Work - Volume 72, issue 2

Authors: Kumar Banga, Harish | Kumar, Raj | Kalra, Parveen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, real-time motion tracking devices are widely used for ergonomic assessment of several manual quotidian activities. The real-time tracking of human activities makes it easier to observe the exposure of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the human body. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the suitability of a real-time motion tracking device (Kinect v1 interfaced with a commercial ergonomic assessment software, JACK) for real-time ergonomic evaluation of the strenuous operation of the manual lawn mower. METHOD: The lawn mower operators perform various strenuous activities while operating the manual lawn mower for long intervals of time, …which causes WMSDs in the entire body of the operators. These working operators’ activities have been captured using Kinect v1 interfaced with JACK, to address the ergonomic issues responsible for the whole-body WMSDs. The forces acting on the lower back, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment score and static strength have been predicted using JACK. RESULTS: This study proves the exposure of the operators towards the whole-body WMSDs while operating the manual lawn mower. CONCLUSION: The findings provide a quick and straightforward approach for performing the real-time ergonomic evaluation of any operation, which can help the industrial staff estimate the risk of level WMSDs. Show more

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, rapid upper limb assessment, lower back analysis, static strength prediction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210713

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 497-510, 2022

Authors: Senna, Pedro | Reis, Augusto da Cunha | Leão Santos, Igor | Dias, Ana Claudia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Public hospital managers in Rio de Janeiro must deal with severe budget costs, which is the only source of income of public hospitals. In this sense, systematic supply chain risk management can contribute to identifying such risks, assessing their severity, and developing mitigating plans, or even revealing the lack of such plans. Private hospital networks must also map their risks since they are facing a diminishing of demand given that unemployment in Brazil, which is growing in the past years, generates an impossibility of affording private healthcare. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate how …supply chain risk management is being applied in healthcare supply chains from Rio de Janeiro – Brazil. This study considers supply chains located in the state of Rio de Janeiro. To accomplish this objective, we provide answers to two Research Questions: RQ1 - Is SCRM known as a concept among Rio de Janeiro healthcare supply chains? RQ2 - How are risk identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation being implemented by companies from the healthcare supply chains in Rio de Janeiro – Brazil? METHOD: Our research design is based on four steps: i) Research design; ii) Case selection: iii) Data collection (11 cases selected); iv) Data analysis. RESULTS: The interviews revealed that SCRM is an entirely unknown concept among healthcare supply chains from Rio de Janeiro – Brazil. Managers have empirical knowledge of the risks, and they can identify the most hazardous risks and can come up with solutions to mitigate them, nevertheless, in many situations they do not have the authority or the manpower to implement the solutions, at most, managers implement local risk mitigation initiatives that do not consider the supply chains broader context. CONCLUSION: The healthcare organizations studied by this paper do not apply SCRM. They only apply local isolated solutions not considering a supply chain scope. This can become hazardous since isolated risk mitigation initiatives are often innocuous and have the potential to generate other risks. Show more

Keywords: Supply chain risk resilience, qualitative study, qualitative data

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205216

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 511-527, 2022

Authors: Björklund Carlstedt, Anita | Jacobsson, Gustav | Bjursell, Cecilia | Nystedt, Paul | Sternäng, Ola

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The ageing population has initiated a debate about a prolonged working life. There is an interest in finding the pre-retirement predictors of bridge employment and retirement decisions, but the understanding of the experiences of bridge employees is still limited. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to describe the characteristics of the pensioners working for a staffing agency, their motivational aspects, work patterns and types of services they provided. METHODS: This article analyses the results from a Swedish staffing agency’s yearly co-worker questionnaire from December 2017. The response rate was 44% (N  = 1741). The design is descriptive, with …correlation analyses and construction of typical cases. RESULTS: Most study participants were aged 65–74 years. Sixty-five percent were men, 66% were cohabitating/married, dominating education level was secondary school or higher education (79%). Important incentives for working were the social context and to gain extra income. A majority of the respondents also stated that their work increased their overall well-being. Seventy-eight percent worked 25 hours per month or less, 37% wanted to work more, 3% wanted to work less. Private services dominated with 61%; most common were gardening (43%), trades (33%) and cleaning (31%). CONCLUSIONS: More men than women chose this form of work. While single women need to work out of economic necessity, men, to a larger extent, work for the social context and well-being. The highest work frequency in 2017 (14%) in the population was found for those who retired in 2015, i.e. two years after their retirement year. A majority indicated that the work they were doing was different from earlier in their working life. Show more

