Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
J Occup Health. 2012;54(2):112-8. doi: 10.1539/joh.11-0150-oa. Epub 2012 Feb 14.
In recent decades, work ability index (WAI) has been a common practical tool to measure individuals' work ability in many European, Asian and South American countries. However, there is no study concerning work ability in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the work ability index in an Iranian petrochemical job setting and to examine its relationship with psychosocial factors.
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 male workers in various occupations. Work ability was evaluated using the WAI questionnaire developed by FIOH; the Job content questionnaire (JCQ) was used to assess psychosocial factors.
The mean WAI score was 39.1 (SD=5.7) among workers in the studied petrochemical industry. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant association between mean WAI score and age, job tenure, educational level, rest and sleep status and vocational education. Moreover, the results showed that skill discretion, coworker support and supervisor support were positively associated with the mean WAI score. On the other hand, it was inversely associated with job demands, job strain and job insecurity.
This study was the first research to determine WAI in an important industry in Iran. Overall, work ability was in the "Good" category among the workers in the studied field. On the basis of the WAI guidelines, this level should be maintained and promoted to excellent level by providing supportive countermeasures. The WAI score was significantly associated with psychosocial factors. The results showed that even in heavy physical work, factors such as job insecurity, skill discretion, job strain and social support play an important role in maintaining work ability. A positive combination of "psychosocial characteristics" of the job with "individual resources" can promote work ability in such occupations.
近几十年来，工作能力指数（WAI）已成为许多欧洲、亚洲和南美洲国家衡量个体工作能力的常用实用工具。然而，伊朗尚未开展有关工作能力的研究。本研究旨在确定伊朗石化行业的工作能力指数，并探讨其与心理社会因素的关系。
采用横断面研究方法，对不同职业的 420 名男性工人进行研究。使用芬兰职业健康研究所开发的 WAI 问卷评估工作能力；使用职业内容问卷（JCQ）评估心理社会因素。
在所研究的石化行业工人中，WAI 平均得分为 39.1（SD=5.7）。多元线性回归分析显示，WAI 平均得分与年龄、工作年限、教育程度、休息和睡眠状况以及职业教育呈显著正相关。此外，结果表明，技能裁量、同事支持和主管支持与 WAI 平均得分呈正相关。另一方面，它与工作需求、工作压力和工作不安全感呈负相关。
这是首次在伊朗重要行业中确定 WAI 的研究。总体而言，研究领域工人的工作能力处于“良好”类别。根据 WAI 指南，应通过提供支持性对策将这一水平维持并提升至优秀水平。WAI 得分与心理社会因素显著相关。结果表明，即使在体力劳动繁重的情况下，工作不安全感、技能裁量、工作压力和社会支持等因素在维持工作能力方面也起着重要作用。工作的“心理社会特征”与“个体资源”的积极结合，可以促进此类职业的工作能力。
