RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The need for a scientific evaluation of the work life quality has become today evident to all. AIM: This study aims to evaluate the short-term impact of the workload on the quality of life of employed Tunisian women. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey on a representative sample of 394 women working in the sectors of textile, shoe-manufacturing and administration was conducted between 2009 and 2010. The quality of life was assessed using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-36). RESULTS: The overall quality of life score was 67.2 ± 15.2. There was an uneven weathering of the different SF-36 scales. Vitality scale was the most affected with a score below 50. Quality of life of employed women differed significantly depending on the activity sector (p≤ 0.001). The SF-36 score value was lower in the sector of textile. Social load, physical and mental workload significantly influenced the quality of life. CONCLUSION: The quality of life in employed women was correlated with the workload. The use of SF-36 to measure the quality of life is useful for the evaluation of work life quality.
