Background: Blue-collar workers can be exposed to hazardous conditions and other psychosocial
pressures in the workplace. However, research on anxiety in the work environment remains limited in
Thailand and other developing nations. The aims of this study were to measure level of anxiety and
quality of life (QOL) among blue-collar workers exposed to occupational hazards in Khon Kaen
Province, Thailand.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 187 adults working in manual labor industry with
exposure to occupational hazards in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand. Participants completed the StateTrait
Anxiety Inventory (STAI) to measure anxiety and WHOQOL-BREF-THAI to measure QOL. Data
were analyzed using bivariate analyses and descriptive analysis.
Results: The findings reveal that over half of workers (51.3% ± 8.0%) in the sample reported symptoms
of high anxiety (STAI-S ≥ 45). Participants with high anxiety were younger than those with low anxiety
(p = 0.03). Gender, marital status, and education level did not show a statistically significant difference
between low and high anxiety (p >0.05). QOL (p < 0.001) and its four sub-domains were lower in
participants with high anxiety compared to low anxiety, with psychological and environmental domains
having the most significant differences.
Conclusions: The findings illuminate the need to increase attention towards improving and promoting
self-management of anxiety problems. Moreover, future research should explore which hazardous
conditions are most associated with worker anxiety