Prevalence and Related Factors of Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers at a Hospital in Chanthaburi Province
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Abstract
Background: There has recently been a significant increase in indoor work. Studies have shown that sick building syndrome (SBS) is linked to indoor air quality. However, research on office workers in hospitals, as well as studies on job-related stress in relation to SBS, remains limited. This situation thus highlights the importance of further investigation into this group of workers.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of sick building syndrome (SBS) and its association with individual, work-related, and psychosocial factors, as well as indoor air quality among office workers in a hospital in Chanthaburi Province.
Methods: Data were collected from 216 office workers in a hospital using self-administered questionnaires composed of Section 1: General Information, Section 2: Factors Associated with SBS, Section 3: Sick Building Syndrome Symptom Assessment, and Section 4: Stress Assessment using the ST-5 Questionnaire, Department of Mental Health. Additionally, indoor air quality measurements were conducted, including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, PM2.5 and PM10 (Particulate matter with diameter of less than 2.5 and 10 microns). Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the influence of various factors on the occurrence of SBS, with the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) as the measure of association.
Results: The prevalence of SBS among office workers in the hospital was found to be 25.9% (95% Confidence interval or CI 20.1-31.8). Factors significantly associated with SBS in the multiple logistic regression analysis included the use of carpeted flooring in the office (OR = 4.56, 95% CI = 1.47–14.11), central air conditioning systems (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.10–4.43), and sitting near non-openable windows (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.12–5.05).
Conclusions: Health care for office workers should not only take into account ergonomics and safety considerations but should also emphasize indoor air quality, flooring materials, and environmental design in order to reduce the risk of SBS and enhance employees’ work efficiency and overall quality of life.
Thaiclinicaltrials.org number, TCTR20250811003
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