EPH50 Impact of COVID-19 on the Change in Work Conditions and Career Choices in General Vietnamese Population

Abstract

The onset of COVID-19 has resulted in both morbidity and mortality. It also has a consequential impact on the Vietnamese economy. Prior studies examined the COVID-19 impact on healthcare professionals’ career decisions. There remains no study examining the work conditions and career choices in a general Vietnamese population. Our study aims to identify factors associated with change in work conditions and career choices in general Vietnamese population. An online cross-sectional study between September 2021 through to November 2021 (during the Omicron COVID-19 pandemic). Snowball sampling method was utilized in recruiting the participants. The questionnaire used in this study included the following questions: (a) Socio-demographic information; (b) impact of COVID-19 on personal habits/daily expenses; (c) Current nature of work & impact of COVID-19 on work; (d) Impact of COVID-19 on career decisions. 650 participants were recruited, of which only 645 completed the survey. The completion rate was 99.2%. This study demonstrated the impact that COVID-19 has on finances, as only 32% of those sampled reported that they were able to pay in full. 46.6% of the respondents have had a decrease in their overall household income. With regards to their employment and work characteristics, 41.0% reported a decrease in their work satisfaction and 39.0% reported having reduced motivation for work. Females were less likely to consider transiting from their current job to another field, as compared to male participants. Respondents who were married, had a higher level of commitment to their current job, and lower inclination to transition to another field. Respondents experiencing financial difficulties were more likely to consider a transition to another field/work. This is the first study to have examined the characteristics of work/intentions with regards to career choices and transition amongst the general Vietnamese population. It is important that future financial policies take into consideration these factors.