Work - Volume 69, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213541

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1125-1126, 2021

Authors: Arnout, Boshra A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate entrepreneurship predictors among psychological service workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and detect the difference in entrepreneurship among psychological service workers due to sex and experience in work. METHOD: A random sample of 321 workers in the field of psychological Services answered an online questionnaire that contained six scales (mental traits, psychological traits, success in work, effectiveness, creativity, and innovation, responsible decision). The data collected from the study participants were analyzed quantitatively by using a t -test, One-way ANOVA, Exploratory Factor Analysis EFA, Confirmatory Factor Analysis CFA, and Structural Equation Model (IBM SPSS …statistics 21, and Amos v.25). RESULTS: The findings showed the validity of the conceptual proposed model of entrepreneurship among the psychological service workers. The default model has goodness-of-fit indicators to predict the workers’ psychological services’ entrepreneurship in their professional practice. The results also indicated significant differences due to the years of work experience in work and responsible decision dimensions in favor of the sample members belonging to the experiences group with more than ten years. Simultaneously, there are no differences in entrepreneurship’s total score, mental traits, psychological, effectiveness, and creativity and innovation. The results also showed that there are statistically significant differences between males and females in the success in work dimension in favor of males (males mean = 21.359, females mean = 19.461, t  = 2.797, P  < 0.05), also in responsible decisions in favor of males (males mean = 9.734, females mean = 6.927, t  = 8.853, P  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Mental traits, psychological traits, success in work, effectiveness, creativity and innovation, creativity, and innovation make responsible decisions significant predictors of entrepreneurship among the workers in psychological services. Thus, we recommend adopting the six criteria for entrepreneurship in professional practice when evaluating the workers in psychological services’ performance. These results indicate the need for plaining training programs to increase the entrepreneurship among workers in psychological services whose experience is less than ten years, especially female workers in psychological services. Show more

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, workers in psychological services, work engagement, mental traits, psychological traits, success in work, effectiveness, creativity, responsible decisions, COVID-19, pandemic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205245

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1127-1141, 2021

Authors: Pirincci, Edibe | Arca, Muhammed | Sen, Mehmet Ali | Atici, Erhan | Varsak, Suleyman | Yarasir, Ezgi | Kurt, Osman | Oguzoncul, Ayse Ferdane | Deveci, Suleyman Erhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic creates fear and anxiety on the students’ academic achievement, the risk of an infectious disease may negatively affect education by reducing the concentration ability of students. Thus, it is essential to evaluate the knowledge, behaviors, anxiety levels, and hygiene status of students. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, behavior change, anxiety, and hygiene status of university students about COVID-19. METHODS: The investigation was conducted with students of three vocational schools of health services located in different provinces of Turkey (n  = 1055). Data collected by an online survey consisted …of knowledge questions about COVID-19, items about behavior change, the hygiene behavior scale (HBS), and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale. RESULTS: The knowledge scores of women were significantly higher than the scores of men. Of the students, 59.6%showed positive hygiene behaviors, and 31.5%had anxiety. Female students’ total HDC scale score was significantly lower than that of men, and the total HDC scale score of those who received hand hygiene education was significantly lower than that of participants who did not receive training, which shows a positive hygiene behavior. The total GAD-7 scale score of women was significantly higher than that of men. More than half of the students showed positive hygiene behaviors, and about a third had anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the study’s results, psychological support and training should be provided to students. Show more

Keywords: Behaviors, coronavirus, knowledge, psychological factors, university students

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205254

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1143-1152, 2021

Authors: Almhdawi, Khader A. | Obeidat, Donia | Kanaan, Saddam F. | Hajela, Nupur | Bsoul, Mohammad | Arabiat, Alaa | Alazrai, Alza | Jaber, Hanan | Alrabbaie, Hassan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Strict strategies including lockdowns and working from home were adopted worldwide during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. University professors suddenly shifted to work from home adopting distance teaching. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and its associated occupational and health factors during COVID-19 among university professors. METHODS: A cross-sectional design targeted university professors of all majors in Jordan. The study self-administered survey included demographics and lifestyle data, 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21), professor’ evaluation of distance teaching, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and International Physical …Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Descriptive analyses were conducted to demonstrate primary outcome measures data. Factors associated with HRQoL were determined using a multiple variable linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 299 university professors successfully completed the study. Participants’ SF-12 physical health component score was 74.08 (±18.5) and 65.74 (±21.4) for mental health component. Higher depression, stress, neck disability, and weight change were significantly associated with lower HRQoL level. While higher satisfaction with distance teaching, health self-evaluation, and work load change were significantly associated with higher HRQoL level. The regression model explained 66.7%of the variance in professors’ HRQoL (r2 = 0.667, F  = 82.83, P  < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Jordanian university professors demonstrated good HRQoL and mental health levels during COVID-19 lockdown. Factors associated with professors’ HRQoL should be considered by academic institutions in determining the best occupational setup of teaching activities in future pandemics. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, professors, health-related quality of life, mental health, stress, depression

