Analysis of the interaction effect of work fit-work stress on occupational fatigue in medical staff

This research was conducted to study the effects of environmental factors i.e. heat stress, thermal comfort, and occupational noise and individual factors of the workers i.e. age, work duration (expressed in months), and nutrition status on occupational fatigue and stress. Occupational fatigue was measured using Reaction Timer L-77 Lakassidaya. Occupational stress was measured using questionnaire adapted from Wambrauw (2010). Heat stress and thermal comfort were measured using Questemp 34 Thermal Environment Meter and Lutron AM-4200 Anemometer. Occupational noise level was measured using Lutron SL-4022 Sound Level Meter. Nutrition status was measured using microtoise and body weight scale. Age and work duration was obtained using a personal profile form filled in by each worker. This research employed Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) consisted of direct and indirect effects of exogenous and endogenous variables on endogenous variables. Data analysis was conducted using AMOS 19 software. Data analysis showed that (1) different level of fatigue was indicated on workers working in different work shifts, (2) there was no direct effects of heat stress and thermal comfort on occupational fatigue, (3) there was a positive direct effect of occupational noise on workers stress but there was no indication that the stress itself has a direct effect on occupational fatigue, thus preventing the indirect effect of occupational noise on occupational fatigue, (4) there was no direct effect of the age of the workers on occupational fatigue, (5) there was a positive direct effect of the workers age on work duration, but the work duration itself did not exhibit any effect on occupational fatigue so therefore no indirect effect of workers age on occupational fatigue was found in this research, (6) and finally, there was a positive direct effect of nutrition status on occupational fatigue. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v1i2.1251

Occupational stress and fatigue are commonly encountered challenges in medicine and have been shown to adversely affect quality and patient safety [1–3]. As medicine continues to adapt to changes in health-care economics, technology, and expectations for service deliverables, the potential for occupational stress and fatigue steadily increases [4, 5]. Due to its insidious nature, occupational stress and fatigue often go undetected until a catastrophic event takes place, mandating a thorough review of the underlying cause (i.e., root cause analysis). This analysis often identifies such human errors as misdiagnosis, poor communication, and/or incomplete/delayed data analysis. A myriad of precipitating factors can contribute to these faulty actions including excessive workload, limitations in data accessibility, sleep deprivation, and suboptimal use of technology, all of which can contribute to occupational stress and fatigue. Medical imaging is especially susceptible to occupational stress and fatigue which can take a myriad of forms including visual and decision fatigue. Visual fatigue is the result of prolonged human–computer interaction, which can result in eye strain and faulty image perception and interpretation [6, 7]. Decision fatigue is the result of lengthy and intense workload, which can result in misdiagnosis, diagnostic uncertainty, and inefficient workflow [8–10]. The various forms of occupational fatigue have been shown to be contributing factors in preventable medical errors, which undermine the credibility of both individual and institutional service providers, can result in costly medical malpractice lawsuits, and lead to adverse clinical outcomes. In order to better understand and address the various causes of occupational stress and fatigue, objective data collection and analysis is an imperative. A number of technologies and tools currently exist that quantify various measures of stress and fatigue. At the same time, the analysis must take into account that occupational stress and fatigue are dynamic processes, with marked inter- and intra-observer variability. Quantifying and understanding this end-user variability is essential for creating an effective means for better understanding the cause and effect relationship between occupational fatigue and adverse clinical outcomes.

