The Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Employment on the Psychological Well-Being of HIV Key Population Workers

Objective: To assess the duration of employment and examine the impact of emotional intelligence on the psychological well-being of men who have sex with men (MSM), trans women (TW), and female sex workers (FSW) working in HIV community-based organisations (CBOs) in Pakistan. Study Design: Explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. Place and Duration of the Study: CBOs in 16 districts and 50 sites across Pakistan, from November 2023 to April 2024. Methodology: Individuals over 18 years of age, self-identifying as MSM, TW, or FSW, and working at a CBO were enrolled. Psychological well-being was measured using the Ryff’s psychological well-being scale, and emotional intelligence was measured using the Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence scale (WLEIS). The multiple linear regression was used to identify predictors of psychological well-being. Ten in-depth qualitative interviews were also conducted among CBO workers. Results: A total of 188 CBO workers were included in the quantitative survey; of these, 128 (68.1%) were MSM, 18 (9.6%) were FSW, and 42 (22.3%) were TW. The multiple regression analysis showed that residence away from family (β = 2.85; p = 0.038), history of suicidal ideation (β = -3.74; p = 0.022), and emotional intelligence (β = 3.25; p <0.001) were significant predictors of psychological wellbeing. The qualitative analysis showed a positive effect of CBO employment, contributing to professional growth and empowerment and acceptance of gender and sexuality. Conclusion: Living away from family and having higher emotional intelligence were positive predictors of psychological well-being. A history of suicidal ideation was associated with poor psychological well-being. There is qualitative evidence that suggests that CBO employment improves psychological well-being.