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205276

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1153-1161, 2021

Authors: Türktemiz, Halil | Ünal, Özgün | Aydın, Dilek Bingöl

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Determining the healthcare professionals’ perceptions and attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic will contribute to managing and struggling their efforts against COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the perceptions and attitudes of healthcare professionals who are at the forefront in the fight against this pandemic. METHODS: In the study, the survey technique used as the data collection method and 216 participants agreed to participate. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. Reliability analysis and descriptive statistical methods used to analyze the data obtained using the SPSS package program. RESULTS: According to the study results, …80.4%of the participants perceive the probability of being infected with the COVID-19 to be very high, and 64%of them consider that the conditions are very favorable for them to be infected. More than half of them are afraid of being infected and believe that if they contract COVID-19, adverse effects may continue for a long time. Furthermore, almost all participants (96.20%) consider personal protective equipment beneficial and will protect them from the COVID-19 as a wise preventive measure. However, 82.30%of the participants stated that using personal protective equipment is uncomfortable, and 76.60%said it is challenging to take care of patients while using personal protective equipment. CONCLUSIONS: The current study results show that healthcare professionals are aware of how serious COVID-19 is, understand the importance of protective equipment in protection from COVID-19, and are seriously afraid of COVID-19. Given that the fears of healthcare professionals may have adverse effects on them, it is recommended that healthcare administrators take measures to comfort healthcare workers and ensure that they maintain their positive attitude towards COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals’ challenges, fear of COVID-19, personal protective equipment, stigma and avoidance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205305

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1163-1170, 2021

Authors: Awada, Mohamad | Lucas, Gale | Becerik-Gerber, Burcin | Roll, Shawn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the COVID-19 pandemic, organizations embraced Work From Home (WFH). An important component of transitioning to WFH is the effect on workers, particularly related to their productivity and work experience. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to examine how worker- , workspace- , and work -related factors affected productivity and time spent at a workstation on a typical WFH day during the pandemic. METHODS: An online questionnaire was designed and administered to collect the necessary information. Data from 988 respondents were included in the analyses. RESULTS: Overall perception of productivity level among …workers did not change relative to their in-office productivity before the pandemic. Female, older, and high-income workers were likely to report increased productivity. Productivity was positively influenced by better mental and physical health statuses, having a teenager, increased communication with coworkers and having a dedicated room for work. Number of hours spent at a workstation increased by approximately 1.5 hours during a typical WFH day. Longer hours were reported by individuals who had school age children, owned an office desk or an adjustable chair, and had adjusted their work hours. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight key factors for employers and employees to consider for improving the WFH experience. Show more

Keywords: Remote work, workspace, work hours, workstation, office work, socioeconomic impact

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210301

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1171-1189, 2021

Authors: Zangoue, Malihe | Safari, Hamidreza | Royce, Simon G. | Zangooie, Alireza | Rezapour, Hadis | Zangouei, Amirsadra | Fereidouni, Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of acquiring and spreading the COVID-19 infection; using personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection in HCWs. OBJECTIVE: Our study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of COVID-19 IgG, IgM antibodies among HCWs as well as identifying the factors associated with this seroprevalence. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed from July to August 2020 on healthcare workers at two COVID-19 referral hospitals of Birjand University of Medical Sciences. The level …of COVID-19 IgG and IgM antibodies in sera was measured by commercial qualitative ELISA kits. RESULTS: In total, 192 individuals participated in the study: physicians (31.25%), nurses (30.2%). 84.2% of participants had contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases and among them 42.9 % of had close contact with COVID-19 patients for more than 3 months, and 31% reported close contact with more than 50 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Mask and gloves were the most frequently used personal protective equipment (PPE) with 92.4% and 77.2% of usage. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study showed high level of adherence to the use of PPE among HCWs as well as very low prevalence of seropositivity for of COVID-19 antibodies, hence confirming the effectiveness of PPE in protecting HCWs among COVVID-19 and possibly any other similar infections. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, PPE, HCW, seroprevalence, antibody

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210634

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1191-1196, 2021

Authors: Incekara, Cetin O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Because of wrong sitting position, children have back-pain and related musculoskeletal pain (MPD). Due to inappropriate designed class furniture by not taking into account the children’s anthropometric measurements have negative effect on children musculoskeletal systems. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has changed the furniture industry’s production trends. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a new fuzzy based design of ergonomic-oriented classroom furniture for primary school students considering the measured anthropometric dimensions of students’ safety, health, well-being, i.e. ergonomic criteria, socio-psychological aspect and post-COVID policies. METHODS: In the study 2049 number of primary school …students are assessed considering COVID-19 pandemic policies and their static anthropometric dimensions were measured between 7-10-year-old (between 1st-4th grade students) and descriptive statistics of children among their ages and genders are calculated; mean, standard deviation, percentiles. The data collected from the students were analyzed quantitatively by using Significance Analysis: Mann-Whitney U test statistic, t -test, Regression Analysis and one-way ANOVA. In the study interviews with experts are performed and fuzzy mathematical model (by using fuzzy-AHP, fuzzy-TOPSIS and fuzzy-VIKOR) is developed to calculate Turkey’s three schools’ furniture. RESULTS: Results showed statistically significant differences between two genders. And it is observed that the seating bench height is too high for primary school students and lower than the height of the classroom’s blackboard from the floor. Fuzzy Multi Criteria Decision Making Method’s (FMCDM) results show that primary school students’ ergonomic classroom furniture should be mainly designed by considering “COVID-19 Criteria”, “Ergonomic Criteria” and “Socio-Psychological Aspect”. Students’ existing seating benches and tables are changed by considering post-COVID policies/protocols, Ergonomic Criteria and Socio-Psychological Aspect. And a new seating bench/chair and table’s dimensions is proposed in the study. CONCLUSIONS: Children study at school for long periods and their activities involve long periods of time on their desks in schools. As per the results of the study, it can be concluded that school management must consider the genders, ages of students and take into account the post-COVID policies/protocols while procuring the classroom furniture. The COVID-19 pandemic is the single largest event to have affected children globally in their access to school in recent times; estimates suggest that over 85%of the world’s total enrolled learners, 1.5 billion children and youths, have been affected. The coronavirus pandemic also creates dramatic changes for the school furniture. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomic design, school furniture, students, fuzzy logic, fuzzy AHP/TOPSIS/VIKOR, COVID

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210652

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1197-1208, 2021

Authors: Einarsdóttir, Margrét | Rafnsdóttir, Guðbjörg Linda

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Teenage workers are prone to a higher injury risk than adult workers, and adult men are prone to a higher risk of work injuries than adult women. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine whether gender differences exist in teenage work accidents, the level of the accidents, their causes, and the types of the injuries. METHODS: A survey was sent to a sample of 2,800 13–19-year-olds, randomly selected from Registers Iceland. The response rate was 48.6%. A chi-square test, CI 95%, was applied to measure gender differences. RESULTS: In total, 16.3%of the respondents had …at least one work accident, and 1.2%, an accident that lead to more than one week’s absence from work. No gender differences were observed in the level of the accidents, but appeared in the types of injuries and their causes. Cuts were the most common injuries of the boys, but burns of the girls. Bone fractures were the most serious injuries of the boys, but sprains of the girls. CONCLUSION: Work accidents among teenagers are a particular threat to public health. Therefore, all stakeholders need to work together to prevent teenage work accidents in the future; and to keep in mind the gender diversity of the group. Show more

Keywords: Work injuries, gender equality, adolescents, Iceland

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213542

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1209-1216, 2021

Authors: Heidari, Jahan | Burton, Nicola W. | McCuaig-Holcroft, Louise | Kellmann, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The demanding working conditions of teachers make them susceptible to stress. Monitoring temporal changes in recovery and stress may provide a valuable approach for maintaining well-being. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study followed a two-stage approach aimed at: a) collecting data about the potential effects of holidays on stress in teachers, and b) utilizing these findings to provide tangible feedback to teachers. METHODS: Thirty-seven German teachers completed online questionnaires over six months (eight measurements) which included two holiday periods (Easter break, Summer break). Sociodemographic data regarding recovery and stress were gathered using the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire Work. Interested …teachers received individual feedback sessions. RESULTS: The results, inter alia, indicated significant time effects for the dimensions Overall Stress (F (7,119) = 5.31, p  < 0.001) and Overall Recovery (F (3.7,67.7) = 4.33, p  = 0.004). Significant positive changes were identified over the Summer, but not the Easter break. In the feedback sessions, group-based findings were connected with the individual recovery-stress values. Notable scores were highlighted in a matrix. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an approach to monitoring and providing group and personalised feedback to raise teachers’ awareness and sensitivity of psychological health status in relation to their working environment. Show more

Keywords: Health, individualisation, monitoring, coping, school

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213543

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 4, pp. 1217-1227, 2021