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

Abstract

BackgroundWork 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsMore 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.ConclusionAccording 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.

Work Ability of the Personnel of a Petrochemical Company and the Relationship Between Age and Physical Activities

“…In fact, the lack of conformity between individual ability and job requirements leads to musculoskeletal disorders (28). The results of this study are consistent with the results of the Gharibi et al (29).…”

Work Ability Score (WAS) as a Suitable Instrument to Assess Work Ability Among Iranian Workers

“…Different objective and subjective methods have been used to assess the work ability. In the meantime, Work Ability Index (WAI) is one the most important and widely used instruments to measure perceived work ability, since it is inexpensive and easy to analyze (2). The obtained results are also nearly similar with the results from the clinical assessments (7) and it can predict early retirement and actual turnover (8,9).…”

“…Regarding the mean age of the studied population, who were mainly young, and their short job tenure, these mean scores are not at an appropriate level; so that nearly 30 percent of the workers had inadequate work ability. Gharibi et al (2) claimed that one of the most important reasons for inadequate work ability among young Iranian workers can be resulted from the low job security and poor economies situation. This result can be a warning for Iranian national health authorities to pay attention to the working conditions and identify factors affecting the work ability among Iranian young workers.…”

“…On the other hand, similar to the other developing countries, Iran is experiencing a rapid ageing trend in its workforce as well as the low birth rates. It can lead to the big challenges and many social and economic problems for Iranian organizations and workers in the next few years (2). As a result, Iranian national health authorities such as Ministry of cooperatives labor and social welfare and ministry of health and medical education should focus on promoting and improving health and work ability of the workers over their working lives.…”

“…This questionnaire has been translated and validated to Persian language by Abdolalizadeh et al (13) in 2012. However, few studies have used WAI to assess the work ability of Iranian workers (2). In addition, such studies have been conducted in a city or a province with a few sample sizes.…”