The study analyzes health care workers’ (HCWs) occupational risk perception and compares exposure to occupational risk factors in Moroccan and French hospitals.

International studies on occupational risks in public hospitals are infrequent and only few researchers have focused on psychosocial stress in Moroccan Health Care Workers (HCWs). The aim of this study was to present and analyze Moroccan HCWs occupational risk perception. Across nine public hospitals from three Moroccan regions (northern, central and southern), a 49 item French questionnaire with 4 occupational risks subscales, was distributed to 4746 HCWs. This questionnaire was based on the Job Content Questionnaire. Psychosocial job demand, job decision latitude and social support scores analysis were used to isolate high strain jobs. Occupational risks and high strain perception correlation were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Purpose. To screen the symptoms and to evaluate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apneas syndrome (OSAH) among health professionals. Method. This transversal epidemiological study concerned 1622 subjects. A questionnaire was submitted. The subjects with a positive Berlin questionnaire benefited from ventilatory polygraphy (VP). Results. The prevalence of positive Berlin was 13.2%. It increased with age, BMI, and also with the lack of regular sport activities use cannabis, alcohol or psychotropic drugs. It was more important in subjects suffering from metabolic, neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular and and/or respiratory pathology. The average sleep duration was more important in subjects having positive Berlin with earlier bedtimes and later wake-up. The prevalence of positive Berlin was higher among those who felt tired and sleepy and those who complained from headaches in the morning. It was higher among subjects reporting insomnia and among those with vigilance disorders: sleepiness at the work place, sleepiness while driving, Epworth > 10. It was important in subjects who had a road accident and/or work accident during the last twelve months. Prevalence of OSAH was 50.9% among subjects with positive Berlin who benefited from a VP. It has been estimated between 5.4% and 7.9% in the total population. Among subjects with positive Berlin having benefited from a VP, OSAH was more frequent among those over 50, suffering from obesity, cardiovascular, neuropsychiatric, metabolic and\or respiratory diseases. Conclusion. Occupational health physicians must play an important role in the early detection of this pathology and in education. (C) 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Purpose of the study. During the month of Ramadan, healthy adult Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. Their habits of life change because of late meals and evenings gatherings. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of Ramadan observance on alertness at work.Method. This cross-sectional epidemiological study concerned 2171 health care workers in hospital facilities of the cities of South, Center and West Morocco. An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was submitted before and during Ramadan.Results. During Ramadan, The changes in eating habits concerned the frequency of meals (2.1 meals a day versus 2.7) and food schedule. Drug consumption (sedatives analgesics, antispasmodics and antacids) had increased. Headaches and dyspeptic disturbances were more frequent (respectively 37.8 versus 25.3% and 35.8 versus 18.5%). The mean of length of total sleep (6.8 +/- 1.2 h versus 7.7 +/- 1.4 h) and that of nocturnal sleep (6.1 +/- 0.9 h versus 7.6 +/- 1.3 h) decreased while that of siestas increased (1.3 +/- 0.9 h versus 0.5 +/- 0.3 h). Bedtime and wake up time were significantly delayed. Insomnia was more frequent (48 versus 33%). The prevalence of alertness disturbances was more important: Epworth greater to 10 (46 versus 18.1%), sleepiness at work (49.8 versus 19.4%), and sleepiness while driving (17.3 versus 9.8%).Conclusion. Sleep, daytime alertness and health were affected. The occupational health physician should act as a mediator of the religious authorities and sensitize the workers to the harmful effects on their health of the adopted practices during this holy month. (C) 2012 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of risk factors for disorders of vigilance among professional drivers in Morocco. This transversal epidemiological multicentric study concerned 5,566 professional drivers of taxis (2,134), buses (1,158) and trucks (2,274). We used an anonymous individual questionnaire of 4 sections: