Self-Representations of Quality of Life and Anxiety of Blue-Collar Workers, Khon Kaen, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Blue-collar workers can be exposed to hazardous conditions and other psychosocial pressures in the workplace. However, research on anxiety in the work environment remains limited in Thailand and other developing nations. The aims of this study were to measure level of anxiety and quality of life (QOL) among blue-collar workers exposed to occupational hazards in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 187 adults working in manual labor industry with exposure to occupational hazards in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure anxiety and WHOQOL-BREF-THAI to measure QOL. Data were analyzed using bivariate analyses and descriptive analysis.

Results: The findings reveal that over half of workers (51.3% ± 8.0%) in the sample reported symptoms of high anxiety (STAI-S ≥ 45). Participants with high anxiety were younger than those with low anxiety (p = 0.03). Gender, marital status, and education level did not show a statistically significant difference between low and high anxiety (p >0.05). QOL (p < 0.001) and its four sub-domains were lower in participants with high anxiety compared to low anxiety, with psychological and environmental domains having the most significant differences.

Conclusions: The findings illuminate the need to increase attention towards improving and promoting self-management of anxiety problems. Moreover, future research should explore which hazardous conditions are most associated with worker anxiety.