This paper provides an examination of direct and mediated relationships among occupational stressors (responsibilities towards family and living environment), mental health (anxiety and depression), fatigue (physical and mental fatigue), and safety behaviour (safety compliance and safety participation). In this cross-sectional study, data were collected by means of a questionnaire among oil and gas workers (foreign employees working at a remote oil and gas field site located in Kuwait), during a two-month period (November–December 2018). Regression analyses (bivariate and hierarchical), carried out on 387 responses, were employed to test the links between occupational stressors, mental health, fatigue, and safety behaviour in the hypothesised model. The results provide support for the direct relationship in the model, in that both responsibilities towards family and living environment predicted safety behaviour participation. Further, the results provide partial support for the mediated relationships in the model, as mental health and fatigue were found to mediate the relationship of responsibilities towards family and living environment with safety participation behaviour. It is concluded that occupational stressors have a negative effect on safety behaviour, while mental health and fatigue can operate as risk factors. Given this, it is recommended that organisations need to enhance remote oil and gas workers’ safety behaviour by encouraging them to effectively balance their stress, mental health, and level of fatigue. This can be achieved by actions such as promoting spirituality, boosting workers’ resilience, providing recreational facilities and encouraging communications.

Introduction: Occupational fatigue affects workers in various industries including transportation. Commuter train drivers and office workers are subjected to high levels of physical and psychosocial stress, which can lead to occupational fatigue. Aims: to examine the relationship between individual, physical, and psychosocial risk factors and occupational fatigue in commuter train workers in Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang, and Bekasi. Methods: Individual (i.e., age, gender, marital status, type of work, duration of work, and smoking status), psychosocial (i.e., effort, reward, overcommitment, monotonous work, social support, job satisfaction, and work stress) factors, and occupational fatigue were investigated in 78 commuter line train workers (both drivers and officers). Observing workers' activities yielded physical factors (awkward posture, repetitive work, prolonged work, and material manual handling activities). The association between each risk factor and occupational fatigue was investigated using a logistic regression model. Results: Commuter line officers (OR 4.96, 95% CI 1.77 – 13.85), those with high overcommitment (OR 3.16, 95% CI 1.25 – 8.00), and those with high work stress (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.19 – 2.00) were more likely to report occupational fatigue than train drivers, who reported low overcommitment and low work stress, respectively. When compared to those who reported low job satisfaction, those who reported high job satisfaction were less likely to report occupational fatigue (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 – 0.52). Conclusion: Job position, overcommitment, and work stress were associated with occupational fatigue.

BackgroundMental fatigue, elicited by cognitive demands, can impair sport and exercise performance. The effects of isolated mental fatigue on performance are well documented but few studies have explored the effects of combined mental and physical fatigue on skilled motor and endurance exercise performance. ObjectiveThis study explored the effects of isolated mental, isolated physical, and combined (mental plus physical) fatigue on skill and exercise task performance. Method164 athletes were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: mental fatigue, physical fatigue, combined fatigue, control (no fatigue). Mental fatigue was induced by a 15-min time-load dual-back cognitive task. Physical fatigue was induced by a 90-s burpee exercise task. Next, all participants completed a throwing skill task and performed burpee exercises to failure. Objective (brief Psychomotor Vigilance Task, PVT-B) and subjective (self-report) measures of mental fatigue and Ratings of Perceived Exertion were obtained throughout. ResultsThe mental fatigue and combined fatigue groups performed the worst on both the throwing and burpee tasks compared with the physical fatigue and control groups. The former reported higher mental fatigue throughout and had worse response accuracy and variation on the end-of-session PVT-B task. The combined fatigue group performed better than the mental fatigue group on the throwing and burpee tasks. ConclusionA demanding cognitive task induced a state of mental fatigue and impaired skill and endurance performance. Mental fatigue alone was more detrimental than combined fatigue to skill and endurance performance, suggesting that the physical activity manipulation reduced the negative effects of mental fatigue on performance.

