Fatigue among a group of industrial workers: effect of work conditions and lifestyle factors

ABSTRACT

The aim of the present cross - sectional study was to identify the prevalence of subjective fatigue complaint during and/or after work to investigate its association with different categories of health-related habits and occupational conditions to identify the possible modifiable risk factors. The study examined 816 subjects, representing the total male workforce of the Egypt Company For Oil and Soap Manufacturing in Zagazig City. Personal and medical histories, data about health - related habits and work condition were collected using a preconstructed questionnaire. The results indicated that 30.7% of studied workers experienced subjective fatigue complaint during and/or after work. There was a high statistically significant association between fatigue prevalence and most of the studied variables of health-related habits and work conditions. Smoking, poor night sleep. non-engagment in sport activities, and lack of temperature control at work site are the major predictors of fatigue which are deemed to be modifiable factors. Improving ergonomic aspects of work and advising workers on their lifestyles were strongly recommended. Also, further studies focusing on interventions of identified modifiable factors were advised