Mental health and defense mechanism among waste collectors under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration

Abstract

Objective: To examine mental health status, defense mechanisms and factors associated with the mental health of waste collectors under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Methods: This research is a cross-sectional analytic study, with a sample of 265 waste collectors under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, selected through multistage sampling. Data collection was conducted between August and October 2024 using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised sections on personal factors, work-related factors, The Defense Style Questionnaire-60 (DSQ-60) Thai version and Thai Mental Health Indicator version 2007 (TMHI-55). Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics, including bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regression analysis. Crude odds ratio (cOR), Adjusted odd ratio (aOR) and 95% Confidence Interval were reported. Results: The study showed that 39.6% of waste collectors had an under average mental health. The multiple logistic regression analysis found that the associated  factors of the under average mental health were the use of image distorting defense mechanisms (aOR = 3.50, 95% CI: 1.64–7.46), the use of affect regulating defense mechanisms (aOR = 2.86, 95% CI: 1.49–5.48), educational level (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.12–3.26), and satisfaction with work schedules
(aOR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.04–4.73). Conclusion: Organizations should implement preventive and monitoring measures for mental health by establishing policies that mandate annual mental health screenings and a reporting system for psychological issues to supervisors. Additionally, organizations should promote mental well-being through initiatives such as stress management education. Strengthening psychological resilience is also essential, which can be achieved by training staff to use positive defense mechanisms and optimize the work environment to mitigate stressors. Furthermore, organizations should foster employees’ skills and potential through lifelong learning, introduce flexible work schedules, and provide education on time management to enhance work-life balance, ultimately minimizing the overall impact on mental health.