Work Activities Research Articles

The L3 Assessment Framework: what we do and do not know about the characterisation of activity component for primary school

PurposeThe Listen to Learn for Life (L3) Assessment Framework is a framework that outlines how to systematically assess the links between the classroom environment, listening, learning and well-being. The purpose of this paper is to review the published literature to understand what is known about the characterisation of activity component of the L3 Assessment Framework and determine what is not known and needs to be investigated in future research.Design/methodology/approachLiterature reviews (Web searches for systematic, scoping or general reviews; scoping reviews following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses extension for scoping reviews protocol; and extended Web searches) were conducted to characterise lecture, group work and independent work activities in terms of the perceptual setting, source degradation and transmission degradation.FindingsMost research that has been conducted is for classrooms in general and does not specify results specifically for lecture, group work and independent work, which is important for understanding how the learning environment changes with the different activities. What is known about the lecture, group work and independent work activities are discussed; however, it is noted that this often comes from only a few studies. Future research areas to contribute to this literature as well as fill current research gaps are proposed.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first review paper to synthesize previous research characterising the classroom environment for different activities using the L3 Assessment Framework. It provides an analysis of the limitations of existing literature and proposes future research to help fill in these gaps.

Insomnia in Germany—massively inadequate care?

AbstractPeople suffering from chronic insomnia are at an increased risk of physical and mental illness. The absenteeism rate for people with sleep disorders in Germany is more than twice as high as for people without. Therefore, appropriate diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders is a considerable medical and social necessity.The aim of this prospectively planned analysis is to describe self-reported effects of insomnia in everyday life and the current medical treatment situation in Germany.Data from a demographically representative sample of adults from the German participants in the National Health and Wellness Survey 2020 (N = 10,034) were analysed. Information was collected from respondents who reported insomnia confirmed by a physician (n = 532). The severity of insomnia at the time of the interview was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index. Health status and quality of life were assessed using EQ-5D and SF-36, and work productivity and work impairment using the Work Productivity and Activity Impact Questionnaire.The median duration of illness was 5 years. About 50% of the respondents reported moderate to severe insomnia. Around 70% of those affected had never taken a prescription medication for their insomnia, and most of them said that they had never been recommended a prescription medication by a physician to treat their sleep disorder. Their health status, self-reported morbidity and quality of life were impaired compared with the general population.People with insomnia have worse health than those without insomnia. A significant proportion of those affected are currently not offered prescription medication. Even if the reasons for this lack of care cannot be clearly determined based on self-reported information, the data indicate an inadequate and relevant care deficit for chronic insomnia in Germany.

Withdrawing from involution: The “lying flat” phenomenon of music teachers in China

“Involution” refers intensive and irrational competitions in workplace, “lying flat” is the phenomenon in which individuals perform the bare minimum of work required for employment. This study investigates the life experience of Chinese Music Teachers (CMTs) participating in involutionary work activities, explores how they cope with involution by “lying flat.” In-depth interviews with 16 participants identified three stages of involutionary work activities engagement: involvement, conflict, and defense. CMTs employed three “lying flat” ways including evasive behaviors, emotional compensation, and swan strategy. Findings suggest that “lying flat” serves as a strategy for teachers to avoid burnout, providing insights into emerging buzzwords across various cultures.

Lessons Learned from Developing a Sustainability Awareness Framework for Software Engineering Using Design Science

To foster a sustainable society within a sustainable environment, we must dramatically reshape our work and consumption activities, most of which are facilitated through software. Yet, most software engineers hardly consider the effects on the sustainability of the IT products and services they deliver. This issue is exacerbated by a lack of methods and tools for this purpose. Despite the practical need for methods and tools that explicitly support consideration of the effects that IT products and services have on the sustainability of their intended environments, such methods and tools remain largely unavailable. Thus, urgent research is needed to understand how to design such tools for the IT community properly. In this article, we describe our experience using design science to create the Sustainability Awareness Framework (SusAF), which supports software engineers in anticipating and mitigating the potential sustainability effects during system development. More specifically, we identify and present the challenges faced during this process. The challenges that we have faced and addressed in the development of the SusAF are likely to be relevant to others who aim to create methods and tools to integrate sustainability analysis into their IT products and services development. Thus, the lessons learned in SusAF development are shared for the benefit of researchers and other professionals who design tools for that end.

