The influence of indoor air quality and phychosocial factors towards sick building syndrome among manufacturing workers

Sick building syndrome (SBS) refers to a collection of health-related symptoms experienced by building occupants, often attributed to poor indoor environmental quality. This phenomenon is influenced by multiple factors, including indoor air quality, noise pollution, and psychosocial elements within the built environment. Poor ventilation, the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and inadequate air filtration systems contribute significantly to the degradation of indoor air quality, leading to respiratory discomfort, headaches, and fatigue among building occupants. Concurrently, noise pollution, arising from both external and internal sources, exacerbates stress levels, disrupts concentration, and impairs overall well-being. Additionally, psychosocial factors, such as workplace stressors, lack of social support, and environmental stressors, further amplify the negative health effects associated with SBS. The sick building syndrome comprises of various nonspecific symptoms that occur in the occupants of a building. This feeling of ill health increases sickness absenteeism and causes a decrease in productivity of the workers. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between indoor air quality, noise pollution, psychosocial factors and sick building syndrome among manufacturing workers. The study is conducted at one of the manufacturing companies at Kulim Hi- Tech Park. The sample included 102 workers who were working in the operation department. Data is collected using socio-demographic features questionnaire, indoor air quality questionnaire, a noise pollution questionnaire, and a psychosocial questionnaire. Data is analyzed using SPSS software. Data analysis procedures is being used in this study, including descriptive analysis, hypothesis testing, Pearson correlation and regression analysis. IAQ and psychosocial correlated negatively towards sick building syndrome whereas noise pollution correlated positively towards sick building syndrome. Noise pollution can be classified as moderator variable and contributed to IAQ and psychosocial factors. As a suggestion for future research can use tools and perform assessment at the selected area in a building.