Work - Volume 71, issue 4

Authors: Yılmaz, Evre | Balcı, Hatice | Başer, Gülfidan | Özkalp, Birol

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fear of pain, which is defined as verbal, physiological, and behavioral responses against potentially painful situations, refers to extreme fear of pain, painful sensation, and anything that may cause this sensation. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the pain fear levels of students and factors affecting fear of pain. METHODS: The study sample consisted of 544 students. To measure the students’ pain fear levels, a 12-item questionnaire, developed by the researchers, and 30-item Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III (FPQ-III) was used. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Students the severity of pain …subscale, 31.9±8.9; mild pain subscale, 23.8±7.5; medical pain subscale, 27.5±9.0; and average total FPQ score, 83.1±22.0 was foud as. Of the students participating in the study, 80% reported that they had previously experienced pain. Of those who experienced pain, 32.9% reported dysmenorrhea, 18.2% reported headache, and 16.6% reported posttraumatic pain. Moreover, 61.0% of the students attempted to relieve their pain by their own means (medicine, herbal medicine, hot–cold application, etc.), while 70.6% stated that they do not frequently use painkillers. CONCLUSION: It is recommended to develop multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches in the management of fear of pain, which has biological, psychological, social, cultural, economic aspects. Show more

Keywords: Pain, fear of pain, student

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205054

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1043-1050, 2022

Authors: Dong, Shengli | Mamboleo, George

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Almost one million individuals are living with multiple sclerosis (MS) in the United States with a majority being diagnosed when they are in their 20s or early stages of their careers. Employees with MS experience various job-related challenges such as high unemployment and underemployment. Accommodations assist individuals with MS to obtain and maintain employment, yet the current understanding of factors affecting decisions to request or withhold accommodations is limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators of workplace accommodation requests among individuals with MS through a qualitative approach. METHODS: Eighty-six participants were recruited …from agencies serving individuals with MS in the US. Content analysis was conducted to examine responses to one open-ended question related to their perception of barriers or facilitative strategies to request accommodations. RESULTS: Ten overarching themes related to barriers and facilitators for requesting accommodations were identified. Among them were three facilitators (i.e., positive work environment, employer compliance and flexibility, and employee self-advocacy and proactivity) and seven barriers (i.e., employers’ lack of knowledge of Americans with Disabilities Act and accommodations, employers’ discrimination and resistance to accommodation requests, employees’ fear/anxiety to request due to associated stigma, employees’ lack of knowledge about accommodations/disability/resources as well as inaccessible workspace). CONCLUSIONS: Rehabilitation professionals can educate and empower employees with MS to disclose disability and request needed accommodations. Rehabilitation professionals also can educate employers for individuals with MS about their obligations under the laws to provide accommodations and sensitize coworkers of individuals with MS regarding the disability. Show more

Keywords: Barriers, facilitators, disability, workplace, multiple sclerosis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205059

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1051-1061, 2022

Authors: Rosemberg, Marie-Anne S. | Granner, Josephine R. | Li, Wei V. | Adams, Mackenzie | Militzer, Maria A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hotel room cleaners are disproportionately exposed to hazards that increase risk for poor health outcomes. Interventions are needed to improve the health of these workers. Yet we know little about the expressed needs of hotel room cleaners nor do we know about managers’ perspectives on how to best optimize employee health. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to develop an understanding of perceived intervention needs among hotel room cleaners and to assess managers’ views on the acceptability of the proposed interventions. METHODS: We used a community-based approach to recruit study participants. We conducted five focus groups among hotel …room cleaners and individual interviews with hotel managers. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: The workers expressed needs centered on pay, workload, appreciation, ergonomics, chemical and biological hazards, nutrition, smoking cessation, exercise, mental health and stress management. In addition to echoing the workers’ expressed needs, managers emphasized employee retention and financial literacy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first paper to include both workers’ and managers’ accounts on intervention approaches that will optimize health and wellbeing. This paper offers a guide for future program development among hospitality workers. Effective interventions need to be integrated, encompassing the individual, intrapersonal, organizational, and policy levels. Show more

Keywords: Hospitality, workload, tourism, low-wage worker, participatory action research, organization and administration, worker health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205060