Keywords: Bridge employment, older employees, temporary work agency

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205255

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 529-537, 2022

Authors: Ramadan, Mohamed Z. | Al-Tayyar, Sultan N. | Alhaag, Mohammed H. | Soliman, Ahmed T. | Abdelgawad, Abdelaty E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unsuitable schoolbags may stress the spine and promote poor body posture, particularly for school students. Global recommendations have suggested that schoolbag weight must not exceed 10% of a healthy student’s body mass, which would need continuous monitoring and enforcement. OBJECTIVES: The present study presents a comparison between an ergonomically designed schoolbag, which helps reduce the potential effects of carrying a load, and a commercial one. METHODS: A total of 30 healthy male students were recruited for this experiment. Independent variables determined were schoolbag type (ergonomically designed and commercial schoolbags) and three load levels based on …body mass percentage (i.e., 10%, 15%, and 20% of body mass). Heart rate variability (HRV) and body discomfort rating were then measured. RESULTS: Our results showed that the developed schoolbag promoted enhanced subjective measures and HRV response at 15% and 20% of body mass. Participants who wore the developed schoolbags experienced significantly lesser neck, shoulder, upper and lower trunk discomfort than those who wore the traditional ones. Changing the load percentage from 10% to 15% caused an increase in heart rate among participants carrying a commercial schoolbag but a decrease in heart rate among those carrying the developed schoolbag. CONCLUSIONS: The findings presented herein suggest introducing strategies for reducing the potential impact of load carrying through the combined effect of new educational inventions and policy changes. Show more

Keywords: Backpack, carried load, children, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205152

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 539-552, 2022

Authors: van Markus-Doornbosch, Frederike | Meesters, Jorit J. | Volker, Gerard | Ijzereef, Wil A. | van den Hout, Wilbert B. | Vliet Vlieland, Thea P. | de Kloet, Arend J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Persons with disabilities are at risk for unemployment with negative long-term consequences. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the process and outcomes of a novel vocational rehabilitation (VR) program based on the concept of mentorship. METHODS: Observational, retrospective study including unemployed young adults with acquired brain injury (ABI) taking part in a VR program including assessment, training, individual counselling and mentor support from volunteering professionals. Adherence to the program and work status were registered and at follow-up all patients were invited to complete a general questionnaire and EuroQol 5D. RESULTS: 49 patients started …the program, with 41 completing the follow-up. Median age was 31 years and 19 were male. Median duration of the program was 8 months. At follow-up, 9 patients had acquired paid employment, 7 with the support of a mentor; 6 of whom were bothered by health problems at work. Nine patients left the program prematurely, with insufficient financial support for continuation being the primary reason for withdrawal (n  = 6). CONCLUSIONS: A VR program including a mentor may be a promising program for patients who are unemployed at onset of ABI. Lack of financial support to complete the program and concurrent health problems were found to hamper the process and outcomes of the program, respectively. Show more

Keywords: VR program, rehabilitation, traumatic brain injury, young adults, coaching, quality of life, vocational rehabilitation, counselling, school to work transition

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210038

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 553-563, 2022

Authors: Golubović, Tamara | Brkić, Vesna Spasojević | Perišić, Martina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Change in current approach to develop methodologies for process risk assessment, where it is commenced from the process industry and exclusively hazardous materials are dealt with, into the approach where it will be commenced from pressure equipment within any context and both technical and organizational aspects are considered, can lead to the orientation of a more comprehensive approach to risk assessment, and thereby to better results in this area. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study implies the creation of a universal measurement instrument that will measure and quantify organizational factors impact on the risk of pressure equipment …exploitation. METHODS: The research instrument was drawn from previous research and tested by the multivariate statistical methods using the sample size of 253. RESULTS: The confirmatory factor analysis conducted shows that the most influencing organizational factor is ‘subcontractors for works from other enterprises’ with maximum value of 104, whereas the factors ‘maintenance/inspection’, ‘safety and health at work’ and ‘human error’ are by 10% to 20% less influencing. There then follow ‘training and competence of employees for crisis situations’, communication’, ‘potentially hazardous materials and equipment’ and ‘organizational change management’ and the factor ‘conducting investigation after accidents’ with the lowest value of 29. Pareto analysis indicates that the factors ‘communication’, ‘subcontractors for works from other enterprises’, ’organizational changes management’, ’potentially hazardous materials and equipment’, and ‘training and competence of employees for crisis situations’ participate with 80%, and they should be given special attention in practice. CONCLUSION: The instrument offered can ensure proactive information on the influence of organizational factors as risk predictors of pressure equipment operation, before given influences lead to accidents with severe consequences. Show more

Keywords: Safety, questionnaire, construct, dimension, risk

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210373

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 565-576, 2022

Authors: Sousa-Uva, Mafalda | Fonseca, António Manuel | Nunes, Baltazar | Sousa-Uva, António | Rodrigues, Ana Paula | Matias-Dias, Carlos

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the actual demographic trends and the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, there is little knowledge concerning the effects of retirement on this health outcome. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to quantify the associations between retirement, and retirement age, with cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke) in the Portuguese population. METHODS: We used data from the first Portuguese wave of the Survey of Health Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Logistic regression was applied to quantify the associations. The major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases and several features of retirement were considered as possible confounders or effect modifiers. …Analysis was restricted to retirees in retirement process (retired for 5 years or less) and not retired because of illness. RESULTS: An opposite direction of the association between retirement and heart disease was observed according to hypertension status, although not significant. Early retirement increased the odds of having a stroke, merely in individuals without heart disease (OR = 8.87; 95% CI 1.63–48.26). On the contrary, in individuals with heart disease, decreased the odds of having a stroke (OR = 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that retirement and retirement age may be beneficial or harmful, respectively, in the presence or absence of major risk factors for heart disease and stroke. We suggest that work-related stress affecting differently workers with and without these risk factors may eventually explain these findings. Show more

