Work ability and mental health at return to work after COVID-19: A descriptive study among healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCW) may experience anxiety and prolonged work schedules during pandemics. The mental health status after a COVID-19 infection and the work ability of HCW are interesting criteria in assessing their fitness to work at the return to work (RTW) medical visit. OBJECTIVES: To assess mental health and work ability after a COVID-19 infection among HCW at the RTW medical visit. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out among HCW of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunisia infected with COVID-19 from September to December 2020. Anxiety and depression were screened using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD). The perceived ability to work at RTW was measured using the Work Ability Index (WAI). RESULTS: We included 531 HCW. The median age was 40 years. HCW belonged to surgical departments (36.9%) and were nurses (32.4%). The median delay to RTW was 15 days (IQR: 13-18). At the RTW medical visit, certain anxiety and depression were found in 36.5% and 33.3% of the patients respectively. The perceived work ability was evaluated as good to very good in 37.8% of cases. The delay to RTW increased proportionally with a better-perceived work ability (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study described the perceived work ability and the prevalence of anxiety and depression among the HCW at the RTW medical visit after COVID-19 infection in the early stages of the pandemic. Specific strategies for RTW after COVID-19 should take into consideration the mental health and work ability of HCW.

The Professional Future in Operated Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study of Recognized Occupational Cases.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is frequently present among workers. This syndrome's professional and economic impact makes it a priority in occupational health. We aimed to describe the professional future of workers suffering from occupational CTS after surgery and the factors that could influence their retention at the job. -Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of workers operated on occupational CTS was conducted from 2014 to 2019. The data was collected using pre-established and phone questionnaires to determine their professional future after surgery. RESULTS: We included 99 workers with operated CTS. They had a mean age of 45±6.5 years, were predominantly female (97%), and had two dependent children in 72.7% of cases. They worked as a seamstress in 44.4% of patients with a mean professional seniority of 18±7.2 years. The professional future was a return to work with a job transfer at 44.4% and job maintenance with ergonomic adjustments at 39.4%. A job loss was noticed in 12.2% of cases. Early retirement was noticed in 8.2%, dismissal in 3%, and resignation in 1% of cases. The factors influencing the professional future were age 50 to 59 years (p=0.01) and dependent children (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In our survey, most operated-CTS workers benefited from a job transfer and kept their job with ergonomic adjustments to their work conditions. Therefore, interventions aiming to improve the professional future of workers operated on CTS by ensuring sufficient staff and adjusting workplaces are needed.

Impact of atypical working hours on sleep and mood among healthcare workers.

BACKGROUND: Atypical working hours have raised serious concerns about health effects, such as sleep disorders and psychological repercussions. These schedules are frequent among health professionals having the obligation to ensure the permanence of health services. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of atypical working hours on sleep, sleepiness, and mood among health personnel (HP). METHODS: Comparative descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among HP of a regional hospital in Southern Tunisia from December 2019 to May 2020. Two groups were defined according to their work schedule: group A had a fixed-day work and group B had atypical working hours. The assessment of sleep, sleepiness, and mood was based respectively on the Spiegel questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Disorder scale. RESULTS: A total of 101 HP in group A and 135 in group B were included. We found signs of pathological sleep in group B: greater delay in falling asleep (78.1% Vs 53.5%; p = 0.002), altered sleep quality (88.1% Vs 56.4%; p = 0.039), and more frequent occurrence of dreams (37% Vs 31.7%; p = 0.033). The quality of sleep was associated with the professional seniority (p = 0.01), the workplace (p = 0.02), and having dependent children (p = 0.04). The mean score of depression was higher in group B (p = 0.02). Depression was associated with the workplace (p = 0.04) and the quality of sleep (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that atypical working hours generate both sleep and mood disorders in HP. It is vital to encourage the occupational physicians to estimate sleep and mood disorders in HP.

Occupational diseases compensated in the Tunisian public sector.

AIM: Describe the epidemiological characteristics of occupational diseases (OD) recognized by the Central Medical Commission (CMC) of the first ministry during the period from 2012 to 2019. METHODS: It was a descriptive and retrospective study covering all cases of diseases declared and recognized as occupational diseases by the CMC of the first ministry in the public sector and their repair during the period from the first of January 2012 to December 31, 2019. RESULTS: During the study period, 294 OD were declared, of which, 213 were recognized by the CMC (72.4%). The average age of the population was 45.8 ± 10.9 years. A female predominance was noted (61%). Most employees (56%) were part of the health sector. Tuberculosis was the most common occupational disease (21.1%). Cancers were present in 5.6% of cases. In this series, 99 workers had a temporary total disability (TTD) (46.5%). A partial permanent disability rate (PPD) was attributed to 20 victims of OD (9.4%) with an average rate of 29% and extremes ranging from 8% to 70%. CONCLUSION: The OD recognized in the public sector seemed to be low. This encourages better information for workers on occupational risks and better awareness of attending physicians to report the professional nature of PD.

Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 among healthcare workers: A Case report and literature review.

Common clinical features of COVID-19 are increasingly known but cutaneous manifestations are rarely described among healthcare workers. A review of cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 especially among healthcare workers (HCW) is thus required. The aim of our current study was to provide a comprehensive review of cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 among HCW through six case reports and a literature review. We conducted a literature search for cases reports, original and review articles using PubMed and the Google search engines. We included the written English studies that mentioned cutaneous symptoms during COVID-19 infection. In addition to the review, 6 cases were collected among the HCW working at the Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis from September 2020 to January 2021. In our review, we included 17 articles in addition to our six cases. The type of papers was case series and case reports in respectively 8 and 9 studies. Skin manifestations were reported in two studies including two HCW, in addition to our series of six HCW. Skin manifestations were chilblain-like lesions (44.5%), a generalized macular or maculopapular exanthem (32.1%), a papulovesicular rash and chicken pox-like vesicles (11.5%), painful acral red-purple papules (4.6%), urticaria (2.8%), purpuric or petechial lesions (2.3%), and livedo reticularis lesions (0.45%). Of the 218 cases, 203 cases have reported the location of lesions. The very great majority of lesions were found on the trunk, hands, and feet. Fifty-one patients (23.4%) experienced lesions on the trunk. The time of onset of cutaneous lesions was variable. At the diagnosis or the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, 8.3% (18/218) of patients presented with cutaneous lesions. After the onset of respiratory symptoms or COVID-19 diagnosis, 36.7% (80/218) of patients presented with cutaneous lesions. Of the 197 cases with reported healing times, healing times were up to 24 days. COVID-19 has been associated with different cutaneous manifestations, likely of varying pathophysiology and severity, some preceding COVID-19 symptomatology and others occurring during active disease or later in the course. Thus, heightened awareness and timely recognition of cutaneous manifestations in COVID-19 are important for occupational physicians treating HCW with COVID-19.

Perception of mental health and professional quality of life in Tunisian doctors during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: few research studies about mental health problems in medical staff during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic have been reported. The Aim of the study is to assess the prevalence of anxiety and insomnia, affecting the professional quality of life of physicians during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: doctors answered an online questionnaire regarding their perception of insomnia, anxiety and professional quality of life during COVID-19 pandemic with psychological parameters including the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Professional quality of life version 5 (ProQOL5). RESULTS: anxiety was found in 64.8% of the participants. This disorder was respectively moderate and severe in 12.4% and 6.7% of cases. Insomnia was found in 51.4% of respondents, 29.5% of whom worked in the COVID circuit (p=0.17). Insomnia was assessed as mild, moderate and severe in respectively 38.1%, 11.4% and 1.9% of cases. Compassion satisfaction was moderate in 72.4 of cases and high in 24.8% of cases. The entire population with low CS belonged to the 20-29 age group (p=0.019). Compassion satisfaction was statistically higher in married people (32.7%) (p=0.004). This entity varied significantly with occupational grade (p=0.003), seniority in grade (p=0.011) and working in the private health sector (p=0.046). Burnout was moderate in 73.3% and low in 26.7% of cases. Burnout was significantly higher among single people (p=0.03) and statistically altered in the staff working in the COVID unit (p=0.028). Secondary traumatic disorder was above moderate in 69.6%. CONCLUSION: a high prevalence of psychological symptoms was found among doctors during COVID-19. Medical health workers are in need of health protection and adequate working conditions.

[Predictive factors of maintain of employment and return to work after cancer]. / Facteurs prédictifs de maintien en emploi et de retour au travail après un cancer.

BACKGROUND: Return-to-work after cancer depends on several factors related to the disease but also other socio-professional factors. The primary aim of this study was to identify socio-demographic, disease related and professional factors influencing the return-to-work process. METHODS: It was a prospective and descriptive study reporting the return-to-work process in 89 cancer patients, in a professional activity age, who had cancer treatment and a follow up in the Oncology department in Tahar Maamouri Teaching Hospital of Nabeul, between September 2015 to December 2019. RESULTS: Our study included 89 patients. Mean age was 45 years±8. The population was predominantly feminine (59 %). They were employees in 45 % of cases. Private professional sectors included 60 % of all patients. An open-ended contract was performed in 87 % of cases. Most frequent primary tumors were breast tumors (45 %) and colon tumors (20 %). Thirty-four patients went back to work after recovery. Seventy-nine percent of them were female patients and 70 % had breast cancer. Predictive factors identified in univariate statistical analysis and correlated to return-to-work were gender (P=0.002), occupation (P<10-3), initial duration off sick (P=0.015), fitting out measures at work (P=0.01), primary tumor origin (P=0.01), disease stage (P=0.037), treatment (P=0.014) and disease outcome after treatment (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: Our study underlined a need to create a pluridisciplinary platform unifying collaborators among oncologists and occupational health professionals in order to enhance professional reintegration process and to hold patient's professional equilibrium after cancer recovery.

