Decreased Work Ability Research Articles

The Comprehensive Impact of Maintenance Hemodialysis Treatment: a Qualitative Study

Objective: To investigate the comprehensive impact of maintenance hemodialysis treatment on patients and their families, in order to improve their quality of life and enhance treatment effectiveness. Method: Colaizzi phenomenological analysis is used to analyze data and extract themes. Results: The comprehensive impact of maintenance hemodialysis treatment can be summarized into five themes: decreased work ability, disease restriction of life freedom, decreased physical function, decreased quality of life, and increased family burden. Conclusion: Hemodialysis has a significant impact on patients and their families, with economic, physical, and psychological impacts, directly reducing their quality of life. It is recommended to adopt multidimensional strategies to improve the quality of life and treatment outcomes of patients.

Long-Term Impairment of Working Ability in Subjects under 60 Years of Age Hospitalised for COVID-19 at 2 Years of Follow-Up: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to persistent and debilitating symptoms referred to as Post-Acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) This broad symptomatology lasts for months after the acute infection and impacts physical and mental health and everyday functioning. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of long-term impairment of working ability in non-elderly people hospitalised for COVID-19. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 322 subjects hospitalised for COVID-19 from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2022 in the University Hospital of Bari, Apulia, Italy, enrolled at the time of their hospital discharge and followed-up at a median of 731 days since hospitalization (IQR 466-884). Subjects reporting comparable working ability and those reporting impaired working ability were compared using the Mann-Whitney test (continuous data) and Fisher's test or Chi-Square test (categorical data). Multivariable analysis of impaired working ability was performed using a logistic regression model. Results: Among the 322 subjects who were interviewed, 184 reported comparable working ability (57.1%) and 134 reported impaired working ability (41.6%) compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Multivariable analysis identified age at hospital admission (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.04), female sex (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.18 to 3.08), diabetes (OR 3.73, 95% CI 1.57 to 9.65), receiving oxygen during hospital stay (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.06), and severe disease (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.01) as independent predictors of long-term impaired working ability after being hospitalised for COVID-19. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PASC promotes conditions that could result in decreased working ability and unemployment. These results highlight the significant impact of this syndrome on public health and the global economy, and the need to develop clinical pathways and guidelines for long-term care with specific focus on working impairment.

Main activity trajectory clusters of unemployed people with partial work ability and cluster features

Background: The early identification of different subgroups of individuals with partial work ability is important for the development of appropriate and effective services in order to prevent exclusion from working life and prolongation of unemployment. Aims: This study aimed to identify different main activity trajectory clusters of people with partial work ability before their participation in work ability support services and to examine sociodemographic, health, work ability and functioning features of the identified clusters. Methods: The sample consisted of clients who had participated in the Finnish Work Ability Programme during 2020–2022. Using the main activity data spanning from 2005 to 2021, optimal matching was applied to examine the similarity between the participants’ main activity trajectories. Second, using cluster analysis, participants were categorised into four main activity trajectory clusters. Finally, the sociodemographic, health, work ability and functioning features of clusters were examined. Results: A total of 643 individuals participated in the study. Four clusters were identified: (a) early-onset retirement, (b) from studies to outside the workforce, (c) from employment to unemployment and (d) long-term employment. Individuals in the ‘early-onset retirement’ cluster had the best perceived work ability and functioning. Problems relating to health, work ability, functioning and well-being were highlighted in the ‘from employment to unemployment’ cluster. Conclusions: Unemployed individuals with partial work ability form a heterogeneous population who often have several different underlying reasons for decreased work ability. Multiple data sources are needed to identify the special characteristics and needs of the people with partial work ability.

