BEHIND THE MASK: EXPLORING WORKPLACE HAZARDS FACING ANESTHESIOLOGISTS AT BENGHAZI MEDICAL CENTER AND AL-JALAA HOSPITAL FOR SURGERY AND ACCIDENTS

Background: Anesthesiologists are exposed to a variety of occupational hazards chemical, ergonomic, and psychological result from nature of their work, and extended exposure to these hazards can be extremely harmful to the health. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of chemical, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards on the anesthesiologists' health at Benghazi medical center (BMC) and Al-Jalaa Hospital for Surgery and Accidents.
Material and methods: This descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at BMC and Al-Jalaa Hospital. The samples collected by two ways; blood samples were collected from 66 participants to test CBC, RFT, LFT, and cardiac enzymes. Also, questionnaires were filled by 112 technicians and doctors to evaluate the ergonomic and psychological; hazards, these data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: The study found that among the symptoms experienced by participants, drowsiness, nausea, fatigue, and headaches, and majority of individuals in both hospitals had high urea levels, and large number of participants at the Al-Jalaa hospital had high troponin levels. Furthermore, it revealed that the most common complaints were of lower back pain, as a result of the nature of the work and standing for the long time while working. Additionally, many workers experiencing memory problems, concentration issues, and burnout.
Conclusion: The safety of anesthetic practice is essential and fundamental for the health of the anesthesiologist, and the anesthesiologist's occupational health is critical to ensuring patient safety.