Job satisfaction is a fundamental pillar of the modern workplace. Recognizing the significance of job satisfaction and actively promoting it has become a strategic imperative in today’s work environment.

The present study aimed to assess job satisfaction and work ability among workers in a confectionery factory.

A cross-sectional study conducted in a Sfax confectionery factory included 200 workers. Data were collected between December 2022 and July 2023 using a pre-established questionnaire. This questionnaire encompassed an evaluation of socio-demographic and professional data, measuring the degree of professional satisfaction and the level of work ability using a visual analogue scale ranging from 0 to 10.

The gender ratio was 0.64. The mean age was 33.2 ± 8.8 years. Among our workers, 77.5% reported being satisfied with their work. The average perceived work ability score was 8.15 ± 2.087. Employees with higher levels of satisfaction were more likely to have increased work capacity (p = 0.000). Elevated job satisfaction not only boosts work capacity but can also reduce stress levels, improve overall mental well-being, and contribute to a healthier workplace environment. These factors collectively lead to higher work ability.

These findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing employee well-being to enhance overall productivity and company success. Fostering a work environment that prioritizes job satisfaction can lead to a more productive and successful workplace.

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Low 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.

This study aimed to assess the link between LBP and perceived psychological workload among electricians.

The 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.

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).

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.

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Mental health is a critical factor influencing employee well-being and performance in companies. However, many factors within professional environments can either positively or negatively impact employees’ psychological well-being.

This study aims to assess mental health among workers in a confectionery factory and its association with job satisfaction.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among workers in a private confectionery in Sfax. Questionnaires and workplace assessments were collected over a period from December 2022 to July 2023 using a pre-established questionnaire. Mental health assessment was performed using the 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Questionnaire (DASS21). The degree of job satisfaction was assessed using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 10.

Our study included 200 participants, with 61% being female. Severe to very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 4.5%, 17%, and 10.5% of our participants, respectively. Among our workers, 22.5% reported being not very satisfied or not satisfied. Bivariate analysis revealed lower levels of satisfaction among the most anxious (p = 0.000), the most depressed (p = 0.000), and the most stressed (p = 0.000) workers.

The decline in mental health is closely linked to job dissatisfaction. Implementing measures to enhance employee job satisfaction and providing adequate support resources for mental well-being are essential steps to promote a healthier workplace and improve employee well-being.

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In operating rooms, the routine use of radiological procedures is commonplace. However, this essential tool brings about significant concerns for healthcare workers due to the associated radiological risks. Understanding healthcare workers’ attitudes and perceptions about ionizing radiation is crucial for addressing these concerns.

This study aims to assess the perceptions and concerns of healthcare workers regarding radiation risks and their practices in the operating room.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in February and March 2023 among the operating room staff of Habib Bourguiba University Hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. We used a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-professional data. Self-assessment of exposure risk and protection level against ionizing radiation was evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10, and attitudes were assessed using a 5-item Likert scale.

Our study population consisted of 92 healthcare workers, with 54.3% being male. When asking operating room workers about the availability, accessibility, and quality of lead aprons, the median scores were 3 (IQR [0;6.5]), 2 (IQR [0;5]), and 2 (IQR [0;5]), respectively. The median self-assessment score for exposure risk was 8 (IQR [5.5; 10]), while the median self-assessment score for protection against ionizing radiation was 1 (IQR [0;3]). Sixty percent of the population had limited knowledge of the harmful effects of ionizing radiation, with a median self-assessment knowledge score of 1.5 (IQR [0;3]). Sixty-two percent reported concerns regarding radiological risks. In terms of practices, 44.5% of the staff maintained a distance from the radiation source during intraoperative radiography, and 21.7% used the apron for protection. Dosimeters were not used by any of the participants. Concerns level was associated with self-assessment of exposure risk (p = 0.027).

In conclusion, awareness of the risks generates anxiety and concern among staff; however, it alone is insufficient to alter our practices. This underscores the imperative for a proactive approach in implementing robust safety measures and comprehensive training programs.

