Stili di vita nei luoghi di lavoro e work ability index: risultati di uno studio osservazionale in vari settori dell'industria

Abstract Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a widely utilized tool designed to evaluate the work capacity of employees and to identify conditions that might compromise their health and job performance. The WAI questionnaire has obtained validation by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in the 1990s and is able to identify early risk of illness and possible work disabilities. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study and and its aim is to evaluate and compare WAI values between different work settings and study factors like physical activity that could influence work capacity. The work sectors analyzed include the metalworking industry, the rubber and plastic industry, and several companies involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of power lines in central Italy. The selection includes participants of various ages, roles, and levels of professional experience undergoing health surveillance from October to December 2025. Methods: the researchers collected data using validated questionnaire that assessed the WAI (WAI questionnaire) and the physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire - IPAQ) and demographic and occupational data regarding age, gender, work experience, role, and specific professional exposures. The study involved 223 workers of the three industrial sectors assessed, predominantly men (95,1%) with an average age of 39,1 years, occupational cathegories included employees, technical employees, blue collar workers and drivers. Statistical analysis as ANOVA, t-test, Mann-Whitney test and Spearman coefficient were performed to analyse the relationships between the variables. Results: the study demonstrates a relationship between WAI score and ages, older workers (≥ 55 years) had a lower WAI score compared to their younger colleagues (< 55 years). WAI scores were higher in both physically and psycologically demanding job, compared to physical demanding job and psycologically demanding job. As for the physical activity, a higher IPAQ score (active or very active) were found in the younger workers (< 55 years) compared to their older colleagues ((≥ 55 years). WAI score and physical activity showed a low coefficient of correlation statistically significant. Conclusions: the findings of the study confirmed that demographic and occupational factors were associated with variations in Work Ability Index and physical activity. These evidences may improve aging workforce management, occupational health and focus future research on active aging.