A Letter in the Mail : A Grounded Theory Based Exploration of the Health of Swedish Postal Carriers

Abstract: Andreas Thomas Kull. A Letter in the Mail – A Grounded Theory Based Exploration of the Health of Swedish Postal Carriers. Master thesis in Occupational Health Sciences, 30 credits. University of Gävle. Introduction: Postal Carriers in Sweden is an occupational group with a distinct work environment controlled by third parties. One third of all postal carriers in Sweden experience musculoskeletal issues. Little to no research has looked in to postal carriers experience of how their work is affecting their health. This study aims to explore why and how postal carriers are experiencing their current health states. Method: This Grounded Theory Method based study gathered data from both interviews and observations. Respondents consisted of seven men and two women. Observations were conducted for three days and consisted of gathering step counts and route information of three different postal carrier routes. Analysation of each interview happened before a new interview took place. Transcribed verbatims were line by line coded. Clusters and codes formed were constantly analysed throughout the data gathering process to ensure emerging theoretical model fit data. Results: Attitude was regarded as the main concern on this study. By being able to moderate contextual and situational factors, i.e. leadership, value towards work, intensity, frequency etc, attitude provided a tool for why individuals experienced postal carrier work in a broad spectrum. Conclusion: Attitude could provide important information of why health states are differing between individuals performing the same type of work.