Socio-professional Characteristics Research Articles

Results from the Swiss Cohort of Healthcare Professionals: Intention to stay and well-being

Abstract Background In the context of personnel shortages and high turnover rates in the healthcare sector, the Swiss COhort of Healthcare Professionals and Informal CAregivers (SCOHPICA) seeks to understand which factors act as determinants of professionals’ intent to stay in their profession and well-being, and to monitor their trajectories. Methods This cross-sectional study used baseline data from a prospective open cohort including any type of healthcare professionals practicing in Switzerland. They were invited to complete an online questionnaire measuring their intent to stay in their profession and well-being, several determinants of these, sociodemographic and socioprofessional characteristics, and they were able provide open comments. Standard statistical and thematic analyses were performed where appropriate. Results 5927 participants completed the 2022 (n = 1707) or 2023 (n = 4220) questionnaire, and 1811 left open comments. Preliminary results revealed that the main determinants of intention to stay and well-being were work-life balance, opportunities for development, and meaning of work. Moreover, nine sub-themes were identified in open comments, grouped under three main themes: 1) working hours and private life; 2) working conditions, relating to administrative work, salary, health and staffing issues, participants with a low intent to stay being overrepresented in the last two; 3) career paths, exploring employer changes or training recongnition. Conclusions Finding a balance between constraints inherent to the healthcare professions and professionals’ social life as well as reintroducing sense at work are key aspects that policymakers should take into account to brake turnover, retain healthcare professionals and make health professions attractive again. Key messages • Work-life balance, opportunities for development, and meaning of work appeared to be reasons to stay in healthcare professions. • People thinking of leaving commented on staffing and their own health.

The role of the socio-professional characteristics of university professors in the implementation of sustainability

Purpose In a context of growing concern about the environmental and social crisis, education for sustainability has emerged as a key educational approach to address these challenges. University education plays a crucial role in training professionals who are aware of and committed to sustainability. This study aims to examine the impact of the socio-professional characteristics of university professors on the awareness and implementation of sustainability in teaching and research. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the academics’ statements through a survey to describe the degree of awareness and implementation of sustainability at the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU) and evaluates the influence that certain socio-professional variables can have on their commitment to sustainability. For this purpose, the paper proposes the use of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Findings The research reveals that UPV/EHU is in the first phases of implementation of sustainability, indicating a low overall implementation. Therefore, it is proposed to promote internal awareness about sustainability, promote teacher training, integrate sustainability competencies in academic programs and promote research in areas with less scientific production related to sustainability, with emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and gender equality to achieve greater integration of sustainability in the university. In the case of the UPV/EHU, the sustainable development champions fulfill the profile of a female professor, with full-time dedication and whose disciplinary area is a minority. Research limitations/implications This research has an individual framework and a static nature, and the results should be interpreted only in their context. Future research should have a national framework, a longitudinal nature and a broader range of university institutional agents. Another limitation of this methodology is the question coding process (Likert scales), which opens a wide range of subjectivity for the researcher. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that measures the degree of implementation of sustainability at the UPV/EHU with the aim of specifying its efforts in the implementation and promotion of sustainability.

Association Between education and walking speed: counterfactual mediation analysis in favor of a motor reserve hypothesis.

We quantified the extent to which the association between education and fast walking speed (FWS) is explained by 17 mediators (cardiovascular risk factors/diseases, comorbidities, health behaviours, socio-professional characteristics, cognition), and examined whether mediators interact with education, in favor of a reserve hypothesis. Cross-sectional analyses are based on Constances (population-based study of French adults 45-69y). 3m-FWS was measured using photoelectric cells. Education was categorized as lower/higher. After multiple imputation of missing values, we used counterfactual mediation models for multiple mediators allowing for education×mediator interactions, to estimate the total effect (TE), total indirect effect (TIE), and mediated interaction (IMD) of lower education on FWS. Analyses are based on 71,222 participants (52.6% women; mean age=57.2y; 27.2% higher education; mean FWS=180.2cm/s). In joint mediation analyses, the TE of lower education was -8.19cm/s (95% confidence interval [CI]=-8.87;-7.51), with a TIE of -5.76cm/s (95%CI=-6.10;-5.41; proportion mediated=70.3%, 95%CI=65.6;75.0). The IMD was negative (-2.52, 95%CI=-3.31;-1.72); 30.8% of the TE and 43.8% of the TIE were attributable to the IMD. Several mediators explain a large part of the association between lower education and slower FWS. The detrimental effect of mediators was more pronounced in participants with lower than in those with higher education, in agreement with a reserve hypothesis.

Musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial risks among electricians

IntroductionThere is a growing concern about the link between musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and psychosocial risk (PSR) among electricians. Both MSD and PSR represent a threat to the electrician’s health, quality of life and productivity.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the link between PSR and MSD among electricians.MethodsThe study was conducted in a group from an electricity society. Data were gathered between January-June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire evaluating socio-professional characteristics, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire during the previous year and the validated French version of the questionnaire KARASEK.ResultsOur study included 68 male electricians. The mean age was 39.2 ± 10.3 years. The average job tenure was 16± 11.4 years. According to the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, 50% of participants experienced pain during the last 12 months.About half of the electricians had high psychological demand (48.5%), 63.2% had a low latitude, and 76.5% had low social support. According to the Karasek model, tense electricians accounted for 26.5% and assets 22.1%. MSDs were associated with high psychological demand at work (p = 0.02).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that PSR and MSDs are associated among electricians and are highly prevalent. They represent an important concern of the occupational and safety health system. The prevention of MSD should take into account the specific working conditions of electricians to reduce their exposure to psychosocial risk factors in the workplace.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Low back pain and perceived psychological workload among electricians

IntroductionLow back pain (LBP) is a serious threat to electricians. It is well known that LBP is associated with physical strain. But the impact of psychological workload on the occurrence of LBP needs further investigation.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the link between LBP and perceived psychological workload among electricians.MethodsThe study was conducted with a sample of workers from a Tunisian Electricity society. Data were gathered between January-June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire during the last 12 months and the last 7 days. To assess the perceived workload, we used the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). In this study, we evaluated raw NASA-TLX scores.Results Our study included 68 male electricians. The mean age was 39.2 ± 10.3 years. The average job tenure was 16± 11.4 years. According to the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, 32.4% of participants reported low back pain during the last 12 months. Thirty participants (19.1%) had low back pain during the last 7 days. The mean score of mental demand, physical demand, performance, effort, frustration level and temporal demand were respectively 88.2±14.3, 61.1±24, 84.8±13.3, 82.6±14.5, 35.8±29.2 and 60.4±28.8. The frustration level was associated with the presence of LBP during the last 12 months and the last 7 days (p<0.05).Conclusions From the results of this study, we conclude that LBP was associated with the perceived psychological workload. Hence, the prevention of LBP should go through the improvement of work conditions to enhance the mental health of the electricians.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Prevalence and factors associated with smoking among university staff

Introduction Smoking among university professionals could influence student smoking behavior, making it important to understand the associated factors to prevent this phenomenon.Objectives To determine the prevalence of smoking among University staff in Sfax, Tunisia, and identify its associated factors.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to 100 university staff. The questionnaire included socio-professional characteristics, assessment of physical workload using the Borg CR-10 scale, and evaluation of nicotine dependence using the Fagerström test.ResultsOur study included 62 participants, with 67.7% of them being women. Active smoking was reported by 50% of male participants. We observed symptoms of severe to very severe depression, anxiety, and stress in 6.4%, 22.5%, and 9.7% of our participants, respectively. Nicotine dependence, as assessed by the Fagerström test, was high to very high in half of the smokers. Bivariate analysis indicated a significant association between smoking and male gender, perceived workload (33.9%), and body mass index.Conclusions Smoking among university staff is a prevalent phenomenon, especially among male participants. The association of smoking with perceived workload suggests the need for preventive measures to reduce these physical constraints. It is paramount to take actions to encourage smoking cessation among university staff.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Low back pain and psychological distress according to the job tenure among electricians

