title: Exploring the quality of life (QOL) in the Indian software industry: a public health viewpoint.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
authors: Division of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Headquarters, New Delhi, India. ayanjha@gmail.com
authors: Ayan
authors: A
authors: Jha
authors: Sanjoy Kumar
authors: SK
authors: Sadhukhan
authors: Saravanan
authors: S
authors: Velusamy
authors: Gargi
authors: G
authors: Banerjee
authors: Arpita
authors: A
authors: Banerjee
authors: Amitava
authors: A
authors: Saha
authors: Sumit
authors: S
authors: Talukdar
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D007221:Industry / Q000458:organization & administration; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D011634:Public Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult