| Author: | Lam, Yuk-ling |
| Title: | Work limitations, workplace concerns, and job satisfaction of persons with chronic illness |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2010 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations Chronically ill -- Employment -- China -- Hong Kong Chronically ill -- Job satisfaction -- China -- Hong Kong |
| Department: | School of Nursing |
| Pages: | xi, 73 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm. |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | Working is a goal-directed activity from which we earn our living, develop one's self and social identity, and find meaning in life. Chronic disease is progressive and has a major impact on quality of life. People with chronic diseases often experience physical discomfort, pain, fatigue or complications of chronic diseases; this may also have an impact on their effectiveness at work. In Hong Kong, among those 1,126,700 persons aged 15 and over with chronic diseases, 24.4% were employed. Many can contribute to the finances of their family and productivity of the society. However, there are few local studies that focus on the work conditions and experience of this population. This study is based on the results of a focus group conducted with a group of working adults with chronic disease who joined a community rehabilitation centre. The present study used a cross-sectional survey design and convenient sampling and recruited study sample from community rehabilitation centre. Using a number of standardized instruments, the study measure and explore 1) work limitations of persons with different types of chronic illness, 2) identify the key disease-related and psychosocial factors that are linked to job tenure, and job satisfaction, 3) Examine key workplace concerns (including, self- and social stigma, discrimination practices, disclosure about illness, job mastery and social support at the workplace. A total of 160 questionnaires were sent and 157 valid questionnaires were received. Descriptive data analysis and correlation or association between those variables have been examined, and multiple regression analysis was be used to predict the outcome variables of job tenure and job satisfaction from the demographic or clinical predictors. Most of the respondents were fairly confident in managing their illness except fatigue, and many of them were satisfied with their job. They were willing to disclose their illness to their colleagues and supervisors in order to get support but this support is still their one of most concern in the workplace. Discrimination practices and self-stigma are not common experiences in the workplace. Scale in the area of work limitations, respondents experienced much more limitation in Physical Demands than in terms of Time Demands, Mental-Interpersonal and Output Demands. The mean WLQ Index is .05 which corresponds to a 5.1% decrease in productivity. Psychologically, anxiety and stress were experienced but did not appear to be a major issue among respondents. A number of variables, including age, health condition, fatigue, pain, workplace support, discrimination, self-stigma, Time Management Scale, Output Demands Scale, Mental-Interpersonal, WLQ Index, Productivity Loss Index, Stress subscale, and Anxiety subscale, had significant and fair degree of relationship with job satisfaction. Self-efficacy in managing disease and Depression subscale has shown moderate to good relationship with job satisfaction. In job tenure, only sex, age and discrimination indicated fair degree of correlation. Job satisfaction is more relatable in the working condition of this population. Using multiple regression analysis for prediction, the regression model could account for a large proportion of the variance in job satisfaction, age, self-efficacy in managing illness, concerns about workplace support, depression, anxiety, and output demands were significantly related to the job satisfaction of the respondents. But the prediction of job tenure was not very successful, comparing sex; health condition and discrimination, only age were more important predictors to job tenure. Therefore, we should focus on suggestion how to improve the job satisfaction of those working people with chronic diseases. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b23568409.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.26 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/5711