Abstract
Objectives : A precedent research has documented that occupational stress is closely associated with increased the risk of fatigue and decreased in job satisfaction. This study was conducted in an effort to assess the relationship of occupational stress to self-perceived fatigue and job satisfaction by using job strain model. Methods : The number of respondents was 122 dental hygienist who work in dental clinic and period of the investigation was July 2009 through september 2009. A structured questionnaire was employed to evaluate the participants' sociodemographics, job-related factors, health-related behaviors, occupational stress, job satisfaction and self-perceived fatigue. Occupational stress and self-perceived fatigue were assessed using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short form (KOSS-SF) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Scale (MFS), respectively. Results : In job strain model, the ratio of Q2(High Strain Job) group that more susceptible to disease by stress than other group was 16% and the proportion of high fatigue group(Q3, Q4 group) and low job satisfaction group(Q3, Q4 group) was 48%, 45% respectively. In logistic regression analyses, a High Strain Job group was associated with higher odds of react factor(fatigue, job satisfaction) and the odds was down by 3.3%~7.5% after adjustment for age, smoking, alcohol drinking, regular exercise. So the effective strategy for fatigue, job satisfaction reduction for dental hygienist requires additional program focusing on innovated work environment that provide a enough leisure time and exercise program considering the personality traits. Conclusions : The results of this study suggest that occupational stress is a determinant predictor of self perceived fatigue and job satisfaction. Thus, a stress management program for the reduction of occupational stress, and the promotion of dental hygienist impact assessment health and quality of life is strongly recommended.