Job strain and associated factors among medical school employees in Thailand: A cross-sectional study

Jakarin  Apisuttisin; Pornchai  Sithisarankul; Jate  Ratanachina

Authors

Jakarin Apisuttisin Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Pornchai Sithisarankul Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
Jate Ratanachina Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK

Keywords:

Job strain, medical school, occupation, stress, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Mental health issues are increasing among workers and are often linked to job strain. Medical schools, with their diverse workforce, including healthcare workers, educators, and support staff, are in demanding work environments and are susceptible to job strain.

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of job strain among support staff at a medical school in Bangkok, Thailand.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 721 support staff employed at a medical school in Bangkok, Thailand, was conducted between May and July 2024. The study included a questionnaire that consisted of three sections, including demographic data, work-related factors, and the Thai version of the Job Content Questionnaire to assess job strain. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, and bivariate analysis and binary logistic regression analyses were also performed.

Results: The response rate was 55.6% (n = 401), and 18.5% (n = 74) reported job strain. Job strain was significantly associated with an underweight body mass index (odds ratio (OR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–4.1), having debt (OR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1–3.8), working in office positions (OR = 4.4; 95% CI: 1.1–17.4), shift work (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5), high physical job demand (OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.1–5.9), and high workplace hazards (OR = 3.9; 95% CI: 2.1–7.4).

Conclusion: Underweight body mass index, debt, job type, shift work, physical job demands, and workplace hazards are associated with job strain. Addressing these factors can facilitate the development of prevention strategies.

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