Work - Volume 68, issue 4

Authors: Carnero Contentti, Edgar | López, Pablo Adrián | Pettinicchi, Juan Pablo | Tkachuk, Veronica | Balbuena, María Eugenia | Caride, Alejandro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unemployment is common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) and might be prevented if factors associated with work loss are identified. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the impact of multiple sclerosis (MS) on employment status in a cohort of PwMS from Argentina and to evaluate their association with anxiety, depression, fatigue and disability. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess employment in PwMS using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire, which also included the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Fatigue Severity Scale and Expanded Disability Status Scale. The data was compared between employed (full-time vs. part-time) …vs. unemployed (looking for vs. not looking for work) PwMS. Univariate and multivariate models were designed to identify factors independently associated with unemployment. RESULTS: Among the 167 PwMS, 120 (71.6%, full-time = 65%) were employed, and 47 (28.4%, looking for work = 27.6%) were currently unemployed. Age, gender, and duration of disease were similar in both groups. Univariate analysis showed that anxiety, depression, fatigue and disability were significantly associated with unemployed PwMS. However, only disability (OR = 1.36 (1.08–1.70), p  = 0.007) was independently associated with unemployment after applying multivariate analysis (logistic regression). CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of PwMS from this sample in Argentina were unemployed. Neuropsychological factors and disability were associated with unemployment status. Show more

Keywords: Loss work, Latin America, demyelinating diseases, sequelae, anxiety, depression, fatigue

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213446

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1171-1177, 2021

Authors: Mahmoudi, Davoud | Nazari, Saeed | Castellucci, Héctor Ignacio | Dianat, Iman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A just culture is one in which the reporting of errors and near misses is supported without fear of retribution. The relationship of just culture and psychosocial factors at work has not been explored sufficiently in the literature. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perception of just culture and its association with socio-demographic and work-related psychosocial factors among 302 employees in an industrial setting in Iran. METHODS: Just culture was assessed using the Just Culture Assessment Tool, and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire was used for evaluation of psychosocial work factors (including influence at work, meaning of work, …commitment to the workplace, predictability, rewards, quality of leadership, social support from supervisors, trust, and justice and respect). Data were analysed using t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and general linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The results indicated that the employees had a fairly positive view on their organisation’s just culture, though there were some areas such as trust and balance that needed further attention. The psychosocial issues (particularly commitment to the workplace, meaning of work, social support from supervisors, and rewards) were not adequate from the employees’ perspective. Predictability, rewards, and quality of leadership, were the significant psychosocial predictors of just culture in a multivariate regression model. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the areas that need to be considered to improve the experience of organisational just culture, which is important from the point of view of prevention of safety errors and incidents. Show more

Keywords: Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire, just culture assessment tool, petrochemical plant, psychology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213447

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1179-1186, 2021

Authors: Cochrane, Karen Anne | Loke, Lian | Ahmadpour, Naseem | Schiphorst, Thecla | Campbell, Andrew | Núñez-Pacheco, Claudia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Deep breathing exercises are known to help decrease stress. Wearable and ambient computing can help initiate and support deep breathing exercises. Most studies have focused on a single sensory modality for providing feedback on the quality of breathing and other physiological data. OBJECTIVE: Our research compares different feedback modalities on an individual’s experience and ability to perform breath-based techniques at work. METHODS: We designed three different interactive prototypes that used light, vibration and sound feedback modalities. We tested each prototype with 19 participants whilst they were performing typical work tasks in a naturalistic setting, followed …by semi-structured interviews. RESULTS: We found that sound was the most successful feedback for the majority of participants, followed by vibration and ambient light. We developed an analytic tool, the Extended Cycle of Awareness, to facilitate understanding of the patterns of awareness and the flow of experience generated by participant interaction with prototype systems that provide feedback on the quality of breathing. Participants followed one of three different types of patterns: (1) ignoring the feedback; (2) not understanding the feedback and being overwhelmed by it; (3) successfully using the feedback to initiate deep breathing and reflect on the change in the quality of breathing. CONCLUSIONS: We offer a set of design recommendations for crafting interactive systems to support deep breathing at work, including personalization, designing for the cyclical process of attention and awareness, and designing for reflective practice. Show more

Keywords: Awareness, design, mindfulness, sensory modality feedback, wearables

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213448

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1187-1202, 2021

Authors: Vidal-Martí, Cristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nursing home professionals belong to one of the most vulnerable occupational groups when it comes to type II workplace violence. Cared-for elders carry out violent actions that affect both the health of professionals and the organisation and services provided in nursing homes. Taking notice of this phenomenon and getting to know its magnitude is the first step for preventive action and intervention to take place. In Catalonia, it was the medical community that started to notice workplace violence. However, the frequency of this phenomenon had not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out with the main …goal of learning about the phenomenon of type II workplace violence in nursing homes. METHODS: 433 nursing home professionals of Catalonia volunteered to take part in this study. They remained anonymous and their data was treated confidentially. RESULTS: 68.6%(IC 95%: 64.1–73.1) of the nursing home professionals admitted to having been attacked by the senior citizens residing in these nursing homes. The occupation and self-perceived stress level of the professionals were related to the consideration of aggression. Verbal abuse was the type of aggression that targeted professionals reported the most. In 61.3 %of the cases, they were attacked by both male and female patients. CONCLUSION: The results of the study reveal that nursing home professionals are assaulted and/or attacked by the residents they tend to. Show more

