Abstract
Objectives
Our objectives were to describe the QOL and its determinants among software professionals of Kolkata, and to compare the same according to information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) sub-sectors.
Methods
An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among software professionals of Kolkata applying a two-stage stratified random sampling technique. The WHO QOL BREF questionnaire was administered along with a list of pertinent variables.
Results
Overall, the analysis for 338 software professionals (177 IT and 161 ITeS) clearly demonstrated significant differences between mean scores of these two sectors for each of the six outcome domains of WHO QOL BREF. Multilevel multivariate analysis outlined 13 significant predictors of QOL—four positive (age, regular fitness regimes, foreign placements and changing companies frequently) and the rest of the nine, negative (multiple sex partners, multiple addictions, extended working hours, night-shift duties, income, expenditure, carrying office work home, current illness and ITeS company type).
Conclusions
Our study helps in obtaining a clear understanding of the multifaceted risk factors prevailing in this sector, the majority of which can be effectively addressed by specific health promotional interventions. A dedicated health policy is mandated at both government and company levels.
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Acknowledgments
The authors express their heartfelt gratitude to the Software Technology Parks of India (STPI), Kolkata, and to all the participating software companies. We shall remain ever obliged to the guidance and inspiration provided by Prof. Bhaswati Sengupta, Head, Department of Public Health Administration, and Prof. Madhumita Dobe, Head, Department of Health Education, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata; Prof. L. Jeyaseelan, Head, Department of Biostatistics, Christian Medical College, Vellore; Prof. Amitava Saha, Department of Statistics, All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata and Dr. Goutam Ghosh, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kolkata, India. Without these people, our idea would never have successfully materialized.
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The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Jha, A., Sadhukhan, S.K., Velusamy, S. et al. Exploring the quality of life (QOL) in the Indian software industry: a public health viewpoint. Int J Public Health 57, 371–381 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-011-0295-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-011-0295-z