Sleep quality among industrial workers: related factors and impact

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to explore the prevalence and determinants of poor sleep quality among industrial workers in Thailand. Additionally, the authors assess the risk of work-related injuries associated with poor sleep quality. Design/methodology/approach - A descriptive correlational research was implemented. A total of 472 workers from the northern region of Thailand contributed to this study. Sleep quality was assessed by the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (Thai-PSQI). The score of more than five indicated poor sleep quality. Participants completed self-administered demographic, work characteristics and work-related injury questionnaires. Data were analyzed by applying descriptive and logistic regression statistical techniques. Findings - More than one-third of the workers had reported poor sleep quality. Results from multivariable logistic regression analysis yielded male gender (OR = 2.74, 95% CI 1.46-5.17), alcohol drinking (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.24-3.35), pain (OR = 2.05, 95% CI 1.32-3.17) and rotating shift work (OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.23-3.05) increased the risk of poor sleep quality. Furthermore, poor sleep quality was statistically significantly associated with the risk of work-related injuries (OR = 3.98, 95% CI = 2.39-6.66). Originality/value - Findings of this study indicate that the prevalence of poor sleep quality is high among industrial workers. Work characteristics and health behaviors were associated with poor sleep quality which increases the risk of work-related injuries. Modification of work environment and personal life style choices can improve quality of sleep among workers and consequently lower incidence of work-related injuries.