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In the workplace, a smoke-free environment is crucial to guaranteeing the health of workers and those around them. Understanding the relationship between smoking and work is a prerequisite for implementing effective tobacco control measures.

To assess the prevalence of smoking in an electricity and gas company in Sfax and to determine the relationship between workers’ nicotine dependence and perceived workload.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey evaluating the smoking behavior of 100 employees of an electricity and gas company. The survey was carried out from July to December 2022 using a two-part questionnaire. The first part was completed by the participants, and the second was administered by the interviewer. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test, while perceived workload was evaluated using the raw NASA-TLX questionnaire.

Our study population consisted of 82 male participants. Active smoking was reported by 45.1% of participants. Among smokers, 40.5% had moderate to high nicotine dependence as assessed by the Fagerström test. According to the raw NASA-TLX questionnaire, the mean scores for mental, physical, and temporal demands were 88.8±13.5, 63.6±24.7, and 59.1±28.4, respectively. The mean scores for effort, performance, and frustration were 83.8±14, 85.4±13.1, and 34.5±28.1, respectively. Bivariate analysis indicated an inverse correlation between nicotine dependence and physical demands at work. However, a significant positive correlation was found between nicotine dependence and frustration at work.

Smoking among electricity and gas company workers is a prevalent issue, highlighting the urgent need for smoking cessation interventions. The association of smoking with perceived workload underscores the importance of preventive measures to reduce work-related stress.

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Among young medical practitioners, the exigencies of daily practice entail many challenges concerning both physical and mental dimensions. The study of the interplay between these two dimensions is crucial to provide the necessary care for this population.

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of back pain and its association with mental health issues in young medical practitioners.

A cross-sectional study (January to April 2023) was conducted in the university interns and residents from Sfax. The Nordic questionnaire was used to evaluate back pain. The Generalized-Anxiety-Disorder (GAD -7) and the Patient-Health-Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to assess signs of anxiety and depression respectively.

Our population consisted of 404 young doctors. One-hundred and twenty were males with a sex-ratio of 0.42. Among them, 76 (18.8%) had surgical specialties. Mean age was 28.03±2.89, BMI’s mean was 23.65±3.98. Medical history was reported by 29.2% and psychiatric history by 4.9%. The median of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 score were 3.5 (IQ: [1;6]) and 2 (IQ: [0; 5]). Signs of depression were found in 11.1% of the population whereas anxiety was found in 8.4% of them. Sixty-seven residents (16.6%) reported having back pain in the previous year. Neck pain, upper-back pain and lower back pain were experienced by 8.7%, 6.4% and 10.1% respectively.

Bivariate analysis showed that back pain was associated with PHQ-9 score (p=0.006), GAD-7 score (p=0.018) and it was not associated with BMI (p=0.769) neither with surgical specialties (p=0.824). Lower Back pain was associated with GAD-7 score (p=0.004).

Our study highlights the link between back pain and mental health problems in young doctors. Interventions englobing a better understanding of these two facets are needed to ensure an optimal care for this young population.

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Low 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.

This study aimed to assess the link between LBP and psychological distress according to the job tenure among electricians.

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.

G1 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).

From 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.

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Smoking among university professionals could influence student smoking behavior, making it important to understand the associated factors to prevent this phenomenon.

To determine the prevalence of smoking among University staff in Sfax, Tunisia, and identify its associated factors.

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.

Our 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.

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.

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There 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.

This study aimed to assess the link between PSR and MSD among electricians.

The 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.

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, 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).

This 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.

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Medical studies are known for being difficult and hard. They require a lot of dedication and hard work from students. This takes a toll on their mental health over the years.

Detect signs of anxiety, depression, and stress levels in 5th-year medical students.

This study was cross-sectional through a self-administered pre-established questionnaire for medical students during September and October 2022. We used the General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). The satisfaction level with the choice of the medical field as a career was assessed on a scale ranging from 1 to 10.

