Work - Volume 71, issue 4

Authors: Waluya, Jajang Ganjar | Rahayuwati, Laili | Lukman, Mamat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The high incidence of and death by breast cancer show that breast cancer requires serious treatment. Studies revealed that the physical activity of survivors of breast cancer significantly reduced after a diagnosis of breast cancer. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of supportive–educative nursing intervention (SENI) on the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of survivors of breast cancer towards the intensity of physical activity. METHODS: The study population included patients with breast cancer living in a palliative shelter of a referral hospital. Data were obtained from 61 respondents (intervention group, n  = 30; control group, …n  = 31). The study used a pre-test and post-test design with a control group (quasi-experiment with control). RESULTS: SENI showed a significant effect on the knowledge (p  = 0.000) and attitude (p  = 0.000) of the participants towards physical activity. SENI did not demonstrate a significant effect on increasing the intensity of physical activity (p  = 0.413). CONCLUSIONS: Descriptively, the intensity of physical activity showed a tendency to increase in the intervention group, but no significant effect was noted. Palliative shelters in community can hold programmes that may increase the physical activity of survivors. Show more

Keywords: Educative nursing intervention, physical activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205165

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1137-1144, 2022

Authors: Hergenroeder, Andrea | Quinn, Tyler D. | Perdomo, Sophy J. | Kline, Christopher E. | Gibbs, Bethany Barone

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research suggests reducing sedentary behavior improves low back pain; however, the impact on presenteeism, health, productivity, and sleep in desk workers with chronic low back pain is not known. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of a sedentary behavior intervention on multiple dimensions of workplace health. METHODS: 24 participants with chronic low back pain and desk jobs were randomized to either a sedentary behavior reduction intervention group or control. Outcomes included a modified Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), the Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS), Profile of Mood States (POMS), Health and Work Questionnaire (HWQ), SF-36 Health Survey (SF-36), …and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Six-month changes in outcomes were compared across intervention groups using ANCOVA regression, adjusting for baseline values. Cohen’s d effect sizes were calculated for outcomes to explain the magnitude of group differences. RESULTS: The intervention group reported 1.5 hours/day less sitting time (p  < 0.001) compared to controls at 6 months. SF-36 subscales of energy/fatigue, social functioning, and pain improved, and sleep disturbance was reduced among intervention participants. Productivity, concentration, and presenteeism were unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: A sedentary behavior reduction intervention may improve well-being and workplace health without impacting productivity and concentration in desk workers with chronic low back pain. Show more

Keywords: Sit-stand desk, sitting, disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205178

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1145-1155, 2022

Authors: Zamore, Elizabeth | Craig, Wendy | Pinette, Michael G. | Wax, Joseph R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The frequency with which physicians are injured or killed in acute care hospital shootings has more than tripled during the past two decades. Moreover, physicians may be exposed to firearm violence outside of hospital settings. Objective: To characterize physician-involved workplace-related firearms violence to inform risk identification and mitigation strategies. Methods: Quantitative content analysis of physician-involved workplace-related firearm violence resulting in injury or death. Two investigators independently abstracted web-based reports for each year from 2008-2017 with differences resolved by consensus. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics, and analyzed using chi-square, Fisher exact, or Kruskal Wallis test, …as appropriate. Results: Twenty-six incidents, 10 (38.5%) perpetrated by physicians and 16 (61.5%) perpetrated by nonphysicians, resulted in 83 casualties. All physician-perpetrated shootings represented either type III or IV violence motivated by grudges. Significantly more crimes perpetrated by nonphysicians were type II violence (11/16, 68.8%), P  < .001, most representing grudges related to medical or surgical outcomes (7/16, 43.8%), P  = .003. Physician perpetrated shootings occurred significantly more often in the victim’s home (5/11, 45.4%), compared to nonphysician perpetrated attacks which more often occurred at a hospital or physician office (14/16, 87.5%), P  = .03. Urologists (4/26, 15.4%) were disproportionately targeted. Conclusions: These data may inform practical education and training to identify potential perpetrators before a work-related attack occurs by or on a physician. Show more

Keywords: Physician shooting, healthcare violence, quantitative content analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205187

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1157-1162, 2022

Authors: Maia, Maurício Silveira | dos Santos, Gabriela Lopes | Porto, Celmo Celeno

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress is a consequence of or a general reaction to an action or situation that leads to physical, psychological or both demands on a person, which can cause major disabilities in different aspects of life. This study verified the presence and stress phase of physiotherapists in the musculoskeletal area, identifying the factors associated with stress. METHOD: Presence and phase of stress were assessed using the Lipp’s Stress Symptoms Inventory for Adults, and sociodemographic, work, and subjective data through a structured questionnaire designed by the authors. RESULTS: 91 physiotherapists from 219 presented stress (41.55%). …The presence of stress was associated to the workplace (p  = 0.006, x2  = 20.01), number of patients per week (p  = 0.023, x2  = 7.55), weekly working hours (p  = 0.023, x2  = 7.56), and the perception of the work influenced their personal life (p  < 0.001, x2  = 14.81). 56.04% of the physiotherapists were in the resistance phase. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately half of the physiotherapists showed signs of stress. Moreover, workplace, number of working hours, number of patients per week and the perception of the influence of work on personal life were important aspects to stress. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, rehabilitation, physical therapy modalities, burnout

