Work - Volume 70, issue 1

Authors: Salik Sengul, Yesim | Yilmaz, Alev | Kirmizi, Muge | Kahraman, Turhan | Kalemci, Orhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many studies have emphasized the importance of stabilization exercises (SE) for the management of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), yet there is no study assessing all aspects of core stability in comparing SE and other exercises. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of SE on pain and core stability by using core stability tests that focus on all aspects of core stability in patients with NSLBP. METHODS: Thirty-seven individuals with chronic NSLBP were randomly divided into two groups as SE and conventional exercises (CE). Both groups underwent the progressive exercise program three days per week for …six weeks. The assessments were conducted before and after the exercise programs. The outcome measures included pain, disability, trunk strength, trunk flexor, extensor and lateral flexor endurance, function, flexibility, and motor control during eyes open/closed. RESULTS: All assessment parameters except motor control during eyes open improved after SE (p  < 0.05). Also, all assessment parameters except motor control during eyes open/closed and lateral trunk endurance improved after CE (p  < 0.05). When comparing groups for gain scores, there were more significant improvements in pain during activity, endurance and function after SE (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SE is more effective than CE in reducing pain during activity and improving core stability regarding functionality and endurance. Show more

Keywords: Lumbar pain, management of spinal pain, chronic pain, core muscles, spinal stabilization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213557

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 99-107, 2021

Authors: Karlsson, Elin A. | Sandqvist, Jan L. | Seing, Ida | Ståhl, Christian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies of the social validity of work ability evaluations are rare, although the concept can provide valuable information about the acceptability, comprehensibility and importance of procedures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore clients’ perceptions of social validity of work ability evaluations and the following official decisions concerning sickness benefits within the Swedish sickness insurance system. METHODS: This was a longitudinal qualitative study based on interviews with 30 clients on sick leave, analyzed through deductive content analysis. RESULTS: Clients’ understanding of the evaluation was dependent on whether the specific tests were …perceived as clearly related to the clients’ situation and what information they received. For a fair description of their work ability, clients state that the strict structure in the evaluation is not relevant to everyone. CONCLUSION: The work ability evaluations indicate low acceptability due to lack of individual adaptation, the comprehensibility varied depending on the applicability of the evaluation and information provided, while the dimension ‘importance’ indicated as higher degree of social validity. The official decision about sickness benefits however was considered unrelated to the evaluation results, lacking solid arguments and sometimes contradictory to other stakeholders’ recommendations indicating poor social validity. Show more

Keywords: Acceptability, sickness absence, social insurance system, sick leave, legitimacy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213558

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 109-124, 2021

Authors: Eklund, Mona | Jansson, Jan-Åke | Eklund, Lisa | Pooremamali, Parvin | Gunnarsson, A. Birgitta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with mental illness may have difficulties related to work and employment, especially if they experience additional difficult life situations. OBJECTIVE: To explore how subgroups with mental illness and additional adversities perceived their situation with respect to work and employment prospects. METHODS: Three subgroups were included, exposed to an additional difficult life situation: i) psychosis interrupting their career development at young age (n  = 46), ii) having a history of substance use disorder (SUD) (= 57) or iii) having recently immigrated (n  = 39). They responded to questionnaires addressing sociodemographics, work-related factors, everyday activity, and well-being. A professional …assessed their level of functioning and symptom severity. RESULTS: The young people with psychosis had a low education level, little work experience, the poorest worker role resources, and a low level of functioning, but a high quality of life. The SUD group had the fewest work experiences, were the least satisfied with work experiences, and had the lowest activity level, but had the least severe psychiatric symptoms. The immigrant group had severe psychiatric symptoms, but high ratings on work experiences, work resources, and activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Each group presented unique assets and limitations pertaining to work and employment, suggesting that they also needed unique support measures. Show more

Keywords: Psychosis, substance use disorder, immigrant, quality of life, satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213559

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 125-134, 2021

Authors: Agosti, Madelaine Törnquist | Bringsén, Åsa | Andersson, Ingemar | Erlandsson, Lena-Karin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite an increase in work-life balance literature, the development of successful support to help employees manage their work -life balance is slow. Moreover, there are few interventions with a comprehensive approach to workplace health promotion focusing on work-life balance. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to present the development and building blocks of a holistic interdisciplinary health-promoting program, the BELE program, to enhance female employees working in human service organizations health and well-being with a focus on work-life balance. METHODS: The planning and development of the program was done through an intervention mapping and research circles methodology. …RESULTS: The planning- and development process of the program resulted in a theoretical framework, and a program structure with a program content. The intervention program was named “The Balance in Everyday Life Empowerment program” (BELE program). CONCLUSIONS: The BELE program adds to the existing body of work-life balance knowledge, so far often based on a conflict approach. Interventions focusing on a comprehensive approach to health and work-life balance with a salutogenic approach are rare. Furthermore, the integration with occupational therapy and health promotion in a workplace health promotion framework is innovative. In a previous study, the BELE program has shown that it enhances women’s well-being and balance in their everyday life. Show more

