P-168 Ability to work among cancer survivor's teachers. (14th March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Afia, Latifa Ben; Bahri, Ghada; Mechergui, Najla; Brahim, Dorra; Mersni, Meriem; Said, Hanen Ben; Youssef, Imen; Ladhari, Nizar
• Is Part Of: Occupational and environmental medicine. Volume 80(2023)Supplement 1
• Page Start: A91
• Page End: A91
• Publication Date: 2023-03-14
• Subjects: Medicine, Industrial -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; 616.980305
• DOI: 10.1136/OEM-2023-EPICOH.223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1351-0711

Abstract

Abstract : Introduction: Although cancer is the most lethal and mortal illness worldwide, early detection and progress in treatment regimes have drastically improved the prognosis for many cancer patients. Subsequently, the growing number of cancer survivors arise critical topics concerning work ability and social reintegration. This study aims to assess the ability to work among teachers who suffered from cancer. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at the occupational department of Charles Nicolle hospital from October 31st, 2022 to November 11th, 2022. We studied medical records and data concerning medical disability, and long-term illness among teachers with cancer diseases who postulated for office work reclassification. Results: A total of 120 patients were included in this study. Nineteen patients suffered from cancer diseases with a Sex ratio (M/F): of 0.1. The average age was 51.26 years [40–61years]. Cancer survivors had long-term sick absences estimated at 532 days (SD: 582 days). Breast cancer dominated with eight patients, followed by cerebral neoplasm in three cases, two cases of gastrointestinal and two pulmonary neoplasms. A professional reclassification to office work positions was recommended for 8/19 patients whereas 8/19 cancer survivors were fitted to continue teaching. One case of nasopharyngeal carcinoma complicated by dysphonia and two cases of metastatic breast cancers was suggested for early retirement on grounds of disability. Age (p: 0.5) was significantly associated with an unfitness to work meanwhile, long-term sick absence (p: 0.42) and sexe (p: 0.55) were not statistically related to fitness to teach. Conclusion: Most cancer survivors were able to continue working after their treatment. It has been claimed that cancer survivors were more compelled to remain at work to maintain their health insurance coverage. Being a teacher is demanding both on the physical and the mental level justifying that most of the teachers were reclassified to a lower demanding position.