Work - Volume 71, issue 4

Authors: Soroush, Sima | Arefi, Maryam Feiz | Pouya, Amin Babaei | Barzanouni, Somayeh | Heidaranlu, Esmail | Gholizadeh, Hamed | Salehi, Amir Reza | Raei, Mehdi | Poursadeqiyan, Mohsen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Chronic non-specific neck pain is the most prevalent neck pain with notable impacts on the quality of life in the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The impacts of the neck, core, and combined stabilization practices on pain, disability, and improvement of the neck range of motion in the elderly with chronic non-specific neck pain were examined. METHOD: A quasi-experimental (open label) study was carried out through a cluster sampling in two phases in Tehran-Iran in 2017. Totally, 102 patients were randomly allocated to three groups of specific neck stabilization, specific core stabilization, and combined practices through envelope method. …The intervention took 12 weeks. To measure the severity of pain and neck disability, the visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) was used. A goniometer was used to measure the range of the motion. To examine data, used SPSS (v.20). RESULT: The results, confirmed a significant decrease in pain over the time in the three therapeutic groups (p  = 0.000). In addition, there was a significant difference between neck, core, and combined stabilization groups. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the angle of motion in all treatment groups with different treatment duration (P  = 0.000). The highest increase in the angle of motion was after 12 weeks of practice in right lateral flexion (RLF) (p  = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Twelve sessions of the neck, core, and combined stabilization practices can alleviate the pain and improve the strength in the elderly with chronic non-specific neck pain. In addition, compared to two other methods, the combined method was a more efficient way to improve the range of motion in patients. Show more

Keywords: Neck stabilization practices, core stabilization practices, combined practices, chronic nonspecific neck pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213646

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 889-900, 2022

Authors: Lettieri, Andrea | Díez, Emiliano | Soto-Pérez, Felipe | Bernate-Navarro, Mara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with mental health-related disabilities still experience difficulties in obtaining and maintaining a job. Previous international studies inform about employment barriers and facilitators but there is insufficient research in Spain. OBJECTIVE: To explore what type of employment barriers and facilitators were important for people with psychiatric disabilities with past work experiences in competitive and protected work settings. METHODS: In-depth, semi-structured qualitative interviews with 24 participants selected through purposive sampling. RESULTS: The personal sphere was the content most closely related to barriers, followed by the social environment. Facilitators were more closely related to the …interviewees’ social network, followed by elements in their personal sphere and job environment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest the need to implement supported employment services in Spain to promote hiring people with psychiatric disabilities in competitive companies. The results also indicate the need to implement new services aimed at supporting the management of disability information during the process of obtaining and maintaining a job, while there is still a need to conduct anti-stigma and anti-discrimination campaigns. Show more

Keywords: Mental health disorders, psychiatric disability, work barriers, work supports

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213642

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 901-915, 2022

Authors: Taheri, Fereshteh | Torshizi, Yoosef Faghihnia | Saremi, Mahnaz | Pronin, Monica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous researchers examined the effects of either drivers’ personal characteristics or traffic sign design features on the usability of traffic signs. Their research indicated a connection existed between personal characteristics and usability and between design features and usability. OBJECTIVES: The focus of this study was to investigate which personal characteristics of drivers and which features of traffic sign design affect traffic sign usability the most. METHODS: The study was conducted in three stages. In the first stage, the participants filled out a questionnaire designed to record each driver’s personal characteristics. In the second stage, a …System Usability Scale (SUS) was used to evaluate the subjective usability of traffic signs. The SUS had 10 statements that participants (N  = 386) scored on a 5-point Likert-type scale from strongly agree to strongly disagree. In the third stage, these participants assigned from 0 to 100 points to 20 signs based on participant perception of the five design features of familiarity, concreteness, simplicity, meaningfulness, and semantic distance. RESULTS: The results showed that four of the five personal characteristics studied (age, education level, possession of a driving license, and formal driving experience) correlated significantly with traffic sign usability. The exception was gender, which did not correlate significantly. Additionally, it was found that the five traffic sign design features correlated in varying degrees of significance with each other and with specific traffic signs. CONCLUSIONS: Traffic sign usability depends mostly both on driver education level and age group and on the design feature of meaningfulness. These findings have implications for how drivers should be trained and how signs should be designed. Show more

Keywords: Driver age, driver education level, driver experience, traffic sign features, usability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213636