Keywords: Heart diseases, stroke, retirement, epidemiology, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205224

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 577-586, 2022

Authors: Švajger, Andreja | Šuc, Lea | Vidmar, Gaj

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with vision impairment are a growing group of clients for occupational therapists, particularly those working in vocational rehabilitation. OBJECTIVE: To examine the occupational priorities and performance issues of blind and partially sighted people entering vocational rehabilitation in Slovenia. Possible differences between priorities and issues among diagnostic groups and in relation to the rehabilitation outcome were explored. METHODS: Records of 42 clients referred to vocational rehabilitation at the University Rehabilitation Institute in Ljubljana between 2007 and 2019 were reviewed. Information on self-perceived occupational priorities and issues was obtained from the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). …RESULTS: Household and other unpaid work was identified the most frequently (20%) as a priority, followed by job-seeking (19%) and community mobility (15%). Job-seeking was the top performance issue (43%), followed by community mobility (21%) and household management (19%). On the 1–10 scale, the average occupational performance and satisfaction scores were 6.7 and 6.5, respectively; no statistically significant differences in relation to the diagnosis or the rehabilitation outcome were observed. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the client-identified occupational priorities and issues beside job-seeking that need to be considered in planning occupational therapy and supporting the persons with visual impairments entering the labor market. Show more

Keywords: Vision impairment, occupational therapy, Canadian occupational performance measure

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210039

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 587-594, 2022

Authors: Sadeghniiat-Haghighi, Khosro | Abbaslou, Farzaneh | Akbar Sharifian, Seyed | Izadi, Nazanin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Shift work may be associated with insulin resistance. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the potential association between shift work and the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index in professional drivers. METHOD: A total of four hundred fifty-three professional drivers were invited to participate in the study within a periodic medical examination in the occupational setting. One hundred seventy-seven daytime workers were compared with 175 night shifts and 101 early morning shift drivers. Demographic, occupational, and medical examination including blood pressure, anthropometric data was assessed. Measurement of serum insulin, fasting blood glucose and …lipid profile were done for all drivers. RESULTS: Compared with day workers, night shift and early morning shift drivers displayed higher levels of HOMA-IR. Metabolic syndrome was found to be significantly increased in night workers. In linear regression analysis, insulin resistance was correlated with shift work independently of demographic and occupational characteristics. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that shift work could be a risk factor in developing the risk of metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Suggestively, health strategies such as structured lifestyle counseling in occupational health settings are warranted to improve and modify cardiometabolic risk factors. Show more

Keywords: Insulin resistance, professional driver, shift work, HOMA-IR

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210056

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 595-600, 2022

Authors: Petersson, Eva-Lisa | Hange, Dominique | Udo, Camilla | Björkelund, Cecilia | Svenningsson, Irene

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Collaborative care with a care manager in primary care improves care. OBJECTIVE: To study whether care manager support leads to improved work ability, decreased job strain and reduced time of sick leave among primary care patients with depression. METHODS: A clinical effectiveness study of care managers for depression patients seeking care in primary care was conducted in a RCT 2014 –2016. Patients in the intervention group were assigned a care manager. In the 12-month follow-up, patients with employment (n  = 269; intervention n  = 142, control n  = 127) were studied concerning work ability, job strain and sick …leave. RESULTS: An association was shown between reduction of depressive symptoms and improved work ability for the entire group. At 12-month follow-up a statistically significant difference of reduction of depressive symptoms was seen between the groups (MADRS-S: intervention 10.8 vs control 13.1, p  = 0.05) as well as increased quality of life (EQ-5D: intervention 0.77 vs control 0.70, p  = 0.04). In the intervention group, a concordance was found between the patient’s prediction of return to work and the actual return to work (91%for intervention and 68 %for control group, p  = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to usual care, the care manager does not seem to further improve perception of work ability, job strain or perception of social support per se among the patients despite a long-term effect on depression symptoms. The lack of a long-term effect regarding these aspects may be due to the fact that care manager support was only provided during the first three months. Show more

Keywords: Primary health care, job strain, work ability index, return to work, depression