Daily-life and work activities are more impaired in individuals with long covid who present cardiopulmonary symptoms: preliminary results from a cross-sectional assessment

Daily-life and work activities are more impaired in individuals with long covid who present cardiopulmonary symptoms: preliminary results from a cross-sectional assessment

Staging of psychiatric disorders in patients with limited and advanced/metastatic solid cancer: A pilot study.

e22545 Background: 38% of cancer patients (pts) receive diagnosis of major depressive disorder. According with the clinimetric approach of the staging of psychiatric disease, the 5-step model of unipolar depression allows for the evaluation of the extent of the disorder, its severity, and characteristics at a specific time in the course of the disease. This study was aimed: a) to assess mental health and quality of life of cancer patients with limited (LS) and advanced/metastatic (AS) solid cancer through the join evaluation of the staging of psychiatric disorders; b) to explore the potential role of severity of oncological disease in anxious/depressive disease development. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Oncology Unit of Luigi Sacco Hospital of Milan during the first session of a psychological support path. Patients’ cancer diagnosis and stage, as well as regular engagement in work, leisure and social activities were explored. Hospital and Depression Anxiety Scale (HADS), the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) and Mental Health Continuum Short-Form (MHC-SF) were also administered. Results: 104 pts were included: F 86, M 18, median age 57,5 (27-84), 30% AS, and 70% LS. Pts’ anxious/depressive symptoms were assessed by HADS scoring and they were divided into 3 groups according to the model of unipolar depression: Group 1a (prodromal phase – no symptoms), Group 1b (prodromal phase – mood symptoms) and Group 2 (anxious/depressive disorder). Pts in group 2 were significantly more frequently AS pts, while in group 1a pts in LS stage (χ² = 7.78, p < .05). Based on MHC-SF scores, flourishing and languishing were significantly more frequently reported by pts in group 1a (55,5% and 46% of pts, respectively), and moderate mental health in group 2 (45,9% of pts, χ² = 18.1, p < .001). Regression analysis highlighted non-hobbyist vs. hobbyists, AS vs. LS cancer pts, asthenic vs. non asthenic pts, and moderate vs flourishing metal health were more likely to receive a provisional anxious depressive disorder diagnosis (Stage 2). No association emerged for other physical symptoms, work, and socialization. Conclusions: AS pts with asthenia, no engagement in structured activities and moderate mental health had a higher risk of developing anxious/depressive disorders. Screening psychiatric disorders in cancer pts may improve the physician's ability to recognize earlier phase of psychopathological disease and guide pts to tailored treatment. These may prevent progression of psychiatric disease and promote mental health and positive quality of life.

Level and limitations of physical activity in patients with excess body weight or diabetes

Physical activity (PA) is recommended to prevent or treat many diseases, but various factors may limit it. We analyse the level of PA and the barriers to undertaking it. Patients...

PCR258 Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults in the United States

PCR258 Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among Adults in the United States

Role of self-help groups on socioeconomic development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among rural women in Cooch Behar District, India

This study examines the transformative role of self-help groups (SHGs) in the socioeconomic development of rural women in Cooch Behar District, India, and their contribution toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations. In this study, we explored the effect of SHGs on rural women by specifically addressing SDGs, such as no poverty (SDG 1), zero hunger (SDG 2), good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5). Given this issue, a cross-sectional survey and comparison analyses are needed to assess the socioeconomic development of rural women and their awareness level before and after the participation of rural women in SHGs. The survey conducted as part of this study was divided into three sections, namely, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic development, and awareness level, with each focusing on different aspects. A group of 400 individuals who were part of SHGs completed the questionnaire survey form. The results showed that the participation of rural women in SHGs significantly improved their socioeconomic development and awareness level, as supported by both mean values and t test results. Memberships in SHGs and microcredit programs were the major elements that boosted the socioeconomic development of rural women, which also achieves SDGs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. This study revealed that participation in SHGs and related financial services significantly aided rural women in economically disadvantaged communities in accumulating savings and initiating entrepreneurial ventures. Moreover, participation in SHGs was instrumental in enhancing the self-confidence, self-efficacy, and overall self-esteem of rural women. Finally, doing so enabled them to move more freely for work and other activities and to make family and common decisions.

REFORMATION OF SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS DURING OLDER AGE

Social relations in all age periods differ from other periods in their own way. The decrease or cessation of work activity will prompt him to reconsider the relations in society and family. The development and formation of a person is a long-term process, and this process continues in its own way even in old age.

