Work - Volume 63, issue 1

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192900

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2019

Authors: Arslan, Selen Serel | Alemdaroğlu, İpek | Karaduman, Aynur Ayşe | Yilmaz, Öznur Tunca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A sedentary lifestyle has negative effects on many aspects of life. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of physical activity on sleep quality, job satisfaction, and quality of life in office workers. METHODS: A convenience sample of office workers from administrative staff of a university was included. There were two groups; Group I did regular physical activity for at least eight weeks, and Group II did no regular physical activity. Sleep quality, job satisfaction, and quality of life were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Minnesota Job Satisfaction …Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality-of-Life-Scale (WHOQOL-BREF), respectively. RESULTS: Group I included 59 individuals and Group II 50 individuals. No significant differences were found between groups in terms of age, height, weight, and the period of time worked (p  > 0.05). Although no significant difference was found in terms of sleep quality (p  = 0.52), the overall job satisfaction of Group I was higher than Group II (p  = 0.03). All subscales of the WHOQOL-BREF for Group I was higher than Group II (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regular physical activity could increase job satisfaction and quality of life for office workers. Further studies investigating the effect of physical activity in terms of its type, duration should be performed. Show more

Keywords: Office workers, physical activity, sedentary, work satisfaction, well-being, NCT03247426

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192902

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 3-7, 2019

Authors: Rezagholi, Mahmoud

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Development of methodologies for making economic decisions on designing work environment studies is a theoretical challenge for researchers in occupational health sciences. There are well-defined tools available in the relevant literature for analysis of cost-efficiency associated with the assessment of an occupational exposure of interest. However, these analytical tools are not appropriate for holistic studies of the work environment as a multidimensional reality. OBJECTIVE: This article introduces an appropriate methodology for designing cross-sectional comprehensive studies of the work environment, in order to optimize the production of information on the psychosocial, ergonomic, and physical dimensions of the work …environment in regular studies. METHODS: The employment of a translog cost-utility function is suggested as a suitable way to provide cost-minimized designs for regular studies which are aimed at providing or developing multidimensional information systems of the work environment. RESULTS: The translog cost-utility function is not subject to predetermined restrictions, but has a flexibility property allowing it to be transformed to any specification that is adaptable to the specific work environmental characteristics and research requirements. CONCLUSION: The translog cost-utility function is an appropriate econometric model for optimizing the production of multidimensional information on occupational exposures in regular cross-sectional workplace studies. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health risk factors, ordinal utility, quality criteria, economic decision, cost-utility function

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192903

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 9-20, 2019

Authors: Sun, Yuanlu | Armer, Jane M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is one of the major complications following breast cancer treatment. The majority of women who develop breast cancer are in their years of employment. Occupational functioning and employment are issues of significant concern among women with breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). We present a single-case study of a nurse living with BCRL for more than two decades in the Midwestern United States, as an exemplar to explore the ‘return-to-work’ phenomenon. METHODS: A sixty-minute, semi-structured interview was conducted with a selected single case (“Linda”), following a pre-interview survey. Themes and sub-concepts were generated through constant-comparison of evidence within …the case. RESULTS: Themes included: the feeling of being lost, functional impairments related to BCRL and bandaging, being limited yet not being limited, and experiencing different challenges with different jobs. Overall, returning to work with BCRL was a complex phenomenon involving interactions of the disease process, the work activity, the individual, and an array of contextual factors. CONCLUSIONS: Linda’s struggles, efforts, and adaptations at different career points were revealing and exemplified how individuals navigate the journey of returning to work with BCRL. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, cancer survivorship, qualitative research, psychosocial adjustment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192904

