Work - Volume 72, issue 2

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