The oil and gas industry is considered the backbone of economic and social development in many countries in the Gulf region. Work in this industry presents dangers and challenges, as it is usually undertaken in remote locations and difficult geographical environments, resulting in a relatively high workplace accident rate. Such harsh work environments necessitate low-risk work behaviour to improve organisational safety performance. Workers’ safety behaviour is crucial if the number of occupational accidents is to be reduced. Most oil and gas studies investigating the health and safety of workers have involved remote work environments which is potentially stressful because the workforce lives and works on-site (i.e., a single restricted location) for significant periods of time. There is no universally recognised definition of remoteness. A remote area can be considered as isolated geographically, socially and professionally. Kuwait was selected as the location for this study, due to its strategic location in the Gulf region. Oil and gas is Kuwait’s largest industry, accounting for nearly half the country’s gross domestic product. It is worth mentioning that oil-producing corporations in the Gulf region host the largest percentage of expatriate employees, far exceeding the percentage of local employees. The bulk of workers in this industry come from diverse Asian countries. Workers are typically relocated to a remote production site in a region foreign to them. They work in these remote sites for an extended period that varies from weeks to months, occasionally lasting a year or longer. The physical isolation, combined with the isolation from family, friends and familiar surroundings represents the definition of remoteness, a central concept in this research study. Based on the above definition of remoteness, two main concepts arise: physical isolation variables and occupational stressors. Physical isolation from family, friends and familiar surroundings and its variables were identified from studies conducted on fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) workers, migrants, university students and even elderly people. Physical isolation was represented by two independent variables: namely, social isolation and loneliness. Two occupational stressors - related to this study’s concept of remoteness – have been identified as responsibilities towards family and living environment. In sum, this study aimed to examine the effect of four remoteness variables, social isolation, loneliness, responsibilities towards family, and living environment, on workers’ mental health, fatigue and safety behaviour. In other words, the study investigated whether the remoteness variables affect workers’ safety behaviour directly or indirectly through the mediating role of mental health and fatigue levels. Safety behaviour was represented by levels of safety compliance and safety participation. To achieve the study’s objective, a conceptual model was developed comprising the remoteness variables along with the two mediating variables and safety behaviour. These four main components are linked by 12 research hypotheses that were established according to the proposed theoretical relationships. To validate the conceptual model, a quantitative research method was adopted. To empirically test and refine the conceptual model, a series of multivariate statistical approaches were employed to process the data, which were collected from 387 expatriate workers from an isolated oil and gas field site in Kuwait. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to uncover the smaller set of factors of the constructs. For example, mental health has two underlying factors; namely, anxiety and depression, whereas mental fatigue and physical fatigue were revealed as underlying factors of fatigue. Confirmatory factor analysis was then conducted to assess and confirm the validity of the factors derived from the exploratory factor analysis results. Multiple regression analyses were then applied to test the proposed hypotheses. Several key findings have emerged from this study, and the remoteness variables were proven to affect safety behaviour. 1- Regarding the direct effect: a) Physical isolation variables (social isolation and loneliness) had a direct negative influence on both types of safety behaviour (compliance and participation). b) Occupational stressors (responsibilities towards family and living environment) had a direct negative influence on safety participation behaviour. 2- Regarding the mediating role of mental health: a) Only anxiety mediated the relationship between loneliness and both types of safety behaviour (compliance and participation). b) Both anxiety and depression mediated the relationship between responsibilities toward family and safety participation. c) Both anxiety and depression mediated the relationship between living environment and safety participation. 3- Regarding the mediating role of fatigue: a) Only mental fatigue mediated the relationship between loneliness and both types of safety behaviour (compliance and participation). b) Both physical fatigue and mental fatigue mediated the relationship between responsibilities toward family and safety participation. c) Both physical fatigue and mental fatigue mediated the relationship between living environment and safety participation. The above findings provide empirical evidence in support of the key hypothesis that remoteness variables have negative effects on safety behaviour, while mental health and fatigue can act as risk factors.