Keywords: Nursing home, elderly, aggression, risks factors, Catalonia

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213449

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1203-1210, 2021

Authors: Halling, Bengt | Bergman, Mikael | Wijk, Katarina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Managers have an important role in the creation of workplace conditions that prevent sick leave and lead to high performance. In Lean, the assumption is that people are the source for continuous improvements. There is a need for more knowledge about what kind of leadership can help managers in a Lean context to create workplace conditions for less sick leave and higher performance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine how productivity and rate of sick leave changed at a stainless wire manufacturing unit after implementing a new leadership approach based on Sense of Coherence …theory (SOC) and Lean philosophy. METHODS: In this case study, interventions coupled with productivity, quality and sick leave evaluations through the company’s key performance indicators were performed. The follow-up was also based on narrative descriptions from the management team in the course of four meetings during the intervention. Notes were taken and analyzed regarding perceived outcomes of the intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that leadership based on SOC and Lean philosophy is positively correlated with productivity per worker, as was the amount of yearly production that met the quality specifications. The amount of sick leave decreased during the period of the intervention compared to before the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in management contribute to productivity. Combining Lean tools and Lean philosophy with the Sense of Coherence theory (SOC) as a base for leadership can influence productivity and decrease the rate of sick leave. Show more

Keywords: Leadership, Lean, productivity, Sense of Coherence theory, sick leave

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213450

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1211-1220, 2021

Authors: Molaeifar, Samira | Yazdani, Farzaneh | Yoosefinejad, Amin Kordi | Karimi, Mohammad Taghi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Forward head posture (FHP) is the most common malposition in the head and neck area. With the growing use of digital devices, the prevalence of FHP may be expected to increase dramatically. Thus far, FHP has been evaluated only in the sagittal plane. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to measure angles and indices from anatomical landmarks in the frontal plane and determine the possible correlations between these variables and craniovertebral angle (CVA) as an index of FHP in the sagittal plane. METHODS: Fifty eight healthy individuals (29 men, 29 women) between 18 and …40 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. Participants were evaluated with an 8-camera motion analysis system. After markers were placed on predetermined landmarks, the participants were asked to maintain their head and neck in the neutral position for 5 seconds. Then participants induced FHP by flexing and lowering their head. The correlation between CVA and a set of angles and indices was calculated at the moment of FHP induction. RESULTS: A moderate correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and the angle formed between the sternum and both tragi for the whole sample and separately in both sexes. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, and BMI in women. A moderate negative correlation was observed between 3-D CVA and height, weight, BMI, and hours on digital devices in men. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in CVA in the sagittal plane can be predicted from changes in the angle formed between the midpoint of the sternum and the left and right tragi in the frontal plane. Show more

Keywords: Forward head posture, digital device, cantus, tragus, musculoskeletal

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213451

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1221-1227, 2021

Authors: Kumamoto, Tsuneo | Seko, Toshiaki | Matsuda, Ryo | Miura, Sayo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In low back pain, multifidus muscle fibers reportedly exhibit increased stiffness. Low back pain was associated with lumbodorsal muscle fatigue. There is no report of using shear modulus to verify the mechanism of an immediate effect of exercise on low back pain. Here, temporary lumbodorsal muscle fatigue was created, simulating fatigue-related nonspecific low back pain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of standing back extension exercise on fatigued lumbodorsal muscle based on the results of multifidus muscle elasticity measured using shear wave elastography. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy subjects were randomly divided into three groups. The subjects …performed the Biering-Sorensen test as the fatigue-task of the lumbodorsal muscle before the standing back extension exercise. The fatigue-exercise group exercised five sets after completing the fatigue-task. The fatigue-non-exercise group remained standing for the same duration as the fatigue-exercise group without doing the exercise after the fatigue-task. The non-fatigue-exercise group exercised five sets of without performing the fatigue-task. As intra-group and inter-group factors, the shear modulus of the multifidus muscle was compared before and after the exercise. RESULTS: The shear modulus of the multifidus muscle after the standing back extension exercise was significantly lower in the fatigue-exercise group, and no significant decrease was observed in the fatigue-non-exercise and non-fatigue-exercise group. CONCLUSIONS: The standing back extension exercise improved the shear modulus of the fatigued multifidus muscle. Therefore, it was suggested that the change in the elasticity of fatigued muscle might lead to the prevention of low back pain caused by muscle fatigue. Show more

Keywords: Shear wave elastography, multifidus muscles, low back pain, muscle stiffness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213452

