Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire Research Articles

Burdens, resources, health and wellbeing of nurses working in general and specialised palliative care in Germany \u2013 results of a nationwide cross-sectional survey study

BackgroundPalliative care in Germany is divided into general (GPC) and specialised palliative care (SPC). Although palliative care will become more important in the care sector in future, there is a large knowledge gab, especially with regard to GPC. The aim of this study was to identify and compare the burdens, resources, health and wellbeing of nurses working in GPC and SPC. Such information will be helpful for developing prevention programs in order to reduce burdens and to strengthen resources of nurses.MethodsIn 2017, a nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted. In total, 437 nurses in GPC and 1316 nurses in SPC completed a questionnaire containing parts of standardised instruments, which included parts of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2), the Resilience Scale (RS-13) Questionnaire, a single question about back pain from the health survey conducted by the Robert Koch Institute as well as self-developed questions. The differences in the variables between GPC and SPC nurses were compared.ResultsSPC nurses reported higher emotional demands as well as higher burdens due to nursing care and the care of relatives while GPC nurses stated higher quantitative demands, i.e. higher workload. SPC nurses more often reported organisational and social resources that were helpful in dealing with the demands of their work. Regarding health, GPC nurses stated a poorer health status and reported chronic back pain as well as a major depressive disorder more frequently than SPC nurses. Furthermore, GPC nurses reported a higher intention to leave the profession compared to SPC nurses.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study indicate that SPC could be reviewed as the best practice example for nursing care in Germany. The results may be used for developing target group specific prevention programs for improving health and wellbeing of nurses taking the differences between GPC and SPC into account. Finally, interventional and longitudinal studies should be conducted in future to determine causality in the relationship of burdens, resources, health and wellbeing.

Dietary Habits and Lifestyle During Coronavirus Pandemic Lockdown: Experience From Lebanon.

This study aimed to examine the impact of quarantine on eating habits and lifestyle behaviors among the Lebanese adult population. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire designed on Google Forms between 3 June and 28 June 2020. The survey questions were adapted from the Short Food Frequency Questionnaire, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, and the second version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. A total of 2,507 adults completed the questionnaire. During the lockdown, 32.8% claimed weight gain, 44.7% did not eat fruits daily, 35.3% did not eat vegetables on daily basis, and 72.9% reported drinking less than eight cups of water per day. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the number of meals consumed per day, consumption of homemade meals, sedentary time, stress, and sleeping disturbances during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic (all p < 0.001). However, there was a significant decrease in physical activity engagement, sleep quality, and energy level during the lockdown compared to before the pandemic (all p < 0.001). The study highlights that the COVID-19 lockdown was associated with unfavorable changes in dietary habits and lifestyle behaviors in Lebanon. Sleep and mental health were also negatively impacted by the pandemic.

The Influence of Job Demands on Workplace Bullying Experience among Healthcare Employees

Healthcare employees are the backbone in helping a country in maintaining the best health performance of all citizens. They have been given the mandate to care and treat patients with professional ethics, however, health employees are not excluded from facing high work pressure from the various demands at work especially in the current times where the nation is struggling with the Covid -19 pandemic. This study sought to examine the prevalence of workplace bullying as well as the level of job demands faced by healthcare employees and its influence on workplace bullying experienced by the employees through a cross-sectional study involving 100 respondents. The Work Stress subscale from Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ 3) and Negative Act Questionnaire (Einarsen et al. 2009) were used to measure workplace bullying experience and job demands. The data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The results of the study found that workplace bullying was prevalent among the respondents especially in regards to work-related bullying (55 %). Meanwhile quantitative demands, cognitive demands and emotional demands significantly predicted workplace bullying. Work Pace however, did not significantly influence workplace bullying. Further discussions on the findings are reported in the article.

