Prevalence and related factors of work addiction among nurses at a university hospital in Bangkok Metropolis Area

Abstract

Background: Work addiction has become an important and compelling topic for empirical research. However, there has been no comprehensive study about the prevalence and associated factors of work addiction in Thailand.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors of work addiction in nurses.

Methods: The study contained 553 nurses at a university hospital in Bangkok, and work addiction was assessed by a questionnaire adapted from Bergen Work Addiction Scale. Associated factors, including personal factors, work factors, and psychosocial factors from the Thai Job Content Questionnaire, were analyzed using multiple logistic regression.

Results: Our results indicate that approximately 1/3 of the population suffers from work addition. Work addiction is positively correlated with age, work position, work hours, job control, psychological demand, and social support whereas income inadequacy, family burden, exercise, and job security showed negative association.

Conclusion: The prevalence in this study showed a marked increase from previous studies because of using different subjects and questionnaire. However, screening and identifying the at-risk population may help prevent work addiction and plan for symptom management.