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205272

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 601-609, 2022

Authors: Reims, Nancy | Tisch, Anita

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims to help people with disabilities to return to the labour market. Though, there is not much evidence on its effectiveness. OBJECTIVES: We explore the effect of vocational training programmes in VR and the VR status itself on employment outcomes. METHODS: Using two samples from administrative data by the German Federal Employment Agency, we applied propensity score matching. We followed rehabilitants commencing VR in 2009/2010 (N  = 7,905) for four years (comparison I) and general training participants with and without VR status completing training in 2012/2013 (N  = 21,020) for one year …(comparison II). For harmonisation purposes, we only considered individuals aged between 25 and 40 and excluded those in employment at the beginning of VR or training. RESULTS: Concerning the effect of training in VR (comparison I), we observe a lock-in effect during training (p  < 0.001) due to an involvement in VR; after training, participants are more likely to obtain unsubsidised employment (0.05, p  < 0.05) than non-participants, but there is no statistically significant income difference after four years. Regarding the effect of the VR status (comparison II), rehabilitants are more likely to take up (un-)subsidised employment (0.04, p  < 0.01; 0.02, p  < 0.001) after training, exhibit longer employment durations (19 days, p  < 0.001) and achieve higher average incomes (2,414 euro/year, p  < 0.001) compared to non-rehabilitants. CONCLUSIONS: Training participation helps to improve employment participation of rehabilitants. However, a longer observation period is recommended. Furthermore, the VR status itself leads to more sustainable and better-paid employment. This is due to more comprehensive support and longer-term subsidised employment opportunities. Show more

Keywords: Germany, programme effectiveness, quasi-experimental approach, return to labour market

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205046

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 611-625, 2022

Authors: Adedoyin, Adesoji R. | Mbada, Chidozie E. | Ajayi, Oladotun K. | Idowu, Opeyemi A. | Oghumu, Saturday N. | Oke, Kayode I. | Moda, Haruna M. | Fatoye, Francis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Typically, bricklayers in developing countries’ contexts manually lay bricks, concrete blocks and other similar materials to construct walls and buildings which make them susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The burden of WRMSDs among this high-risk group seems has not been well documented. OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence of WRMSDs among bricklayers in Nigeria. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 118 consenting bricklayers from a Nigerian setting was carried out. The standardized Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire and a proforma were used to profile the prevalence of WRMSDs and socio-demographic information of the respondents. Data was …analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Alpha level was set at p  < 0.05. RESULTS: The 12-months and 7-days prevalence of WRMSDs were 87.3% and 67.4%. Shoulder (61.0%) and the low-back (59.3%) were the two most affected anatomical sites based on 12-month prevalence. WRMSDs affecting the knees (6.8%) was the most disabling in carrying normal work routines. Working for less than 10 years was significantly associated with high prevalence of WRMSDs in the shoulder (odd ratio (OR) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.09 to 0.87) and wrist region (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.73). Having neck pain led to higher odds (OR = 0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.68) of taking a break from work among the bricklayers. CONCLUSIONS: WRMSDs were high among Nigerian bricklayers. Years of work experience was associated with high prevalence of WRMSDs in the shoulder and wrist. In addition, taking work breaks was associated with neck pain. Show more

Keywords: Bricklayers, musculoskeletal trouble, 12 months prevalence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205240

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 627-635, 2022

Authors: Priya, D. Bhanu | Subramaniyam, Murali

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The easy accessibility of smartphones has led to a fivefold increase in their use. People use smartphones almost anywhere, including during travelling and studying. During the global COVID-19 pandemic, the average smartphone screen time has increased from 2.25 to 4.8 hours per day. In India, smartphone usage increased by 68%, and the average screen time increased from 2.42 to 6.9 hours. This dependency on smartphones has led to smartphone addiction. Inappropriate postures during the prolonged use of smartphones can exert adverse effects such as musculoskeletal disorders, digital eye strain, loss of focus and attention. OBJECTIVES: This study …was undertaken to understand the effects of prolonged smartphone utilisation and explored fatigue measurement techniques. METHODS: A total of 130 studies examining the effects of smartphone utilisation published in the previous 10 years were identified from the following databases: IEEE, Science Direct, PubMed, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar are reviewed. This study was conducted from September 2019 to January 2021. RESULTS: One in every four adolescents were prone to smartphone addiction, which causes poor mental health. Moreover, India’s research on the effects of excessive smartphone usage is limited. CONCLUSIONS: Studies are required to establish the correlation between fatigue levels and smartphone usage patterns. Show more

Keywords: Smartphone addiction, digital eye strain, musculoskeletal disorders, smartphone fatigue, smartphone India

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205351

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 637-650, 2022

Authors: Carelli, Lara | Terzoni, Stefano | Destrebecq, Anne | Formenti, Paolo | Soumahoro, Fatime | Esposito, Anna | Ferrara, Paolo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Technological progress improves health care efficiency, quality, safety, and cost, supporting clinical activity in various scenarios, such as Intensive Care Unit (ICU). A timely response to alarms from monitors and other ICU electromedical devices is therefore crucial. The number of false alarms tend to desensitize care providers increasing the risk of experiencing alarm fatigue and, at times, lead to severe consequences for patients. OBJECTIVES: To assess the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Alarm Fatigue Questionnaire and to explore the phenomenon of alarm fatigue among nurses working in intensive care settings. METHODS: …The CVI-I was calculated to evaluate the validity of the content of the tool. Construct validity was investigated through exploratory factor analysis. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) was used to examine the internal consistency of the scale and Spearman’s rho coefficient to test for stability. We designed a multicentre cross-sectional survey. A convenience sample of nurses from 4 Major Italian hospitals was recruited. The nurses completed the Italian version of the Alarm Fatigue Questionnaire. RESULTS: The content validity index CVI-S of the scale (CVI-S) was 91.11%; Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.71. The Italian version of the tool explained 67.18%of the overall variance. 396 nurses were enrolled (79.84%). The overall level of alarm fatigue was Me = 29 [22;30 ]. 42.17%of the sample reported prior experience with alarm fatigue incidents. CONCLUSIONS: The extension of alarm fatigue requires the adoption of a preventive intervention plan. The Italian version of the Alarm Fatigue Questionnaire shows promising psychometric properties. Show more