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 21-31, 2019

Authors: Kwon, Yonghyun | Kwon, Jung Won | Cho, In Hee

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Walking in daily life is often accompanied by an attention-demanding task, which requires a different attentional load and external environments. Therefore, various gaits require complex and systematic interactions between several nervous systems, such as sensory association, cognitive functions, and the musculoskeletal system. OBJECTIVE: Dual-task conditions during gait can affect the interaction between cognitive processing and motor behavior. This study investigated the effect of two types of cognitive dual tasks and one type of manual dual task (MDT) on kinematic and spatiotemporal parameters of gait in young healthy adults. METHODS: We recruited 30 healthy young adults …in this study. All participants performed normal gait, and two types of cognitive tasks (subtraction dual task, SDT; and working memory dual task, WMDT) and MDT (carrying a cup filled with water) during gait. This study assessed kinematic data during the stance and swing phases and spatiotemporal parameters. RESULTS: MDT gait showed a significant decrement of hip-joint movement during the stance phase compared to the normal gait (p  < 0.05). Stride velocity significantly decreased during SDT and WMDT gait compared with the normal gait (p  < 0.05). MDT gait showed significant decrement of all spatiotemporal parameters of gait compared with normal gait (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We reported that MDT gait can induce decreased hip-joint motion during the stance phase and reduced all spatiotemporal parameters to maintain balance and reduce the risk of falling. Therefore, motor dual tasks while walking would be useful as an intervention strategy to rehabilitate or train people at risk for falling. Show more

Keywords: Dual task, attention demanding task, manual dual task, gait analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192905

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 33-38, 2019

Authors: Aalberg, A.L. | Saksvik-Lehouillier, I. | Vaag, J.R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate a variety of health challenges among musicians. Despite this, less is known concerning the roles of work-related and personal factors associated with the musicians’ mental health. OBJECTIVE: We wanted to investigate personal and work-related demands and resources associated with psychological distress in professional musicians. METHODS: Based on a sample of 1,607 of professional Norwegian musicians, we conducted a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: We found that personal factors such as level of neuroticism and sense of mastery had the strongest association with PD. Extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, job demands …and social support did also contribute to distress in our final statistical model, but to a lesser degree. Somewhat surprisingly, work-family conflict, effort–reward imbalance and job control were not associated with PD in our final model. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that both work-related factors (job demands and social support) and personal resources (personality and sense of mastery) are associated with PD among musicians in this cross-sectional study. Prospective research is needed in order to investigate these associations further. Meanwhile, we suggest to emphasize early development of sense of mastery and social support in music education and industry. Show more

Keywords: Work environment, musicians’ health, psychological distress, personality, job demands-resources

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192906

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 39-47, 2019

Authors: Edman, Joel S. | Galantino, Mary Lou | Hutchinson, Jodi | Greeson, Jeffrey M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health coaching promotes healthy lifestyles and may be particularly helpful for employees with chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of a health coaching program that targeted health-system employees with at least one cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor. METHODS: Fifty-four employees volunteered for a health coaching program (6-session, 12-week program, at least one cycle). 40 (74%) completed (mean age [SD] = 53.3 [10.3] years, Female = 95%, Caucasian = 83%). A certified and integrative health coach/nutritionist provided coaching. Self-reported outcomes were collected using a pre-post design. RESULTS: Participants reported high rates of obesity (75%), hypertension (52.5%), diabetes/prediabetes (47.5%), and hyperlipidemia …(40%). In addition, 20% reported chronic pain/rehabilitation needs, 17.5% seasonal depression, and 30% other significant co-morbidities. Following coaching, participants reported significant weight loss (mean [SD] 7.2 [6.6] pounds, p  < 0.0001, d  = 1.11), increased exercise (from 0.8 to 2.3 sessions/week, p  < 0.001, d  = .89), reduced perceived stress (p  < 0.04, d  = .42), and a trend for improved sleep (p  = 0.06, d  = .38). Reduced stress correlated with both increased exercise (r  = –.39, p  < 0.05) and decreased fatigue (r  = .36, p  = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Health coaching for healthcare employees with obesity and other CVD risk factors is a promising approach to losing weight, reducing stress, making healthy lifestyle changes, and improving health and well-being. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lifestyle, corporate wellness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192907

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 49-56, 2019

Authors: Durand, Anne-Claire | Bompard, Catherine | Sportiello, Julia | Michelet, Pierre | Gentile, Stéphanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related stress is a significant health and safety concern. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of burnout and occupational stress among emergency department (ED) professionals and to identify associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study included all ED professionals of a French university hospital. Data were collected using the French versions of the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Karasek Job Content Questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 166 respondents (75.8%), 19.3% reported burnout and 27.1% job strain. Factors associated with burnout were work-related dissatisfaction, fear of making mistakes, lack of time to perform tasks, and being younger. …Those factors associated with job strain were having at least one sick leave in the past year, being affected by hard work, interpersonal conflicts at workplace, and sleep disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the literature, our results showed a lower prevalence of burnout among physicians but similar among paramedics. The proportion of professionals with job strain was higher than that of the whole French working population. Organizational factors and the work environment were the primary causes of burnout and job strain, while being younger was the only associated sociodemographic factor. The identification of professionals experiencing difficulty is essential to ensure patient safety, particularly in the high-risk field of emergency medicine. Show more

Keywords: Job strain, occupational characteristics, workplace, healthcare professionals

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192908

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 57-67, 2019

Authors: Boyle, Eleanor | Cassidy, J. David | Côté, Pierre

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In occupational rehabilitation programs, return-to-work is a key outcome measure; however, the studies either used different definitions for return-to-work or do not provide their definition. In order to provide a solution to this issue, we developed a self-report return-to-work measure. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the reliability and validity of a self-report return-to-work questionnaire in a cohort of workers with a work-related injury. METHODS: Two research assistants independently administered the baseline questionnaires and a follow-up questionnaire. The questionnaires contained work-related questions (e.g., currently working, if duties changed) that were used to create a four-category work status measure. …Pain-related and a recovery questions were also asked. We obtained loss of earnings data from the compensation board. The short-term reliability and convergent validity were assessed. RESULTS: We recruited 75 workers, and 57 completed the test-re-test baseline questionnaire, and 51 completed the follow-up. The mean age was 45.4 years and 57% were female. The participants had a mixture of musculoskeletal injuries. Most were in the acute stage, but 17% of the participants were injured for more than a year. The short-term reliability of current working status had a kappa value of 0.90. Participants who were not working had higher levels of pain-related disability than those who were working. The kappa value for the agreement between self-reported working status and administrative data on receiving any loss of earnings payment was around 0.65. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence of reliability and validity for a new return-to-work measure. Show more

Keywords: Return-to-work, occupational injury, questionnaire, measurement properties, self-report measure, workers’compensation data

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192909

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 69-80, 2019

Authors: Robichaud, Marie-Maxime | Truchon, Manon | St-Arnaud, Louise | Nastasia, Iuliana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the importance of the legislative and insurance systems in the return to work process after an occupational injury, the perspective of the insurer on what influences return to work has rarely been documented. OBJECTIVE: To understand the barriers or facilitators for return to work, from the perspective of the insurer. METHODS: A comprehensive qualitative approach was used. Semi-directed interviews were done with nineteen (19) insurers (claims adjudicator and rehabilitation case manager) from a Canadian workers’ compensation board. A thematic analysis was done using QDA Minor Software. RESULTS: Fourteen themes (e.g. family reaction, …quality of work relationship) were classified into four categories representing the main stakeholders: worker with disability, workplace, healthcare system and compensation system. Emotional, cognitive, and adaptive reactions from the worker and his family were identified. We observed that good work relations and support practices, lack of access to medical resources, focus on the employee’s ability, and complexity and consequences of the compensation process are the main barriers and facilitators from the insurers’ perspective. Many of the perceived elements are coherent with the compensation system’s administrative and legal context. CONCLUSIONS: The results enable us to better understand the insurers’ perspective regarding what influences return to work. It reinforces the necessity to consider the administrative and legal context to better understand the insurers’ perspective. Show more

Keywords: Qualitative research, workers’ compensation, insurance, work disability, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192910

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 81-97, 2019

Authors: Andersen, Lars Peter Sønderbo | Hogh, Annie | Gadegaard, Charlotte | Biering, Karin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The frequency of being exposed to work-related violence and threats is high in employees working in the human service sector. The question is whether certain employees are particularly exposed to violence and threats than others. OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether particular employees were especially exposed to work-related violence and threats due to personal characteristics, coping styles, attitudes or participating in violence prevention training. We also examined the role played by supervisors. METHODS: Questionnaire data were collected in 2010 and 2011. In all, 3584 employees from special schools, psychiatric wards, eldercare and the Prison and Probation …Service participated. We used multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: We found persons high on the extroversion and introversion scales were associated with statistical significant increased risk for work-related threats. Furthermore, accepting attitudes concerning work-related violence were also statistical significant associated with increased the risk for both work-related threats and violence. Associations between coping styles and work-related threats and violence were very small and statistically non-significant and we found no effect of violence prevention training. The risk for work-related threats for persons high on the extroversion scale was decreased if supervisor violence prevention behaviour was high. Furthermore, if supervisor prevention behaviour was high, prevention training decreased the risk for work-related violence. However, these associations weren’t statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The results stress that effective prevention requires involvement of both employees and supervisors. Show more

