Abstract:
Introduction Job stress is recognized as a significant concern across various occupational settings which have profound implications for both individuals and organizations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, job stress among the public health workforce (PHW) has been a significant concern, as they face a significantly increased risk of infection and mortality due to excessive COVID-19 exposure. This study presents a descriptive exploration of key job stress-related factors among PHW in Terengganu, Malaysia. Methodology This is a cross-sectional study conducted from May 2022 to April 2023, encompassing all eight District Health Offices (DHO) and government health clinics in Terengganu. Data collection involved a Malay version of the Job Content Questionnaire (M-JCQ), which assesses job characteristics based on Karasek\'s demand-control-support model and consists of four main domains: decision latitude, psychological job demands, physical job demands, and social support. Data was collected from 1044 participants, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Findings Of the 1044 participants, 18.9% experienced job stress. The highest percentage of job stress was observed among nurses (24.3%), followed by medical assistants (18.3%) and physicians (16.0%). In contrast, the public health assistant (PKA) group had the lowest rate of job stress. Job types based on Karasek\'s model also showed variations, with doctors having the highest percentage of active jobs (46.4%), while medical assistants had the highest percentage of low job strain (17.9%), and PKAs had the highest percentage of passive job types (44.7%). Conclusion This study offers significant insights into the work-related challenges faced by the public health workforce in Terengganu, Malaysia, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Job stress is a substantial concern, and understanding its underlying factors is essential for improving the well-being of PHWs. Decision latitude, job demands, and social support play critical roles in shaping job stress among PHWs. Strategies and interventions are needed to mitigate job stress, improve working conditions, and enhance the effectiveness of PHWs in public health initiatives. This study highlights the importance of addressing job stress in this sector, with potential benefits for both the mental and physical health of PHW.
摘要:
工作压力被认为是各种职业环境中的一个重要问题,对个人和组织都有深远的影响。在COVID-19大流行期间,公共卫生劳动力(PHW)的工作压力一直是一个重要的问题,因为他们因过度暴露COVID-19而面临感染和死亡风险显著增加。本研究对登嘉楼PHW中与工作压力相关的关键因素进行了描述性探索,马来西亚。方法这是一项从2022年5月至2023年4月进行的横断面研究,涵盖登嘉楼的所有八个地区卫生局(DHO)和政府卫生诊所。数据收集涉及马来语版本的工作内容问卷(M-JCQ),它基于Karasek的需求-控制-支持模型评估工作特征,包括四个主要领域:决策纬度,心理工作需求,体力劳动要求,和社会支持。数据来自1044名参与者,并使用SPSS版本27(IBMCorp.,Armonk,NY,美国)。1044名参与者的调查结果,18.9%的人经历了工作压力。护士的工作压力百分比最高(24.3%),其次是医疗助理(18.3%)和医师(16.0%)。相比之下,公共卫生助理(PKA)组的工作压力发生率最低。基于Karasek\的模型的作业类型也显示出变化,医生的活跃工作比例最高(46.4%),虽然医疗助理的低工作压力比例最高(17.9%),和PKA的被动工作类型比例最高(44.7%)。结论本研究为登嘉楼公共卫生人员面临的工作相关挑战提供了重要见解,马来西亚,特别是在COVID-19大流行期间。工作压力是一个很大的问题,了解其潜在因素对于改善PHW的福祉至关重要。决策纬度,工作要求,社会支持在塑造PHW的工作压力中起着至关重要的作用。需要战略和干预措施来减轻工作压力,改善工作条件,并提高PHWs在公共卫生举措中的有效性。这项研究强调了解决这一部门工作压力的重要性,对PHW的身心健康都有潜在的好处。