Keywords: Alarm fatigue, intensive care unit, nurses, patient safety

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210552

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 651-656, 2022

Authors: Laura, Simões Morgado | Friedrich, Stiefel | Mehdi, Gholam | Céline, Bourquin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of what motivates physicians to do their work and what keeps them in the profession. OBJECTIVES: To explore calling as an approach to work in a sample of physicians. METHODS: We designed an online survey addressing career choice and career calling among physicians in French-speaking Switzerland, and measured associations between calling and categorical variables (participant characteristics, motivations for choosing medicine, career choice(s) and consistency, and definition of calling). RESULTS: The majority of physicians (n  = 229) reported that a calling was not a career motivator. The …main reasons for becoming a physician were to be useful (n  = 173), the scientific aspects of medicine (n  = 168), and altruism (n  = 153). Viewing medicine as a calling was significantly associated with having been attracted specifically and only to the medical career and stability of this career choice. Physicians defined a calling as internal summons (n  = 140), passion (n  = 126), and sense of purpose in life (n  = 101). Being in the right place, internal summons, and passion were significantly more often considered as a definition for calling by physicians with a calling. CONCLUSIONS: A sense of calling influences career choice and professional stability, and might play a protective role in exhaustion or dissatisfaction at work. Show more

Keywords: Career choice, professional stability, job satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205282

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 657-665, 2022

Authors: Colaianni, Donna | Skuthan, Alysha | Coscomb, Brittany | Nost, Laura | Schray, Alexandra | Hahn, Alexandra | Frank, Joanna | Wynn, Samantha

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of occupation-based hand therapy and the barriers to the use of occupation-based interventions (OBIs) have been established, but the current experience of hand therapists using OBIs and the extent of the use of OBIs in practice is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the frequency that occupational therapists who are Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) utilized OBIs, how occupational therapists who are CHTs described their application of OBIs, and identify the supports and barriers to the application of OBIs. METHODS: Twenty-nine participants completed a survey that included 27 questions. The questions consisted of …close ended, Likert scale, and multiple-choice questions which were analyzed quantitatively, and open-ended questions which were analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: The majority of the participants, 57.7%, reported implementing OBI at least 75% of the time. Barriers and supports to the use of OBIs reported include a lack of equipment and therapist creativity, and support for the use of OBIs included the therapist’s creativity, support from the facility, the availability of equipment, and the intrinsic motivation of therapists. Descriptions of OBI application included activity simulation, adaptive equipment use, and participation in meaningful activity. CONCLUSION: Although the use of OBIs in hand therapy may be expanding, occupational therapy practitioners and educators have a role to play in overcoming the remaining barriers to occupation-based hand therapy. Additional research is needed to gain further insight into use of occupation-based intervention by occupational therapists who are CHTs and explore the effect of education on promoting the use of OBIs. Show more

Keywords: Barriers, hand therapy, occupation-based practice

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205321

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 667-675, 2022

Authors: Sugama, Atsushi | Nishimura, Takahiro | Doi, Kouki | Shimada, Shigenobu | Chikai, Manabu | Nunokawa, Kiyohiko | Ino, Shuichi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Manual operations of the hydraulic jack device can become ergonomic stressors for the musculoskeletal system because of the required operational forces, muscle activities, or working postures. However, the usability of the hydraulic jack has not been fully explored for non-professional personnel. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the musculoskeletal loads during manual operations of a hydraulic jack based on the ergonomic postural analysis and electromyography METHODS: Nine men operated the lever of a hydraulic jack with three positions: parallel to and near (P-N), parallel to and far from (P-F), and orthogonal to the jack lever (O). Postural loads …were evaluated by Loading on the Upper Body Assessment (LUBA), an ergonomic observational method, and were classified into action categories. The surface electromyogram of eight muscles and the subjective sense of burden were also measured. RESULTS: The initial force for lever pushing reached 40–80 N and exceeded the recommended forces for the unusual postures. The overall assessment of LUBA showed that 31% of working postures observed in O position require immediate consideration and corrective action and the maximum holding time estimated was < 1 minute. The postural load increased due to the shoulder joint abduction in the P-F and O positions and due to the trunk rotation in O position. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that operating the hydraulic jack cause considerable postural loads and manual forces insufficient for several minutes of manual task. Therefore, improving working methods and tool designs are needed to improve usability and decrease the risk of musculoskeletal disorders during jack operations. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal loads, hydraulic jack, manual tasks, postural loads, electromyography