IntroductionLow back pain (LBP) is common among electricians caused by work conditions. Even when symptoms are short-term and not medically serious, LBP can be associated with psychological distress.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the link between LBP and psychological distress according to the job tenure among electricians.Methods The study was conducted in a group from a Tunisian Electricity society. Data were gathered between January-June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire during the last 12 months and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). Our population was divided into two groups according to job tenure. The first group (G1) consisted of electricians with less than ten years of job tenure and the second (G2) consisted of electricians with more than ten years of seniority.ResultsG1 consisted of 10 participants with a mean age of 30.6 ± 6.7 years and with average job tenure of 3.3 ± 1.1 years. G2 consisted of 64 participants with a mean age of 40.7 ± 10.3 years and average job tenure of 17.4 ± 10.9 years. According to the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, LBP during the last 12 months was present in the first and the second group in 30.8% and 14.3% of participants, respectively.The proportion of respondents with high levels of psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater) in the first and the second groups was 10 % and 9.4% of participants, respectively. The presence of low back pain during the last 12 months was significantly associated with a high score of K6 in the second group (p < 0.05).ConclusionsFrom the results of this study, we conclude that LBP was associated with psychological distress when the job tenure is high. Therefore, the prevention of LBP should go through programmes to build ergonomically safe working conditions to enhance the mental health of electricians.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Psychiatric disorders in professional drivers and fitness for work

IntroductionThe driver’s job is a safety job requiring a meticulous neuropsychological assessment, which can affect the decision on fitness to drive. Professional driving benefits from codified regulations concerning neuropsychological disorders.ObjectivesTo describe the socio-professional characteristics of drivers with psychiatric illnessesTo specify the impact of these pathologies on decisions on fitness for workMethodsRetrospective descriptive study of drivers with psychiatric disorders who consulted the occupational pathology and fitness for work department of the Charles Nicolle Hospital for fitness for work assessment during the period from January 2016 to January 2023.ResultsOut of 98 drivers who consulted our department for an aptitude assessment, nine (n=9) patients had a psychiatric disorder. The average age was 45±7 years. They were all men. They were bus (n=7), light car (n=1), and lorry (n=1) drivers. They belonged to the transport (n=7) and service (n=2) sectors. Length of service ranged from one year to 35 years. The pathologies presented by the patients were: anxiety-depressive disorder (n=7) , bipolar disorder (=1) and drug-addiction (n=1). They were being treated with antidepressants (n=7), anxiolytics (n=3), and thymoregulators (n=1). The medico-legal decision was to avoid professional driving (n=7) and to avoid professional driving at night (n=2).Conclusionspsychiatric illnesses can compromise fitness to work. The role of the occupational physician in the primary and secondary prevention of people at risk is important.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Protective action in the workplace in the time of COVID-19: The role of worker representation.

This study addresses the contribution of worker representation to health and safety in the pandemic context. To do so, we examine whether the self-reported presence of representatives in workplaces is associated with the implementation of anti-COVID-19 protective action and with which type of measures their existence is most strongly associated (individual, collective or organizational). The article also explores how the presence of worker representatives and anti-COVID-19 protective measures are distributed according to workers' socio-professional characteristics and company features. This is a cross-sectional study based on an online survey conducted in Spain (n = 19,452 workers). Multiple Correspondence Analysis was used for the multivariate description while the association between worker representation and protective measures was assessed by robust Poisson regressions. The maps resulting from the Multiple Correspondence Analysis allow for the identification of patterns of inequalities in protection, with a clear occupational social class divide. The regression models show that protective measures are applied more frequently where worker representatives exist, this association being particularly strong in relation to organizational measures. The presence of worker representation is systematically associated with a greater presence of protective measures, which could have implications for the reduction of social inequalities resulting from labor-management practices.

THE PERCEPTION OF CORPORATE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: INVESTIGATING THE EMPLOYEE PERSPECTIVE

This paper endeavors to assess the overall level of employees’ perception of corporate sustainable development (CSD) across its three defining dimensions – economic, social, and environmental. Variations in the perceived significance based on individual and professional characteristics among employees are additionally identified. The research methodology involves conducting Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on the information collected from a survey distributed to employees of companies operating in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector within Romania’s Western region. The findings affirm a direct, restrictive and positive impact of employees’ socio-professional characteristics on their perception of CSD.

The impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on health and working conditions of Swiss bus drivers

IntroductionFor decades, bus drivers (BDs) have been recognized as one of the most exposed occupational groups worldwide. Yet, BDs’ health issues have not attracted sufficient attention. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, BDs were part of essential workers and experienced additional occupational exposures related to the pandemic crisis. MethodWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study among Swiss BDs to assess the impact of these exposures on their working and health conditions. The latter were treated as dichotomous variables, assessed using a self-administered online questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed via all three unions active in the public transport sector in Switzerland since 40% of BDs are unionized. Data were analyzed using linear and logistic regression models adjusted for socio-professional and demographic characteristics of BDs. ResultsThe study sample included 916 participants. The overall response rate was 21%. The average age was 48.2 years (SD = 9.7) and the driving seniority was 11.5 years (SD = 9.7). Most BDs felt sufficiently protected. However, 58% and 42% of BDs, respectively, had to replace their colleagues on short notice and worked extra hours. For 41% of BDs, these constraints negatively impacted their physical or mental health. BDs graded their companies' management of SARS-CoV-2 crisis at 4.1 (SD = 1.2) on a 6-point scale. This grade was associated with shortening of rest phase and impact on health. Exposure and its impact on health varied across geographic regions and unions. In Eastern Switzerland, BDs' satisfaction rates were lower than in Espace Mitteland and with a stronger pandemic impact on working conditions and health. Part-time work was associated with lower pandemic impact and higher BD's satisfaction rate regarding working conditions. ConclusionAssessment of BDs’ work conditions and their changes associated with the pandemic is necessary to insure a better crisis management in the future, especially in regions and unions with low satisfaction rates.

Epidemiology and Sensitivity to Antibiotics of Uropathogenic Bacteria in Patients at the CHU Ignace Deen National Hospital in Conakry, Guinea

Introduction: Urinary tract infections are caused by the colonisation of the various organs of the urinary tract by microorganisms.
 Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antibiotic sensitivity of bacteria isolated from urinary tract infections and improve the health care of patients with urinary tract infections.
 Methods: This is a prospective, cross-sectional descriptive study that took place over three months, from 2 February to 2 May 2022.
 Results: Bacterial identifications showed a predominance of Escherichia coli (E. coli) with 52%, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) with 13%, Enteroccus spp., with 9%, Enterobacter cloacae complex (E. cloacae) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with 8% each. and the other germs are weakly represented. The antibiogram showed that certain antibiotics were active on the majority of strains, including imipenem (75%), cefoxitin (65%) and ertapenem (64%), amikacin (61%). All age groups were affected by urinary tract infections with a predominance in the age group of 51 years and over (54%), and 25 to 50 years are the most represented in our study with respectively 54% and 28%. The Marital Status shows that Married people were mostly exposed to urinary tract infections with a prevalence of 78%. The distribution according to socio-professional characteristics showed that Housewives were the most represented (30%). The majority of infected patients came from the Commune of Ratoma (35%).
 Conclusion: Urinary tract infections are a major public health problem whose health management necessarily involves an antibiogram and possibly the monitoring of hematological parameters.

The first all-union meeting of workers and female stakhanovites and discussions on the industrialization during the mid 1930s

The article analyzes the materials of the first All-Union meeting of workers and female Stakhanovites, held in Moscow on November 14-17, 1935. The systematization of the speeches of the participants of the meeting is given by socio-professional characteristics; by the degree of reflection of the state of affairs in a particular industry; by the quality of the proposed ways to solve problems. The evolution of managers' views on the possibilities and role of the Stakhanov movement is traced. For the People's Commissariat of Heavy Industry and the director's corps, a possible prospect was a general systematic professional development of workers, including the transfer of experience at Stakhanov courses and at Stakhanov schools.

Epidemiological profile of occupational risks associated with artisanal burning of plastic materials in Parakou

Burning plastic releases toxic fumes and gases. More and more people engage in the professional activity of welding plastic parts by fusion in Benin. Hence the need for this study. To assess the frequency of the various occupational risks associated with the welding of plastic materials by burning in Parakou. A cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytical study focused on plastic welders in Parakou. The data was collected using a questionnaire. The variables studied were accidents at work, occupational diseases, and socio-professional characteristics. The data was analyzed by Epi info version 7.2.1.0. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. A total of 137 subjects were surveyed. They were all male. Almost all of them were victims of accidents at work. The lesions were mainly on the fingers (99%) and feet (99%). The most expressed morbid manifestations were musculoskeletal disorders (98%), rhinitis (87%), cough (79%), tearing (98%) and conjunctival hyperemia (93%). Plastic welding in Parakou is a high health risk activity for craftsmen. It is urgent to take protective measures for these craftsmen.