Post-Covid syndrome in the workplace

Abstract A high percentage of those who develop SARS-CoV-2 infection have post-Covid syndrome. Health surveillance in the workplace must identify workers who develop this syndrome to prepare the appropriate support measures. All workers who developed Covid in a sample of 1378 workers exposed to biohazards were asked to report post-Covid symptoms and to complete questionnaires to measure occupational stress, sleep quality, fatigue, work ability, and mental health. 164 workers had Covid and 115 of these (70%) had symptoms one month after the acute phase. The frequency of the post-Covid syndrome was higher in workers with more severe or longer-lasting acute forms and in females than in males. In 80% of cases, the pattern of symptoms included the association of anosmia and dysgeusia or of weakness, fatigability, and tiredness. In 20% of cases these symptoms were associated with dyspnea, tachycardia, headache, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and muscle aches. In 80% of cases, the pattern of symptoms included the association of anosmia and dysgeusia or of weakness, fatigability, and tiredness. In 20% of cases these symptoms were associated with dyspnea, tachycardia, headache, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and muscle aches. 11% of those who contracted the infection reported worsening of the morbid conditions from which they had previously suffered; these symptoms were still present six months after the acute phase. Workers with post-Covid were found to have poorer quality sleep, increased fatigue, anxiety, depression, and decreased work ability compared with workers whose symptoms had rapidly disappeared. A large percentage of workers, after an infection that might also be mild or modest, developed persistent symptoms that compromise their working capacity and quality of life. Considering the number of Covid cases in the world, it can be estimated that between 42 and 69 million people suffer from post-Covid syndrome. Key messages • A large percentage of workers suffer from post-Covid syndrome and require support in the workplace. • We can estimate that 42-69 million people worldwide suffer from post-Covid syndrome.

Work-family conflicts and long-term medically certified sickness absence due to mental disorders – a follow-up study of female municipal employees

Background. Decreased work ability due to mental disorders is a growing concern in Europe. We studied the role of work-family conflicts in association with long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders (LTSA-MD).Methods. Baseline data were extracted from the Helsinki Health Study for women aged 40 to 55 in full-time work in 2001 − 2002 (N = 2386). Questionnaire responses were linked with register data from the Social Insurance Institution of Finland on SA spells due to mental disorders during 2004–2010. We studied an overall question on satisfaction with combining work and family (WFS) and composite scores of work-to-family conflicts (WTFC) and family-to-work-conflicts (FTWC), and their components in association with the first certified SA spell (≥ 12 calendar days) due to a mental disorder during the follow-up. We performed Cox regression analyses with hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) adjusted for sociodemographic factors, work schedule, perceived mental and physical strenuousness at work, and self-rated health. First, we examined all participants, and second, only those who reported no prior mental disorder.Results. Poor work-family satisfaction (WFS) was associated with subsequent LTSA-MD, adjusting for all covariates (HR 1.60; 95% CI 1.10–2.16). Both high WTFC (1.64; 1.15–2.23), and high FTWC (1.43; 1.02–2.00) increased the probability of LTSA-MD in the full model. When participants with prior mental disorder were excluded, the association between poor WFS and WTFC with LTSA-MD retained while that between FTWC and LTSA-MD attenuated; however, two items of the FTWC were still associated with LTSA-MD: ‘Family worries and problems distract you from your work’ and ‘Family matters prevent you from sleeping enough to do your job well’. Of the WTFC items, the following remained associated with LTSA-MD: ‘Problems at work make you irritable at home’ and ‘Your job takes so much energy you do not feel up to doing things that need attention at home’. The experience of decreased time for work or family did not associate with LTSA-MD.Conclusions. Among female municipal employees, dissatisfaction with combining work and family and both work-to-family and family-to-work conflicts were associated with subsequent long-term sickness absence due to mental disorders.

The Relationship Between Protein Consumption and Hemoglobin Levels of Female Students of Universitas Teuku Umar

Anemia is a condition of the body where the hemoglobin (Hb) level in the blood is lower than the normal value, resulting in pallor, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, lack of appetite, decreased fitness, decreased work ability, decreased immunity and impaired wound healing. Protein plays a role in the storage and transportation and absorption of iron. Inadequate protein intake can lead to disturbances in iron metabolism which can affect hemoglobin formation, causing anemia. Adolescent girls are one of the groups that are prone to anemia because adolescent girls experience the menstrual cycle every month. In addition, the condition will be even worse if a woman is married and pregnant, because pregnancy requires more iron for the growth and development of the fetus, which has an impact on infant mortality, abnormal births, low birth weight, and maternal mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between protein consumption and hemoglobin levels in adolescent girls. This study used a cross-sectional design and was descriptive analytic. The results of this study showed about 52.7% of respondents had insufficient protein consumption and 60% were anemic. There is a relationship between protein consumption patterns and hemaglobin levels with the value of chi-square statistical test results obtained p value <0.05, namely 0.001.