Our population consisted of 54 5th-year medical students. The average age was 22.94±0.78 and 64.8% were female. All our population were singles. Active smokers represented 9.3% and alcohol consumption was reported by 9.3% of the participants. More than half of the population (51.9%) had a regular leisure activity. Most of the students had no medical history (72.2%) or psychiatric history (94.4%). The mean satisfaction level from choosing the medical field was 7.43±1.84. The mean GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores were respectively 3.50±3.80 and 4.70±4.42. The PSS-10 score had a mean of 14.07±5.29. Five students (7.4%) presented self-harm thoughts. Students who were less satisfied with their choice of the medical field as a career had significantly higher scores of PHQ-9 (p<0.001), GAD-7 (p=0.004) and PSS-10 (p=.042).

Medical studies are the first step for these young doctors in their professional careers, which presents further psychological stressors. More attention towards the mental health of this population is needed to properly prepare them for their future.

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A growing body of literature has documented that obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with an increased risk of depressive disorders.

This study aimed to determine whether depression is associated with OSAS.

This was a descriptive prospective comparative study conducted over two years among patients with OSAS. Excessive daytime sleepiness was assessed by the Epworth Sleepiness Score (SES). The presence and intensity of depressive symptoms were screened using the Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ9. Data were analysed using SPSS software.

A total of 139 patients participated in the survey with an average age of 48.98 ± 9.80 years. According to the SES, the study population was divided into two groups: a group including 70 subjects with normal SES (< 11); and a group including 69 subjects with pathological SES (≥11). The PHQ9 depression score was higher in sleepy subjects with SES ≥ 11 compared to non-sleepless subjects; the difference being very highly significant (PHQ9=11.97 ± 4.99 and 6.54 ± 5.27 respectively; p=0.0000). The frequency of mild to moderate depressive disorders was found to be greater in non-sleepy subjects (94.3% and 78.3% respectively; p=0.007). For moderately severe to severe depression, their frequency was more marked in sleepy subjects (21.7% and 5.7% respectively; p=0.007).

Depressive disorders constitute a major comorbidity in OSAS. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the quality of these patients’ health by the early detection of the symptoms of overlapping OSAS and depression.

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Working in a care setting is characterised by an increased mental and physical load. During their professional life, personnel in this sector can develop essentially degenerative pathologies, which could influence their professional career as well as their psychological balance.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic pathologies on the prevalence of anxiety and depression among this group.

We conducted a cross-sectional study in hospitals in Sfax using a self-administered questionnaire. This questionnaire evaluated socio-demographic, professional, and clinical characteristics as well as an evaluation of the degree of anxiety and depression by the HAD questionnaire.

Our population consisted of 120 participants. The average age was 37 years, with a female predominance (a sex ratio of 0.69). The chronic pathologies found in the participants were mainly diabetes (18%), high blood pressure (4%), and rheumatic disease (6.7%). The average anxiety score was 8.18± 3.5 and that of depression was 9.02± 3.5. Certain depressive and anxious signs were found in 28.4% and 23.6% of participants, respectively. Although the average scores for anxiety and depression were higher in the subgroup of personnel with chronic pathologies (respectively, 9.8 versus 9.04 and 9.3 versus 8.46), these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Physical and mental health are both important to ensure a balanced life. Having good control of somatic illness can improve mental health.

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Low back pain (LBP) is common among healthcare workers (HCWs) caused by providing patient care by bending forward for long durations. Even when symptoms are short-term and not medically serious, LBP can be associated with psychological distress.

This study aimed to assess the impact of low back pain on mental health among HCWs.

The study was conducted in a group of HCWs from Hedi Chaker hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. Data were gathered between March-August 2022 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6).

Our study included 74 HCWs. The mean age was 39,3 ± 10,5 years. The average job tenure was 15,5 ± 11,2 years. According to the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, 29.7% of participants had low back pain during the last 12 months. Thirty participants (17.6%) had low back pain during the last 7 days. 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 presence of low back pain during the last 12 months and the last 7 days was significantly associated with a high score of K6 (p = 0.008 and p = 0.01 respectively).