Calibration method for an open source model to simulate building energy at territorial scale

In a context of massive renovation of residential housing, stakeholders need decision-support tools based on knowledge of the current building stock and an accurate simulation of energy demand. For this purpose, we developed a val- idation/calibration method on a territorial/national scale in order to represent the real consumption of housing. This methodological approach provides (1) more reliable identification of energy-saving measures (changes in technology or behaviour) and (2) improved knowledge of the energy simulation tool and its post-calibration performance for optimisation issues. The main contribution of the calibration method described in this paper is the geographical scale concerned: all French residential housing has been modelled, simulated and calibrated with national data (geometries and attributes) on buildings. Furthermore, some occupants' socio-professional characteristics have been taken into account to reflect their actual energy behaviours. This is different from traditional approaches that focus only on a few buildings or archetypes. This paper also describes the application of this methodology on an Open Source simulation software in order to be easily verifiable and usable. This linear model will also be used to optimise renovation solutions at territorial scale in future work. All data used in this paper are Open Data and thus available to the scientific community. This method enabled more than 18 million buildings to be calibrated while reducing the Normalized Root Mean Square Error, between simulated and real energy annual consumption, from 52% to 24% for gas and from 24% to 15% for electricity. In addition, the user of the method is free to prioritise either the maximum error reduction or the number of calibration coefficients if a simpler model is desired. This paper also discusses the results obtained from this method for future improvement.

MEDICAL FITNESS IN WORKERS WITH PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

IntroductionMental health disorders are among the most burdensome health concerns in the world; it affects more than 970 million people in 2019. These disorders deteriorate all aspects of life, especially the professional field, impacting mainly physical capability, daily functioning, and productivity among the working-age population.ObjectivesTo study the socio-professional and medical characteristics of workers with psychiatric disorders and to assess the repercussions of these pathologies on work ability.MethodsA descriptive and retrospective study included all the medical files of workers with psychiatric disorders who were referred to the occupational medicine department at Charles Nicolle Hospital for a medical opinion of fitness for work during the period from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2020.ResultsThe average age of the 224 cases collected was 41.74± [25-60 years] with a sex ratio of 0.67. The average professional seniority was 13.4 years±8.27 years. The most common occupational sectors were health (38.1%) and communication (20.2%). The patients were mainly suffering from either an anxiety-depressive disorder (36.6%) or psychosis (11.6%). These included 21 cases of bipolar disorder, 21 cases of schizophrenia, two cases of chronic hallucinatory psychosis and 3 cases of delusional psychosis. Forty-three patients were fit to continue working, 133 patients were fit with restrictions and twenty-six were unfitted to work.A professional reclassification was recommended for 37 patients in positions with a lower mental load. One employee suffering from advanced schizophrenia was offered early retirement on grounds of disability. Permanent unfitness was pronounced in 11.6% of cases.ConclusionsThe impact of mental disorders on cognitive abilities can be so significant as to result in temporary or permanent unfitness for work. However, the decision of medical fitness for work for the same psychiatric pathology may vary from one individual to another and from one workstation to another.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Neuropsychological effects of occupational exposure to organic solvents: A study of 37 cases

IntroductionOccupational exposure to organic solvents can have multiple health effects for exposed employees.Neuropsychic effects represent an important part of these effects and have a significant impact on patients’ ability to workObjectives-To describe the socio-professional and medical characteristics of workers exposed to organic solvents-To screen among the study population for neuropsychological effects related to an organic psychosyndrome using the Q16 questionnaire.MethodsA retrospective descriptive study of workers exposed to organic solvents, who were referred to the occupational medicine department of Charles Nicolle Hospital in Tunis for a medical assessment of their fitness for work over the period from 2016 to 2022. The socio-professional data were collected from the medical records. The Swedish Q16 questionnaire in its French version was used to screen for neuropsychological signs of organic psycho-syndrome.ResultsA total of 37 workers were included. The mean age was 45.38 ± 8.63 years with a clear male predominance (77%). The mean occupational seniority was 21.39 ± 11.11 years. The average duration of the occupational exposure to organic solvents was 18.25 ± 11.29 years. The most represented sectors of activity were the plastics industry (11%), the automotive industry (19%), the carpentry sector (14%) and the aeronautics sector (9%). Our population was represented by polyvalent workers in 49% of cases and by painter in 24% of cases. Psychiatric history was noted in only one case. The main functional signs reported by the workers were wheezing dyspnea with breathing difficulties (13%) and headaches (11%).The Q16 questionnaire was found to be positive in 65% of the cases, with a higher rate of positivity for the items relating to unusual fatigue (73%), irritability for no particular reason (67%), short memory (64%) and headaches (58%). Acquired dyschromatopsia detected by a Lanthony test was found in 39% of the cases, 23% of which was associated with a positive Q16 questionnaire. Additional exploration by specific psychotechnical tests was carried out in five cases, all of which came back positive with significant attentional and cognitive impairment.A declaration of an occupational disease according to the Table n°23 (Halogenated derivatives of aliphatic hydrocarbons) and Table n°40 (other liquid organic solvents for professional use) of the Tunisian list of occupational diseases eligible for compensation was made in three and two cases respectively. A definitive exemption from exposure to organic solvents was indicated for all workers with a positive Q16 questionnaire.ConclusionsExposure to organic solvents is a risk encountered in various occupational sectors. Thus, education of the employees to the dangers encountered with a reinforcement of the collective and individual technical protection means are essential in order to avoid their detrimental effects on health.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Satisfaction at work as a determinant of the mental health of electricians