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1063-1071, 2022

Authors: Rodríguez, Ariel Antonio | Escanilla, David Eduardo | Caroca, Luis Alberto | Albornoz, Christian Eduardo | Marshall, Paulina Andrea | Molenbroek, Johan F.M. | Lee, Wonsup | Viviani, Carlos | Castellucci, Héctor Ignacio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: An appropriate match between a product and its end-users requires anthropometric data, which show variations among different countries. Proper Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) fit is key for safety and comfort. Chile had no head and facial anthropometric data available in order to design face/head PPE. OBJECTIVE: To describe face/head anthropometric characteristics of Chilean workers. Additionally, this study compared those dimensions against other populations (United States (US), South Korea and China). METHODS: An anthropometric survey involving 21 measures was conducted between September 2013 to May 2016 using stratified sampling. The measurements were based on ISO/TS 16976-2 …and ISO 15535 to ensure the highest standards possible, and a total of 474 workers, aged from 18 to 66 years old, participated in the survey. RESULTS: The biggest differences were in Neck circumference, Weight, Nose breadth, Nose protrusion, Bitragion chin arc, Face length, Subnasale-sellion length, Face width, Bigonial breadth and Bitragion subnasal arc. Head length of Chileans were longer than Chinese and South Korean ones, but shorter than US Head length. Chilean Head breadth is smaller than Chinese and South Korean ones. Chileans Face length was the largest observed. Face width of Chileans was smaller than US and Chinese ones. Gender specific differences were also observed in the inter-country comparisons. Chilean males had larger anthropometric dimensions than females. CONCLUSION: Chilean Head and face dimensions differed significantly when compared against US, South Korean and Chines Head and Face dimensions. Chileans have longer and narrower faces with wider mouths, with a head size in between the US and Asian heads. Face and head PPE for Chileans should use dimensions in the current paper in order to ensure proper fit. Show more

Keywords: Design, anthropometrics, personal protection equipment, face, head

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205063

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1073-1085, 2022

Authors: Mokarami, Hamidreza | Ansari, Samira | Cousins, Rosanna | Varmazyar, Sakineh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inappropriate design of chairs and disproportion with students’ body dimensions can influence their physical and mental health as well as their educational efficiency and concentration. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the ergonomic status of commonly used chairs in Iran’s universities using combinational equations and anthropometric indices. METHODS: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 166 students in Iran. Eleven anthropometric parameters of the students and nine dimensions in seven types of commonly used chairs in Iran’s universities were measured. Combinational equations were used to determine the fitness of the chairs. …RESULTS: There was a major mismatch between most students’ anthropometric measurements and the dimensions of the chairs. Backrest height and seat height were the best and the worst features, respectively, according to ergonomic recommendations for chairs. The recommended measurements of seat height, seat depth, seat width, desk height, desk width, desk length, backrest width, backrest height, and desk distance were 332, 420, 436, 245, 95, 511, 426, 550, and 281 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION: None of the commonly used chairs in Iran’s universities were found to be a good fit to the students’ anthropometric dimensions. Therefore, in order to prevent inappropriate body postures, chair designs have to reviewed, and made to fit with Iranian students’ anthropometric data. The recommended measurements obtained in this study can be used to design a suitable ergonomic chair to match with a high percentage of Iranian students. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, anthropometric measurements, student chair, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205097

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1087-1095, 2022

Authors: Čvorović, Aleksandar | Kukić, Filip | Heinrich, Katie M. | Dopsaj, Milivoj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Body anthropometrics are biologically predetermined, while morphology responds to energy intake and output and stressors, thus impacting health. Fitness is impacted by these bodily characteristics. OBJECTIVE: This study determined to what degree anthropomorphic measures and age of police officers determined 2.4 km running performance. METHODS: Age, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and 2.4 km running time (RUN) of 1916 male police officers were directly measured and analyzed. After determining correlations of anthropomorphic variables with RUN. Stepwise linear regressions evaluated individual associations of age, height, weight, BMI, WC, and WHtR with …RUN, to determine the model with the highest predictive value of RUN performance. RESULTS: WHtR was the strongest RUN predictor (r  = 0.672, R2  = 0.451, p  < 0.001), while the best predictive model apart from WHtR also included age and BM (R2  = 0.556, p  < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: WHtR was the strongest anthropomorphic predictor of RUN performance. As a predictor, WHtR provides information on both anthropometric and morphology components of police officers. Its utilization among police occupations may be more effective than BMI as it better relates to performance. Show more

Keywords: Aerobic capacity, waist circumference, WHtR, law enforcement, testing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205105

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1097-1104, 2022

Authors: AlMubarek, Norah Abdullah | Al-Otaibi, Sultan T. | Herzallah, Hatem K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among sonographers have raised significant concerns in recent years. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs and identify risk factors for WMSDs among sonographers. To date, there is little research on WMSDs among sonographers in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, this study aimed to contribute to the Saudi literature by filling this gap. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among sonographers (n  = 98) working in four major governmental hospitals in the city of Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The participants completed a validated, self-administered questionnaire that focused on the analysis of musculoskeletal …symptoms among sonographers. RESULTS: The mean age of the respondents was 35.5±9 years. The majority of the participants were female (71.4%), non-Saudi (51%), and working as technicians (49%). The prevalence rates of shoulder and neck disorders among the participants were 65.3% and 57.1%, respectively. Gender (female), job title (sonography technicians), and years of experience (seasoned sonographers) were identified as risk factors for WMSDs. CONCLUSIONS: Among the studied sonographers, WMSDs were a significant, common problem. Being female, being a sonography technician, and being a seasoned sonographer were identified as risk factors for these disorders. Preventive measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of WMSDs in this occupational setting. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, sonographers, hospitals, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205145

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1105-1111, 2022

Authors: Akbolat, Mahmut | Durmuş, Ayhan | Ünal, Özgün | Çakoğlu, Seda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many factors threaten occupational health and safety, such as technology and production systems used by businesses as well as employee qualifications. This research addresses the issue of how these factors have become a threat to occupational health and safety. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine whether healthcare professionals’ fatalistic perceptions affect their perceptions of occupational health and safety practices. METHOD: The population of the study consists of 538 nurses and other auxiliary healthcare professionals working in a private hospital in Istanbul. The study initially intended to reach the whole population without establishing a sample, but …221 (41.1%) employees were reached due to reasons such as the shift system, employees’ unwillingness to participate, and personnel on leave. The study employed a survey form consisting of three parts as data collection tool. The first part of the survey includes demographic information, the second part is a Fatalism Scale and the last part is the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Practices Scale. Descriptive statistical analyses and SEM analysis were used for data analysis. The analyses were performed within the 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: A negative relationship was found between fatalism and occupational health and safety practices. In addition, employees’ fatalistic perceptions negatively affect their occupational health and safety practices. CONCLUSION: Fatalistic perception plays an important role in occupational health and safety practices. For this reason, employees can be shown through trainings that occupational accidents are not fate and can be prevented by certain measures they can take. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health and safety, fatalism, hospital

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205150

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1113-1120, 2022

Authors: Short, Nathan | Almonroeder, Thomas | Baumle, Madeline | Benvenuti, Katelyn | Bozett, Natalie | John, Olivia | Lovasko, Mollie | Rinaldi, Emily

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Wrist pressure and angulation while working at a computer workstation have been associated with cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). OBJECTIVE: This quantitative, comparative study analyzed wrist pressure and angulation between two common wrist supports while typing at a standardized computer workstation. METHODS: A convenience sample of healthy young adults completed a five-minute typing task at a standardized workstation with no wrist support, with the ErgoBeads™ wrist support, and with an Elzo™ (memory foam) wrist support. Pressure mapping (Tekscan™) ) and goniometry were used as quantitative measures to examine wrist …pressure and wrist angulation during the typing task; descriptive and inferential statistics were performed to compare wrist angulation and wrist pressure between two supports. RESULTS: For the sample (n  = 54), both wrist supports demonstrated a significant (p  < 0.001) reduction in wrist extension as well as pressure compared to typing at the workstation with no support. There was no statistically significant difference in peak or mean pressure between the ErgoBeads™ and Elzo™ wrist supports (p  = 0.99). Significant difference was identified ((p  < 0.001) for wrist angle as participants exhibited less wrist extension using the ErgoBeads™ ( x ¯ = 12 . 56 ∘ ; SD = 3.32°) support as compared to the Elzo™ ( x ¯ = 19 . 25 ∘ ; SD = 3.77°) support. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the ErgoBeads™ and Elzo™ memory foam wrist supports are effective for reducing pressure between the wrist and work surface while the ErgoBeads™ support may promote a more neutral angle of the wrist while typing. Show more

Keywords: Computer workstation, keyboarding, wrist support, cumulative trauma disorders (CTD), prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205154

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1121-1128, 2022

Authors: Kim, Yongwook

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Few studies have reported the contribution of correction of leg length discrepancy (LLD) on the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the pelvis and hip joints among those who must stand while working using shoe insoles and a three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis system. OBJECTIVE: To investigate dynamic pelvic and hip joint angles and hip moments using a 3D motion analysis system with and without insoles in standing workers with LLD. METHODS: Kinematic and kinetic data of 31 participants with LLD were collected using a motion analysis system and force platforms. Participants were asked to walk wearing …standard shoes or shoes with LLD-corrected insoles. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the kinematic and kinetic data of the hip joints and pelvic orientation according to leg side and corrective interventions for LLD. RESULTS: There were significant differences in maximal ROM of hip adduction and abduction with vs. without LLD insoles in the longer and shorter legs (p  < 0.05). There were significant differences in maximal elevation (p  = 0.004) and total coronal motion (p  = 0.006) of the pelvic segment with and without insole corrections in the longer leg during gait. CONCLUSIONS: LLD correction using a customized insole is a recommended therapeutic intervention to improve the musculoskeletal imbalances of hip and pelvic segments in workers with LLD. Show more

Keywords: Hip moment, motion analysis, standing work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205160

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1129-1136, 2022