Healthcare-workers in medical imaging departments face a variety of professional challenges, including radiological risk, biomechanical constraints, and heavy workload. These cumulative constraints make the staff of these departments particularly vulnerable to stress.

The aim of this study was to evaluate perceived stress among radiology technicians and evaluate its associated factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among the staff of a medical imaging department in Sfax in April 2024 during periodic visits. The Perceived-Stress-Scale-10 (PSS-10) questionnaire was used to assess perceived stress. Radiation safety training level (TL), Radiation risk level (RL) and radiation protection level (PL) were auto-evaluated on a scale of 0 to 10.

Our population consisted of 32 paramedical staff, 80% of whom were radiology technicians. The median age was 37 with an interquartile range (IQR) [36; 43]. The sex ratio was 0.28. The median seniority in the job was 5.5 years IQR [4; 8]. The median TL, RL and PL were 3 IQR [2; 5], 6 IQR [5; 7] and 5 IQR [3; 6] respectively. The mean PSS-10 score was 19.3±4.9. In bivariate analysis, the PSS-10 score was inversely correlated with TL (r=-0.622; p=0.001), RL (r=-0.248; p=0.213) and correlated with PL (r=0.458; p=0.016).

Periodic visits in occupational medicine are an opportunity to detect perceived stress in this population and to strengthen their knowledge about radiation protection in order to ensure a healthier and safer working environment.

None Declared

Given the specific characteristics of their work positions, sewing machine operators (SMOs) represent a vulnerable population to musculoskeletal symptoms such as wrist pain in the leather and footwear sector.

This study aims to assess the association between wrist pain and occupational stress among SMOs.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among SMOs working in a shoe and leather factory. Data collection was carried out using Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews through a pre-established questionnaire. This questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic and professional data. We also assessed occupational stress using the validated French version of Job Content Questionnaire of Karasek.

The average age of SMOs (n = 145) was 35.2 ± 9.9 years, with extremes ranging from 18 to 59 years. A female predominance was noted (sex ratio of 0.25). The average seniority in the current position was 14.4 ± 9.9 years. More than half of the population had high psychological demand, low decision latitude and low social in respectively 53.2%, 97.1% and 67.6%. Among SMOs, 76.3% had wrist pain. In bivariate analysis, wrist pain was positively associated to low decision latitude (p=0.033, OR=2.49, 95%IC [1.11-5.59]. Moreover, it was positively associated to professional seniority (p=0.014).

This study highlights a significant prevalence of wrist pain among SMOs in the leather and footwear sector. It can be exacerbated by various factors, including occupational stress. Addressing these factors is essential for enhancing both the health and productivity of this vulnerable workforce.

None Declared

Since the start of the pandemic, healthcare workers (HCWs) have faced a range of infectious and psychosocial risks. Contracting SARS-CoV-2 has impacted their physical, mental, and emotional well-being, with sleep also likely being affected.

Our study aims to assess the impact of SARS-CoV2 infection on sleep quality in HCWs.

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study among staff at Sfax University Hospital who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 between October 2020 and June 2021, during post-COVID follow-up consultations. A questionnaire was utilized, with the medical section completed by a physician to assess sociodemographic, professional, and clinical characteristics of the infection. A self-administered section evaluated the impact of the infection on sleep quality using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI).

Our study included 200 healthcare workers with an average age of 42.97 years. Nurses comprised 53.5% of the sample, and 41% of the participants were involved in the care of patients with SARS-CoV-2. Workplace infections accounted for 39% of the cases. At the post-COVID follow-up consultation, 83% reported persistent symptoms. According to the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), 47.5% had no sleep disturbances, 3.5% had mild insomnia, 26% had moderate insomnia, and 8% had severe insomnia. Additionally, 38% of the staff were dissatisfied with their sleep quality following their SARS-CoV-2 infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection impacts the sleep of healthcare workers, highlighting the need for strategies to improve sleep quality. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining staff well-being and ensuring the quality of care provided.

None Declared

Night shift work disrupts the natural circadian rhythms, leading to significant sleep disturbances that can adversely affect mental health. Nurses working these shifts often report higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to their day-shift counterparts.

This study aims to assess the prevalence of psycho-affective disorders among night-shift nurses.

