Work - Volume 61, issue 3

Authors: de Souza, Adriana G.L. | Bueno da Silva, Luiz | de Leon, Elisa B. | Trimer, Renata | Mendonça, Ayrles S.G.B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of information and communication technologies improves the versatility of learning environments by broadening the scope of educational practices, allowing students to communicate with other institutions and providing access to information in real time. However, these tools, in addition to environmental characteristics, can increase the internal thermal load, which is directly influenced by the external environment, with a consequent impact on body physiology. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated the relationship between air temperature and blood pressure and heart rate among students performing cognitive tasks at computer laboratories in four public universities (three in Northeastern Brazil and …one in Northern Brazilian). METHODS: Thermal conditions and physiological parameters were analysed over three consecutive days, and the participants were subjected to changes in air temperature from 20°C to 33°C. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before and after testing. RESULTS: Analyses of the experimental data showed changes in heart rate at high temperatures, with a greater risk of students from Teresina and Manaus institutions presenting heart rates above 100 bpm during cognitive tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Within the temperature range applied, on the day of the highest temperature, we observed the highest percentage of participants who reported thermal discomfort (63%, 33°C; 58%, 29°C; 38%, 28°C) and a reduction of cognitive performance (15 to 10 points when the air temperature increases from 20 to 33°C). Show more

Keywords: Thermal comfort, cardiovascular system, occupational health, working conditions, thermoregulation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182808

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 437-448, 2018

Authors: Rui, Lee Hong | Cheung, Therma Wai Chun | Zixian, Yang | Pratt, Anna L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The biomechanics of homemakers has been minimally studied. The way laundry-drying is performed in Singapore public-housing, using the pipe-socket-system (PSS), could expose the homemakers to musculoskeletal disorder risk. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantify the musculoskeletal risk exposure (MRE) associated with laundry-drying amongst female homemakers using the PSS in Singapore public-housing. METHODS: Using snowball sampling approach, five female homemakers familiar with the described laundry-drying method were recruited. The postures of the participants were analysed from video-recorded data and scored using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). RESULTS: This pilot study revealed very strong …evidence (p  = 0.001) that the participants were exposed to medium risk (REBA score 4.3) when performing this housework task. CONCLUSIONS: Extreme awkward postures and repetitive motions were observed from the participants during the analysis. High REBA scores were frequently associated with the awkward postures adopted due to constraints of physical work space. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, homemakers, housework, biomechanical risk, biomechanics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182809

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 449-461, 2018

Authors: Cocchiara, R.A. | Sciarra, I. | D’Egidio, V. | Sestili, C. | Mancino, M. | Backhaus, I. | Mannocci, A. | De Luca, A. | Frusone, F. | Di Bella, O. | Di Murro, F. | Palmeri, V. | Lia, L. | Paradiso, G. | Aceti, V. | Libia, A. | Monti, M. | La Torre, G.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to improvements in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, the healthcare system faces a growing number of cancer survivors. Breast cancer survivors experience many difficulties when returning to work, including discrimination at work and lack of support by employers and colleagues. OBJECTIVE: To point out the knowledge in literature up to date about return to work (RTW) after breast cancer, the factors influencing it and the interventions to facilitate it. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in January 2017 using the databases Medline (PubMed) and Scopus. Studies were included if they analyzed the problem of …RTW in women treated for breast cancer. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies were divided into four themes: factors facilitating or impeding RTW; interventions to enhance RTW; lived experiences of RTW; economic aspects related to cancer survivors and RTW. CONCLUSIONS: The heterogeneity of the interventions suggests the need for a better definition of the concept of RTW. To compare interventions, studies should use a rigorous approach and better outcome measures should be identified to evaluate RTW. Show more

Keywords: Occupational medicine, rehabilitation, tertiary prevention, breast cancer

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182810

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 463-476, 2018

Authors: Lecours, Alexandra | Therriault, Pierre-Yves

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Integrating more prevention interventions into different workplace settings as a component of the role of occupational therapists has a significant relevance recognized by the occupational therapy professional community. Even if some studies suggested that occupational therapists already provide prevention interventions, and that other studies showed the efficacy of such interventions, the literature does not offer a comprehensive understanding of the specific practice of occupational therapists engaging in prevention in workplace settings. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the practice of occupational therapists toward the development of preventive behaviour at work among their clients. …METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 occupational therapists. Phenomenological analysis was used to examine the content of the interviews. RESULTS: Results suggest that occupational therapists form representations of preventive behavior that are consistent with theory, but those are limited and do not take into account the complexity of the concept. Results of the interviews found eight different interventions provided by occupational therapists toward the development of their clients’ preventive behavior at work. CONCLUSION: Occupational therapists recognize their role in supporting their clients’ development of preventive behavior at work. However, they appear to lack a conceptual understanding and resources to help them in their practice toward prevention. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health and safety, preventive behavior, safety behavior, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182811

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 477-488, 2018

Authors: Passali, Christina | Maniopoulou, Dionysia | Apostolakis, Ioannis | Varlamis, Iraklis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The serious shortages of nurses are related to increased risk for musculoskeletal disorders during work. The complexity of patient care places nurses at high-risk for injury and high in the list of occupations with risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). OBJECTIVE: The current study evaluated the association of personal, professional and health factors with the development of WMSD in the nursing staff of hospitals in the capital of Greece. METHODS: The study was conducted online with 394 nurses (age: 37.85±7.48 years (mean±SD), 19.54% male and 80.46% female) using a questionnaire based on the Nordic Musculoskeletal …Questionnaire, and comparatively examined WMSD across nurses. RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in general was 98%, with symptoms reported for the waist (85.3%), neck (71.2%) and back (70.7%). The risk for WMSD was higher for specific RN groups: female nurses had higher risk than males (p -value = 0.000 to 0.022), RNs with 11-20 years of work experience (p -value = 0.008) had higher risk than their younger colleagues, RNs that strain their waist, lift loads, etc faced higher risks (p -value = 0.000 to 0.043). Shift work, age and the body mass index also lead to increased risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicated that Greek nurses suffer more frequently from WMSD in comparison to their colleagues internationally and this must alert hospital managers and the Greek National Health System to develop a prevention policy for WMSD in Greek hospitals. Show more

Keywords: Risk factors, healthcare professionals, occupational risks, WMSD, occupational life, nurse position

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182812

Citation: Work, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 489-498, 2018