Low back pain was associated with psychological distress. Occupational health and safety programs should focus on building ergonomically safe working conditions to enhance the mental health of the HCWs.

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Occupational injuries in the construction sector constitute an important health problem affecting workers in their most productive years. The professional environment influences the outcomes of these accidents. The impact of social support among this vulnerable population may explain the difference in terms of outcomes of occupational injury.

Evaluating the impact of social support in occupational injuries’ outcomes among construction workers.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted during 9 months among construction sector workers victim of an occupational injury consulting for an Impairment Rating Evaluation and working. Socio-professional data and the accident’ outcomes were collected. Social support was evaluated by the Social Support Scale. The pain was evaluated by a Visual Analogue Scale.

Out of 51 injured workers, 96.1% were male. The mean age was 43.66 ± 10.79 years. The majority of accidents took place in 2020 (49%). Upper arm injuries represented 41.2% of injured sites. The mean pain scale was 6.98±1.69 and the mean length of absence was 227.88 days±292.23. A proportion of 9.8 % had Low social support. Twenty-three subjects (45.1%) had not returned to work. Low social support was associated with a perception of stigma and discrimination (p=0.000), negative outlook of the future (p=0.003), low job satisfaction (p=0.000) and non-return to work (p=0.009). No association was found with pain, length of absence and sleep disorders.

Social support may influence occupational injury outcomes. This finding highlights the need for further examination of social factors among this vulnerable population.

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Work ability can be influenced by numerous factors, particularly psychosocial ones. These latter can be individual psychosocial factors but also psychosocial factors at the workplace.

This study aimed to explore psychosocial determinants of work ability among workers in a Tunisian electricity and gas company.

We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 83 male workers in a Tunisian electricity and gas company. We used a self-administered questionnaire that included socio-demographic profile, psychosocial factors assessment through the Job content questionnaire (JCQ) and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS software. We used the student’s test to compare means between two groups.

The mean WAI score among workers in the studied electricity and gas company was 8.96 (SD=1.37). At the time of the survey, one person out of 3 among the participants suffered from a psychological distress (37.3% with a GHQ-12 score ≥ 3). These Workers had a weaker work ability compared to those with not (p=0.033). We found also that having low social support and passive jobs were associated with low work ability (p=0.003 and p=0.005 respectively).

Most personal and occupational psychosocial factors had significant associations with WAI in the studied company. Thus, enhancing the psychosocial environment in the workplace can promote work ability in such occupations.

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a peak of occupational dermatoses associated with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) among healthcare workers (HCWs). The resulting dermatological damage might have an impact on the quality of life.

We aimed to evaluate the dermatological life quality of the HCWs due to PPE use.

The study was conducted in a group of HCWs from Hedi Chaker hospital in Sfax, Tunisia. Data were gathered between march and may 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, evaluation of skin lesions, evaluation of the infection-prevention practices and the Arabic version of the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).

Our sample was composed of 190 HCWs. The respondents’ mean age was 32.5 ± 6.5 years and 54.7% were female. The average job tenure was 6.6 ± 5.8 years. Doctors represented 22.1 %, nurses 13.6% and cleaning staff 64.3 % of participants. The prevalence of skin lesions due to PPE among HCWs was 51.6%. The mean time of mask use was 15.4 ± 9.1 hours. The daily hand washing frequency was >10 times/day in 85.3 % of participants. The mean DLQI score was 3.3 ± 4.3. According to this index, it was found that these skin lesions had no effect, small effects, moderate effects and very large effects on the lives of 43.9%, 34.7%, 12.2%, and 9.2% of participants, respectively. The DLQI was correlated with hand washing frequency (p = 0.014, r = 0.204) and the time of mask use ( p = 0.038, r = 0.172).

Skin lesions among HCWs are frequent during the covid-19 pandemic. These lesions influence the quality of life of the HCWs. This risk gets higher with excessive preventive measures. It is critical to provide training on the prevention of skin lesions associated with PPE wearing and hand hygiene before and during the period of use of preventive measures.

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The 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.