Association between psychosocial risks and performance of radiology technicians in emergency context: outcomes of a cross-section study

Abstract Background The workers' demand, the introduction of new technologies and the increase in working hours are some of the main factors that result in the emergence of psychosocial risks. These risks compromise workers mental and physical health, and the well-being, leading to consequences not only at the individual level but also at the organizational level. This work aims to determine the capacity of the radiology technicians to work, the psychosocial risks to which they may be exposed, as well as the possible influence of these on their professional performance. Methods The Work Ability Index (ICT) and the psychosocial risk scale identified as Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) were applied in a sample of 29 professionals (urgency sector of the University Hospital of Coimbra, Portugal), from a universe of 36 radiology technicians. Results The ICT did not differ according to gender, age and qualification among the professionals under study. However, single technicians presented better ICT compared to the other groups. Radiology technicians with a bachelor's degree were more exposed to psychosocial risks in terms of job performance, transparency of the work role, professional rewards, justice and respect, as well as professional self-efficacy. Conclusions Studies on psychosocial risks have shown the importance of understanding how the former directly and indirectly influence the professional performance of workers, but also the need to develop strategies to prevent the same risks by improving working conditions and performance of the workers.

Work ability and psychosocial risk factors among professionals at a higher education institution

Abstract Background Currently, we live in a society that is too competitive and with aggressive physical and social environments, which triggers profound changes in work conditions and requirements. Pressures are constantly being felt that foster the increase in psychosocial risks, altering the psychological, physical and social balance of the human being with serious implications for the health of the worker. Methods The present study aimed to understand whether the ability of professionals in a Higher Education Institution to work is influenced by sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, function); whether psychosocial factors are influenced by sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, function) and whether the ability to work varies depending on psychosocial factors. For data collection, a two parts questionnaire was applied. The first part of the questionnaire was dedicated to collecting sociodemographic data and assessing the perception of workers' ability to work, through the Work Ability Index (WAI). The second part concerned the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), to identify factors of exposure to psychosocial risk factors. Results The average work capacity was 41.07 points, which corresponded to a ‘good’ work capacity. In the COPSOQ results, no critical values were identified in the subscales. We found that the ability to work varies according to psychosocial risk factors. Conclusions We conclude that the variable age influences the ability to work. As for the remaining sociodemographic variables, although this study did not show statistically significant differences, they also seem to influence the WAI.

Psychosocial Burden and Strains of Pedagogues-Using the Job Demands-Resources Theory to Predict Burnout, Job Satisfaction, General State of Health, and Life Satisfaction.

The current study examines the Job Demands-Resources theory among pedagogical professionals. A total of 466 pedagogues (n = 227 teachers; n = 239 social workers) completed the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire online. After testing the questionnaire structure using confirmatory factor analysis, a JD-R-based prediction model to predict effects of strains on the outcome constructs of burnout, job satisfaction, general state of health, and life satisfaction was estimated. The results confirm the questionnaire structure (RMSEA= 0.038; CFI = 0.94) as well as the fit of the prediction model (RMSEA = 0.039; CFI = 0.93). The outcome constructs could be predicted by emotional demands, work–privacy conflict, role conflicts, influence at work, scope for decision making, and opportunities for development (0.41 ≤ R² ≤ 0.57). Especially for life satisfaction, a moderator analysis proved the differences between teachers and social workers in the structure of the prediction model. For teachers, quantitative demands and work–privacy conflict are predictive, and for social workers, role conflicts and burnout are predictive. The study offers starting points for job-related measures of prevention and intervention.

Work ability and cognitive impairments in young adult cancer patients: associated factors and changes over time—results from the AYA-Leipzig study