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210079

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 677-685, 2022

Authors: Zakerian, Seyed Abolfazl | Masjoodi, Sadegh | Makkiabadi, Bahador | Arabian, Ali

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the rapid growth of metropolises and the insufficiency of public transportation, nowadays, many people travel on these vehicles in a standing position. This position leads to discomfort and the risk of falling or non-collision incidents for the passengers. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to analyze an innovative sit-standing seat to prevent falls and non-collision injuries in standing passengers. METHODS: A total of sixteen participated in this study. EMG signal and Borg scale were used to assess muscle activity and discomfort, respectively. RESULTS: The mean Borg scale score for perceived discomfort …was lower in the sit-standing position than the standing position in all body organs, except for the hips. Also, in the sit-standing position compared to the standing position, the muscle activity of the soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscles was significantly lower in the constant velocity and entire phases in both legs, lower in the right leg in the acceleration phase and lower in the left leg in the deceleration phase. CONCLUSIONS: So, this seat can be used as an innovative idea to improve the ergonomic condition of standing passengers to prevent falls and non-collision injuries on transit buses. Show more

Keywords: Sit-stand seat, transit bus, non-collision injuries, electromyography, discomfort

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210515

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 687-696, 2022

Authors: Khajehnasiri, Farahnaz | Samaei, Seyed Ehsan | Mehrzad, Sharzad | Taban, Ebrahim | Ghalenoei, Mehran | Salimi, Fatemeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exposure to traffic noise could play an important part in inducing psychological disorders which in turn can affect individuals’ cognitive and mental performance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of traffic noise exposure on the cognitive performance with regard to subjects’ personality traits. METHODS: Sixty students with normal hearing and vision took part in this experimental study. In order to simulate the traffic noise condition of Tehran, the noise from several busy streets was first carefully recorded. Later on, the subjects were exposed to this recorded noise in an anechoic …chamber. Also, the NEO-five factor inventory questionnaire and the continuous performance test were used to assess personality traits and cognitive performance of participants respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that the cognitive features of the study, such as reaction time and the number of commission/omission errors in continuous performance testing increased significantly after exposure to the traffic noise (p  < 0.05), and among the personality traits, only the neuroticism has a significant correlation with response time in the continuous performance tests (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Apart from the effect of traffic noise on cognitive function, the findings of this study confirmed that Neuroticism (one of the personality traits) also significantly affect the cognitive performance of individuals when they are exposed to traffic noise in laboratory conditions. Show more

Keywords: Traffic noise, personality trait, cognitive performance, continuous performance test, NEO-FFI questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210002

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 697-706, 2022

Authors: Kalteh, Haji Omid | Salesi, Mahmood | Mokarami, Hamidreza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, although the effect of positive safety culture on improving safety performance has been confirmed, the mechanisms of this effect are somewhat ambiguous. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effects of safety culture on safety performance based on a sociotechnical and macroergonomics approach. METHODS: The participants consisted of 276 workers, supervisors, and managers in an oil and gas refinery complex. The data collection conducted using questionnaires including safety culture in accordance with the organization’s sociotechnical characteristics with 12 dimensions (effectiveness of safety management, management’s attitude towards safety, training, awareness and safety …policy, peer support, work schedule, job demands, confrontation of tasks and safety, behavioural features and commitment to safety, work equipment and tools, personal protective equipment, workplace hazards, and external environmental factors), safety motivation and safety knowledge as mediators between safety culture and safety performance, and safety compliance and safety participation as the components of safety performance. RESULTS: The examination of paths in three structural models indicated that in the presence of the direct effect, the indirect paths were not approved due to the lack of confirmation of safety motivation ⟶ safety performance and safety knowledge ⟶ safety performance. In the model without the direct effect, indirect paths were confirmed; however, a low amount of safety performance variance was explained by safety culture. CONCLUSIONS: The safety culture tool explained the highest value of variance for the direct path due to the use of industry-related factors. Show more

Keywords: Organizational safety, safety culture, safety compliance, safety participation, work system model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205085

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 707-717, 2022

Authors: Mortazavi, Seyed Meysam | Choobineh, Alireza | Charkhabi, Soheyla Ahmadi | Qaem, Haleh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In nursing practice, cognitive failures can be evaluated as an essential indicator of the cognitive capacity of individuals. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the Workplace Cognitive Failures Scale (P-WCFS) among Iranian nurses and its relationship with personality traits. METHODS: Data collection had two phases: 1) The P-WCFS prepared through a standard translation process. Then the content validity was evaluated by a panel of specialists. Reliability Cronbach’s coefficient alpha obtained 0.91 from a pilot study. 2) For measuring neuroticism and conscientiousness used the Goldberg Personality Questionnaire. …Exploratory and confirmatory factors analyzed in two separate parts of the sample (n  = 351). SPSS (v 18) and STATA 14 performed for Statistical analysis. Spearman correlation and Pearson correlation coefficient used to measuring the convergence and examine the relationship between the subscales of the questionnaire. RESULTS: Cronbach’s alpha was 0.92, which showed a high level of reliability for this questionnaire. The three-factor model of WCFS was well-fitted. The reliability of all three sub-scales was a reasonable level. Cognitive failures and its subscales had negative and strong relationships with conscientiousness and neuroticism. The highest internal consistency was related to memory subscale, and all scales had a success rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the P-WCFS has high reliability and validity and can be used in nursing society. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive failure, personality, memory, attention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205269