Post-COVID Symptoms in Occupational Cohorts: Effects on Health and Work Ability

Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome is frequently observed in workers and has a substantial impact on work ability. We conducted a health promotion program to identify cases of post-COVID syndrome, analyze the distribution of symptoms and their association with work ability. Of the 1422 workers who underwent routine medical examination in 2021, 1378 agreed to participate. Among the latter, 164 had contracted SARS-CoV-2 and 115 (70% of those who were infected) had persistent symptoms. A cluster analysis showed that most of the post-COVID syndrome cases were characterized by sensory disturbances (anosmia and dysgeusia) and fatigue (weakness, fatigability, tiredness). In one-fifth of these cases, additional symptoms included dyspnea, tachycardia, headache, sleep disturbances, anxiety, and muscle aches. Workers with post-COVID were found to have poorer quality sleep, increased fatigue, anxiety, depression, and decreased work ability compared with workers whose symptoms had rapidly disappeared. It is important for the occupational physician to diagnose post-COVID syndrome in the workplace since this condition may require a temporary reduction in work tasks and supportive treatment.

Improvement of Work Ability After Weight Loss Surgery: Results of a Longitudinal Study of Patients Suffering from Extreme Obesity Before and 4 Years After Bariatric Surgery.

Body mass index (BMI) is directly associated with employment status. Our longitudinal prospective study is aimed at ascertaining whether work ability index (WAI) 4years after surgery remains improved, such as 1year after surgery, or changes and whether socio-demographic or psycho-social factors influence changes in work ability. 197 bariatric surgery candidates were recruited. Data on demographic and psycho-social characteristics were collected prior to surgery (t1) and at 6 (t2), 12 (t3), and 48months (t4). Change effects over time in the WAI and BMI were investigated using a repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was calculated to predict socio-demographic and psychosocial characteristics at t1 on WAI at t4. Not only a significant increase in WAI was observed between t1 and t2 and between t3 and t4 but also a significant decrease between t2 and t4. BMI reduction was significant between t1 and t2 and t3 and t4, respectively. There was no significant interaction effect of BMI reduction 4years after surgery on decreased work ability from t2 to t4. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed an association of WAI scores at t1 on WAI scores at t4 only. Work ability 4years after surgery remained significantly improved compared to the values at t1-t3 assessment. Since work ability was the only predictor at t1, findings might indicate the use of psycho-social measures post bariatric surgery to increase work ability. There was no association between work ability and other socio-demographic or psycho-social factors.

Efficacy and safety of Tuina for chronic nonspecific low back pain: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) is a serious medical and social problem resulting in functional decline and decreased work ability. Tuina, a form of manual therapy, has been sparsely used to treat patients with CNLBP. To systematically assess the efficacy and safety of Tuina for patients with CNLBP. Multiple English and Chinese literature databases were searched until September 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Tuina in the treatment of CNLBP. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool, and certainty of the evidence was determined with the online Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. Fifteen RCTs with 1390 patients were included. Tuina demonstrated a significant effect on pain (SMD: -0.82; 95% CI -1.12 to -0.53; P < .001; I2 = 81%) and physical function (SMD: -0.91; 95% CI -1.55 to -0.27; P = .005; I2 = 90%) when compared to control. However, Tuina resulted in no significant improvement for quality of life (QoL) (SMD: 0.58; 95% CI -0.04 to 1.21; P = .07; I2 = 73%;) compared to control. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence quality was determined to be low level for pain relief, physical function, and QoL measurements. Only six studies reported adverse events; none were serious. Tuina might be an effective and safe strategy for treating CNLBP in terms of pain and physical function, but not for QoL. The study results should be interpreted with caution for their low-level evidence. More multicenter, large-scale RCTs with a rigorous design are required to further confirm our findings.

Provision of FE Tablets to The Event of Anemia in Adolescent Women in The Area Community Health Center Technical Implementation Unit Liggang Bigung