PurposeAlthough young adults represent a significant portion of the working population, little is known about the work ability and cognitive impairments in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients (including the long-term course) following cancer treatment.MethodsAs part of the AYA-Leipzig study, we surveyed AYA cancer survivors (aged 18–39 years at diagnosis; time since diagnosis ≤ 4 years, including all cancer diagnoses) at two time points (t2 = 12 months after t1). Work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI-r) and cognitive impairments (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, COPSOQ) were compared at both time points. We analysed predictors for work ability at, on average, 2 years post cancer diagnosis (t2) by using multivariate regression analyses.ResultsA total of 502 patients (74.7% women) participated in both measurements. Mean work ability increased significantly from t1 (6.0; SD = 2.3) to t2 (6.8; SD = 2.2) (t = −9.3; p < 0.001). As many as 380 (76%) AYA cancer survivors reported reduced work ability at t1; 1 year later, this still applied to 287 (57%) of them. Decreased work ability (t2) was associated with more cognitive impairment, higher effort coping with the disease, comorbidities, sick leave > 6 months (since diagnosis), and having children (adj R2 = .48). Cognitive impairments occurred in approximately every fifth patient at both surveys.ConclusionsAchieving maximum work ability is a major challenge for AYAs. Our results show the need for multimodal cancer survivorship and rehabilitation programmes with a special focus on improving cognitive and psychosocial functioning.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsAYAs with cancer should receive targeted occupational counselling early in the course of the disease.

Care for health among Polish men, taking into account social and economic factors, as well as the type of work.

Epidemiological studies show that an inappropriate healthy lifestyle is a major incidence factor, inter alia, for cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity, as well as premature deaths, especially among men. In order to check the attitudes of men towards health and health behaviors, a questionnaire-based research was carried out among 600 men active on the labor market. Several standard questionnaire tools were used: the Positive Health Behaviors Scale (PHBS), the List of Personal Values for measuring the place of health in the value hierarchy; the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, the Work Ability Index, the Psychological Sex Inventory, and the Work-Life Balance Subscale of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II). Additionally, an independent questionnaire was developed. In the PHBS, men could score 0-111 pts; the average score was 70.98 pts. A high level of care for health expressed in the scores ranging 80-111 pts was achieved by less than one-third of the respondents. One of the 4 groups (referred to as the "Active") achieved the best result according to PHBS, with an average score of 77 pts. The worst group (referred to as the "Frustrated") achieved an average of 54.5 pts. The latter performed physical or mixed work, and half of them worked shifts, including nights. The selected 4 groups were not found to differ from one another as much as the authors had expected, but they pointed to a very important aspect determining health care, namely socio‑‑economic factors. There is a great need to conduct health education among men in Poland, targeted especially at young, low-educated and blue-collar workers. The areas of lifestyle that need to be changed are: nutrition, physical activity and preventive examinations. Med Pr. 2021;72(4):351-62.

Validation of the Arabic Version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II (A-COPSOQ II) among Workers in Oil and Gas Industrial Sector

Introduction: The undisputed increase of the relevance of measuring the work-related psychosocial factors is confronted with a lack of qualified well-documented measuring instruments covering all important aspects. Aim: To develop and validate a standardized Arabic version of the COPSOQ II for evaluating the psychosocial environment at the oil and gas workplace. Method: COPSOQ network guidelines for validation studies were followed. The original Danish COPSOQ II (Long version) was meticulously translated and comprehensively validated among an adaptation sample of 500 oil and gas industry workers in the Suez Oil Processing Company in Egypt. Only 438 workers completed the questionnaire in Arabic and English languages with demonstrated sociodemographic data (Yielding a response rate of 87.6%). Psychometric properties of COPSOQ II scale items were depicted in terms of descriptive statistics, feasibility analysis, and internal consistency. Furthermore, A-COPSOQ II was tested for factorial validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: Mean age of the study participants was 35 ± 6 years. Scales of Arabic COPSOQ depicted a great Concordance and Reliability (C-α &gt; 0.7). Content Validity Index (CVI) was estimated to be 0.87; ranging from 0.7 - 0.9. Models of exploratory factor analyses projected a reflective working model with reasonable results in 33 out of 41 overall scales. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an acceptable fit (X2 = 745.67, X2/df = 2.09, SRMR = 0.058, CFI = 0.87). Conclusion: Arabic version of COPSOQ II is a relevant and culturally accepted conceptual instrument for tracking psychosocial hazards and promoting a safe environment for all workers.

Coronavirus anxiety and exhaustion among Polish front-line healthcare workers - the mediation effect of insomnia.