Major risks of harmful environmental carcinogenic effects in light industry enterprises

Synthesis paper revealing fundamental data on the epigenetic determination of the initiation and maintenance of neoplastic processes in the breast tissue of female workers in light industry enterprises. The primary importance of the synchronization of circadian rhythms in the environment and the biorhythms of the biological molecular, cellular and internal tissue clocks is noted. Preventive programs should be based on preventing the desynchronization of neuroendocrine mechanisms involving melatonin and hormone-dependent tissues of the internal environment with circadian light/dark cycles of the external environment. The forced nature of the work activity associated with the development of social jetlag requires the provision of recreation periods after the rotation period.

Organization of professional communication in social work

The article analyzes the key concepts of "communication" and "professional communication" from the point of view of an activity approach, because communication not only activates the consciousness of the subject, but also provides rational knowledge regarding the choice of social goals and means of their achievement. The specificity of the social work specialist's communicative activity is determined, which is aimed at changing individuals, groups and other social systems, at the development of one's own personality, colleagues and clients. The analysis of communication technologies taking place in social work is shown. The peculiarities of the communicative potential of social work, the improvement of the efficiency of professional communication, the identification of signs of communication in social work in the conditions of the information society, the identification of the most demanded mechanisms of interaction, the clarification of new functions and professional roles of social workers are analyzed. The need to update the principles and methods of communicative activity in social work, the approval of new communication technologies in accordance with the dynamics of social relations, the level of development of technical capabilities and the needs of modern society are substantiated. Special attention is paid to Internet communication, its advantages and limitations, problems and prospects of using the latest communication technologies are determined. Emphasis is placed on the system of social assistance, which does not always respond to the challenges of the times in a timely manner. One of the reasons for this situation is that the communicative potential of social work, which includes the development, adaptation, and implementation of various technologies for organizing professional interaction in social work, is insufficiently researched and used. New studies of the possibilities of organization and directions of development of professional communication in the activity of a specialist in the social sphere in modern conditions are considered

DESIGN STRATEGIES OF APARTMENT HOUSING WITH SHELTERS TAKING PANDEMIC RISKS INTO ACCOUNT: CURRENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTIONS

The article explores the issue of adaptation of living spaces to pandemic risks. It was determined that the creation of special isolation zones in new residential complexes is one of the key aspects. These premises must be equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable stay during quarantine, including separate bathrooms and autonomous ventilation systems, which will minimize contact between residents and prevent the spread of infections. It is well-founded that the design of ventilation systems is an important element in preventing the spread of viruses. Modern ventilation systems must ensure a constant flow of fresh air and effective removal of contaminated air. an important direction is the change in planning and zoning of living spaces. New approaches to planning take into account the possibility of reducing population density and creating conditions for social distance, so common areas should be spacious and ensure the possibility of maintaining a safe distance between people. Research has shown that increasing privacy, creating workspaces, eco-design and flexibility are also defining trends in the field of residential design. The pandemic leveled the concept of "Open-space" in favor of interior separatism, which allows creating isolated areas for work, recreation and other activities, which provides comfortable conditions for residents who are forced to spend more time at home. Innovative technologies, such as health monitoring systems and smart home systems, can significantly improve the safety and comfort of living. The introduction of such technologies makes it possible to quickly identify potential threats and take the necessary measures to neutralize them. The importance of implementing eco-design, which contributes to improving the mental and physical health of residents, has been revealed. Green areas on balconies and terraces stabilize the emotional state of people, creating private gardens in the structure of living space. Organizing space for self-isolation and reducing pandemic risks requires new approaches to planning living spaces, common spaces, and infrastructure. These changes contribute to the creation of a safer, more comfortable and adaptive living environment during the pandemic.

Inability to Work Fulltime and the Association with Paid Employment One Year After the Work Disability Assessment: A Longitudinal Register-Based Cohort Study.