socio-professional and sanitary characteristics of drivers, working conditions, sleeping habits, symptoms of sleep problems and favouring factors. Drivers were a population at risk: high body mass index (62.2%), toxic habits (smoking: 50.6%; alcohol: 12.9%; cannabis use: 11.7%), pathological antecedents (27%) and consumption of psychotropic drugs (4%). Their working conditions were difficult and sleeping problems were frequent. The mean daily hours of work was 10.6 ± 1.6, and mean sleep duration 6.5 ±1.3 hr. Insomnia was 40.2%, abnormally high Epworth scores 36.3% and sleepiness when driving 53.4%. Information and education on the dangers of sleepiness while driving is necessary, as is respect for regulations on work duration. The extension of the occupational health system to this type of activity would help improve road security and protect the health of professional drivers and road users. Language: fr

Résumé L’objet de cette étude était de décrire la prévalence des troubles de la vigilance et de ses facteurs de risque chez les conducteurs routiers professionnels. L’enquête épidémiologique transversale et multicentrique a intéressé 5 566 chauffeurs professionnels : taxis (2 134), autocars (1 158) et poids lourds (2 274). Le support de l’enquête est un questionnaire individuel comportant quatre rubriques : les caractéristiques socioprofessionnelles et sanitaires des conducteurs, les conditions de travail, les habitudes du sommeil, les symptômes des troubles du sommeil et les facteurs les favorisant. Les résultats montraient que les chauffeurs constituaient une population particulièrement à risque : indice de masse corporelle élevé (62,2 %), notion de maladies chroniques (27 %), habitudes toxiques (tabac : 50,6 % ; alcool : 12,9 % ; cannabis : 11,7 %) et consommation de psychotropes (4 %). Leurs conditions de travail étaient difficiles : 40,6 % déclaraient parcourir de longues distances avec une durée moyenne quotidienne de travail de 10,6 heures ± 1,6. La durée moyenne de sommeil le jour de travail était de 6,5 heures ± 1,3. Les troubles du sommeil étaient fréquents : 40,2 % se déclaraient insomniaques et 36,3 % avaient un score d’Epworth anormalement élevé. La somnolence au volant était rapportée par 53,4 % d’entre eux. L’information et la sensibilisation sur le respect de la réglementation en matière de durée de travail et la généralisation d’une couverture en santé au travail devraient permettre d’améliorer la sécurité routière.

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of professional drivers' vigilance disorders in Morocco. This transversal epidemiological multicentric study concerned 5,566 professional drivers of taxis (2,134), buses (1,158) and trucks (2,274). We used an anonymous individual questionnaire of 4 sections: socioprofessional and sanitary characteristics of drivers, working conditions, sleeping habits, symptoms of sleep problems and favouring factors. Drivers were a population at risk: high body mass index (62.2%), toxic habits (smoking: 50.6%; alcohol: 12.9%; cannabis use: 11.7%), pathological antecedents (27%) and consumption of psychotropic drugs (4%). Their working conditions were difficult and sleeping problems were frequent. The mean daily hours of work was 10.6 ± 1.6, and mean sleep duration 6.5 ± 1.3 hr. Insomnia was 40.2%, abnormally high Epworth scores 36.3% and sleepiness when driving 53.4%. Information and education on the dangers of sleepiness while driving is necessary, as is respect for regulations on work duration. The extension of the occupational health system to this type of activity would help improve road security and protect the health of professional drivers and road users.

Cette étude avait pour but l’évaluation de la prévalence des symptômes respiratoires, des troubles ventilatoires et des sensibilisations cutanées chez les boulangers pâtissiers. Elle a intéressé 582 sujets (354 directement exposées [ED] à la farine et 258 indirectement exposées [EI]) travaillant dans 59 boulangeries artisanales. Elle a consisté en une analyse des conditions de travail et une enquête médicale (questionnaire, examen clinique, spirométrie et tests cutanés allergologiques). La prévalence des sujets symptomatiques était plus élevée chez les ED (38,7 %) que chez les EI (28,9 %). L’exposition professionnelle a été incriminée dans la survenue des symptômes par 22 % des personnes. Chez les ED, les symptômes respiratoires étaient plus fréquents chez les fumeurs et anciens fumeurs (58,4 %) que chez les non-fumeurs (26,3 %). Chez les non-fumeurs, la prévalence des signes respiratoires était plus élevée chez les ED (26,3 %) que chez les EI (16,8 %). La prévalence des anomalies fonctionnelles était plus élevée chez les ED (27,7 %) que chez les EI (13,6 %). Chez ceux ayant des troubles fonctionnels respiratoires, 85,7 % avaient uniquement un syndrome des petites voies aériennes ou un trouble ventilatoire obstructif léger. Chez les ED, les anomalies spirométriques étaient plus fréquentes chez les fumeurs et anciens fumeurs (33,6 %) que chez les non-fumeurs (17,5 %). Chez les non-fumeurs, une augmentation des anomalies fonctionnelles a été notée chez les ED (17,5 %) par rapport aux EI (9,2 %). Pour les allergènes professionnels, le pourcentage de prick-tests positifs à au moins un acarien de stockage était plus élevé chez les ED (21,7 %) que chez les EI (10,5 %). La prévalence de la sensibilisation à la farine était de 20,1 % dans le groupe ED versus 9,6 % dans le groupe EI. Les tests cutanés étaient positifs à la farine chez 52,8 % des asthmatiques et chez 26,2 % des rhinitiques. Des mesures préventives adéquates techniques et médicales réduiraient ce risque.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate practices and knowledge on infectious hazards, to determine the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C related to occupational blood exposures among health care workers, and to propose a prevention policy. This descriptive epidemiological survey, which is multicentric and cross-cutting, was carried out in 2005 in four Moroccan cities. 1562 health care workers were contacted and 1002 accepted to reply to the questionnaire (64.1%). The mean age was 39.5 +/- 6.8 years and length of service 12.6 +/- 8.3 years. Blood was identified as the product most handled by workers (91.3%), followed by dirty linen and hospital waste. The most frequently used instruments reported were hollow needles (77.9%), followed by lancets. Re-sheathing used needles was practiced by 47.3% of the personnel. Nurses, assistants and support staff have insufficient knowledge on how viral hepatitis B and C is transmitted. Only 47.4% of personnel were adequately vaccinated against hepatitis B. Post-vaccines serology was carried out on only 2.7% of the vaccinated staff. During the last twelve months, 62.8% of the persons were victim to at least one occupational blood exposures of which 8.3% were reported. Universal precautions are not widely known or applied: only 24.4% wore gloves for invasive acts and 63% correctly disinfected their hands. Viral hepatitis B and C hazards in healthcare facilities are not sufficiently taken account. The recent creation of occupational health services in hospital facilities should contribute to improve working conditions, provide for mandatory vaccination of hospital employees against viral hepatitis B, and improve and increase information and education on hazards related to occupational blood exposures for healthcare personnel.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate practices and knowledge on infectious hazards, to determine the prevalence of viral hepatitis B and C related to occupational blood exposures among health care workers, and to propose a prevention policy. This descriptive epidemiological survey, which is multicentric and cross-cutting, was carried out in 2005 in four Moroccan cities. 1562 health care workers were contacted and 1002 accepted to reply to the questionnaire (64.1%). The mean age was 39.5 +/- 6.8 years and length of service 12.6 +/- 8.3 years. Blood was identified as the product most handled by workers (91.3%), followed by dirty linen and hospital waste. The most frequently used instruments reported were hollow needles (77.9%), followed by lancets. Re-sheathing used needles was practiced by 47.3% of the personnel. Nurses, assistants and support staff have insufficient knowledge on how viral hepatitis B and C is transmitted. Only 47.4% of personnel were adequately vaccinated against hepatitis B. Post-vaccines serology was carried out on only 2.7% of the vaccinated staff. During the last twelve months, 62.8% of the persons were victim to at least one occupational blood exposures of which 8.3% were reported. Universal precautions are not widely known or applied: only 24.4% wore gloves for invasive acts and 63% correctly disinfected their hands. Viral hepatitis B and C hazards in healthcare facilities are not sufficiently taken account. The recent creation of occupational health services in hospital facilities should contribute to improve working conditions, provide for mandatory vaccination of hospital employees against viral hepatitis B, and improve and increase information and education on hazards related to occupational blood exposures for healthcare personnel.