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 719-725, 2022

Authors: Llamas-Ramos, Inés | Cortés-Rodríguez, María | Llamas-Ramos, Rocío

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal disorder work-related health problem in Europe, affecting millions of workers. It is estimated that 60–80% of the population will suffer at least one episode of mechanical LBP during their life. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the kinesiotape (KT) effectiveness in mechanical LBP. METHODS: This was a double blinded, randomized-controlled clinical trial. Twenty-eight nursing and cleaning auxiliaries from Salamanca received a manual therapy program and a bandage of KT or false kinesiotape (FKT). They received two sessions a week for three weeks and a follow-up one month after the …last session. Pain, range of motion and function were measured at baseline, at the end of each session and a month after the last session. RESULTS: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and LBP are responsible for a high prevalence of sick-leave and absenteeism. Manual therapy and KT has demonstrated to reduce pain and to increase range of motion and function being effective in this population. There are statistically significant results in both groups in all measurements for all variables. KT seems to be superior, however, both have a positive effect on LBP. Although benefits decrease, long-term treatments focusing on pain alleviation and functional recovery is needed to maintain the benefits achieved. CONCLUSION: KT was an effective complement for this treatment. Although both show improvements, KT is recommended. Future studies are needed to demonstrate KT properties, to establish a treatment protocol to prevent chronic LBP and to avoid sick leave and absenteeism. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, rehabilitation, bandage, sick-leave, MSD, KT

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210693

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 727-736, 2022

Authors: Mehrabi Nejad, Mohammad Mehdi | Najafi, Arezu | Haji Ghadery, Abdolkarim | Izadi, Nazanin | Alemohammad, Zahra Banafsheh | Shabani, Mahya | Saraei, Maryam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbance including insomnia and poor sleep quality has been shown to be a major health determinant in occupational settings. Specific occupational exposures to hazards in most workplaces can lead to various health problems, especially sleep problems. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate sleep characteristics, and their relationships with work-related exposures, demographics, and other related variables in workers of a smelting factory. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was carried out on workers in a 40-year smelting factory located in the East of Tehran Province. A total of 200 male participants were included in the study. Among …them, 51 workers were from the production process staff and the rest were office workers. Their shifts were from 6 AM to 5 PM. All participants were asked about demographic characteristics and exposure to respiratory pollutants. All participants answered validated Persian versions of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: The means (SD) of age and BMI were 39.1 (8.9) years and 26.8 (4.5) kg/m2, respectively. Among all participants, 51 (25.5%) experienced exposure to a respiratory pollutant. Among all workers, 96 (48%) experienced poor sleep quality and 87 (43.5%) and 10 (5%) had subthreshold and clinical insomnia, respectively. The mean (SD) night sleep duration was 6.4 (0.96) hours. Data analysis illustrated a significant positive relationship between exposure to respiratory pollutants and insomnia (p -value = 0.03). Howewer, this association between sleep quality and exposure to repiratory pollutants was not significant (p -value = 0.25). Further analysis with binominal regression showed participants with exposure to respiratory pollutants were more susceptible to clinical insomnia (p- value = 0.02, exp(B) = 0.213), and after regressing out the effect of smoking, participants with exposure to respiratory pollutants remained susceptible to clinical insomnia. A lower night sleep duration was observed among participants with exposure to inhalational material (p -value = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposures to hazardous material, including inhalational exposures, could cause sleep disturbance, which warrants more attention paid by sleep specialists. Show more

Keywords: Insomnia, occupational air pollutant, sleep disturbance, occupational exposure, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213637

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 737-743, 2022

Authors: Irmak, Rafet

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a common outcome-measure used for assessment of spinal disorders with three officially updated versions. However, there are recently published articles that still use ODI-1.0. This suggests the existence of a block on information flow between developers and end-users. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the articles with missing citation to the latest ODI version, to calculate the life span of previous ODI version and to investigate the existence of a block on information flow. METHODS: PMC-PubMed citation dataset is analyzed by CNA and text processing methods. RESULTS: The most important …finding of this study is that there is no block on information flow between developers and users in terms of visibility in citations and full text access restrictions. Three different sub-networks are identified between ODI-1.0 and ODI-2.0 articles. 14% (165) of articles have citation to ODI-1.0 and ODI-2.0 version-articles. The time limit that is required for the new ODI version to become dominant in the literature is between 4 and 9 years. CONCLUSION: There is a missing citation problem in the ODI literature which is not a result of a block on information flow between developers and end-users. Show more

