Effects of Work-Related Stress on Work Ability Index among Iranian Workers

BACKGROUND: Work Ability Index (WAI) is a well-known and valid self-report tool that has been widely used in various studies to identify and avoid early retirement and work-related disability. Nevertheless, very few studies have been carried out to evaluate work ability in Iran. We aimed to investigate the WAI and the effect of work-related stress on it among Iranian workers. METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive and analytic study was carried out among 449 workers from five working sectors in three big cities of Iran. Work ability and work-related stress were measured using the Persian version of WAI and the Persian version of Health and Safety Executive Stress Indicator Tool. RESULTS: More than a third of the workers surveyed (34.70%) did not have an appropriate level of work ability (WAI < 37). There was a significant correlation between subscales of work-related stress and the mean score of WAI. Furthermore, the variables of body mass index, sleep quality, exercise activity, job tenure, and three subscales of work-related stress including demands, supervisor support, and role were significant predictors of WAI. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, the interventional programs must be focused on improving supervisors support, eliminating ambiguity and conflicts in the role of workers in their job and organization, reducing job demands, improving sleep quality, and increasing exercise activity.

relationship between happiness and NEO-FFI personality questionnaire dimensions in high school students of mobarekeh

This study investigated the relationship between NEO personality factors with happiness in the Mobarekeh city high school students. For this purpose, correlation design study, 120 students from first year to pre-university from high school [in base 30] from Mobarekeh city, were selected by combination of cluster and stratify sampling and responded to inventory of the Oxford happiness [alpha=0.91] and the NEO-FFI personality questionnaire [alpha=0.81]. Data analysis by Pearson correlation coefficient indicated between the components of conscientious, agreeableness, extraversion, there is a positive correlation with happiness levels. These components, respectively, at 0.0001, 0.0001 and 0.001 were significant. Between neuroticism and openness there was not a correlation with happiness levels. The results indicate that by programming for education and thriving components of conscientious, agreeableness and extraversion we can increase happiness in this age group