Cette étude épidémiologique, transversale et multicentrique, a pour objectif d'apprécier le niveau de stress chez le personnel médical et paramédical travaillant dans les services hospitaliers. Elle évalue les facteurs de risque et les manifestations psychosomatiques du stress et analyse la relation entre état de stress et caractéristiques socioprofessionnelles, facteurs de risque et manifestations psychosomatiques. Un auto-questionnaire anonyme, inspiré de celui de l'INRS, a été remis à l'ensemble des infirmiers et des médecins. Il comporte 50 items regroupés en quatre rubriques : données sociodémographiques et professionnelles, facteurs de protection ou de risque de stress en milieu de travail, indicateurs de stress et perception du stress. Trois mille cinq cent cinquante-quatre sujets ont répondu au questionnaire. La prévalence du stress était de 21,7 %. Le sexe féminin et les paramédicaux étaient les plus atteints. Le stress était plus fréquent dans les grandes villes (Casablanca et Rabat). Les conduites de compensation étaient plus importantes chez les sujets stressés. Les facteurs de risque de stress professionnel étaient la forte demande psychologique associée à une faible latitude décisionnelle et à un soutien social insuffisant. Les facteurs paraprofessionnels prédisposant au stress comprenaient les difficultés socioéconomiques, l'activité complémentaire d'appoint, les problèmes de transport et les personnes à charge. Les services de santé au travail, récemment institués en milieu de soins, doivent détecter la souffrance des soignants et améliorer l'environnement psychosocial. Cependant, les difficultés socioéconomiques et la précarité des professionnels de santé, notamment des infirmiers, ne peuvent être résolues qu'au niveau des décideurs qui doivent revoir les salaires et les conditions de vie des soignants. This epidemiological study, cross-sectional and multicentric, aims to assess the level of stress among medical and paramedical staff in hospital facilities. It evaluates risk factors and psychosomatic manifestations of stress and analyses the relationship between the state of stress and socioprofessional characteristics, risk factors and psychosomatic manifestations. An anonymous self-questionnaire, inspired by that of the INRS, was submitted to all nurses and physicians. It consists of 50 items grouped in four sections: sociodemographic and professional data, protection and stress risk factors in working premises, stress indicators and perception of stress. Three thousands five hundred fifty-four subjects answered the questionnaire. Prevalence of stress was 21.7%. Females and paramedics were the most affected. Stress was more frequent in the big cities (Casablanca and Rabat). Compensation behavior was more important among stressed subjects. Factors of professional risk stress were high psychological demand associated with low decisional latitude and insufficient social support. Paraprofessional factors predisposing to stress included socioeconomic difficulties, complementary supporting activity, transportation problems and dependents. Services of occupational health, recently instituted in medical facilities, should detect the suffering of the staff and improve the psychological environment. However, socioeconomic difficulties and the precarious situation of health staff, especially nurses, cannot be solved except at a higher level where decisions concerning salaries and living conditions should be made.

Purpose of the study. This epidemiological study, cross-sectional and multicentric, aims to assess the level of stress among medical and paramedical staff in hospital facilities. It evaluates risk factors and psychosomatic manifestations of stress and analyses the relationship between the state of stress and socioprofessional characteristics, risk factors and psychosomatic manifestations.Method. An anonymous self-questionnaire, inspired by that of the INRS, was submitted to all nurses and physicians. It consists of 50 items grouped in four sections: sociodemographic and professional data, protection and stress risk factors in working premises, stress indicators and perception of stress.Results. Three thousands five hundred fifty-four subjects answered the questionnaire. Prevalence of stress was 21.7%. Females and paramedics were the most affected. Stress was more frequent in the big cities (Casablanca and Rabat). Compensation behavior was more important among stressed subjects. Factors of professional risk stress were high psychological demand associated with low decisional latitude and insufficient social support. Paraprofessional factors predisposing to stress included socioeconomic difficulties, complementary supporting activity, transportation problems and dependents.Conclusion. Services of occupational health, recently instituted in medical facilities, should detect the Suffering of the staff and improve the psychological environment. However, socioeconomic difficulties and the precarious situation of health staff, especially nurses, cannot be solved except at a higher level where decisions concerning salaries and living conditions should be made. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

They are many risks relating to the wood; they are caused by natural components of wood, products of conservation, chemical agents and parasites of wood. We have carried out a retrospective survey which concerned exposed workers and controls in twenty small handicraft workshops in the joiners’ souk of Marrakesh, it has enabled us to evaluate the prevalence of the clinical symptoms and disorders of respiratory function in 242 exposed subjects to the wood dust and 121 controls. This enquiry consisted of a questionnaire (European Coal and Steel Community: ECSC and the World Health Organisation: WHO), a clinical examination and a spirometry. Sixty-one point nine % of those exposed had clinical respiratory symptoms versusonly 21.5% of controls. Rhinitis, asthma, conjunctivitis, chronic bronchitis and dermitis were significantly more frequent in those exposed than among the non-exposed, with respectively 55.8%, 14.5%, 24.8%, 21.1% and 12.8% versus 16.5%, 6.6%, 8.3%, 5.8% and 4.9%. Exposure was the cause of respiratory symptoms because among non-smokers, exposed workers were more symptomatic than controls. Smoking exhibited a potentializing effect on airborne occupational contaminants because among exposed workers disorders were 1.8 times more frequent in smokers than non-smokers. A variable degree of respiratory obstruction was found among 30.1% of the exposed individuals versus 12.4% of the unexposed subjects. The effect of exposure was certain because among the non-smokers, 15% of exposed subjects had altered respiratory function versus 4% of unexposed persons. It is imperative to implement an occupational health service and to develop means for collective and individual prevention to maximally reduce the risk.

