EPV116 - Tobacco Smoking and Mindful Self-Care among Workers

EPV116

Tobacco Smoking and Mindful Self-Care among Workers

I. Sellami ^1,*, A. Abbes ¹, A. Feki ², A. Hrairi ¹, M. A. Ghrab ¹, M. L. Masmoudi ¹, M. Hajjaji ¹, K. Jmal Hammami ¹

¹occupational medicine, ²Rheumatoloy, Hedi Chaker Hospital, sfax, Tunisia

 

Introduction: Tobacco smoking remains a major public health concern, particularly among workers exposed to occupational stress. In addition to its well-established physical risks, smoking may impair mindful self-care practices, diminishing individuals’ capacity to manage stress and maintain healthy behaviours.

Objectives: Our study aimed to examine the association between tobacco smoking and mindful self-care among workers.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional survey among workers. Data on sociodemographic and professional characteristics, smoking behaviours, and self-care practices were collected, with mindful self-care assessed using the Mindful Self-Care Scale (MSCS).

Results: Our population comprised 497 workers with a mean age of 42.2 ± 11.1 years. The mean of tenure of job was 14.5 ± 10.6 years. We found that 44.1% of participants were active smokers. The mean of mindful self-care score was 99.2 ± 34.6. The mean of mindful relaxation, physical care, self-compassion and purpose, supportive relationships, supportive structure and mindful awareness were respectively 11.1 ± 5.7, 18.4 ± 7.5, 17.2 ±8.9, 14.3±7.6, 11.8±6.7 and 11.3±6.3. Tobacco smoking was associated to low score of supportive relationships (p= 0.03).

Conclusions: This study highlights that tobacco smoking is associated with weaker supportive workplace relationships, which in turn is linked to lower levels of mindful self-care. These associations may contribute to reduced worker productivity, underscoring the importance of workplace smoking prevention and health promotion initiatives.

 

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared