Associations between psychosocial factors and work ability in a Tunisian electricity and gas company

Abstract

Introduction 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. Objectives This study aimed to explore psychosocial determinants of work ability among workers in a Tunisian electricity and gas company. Methods 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. Results 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). Conclusions 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. Disclosure of Interest None Declared