Data were collected from a cross sectional study in the university hospitals of Sfax. We used a questionnaire exploring socio-demographic, professional data and pathological history. We evaluated absenteeism based on the number of days absent over the past year. Psychoaffective disorders were screened using the validated Arabic version of the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale: DASS-21.

Our study included 114 nurses, with 65% being female. The mean age was 33.8 ans ± 7 years. Severe to very severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress were found in 14%, 21%, and 18% of our participants, respectively. Among our workers, 58% reported being moderately satisfied at work. During the last 12 months, 68 nurses (59.6%) were absent for an average of 27.21 days ± 72.73 days. Significant associations were found between job satisfaction and severity of depression (p= 0.000), anxiety (p=0.027) and stress (p = 0.000). Absenteeism was significantly associated to depression (p=0.009, r=0.24), anxiety (p=0.014, r=0.23) and stress (p=0.35, r=0.19).

Psychoaffective disorders are common among paramedical staff working shifts in hospitals. It is essential to conduct screening consultations in occupational medicine to identify these disorders early on.

None Declared

The electronic cigarette (EC), invented in 2006, represents a recent phenomenon that is increasingly discussed especially in healthcare environment. Beliefs regarding this form of consumption are very diverse.

This study aims to assess the perception of young doctors towards EC consumption.

An online survey had been conducted inspired from the French health barometer (2017). Data were collected through an anonymous questionnaire using Google Forms. The recruitment of participants was based on social media platforms combining young doctors.

A total of 203 young doctors had responded to the questionnaire. Most of participants were female (71%) with a mean age of 25.64 ± 2.64 years. More than half (60%) were resident doctors. Non-smokers represent 79.3% of our population. At the time of the survey, only 14 subjects (6.9%) had used EC or experienced vaping. The evaluation of perceptions with regard to vaping had showed that 30% of participants disagreed with the fact that EC consumption represents a measure to promote the cessation of tobacco use and 82% hadn’t recommended it to their patients. A proportion of 47.3% thought that vaping is as harmful as smoking and 60% agreed that e-cigarettes may contain toxic chemicals. More than half (51.6%) almost agreed that vaping may encourage ex-smokers to become nicotine addicts.

We may conclude that EC represents for young doctors an emerging form of consumption that is not a safe or healthy alternative to smoking.

None Declared

Work-related hand injuries can lead to significant physical impairments. However, their psychological impact is often underestimated. Mental distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress, may arise following such injuries, potentially hindering recovery and affecting both professional and personal life. Given the critical importance of hand function in daily tasks and occupational roles and the prevalence of hand injuries, addressing their psychological dimension is crucial.

This study aims to evaluate mental distress among individuals with work-related hand injuries (WRHI) and to identify the associated factors.

We conducted a cross-sectional study, between January 2021 to December 2022, involving private sector workers, victims of WRHI. Data were collected using a pre-established questionnaire that covered sociodemographic and professional characteristics, details of the occupational accident, and medical information. Psychological distress was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), and functional disability of the hand was evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) score.

Our study included 136 workers, with a male-to-female ratio of 7.5. The average age was 41.2 ± 10.9 years, and the average body mass index (BMI) was 26.48 ± 4.4. Blue-collar workers made up 77.9% of the sample (n = 106). In 61.8% of cases, the injury involved the dominant hand. The median of time to return to work was 101.5 days (interquartile range (IQR) [67; 182.5]). Twenty-five participants (18.4%) reported discrimination at the workplace. The median of the Quick DASH score was 34.1 (IQR [13.6; 52.3]). The median K6 score was 8 (IQR [4; 15]), with 42 participants (30.9%) experiencing moderate psychological distress and 45 (33.1%) reporting severe psychological distress. The K6 score showed a significant correlation with the Quick DASH score (p < 0.001, r = 0.297), BMI (p = 0.031, r = 0.185), and time to return to work (p = 0.005, r = 0.241). Those with injuries to the dominant hand had higher K6 scores compared to those with non-dominant hand injuries (p = 0.043). Furthermore, the K6 score was associated with reports of workplace discrimination following the accident.

Work-related hand injuries not only lead to physical impairments but also have a considerable psychological impact. These findings highlight the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address both the physical and psychological aspects of recovery to improve outcomes and support reintegration into the workforce.

