORS:
Anselme Djidonou, Tchégnonsi Francis Tognon, Ahoya Christophe Fabien Gounongbé, Thierry Adoukonou, Elie Iréti Nethania Ataïgba, Houédénou Brice Thierry Hounlèlou, Prosper Gandaho, Benjamin Fayomi, Simon Ayélèroun Akpona
KEYWORDS:
Retirement, Anxiety, Onerousness, Vulnerability, Mental Health
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.6 No.2,
March
9,
2016
ABSTRACT: Background: In 20% of
cases, retirement is experienced as a life event with risk of isolation and
loneliness. The objective is to study the psycho-emotional aspects and risk
factors associated with civil servants onerous retirement. Methods: It was a
descriptive and cross-sectional study which involved 233 pensioners met at the
Public Treasury’s Revenue Office in Parakou from June 1 to August 30, 2013.
Data were collected through an interview on vulnerability criteria, and
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used in assessing both anxiety level and
depressed mood. Results: Pensioners’ average age was 61.1 ± 6.7 years. Males
aged 50 to 60 years represented 47.2%. Following the announcement of
retirement, 88.9% had feelings of fear, and 75.8% showed moderate to severe
anxiety prevalence of which 88.2% were females and 73.9% males. The
distribution according to professional categories was as follow: A (77.3%); B
(72.6%); C (69.2%); (85.5%); E (85.7%). Retirement risk factors were:
dependants (73.1%), age-related disorders (40.3%), lack of health insurance
coverage (24.6%) resulting in a depressed mood (36%) strongly associated with a
feeling of family and social abandon (87.8% P = 0.02). Conclusion: Depending on
job onerousness in each professional category and associated psycho-social risk
factors, it is important to implement an adequate action plan in view of
promoting pensioners mental health.