Disability benefit applicants with residual work capacity are often not able to work fulltime. In Dutch work disability benefit assessments, the inability to work fulltime is an important outcome, indicating the number of hours the applicant can sustain working activities per day. This study aims to gain insight into the association between inability to work fulltime and having paid employment 1 year after the assessment. The study is a longitudinal register-based cohort study of work disability applicants who were granted a partial disability benefit (n = 8300). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to study the association between inability to work fulltime and having paid employment 1 year after the assessment, separately for working and non-working applicants. For disability benefit applicants, whether working (31.9%) or not working (68.1%) at the time of the disability assessment, there was generally no association between inability to work fulltime and having paid employment 1 year later. However, for working applicants diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disease or cancer, inability to work fulltime was positively and negatively associated with having paid employment, respectively. For non-working applicants with a respiratory disease or with multimorbidity, inability to work fulltime was negatively associated with paid employment. Inability to work fulltime has limited association with paid employment 1 year after the disability benefit assessment, regardless of the working status at the time of assessment. However, within certain disease groups, inability to work fulltime can either increase or decrease the odds of having paid employment after the assessment.

Dietitians' perceptions of employment models used in Australian residential aged care facilities.

The qualitative study aimed to explore dietitians' perceptions of employment status and engagement models with residential aged care facilities (RACF) and the impact on work activities and resident care. Dietitians currently working in RACF were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling, including contacting a list of dietitians who had previously consented to be contacted for research. A semi-structured interview guide was developed by the research team, pilot-tested and then used in each individual interview. Data were analysed using constant comparison and reflexive thematic analysis. Thirty-one dietitians (n = 29 female; median age, 39 years) with a range of experience working in different employment status and engagement models in RACF participated in an interview. Five themes were identified: (1) Being an employee allows for better integration and utilisation in the RACF, (2) Contract work creates a scarcity of time, (3) Ad hoc work does not meaningfully address nutrition challenges and may not be good for resident care, (4) Regularly scheduled visits support positive outcomes for residents and (5) Acknowledging many different employment models. Characteristics of engagement models likely affect dietitian work job satisfaction, individual resident care and food service in RACF. Regular dietetic engagement in RACFs is required to support resident-centred evidence-based dietetic practice and to improve residents' nutrition care. There is an opportunity for policy mandates to assist RACFs in regularly engaging a dietitian to ensure all residents have access to timely, high-quality nutrition care.

The Burden of Work Productivity and Activity Impairment in Patients with Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Ulcerative Colitis, and Crohn's Disease.

Comparisons among autoimmune diseases enable understanding of the burden and factors associated with work productivity loss and impairment. The objective was to compare work productivity and activity and associated factors among patients with inflammatory bowel diseases and other autoimmune conditions. This cross-sectional study included employed, adult patients (age 20-64 years) in the CorEvitas Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Psoriasis, and Psoriatic Arthritis/Spondyloarthritis Registries between 5/2017 and 6/2020. Any patient-reported impairment on four domains of the Work Productivity and Activity Index (WPAI) was collected across registries. Prevalence for each autoimmune disease was reported and stratified by disease activity using direct age-sex-standardization. Factors associated with the presence of any WPAI were identified in logistic regression models. A total of 7,169 patients with psoriasis (n = 4,768, 67%), psoriatic arthritis (n = 1,208, 17%), Crohn's disease (CD, n = 621, 9%), and ulcerative colitis (UC, n = 572, 8%) met inclusion criteria. Among patients not in remission across all disease cohorts, the age-sex-standardized prevalence of any presenteeism, work productivity loss, and activity impairment ranged from 54 to 97%. Patients with CD in remission had higher standardized prevalence of presenteeism (53% [48-57%]) and work productivity loss (54% [49-59%]), compared to those from other cohorts (presenteeism [range: 33-39%] and work productivity loss [range: 37-41%]). For all WPAI domains, the strongest adjusted associations were for moderate to severe disease activity and psychosocial symptoms. Patients with moderate to severe disease activity reported the highest WPAI burden. However, patients in remission or mild disease activity also report some WPAI burden, emphasizing a multidisciplinary treatment approach to improve work productivity loss and impairment.

Risk Analysis and Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) at Hospital X Surabaya

A hospital is a facility that generally raises the degree of public health. More and more human involvement makes hospitals have great potential to cause harm. To control the risk of accidents, it is necessary to identify hazards that exist in the workplace and evaluate the level of risk and control. One of the first stages in risk management is HIRARC (Hazard Identification Risk Assessment and Risk Control). The existence of HIRARC makes it easier to compile a risk register or hospital risk register in each work unit. This study aims to analyze the application of the Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSAS) at Hospital X Surabaya based on HIRARC. This type of research uses qualitative research with a research sample of 78 respondents. Qualitative variables in this research used for analyze risk management and identify risk control through the process of observation and interviews. Qualitative data analysis is carried out through identification of initial conditions, exposure of interview results and qualitative content analysis. The results of the study stated that the implementation of occupational safety and health management has been carried out at Hospital X Surabaya. OHS risk management is very important in preventing workplace accidents and improving performance. In this study, the HIRARC approach (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control) found three levels of risk in hospitals, namely high risk, moderate risk and low risk. The results showed that the implementation of OHS risk management was used to identify, evaluate, and control OHS risk. The thing that cannot be avoided from work activities is a risk. Based on this, it is expected that there will be an increase in understanding and awareness related to OHS in hospitals, the application of risk control, routine evaluations and good cooperation and coordination between the OHS team and health workers for the implementation of OHSAS