None Declared

Mindfulness involves being aware of both your thoughts and emotions as well as your surroundings. Regular practice of mindful self-care can enhance the overall well-being. For university staff, these practices can help counteract negative effects on mental health.

Our study aims to evaluate the practice of mindful self-care and its impact on the psychological health of university staff.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional survey among university staff. The survey was carried out during a one-day training session on mental health promotion using a self-administrated questionnaire. We collected socio-professional data. We assessed psychological health using the depression anxiety and stress scale (DASS 21) and self-care behaviours using Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS).

Our study included 65 participants, 67.7% of whom were female. The average age was 53±6.8 years, and the average job tenure was 21.3±8 years. We found that 36.9% of participants experienced mild to moderate stress, 35.4% had mild to moderate depression, 7.7% had severe to extremely severe depression, and 23.1% had severe to extremely severe anxiety.

The average mindful self-care score was 102.8±26.3. The means for specific aspects of mindful self-care were: mindful relaxation 12.6±4.5, physical care 19.9±5.6, self-compassion and purpose 20.7±7.6, supportive relationships 15.4±5.6, supportive structure 13.4±4.6, and mindful awareness 14.5±4.8.

We found a negative correlation between anxiety and depression and mindful self-care (p = 0.02, r = -0.2). In female participants, stress was also negatively correlated with mindful self-care (p = 0.02, r = -0.3).

According to our findings, mindful self-care may be a potential strategy for anxiety, depression and stress management available to university staff. Given the considerably poor psychological health in the study population, we recommend to increase awareness of mindful self-care in university staff.

None Declared

Spinal occupational injuries constitute an important health problem affecting workers in their most productive years. The outcomes of these injuries may influence the quality of life of those victims.

Assessing the quality of life among victims of spinal occupational injuries and identifiying the associated factors to physical and mental health.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted during 9 months (from October 2020) among workers victims of occupational injuries consulting for an Impairment Rating Evaluation. Only those with spinal injuries were included. Socio-professional data and the accident’ outcomes were collected. The assessment of perceived mental health (Mental Component Summary: MCS) and physical health (Physical Component Summary: PCM) by each employee was obtained by the 12-item Short Form Health Survey. Social support was evaluated by the Social Support Scale. The pain was evaluated by a Visual Analogue Scale. Unsuccessful return to work comprises all situations other than a satisfactory return to the same position held before the accident.

A total of 73 injured workers were included, 75.3% were male. The mean age was 42.78± 8.46 years. The mean job seniority was 14.44±7.86 years and the average number of working hours per week was 46.93±5.61 hours. Among the participants, 43.8% had an unsuccessful return to work, 28.1% of them had a low social support. The mean scores for MCS and PCS were 41.17± 11.89 and 29.57± 5.31 respectively.

Factors assocoiated with MCS were : the duration of absence (p=0.008), the rate of Permanent Partial Disability (p=0.025), lhe low social support (p=0.000), working in confection sector (p=0.016) and unsuccessful return to work (p=0.023).

Factors associated with PCS were : The pain score (p=0.002), the duration of immobilisation (p=0.007) and being a laborer (p=0.002). No association was found with age, job seniority, the presence of disc diseases and hospitalisation duration.

Victims of spinal occupational injuries are vulnerable to unfavorable outcomes from work accidents, and hence the need for special efforts to reintegrate them into professional life.

None Declared

Exposure to anesthetic agents (AA) has long been a subject of concern, both for patients and healthcare workers. Recent studies highlighted potential associations between a prolonged exposure and healthcare concerns, including psychological effects such as depression.

The aim of this study was to assess signs of depression among anesthetic technicians (AT) and evaluate its associated factors.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among AT in two University Hospitals in Sfax, Tunisia, between January and July 2024 during periodic health assessment visits. Sociodemographic and professional data were collected. The Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess signs of depression.

Our population consisted of 60 AT with a mean age of 47.9±7.1 years. Two participants (3.3%) were males. Nine participants (15%) had a known psychiatric history. The mean seniority was 24±7.5 years in healthcare and 10.4±8.1 years in the current ward. The mean duration of exposure to anesthetic gases was 18.3±10.7 years. Sevoflurane was the most utilized AA, used by 75% of the population. Ninety-five percent of the population had shift work.