BackgroundAlthough work–family conflict and coping styles have been identified as factors influencing nurses’ occupational fatigue, the interactive mechanism between these variables remains unclear among endoscopy nurses. This study, guided by the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, aims to investigate the interactive effects of work–family conflict and coping styles on occupational fatigue among endoscopy nurses.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to July 31, 2024, involving 320 endoscopy nurses from 23 medical institutions across China. Standardized scales, including the Work–Family Conflict (WFC) scale, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ), and the Fatigue Assessment Instrument (FAI), were used to measure work–family conflict, coping styles, and occupational fatigue, respectively. Logistic regression models were applied to analyze the associations between variables, and additive interaction indices (RERI, API, SI) were used to test interaction effects.ResultsHigh-intensity work–family conflict (OR = 1.214, 95% CI: 1.143–1.289) and negative coping (OR = 1.209, 95% CI: 1.137–1.285) significantly increased the risk of occupational fatigue, whereas positive coping could reduce the risk of occupational fatigue (OR = 0.800, 95% CI: 0.755–0.848). Interaction analysis indicated that there was a synergistic effect between work–family conflict and negative coping (SI = 1.293, 95% CI: 1.064–1.489), while an antagonistic effect was observed between work–family conflict and positive coping (SI = 0.700, 95% CI: 0.205–1.990).ConclusionWork–family conflict and negative coping jointly exacerbate occupational fatigue among endoscopy nurses through a synergistic interaction, while positive coping may help mitigate these adverse effects. Interventions aimed at optimizing work resource allocation, enhancing adaptive coping training, and improving work-family boundary management are recommended to promote occupational health in this population.

Multiple studies suggest that genetic polymorphisms influence the neurocognitive effects of caffeine. Using data collected from a double-blinded, within-participants, randomized, cross-over design, this study examined the effects of trait (long-standing pre-disposition) mental and physical energy and fatigue to changes in moods (Profile of Mood Survey-Short Form (POMS-SF), state mental and physical energy and fatigue survey), cognitive (serial subtractions of 3 (SS3) and 7 (SS7)), and fine-motor task (nine-hole peg test) performance after consuming a caffeinated beverage and a non-caffeinated placebo. Results indicate that trait mental and physical fatigue and mental energy modified the effects of caffeine on vigor, tension-anxiety, physical, and mental fatigue. Additionally, we report that those who were high trait physical and mental fatigue and low-trait mental energy reported the greatest benefit of caffeine on the SS3 and SS7, while those who were high trait mental and physical fatigue reported the greatest benefit of consuming caffeine on fine-motor task performance. The results of our study suggest that trait mental and physical fatigue and mental energy modify the acute effects of caffeine among a group of healthy, young adults and should be measured and controlled for by researchers who choose to study the effects of caffeine on acute moods and cognitive and fine-motor task performance.

150-Word AbstractFatigue may reduce human performance and increase injury risk. This study investigated the effects of mental and physical fatigue inducing tasks (MF and PF) on balance and gait cha...

Introduction: Work exhaustion defined as a tired feeling felt by workers with different symptoms in each individual. In this study work fatigue was divided into two types, namely physical work fatigue and mental work fatigue. This study aims to determine risk factors of physical and mental fatigue on utility unit PT. Trans Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI) which produces petroleum or gas, as well as the chemical BTX. Methods: This research was an observational study with a cross-sectional method. Based on the problem characteristic and data analysis, this study belongs to analytical research. Data were collected by interview, questionnaires, measurement, and observations. The population is 36 workers and the sample size of this study is 33 respondents from utility unit workers. The sampling technique used simple random sampling. The variables in this study were age, years of service, work duration, workload, heat stress index, responsibility, and support from company’s head. Results: Showed that factors associated with physical and mental fatigue are the age, workloads, work duration, and heat stress index. Conclusion: Physical fatigue and mental fatigue had correlation with age, workloads, work time, and heat stress index. The higher age, workload, work duration, and heat stress index, it will increasingly cause physical and mental fatigue faster and harder.Keywords: fatigue risk factors, mental fatigue work, physical fatigue work

