Happiness and Quality of Work Life of Public Health Personnel: A Post-Transfer Study in Khon Kaen Provincial Administrative Organization

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive research aimed to investigate the levels of happiness and quality of work life, examine differences across demographics, explore the relationship between happiness and quality of work life, and identify work-related problems and obstacles. The sample consisted of 501 public health personnel working in sub-district health promoting hospitals in Khon Kaen province. The research instruments used for data collection were the 15-item Thai Happiness Indicators (THI-15) and the 26-item World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-26) assessments. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and content analysis.

The results revealed that most participants were female (73.5%), with an average age of 36.8 years (S.D. = 8.0). Most were married (84.0%), had a bachelor's degree (97.2%), and earned a monthly income between 20, 001 and 30, 000 THB (50.9%). Regarding well-being, 70.3% experienced a normal level of happiness, and 96.8% reported a moderate level of quality of work life. A statistically significant difference in happiness was found among personnel with different monthly incomes (p-value = 0.014). However, the quality of work life did not significantly differ according to demographic characteristics variables (p-value ≥0.05). Furthermore, happiness showed a weak but statistically significant positive association with quality of work life (r = 0.156; p-value <0.001).

Based on the findings, the study recommends facilitating participatory communication among staff, supporting and recognizing their professional achievements, fostering positive relationships among colleagues, promoting fair career advancement opportunities, and providing increased work motivation.