The study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect - mediated through insomnia - effect of coronavirus anxiety on exhaustion, from the perspective of Hobfoll's theory of conservation of resources (COR). According to the COR theory, critical events (e.g., the coronavirus epidemic) make people fearful of losing their valuable resources. A prolonged state of anxiety may lead to sleeping troubles, which over time results in an increase in exhaustion. Data were collected from 440 Polish healthcare providers, including nurses and midwives, doctors, paramedics, medical assistance workers, and wardens. Three measures were used: the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (the sleeping trouble subscale) and the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (the exhaustion subscale). Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. The obtained results fully support the hypotheses. Both the direct and indirect relationships between coronavirus anxiety and exhaustion were observed. Specifically, high coronavirus anxiety increased insomnia, which in turn contributed to the development of exhaustion. The results are consistent with the COR theory. Prolonged coronavirus anxiety and sleeping problems depleted healthcare providers' resources and made them feel exhausted. Exhaustion among these workers can have serious consequences not only for themselves but also for the health of their patients. Therefore, research into effective ways to deal with coronavirus anxiety is needed. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):263-73.

Implementation of workplace well-being programs in the Russian Federation: development of the on-line tools package and results of its piloting

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction. Most of the working-age population spends a significant part of their life at workplace. On the one hand, working conditions can cause stress, and therefore an increase unhealthy lifestyle, on the other hand, the workplace is a convenient organizational model for health promotion. In 2019 a big federal project "Public health" started aimed to improve population health and one of its important components is increasing implementation of effective workplace health promotion programs. Model workplace well-being programs have been developed within the framework of the Federal Project «Public Health». Purpose is to develop and pilot a package of tools for planning and implementing workplace well-being programs. Methods. Planning stage of the program has to include situation analysis with three components: available infrastructure analysis, employee interviews and comprehensive program development. We developed two types of questionnaires: for employers and for employees. After testing it in paper on limited N of participants it was corrected and electronic version was developed. The link to the instrument was distributed through the regional centers for public health who are responsible for implementation workplace health promotion programs in the regions. Results. In spring 2020, 558 completed questionnaires were received (among them 35 from employers, and 553 from employees). Among employers, 53.1% were familiar with workplace well-being programs, such programs were approved at 43.8% of enterprises. Employers believe that the most appropriate implementation of the following components are measures to increase the level of physical activity (22.9%), measures to prevent smoking (18.1%) and psychological relief (18.1%). There was a predominance of female among surveyed employees (66,5%), the average age was 39.8 ± 10.7 years and 42.6 ± 11.1 years for men and women, respectively. The following factors worried the employees on the workplace: distance from their place of residence (12.1%), continuous tension and stress (11.3%), noise (7.8%) and other factors. The level of presenteeism (measured by Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) was also analyzed, the low level of presenteeism was 38.9% and 42.4%, and the average level was 59.9% and 55.9% for men and women, respectively. Conclusion. We developed the set of instruments which must be useful for implementation of the workplace well-being programs. Surveys of employers contribute to obtaining a snapshot of the attitudes and priorities of employers in the region to plan targeted measures to stimulate the implementation of workplace well-being programs at the regional level. Questionnaires for employees can be used for an in-depth assessment of the priorities on the concrete workplace and development of a targeted program to the needs of a particular enterprise.

Work-life conflict and cardiovascular health: 5-year follow-up of the Gutenberg Health Study.

