O-029 ASSESSING WORK-RELATED CHALLENGES AND WORK ABILITY AMONG YOUNG DOCTORS

Concerns are mounting regarding the well-being of young doctors due to the challenges they encounter during their training. This study aims to assess the professional obstacles young doctors face, and explore how these factors impact their work ability and career fulfilment. In a cross-sectional study spanning from February to May 2023, we involved 304 young doctors working in Tunisian healthcare settings. Socio-demographic, clinical, and work-related data were gathered. We gauged professional well-being using short professional quality of life scale and the work ability using the Work Ability Index (WAI). Among respondents (average age 27±2 years, 59% female), 77% were residents, predominantly in university hospitals (82%). They averaged 56 working hours and 5.5 24-hour shifts monthly. A significant 32% faced a high risk of burnout, while 84% reported fatigue and 43% suffered severe psychological distress. The WAI indicated reduced work capacity in 18%. Factors linked to diminished work ability included youth, male gender, addictive behaviors, workload, an unfavorable work environment, and inadequate training quality. This study underscores the profound impact of young doctors’ health, particularly their psychological well-being, and adverse working conditions on their overall work ability. The findings emphasize the necessity for interventions aimed at addressing these issues and improving the workplace environment for young doctors. Young doctors’ work ability is profoundly affected by their health, working conditions, and their subsequent impact on overall well-being. This study furnishes critical insights to guide interventions and preventive strategies for enhancing the well-being and work ability of young doctors in the medical field.