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1229-1237, 2021

Authors: Eyvazlou, Meysam | Asghari, Arya | Mokarami, Hamidreza | Bagheri Hosseinabadi, Majid | Derakhshan Jazari, Milad | Gharibi, Vahid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are major challenges in the occupational health services industry. Dental practitioners are regularly subjected to ergonomic risks, which can cause Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in various body regions. OBJECTIVE: This comparative cross-sectional study aimed to investigate MSDs and select a proper ergonomic risk assessment method in dental practice. METHODS: This study was conducted on 70 dentists and 70 administrative staff of dental offices (comparison group) from Shahroud, Iran. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) and two observational ergonomic risk assessment methods, including Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), …were utilized. RESULTS: The results suggested that the mean score of musculoskeletal discomforts was significantly higher in dentists than in the administrative personnel. Additionally, the results of multiple regression analysis technique inferred that job tenure, working hours, and age had a significant impact on total MSDs. Regular exercise was found to significantly reduce neck discomfort complaints. It was also found that QEC was more effective in predicting musculoskeletal discomforts compared to REBA. CONCLUSION: Considering the high incidence of WMSDs in dentists, various interventional measures revolving around ergonomically redesigned workstations, enhanced physical working conditions, and ergonomic training courses are suggested. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal discomfort, ergonomic risk assessment, dental profession

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213453

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1239-1248, 2021

Authors: Saeidnia, Hamid | Mortezapour, Alireza | Babamiri, Mohammad | Soltanian, Alireza | Kalatpour, Omid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related fatigue can cause disruption in mental and physical activities of the workers. Considering the importance of recovery from fatigue in emergency services, as seen in firefighting duties, the preparation and validation of the Need For Recovery Scale (NFRS) questionnaire can be useful and effective. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the reliability and validity of the Persian version of Need For Recovery Scale among industrial firefighters. METHODS: Need for recovery scale contains 11 questions. First, a questionnaire was translated using backward-forward method. Then, for measuring validity of the questionnaire, the opinions of 10 experts in related …fields were obtained. Content Validity Index (CVI) and Content Validity Ratio (CVR) were calculated. The reliability was determined through 107 questionnaires completed by the industrial firefighters. RESULTS: The average age of the firefighters in this study was 37.5 years and they had an average of 10 years of work experience. The mean Need For Recovery Index from fatigue was 33.03 for the study population. Of the first 11 questions, 9 questions in the original NFRS showed a satisfactory level of CVR. The Content Validity Index and Cronbach’s α were 0.89 and 0.77 respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results, the Need For Recovery Scale is a reliable tool for assessing fatigue and revealed an acceptable level of validity and reliability that makes it usable for fatigue assessment in the industrial firefighters. Show more

Keywords: Occupational fatigue, psychometric properties, validity and reliability, fireman, fatigue questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213454

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1249-1253, 2021

Authors: Galanis, Petros | Fragkou, Despoina | Katsoulas, Theodoros A.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress is common among police personnel leading to several negative consequences. OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic literature review to identify risk factors for stress among police officers. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Scopus electronic databases through to July 2018 and we conducted this review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used for studies quality assessment. RESULTS: After selection, 29 cross-sectional studies met the inclusion criteria and included in the review. The average quality of studies was low since no study was rated …as having low risk of bias, three studies (10.3%) as moderate risk and 26 studies (89.7%) were rated as having high risk of bias. Stress risk factors were summarized in the following categories: demographic characteristics; job characteristics; lifestyle factors; negative coping strategies and negative personality traits. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of stress risk factors is the first step to create and adopt the appropriate interventions to decrease stress among police personnel. The early identification of police officers at higher risk and the appropriate screening for mental health disorders is crucial to prevent disease and promote quality of life. Show more

Keywords: Police work, job characteristics, coping strategies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213455

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1255-1272, 2021

Authors: Tasouj, Shirin Nasrollah Nejhad | Bardsiri, Tayebeh Ilaghinezhad | Arefi, Maryam Feiz | Poya, Amin Babaei | Rahimi, Sajjad | Mazloumi, Ehsan | Raei, Mehdi | Dehghan, Naser | Poursadeqiyan, Mohsen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many work-related fatalities happen every year in electricity distribution companies. This study was conducted to model accidents using the time series analysis and survey descriptive factors of injuries in an electricity distribution company in Tehran, Iran. METHODS: Data related to 2010 to 2017 were collected from the database of the safety department. Time series and trend analysis were used for data analyzing and anticipating the accidents up to 2022. RESULT: Most of the accidents occurred in summer. Workers’ negligence was the reason for 75% of deaths. Employment type and type of injuries had a significant …relationship (p  <  0.05). CONCLUSION: The anticipating model indicated occupational injuries are going to have an increase in the future. A high rate of accidents in summer maybe because of the warm weather or insufficient skills in temporary workers. Temporary workers have no chance to work in a year like permanent workers, therefore acquisition experiences may be less in them. Based on the estimating model, management should pay attention to those sectors of the company where most of the risky activities take place. Also, training programs and using personal protective equipment can help to protect workers in hazardous conditions. Show more

Keywords: Time series analysis, anticipating, electrical injuries

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213456

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1273-1278, 2021