Keywords: Oswestry Disability Index, citation network analysis, ODI-1.0, ODI-2.0, ODI-2.1, ODI-2.1a, version updates, dissemination, PMC, PubMed, physiotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213639

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 745-752, 2022

Authors: Bernardes, Sarah M.F. | Assunção, Ana | Fujão, Carlos | Carnide, Filomena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aging of the workforce is changing, but working conditions have not changed at the same exponential growth rate for senior workers. Such a situation can compromise the worker’s physical and cognitive capability, reducing the ability to perform work activities. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to understand the main functional capacity changes in senior workers in the automotive industry and to determine the contribution of working conditions on the decline of the functional capacity in senior workers. METHODS: To achieve the objectives of the study, a set of questionnaires (Sociodemographic Data, COPSOQ, Nordic Questionnaire, and Par-Q) …and a battery of 4 functional capacity tests were used. Results: Work conditions, namely awkward postures, force demands and manual material handling, and age, were statistically associated to the functional decline in workers. Additionally, multiple linear regression showed that height, weight, seniority, and strength have predictive value to the handgrip decline (both positions HG2 and HG5). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that workers’ handgrip assessment should be considered as a future measure as an indicator of strength ability in the occupational field. Show more

Keywords: Aging, functional decline, work conditions, handgrip

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213638

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 753-763, 2022

Authors: Sharifi, Ali Seyed | Danesh, Mojtaba Khosravi | Gholamnia, Reza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Call center workers are highly susceptible to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) as well as mental stress. Nonetheless, there has been a surprising paucity in the body of the research regarding interventions among call center workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of a multicomponent ergonomic intervention program on mental workload, mental fatigue and WRMSDs of call center employees. METHOD: A non-randomized interventional study with a single group pretest-posttest design was conducted among 84 call center workers of a private telecommunication company in the city of Tehran, Iran. At the baseline, …data regarding WRMSDs prevalence, mental workload and mental fatigue were collected by means of standard Nordic, NASA-TLX and SOFI questionnaires, respectively. Then, subjects participated in a multifaceted intervention program including comprehensive office ergonomic training, work layout improvement, supervised on-site face to face visits, and provision of quality break time encompassing regular exercise program. Follow-up assessment was carried out after 6 months. RESULTS: After the intervention, prevalence of WMSDs in the neck (10%, P  = 0.022), lower back (8.4%, P  = 0.04), and knees (9.5%, P  = 0.02) decreased significantly, while improvements in other body areas remained insignificant. Results also showed a significant decrease in overall score of mental demand (P  = 0.000) as well as three of its subscales including performance (P  = 0.02), effort (P  = 0.001), and frustration (P  = 0.025). Additionally, positive effect of the intervention was also observable on overall mental fatigue of call center workers (P  = 0.016). As for its subscales, Lack of energy was reported to decrease meaningfully (P  = 0.007) while lack of motivation did not change significantly (P  = 0.240). CONCLUSION: Although the primary focus of many ergonomic interventions has remained to measure physical outcomes of the work place, our findings show that multicomponent interventions are indeed capable of boosting cognitive aspects of the work as well. The future studies should consider investigating such outcomes. Show more

Keywords: WRMSDs, occupational fatigue, office work, mental demand

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213641

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 765-774, 2022

Authors: Zango-Martín, Inmaculada | Nafai, Said | El Ouazzani, Sophia | Derkaoui, Jamal | Stevens-Nafai, Elizabeth | Codern-Bové, Nuria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Across the global landscape, mental health care still exhibits challenges because of the lack of human and professional resources to face its consequences. In Morocco, mental health problems affect mainly adolescents and young adults, with a clear impact on functional engagement in their daily lives. Occupational therapy, as a holistic and person-centered practice, may be an ideal mental health strategy to promote health and well-being through occupation, thereby enabling individuals to participate in regular daily activities. OBJECTIVE: To understand, from an intercultural perspective, the point of view of mental health professionals regarding the role and importance of …occupation-based practices in Errazi Mental Health Hospital in Salé(Rabat) Morocco. METHOD: A qualitative research design was used for this study. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews with 12 mental health care professionals (non-occupational therapists). These results were used to gain an understanding of their perspectives regarding the main role of human occupation in mental health services in Morocco, and to incorporate an intercultural outlook in terms of occupational therapy. Data analysis was conducted in three phases, by following the grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Two categories, “dimensions of occupation in Moroccan mental health ” and “the interplay between traditional and western perspectives involving mental health ” emerged from this research. Both categories included five subcategories. CONCLUSION: This study identifies how occupation-based services in Moroccan mental health care require considering not only the cultural perspective of mental health, and the sociocultural meaning rooted in occupations, but also the relevance of incorporating a community-centered approach. Moreover, it discusses how occupational therapy education in Morocco must incorporate an intercultural perspective of the therapy’s theory and practice. Show more

Keywords: Cultural diversity, interculture, occupations, qualitative research, Arab culture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213644

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 775-784, 2022