Work - Volume 79, issue 3

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246018

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1007-1009, 2024

Authors: Qiao, Shuqian | Chen, Xinyi | Cao, Xi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of young acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is increasing. Return-to-work is an important indicator for patients’ psycho-social recovery. However, factors influencing return-to-work after AMI are yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To summary available evidence on rate and factors associated with return-to-work among AMI patients. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopes and two Chinese databases (CNKI and VIP) were searched from inception to October 3, 2023. Pooled rate of return-to-work (%) and odds ratio (OR) were calculated with Stata 17 software. RESULTS: Of 2403 records screened, …19 studies were included. Pooled rate of return-to-work at 3, 6, 12, and 24 and above months after AMI was 74%, 87%, 87%, 80% respectively. Factors associated with lower rate of return-to-work were comorbidity of diabetes (OR = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.46–0.93), history of heart failure (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.23–0.80), manual labor (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.35–0.76) and depression (OR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37–0.93). Male (OR = 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09–1.85) and higher education level (OR = 1.45; 95% CI, 1.25-1.69) were protective factors. Age, marital status and smoking were not significantly associated with return-to-work. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients could return to work at 3-month post-AMI, return-to-work rate was increased during one-year post-AMI followed by a decrease. Comorbidity of diabetes, history of heart failure, manual labor and depression were negative predictors of return-to-work, while male and higher education level were protective factors. This would assist the professionals to identify the patient who was risk for unable to return-to-work and provide support for AMI patents. Show more

Keywords: Myocardial infarction, return to work, prognosis, rehabilitation, social participation, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230301

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1011-1025, 2024

Authors: Myles, Louise | Massy-Westropp, Nicola | Barnett, Fiona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength (HGS) is a reliable assessment of hand function. Interpretation of HGS is commonly done using normative data. Normative HGS data HGS considers the influence of age and gender without adjustment for anthropometric measurements or functional factors known to influence HGS. OBJECTIVE: To determine the potential relationship of select anthropometric measurements (height, weight, hand length and width, forearm length and circumference) and functional factors (hand dominance, work and lifestyle category) to HGS. METHODS: This study included a sample of 119 males and 96 female workers from North Queensland. HGS and six anthropometric measurements were …obtained using calibrated instruments and reliable measurement protocols. Age and gender along with three functional factors were documented by self-report. RESULTS: Right and left mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy work (58.1±10.1 kg and 54.1±10.9 kg respectively) compared to light (38.5±12.3 kg and 35.5±11.8 kg) or medium work (44.1±10.8 kg and 40.0±12.9 kg). Mean HGS was greater for individuals who performed heavy/very heavy activity (right 48.5±13.6 kg and left 44.5±13.7 kg) compared to light activity (right 36.3±11.2 kg and left 33.9±11.3 kg) within their lifestyle. HGS positively correlated with gender (p  = 0.0001), work (p  = 0.001) and anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference (p  = 0.001), hand length (p  = 0.006) and hand width (p  = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: Easy to measure anthropometric measurements of forearm circumference, hand length and width are the strongest predictors of HGS in addition to an individual’s physical activity at work and in their lifestyle. Consideration of these factors could lead to improved evaluation of HGS scores. Show more

Keywords: Key words: Hand grip strength, JAMAR dynamometer, normative data, hand anthropometry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230519

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1027-1037, 2024

Authors: Chen, Yin-Che | Wang, Yu-Hsiang | Chu, Hui-Chuang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace friendships, which are informal relationships in the workplace, foster mutual trust, assistance, and emotional support and create a sense of belonging among coworkers. Employees with positive perceptions of their job responsibilities, psychological needs, and work environment experience happiness, satisfaction, and an overall sense of well-being. A heightened sense of well-being in the workplace positively affects employee satisfaction with job tasks and the work environment, reinforcing employees’ sense of belonging and organizational commitment. OBJECTIVE: The study proposed and validated a theoretical model, with meta-analytic structural equation modeling employed to conduct quantitative, empirical research on workplace friendships, well-being, …and organizational commitment in Taiwan and to analyze correlations between relevant variables. METHODS: The theoretical model was further validated through structural equation modeling, which yielded favorable goodness of fit in terms of various indicators. RESULTS: The mediating effect of well-being was verified through bootstrapping analysis. Within a 95% confidence interval, the total effect size of workplace friendships on organizational commitment was 0.549, which is the sum of its direct effect (0.255) and indirect effect (0.294). CONCLUSIONS: This finding indicates that well-being plays a mediating role in the association between workplace friendships and organizational commitment. The proposed theoretical model in this study is supported. Finally, the research results are discussed, and practical suggestions are provided. Show more

Keywords: Workplace friendship, well-being, organizational commitment, meta-analytic structural equation modeling

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230482

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1039-1053, 2024

Authors: Miyahara, Tomoko | Nakajima, Yuya | Naya, Atsuo | Shimizu, Daisuke | Tanemura, Rumi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment for people with brain injuries is challenging, and identifying the factors that can be improved by rehabilitation and establishing appropriate intervention methods are imperative. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether differences in cognitive functions and self-regulation skills exist between employed and non-employed people with brain injuries. In addition, we explored the self-regulation skills characteristic of employed people by qualitatively comparing them to those of non-employed people. METHODS: Using a mixed research method, demographic data, neuropsychological tests, self-efficacy, and self-regulation skills were compared between 38 people with brain injuries (16 employed and 22 unemployed) in the community. …Subsequently, self-regulation skills were assessed by the Self-Regulation Skills Interview (SRSI), and participants’ responses were qualitatively compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in demographic data and neuropsychological tests, but employed people showed significantly better SRSI scores than unemployed people (p  < 0.01). The qualitative analysis of the SRSI showed that employed people recognised themselves as having more specific symptoms than unemployed people. For example, they recognised the behaviour ‘when having more than one errand, forgetting it’, whereas non-employed people only recognised the category ‘failure of prospective memory’. Furthermore, employed people reviewed their behaviour and developed ingenious coping strategies, such as ‘looking back on appointments that have been made’, ‘writing down as soon as having a schedule’, whereas unemployed people only exhibited categories such as ‘writing schedules on the cell phone’. CONCLUSIONS: Self-regulation skills, such as recognising specific symptoms and developing relevant coping strategies, are effective for gaining employment. Show more

Keywords: Metacognition, vocational rehabilitation, coping strategies, coping behaviour, qualitative study, brain injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230342

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1055-1068, 2024

Authors: Segal, Addie | Doyle, Nancy W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Given the evolving digital revolution, technology and digital tools are becoming inseparable from work and daily occupations. Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) focus on supporting individuals in their desired and needed activities. Many of these daily activities (i.e., online banking, shopping, social media, smartphone use) require digital skills at a growing rate, and insufficient technological skills may subject individuals to limited engagement and social isolation. OBJECTIVE: To understand OTPs attitudes regarding technology utilization. METHODS: We surveyed 109 OTPs about their attitudes, work practices, and barriers to addressing their clients’ digital technological functioning. …RESULTS: The findings of our study suggest that while OTPs acknowledge the importance and potential benefit of technology for their clients, there is a notable professional gap in the training and skills of OTPs to support their clients’ digital functioning effectively and to integrate technology into their practice. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve and expand OTP’s digital skills and knowledge regarding addressing clients’ digital functioning and technology implementation in occupational therapy practice. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, work, technology, computer literacy, professional competence, competency-based education, professional practice

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230654

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1069-1078, 2024

Authors: Pélissier, Carole | Varano, Mariasole | Moulin, Martine | Carcasset, Pierre | Fontana, Luc

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a context of reorganization of the activity, of increase of the psychological, emotional and physical constraints of the nursing staff induced by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase of the anxiety disorders could occur. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the prevalence of anxiety disorders in healthcare workers (HCWs) by wards and to investigate medical, personal, and occupational factors associated with anxiety disorder. METHODS: In France, in May 2020, a monocentric observational cross-sectional study was proposed to 285 HCWs of the University Hospital of Saint Etienne, working in 3 types of …randomly selected care wards. Information was collected using an anonymous self-questionnaire offered to eligible HCWs. Validated questionnaires were used to assess anxiety (Hospital anxiety and Depression Scale) and burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory). RESULTS: Of the 164 HCWs who participated in the study (57% participation rate), 69 (42%) caregivers had anxious symptomatology. The prevalence of anxiety disorders did not differ significantly by type of wards. Anxiety disorders are significantly associated with occupational factors (increased COVID-19 stress level, increased emotional load, increased mental load, high work/life stress during confinement, emotional exhaustion and loss of empathy), with medical factors (medical history of anxiety disorders, psychotropic treatment and impaired sleep quality) and personal factors (concern about working conditions and/or media reports). CONCLUSIONS: Preventive actions focusing on organizational factors could be carried out to reduce the emotional and mental load, the level of stress and the burnout of HCWs. Show more

Keywords: First wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers, mental health, occupational stress, burnout