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 917-925, 2022

Authors: Algeo, Naomi | Bennett, Kathleen | Connolly, Deirdre

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. While work is important for well-being, 84% of women in Ireland temporarily or permanently cease working up to six months post-breast cancer diagnosis. Under Irish law, there is a right to reasonable work accommodations, however paid sick leave has only recently been state-mandated. Legislation internationally varies across nations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women who have had breast cancer returning to, and/or remaining in work, in the context of employment legislation. METHODS: Fifteen women with breast cancer, …fifteen healthcare professionals, and nine employers nationwide participated in a qualitative-descriptive design, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and data analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants were recruited. A prominent theme from interviews was that most women with breast cancer and healthcare professional cohorts were not aware of employment rights in the context of cancer diagnoses. This is in contrast to employers. Experiences of sick leave and pay entitlements varied amongst women with breast cancer with financial pressure and expediated the return to work evident for some participants. Most women did not report any discrimination on returning to the workplace, although there were examples of indirect discrimination where unfair expectations were being placed on women by colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Education and awareness on employment rights and entitlements during and after cancer treatment is warranted. This could be incorporated into work-focused interventions to support those living with and beyond cancer to transition back into the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Law, reasonable accommodations, discrimination, sick leave

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205044

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 927-939, 2022

Authors: Vázquez, José Juan | Cabrera, Adrian | Panadero, Sonia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People living homeless represent one of the most extreme embodiments of the phenomena of poverty and social exclusion, and women are a particularly vulnerable group among people living homeless. METHODS: Various factors in a sample of women living homeless in Madrid, Spain (n  = 136) have been analyzed for relationships to connections to the employment and labor market. Information was collected using a structured interview. RESULTS: Results show the considerable difficulties women living homeless have in accessing the employment and labor market, despite largely having worked throughout their lives, mainly in unstable jobs, …in the informal sector or in related marginal activities. In general, women living homeless tended to attribute their difficulties in accessing the labor market to personal characteristics, dispositional factors, or situational factors beyond their control. A large number of interviewees wanted to work, although few of them did so. Interviewees who reported that they were seeking employment were primarily younger women, in better health, who had been unemployed for a short time, had spent less time homeless, and were of foreign origin. Show more

Keywords: Homeless, women, employment, social exclusion, poverty

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205002

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 941-949, 2022

Authors: Hanumegowda, Pradeep Kumar | Gnanasekaran, Sakthivel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Metropolitan bus drivers have higher prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) due to their nature of work and working environment. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of WMSDs and associated risk factors and to conduct real-time testing to evaluate Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) in buses based on the ISO standards to assess the vibrations levels at different speeds. METHODS: Participants in this study were 370 full-time male bus drivers from the north and south zones of 13 depots of Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), Bengaluru, south India. Information regarding …WMSDs symptoms during the previous 7 days and 12 months were collected by Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MNMQ). WBV and HAV testing was performed and vibration levels were compared with ISO-2631-1 (1997) and ISO-5349-1-2001 standards. It was found that 68.7% of participants reported WMSDs. RESULTS: Several individuals and work-related factors were found to be statistically significant with WMSDs. From the Gini impurity measure, vibration and road types (Asphalt pavement and Rough road) were considered as vital risk factors associated with WMSDs. CONCLUSION: From the WBV and HAV evaluations, it was found that for buses on asphalt pavement at > 60 km/h, the vibration level was higher compared to a lower speed. The vibration level exceeded the Exposure Action Value (EAV) on rough roads at all speeds (20km/h, 40km/h and 60km/h) and in several situations considered based on assumptions the vibration level exceeded the Exposure Limiting Value (ELV). Show more

Keywords: WMSDs, Bus drivers, whole body vibration, hand-arm vibration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205007

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 951-973, 2022

Authors: Anaya-Aguilar, Carmen | Suárez-Cebador, Manuel | Rubio-Romero, Juan Carlos | Anaya-Aguilar, Rosa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The scientific literature contextualizes health and safety (H&S) in two major models, the first is based on a holistic perspective with H&S processes in all company departments, and the second approaches health and safety management from a more operational perspective. In this study, we examine the issue of health and safety in wineries. In 2017, a census showed that wineries account for 14% of the food and beverage industry in Spain. They provide direct employment for 24,051 people and involve complex winemaking processes that can cause accidents or occupational diseases. Wineries are part of the industrial sector, which, …with 5,264 lost-time accidents per 100,000 workers in 2017, ranks second in the number of occupational accidents in Spain. This shows the need to determine the changes needed to improve health and safety in wineries. METHODS: In this study, we identify H&S determinants in wineries using Delphi methodology with a panel of 11 experts. CONCLUSION: The experts gave high scores to the “activities” dimension, and others such as “control of personal and collective protective equipment” and “training”, together with “accident investigation“, “coordinated health and safety measures” and “signage” are associated with operational health and safety determinants, namely, capitalizing on knowledge gained in situ and promoting organizational learning. Show more