IntroductionThe workplace environment influences employees’ health. Authors widely recognise job dissatisfaction as a workplace. Work satisfaction can influence employees’ psychological health statuses.ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the impact of satisfaction at work on the mental health of electricians.MethodsThe study concerned a group of electricians who agreed to answer a face-to-face interview concerning working conditions and mental health status. Data was collected using a pre-designed questionnaire that included socio-professional characteristics, a 10-point scale of job satisfaction, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) between January and June 2022.ResultsOur study included 74 male electricians. The mean age was 39.3 ± 10.5 years. The average job tenure was 15.5 ± 11.2 years. The mean score of K6 was 5.4±4.8 (range = 0–22). The proportion of respondents with high levels of psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater) was 9.5 %. The mean score of satisfaction at work was 7.7±1.8. Low satisfaction at work was correlated with high levels of psychological distress (p = 0.012; r = -0.29).ConclusionsHigh job satisfaction was correlated with low levels of psychological distress. Policies and practices should focus on improving working conditions to enhance the mental health of employees.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The association between the well-being and workability among university staff during the COVID‑19 pandemic

IntroductionThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on educational systems and the well-being of the university staff. The mental health of university staff can affect their ability to work.ObjectivesOur study aimed to assess the association between the well-being of university staff and their workability during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study among university staff in Sfax, Tunisia. We collected data between September and October 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, the Work Ability Score (WAS) and the Arabic version of the Mental Health Continuum-Short form.ResultsOur sample was composed of 62 university staff. The respondents’ mean age was 51.4±6.7 years and 67.7% were female. The average job tenure was 17.9 ± 8 years. The mean score of WAS was 7.5±1.8. The mean scores of emotional well-being, social well-being and psychological well-being were 8.5±4.2, 12.6±6.1, and 19.9±7.3, respectively. Sixty-one per cent of participants reported languishing to moderate mental health, and 39% % were flourishing. The workability of participants was significantly associated with their well-being (p = 0.04).ConclusionsHaving good mental health improves the worker’s ability to work. Taking care of mental health is crucial to guarantee better efficacy at work.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The impact of perceived exertion on satisfaction with life among power line workers

IntroductionThe power line workers have a heavy physical workload. It is essential to know the impact of this perceived exertion on their satisfaction with life to improve their mental health.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the associations between perceived exertion at work and satisfaction with life among power line workers.MethodsWe conducted a study among a group of power line workers from January to June 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire. We evaluated socio-professional characteristics, physical exertion with the Borg CR-10, and the satisfaction with life scale (SWLS).ResultsSeventy-four male line workers participated in the study. They were married in 67.6% of cases. The mean age was 39.3 ± 10.5 years. The average job tenure was 15.5 ± 11.2 years. The mean of perceived exertion was 6.1±1.9. High to very high exertion was found in 73% of participants. The mean score of satisfaction with life was 26.8 ±6.5. Five (12.6%) participants were dissatisfied to extremely dissatisfied. Fifty-six (75.9%) participants were satisfied to extremely satisfied. High perceived exertion was correlated with higher satisfaction with the lives of line workers (p = 0.03, r = 0.24).ConclusionsPower line workers with high perceived exertion were more satisfied with their lives. This can be explained by the positive impact of work on the lives of workers. The work environment is paramount to ensuring good mental health.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared