Work - Volume 66, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203191

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 475-476, 2020

Authors: Soheili, Sahar | Shariat, Ardalan | Anastasio, Albert T.

Article Type: Article Commentary

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203192

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 477-478, 2020

Authors: Irmak, Rafet

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 outbreak pandemic is a situation without a tested action plan. Rehabilitation team members have been called for duty with new responsibilities in addition to their conventional roles in the healthcare system. The infectious disease specialists are updating the knowledge base in limited time in clinical settings. The number of articles in PubMed grows at an increasing rate. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify core COVID-19 articles by citation and co-citation network analysis in the PMC subset of PubMed. METHODS: Citation and co-citation network analysis methods were used to identify core …articles and knowledge base. RESULTS: COVID-19 terms query retrieved 15,387 articles in PubMed. These articles formed a citation network with 6,778 articles and 25,163 PMC-PubMed citations. The main article cluster in the co-citation network consists of 2,811 articles and 78,844 co-citations. CONCLUSIONS: The number of COVID-19 articles in PubMed is increasing at a very high rate. Citation and co-citation network analysis are advantageous techniques to identify knowledge base in a scientific discipline. These techniques may help rehabilitation specialists to identify core articles efficiently. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, citation network analysis, co-citation network analysis, knowledge base

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203193

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 479-489, 2020

Authors: Bagheri Hosseinabadi, Majid | Khanjani, Narges | Mobarake, Mostafa Dehghani | Shirkhanloo, Hamid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mercury is one of the most well-known toxic metals for humans. Chloralkali workers are exposed to mercury vapours extensively, which may be associated with neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the associations between mercury concentration in blood and air samples, and mercury’s neuropsychological effects among chloralkali workers. METHODS: This study was conducted on 50 chloralkali workers as the exposed group and 50 non-industrial office workers as the unexposed group. All subjects were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Piper Chronic Fatigue Scale and Essential Tremor Rating Scale. Mercury concentration was …measured in blood and air samples using cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: There was significantly more severe fatigue, depression and tremor in the exposed group compared with the unexposed group. The mean concentration of blood mercury in the exposed group was 22.59±12.5μ gL–1 which was significantly higher than the unexposed group (1.28±1.05μ g L–1 ). Based on multiple linear regression, shift work, smoking, fatigue, depression and tremor were predictor variables for blood mercury concentration. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that this sample of chloralkali workers suffered from neuropsychological problems such as fatigue, depression and tremor, which is probably related to mercury exposure. Show more

Keywords: Depression, fatigue, tremor, mercury neurotoxicity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203194

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 491-498, 2020

Authors: King, Emily C. | Weiss, Brett M. | Boscart, Veronique M. | Dutta, Tilak | Callaghan, Jack P. | Fernie, Geoff R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Home care providers assisting with seniors’ personal care often experience high rates of musculoskeletal disorders, particularly affecting the lower back. Assisting with bathing is consistently identified as one of their most physically demanding activities. OBJECTIVE: To identify and describe care providers’ procedures for assisting a frail senior to bathe that are likely to contribute most to the development of back injuries. METHODS: Eight community-based personal support workers (home care aides) assisted a frail senior (actor) to bathe in a simulated home bathroom. Video recordings of the activity were coded according to providers’ postures and to …characterize techniques for providing care. RESULTS: Exposure to severe trunk flexion and high posture-induced back loads was greatest during transfers in and out of the bathtub. In particular, lifting the legs over the rim of the tub, assisting the client to shift across the bath transfer bench, and providing care to the legs and feet involved the care provider spending substantial time in highly flexed postures. No observed techniques for these activities showed substantially lower exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Further tools and/or techniques must be identified or developed to improve caregiver safety during these strenuous activities. Show more

Keywords: Home care aide, nursing assistant, unregulated care providers, occupational ergonomics, musculoskeletal risk

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203213

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 499-517, 2020

Authors: Eldar, Ranit | Fisher-Gewirtzman, Dafna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Biomechanical simulation is an important tool in human-centred design, allowing for the assessment of comfort interactions between user, product and space, to optimize design features from an ergonomics perspective. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a biomechanical model for the evaluation of postural comfort levels. METHODS: The study used the scenario-based method to focus on the electronic-worker (e-worker) sedentary tablet tasks at public workplace (third-workplace) configurations. An empirical method determined work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) risk levels. The experimental method was based on a motion-capture marker-based laboratory protocol and biomechanical model. Body postures …were analysed to determine the WMSDs risk to the joints, and were compared to subjective questionnaires. RESULTS: Posture was affected by the tablet target location and workplace setting. The findings confirmed our hypothesis, that neutral-position cost functions govern human motion. Almost half of the time, the e-workers’ joints tended to remain in the neutral position range; of the three third-workplaces, high-risk variability was less significant between the ‘restaurant’ and ‘lounge’ settings, compared to the ‘anywhere’ configuration. CONCLUSIONS: This evaluation model can contribute to optimizing comfort level in design for third-workplace settings and other sedentary work activities; it can be used to develop guidelines for minimizing work-related strain and health hazards. Show more

Keywords: Physical ergonomics, range of motion (ROM), work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), e-worker

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203195

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 519-538, 2020

Authors: Tran, Thuy | Falkmer, Torbjörn | Ciccarelli, Marina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET), commonly known as tennis elbow, is a prevalent work-related upper extremity musculoskeletal disorder. Medical practitioners and hand therapists manage LET with commonly available clinic-based treatments, despite no sound evidence to suggest long-term relief and functional restoration for workers with LET. Workplace-based rehabilitation is effective for injured workers with other health conditions, but no studies have investigated this rehabilitation approach in the management of LET. OBJECTIVES: (i) Identify, compare, and contrast Australian hand therapists’ and medical practitioners’ perceptions about the effectiveness of common treatments for LET, and (ii) obtain their views towards a hand …therapist delivered workplace-based education approach. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 38 medical practitioners from Western Australia and 104 hand therapists around Australia completed online surveys. Independent t -tests were used to identify between-group differences in responses. RESULTS: Despite some between-group differences regarding the perceived effectiveness of common LET treatments, both groups believed education about LET pathology, activity modification, postures, and workplace recommendations were most effective. Most medical practitioners (81%) and hand therapists (71%) believed workplace-based education delivered by a hand therapist would be beneficial for patients with acute and chronic LET. CONCLUSION: Australian hand therapists and medical practitioners believed educational approaches were the most important component in the management of LET, and supported workplace-based educational interventions provided by hand therapists in the management of LET. Show more

Keywords: Workplace, therapy, elbow tendinopathy, tendinitis, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203196

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 539-549, 2020

Authors: Li, Kai Way | Chen, Yunxiu | Li, Nailiang | Duan, Tianhong | Zou, Fan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tripping and falling are common at work. Investigating the perceived risk of tripping is important for the safety of workers. OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that the perceived risk of tripping is affected by obstacle depth, obstacle height, number of obstacle, and light location under dimmed lighting conditions. METHODS: A walkway with one to three obstacles in the middle was prepared. Each obstacle had a height of 0, 5, or 10 cm and a depth of 1 or 10 cm. The laboratory was dimmed with only one light either at the beginning, the midway, or at the …end of the walkway. The perceived risk of tripping (PRT) was measured both before and after the participant walked through the walkway. A rating of gait disturbance (RGD) to each participant upon crossing the obstacle was also recorded. RESULTS: The PRT measured both before and after the walk were between “almost no” to “medium” risk levels. The RGD was affected significantly by the location of the light, obstacle height, obstacle depth, and number of obstacle. CONCLUSION: The location of light significantly affected the PRT both before and after the participants walked. The participants perceived a higher risk of tripping and had a relative high probability of foot-obstacle contact when the light was behind than when the light was in the front. Show more

Keywords: Gait, trip and fall, obstacle crossing, perceived risk of tripping

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203197

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 551-559, 2020

Authors: Jung, Hye-Sun | Baek, Eunmi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recently, hospital services have undergone massive changes. As global competition intensifies and informed patients require improved medical services, nurses’ depression has increased. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the effect of emotional labor and job stress on depression in nurses with long working hours via structural equation modeling. METHODS: The data were collected in three general hospitals with 300 beds or more from August 31 to September 12, 2016, and 400 nurse practitioners agreed to participate. We retrieved 350 self-reported questionnaires in total, of which 291 were analyzed (excluding 33 containing unidentifiable values and 26 outliers). …RESULTS: The emotional labor of nurses with long working hours influenced depression, whereas job stress did not. Resilience had a negative mediating effect on the relationship between emotional labor and depressive symptoms. Social support had negative mediating effects on the relationship between job stress and depression. CONCLUSIONS: To promote the mental health of nurses in Korea, policies must decrease nurses’ working hours and maintain work environments that enable them to demonstrate their full competency. Thus, it is necessary to limit long hours and implement structures and systems that promote compliance with these limitations. Show more

Keywords: Emotional labor, job stress, depression, nurses

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203198

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 561-568, 2020

Authors: Danesh, Mojtaba K. | Garosi, Ehsan | Mazloumi, Adel | Najafi, Sharif

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to their physically and mentally demanding job, nurses are exposed to high risk of fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders, through which their work ability could be adversely affected. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to identify factors influencing nurses’ work ability by using a macroergonomic model. METHODS: Descriptive and qualitative analyses were carried out in two phases of the study. First, 41 nurses of the cardiac intensive care unit in a military hospital in Iran filled in the work ability questionnaire (WAI). In the second phase, in order to identify factors influencing work ability of the nurses, …a semi-structural interview within the framework of the System Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) model was conducted. Consequently, data were analysed and compared by multiple experts using directed content analysis method. RESULTS: The mean work ability of the nurses was 40.01±4.05 (good work ability). 22 themes were identified through the directed content analysis and they were classified in 5 categories of the SEIPS model including environment, tools and technology, task, person, and organization. CONCLUSIONS: Using a macroergonomic approach proved to be valuable in identifying factors influencing work ability of nurses. These factors should be considered by managers and HFE practitioners designing intervention programs to improve nurses’ work ability. Show more

Keywords: Work ability, macroergonomics, nurses, SEIPS model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203199

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 569-577, 2020

Authors: da Silva, Jonatan Candido | Moraes, Mikael Seabra | Martins, Priscila Custódio | Silva, Diego Augusto Santos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Bus drivers are exposed to unique working conditions. The behavioral and health trends of these workers should be investigated. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of abdominal obesity and associated lifestyle factors in bus drivers in a city in Southern Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 103 bus drivers with mean age of 41 years (±8.5) was conducted. Abdominal obesity was measured through waist circumference using anthropometric tape. To evaluate the different lifestyle domains, the Brazilian version of the Canadian Fantastic Lifestyle questionnaire was used. To check the association between abdominal obesity and lifestyle, binary logistic …regression was used, with odds ratio (OR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS: It was verified that 26.3% of drivers had abdominal obesity. In addition, bus drivers who had inadequate lifestyle in the “Nutrition” and “Type of behavior” domains were, respectively, 3.6 (95% CI: 1.3–9.5, p  = 0.01) and 2.6 times (95% CI: 1.1–6.7; p  = 0.04) more likely of having abdominal obesity when compared to those adequate in these lifestyle domains. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one in four drivers had abdominal obesity and the “Nutrition” and “Type of Behavior” domains were associated with abdominal obesity. Show more

Keywords: Body composition, waist circumference, worker’s health, food behavior, risk behavior, bus drivers, Brazil

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203200

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 579-585, 2020

Authors: dos Santos, Viviana Maura | de Carvalho, Ricardo José Matos | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Disasters are the result of adverse events that cause human, material, environmental, and economic and social damage. To deal with disaster management, prevention, response, and recovery organizations need a system of indicators to measure their resilience. OBJECTIVE: To develop a road map to select indicators of organizational, institutional and governmental resilience to be applied to evaluate the resilience of public Protection and Civil Defense Organizations (PCDOs) of developing countries. METHOD: A literature review on resilience indicators for disaster management using Scopus database, identifying and classifying the resilience indicators available in the scientific literature, to discuss …the possibilities of their application in PCDOs. RESULTS: Resilience indicators for disaster management available in the literature have many diverse classifications and they were developed for the evaluation of communities’ resilience. The literature review results also indicated that there is a lack of indicators to evaluate PCDOs’ resilience. CONCLUSIONS: Indicators of the institutional, organizational and governmental categories identified in the review, originally developed for the evaluation of communities’ resilience, can be used to compose a hybrid system of resilience indicators able to measure the resilience of PCDOs. Show more

Keywords: Resilience engineering, organizational resilience, emergency management, natural disasters

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203201

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 587-601, 2020

Authors: Pirruccio, Kevin | Kelly, John D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Demand for travel for both work and leisure continues to rise in the U.S. However, handling luggage subjects the shoulder to excessive physical loads. OBJECTIVE: To report national estimates, demographic characteristics, and injury mechanisms of patients presenting to U.S. emergency departments with luggage-associated shoulder injuries. METHODS: This cross-sectional, retrospective study analyzes the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) database (2003-2017) to identify annual cases of luggage-associated shoulder injuries presenting to U.S. emergency departments. RESULTS: On average, 1,811 luggage-associated shoulder injuries presented to U.S. emergency departments annually (95% Confidence Interval: [C.I.] 1,123–2,499). Patients were …commonly females (62.3%; 57.9%–66.8%) sustaining sprains, strains, or muscle tears (60.1%; 52.6%–67.7%). The majority of patients sustained shoulder injuries while lifting their luggage (70.1%; C.I. 64.9%–75.2%). Injuries were most often observed in patients 40–49 (21.5%; C.I. 16.5%–26.5%) and 50–59 (24.9%; C.I. 20.2%–29.6%) years of age. However, those sustaining shoulder injuries due to falls to the ground were significantly older (p  < 0.001) on average than those with injuries from lifting or pulling their luggage. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend that at-risk individuals for luggage-associated shoulder injuries take certain precautions when handling heavy baggage to reduce said chances of injury. Show more

Keywords: Travel, baggage, airport, transportation, lifting

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203202

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 603-609, 2020

Authors: Guang, Stephanie A. | Eltorai, Adam E. M. | Durand, Wesley M. | Daniels, Alan H.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Burnout is a common response to stress and is pervasive among medical students. An increasing proportion of students are taking “gap years” following undergraduate education and before matriculation to medical school. This study evaluates rates of and risk factors for burnout, with a particular focus on students who took gap years. METHODS: Burnout was measured utilizing the abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory. The primary independent variable was whether a student took one or more gap years prior to medical school matriculation. Other variables included age, gender, year in medical school, choice in specialty, and status in a combined …baccalaureate-M.D. program. Bivariate and multivariate regression was performed to elucidate relationships between student-level variables and burnout. RESULTS: A total of 31.4% of respondents were found to be experiencing high levels of burnout. In multivariate analysis, gap years were independently associated with lower levels of burnout (p  = 0.041). Further, burnout decreased in a stepwise fashion with students who took 0 (p  = 0.350), 1 (p  = 0.192), and 2+ (p  = 0.048) gap years. CONCLUSIONS: Students taking gap years exhibited significantly lower levels of burnout than those who did not. Efforts should be made in pre-medical and medical school curricula to better support students in their paths to medical school. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, professional, education, medical, undergraduate, career choice, students, medical psychology, personal satisfaction, life change events

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203203

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 611-616, 2020

Authors: Aliabadi, Mostafa Mirzaei | Darvishi, Ebrahim | Shahidi, Reza | Ghasemi, Fakhradin | Mahdinia, Mohsen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The safety climate in an organization depends on people’s understanding of the safety policies and procedures, as well as the value, importance, and priority of safety in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe and predict accidents using the path analysis model (PAM) in industrial units though the analysis of the effect of safety performance and climate. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 294 workers in industrial units in Hamadan, a province in the western part of Iran. The data on safety performance and climate was collected using a questionnaire. The first part …of the questionnaire was a short version inventory (with 25 items on safety climate) that was used to assess five variables of management commitment, supportive environment, training, personal safety prioritization, and perceived work pressure. Moreover, the safety performance was measured using 10 items on safety rules and participation. The PAM was used to describe the effects of safety climate and performance on accidents. RESULTS: The results showed that the safety climate had the strongest negative impact on work pressure and safety compliance toward accident, followed by safety participation, and quality of training. Moreover, the negative influence of safety climate on accident was mainly mediated by two variables: work pressure and safety participation toward accident. The work pressure had the strongest indirect and total influence on accidents. However, none of the variables had a direct effect on accidents. Training was the most important direct cause of promoting personal safety priority. The safety compliance was more effective than safety participation in reducing accidents rates. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it seems that perceived work pressure has an indirect effect on accidents which is mediated by other variables, mainly personal safety priority and safety performance. Show more

Keywords: Prediction of accidents, risk assessment, safety climate, path analysis model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203204

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 617-624, 2020

Authors: Mohammadian, Mostafa | Heidari, Hamidreza | Charkhloo, Esmail | Dehghani, Azizollah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Outdoor workers are exposed to heat caused by atmospheric conditions and solar radiation. More specifically, those working in palm groves are more in danger of heat stresses since they harvest their crops in hot seasons. OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating heat stresses and strains in date harvesting workers in groves around Jiroft, Southeastern Iran. METHODS: This study was a descriptive-analytical one of cross-sectional type. In this study, three environmental indices including Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index (WBGT), Environmental Stress Index (ESI) and Discomfort Index (DI), the physiological strain index (PSI) as well as …perceptual strain index (PeSI) were analyzed to investigate stresses and strains in workers. For this purpose, 59 date harvesting workers (36 men and 23 women) in palm groves in Jiroft were analyzed. With accordance to date harvesting season, data collection was carried out from August to September, 2017. RESULTS: In this research, the means of environmental indices including WBGT, ESI and DI were 32.77°C, 30.39°C and 33.22°C, respectively and they all revealed direct and significant correlation. Moreover, Time-Weighted Average for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index (WBGT.TWA) was significantly different from Threshold Limit Values for Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index (WBGT.TLV). The scores of the PSI and PeSI were 2.28 and 6.61, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicated that date picking workers were exposed to heat stress more than the reference value of WBGT recommended by American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). In addition, workers suffered a low degree of physiological strain and a moderate degree of perceptual strain caused by heat stress in palm groves in Jiroft. Show more

Keywords: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, Environmental Stress Index, Discomfort Index, outdoor workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203205

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 625-636, 2020

Authors: Sitthipornvorakul, Ekalak | Waongenngarm, Pooriput | Lohsoonthorn, Vitool | Janwantanakul, Prawit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthy adults should take 10,000 steps per day to gain the resulting health benefits. Knowledge regarding the individual characteristics associated with daily walking steps would enhance resource allocation to those most likely to benefit from the 10,000-steps-per-day campaign. OBJECTIVE: To determine the extent to which age, gender, body mass index (BMI), education, and energy expenditure influence daily walking steps in white-collar workers and to assess the correlation of daily walking steps among pedometer, wristband activity tracker, and smartphone application. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 49 sedentary workers. Daily walking steps were simultaneously assessed …by three activity trackers in free-living conditions for 7 consecutive days. Associations between daily walking steps and individual factors were examined using linear regression. Correlation tests were conducted to assess the association among the three devices. RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses showed that BMI was associated with daily walking steps. A moderate to good correlation in daily walking steps was found between the wristband activity tracker and pedometer, as well as between the smartphone application and pedometer. CONCLUSIONS: BMI influenced daily walking steps in white-collar workers. Daily walking steps assessed by the wristband activity tracker and smartphone application differed from those assessed by the pedometer. Show more

Keywords: Physical activity, white-collar worker, pedometer, activity tracker

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203206

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 637-644, 2020

Authors: Lashewicz, Bonnie | Mitchell, Jennifer | Boettcher, Nicholas | Jones, Erin | Wang, JianLi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In western societies, busy lifestyles that include long hours spent in paid employment are highly regarded. Given the ongoing primacy of men’s roles as employees and providers, researchers need to understand men’s mental health in terms of men’s relationships to paid employment and expectations for “busyness”. OBJECTIVE: This study is an examination of if and how working men ascribe to workplace expectations for “busyness” and what mental health impacts these expectations can entail. METHODS: We present a secondary analysis of narrative data drawn from three focus groups and 23 individual interviews with working men (n … = 37) about work-related mental health. RESULTS: We found two themes of workplace expectations for busyness: 1) immediate manifestations and 2) background manifestations. Immediate manifestations are intensity and volume of work while background manifestations include a) unspoken messages and b) mixed messages. We found a third theme of 3) impacts of expectations for busyness and this includes a) busyness pride/costs of being “unbusy” and b) trade-offs in self-care. CONCLUSIONS: Obvious and subtle workplace expectations for busyness are abundant and may obstruct attending to one’s mental health as well as contribute to a frame of reference where not being busy precipitates feelings of anxiety and depression. Show more

Keywords: Masculinity, self-care, status, stress, job intensity, busyness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203207

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 645-656, 2020

Authors: Gjengedal, Ragne G.H. | Reme, Silje E. | Osnes, Kåre | Lagerfeld, Suzanne E. | Blonk, Roland W. B. | Sandin, Kenneth | Berge, Torkil | Hjemdal, Odin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders (CMD) are leading causes of sickness absence. Treatments for CMD that both reduce symptoms and support work participation urgently need to be developed. OBJECTIVE: Determine the potential effects of work-focused therapy combining work interventions with either meta cognitive therapy or cognitive behavioural therapy (W-MCT/CBT) for patients with CMD on sick leave. METHODS: Naturalistic study with a quasi-experimental approach. Pre- and post-scores (return to work, symptoms, return-to-work self-efficacy, clinical recovery from depression and anxiety) were compared between the intervention group (n  = 87) who received immediate treatment over an average of 10.40 sessions (SD … = 3.09) and the non-randomized waitlist control group (n  = 95) that had waited an average of 11.18 weeks (SD  = 2.29). RESULTS: Significantly more patients returned fully to work in the intervention group (41.4%) than the control group (26.3%). Effect sizes for self-efficacy scores, depression and anxiety were large in the intervention group (d  = 1.28, 1.01, 1.58), and significantly lower in the control group (d  = 0.60, 0.14, 0.45). Significantly more patients in the treatment group than control group recovered from depression (54.1% vs. 12.8%) and anxiety (50.0% vs.10.6%). CONCLUSIONS: W-MCT/CBT may be an effective intervention for patients on sick leave due to CMD. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, sick leave, work-focused metacognitive and cognitive therapy, self-efficacy, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203208

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 657-667, 2020

Authors: Martinez, Anastasia Raquel | Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pediatric occupational therapy (OT) in Trinidad is limited to costly private sector provision, which restricts access to only those families that can afford it. Public-sector healthcare, however, is offered free of charge to citizens. Establishing public-sector OT can increase the well-being and quality of life of children with disabilities and their families, as well as broaden the professional paths available to occupational therapists. OBJECTIVE: In the absence of local studies, primary research was undertaken to demonstrate the demand for services. The results of this study will be presented to government officials to argue for the inclusion of …pediatric OT into one public-sector hospital in Trinidad. METHODS: Eighty-eight parents/caregivers of a child with special needs were surveyed at one public sector-waiting room or two private-sector therapy clinics. Surveys questioned parents’ desire for occupational therapy services for their child, their willingness to use public-sector-provided therapy and their belief that such therapy would benefit families in Trinidad, among other items. RESULTS: Of the 88 participants surveyed, 98.8% believed that occupational therapy offered at one public-sector clinic in Trinidad would benefit families. The main deterrents to accessing the proposed public-sector therapy included satisfaction with the current therapist (40%) and concerns with convenience (33%) and efficiency (27%). Parents whose children were not currently receiving therapy cited cost (67%) and location (38%) as the main barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Primary research findings demonstrate that the vast majority of parents/caregivers believe that public-sector pediatric occupational therapy would benefit families. Service free of charge will increase access for many families who cannot currently afford treatment. Implications of a pediatric public-sector clinic also include the expansion of occupational therapy as a profession in Trinidad. Show more

Keywords: Government, demand, Caribbean, children, research

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203209

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 669-674, 2020

Authors: Jasmin, Ishani | Binnie, James

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress is an acknowledged element of the medical profession; how cultural backgrounds may affect the perception of stress is understudied. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the stress-related experiences of British South Asian medical students and junior doctors, and to explore their coping mechanisms. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants at various stages of medical training. All participants reported stress, anxiety or depression and were of a British South Asian heritage. RESULTS: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was undertaken and three master themes were identified. These themes follow a narrative journey. The …first theme was Individualism and External Reasoning, and referred to the factors that influenced participants career choices - both internal (e.g. a sense of self-efficacy) and external (e.g. prior exposure to the medical career). Secondly, Stress and Vulnerability examined the stress the participants experienced as a result of either internal stressors (e.g. perfectionism) or external stressors (e.g. social comparison). The last theme, Perseverance and Coping, referred to the coping strategies that participants developed to deal with aforementioned stressors, which varied from self-harm to visualisation. CONCLUSIONS: The choice to pursue a medical career was based on self-efficacy, prior exposure, and the perceived prestige of the vocation. Stressors and related coping mechanisms varied within the cohort, depending on social, environmental, and psychological circumstances. Whilst stress management interventions should take a personalised approach, considering individual cultural backgrounds; the systemic factors within medical training that directly lead to stress have to be addressed rather than merely acknowledged. Show more

Keywords: Doctors, mental health, burnout, culture, qualitative, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203210

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 675-687, 2020

Authors: Katić, Ivana | Nešić, Ana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Absence from work due to illness is one of the important problems in organizations in Serbia. The subjective experience of stress contributes to the degree of absenteeism for several reasons: the demands of the organization in relation to its employees, the low standard of living and care for existence, poor health prevention, and many others. According to European standards, subjective stress contributes to high absenteeism in organizations and to relatively significant health problems. The lack of preventive health care measures, and unclear organizational requirements that do not correspond to the capacities of employees are among the causes of this …phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the research is to determine and identify the existence of stress indicators manifested through self-evaluation of the respondents, as well as to establish the nature of the relationship between stress symptoms and general demographic indicators, personal health assessment and the existence of stressful events of the respondents. This paper presents an analysis of the results of stress indicators, as well as psychosomatic difficulties whose existence could indicate the occurrence or increase of absenteeism of employees in organizations. RESULTS: Significant differences between stress symptoms with respect to age, years of service, the self-evaluation of health, and recorded unpleasant events were apparent. CONCLUSIONS: In Serbia, the problem of absenteeism, primarily sickness-related, is quite pronounced and significantly higher than in other European countries. Researching the causes of stress and the possibilities for decreasing and preventing it would help reduce adverse effects on the health, economic and psychological state of both employees and organizations. Show more

Keywords: Work process, psychological stress, symptoms, absenteeism

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203211

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 689-697, 2020

Authors: da Conceição, Carolina Souza | Broberg, Ole | Duarte, Francisco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ergonomic work analysis (EWA) is an ethnographic-like method that can produce highly detailed accounts of real work in work systems. Such knowledge is valuable for designers when they are designing new work systems. However, rich data derived from EWA should be transformed into more designer-friendly guidelines to have an impact on engineering design projects. OBJECTIVE: We propose a six-step model to transform EWA into ergonomic design guidelines (EDG). This model can be applied by ergonomists and researchers when taking part in projects with the aim of transferring operational experiences into engineering design. METHODS: Based on …previous experiences using EWA, we establish a model for transforming the outcome of EWA into EDG. We illustrate the model through a case study based on the offshore oil industry. RESULTS: This paper describes how EWA rich data is transformed into EDG following the proposed six-step model, including the concepts of characteristic situations and settings of usage. CONCLUSIONS: Based on preliminary testing and validation by designers, EWA can be transformed into useful EDG by following the six steps of the proposed model. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic design guidelines, ergonomic work analysis, workspace design, off shore oil industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203212

Citation: Work, vol. 66, no. 3, pp. 699-710, 2020