IntroductionWork-life conflicts (WLC) may impact health, but few studies prospectively consider the impact of WLC on objective outcomes such as cardiovascular disease. Using data from the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS), we examined if WLC at baseline was associated with an increased five-year incidence of cardiovascular events (myocardial infarct, stroke, atrial fibrillation, peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, chronic heart failure, sudden cardiac death). We also considered if WLC was associated with incident hypertension and arterial stiffness and if the effects of WLC on cardiovascular health differ for men and women.MethodsA working subsample of the 15,010 GHS cohort participants completed the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, which included five "work-privacy conflict" questions at baseline and at the five-year follow-up. Relative risks for incident hypertension due to increased WLC at baseline (WLC scores exceeding 60 out of 100) were estimated with Poisson regression in the subgroup of participants without hypertension at baseline (n = 2426). Categories of WLC at baseline and follow-up were also used to examine the risk of hypertension due to chronic/recurrent WLC. In this subgroup, we also examined the association between WLC as a continuous score ranging from 0 to 100 with change to arterial stiffness after five years using linear regression. Hazard ratios were estimated for incident cardiovascular events in a larger subsample of participants without prevalent cardiovascular disease at baseline (n = 3698) using Cox regression. We used various multivariable regression models to adjust for sex, age, socioeconomic status, occupational, household, and cardiovascular risk factors.ResultsWe found no association between WLC and incident hypertension or increased arterial stiffness. The fully-adjusted relative risk for WLC >60 at baseline and hypertension was 0.93 (95% 0.74–1.17). The risk of hypertension due to chronic/recurrent WLC >60 was increased but not statistically significant (RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.83–1.54). Overall, hazard ratios for incident cardiovascular events were also not increased. However, stratifying the results by sex resulted in a hazard ratio of 1.47 (95% CI 0.54–3.98) for incident cardiovascular disease among women in the fully adjusted model.ConclusionsAlthough our results were not statistically significant, they indicate that WLC is negatively impacting the cardiovascular health of women. While these results need to be confirmed with additional research and a longer follow-up, interventions to prevent WLC will promote health and could be especially beneficial for women.

Perception of just culture and its association with work-related psychosocial factors in an Iranian industrial setting: Implications for prevention of errors.

A just culture is one in which the reporting of errors and near misses is supported without fear of retribution. The relationship of just culture and psychosocial factors at work has not been explored sufficiently in the literature. To investigate the perception of just culture and its association with socio-demographic and work-related psychosocial factors among 302 employees in an industrial setting in Iran. Just culture was assessed using the Just Culture Assessment Tool, and the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire was used for evaluation of psychosocial work factors (including influence at work, meaning of work, commitment to the workplace, predictability, rewards, quality of leadership, social support from supervisors, trust, and justice and respect). Data were analysed using t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and general linear regression analysis. The results indicated that the employees had a fairly positive view on their organisation's just culture, though there were some areas such as trust and balance that needed further attention. The psychosocial issues (particularly commitment to the workplace, meaning of work, social support from supervisors, and rewards) were not adequate from the employees' perspective. Predictability, rewards, and quality of leadership, were the significant psychosocial predictors of just culture in a multivariate regression model. The findings highlight the areas that need to be considered to improve the experience of organisational just culture, which is important from the point of view of prevention of safety errors and incidents.

Avaliação dos riscos psicossociais no centro de material e esterilização do norte do Brasil

Objetivo: Analisar o nível de riscos psicossociais dos trabalhadores do Centro de Material e Esterilização de um hospital de grande porte de Rondônia. Método:Estudo transversal, incluindo auxiliares, técnicos de enfermagem e enfermeiros, utilizando o questionário Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. As análises descritivas foramrealizadas no pacote estatístico Stata® versão 11. Resultados: Participaram 35 trabalhadores, sendo a maioria mulheres, com idade acima de 40 anos e técnicas de enfermagem.Das seis dimensões avaliadas, quatro tiveram risco médio. A dimensão sobre justiça e respeito apresentou elevado risco psicossocial, e a dimensão organizaçãodo trabalho e conteúdo, baixo risco. Conclusão: Os trabalhadores consideravam seu trabalho importante e significante, porém vivenciavam alto risco psicossocial no quese refere à exigência de atenção e exigência emocional das atividades desenvolvidas na unidade. Poucos estavam satisfeitos com o trabalho, com o ambiente e com a utilizaçãodas habilidades individuais pelo serviço. As informações sobre as relações psicossociais constituem um importante indicador para análise das situações de trabalho,gerando informações que apoiam intervenções seguras sobre o processo de trabalho.

