Work-related stress and consumption of psychoactive substances and medications among early childhood professionals in Orléans Métropole, CCTVL, and Fleury-les-Aubrais (TraPsyCOL): Study protocol for a cross-sectional study

Abstract Work-related stress is a major public health issue affecting workers across various sectors. Individuals experiencing work-related stress are more likely to consume psychoactive substances, primarily alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, as well as psychoactive medications, which may be used as coping mechanisms. Work-related stress is also associated with adverse outcomes such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. In France, early childhood professionals, including “ATSEMs”, “animateurs”, and “agents d’entretien”, play a crucial role in the education, care, and well-being of children but are exposed to high levels of occupational stress due to the emotionally demanding nature of their work and the associated physical strain, making them vulnerable to substance use, burnout, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. This cross-sectional epidemiological study, conducted at a single time point, will be carried out among early childhood professionals working in schools for children in Orléans Métropole, Communauté de Communes des Terres du Val de Loire (CCTVL), and Fleury-les-Aubrais. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d’Orléans (assigned reference number is CERO 2511-02). The study aims to provide a better understanding of the relationship between work-related stress and the use of psychoactive substances and medications among early childhood professionals, as well as the association between work-related stress and burnout, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Data will be collected anonymously using self-administered online questionnaires, accessed via a QR code printed on flyers distributed to participants. The same QR code will also provide access to an information sheet explaining that the study complies with ethical guidelines and that proceeding implies non-objection to participation. Based on calculations performed using BiostaTGV, a sample size of 265 participants is required. Statistical analysis will be conducted using SPSS software. Studying these associations is essential for informing the development of targeted interventions and prevention.