Mental fatigue in elite sport

ObjectivePost-COVID syndrome leaves millions of people with severe fatigue, yet little is known about its nature in daily life. In this exploratory study, momentary associations between physical and mental fatigue, quality of sleep and behaviours over two weeks in patients with post-COVID syndrome were assessed. MethodData on fatigue levels, quality of sleep and behaviours was collected for 14 consecutive days using the experience sampling method in ten ex-hospitalised patients with post-COVID syndrome. ResultsMultilevel linear regression modelling showed strong associations between physical and mental fatigue (β = 0.61, p ≤0.001), significant both between and within individuals. Sleeping more hours at night was associated with less physical and mental fatigue the following day (β = −0.35, p = .001; β = −0.27, p = .008). Strenuous relaxation (B = 0.45, p ≤0.001; B = 0.28, p = .004) and social contacts (B = −0.33, p = .003; B = −0.22, p = .02) were associated with physical and mental fatigue at the same measurement point. Performing household chores decreased physical and mental fatigue (B = −0.29, p = .02; B = −0.30, p = .006) two hours later on the same day, whereas eating and drinking increased physical fatigue (B = 0.20, p = .05) two hours later on the same day. ConclusionPhysical fatigue and mental fatigue were strongly associated and revealed fluctuations in fatigue levels between individuals, which might suggest potentially different post-COVID subgroups. Indications for potential risk and beneficial behaviours for fatigue were found.

Background: Mental and physical energy and fatigue can be assessed as either stable long-term traits or as a temporary state. Although researchers recognize the need to separate the two, most research has focused on state, leaving trait understudied. Therefore, the objective of this study was to apply demographic, lifestyle and psychosocial variables known to be associated with state fatigue and energy to examine predictors of trait mental and physical energy and fatigue. Methods: A convenience sample (N = 671) completed an online survey measuring mood, physical activity, mental workload, polyphenol (plant-based healthy micronutrients) consumption in the diet, and sleep quality. A multivariate multiple regression model was fit to simultaneously test associations between covariates for each four trait fatigue indicators. Results: Poor sleep quality was the only consistent predictor of both energy and fatigue (mental and physical), with confusion correlating with all but physical energy. Age and depression were predictors of mental and physical fatigue, but caffeine consumption was predicted by higher physical fatigue only. Mental workload and physical activity on off-days predicted physical energy only, while polyphenol consumption and BMI predicted mental energy only. Conclusions: Findings suggest that mental/ physical energy and fatigue may be separate constructs that can be treated as empirically distinct. The distinctions between physical and mental fatigue are less pronounced, needing further exploration. Subsequent research should explore other potentially important biopsychosocial sources of variation in trait mental and physical energy and fatigue.

Operationalizing occupational fatigue in pharmacists: An exploratory factor analysis.

Endoscopy nurses in China face significant work-family conflicts, where the clash between high work demands and family responsibilities markedly increases the risk of occupational fatigue. This not only affects the nurses' physical and mental health and overall well-being, but also poses a threat to the quality of care and patient safety. This study, grounded in the Conservation of Resources theory, constructs a moderated mediation model to examine the mediating role of positive coping style in the relationship between work-family conflict and occupational fatigue among endoscopy nurses in China, as well as the moderating effect of perceived social support. A convenience sampling method was employed to select 315 endoscopy nurses from 25 tertiary hospitals across 14 provinces in China. A questionnaire survey was conducted using the Fatigue Assessment Instrument, the Work-Family Conflict Scale, the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Scale. The moderated mediation model was validated using Stata16.0. Our findings reveal that work-family conflict is a significant predictor of occupational fatigue, with a negative impact on positive coping style. Positive coping style, in turn, is negatively associated with occupational fatigue. Furthermore, positive coping style partially mediates the relationship between work-family conflict and occupational fatigue, accounting for 35.52% of the total effect. Additionally, perceived social support mitigates the negative effects of work-family conflict on positive coping style and occupational fatigue. There exists a moderated mediation effect between work-family conflict and occupational fatigue among endoscopy nurses in China, wherein positive coping style serve as a mediating variable. Perceived social support mitigates the negative impact of work-family conflict on positive coping style, while enhancing the alleviating effect of positive coping style on occupational fatigue. Therefore, improving endoscopy nurses' levels of perceived social support and coping strategies may help to prevent and alleviate the occurrence of occupational fatigue.