Keywords: Program planning and development, workplace health promotion, work-life balance, public health, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213560

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 135-146, 2021

Authors: da Rosa, Ana Caroline Francisco | Lapasini Leal, Gislaine Camila | Galdamez, Edwin Vladimir Cardoza | de Souza, Rodrigo Clemente Thom

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational safety risk management is a systemic process capable of promoting technical engineering solutions, considering a wide range of predictable, unexpected and subjective factors related to accident occurrences. In Brazil, the behavior of managers in relation to risk management tends to be reactive, and facilitates access to information for crucial practical and academic purposes when it comes to changing the attitude of managers, so that their actions become increasingly more proactive. OBJECTIVE: To identify, classify, analyze, and discuss the existing literature related to the topic, produced from 2008 to 2020, besides contributing to a broader understanding of …risk management in occupational safety. METHODS: We did a systematic literature mapping. The research process was documented starting by the planning stage. Afterwards, the focus was on research conduction and information synthesis. RESULTS: Knowledge systematization and stratification about OHS risk management through various perspectives to identify, analyze and manage risks in the workplace. Were identified 37 tools for identifying and analyzing risks, management-related practices and future research trends. CONCLUSIONS: The set of tools and management practices identified can be used as a support for decision making in the selection process of tools and practices to reduce risks and improve occupational safety. Also, the results can help target future research. Show more

Keywords: Risk analysis, health and safety, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213561

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 147-166, 2021

Authors: Silva, Neliane Aparecida | Yamawaka de Almeida, Letícia | Lemos de Oliveira, Jaqueline | de Almeida, Lilian Carla | Fiorati, Regina Célia | Miasso, Adriana Inocenti | de Souza, Jacqueline

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work environment is a place in which different kinds of interpersonal relationships are developed and can contribute positively or negatively to productivity and to workers’ well-being. Discussion on this topic may contribute to building more coping strategies to fight against gender inequality and the emotional repercussions of these conditions. OBJECTIVE: This is a cross-sectional study that investigated the possible influence of work environment relationships on the mental health of Brazilian seamstresses. METHODS: The participants were seamstresses from four clothing factories in a city in the southwest of Brazil. For data collection, we used the …Social Support Perception at Work Scale; Self-Report Questionnaire; Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test; and a focus group. The quantitative data were statistically analyzed, and data from the focus groups were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Interpersonal relationships at work were mentioned as sources of conflict and stress but also as emotional and material social support providers. In the sample studied, these relationships did not influence directly the development of mental health disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Study results suggest that a low level of education is an important factor that increases the vulnerability of these women to the precariousness of work, and, consequently to developing mental health symptoms or aggravating previous mental health distress. However, emotional and material support from peers likely protects these workers’ mental health. Show more

Keywords: Women, social support, mental health, occupational health, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213562

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 167-175, 2021

Authors: Gragnano, Andrea | Miglioretti, Massimo | Magon, Giorgio | Pravettoni, Gabriella

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies about work and cancer predominantly considered the return to work of cancer survivors. However, some studies highlighted that many patients work with cancer even immediately after the diagnosis. Little is known about the frequency, causes, and consequences of this behavior. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate how many cancer patients continue working in the month after the diagnosis in an Italian context and to determine which factors affect the decision to stop working in the same period. METHODS: One hundred seventy-six patients with breast, gastrointestinal, prostate, or female reproductive system cancer completed a survey …with demographic, occupational, and psychosocial information. Clinical information was collected from medical records. We measured how many workers continued working in the month after cancer diagnosis without substantial interruptions and selected the best logistic regression model of this behavior’s predictors. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent of the patients continued working in the month after the diagnosis. Patients were more likely to stop working with a higher level of perceived work-health incompatibility (OR = 2.64; 95%CI: 1.48–4.69), an open-ended contract (OR = 3.20; CI: 1.13–9.09), and a complex treatment (surgery+chemo-/radio-therapy, OR = 4.25; CI: 1.55–11.65) and less likely with breast cancer (OR = 0.20; CI: 0.07–0.56), and more children (OR = 0.59; CI: 0.37–0.96). CONCLUSIONS: To continue working with cancer is a common practice among the newly diagnosed. The decision to suspend work activity relates to evaluating how much work activities hamper one’s health care needs and the practical difficulties expected in handling cancer care and work. Show more

Keywords: Cancer, rehabilitation, diagnosis, work with cancer, work path, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213563

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 177-185, 2021

Authors: Vendrig, Lex | Wijnvoord, Liesbeth | van Nassau, Femke | Schaafsma, Frederieke

