Relationship Between Working Hours, Workplace Environmental Conditions and Sick Building Syndrome Among Healthcare Workers in a Community Hospital

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study investigated the relationship between working hours, workplace environmental conditions, and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) among healthcare workers in a community hospital in Khon Kaen Province. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and indoor air quality measurements from 159 participants. The multiple logistic regression was used for correlation analysis to present the adjusted odds ratio (ORadj)  and 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The findings revealed that the majority of participants were female, aged 30-49 years (49.69%). A considerable proportion (42.14%) worked more than 8 hours per day, while 75.47% reported working overtime. The majority of workspaces were enclosed, air-conditioned, and served ≥10 persons per area. Most of the workspaces were closed rooms, air-conditioned, and densely occupied, with PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ particulate matter levels exceeding standards. Significant factors associated with SBS were overtime work (ORadj= 4.71; 95%CI: 1.31-16.92) and perceived discomfort (ORadj = 4.09; 95%CI: 1.27-13.18). In conclusion, improving workplace ventilation, reducing indoor air pollutants, and allocating appropriate rest periods to minimize overtime and discomfort are recommended strategies to lower the risk of SBS among hospital workers.