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230428

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1079-1089, 2024

Authors: Farnese, Maria Luisa | Scafuri Kovalchuk, Liliya | Cova, Eleonora

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The literature acknowledges that when there is a failure of expectations in the organization-employee relationship, namely the Psychological Contract Breach, it can potentially contribute to deviant behavior such as Counterproductive Work Behavior (CWB). A justice perspective helps to disentangle this link by suggesting that unethical behaviors may represent the revenge response to perceived organizational unfairness. OBJECTIVE: To gain a more granular understanding of the pathway from Psychological Contract Breach to CWB, this study explores the mediating role of negative emotions in eliciting CWB. It also proposes that the mechanism of moral disengagement helps to deactivate …self-sanctioning processes, allowing individuals to engage in deviant behaviors. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was employed, and conditional process analysis was conducted on a sample of 635 Italian police officer cadets, who were entering the prison system, a context highly susceptible to a failure of expectations and where, at the same time, counteracting unethical behaviors is a key issue. RESULTS: The results supported the tested model, highlighting the mediator role of Job-Related Negative Emotions in the Psychological Contract Breach–CWB relationship and their interaction with Moral Disengagement in shaping CWB. CONCLUSIONS: By examining the interplay between affective and cognitive components, the study provides valuable insights into the underlying processes involved in the relationship between failure in expectancies and deviant behavior. From a managerial perspective, the findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing fairness within organizations through balanced mutual obligations, and raising awareness of moral regulation mechanisms that may shape deviant behaviors. Show more

Keywords: Counterproductive workplace behaviors (CWB), psychological contract breach, job-related negative emotions, moral disengagement, correctional officers, unethical behavior

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230550

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1091-1102, 2024

Authors: Kusumoto, Yasuaki | Takahashi, Eri | Endo, Yasuhiro | Asao, Akihiko | Tanaka, Yoshinobu | Okazaki, Kanako | Yokozuka, Mieko | Omata, Junichi | Yabuki, Shoji | Kanzaki, Hideto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Backpack syndrome (BS) is a term used to describe symptoms such as shoulder and back pain that are believed to be caused by carrying a backpack. Few studies have investigated the changes in walking and running parameters with and without backpacks. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the differences in walking and running parameters with and without backpacks in primary school children with and without BS. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 51 children (average age 9.3 years, 6– 12 years). Two questions were asked beforehand: whether the respondents had shoulder or back pain when …going to school and present; those who answered that they had pain in both cases were defined as the BS group, while the others were the control group. Walking and running at comfortable speeds and walking and running with a 6 kg backpack on their backs were measured. RESULTS: During walking, there were main effects for speed, cadence, and strike angle with and without the backpack, but no interactions were identified for any of the parameters. In running, however, there were main effects for speed, stride length, strike angle, and lift-off angle, and an interaction effect was observed for speed and stride length. CONCLUSIONS: During walking, carrying a 6 kg backpack increased cadence and walking speed. During running, carrying a backpack caused a decrease in stride length and running speed in the BS group, whereas there was no change in the control group, suggesting that the control and BS groups may respond differently. Show more

Keywords: Backpack, walking, running, elementary school students, shoulder pain, back pain, backpack syndrome

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240111

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1103-1110, 2024

Authors: Salameh, Muna A. | Boyajian, Silvia D. | Amaireh, Enas A. | Jamal, Baraah | Alrfooh, Hala | AbuKhalaf, Khalid | Alzu’bi, Omar M. | Al-Tanbouz, Hadeel D. | Alzyoud, Koloud

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Students increasingly rely on digital devices, leading to text neck syndrome, a common overuse syndrome caused by repetitive forward neck flexion. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of text neck syndrome among medical students and the resulting neck dysfunction and to investigate the possible associated factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used an online self-developed questionnaire among medical students. Students’ characteristics and data about smartphone usage were evaluated for diagnosis. Individuals with at least 3 of the 6 text neck syndrome symptoms and a history of more than four hours a day spent on …a smartphone were diagnosed with text neck syndrome. Neck dysfunction was measured using the neck disability index. Descriptive statistics and the chi-square test were used. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study found that 31.7% of students with text neck syndrome have mild neck disabilities, with a higher proportion of females (40%). The characteristics that have a significant relation to text neck syndrome include being female (p  < 0.0001), overweight (p  = 0.025), being right-handed (p  = 0.001), using four digital devices or more (p  = 0.002), having low levels of physical activity (P  = 0.018), and spending more than three hours a day sitting down (P  = 0.027). CONCLUSION: More than a quarter of medical students had text neck syndrome, and most of them had a mild neck disability. Text Neck Syndrome was linked to an increased number of gadgets used, low exercise, and more time spent in a sitting position. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, medical students, neck, overuse syndrome, sitting position, smartphone

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230678

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 3, pp. 1111-1119, 2024