Keywords: Occupational accidents, wineries, risk assessment, safety, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205024

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 975-985, 2022

Authors: Li, Jian | Bishop, Malachy | Fraser, Robert | Rumrill, Phillip D. | LaRocca, Nicholas | Burns, Maura | Lee, Deborah | Bhattarai, Muna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) strives to ensure that people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can live their best lives. This mission is reflected in the Society’s strategic plan, which establishes the roadmap for the Society’s continued commitment to a world free of MS. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to add to the understanding of both the scope and complexity of the impact of MS and MS-related supports on quality of life (QOL). METHODS: A national sample of people with MS (n  = 748) participated in the study by completing …validated surveys assessing their QOL, physical and mental health, MS self-efficacy, resilience, participation in NMSS, perceived stress, emotional support, and social roles and activities. A path model was used to examine how the frequently identified MS QOL predictors, including demographic, MS, psychosocial, and physical functional status variables relate to each other and to QOL. RESULTS: The model exhibited reasonable model fit with hypothesized paths being statistically significant and in the hypothesized direction. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that the relationships among mental health, demographic factors, overall MS experiences, QOL, NMSS participation, and resonance with the mission of the NMSS are complex, highly nuanced, and yet strongly correlated. More importantly, the study highlights the strong influence of variables that are more readily amenable to change through programmatic and clinical intervention, and active self-management and participation. Show more

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis, quality of life, psychosocial status, physical function

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205038

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 987-1005, 2022

Authors: Seagren, Kelly E. | Sommerich, Carolyn M. | Lavender, Steven A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Veterinarians appear to be at risk for work-related musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD), based on surveys conducted outside the US. OBJECTIVE: This study provides new information about MSD prevalence in veterinarians and veterinary technicians in the US. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey and observation. RESULTS: A survey of 56 veterinarians and 38 veterinary technicians in Ohio found 12-month prevalence of MSD exceeded 60% in the neck, low back, and legs/feet. More than 85% of participants reported that work activities exacerbated discomfort in at least one region. Less than one-third of participants reported symptom-related lost work time. Personal …and work-related burnout scores were higher for veterinary technicians, compared with veterinarians. Nine percent of observed work activities performed by veterinarians and 43% performed by veterinary technicians were rated high or very high risk. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of MSD and low lost work time suggest many individuals are working in pain. Increased adoption of existing ergonomics solutions (equipment and process changes), in addition to further investigation of unmet needs, could improve working conditions and reduce musculoskeletal stress in veterinary health professions. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal discomfort, veterinarian, veterinary technician, veterinary technologist, veterinary nurse, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205043

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1007-1027, 2022

Authors: Suomi, Aino | Schofield, Timothy | Butterworth, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Growing experimental evidence shows that unemployment benefit recipients are generally perceived negatively in terms of their personality and employability by the general public. Welfare stigma tied to unemployment or receipt of income support may disproportionately negatively impact individuals who have been out of work due to disability, or chronic health conditions. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined whether welfare stigma and/or unemployment stigma, translate to perceptions and hiring decisions made by individuals working in recruitment, potentially creating barriers to re-employment for those without work and relying on unemployment benefits. METHODS: We used a vignette-based experiment (N = 213) …where participants working in recruitment rated personality and employment capabilities of characters who were described as employed, unemployed or unemployed and receiving benefits. RESULTS: Characters who were employed were generally rated more positively on employability and work-relevant skills, compared to the unemployed and unemployed benefit recipients, but these differences did not translate into a binary hiring decision (would you hire this person for the job). There were few differences in ratings of personality characteristics between the employed, the unemployed and those who were receiving unemployment benefits. CONCLUSIONS: These results add to knowledge about the determinants of welfare stigma showing that potential bias towards the unemployed and benefit recipients held by recruiters differs from that held by the general public. Show more

Keywords: Employability, unemployment, personality, big five, vignette

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205048

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1029-1041, 2022