Introduction: Adolescent girls will experience menstruation every month which at this time of menstruation they will be at risk of developing anemia. The impact of iron deficiency anemia includes lack of concentration in school-age adolescents which results in decreased school achievement, decreased work ability for workers so that their productivity is reduced. Objective: The purpose of this study was to see the effectiveness of giving Fe tablets to the incidence of anemia. Methods: Using a pre-experimental research design with control. The population in the study was 97 young women at Junior High School 01 Linggang Begung. Results: the results of the Wiloxcon test in the intervention group were obtained (p value 0.000&lt;?&lt;0.05). These results explain that there is a significant effect of the intervention on Hb levels with (p value &lt; = 0.05). These results explain that there are differences in the intervention of Hb levels in the intervention and control groups with (p value &lt; = 0.05). Discussion: Administration of Fe tablets can increase the erythropoiesis process which initiates the formation of mitotic unipotential stem cells while differentiation into erythrocyte cells when stimulated by erythropoietin also stimulates further mitosis of promonoblasts, basophilic normoblasts and polychromatophilic normoblasts. Conclusion: there was an increase of 1.95 g/dl in the intervention group and 0.15 g/dl in the control group. Where the administration of Fe tablets with a commitment to consuming Fe tablets can increase Hb levels for 1 month of administration

Examining burnout in the electrical sector in Ontario, Canada: A cross-sectional study.

Workers in the trades sectors often experience mental health issues and decreased work ability due to occupational stress, workplace hazards and living in danger or constant fear of injury. Understanding the impacts of psychosocial risk factors on construction workers' mental health can aid in decreasing workplace injuries, lessening disabilities and increasing worker productivity. In this study, we focus on understanding and assessing the mental health and wellness of individuals in the electrical sector that are members of the Employer Engagement Project (EEP) from the Ontario Electrical League (OEL). The subset of potential participants included electricians and plumbers in Ontario working for small to medium sized employers (SME). The recruitment took place in 2022, with a total of 82 participants who completed a survey collecting demographic information, assessing the importance and availability/satisfaction of workplace factors and stress-and burnout-related questions. The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0. Two-sample Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to test for associations between the availability of work-related factors and burnout scores among the participants. Burnout scores were determined using the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Our findings demonstrate that dissatisfaction of the following factors: Workload allocation, internal staff development opportunity and stable staffing/minimal turnover, were associated with high burnout levels. The findings indicate there may be a relationship between certain work-related factors and burnout levels experienced. There is a need for improvement of workload allocation in SMEs to help enhance the mental health and well-being of employees.

Features of lung impairment due to COVID-19 in patients of the first wave of the pandemic (literature review)

During the COVID-19 pandemic number of patients suffering from symptoms, decreased work ability and the deterioration in quality of life for several weeks and even months after the onset of the disease is increasing. The aim of the literature review is to search and study the existing literature data regarding the lung impairment features in COVID-19, as well as the morphological and pathophysiological prerequisites for the long-term respiratory disorders in patients who have had this disease. The most common complaints of patients after acute COVID-19 are fatigue, dyspnea, cough and chest discomfort. In these cases restrictive pattern in the pulmonary function test, a reduced gas transfer and persistent changes in computed tomography often in the form of fibrosis are observed, less often in the form of bullous-emphysematous changes, bronchiectasis and pleural effusion. The main pathophysiological mechanisms of acute lung impairment in COVID-19 are direct viral toxicity, impaired function of the immune system, hyperinflammatory response, endotheliopathy, microcirculatory disorders and increased blood clotting with small and large vessels thrombosis, which can lead to pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome. After the acute phase of COVID-19 the pathology of the lung can be caused by an immunogenic and hyperinflammatory response, hypercoagulability and lead to pulmonary fibrosis. The possible mechanisms of the pulmonary fibrosis are thrombotic processes, hemosiderosis, necrotic capillaritis, angiogenesis, hypoxia, cytokine storm. Thus abnormal immune response, hyperinflammation, endothelial dysfunction and excessive coagulation not only cause pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome in acute COVID-19, but also may persist for a long time and contribute to pulmonary fibrosis in some patients. The causes of a longer duration and increased severity of the lung impairment in some people compared to others are the subject of current investigations.

The impact of hidradenitis suppurativa on professional life.