Peritoneal mesothelioma associated with bladder cancer and occupational exposure to asbestos: A case report.

Mesothelioma is a rare tumor usually located on the pleura. In this typical location, it is closely linked to asbestos exposure. However, in other locations such as in peritoneal mesothelioma, the association to asbestos remains unusual.

Visual disorders and fitness for professional driving.

BACKGROUND: The professional driver's post is a security post that requires a careful assessment of the visual functions influencing the medical fitness decision. Professional driving benefits from a codified regulation regarding vision disorders. However, it suffers from several shortfalls making the task of the occupational doctor sometimes difficult. AIM: To identify the ophthalmological pathologies that have influenced the fitness decision for professional driving and develop a fitness approach for professional driving according to the different ophthalmological pathologies encountered. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study from the files of professional drivers with visual impairment who consulted the department of occupational health at Charles-Nicolle Hospital of Tunis for medical fitness decision, during the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016. RESULTS: Sixty drivers were included in the study. The population gender was exclusively male. Mean age was 48 ± 8.43 years. A pathological medical history was found in 70% of patients, mainly represented by: Diabetes (37%) and high blood pressure (28%). Truck drivers were the most represented (45%) and the average of professional experience was 14 years with extremes ranging from zero to 33 years. In 75% of cases, patients had one or more functional complaints. The decrease in visual acuity was the common reason for consultation (55% of cases). Diabetic retinopathy was the ophthalmological diagnosis most commonly found in our study (18% of cases). Diabetic retinopathy was the leading cause of definitive disability in our study (32% of cases). Other ophthalmologic causes of definitive disability were: Glaucoma, amblyopia, homonymous haemianopia, age-related macular degeneration, blindness or functional loss of one eye, diplopia, retinal detachment and uveitis complicating Behcet's disease. CONCLUSION: At the end of this study, we showed regulatory deficiencies for which we suggested recommendations that could help the occupational physician to take medical fitness decisions.

A national survey of occupational exposures in Tunisia.

INTRODUCTION: The evaluation of occupational exposures allows to guide preventive strategies and to suggest adequate solutions. AIM: Identify occupational exposures and constrains among workers of private sector in Tunisia. METHODS: A descriptive study including all companies of the private sector who are adhering to a service of occupational health of 17 Tunisian governorates. The survey was exhaustive for the services having less than 500 companies and by sampling for the services with more than 500.The data collection was based on data sheet completed by the occupational physician. RESULTS: This investigation concerned 1653 companies employing 161 517 employees. The industrial sector represented 52.8 %.Small and medium-sized enterprises represented 92.6 % of the studied companies. Companies having a committee of Health and Safety at work represented 16.82 % and 22.14 % had a safety officer. Posturales constraints are the most represented exposures (56%) followed by gestural constraints (27%). Heavy lifting concerned 17% of workers. Exposure to noise represented the third professional nuisance, 23% of employees are exposed. The employees exposed to organic solvents were among 16695 (10.34 %), distributed on 685 companies. CONCLUSION: This study allowed us to identify and to rank the professional exposures and constrains in the Tunisian private sector. This could lead to improving targeted strategies of prevention occupational risks.

Epileptic seizures and occupational exposure to solvents: a cases series.

INTRODUCTION: Organic solvents (OS) are substances with well-known nervous system tropism. Long-term exposure can cause several neurological and neuropsychic manifestations (mainly toxic encephalopathy). A potential causal relation between epileptic seizures and exposure to OS remains controversial. METHODS: We report seven cases of patients with no neurological history who had been professionally exposed to OS and who had at least one epileptic seizure after exposure. Selection of these cases was based on medical records of patients who were referred to the occupational health department of Charles Nicolle Hospital of Tunis during the period from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2014. RESULTS: Cases studies concerned five men and two women aged between 29 and 46. Professional seniority ranged from 2 to 31 years. In all cases, epileptic seizures occurred after exposure to a mixture of solvents. It was concluded, according to workplace inspections, that there was an important daily and direct OS exposure. Working conditions were considered as defective. Six cases had generalized seizures, one patient presented with status epilepticus. Illness onset occurred between one and nine years after the beginning of exposure to OS. CONCLUSION: These cases suggest a possible relationship between OS exposure and onset of epilepsy.