Work Stress, Occupational Burnout and Quality of Life among Dental Assistants in Private Dental Clinics, Bangkok, Thailand
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Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with work-related stress, burnout, and quality of life among dental assistants working in private dental clinics in Bangkok.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used an online survey to collect data from 370 dental assistants in Bangkok. Self-administered questionnaires consisting of a personal information survey, the Suanprung Stress Test (SPST-20), the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF Thai version (WHOQOL-BREF-THAI) were employed as the research instruments. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, stepwise method with a significance level of 0.05.
Results: Majority of dental assistant samples experienced moderate stress levels (41.3%), reported good quality of life (66.2%), and showed no signs of burnout (96.8%). Linear regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between increased working hours and stress (B=4.531, p=0.009) as well as quality of life (B=8.298, p<0.001). Conversely, increased work experience showed a negative correlation with both stress (B=-9.945, p=0.012) and quality of life (B=-10.758, p=0.006)
Conclusion: Most dental assistants had moderate stress levels and no burnout, with a good quality of life, Nevertheless, it remains crucial to emphasize appropriate working hours and provide support for other welfare measures to prevent high levels of stress and improve the quality of life for dental assistants.
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