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Self-employed workers have largely been missing from research in work and occupational health. There are hardly any questionnaires that measure the specific problems and stressors of the self-employed. Recently the Work and Well-Being Inventory (WBI) (in Dutch: VAR-2) was normal and validated for the self-employed. However, a scale that measures the suitability as an entrepreneur was still lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a new developed WBI-scale for self-employed workers (entrepreneurs) to assess the suitability as an entrepreneur. METHODS: The new developed entrepreneurship scale consisted of 15 items divided among …4 subscales: entrepreneurial attitude (4 items), management skills (3 items), entrepreneurial resilience (5 items), and financial health (3 items). We conducted a cross-sectional study, including 676 self-employed workers (business owners, liberal professions, and medical practitioners). Data was used to calculate the test-retest reliability, construct validity, concurrent validity, and incremental validity. Concurrent validity was calculated against external measures of stress and job demands. RESULTS: Business owners obtained the highest mean score on the entrepreneurship scale, followed by liberal professions and medical practitioners. Cronbach’s alpha was good for the full scale and sufficient for two subscales. Confirmatory factor analyses showed an excellent fit of the bi-factor model. We found a negative correlation between the entrepreneurship scale and the external measures of stress and job demands. CONCLUSIONS: The new developed entrepreneurship scale provides a good reliable and valid instrument to assess psychosocial risks factors in self-employed workers. The scale can help medical advisors to assess psychosocial risk factors that make self-employed workers at risk of work disability or sickness absence. More research is needed to investigate the predictive validity of the scale. Show more

Keywords: Reliability, validity, entrepreneur, self-employed, stress, job demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213564

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 187-197, 2021

Authors: Liu, Shaxin | Wang, Fengyi | Yang, Qiong | Wang, Quan | Feng, Danling | Chen, Yue | Cheng, Andy S.K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Return to work is an important process for many breast cancer survivors (BCSs) that acts as a positive step towards their reintegration into society. OBJECTIVES: This study examined whether work productivity loss due to presenteeism could predict the quality of life (QOL) of employed BCSs. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design. Seventy-five BCSs and seventy-five participants in the Non-Cancer Comparison (NCC) group were surveyed. The main outcome measures were productivity loss (as measured by the Work Limitations questionnaire) and quality of life (as measure by the European Organization for Research and Treatment Quality of …Life questionnaire C30). Other measures included psychological distress (as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and cognitive limitation at work (as measured by the Cognitive Symptom Checklist). RESULTS: The BCS group had a lower summary score, a lower global health related score and greater work limitation in all domains than the NCC group. The productivity loss due to presenteeism of the BCS group was 8%. The multiple regression model shows that work productivity loss and level of job stress were the significant predictors of quality of life in the BCS group. CONCLUSION: These findings raise questions about the effects of level of job stress and work productivity loss on the QOL of BCSs. Longitudinal studies are needed to map these relationships. Show more

Keywords: Presenteeism, job stress, work flexibility, return to work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213565

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 199-207, 2021

Authors: Babashahi, Mina | Bagherifard, Farnaz | Daneshmandi, Hadi | Khoshbakht, Rohollah | Jaberi, Omid | Delir, Eman | Tabibian, Mehrnaz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Municipality cleaners are exposed to food insecurity, Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSs), and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of food insecurity on MSs, fatigue, and productivity among municipality cleaners. METHODS: This study was conducted on 399 Iranian male municipality cleaners with at least one year of working experience. The data were gathered via a demographic/occupational questionnaire, the Persian version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (P-HFIAS), the Persian version of Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (P-NMQ), the Persian version of the Multidimensional Assessment of Fatigue scale (P-MAF), and the Persian version of Health …and Work Questionnaire (P-HWQ). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple logistic regression (Forward Wald), and multiple linear regression (Stepwise). RESULTS: The findings revealed that 42.6%of the municipality cleaners were in the ‘severely food insecure’ category. The highest prevalence of MSs in the past week were related to knees (35.8%), lower back (35.1%), and ankles/feet (28.8%). Based on the results, the chance of MSs in the shoulders (OR = 1.66) and ankles/feet (1.60) regions, and MSs at least in one body region (OR = 1.47) was higher in the individuals with severe food insecurity than the others. Considering the P-MAF, food insecurity was associated with the ‘degree and severity’, ‘distress that it causes’, and ‘timing of fatigue’ subscales and ‘total fatigue’. Considering the P-HWQ, food insecurity was associated with ‘productivity’, ‘other’s assessment’, ‘concentration/focus’, ‘supervisor relations’, ‘non-work satisfaction’, and ‘impatience/irritability’ subscales. CONCLUSION: The study revealed an association between food insecurity and MSs in some body regions and fatigue and productivity subscales among the municipality cleaners. Nutritional and ergonomic programs are recommended to reduce municipality cleaners’ food insecurity, MSs, and fatigue and enhance their productivity. Show more

Keywords: Fatigue, food insecurity, musculoskeletal symptom, productivity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213566

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 209-217, 2021