L’objectif était d’évaluer les pratiques et les connaissances sur le risque infectieux, de déterminer la prévalence des infections virales liées aux accidents d’exposition au sang chez le personnel de santé et de proposer une politique de prévention. Cette enquête épidémiologique descriptive, multicentrique et transversale a été menée durant les années 2003 à 2004 dans dix villes marocaines. Sur 2844 personnes contactées, 2086 ont répondu au questionnaire (participation 73,3 %). L’âge moyen était de 40,8 ± 7,8 ans et l’ancienneté professionnelle moyenne de 15,6 ± 7,4 ans. Le sang était le produit le plus incriminé (96,1 %) suivi du linge souillé et des déchets hospitaliers. Le matériel cité comme dangereux comprenait les instruments piquants (aiguilles creuses = 80,6 %). Les affections les plus redoutées étaient les hépatites virales (77,5 %) et le VIH (89,3 %). Seuls 40,6 % du personnel étaient correctement vaccinés contre l’hépatite B (sérologie postvaccinale réalisée chez 1,8 % des vaccinés). Durant les 12 mois précédents, 58,9 % des personnes avaient été victimes d’au moins un accident exposant au sang (AES) dont 5,8 % déclarés. Seuls 65,6 % des soignants portaient toujours des gants pour les gestes invasifs, 61,5 % se désinfectaient correctement les mains. Le recapuchonnage des aiguilles était retrouvé dans 51,2 % des cas. Les services de santé au travail en milieu de soins doivent contribuer à l’amélioration des conditions de travail, à la vaccination obligatoire et généralisée contre l’hépatite virale B et à des actions d’information et d’éducation sur les risques liés aux AES. This study had for aim to evaluate practices and knowledge of infectious hazards, to determine the prevalence of viral infections related to occupational blood exposure among health care workers, and to propose a preventive policy. This descriptive multicentric and transversal epidemiological survey was carried out from 2003 to 2004 in 10 Moroccan cities. Two thousand eight hundred and forty four persons were contacted and 2086 accepted to answer the questionnaire (73.3 %). The mean age was 40.8 ± 7.8 years and seniority 15.6 ± 7.4 years. Blood was the most incriminated product (96.1%), followed by dirty linen and hospital waste. Instruments most often mentioned as dangerous were hollow needles (80.3%). The most feared infections were viral hepatitis (77.5%) and HIV (89.3%). Only 40.6% of the personnel were adequately vaccinated against hepatitis B. Post-vaccine serology was performed on only 1.8% of the vaccinated staff. During the last 12 months, 58.9% of the personnel underwent at least one occupational blood exposure 5.8% of which was reported. Universal precautions appeared poorly used as only 65.6% wore gloves for invasive acts and 61.5% correctly disinfected their hands. Re-sheathing used needles was frequent (51.2%). Infectious hazards in healthcare facilities are not sufficiently taken into account: the recent creation of occupational health services in hospital facilities should contribute to improve working conditions, make hepatitis B vaccination available and mandatory, and lead to more information and education on hazards related to occupational blood exposure for healthcare personnel.

Objective. - This study had for aim to evaluate practices and knowledge of infectious hazards, to determine the prevalence of viral infections related to occupational blood exposure among health care workers. and to propose a preventive policy.Design. - This descriptive multicentric and transversal epidemiological survey was carried out from 2003 to 2004 in 10 Moroccan cities. Two thousand eight hundred and forty four persons were contacted and 2086 accepted to answer the questionnaire (73.3%).Results. - The mean age was 40.8 +/- 7.8 years and seniority 15.6 +/- 7.4 years. Blood was the most incriminated product (96.1%), followed by dirty linen and hospital waste. Instruments most often mentioned as dangerous were hollow needles (80.3%). The most feared infections were viral hepatitis (77.5%) and HIV (89.3%). Only 40.6% of the personnel were adequately vaccinated against hepatitis B. Post-vaccine serology was performed on only 1.8% of the vaccinated staff. During the last 12 months, 58.9% of the personnel underwent at least one occupational blood exposure 5.8% of which was reported. Universal precautions appeared poorly used as only 65.6% wore gloves for invasive acts and 61.5% correctly disinfected their hands. Re-sheathing used needles was frequent (51.2%).Conclusions. - Infectious hazards in healthcare facilities are not sufficiently taken into account: the recent creation of occupational health services in hospital facilities should contribute to improve working conditions, make hepatitis B vaccination available and mandatory, and lead to more information and education on hazards related to occupational blood exposure for healthcare personnel. (C) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits reserves.