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205195

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1163-1173, 2022

Authors: Rashnuodi, Payam | Afshari, Davood | Shirali, Gholam Abbas | Amiri, Arman | Zadeh, Marziye Raesi | Samani, Ali Sahraneshin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome is a complex of interdependent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Shift work might have an impact on metabolic variables, and be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. To date, only few studies have been done on the prevalence of MetS in industrial work environments in Iran, and most of them have been conducted on a small sample size. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of shift work on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in one of the petrochemical companies in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study …was conducted among 692 male workers of a petrochemical company in south-west Iran. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to criteria recommended by Adult Treatment Panel III. In order to determine correlation between MetS and its factors with shift work odds ratio (ORs) for the MetS, 95% confidence level (95% CL), chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Overall 15.1% of workers were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and 80% of them were shift workers. A significant difference for prevalence of metabolic syndrome and mean values for body mass index, blood pressure, fast blood sugar, waist circumference among shift workers and non-shift workers were identified (p  < 0.001). Compared with the day workers, shift workers had a significantly higher risk of MetS (odds ratio = 4.852; 95% CI 2.34–9.974). CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between metabolic syndrome and shift work in petrochemical workers. Promising intervention strategies are needed for prevention of metabolic disorders for shift workers. Show more

Keywords: Metabolic syndrome, shift work, worker, cardiovascular diseases, circadian rhythm

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205223

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1175-1182, 2022

Authors: Yerebakan, Mustafa O. | Hu, Boyi | Barbir, Ana | Lin, Michael Y.C. | Dennerlein, Jack T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Tablets are ubiquitous in workplaces and schools. However, there have been limited studies investigating the effect tablets have on the body during digital writing activities. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the biomechanical impact of writing interface design (paper, whiteboard, and tablet) and orientation (horizontal, 45°, and vertical) on tablet users. METHODS: Fourteen adults (7 male, 7 female) participated in a study during which they performed simple writing tasks. Surface electromyography (sEMG) sensors were used to measure upper extremity muscle activation. RESULTS: Results indicate that the effects of writing surface type were most pronounced in …forearm muscle activation. Specifically, in the extensor carpi radialis (ECR), where muscle activity was lower on the tablet PC surface. The effects of writing configuration were prominent in the shoulder and forearm. The activation of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) and trapezius muscles was significantly lower in the 45° configuration. An exception to the efficacy of this configuration was the anterior deltoid muscle, which exhibited the lowest muscle activity in the horizontal orientation. CONCLUSIONS: Tablet surface and the 45° configuration resulted in the lowest muscle activation levels. Future studies should include longer experiment duration to investigate the effects of continuous writing. Show more

Keywords: Tablet PC, writing, EMG, device configuration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205242

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1183-1191, 2022

Authors: Poirier, Sébastien | Gendron, Annie | Trudeau, François | Lajoie, Claude

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although the 20-meter shuttle run test (20MSR) is frequently used by police organisations for recruitment purposes, to our knowledge no study has yet assessed the accuracy of this test to estimate maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) in police recruits. OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the validity of the 20MSR as a predictor of VO2 max in police cadets. METHODS: 49 police cadets completed both an indirect calorimetry VO2 max assessment and a 20MSR. Based on their results, estimated VO2 max was calculated using an established equation. Furthermore, two models estimating …the VO2 max was also developed using the final stage completed and sex as independent variables in the first model (model A) as well as the final half-stage completed and sex in the second model (model B). RESULTS: A strong and significant bivariate correlation was found between measured VO2 max and the final stage completed at the 20MSR (r  = 0.874, p  < 0.001). Nevertheless, limits of agreement analysis showed relatively large agreement errors between measured VO2 max and estimated VO2 max based on the established equation (0.46±6.29 ml·min–1 ·kg–1 ), model A (0.00±5.58 ml min–1  kg–1 ), and model B (0.00±5.48 ml min–1 ·kg–1 ). CONCLUSIONS: Although the 20MSR can be a useful tool to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness for research and conditioning purposes, the large agreement errors found in this study suggest that results at the 20MSR should be interpreted with caution when making “pass or fail” decisions. Show more

Keywords: Physical employment standard, cardiorespiratory fitness, police recruits

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205289

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1193-1201, 2022

Authors: Robertson, Michelle M. | Lee, Jin | Huang, Yueng-Hsiang | Schleifer, Lawrence

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-228000

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 1203-1203, 2022