The median PHQ-9 score was 7 interquartile range IQR [2;11]. Moderate to severe signs of depression were found in 26.7% of the population. Duration of exposure to anesthetic gases was significantly lower among those presenting moderate to severe signs of depression (11 IQR [5;21]) compared to those presenting no or mild signs of depression (20 IQR [11;28]) (p=0.02).

Long professional exposure to AA showed lower depression scores among AT. Comprehensive studies are needed to evaluate the broader mental health and cognitive effects of these agents. Understanding these dynamics is essential for ensuring the safety of healthcare professionals.

None Declared

Several factors can threaten the mental health of engineers and seem to lead to anxiety and depressive disorders. Workaholism is an emerging phenomenon that has been the topic of much debate on its impact on workers’ mental health.

Determining the prevalence of workaholism among women and men engineers and screening for psychological distress among the workaholic engineers with a focus on gender differences.

This study is a descriptive-cross sectional analysis conducted on active engineers for one month. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, including socio-professional data, the WART (Work Addiction Risk Test) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.

Our population consisted of 45 women and 62 men engineers with an average age of 28.62± 4.3 years and 29.61± 4.5 years respectively. A high risk of workaholism was present among 42.2% and 41.9% of women and men respectively.

Among workaholic engineers, anxiety and depression were present in 73.1% and 46.2% of cases respectively among men and in 78.9% and 42.1% of cases respectively among women.

Workaholic engineers women were likely to have anxiety (p=0.000) and reproach from their families for excessive professional commitment (p=0.007).

Among engineers men, associations were found between workaholism and anxiety (p=0.000), depression (p=0.024), the use of psychotropic medication (p=0.013), a job satisfaction less than 4/10 (p=0.024) and facing reproach from their families for excessive professional commitment (p=0.032).

Workaholism among both women and men engineers was negatively correlated with sports activities (p=0.006, p=0.042).

Workaholism is a significant phenomenon among engineers that can lead to anxiety and depression disorders. Therefore, the detection of early signs of workaholism and its associated symptoms seems essential among this vulnerable population in order to prevent its psychological impact.

None Declared

Healthcare workers are exposed to many psychological constraints, making them vulnerable to mental health issues, like depression. However, these constraints, in addition to other organizational and environmental exposures, vary between specialties and wards.

The aim of this study is to compare depression score in anesthesia technicians (AT) and radiology technicians (RT).

We conducted a cross-sectional study among AT and RT in both University Hospitals in Sfax, Tunisia, between January and July 2024 during periodic health assessment visits. Sociodemographic and professional data were collected. The Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was used to assess signs of depression.

A total of 79 technicians participated in the study, with 60 AT and 19 RT. Their mean age was 46.4±7.6 years and six of them were males. Ten participants (12.7%) had a known psychiatric history. The mean seniority was 22.2±7.7 years. Sixty-two percent of the population had night shift work. The median PHQ-9 score was 7 interquartile range IQR [4;12]. Moderate to severe signs of depression were found in 32.9% of the population. Depression scores were significantly higher among RT with a median of 10 IQR [6;15] compared to a median of 7 IQR [2;11] among AT (p=0.04). PHQ-9 was not associated with age (p=0.15), sex (p=0.9) or seniority (p=0.06).

Both AT and RT presented signs of depression. The difference of scores between the two groups stirs interests about the explaining factors. Further studies detailing different occupational constraints and exposure are needed.

None Declared

Work-related hand injuries (WRHI) can have profound impacts on an individual’s physical capabilities, and these injuries often carry long-term consequences that extend beyond physical impairment. Upon returning to work, victims may face challenges in performing occupational tasks and daily activities.

This study aims to assess the quality of life in workers who have suffered WRHI after returning to their professional activities.

We conducted a cross-sectional study among victims of WRHI in the private sector after returning to work, from January 2021 to December 2022. Sociodemographic and professional data were collected along with characteristics of the WRHI. Quality of life was assessed using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) score, which evaluates both physical and mental health components (PCS-12 and MCS-12). The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick DASH) score was used to measure the functional disability of the hand. Job satisfaction and pain level were auto-evaluated with a scale of 0 to 10.

