1.Psychometric Properties of the Areas of Worklife Survey in an Industrial Context in Thailand
Jate RATANACHINA ; Inthuon HONGSIRI ; Watcharakorn CHUTHONG ; Wiroj JIAMJARASRANGSI
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2026;59(1):75-85
Objectives:
The Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) is widely used to assess organizational factors contributing to burnout. However, evidence regarding its construct and criterion validity has been reported primarily in human service settings. This study evaluated the construct validity of the AWS measurement model and the criterion validity of the AWS–burnout relationship among industrial workers in Thailand.
Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, a Thai-language electronic questionnaire was administered to 446 industrial workers between June 2024 and August 2024. Of these, 390 participants (87.4%) completed both the AWS and the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey. Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis within a structural equation modeling framework.
Results:
A modified 6-factor (chi-square/degree of freedom [χ²/df], comparative fit index [CFI], Tucker– Lewis index [TLI], root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA], and standardized root mean square residual [SRMR]) AWS model—excluding 5 items and allowing 2 correlated error terms—demonstrated satisfactory fit (χ²(213)=436.02, p<0.001; χ²/df=2.05; CFI=0.94; TLI=0.92; RMSEA=0.053; SRMR=0.053). Convergent validity (composite reliability=0.74–0.87; average variance extracted [AVE]=0.49–0.58) and discriminant validity were acceptable for most dimensions; however, the Fairness dimension (AVE=0.36) and the Reward–Fairness correlation remained problematic. The partial mediation model demonstrated acceptable criterion validity, with all mediation paths—except reward to values—reaching statistical significance.
Conclusions
The AWS is a valid measure for assessing factors contributing to burnout among Thai industrial workers. Nevertheless, further refinement is necessary to ensure strong dimension-specific validity with minimal modification.
2.Association of Physical Fitness With the Work Ability of Aging Workers With Physically Demanding Jobs in a University Hospital in Thailand
Jidapa HANVORAVONGCHAI ; Methasit LAOCHINDAWAT ; Soontorn SUPAPONG ; Jate RATANACHINA
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(3):345-351
Background:
A decrease in physical fitness with age can impact work ability. Exploring the role of physical fitness is important for identifying interventions to enhance work ability among aging workers. We sought to determine the association between physical fitness and physically demanding work ability in aging workers.
Methods:
We recruited workers aged 45–65 years from eight departments of a university hospital in Bangkok, Thailand. Work ability was assessed using the work ability index (WAI), and physical fitness components were evaluated through various tests. Associations between work ability and physical fitness were examined using a multivariable regression analysis.
Results:
The response rate was 46.4% (n = 216). The mean WAI score was 41.6. Participants with an overweight or obese body mass index (BMI) had 1.8 (95% CI –3.1, –0.4) points lower WAI scores than did those within a healthy BMI range. A handgrip strength test revealed that participants in the good/very good group had 2.5 (95% CI: 0.6, 4.3) higher WAI scores than did those in the very poor/poor group. For a single-leg stance test, participants in the above-average group had 2.1 (95% CI: 0.7, 3.5) points greater WAI scores than did those in the below-average group. No significant associations were found between work ability and 3-min step, chair stand, or sit-and-reach test scores.
Conclusion
The overall work ability of the participants was good. Body composition, muscle strength, and balance were associated with work ability. Promoting physical fitness is a viable strategy for enhancing work ability among aging workers.
3.Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand: A Cross-sectional Study
Nunnapat PIYACHAISETH ; Pornchai SITHISARANKUL ; Jate RATANACHINA
Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health 2024;57(1):83-90
Objectives:
Professional firefighters face various health hazards and are required to maintain both physical and mental fitness to effectively mitigate crises and respond to emergencies. Moreover, the long working hours and shift work of this profession impact sleep quality. This study investigated the quality of sleep and its associated factors among firefighters in Bangkok, Thailand.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study of firefighters affiliated with the Bangkok Fire and Rescue Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Thailand between January 2023 and March 2023. A cluster random sampling technique was utilized to distribute 600 questionnaires to firefighters in 15 fire stations. The questionnaire addressed demographic, work-related, and environmental factors. Sleep quality was assessed using the Thai version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were performed.
Results:
The response rate was 78.7% (n=472), and 44.1% of the firefighters reported poor sleep quality (PSQI score >5). Sleep quality was statistically associated with conflicting family relationships (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 2.9), additional part-time jobs (daytime, OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.3 to 4.4; or nighttime, OR, 4.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 16.7), noisy sleeping areas (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.8), and the availability of adequate bedding (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 4.9).
Conclusions
Poor sleep quality among firefighters was associated with various personal, work-related, and environmental factors. Organizations should promote policies that improve sleep quality through good sleep hygiene practices and facilities.

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