Evaluation of psychosocial constraints among grocery stores workers in Tunisia

Abstract

The identification of psychosocial constraints in the sector of mass retail is necessary to set up and guide preventive strategies. To evaluate the prevalence of psychosocial constraints among employees working in a large supermarket chains. A descriptive cross-sectional survey conducted in employees of grocery stores. The study was based on a questionnaire exploring their socio-professional characteristics and on the Karasek questionnaire. 245 workers participated in the study. The average age was 32.4±6.4 years. Sex-ratio was 0.84. Occupational seniority was 6.3 years (min=1 year; max=18 years). The category of employees was the most represented (56%); the cashiers and the executives represented respectively 24.5 and 19.5%. A job strain situation was observed in 28.2 % of cases. It varied significantly with occupational seniority (p=0.03). The employees and the cashiers represented the most exposed posts. A high job demands was observed in 48,2% of the cases. The employees working in a supermarket are more exposed than those working in a minimarket (p<0,001). A low job control was found in 61.2 % of cases. It was more important among the employees having a permanent employment contract (p=0.01). A low job suport was found in 65,3% of cases. A situation of isostrain was observed in 20%. According our results, workers in grocery stores are exposed to psychosocial risk factor. The implementation of strategies to reduce stress factors at work is required.