The relationship between work stress and quality of life among Indonesian caregivers in Japan

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56922/mhc.v5i6.4544

Authors

  • Nabila Febby Utami Universitas Aisyiyah Surakarta
  • Dyah Rahmawatie Ratna Budi Utami

DASS-21 Indonesian Caregivers Japan Quality of Life WHOQOL-BREF Work-Related Stress

Abstract

Background: Work-related stress may affect the well-being and quality of life of healthcare workers. Indonesian caregivers working in Japan face occupational demands as well as challenges associated with adapting to a different work environment and culture.

Purpose: To determine the relationship between work-related stress and quality of life among Indonesian caregivers working.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 63 Indonesian caregivers working in Kanagawa, Japan, who had been employed for more than three months. Work-related stress was assessed using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), while quality of life was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF). Bivariate analysis was performed using the Spearman rank correlation test because the data were not normally distributed.

Results: The mean work-related stress score was 11.94 ± 8.65, while the mean quality of life score was 14.81 ± 2.46. A strong, significant negative correlation was found between work-related stress and quality of life (rₛ = −0.609; p < 0.001), indicating that higher work-related stress was associated with lower quality of life.

Conclusion: Work-related stress was significantly and negatively associated with quality of life among Indonesian caregivers working in Kanagawa, Japan. These findings highlight the importance of addressing work-related stress and strengthening support for the well-being and quality of life of Indonesian caregivers.

Keywords: DASS-21; Indonesian Caregivers; Japan; Quality of Life; WHOQOL-BREF; Work-Related Stress.

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Published

2026-09-30