We included 126 workers, 88.1% of whom were male, with a mean age of 41.3 ± 10.6 years. Tobacco and alcohol use were reported by 42.9% and 9.5% of participants, respectively, while caffeine consumption was noted in 57.9%. The most represented sectors were metallurgy (22.2%) and the chemical industry (16.7%). The median job satisfaction after the accident was 6 (IQR [5; 8]). In 61.9% of cases, the dominant hand was affected. Both rehabilitation sessions and surgical treatment were required for 69% of participants. The median pain level was 5 (IQR [4; 7]), and 47.6% of participants reported sleep disorders following the accident.

The median Quick DASH score was 34.1 (IQR [13.1; 50.6]), and the median Quick DASH work module score was 43.8 (IQR [25; 68.8]). The mean PCS-12 score was 39.5 ± 7.6, while the mean MCS-12 score was 46.8 ± 11.4. The PCS-12 score was significantly associated with caffeine consumption (p = 0.03), alcohol consumption (p = 0.03), rehabilitation sessions (p = 0.029), and sleep disorders (p < 0.001). It was also significantly correlated with pain level (p = 0.005; r = -0.247), Quick DASH score (p < 0.001; r = -0.4), and the Quick DASH work module (p < 0.001; r = -0.44).

The MCS-12 score was significantly associated with job satisfaction (p = 0.008; r = 0.237), Quick DASH score (p = 0.003; r = -0.265), the Quick DASH work module (p = 0.012; r = -0.23), and sleep disorders (p = 0.012).

Work-related injuries, particularly hand injuries, pose significant challenges to both the professional and personal lives of those affected. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring a successful return to work and social reintegration.

None Declared

In addition to the typical risks associated with healthcare professions, being a midwife carries a significant psychological and emotional burden. This responsibility extends not only to the mother’s well-being but also to the newborn’s, making the role particularly vulnerable to psychosocial risks, often driven by high-stress situations.

To assess the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experienced by midwives.

We conducted a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to midwives in the Sfax region. The questionnaire consisted of a first part relating to socio-demographic and professional data and a second part relating to the evaluation of the PTSD in midwives using the Impact of Event Scale (IES).

Our population comprised 74 midwives with an average age of 45.6 ± 10.3 years. Only 21.6% reported engaging in regular physical activity. The midwives worked in both public and private health facilities, with a mean of job tenure of 20.3 ± 10.6 years. A stressful event in their professional life was reported by 68.8% of midwives. The PTSD was detected in 30 midwives (40.5% of the midwifery population surveyed), 8 of whom had severe symptoms. The traumatic events reported by the midwives were related to injury to the newborn, injury to the parturient or working conditions.

We found that the factors related to the PTSD were the number of dependent parents, a history of anxiety, depression or hypothyroidism, and working fixed hours. Physical activity was a protective factor against post-traumatic stress. A statistically significant link was found between severe forms of PTSD and taking leave in the last three months. Binary logistic regression confirmed that while physical activity was protective, anxiety, depression, and hypothyroidism were independent risk factors for PTSD.

PTSD is a common issue among midwives. It should be studied and identified early in at-risk populations to prevent lasting consequences.

None Declared

Emotional intelligence (EI) has gained increased attention in medical education and research. EI is often defined as the ability to perceive, express, understand, and manage émotions making it a crucial skill to cultivate during medical school.

This study aimed to explore levels of global EI among Tunisian medical residents based on their demographic characteristics.

This cross-sectional study was carried out with medical residents in training at hospitals across Tunisia. We gathered data anonymously through a Google Forms survey conducted from October 2023 to January 2024. Participants first completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, followed by the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Short Form (TEIQue-SF). This 30-item assessment measures overall trait emotional intelligence and evaluates four specific dimensions : Well-Being, Self-Control, Emotionality, and Sociability.

Our study included 127 participants, with men comprising one-fourth (25.2%). The mean age was 27.24±1.34 years with majority aged under 30 (93.7%). The majority of participants were single (81.8%). Most participants (71.7%) were pursuing a medical specialty. First-year medical residents represented 39.4%, while fifth-year residents made up only 1.2%. The total EI score was 4.6±0.68. The mean scores for the four EI traits factors were as follows : well-being 4.81±1.07, self-control 4.34±0.9, emotionality 4.86±0.73, and sociability 4.45±0.85.

