Quality of life in employees exposed to organic solvents: A study of 196 cases

Introduction Occupational exposure to organic solvents remains a real risk for exposed employees, particularly in mental health and quality of life. Objectives - To evaluate the life employees research professional extra-professional determinants this Methods This is descriptive cross-sectional study that compared 196 with 64 non-exposed from same socio-professional environment. The investigation took place four different companies governorate Tunis. An environmental combining an evaluation working conditions atmospheric monitoring was carried out identify quantify solvents. Quality assessed using SF36 questionnaire its Arabic version. Results solvent mixtures which were mainly contained hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate, methyl ketone, cyclohexane, perchloroethylene. Exposure these primarily glues paint products. population relatively young (34.1 years +/-9.8), predominantly male (sex ratio=2.2), education level no more than secondary school 90% cases, average work experience 10.3 (+/-8.2) represented by manual workers (75.4%). pathological history patients dominated chronic neuropsychological disorders (48.1%). global score (SFG) significantly poorer solvent-exposed group (SFG= 64.1+/- 21.1 versus 70.1+/-23.3) (p=0.05). Among eight dimensions SF36, very significant alteration dimensions: “perceived ”, “psychological health” “repercussion psychological on daily activities ” noted group. main were: education, frequency exposure, length company. According job-exposure matrix, only appeared be impaired high levels cumulative (p= 0.0006). Conclusions study, can affect acting essentially perceived health, “impact activities”. Disclosure Interest None Declared