Psychosocial risk assessment using COPSOQ II questionnaire - A case study with maintenance workers in a metal plant in Istanbul Turkey

BackgroundPsychosocial risks are among the significant risks at the workplace. This study aims to assess psychosocial risks for the first time in a metal processing plant in Istanbul, Turkey by applying Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ II) to maintenance workers, and comparing risks scores by Fine Kinney and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methods. MethodThe COPSOQ II questionnaire was applied to all 120 maintenance workers. All items in COPSOQ II questionnaire were used as psychosocial hazards in risk assessments. Risk scores obtained by Fine Kinney and AHP methods are compared. ResultsAHP and Fine Kinney methods indicate that “demands at work” and “offensive behavior” domains in COPSOQ II have relatively higher priorities in the workplace. The most effective sub criteria in demands at work domain are: quantitative demands and work pace. Comparison of risk classes show that AHP scores are usually higher than those by Fine Kinney. ConclusionFine Kinney risk scores and classes are considered more realistic than AHP since they include actual responses of the maintenance workers to the COPSOQ II questionnaire. These results provide a useful tool for the management to implement psychosocial hazards in their risk assessment and a roadmap for action plans.

Asthma self-management at work, asthma morbidity, and the subjective prognosis of gainful employment – the role of work engagement and overcommitment: a cross-sectional study

Objective: Work engagement is considered a constructive and satisfying state of mind promoting well-being, whereas overcommitment contributes to ill-health. We investigated if these psychosocial factors are related to asthma self-management at the workplace (i.e. physical activity, trigger avoidance, acute symptom management, communication), asthma control, asthma-specific quality of life, and the subjective prognosis of gainful employment among employees with asthma. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed in three pulmonary rehabilitation clinics (10/2017-05/2018) in Germany. Work engagement was measured by three items from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and overcommitment by six items from the effort-reward imbalance questionnaire. Asthma self-management was mainly assessed by self-developed items, asthma morbidity by the Asthma Control Test and the Marks Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the subjective prognosis of gainful employment by a validated three-item scale. After dichotomization of all variables we ran Poisson regression analyses to calculate multivariable prevalence ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The sample comprised 221 individuals with asthma. Low work engagement was related to physical inactivity. Low work engagement and high overcommitment were associated with inadequate trigger avoidance and acute symptom management, reduced asthma-specific quality of life, and a poor prognosis of gainful employment. No relationships were observed with communication or asthma control. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential contribution of high levels of work engagement to adequate asthma self-management, good quality of life, and a positive subjective prognosis of gainful employment among employees with asthma. Overcommitment shows associations with those outcomes in the opposite direction, which suggests a detrimental role in asthma.

Sensitization in office workers with chronic neck pain in different pain conditions and intensities.

Office workers with chronic neck pain demonstrates signs of widespread hyperalgesia, less efficient descending pain modulation, which could indicate sensitization of central pain pathways. No studies have assessed a wide variety of office workers with different chronic neck pain disorders and assessed the impact of pain intensity on assessments of central pain pathways. This study aimed to assessed pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), temporal summation of pain (TSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and to associate these with pain intensity and disability in subgroups of office workers. One hundred-and-seventy-one office workers were distributed into groups of asymptomatic and chronic neck pain subjects. Chronic neck pain was categorized as chronic trapezius myalgia and chronic non-specific neck pain and as 'mild-pain' (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]≤3) and 'moderate-pain' (VAS>3) groups. PPTs, TSP, CPM, and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire II were assessed in all subjects. Neck Disability Index and Pain Catastrophizing Scale were assessed in all the symptomatic office workers. PPTs were lower in moderate pain (n=49) and chronic trapezius myalgia (n=56) compared with asymptomatic subjects (n=62, p<0.05). TSP was facilitated in moderate pain group compared with mild pain (n=60, p<0.0001) group and asymptomatic subjects (p<0.0001). No differences were found in CPM comparing the different groups (p<0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified Neck Disability Index and TSP as independent factors forprediction of pain intensity in chronic trapezius myalgia(R2=0.319) and chronic non-specific neck pain (R2=0.208). Somatic stress, stress and sleep as independent factors in chronic non-specific neck pain (R2=0.525), and stress in moderate pain group (R2=0.494) for the prediction of disability. Office workers with chronic trapezius myalgia and moderate pain intensity showed significant signs of widespread pressure hyperalgesia. Moreover, the moderate pain group demonstrated facilitated TSP indicating sensitization of central pain pathways. Neck Disability Index and TSP were independent predictors for pain intensity in pain groups. Sleep and stress were independent predictors for disability.