Purpose of the study. Road accident represents one of the main causes of death and Moroccan roads are among the most deadly in the world. Truck drivers are to blame for many of these accidents and sleepiness is a principal cause. The purpose of this study is to evaluate among truck drivers vigilance problems, their causes and consequences and to propose preventive measures.Method. This transversal epidemiological study concerned 2134 truck drivers in Casablanca. We used an anonymous individual questionnaire comprising four sections: socioprofessional and sanitary characteristics of drivers, working conditions, sleeping habits, symptoms of sleep problems and favouring factors.Results. Drivers are a population at risk: excess weight (62.9%), toxic habits (smoking: 49.6%; alcohol: 11.8%; cannabisin: 12%), pathological antecedents (28.3%) and consumption of psychotropic drugs (3.9%). Their working conditions are difficult and sleeping problems are frequent. Daily working hours over 12 (50.3%), sleep duration less than seven hours (53%). Insomnia (36.5%), abnormally high Epworth scores and sleepiness when driving (68.6%) are important factors that cause accidents (6.8%).Conclusion. Information, education and communication oil the dangers of sleepiness while driving is necessary in addition to the respect of regulations on work duration. The extension of the occupational health system to this type of activity would allow an improvement in road security and protect the health of professional drivers and road users. (c) 2008 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Le but de l’étude a été de comparer à un groupe de contrôle la prévalence des risques professionnels respiratoires, des troubles ventilatoires et des sensibilisations cutanées chez les marchands d’épices à Casablanca. Cette enquête épidémiologique transversale de type cohorte rétrospective a inclus 175 marchands d’épices et 175 sujets non exposés. Elle comprenait une analyse des conditions de travail et une enquête médicale (questionnaire, examen clinique, spirométrie et tests cutanés allergologiques). Le terrain atopique a été retrouvé chez 14,8% des exposés contre 9,7% des non exposés. Les prévalences des symptômes cliniques étaient significativement plus élevées chez les exposés (41,1%) que chez les non exposés (21,7%). Chez les exposés, les fumeurs et les anciens fumeurs (63,8%) étaient plus symptomatiques que les non fumeurs (29,9%). Chez les non fumeurs, les exposés ont été plus symptomatiques (29,9%) que les non exposés (12,3%). L’exposition semblait jouer un rôle important dans la genèse des troubles respiratoires. Le tabac était un facteur aggravant. Une altération de la fonction respiratoire, de degré variable, était retrouvée chez 61,1% des exposés. Chez ces derniers, les prévalences des tests cutanés positifs aux allergènes courants seuls, aux allergènes professionnels seuls et à l’association des deux étaient respectivement de 24,6%, 29,7% et 18,3%. La sensibilisation cutanée à au moins une épice native était notée chez 11,4% des marchands d’épices, dominée par le piment chez 5,7% des sujets. Peu d’études épidémiologiques transversales de cohorte portant sur les risques respiratoires aux épices ont été retrouvées dans la littérature. Cependant, nos résultats concernant la symptomatologie clinique, les troubles fonctionnels ventilatoires et la sensibilisation aux allergènes professionnels étaient concordants avec ceux observés dans les milieux céréalier, minotier, boulanger, épicier et agricole. L’instauration d’une prévention médicale et technique adéquate pourra réduire ce risque. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and the sensitisation among sellers of spices in Casablanca. This transversal epidemiological survey among 175 sellers of spices and 175 non-exposed includes an analysis of working conditions and a medical assessment (questionnaire, medical examination, spirometry and skin prick testing). Atopy was found among 14.8% of sellers of spices. 41.1% of those exposed had clinical respiratory symptoms versus only 21.7% of the non-exposed. Exposure was the cause of respiratory symptoms because among non-smokers, exposed workers were more symptomatic (29.9%) than controls (12.3%). Smoking entailed a potentiating effect on airborne occupational contaminants. Respiratory function was altered in 61.1% of those exposed. The prevalence of occupational allergens is 24.6% among exposed. The rate of positive prick tests to native spices is 11.4% among exposed versus 2.9% among non-exposed. Few cohort transversal epidemiological studies concerning spices occupational respiratory hazard were found in the literature. However, our results on clinical symptoms, functional ventilation problems and professional allergen sensitivity were concordant with those observed in cereal, mill, bakery, grocer, and agricultural environments. It is imperative to implement a medical and technical prevention to reduce the risk.