We aimed to evaluate the associations between perceived exertion at work and satisfaction with life among power line workers.

We 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).

Seventy-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).

Power 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.

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Health workers faced many challenges during the Pandemic of COVID-19. Continuous work stress and workload may affect their physical and mental health.

The study aimed to evaluate mental health among healthcare workers after the four peaks of COVID-19.

We conducted a cross-sectional study on personnel working in a COVID-19 unit after four waves. We carried out a self-administrated questionnaire that included sociodemographic and professional data. To assess the level of depression, anxiety and stress symptoms we used the depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS 21).

The study included 69 healthcare workers. Their mean age was 31.7 ± 6.32 years and 52.2 % of them were male. Thirty-two per cent were technicians, 29% were administrators and 21,7% were nurses. Sixty-eight per cent had either direct or indirect contact with positive patients. The vast majority of them were vaccinated against SARS COV2 and 72,5 % received more than 1 dose. Regarding DASS-21, we found that 10,1% presented mild to moderate stress, 23% had mild to moderate anxiety and 16% had mild to moderate depression symptoms. Depression was correlated with the male gender (p=0.03).

Our study showed a regression in terms of stress levels, anxiety, and depression among healthcare workers after the fourth wave, announcing the amelioration of mental health in case the pandemic gets to its end. A tight follow-up remains needed.

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Risk evaluation is a global process covering different aspects of employee’s workandfamily life. Nowadays, psychosocial risks are as important as physical and chemical risks, and their identification isdeterminant in each workplace.

Our study aimed to assess psychosocial risks among Electricity and Gas Company’s employees and to identify factors related to these risks.

A cross sectional study was conducted among male workers in a Tunisian electricity and gas Company. The KRASEK scale was used to assess psychosocial risks. The Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 23.

Among male workers in the company, 83 employees participated in this study. The mean age of our population was 41.28 years± 12.12 years. Manuel labour was identified in 67.5% of cases. High psychological demands were reported by 63.9% of the employees. The assessment of decision latitude dimension identified low autonomy at work in 54.2% of cases. The mean social support scale was 23.73± 4.18. Job strain was identified among 32.5% of participants. Among employees in job strain, twenty-one subjects (77.8%) were affected in the technical division and 21.7% were in “iso strain”. Job strain and iso strain were associated with sedentary workers aged less than 45 years, p values were 0.006 (OR= 5.474; IC 95% [1.477-20.290]) and 0.010 (OR= 4.917; IC 95% [1.353-17.872]) respectively. However, Iso strain was negatively associated with being married (p=0.038) (0.0327 IC 95% [0.111-0.964]).

This study highlighted the importance of psychosocial risks in this company. The identification of these risks in the workplace may further help preventers to recommend proper interventions to offer employees a supportive work environment and to enhance their personal and professional well-being.

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The healthcare environment is a special work environment. It exposes the staff to physical and psychological constraints. Interns starting their careers during this pandemic were exposed to additional stressors in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We aimed to screen for depression and generalized anxiety disorder among medical interns during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We conducted a cross-sectional study, through a pre-established anonymous questionnaire for Tunisian medical interns. This questionnaire was shared online on social networks in April 2022. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) were used. The collected data were processed and analyzed by IBM SPSS statistics software.

Our population consisted of 82 interns. The average age was 25.47±1.84 and 76.8% were female. Sixty-one per cent of our population had priors of COVID-19 infection. The mean of the PHQ-9 score was 10.90±6.34. Only 12.2% had a normal PHQ-9 score and nearly one-third of interns had self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of moderate to severe depression were observed in 25.6% of interns. The mean of the GAD-7 score was 9.17±5.20. A further specialized evaluation was required in 39.1% of interns who scored 10 or greater. Bivariate analysis showed that the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were correlated (p=0.002, r= 0.78). They were not associated with sex, age, or medical history.

Medical interns, who just started their professional careers during an important COVID-19 wave, suffered greatly in terms of mental health. Serious attention and evaluation are needed for this fragile young category of healthcare professionals.

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