Work stress and drug use behaviors for stress relief of medical representatives in Bangkok Metropolitan

Abstract

Background: In 2021, the Department of Mental Health Thailand, found that 9.4% of Thais experience stress, with the highest rates in Bangkok at 14.1%, primarily attributed to work-related stress. One of the top 10 professions with the highest stress levels is medical representatives.

Objectives: To study work-related stress and medication usage behaviors among pharmaceutical representatives in Bangkok and its suburbs, including factors influencing these behaviors and the correlation between stress levels and medication usage behaviors.

Methods: Online data were collected from medical representatives responsible for Bangkok and its suburbs, aged ≥ 22 years, totaling 330 individuals. The study utilizes a questionnaire covering 1) personal information, 2) assessment of stress perceptions related to work factors, and 3) evaluation of stress-relieving medication usage behaviors.

Results: The majority of participants were female with an average age of 33 years. Among pharmaceutical representatives, two-thirds reported moderate stress levels, averaging 50.6%. Regarding behaviors related to stress-relief medication, a significant majority, 62.8%, exhibited good practice. This study showed a significant positive correlation between drug use behaviors and stress levels among participants (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Medical representatives in Bangkok and its metropolitan area exhibit an average stress level score of 50.6 out of 100, with two-thirds reporting moderate to high stress levels related to work factors. Additionally, two-thirds of them demonstrate favorable behaviors towards using stress-relief medication. Specifically, 62.8% engage in these behaviors at a good level.