Univariate analysis showed that higher levels of global EI, self-control, and sociability were associated with the male gender, with p= 0.027, p=0.00 and p=0.02 respectively. Also, final-year residents demonstrated significantly lower emotionality scores compared to first-year medical residents. Moreover, participants in medical specialties were significantly associated with higher well-being scores (p = 0.017).

It is crucial to further investigate the factors contributing to these variations in EI and to develop tailored strategies that can effectively enhance EI among medical professionals and to support its development in the next generation of physicians.

None Declared

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an under-diagnosed disease. Screening for this disease, assessing quality of life and combating smoking are key factors in the overall management of this pathology.

Our study aims to assess the effect of COPD on quality of life in smoking electrical technicians and their motivation to quit smoking.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey to assess the impact of COPD on quality of life among smoking electrical technicians and their motivation to quit smoking. A questionnaire was administered during a COPD screening day. Smoking cessation motivation was assessed using the Richmond questionnaire. COPD screening was carried out using COPD screening self-questionnaire from the French National Authority for Health. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was used to determine the presence and severity of respiratory symptoms.

Our population comprised 24 male smokers. Motivation to quit smoking was low in half of the participants. Eleven participants (45.8%) were identified as being “at risk” of developing COPD. Cough, sputum and chest tightness were more frequent in participants at risk of developing COPD than in those not at risk, with a significant difference. The mean CAT score in participants at risk of developing COPD was 12.2 ± 9.7. The impact on quality of life in participants at risk of developing COPD was low and moderate to high in 45.5% and 54.6% of participants respectively. Bivariate analysis showed that motivation to quit smoking was not correlated with either the COPD self-screening score or participants’ quality of life.

COPD impairs the quality of life of workers at the electricity and gas company. Training sessions on breathing and anti-smoking actions in the electricity and gas company must be directed towards smoking employees by ensuring comprehensive management will serve to prevent the onset of COPD.

None Declared

Nurses play a crucial role in patient care. Indeed, this profession requires a high level of emotional, mental and physical workload. Improving the well-being of these workers means taking into account the impact of workload on their job satisfaction.

Our study aims to assess the relationship between perceived workload and job satisfaction among nurses.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional survey among nurses using a self-administrated questionnaire. We collected socio-professional data. We assessed perceived workload using the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Job satisfaction was evaluated using the single-item measure of job satisfaction.

Our population comprised 202 nurses, 67% of whom were female. The mean age of participants was 35.1 ± 8.1 years. The nurses’ length of service in the department was 6.9 ±7.5 years. The mean score of mental demand, physical demand, performance, effort, frustration level and temporal demand were respectively 77.8±22.6, 76.9±23.5, 67.9±31.9, 81.4±20, 66.6±25.2 and 59.8±30.2. The mean score of Raw TLX was 71.44 ±14.8. Among our participants, 74 (37%) were satisfied with their jobs. We found that the job satisfaction was positively correlated with the overall RAW TLX score (p=0.02) and with the physical (p=0.04) and temporal (p=0.00) demands.

Our findings highlight a correlation between high perceived workload and job dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is crucial to assess and improve working conditions to ensure a safe, comfortable and well-equipped environment, thus promoting nurses’ satisfaction and quality of care.

None Declared

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common and under-diagnosed disease. Screening for this disease and assessing smoking behaviour are essential to tobacco control measures.

Our study aims to screen for smoking and COPD among employees of an electricity and gas company.

We conducted a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey to screen for smoking and COPD among employees of an electricity and gas company. The survey was carried out during a COPD screening day, using a two-part questionnaire. Nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test. COPD screening was carried out using a COPD screening self-questionnaire from the French National Authority for Health.

Our population comprised 28 male participants. Active smoking was reported by 87.7% of participants. Nicotine dependence assessed by the Fagerström test was moderate to high in 54.7% of smokers. We found that 11 participants (39.2%), were identified as being “at risk” of developing COPD. Bivariate analysis showed that the COPD self-screening questionnaire score was associated with smoking and nicotine dependence.

COPD and smoking among workers are prevalent in the electricity and gas company. Through this awareness-raising day, an action plan had prioritized anti-smoking programs directed at smoking employees to ensure their comprehensive care and prevent the onset of COPD.