Keywords: Accepting attitudes, coping, personality, prevention training

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192911

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 99-111, 2019

Authors: van Doorn, Diana | Richardson, Noel | Osborne, Aoife | Blake, Catherine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Irish farmers are a high-risk group for cardiovascular disease (CVD) which imposes not only a risk to their health but has more far-reaching implications for occupational health and safety. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the impact of a workplace health screening and health behaviour change programme among a sub-group of male Irish farmers. METHODS: Data were collected from male livestock farmers (n  = 310) who attended health screenings at livestock marts. Participating farmers also received lifestyle advice to prompt health behaviour change. Health behaviour change was tracked by two phone questionnaires at Week 1 (n  = 224) and …Week 12 (n  = 172). All data were entered into SPSS v22 and analysed using chi-square and regression techniques. RESULTS: At Week 12, 48% reported having changed at least one health behaviour. The majority of farmers were referred to their GP and by Week 12, 32% had acted on this advice. Participants most in need of health behaviour change based on adverse health screening results were, paradoxically, the least likely to contemplate or engage in health behaviour change. CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate that whilst workplace health screenings can be a catalyst for behaviour change for some farmers, more follow-up supports are needed to encourage sustainable behaviour change. Show more

Keywords: Primary prevention, occupational health, health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192912

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 113-123, 2019

Authors: Makowski, Krzysztof | Okrasa, Małgorzata

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The main function of respiratory protective devices is to provide an intact physical barrier between the environment and the user. To ensure that, a leak-tight fit of the facepiece to the user’s face is essential, regardless of the user’s individual facial features. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to assess the possibilities of developing customized respirators well-fitting to the anthropometric dimensions of the user’s face using 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques and to evaluate this custom-made device in terms of protective, usage and strength parameters. METHODS: Commercially available twin-filter half-mask type MP22/2 …was selected as base model for customization. The 3D scans of the half-mask facepiece were performed using ATOS Core optical 3D scanner. Simultaneously anthropometric measurements of the test subject face were carried out with hand-held 3D scanner Artec EVA. Then digital model of the facepiece was matched to the shape of user’s face using Geomagic Touch X haptic device. Customized facepieces were printed out with use of selective laser sintering technique from thermoplastic polyurethane. After assembling, respirators were tested for compliance with the requirements of the European standards. RESULTS: The developed respirators proved to be very well-fitted to the user’s face, did not cause any imprints or skin irritations and were assessed positively in terms of protective, usage and strength parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The application of 3D scanning and 3D printing techniques for designing and fabricating customized half-mask facepieces constitutes a viable option for the future development of respiratory protective devices. Show more

Keywords: Respiratory protective devices, fit of respirators, additive manufacturing, total inward leakage

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192913

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 125-135, 2019

Authors: Reinert, Fabíola | Gontijo, Leila Amaral

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ergonomics/Human factors (HFE) is little considered in the engineering design practice and design methodologies do not adequately present the use of HFE. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to propose a systematic for the integration of HFE into product design, based on the user-centered design approach. Thus, an overview of the systematic is presented, as well as the suggestion of methods and support tools for each phase of the design process. METHODS: In order to verify the applicability of the systematic it was done an expert evaluation of the systematic and an experiment was …carried out in the engineering education, in two classes of the product design course in a Brazilian University in 2016. RESULTS: The results showed that the students of the study group developed a better knowledge about HFE and its use in product design, besides the probability of using HFE in the product design went from low to high after the experiment. CONCLUSION: Presenting this information in a systematized way together with the design process allows students to be more likely to use it, to understand it better and know how to use it. Show more

Keywords: Product development, human factors, design methodology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-192901

Citation: Work, vol. 63, no. 1, pp. 137-149, 2019