Abstract:
Background : Stress is a reaction of the body and mind that responds to any condition or action occurring in daily life. Stress can create both advantages and disadvantages. If the stress is not severe it may encourage and stimulate self-development. Otherwise, it is necessary to improve and help the work stress of the employees. who are involved in driving the organization together to achieve the highest organizational targets and objectives. Objective : To study work stress and related factors of work stress among employees of steel import companies in Bangkok. Methods : Data were collected from 370 employees of steel import companies in Bangkok. The questionnaire included: 1) General information; 2) Organizational information; and 3) Work Stress evaluation. The data were analyzed by Descriptive Statistics, Independent sample t-test, One way ANOVA, Pearsons Correlation Coefficiency and Multiple Linear Regression by Stepwise. Results : The subjects of work stress in dimension of stress from workload (76.8%), working hard stress (52.2%), work stability (82.2%), hazard at work (54.9%). were found in moderate level while, independent decision (64.6%) and social support (53.6%) were in high level. Factors associated with work stress were age, working age, working experience, average income, working time, work performance, the policy of work management, relationship with workmates, compensation, welfare, success, and the success and progress in work. In multivariate regression analysis, the statistically significant factors with hazard at work were marital status (p <0.001), engineer position (p <0.001), work overtimes (p .029), sufficiency of income (p <0.001), social support (p = .002), male gender (P <0.001), and work experience (p = .002). Conclusion : In this study, work stress among employees of steel import companies in Bangkok was found in moderate level. However, organizational and sociodemographic factors should be concerned about reducing stress from work and prevent high level of stress. These can affect the physical, mental health and also the performance of the employees.