None Declared

Nurses are at the forefront of patient care and are often exposed to various stressors that can impact their mental health. The mental health of nurses working in both the private and public sectors is a significant issue that requires attention.

In this study, we propose to compare psychological distress of nurses working in private and public sectors.

It was a cross sectional study conducted among 200 nurses (100 from each of the private and public sector). We used the 6-item Kessler scale (K6) to measure symptoms of psychological distress.

The average age of nurses working in the public sector was 33.24 ± 9.34 years versus 31.93 ± 7.68 years in the private sector. Most staff (33.5%), whether in the public or private sector, had professional seniority of between 6 and 10 years. The average K6 score was significantly higher in the public sector (9.01) compared to the private sector (7.35) (p-value = 0.01). The likelihood of experiencing psychological distress was lower in the private sector compared to the public sector (p= 0.034; OR= 0.37; 95% CI [0.14-0.95]).

These findings highlighted potential implications for the mental health of nurses based on their employment sector, showing that prolonged daily stress could have a negative impact on their psychological well-being.

None Declared

Job satisfaction reflects on overall life quality involving social relationship, family connection and a feeling of enjoyment or fulfillment specially for family medicine residents’ contentedness with their job.

This study aims to assess factors associated to job satisfaction in a population of Tunisian family medicine residents.

We conducted a cross-sectional study from January to July 2024. Family medicine residents participated in the survey through a Google Forms questionnaire. They were queried about their sociodemographic information and work conditions, including daily working hours, the number of night shifts per month, and the average number of patients seen each day. To assess participants’ job satisfaction, we used the validated physician’s job satisfaction scale which covered five domains: patient care, burden, income-prestige, personal reward, and professional relations.

We enrolled 108 family medicine residents (65 women and 43 men) with an average age of 26 ± 2 years [22-37 years]. The average daily working hours were 6.62 hours, with an average of 15 patients seen each day. Additionally, the average number of night shifts completed per month was 5. Positive correlations were found between age and satisfaction with time spent with family friends or leisure activities (p=0.001, r=0.3), burden’s average mean (p=0.01, r=0.2) and opportunities for continuing medical education (p=0.03, r=0.1). However, a negative correlation was found between satisfaction with professional relations and the number of night shifts per month (p=0.01, r= - 0.2).

This research highlights the critical factors influencing job satisfaction among family medicine residents in Tunisia, with a particular focus on their working conditions. Addressing these issues is essential for enhancing the overall satisfaction of these residents. By creating a supportive work environment, we can ultimately improve patient care and treatment outcomes.

None Declared

Breastfeeding is an important determinant of both mother and child healths regarding its physical and psychological benefits. Working mothers usually consider the work as a barrier to breastfeeding, thus this population needs a particular attention to enhance their breastfeeeding rate.

Determining the prevalence of breastfeeding among active women in Tunisia and evaluating their perceptions and their practices towards this process.

We have conducted a descriptive and cross sectional study. Data were collected during one week through an online questionnaire designed by Google Forms and distributed via Social media. It had included active women who had a child aged between 6 months and 5 years. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is feeding the baby only breast milk (not any other foods or liquids).

A total of 51 active mothers had participated with a mea age of 32.4±3.8 years. A proportion of 47.1% worked in healthcare facilities. Nineteen participants were doctors. All the participants had experienced breastfeeding with a mean duration of 12.7 ±7.5 months [ranging from 2 to 25 months]. The mean duration of EBF was 3.1±2.0 months [ranging from 0 to 6 months]. A percentage of 64.7% had experienced mixed feeding. Regarding breastfeeding perceptions, 92.2% of women always believe that breastmilk was the right option to feed their babies. Tweenty two (43.1%) always believe that they could successfuly breastfeed their child and sixteen (31.4%) consider that they was usually sure that they were able to balance between work and breastfeeding. Participants mothers had returned to their job within a mean of 12.7 ±7.5 months [ranging from 2 to 25 months]. After returning to work, 56.9% of participants consider that breastfeeding represented a big challenge. EBF was negatively associated to the number of working hours /week (p=0.026).

The participation of women in the labor force makes the continuation of breastfeeding a challenging option. Thus, promoting and supporting breastfeeding in the workplace are essential and have the potential to ameliorate babies and mothers lives, and to positively affect the employees productivity and well-being.

None Declared