Arbeitsbedingungen von Pflegekräften in der allgemeinen Palliativversorgung in Deutschland.

To investigate the working conditions of nurses working in general palliative care and to analyse potential differences between nurses in outpatient care, in nursing homes and in hospitals. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses working in outpatient care, in nursing homes and in hospitals. The questionnaire included questions about working conditions, parts of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire and self-developed questions. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted. 437 questionnaires entered final analyses (response rate 16.7 %). On average, nurses spend 20 % of their working time with palliative care. Every fourth nurse (n = 104) express the wish for an additional qualification in palliative care. The following demands are reported: confrontation with pain, death and dying, as well as care of relatives. 59 % (n = 249) of the nurses evaluate the quality of palliative care as good / very good. Nurses are faced with demands, which so far had only been a subject of discussion within the framework of the specialised palliative care. Further steps for action, in particular the additional qualification in palliative care for nurses, should be discussed.

Assessing the Psychosocial Work Environment in Relation to Mental Health: A Comprehensive Approach.

Prevailing job stress models encourage a multidimensional view of the psychosocial work environment and highlight the role that multiple co-occurring stressors play in the aetiology of mental health problems. In this study, we develop a latent typology of psychosocial work environment profiles to describe how a comprehensive array of job stressors are clustered in the Canadian labour market. We also examine the association between these latent psychosocial work environment profiles and several indicators of mental health. Data were collected from 6408 workers who completed the Canadian National Psychosocial Work Environment Survey. Psychosocial work exposures were measured using standard items from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire. We employed latent profile analyses to identify groups of individuals with similar psychosocial work environment profiles. We used log-linear regression models to examine the association between latent psychosocial work environment profiles and burnout, stress, and cognitive strain. Four distinct groups with highly divergent psychosocial work environment profiles were identified. Adjusting for a range of demographic and socioeconomic factors, latent psychosocial work environment profiles were strongly related to mental health. Individuals who reported exposure to a comprehensive array of psychosocial job stressors (11% prevalence) reported the highest probability of burnout (PR: 7.51, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.56-10.15), stress (PR: 8.98, 95% CI: 6.20-13.0), and cognitive strain (PR: 7.29, 95% CI: 5.02-10.60). Findings suggest that psychosocial work stressors are tightly clustered in the Canadian labour market, and that the clustering of work stressors is strongly associated with adverse mental health outcomes. Future scholarship may benefit from adopting a more comprehensive approach to the assessment of psychosocial job quality as a determinant of health and well-being.

The association between job stress and metabolic syndrome among medical university staff.

The relationship between job stress and each component of metabolic syndrome has been previously suggested; however, this association is not consistent. The present study was conducted to assess the association between job stress and metabolic syndrome and its components in a group of Iranian workers affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. This cross-sectional study was performed on 3,537 randomly selected staff in Tehran University of Medical Sciences including the staff of clinical, administrative, and service departments with at least one year of working experience. The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome was assessed based on the international diabetes federation (IDF) criteria. The Persian version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) was used to measure major domains of psychosocial factors in the workplace. The overall frequency of metabolic syndrome in the assessed personnel was estimated to be 22.1 % and there was a significantly higher rate of metabolic syndrome in office workers and service personnel compared to clinical staff (OR: 1.51, CI 95 %: 1.25-1.82 and OR: 1.74, CI 95 %: 1.41-2.14, respectively). Health and well-being as a major domain of COPSOQ was found to be significantly impaired by the presence of metabolic syndrome. According to the results of multiple logistic regression modeling, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and impaired health and well-being domain remained significant after adjusting for age, gender, marital status, educational level, and employment category. Our findings revealed a close association between job-related stress and the impaired well-being in the presence of metabolic syndrome among the medical university staff.