Effects of physical activity on infertility in reproductive females

ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between different types of physical activity and female infertility.MethodsThis study analyzed data from 2,796 female participants aged 18–44 years in the United States, obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning the years 2013 to 2020. Multiple logistic regression analyses and generalized linear models were used to explore the relationship between different types of physical activity and infertility after adjusting for potential confounding factors.ResultsWe found a non-linear relationship between recreational activities and infertility with an inflection point of 5.83 h/week (moderate intensity), while work activities and traffic-related activities did not. On the left side of the inflection point, there was no significant association between recreational activity time and infertility (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.02, P = 0.1146), but on the right side of the inflection point, there was a positive association between recreational activity time and the risk of infertility (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.06, P = 0.0008).ConclusionsThe relationship between different types of physical activity and female infertility varies. We acknowledge the potential influence of confounding variables on this relationship. However, we have already adjusted for these potential variables in our analysis. Therefore, our findings suggest that appropriate recreational activity programs are essential for promoting reproductive health in women of reproductive age. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the observed association does not imply causality. Given the limitations of cross-sectional studies, further prospective cohort studies are needed to explore the causal relationship while accounting for additional confounding factors.

The Cognitive Reserve May Influence Fatigue after Rehabilitation in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Secondary Analysis of the RAGTIME Trial

Cognitive reserve (CR) seems to be an ability to adapt cognitive processes in response to brain disease and may influence rehabilitation outcomes. This is a secondary analysis of the “Robot-Assisted Gait Training versus conventional therapy on mobility in severely disabled progressive MultiplE sclerosis patients” (RAGTIME) trial to investigate the influence of CR on the outcomes after gait rehabilitation in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). We included 53 PwMS and severe gait disability (EDSS 6–7). The participants were randomized into two groups to receive either robot-assisted gait training or overground walking (three times/week over four weeks). CR was evaluated by the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq), which encompasses three sections (CRI Education, CRI Working Activity, and CRI Leisure Time). We stratified the patients using the 115 cut-off CRIq total score of at least a medium-high CR. The outcome measures were Timed 25-Foot Walk, 6 min walking test, Berg Balance Scale, Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale—29, Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale—12, Patient Health Questionnaire—9, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). After gait rehabilitation, the FSS was significantly improved in those patients with higher CR compared with the others (F = 4.757, p = 0.015). In our study, CR did not affect the gait, balance, disability perception, and depression. Conversely, it positively influenced the fatigue after gait rehabilitation.

Development of the Self-Assessment Self-Disclosure Questionnaire to Examine the Association between Self-Disclosure and Frailty among Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan.

Self-disclosure is the attitude of communicating one's experiences and condition to others and is an indicator of mental health and an open personality. Frailty, characterized by reduced physical and psychological resistance, predicts the incidence of dependency and mortality. Although low self-disclosure may be associated with frailty, there is no scale to measure older adults' self-disclosure. This cross-sectional study assessed the validity of a self-assessment self-disclosure questionnaire and examined the association between the content of self-disclosures to friends and acquaintances and frailty among community-dwelling older adults. A total of 237 adults aged ≥65 in Japan were surveyed using a mailed self-administered questionnaire in 2021. The self-disclosure scale consisted of 10 items and showed adequate validity. Participants were classified into a robust group (n = 117, women 57.3%) and a frailty group (n = 120, women 73.3%) using the Kihon Checklist. After adjusting for covariates, multivariate-adjusted logistic regression models revealed frailty was associated with lower self-disclosure of recent positive events, motivation and strengths (indicating strong points) in life, relationships with family and relatives, experiences of work and social activities, and financial status. The proposed questionnaire must still be further tested in other populations, but our initial results may contribute to preventing frailty and improving mental health among community-dwelling older adults.