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects intertriginous skin. To determine the extent of work ability and productivity impairment as a result of HS in Germany. A prospective, multicentre, epidemiological, noninterventional study of patients with HS was conducted. Medical history, medical examination performed by dermatologists and patient-reported outcomes [Work Ability Index (WAI) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI)] were collected. Of the 481 patients with HS included in the study, 99% were below the current statutory retirement age. In total, 53·3% of patients were working full time, 16·8% part time and 7·3% had retired. The unemployment rate was 12·6%, two times higher than in the general German population. Medical leave because of HS, within the last 6 months, was reported in 41·4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 36·9-46·0], with a duration of 39·3 days on average (95% CI 32·4-46·1). The mean HS-related WPAI absenteeism was 13.3% (95% CI 9·7-16·8), and the loss in productivity because of HS during working hours (WPAI presenteeism) was 25.2% (95% CI 21·8-28·6). Presenteeism was associated with HS disease severity. Overall work impairment because of HS was 33·4% (95% CI 29·3-37·6). The WAI score for patients was 32·2, ∼20% lower than for the average German employee. Only 62·8% of patients were relatively certain that they would be able to perform their work in the coming 2 years. Being more depressed and having more severe pain were associated with lower work ability and overall work impairment. The estimated annual loss of gross value added because of HS for Germany was ∼€12.6 billion (€3.3 billion related to a lower employment rate, €3.5 billion related to absenteeism and €5.8 billion related to presenteeism). HS leads to a substantial decrease in work ability and productivity and considerable loss of gross value added. Impairment during working hours correlates with disease severity, underlining the socioeconomic importance of early and adequate treatment. Furthermore, decreased work ability and productivity is linked to depressed mood and severe pain, aspects that need more attention in patient care.

Work Outcomes and Medical Costs Among Singaporean Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors.

Purpose: To quantify and evaluate trends of work outcomes and medical costs among Singaporean adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the National Cancer Centre Singapore between July 2016 and October 2018. Cancer patients who were diagnosed between the age of 15 and 39 years and had completed treatment were eligible. Siblings of cancer patients were recruited as controls. Work outcomes were collected using an investigator-designed questionnaire, while cost data were extracted from the hospital database. Descriptive statistics were used to quantify work and cost outcomes. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to compare employment rates between survivors and controls. Generalized linear models were used to characterize trends between medical costs and symptom burden. Results: A total of 29 cancer survivors and 23 sibling controls were analyzed. Approximately 80% of survivors and controls were employed at the time of survey; however, more than half of the employed survivors reported impaired work outcomes due to effects from cancer and cancer treatment, including work reallocation, absenteeism, and decreased work ability. Median productivity loss due to absenteeism in the past 3 months was estimated to be U.S. dollar (USD) 110. Total medical cost incurred within the first year after treatment completion remained high at a median of USD6592, with out-of-pocket expenditure between 17.2% and 100.0%. Conclusion: Despite their young age and having completed cancer treatment, Singaporean AYA cancer survivors may continue to experience poor work outcomes even after resuming work. High medical costs may also persist.

Work ability and physical fitness among aging workers: the Finnish Retirement and Aging Study

BackgroundWith advancing age, physical capacity gradually decreases which may lead to decreased work ability, if the physical work requirements remain the same. Examination of the importance of physical fitness for work ability among aging workers will help to find potential strategies to promote work ability in old age. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between physical fitness and work ability among aging workers.MethodsAging workers (n = 288, mean age 62.5, 83% women) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study underwent cardiorespiratory, muscular fitness and functional testing. Work ability was inquired on a scale 0–10 from poor to excellent. Association between physical fitness indicators and work ability was examined using ordinary least squares regression, taking into account age, gender, occupational status, heavy physical work, body mass index and accelerometer-measured daily total physical activity.ResultsVO2peak, modified push-up test and maximal walking speed were positively associated with work ability (β = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29–0.74, β = 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.66 and β = 0.23, 95% CI 0.07–0.39, respectively), while chair rise test time was inversely associated with work ability (β = −0.23, 95% CI −0.39–−0.06). No associations were found between hand grip strength or sit-up test and work ability.ConclusionsCardiorespiratory fitness, upper body strength, and lower extremity function were positively associated with work ability. Good physical fitness may help to maintain work ability among aging workers.

The interaction between voice disorders and stress for work ability of teachers

Objective Less attention has been paid to the interaction between voice disorders, stress, and indoor environmental quality for work ability in teachers. Therefore, our aim was to study whether lower work ability associated more strongly when the variables of voice disorders and stress at work were combined as opposed to evaluating these two factors separately. Methods We conducted a questionnaire study including validated self-assessment of work ability and a technical assessment of school buildings utilizing a sample of 1198 and a subsample (n = 538) of Finnish teachers. Results When combined, voice disorders and stress at work had a stronger association to decreased work ability than when they were evaluated separately. The occurrence of stress was more prevalent in poor and moderate work ability than the occurrence of voice disorders. Nine out of 10 of the teachers who had neither voice disorders nor stress reported good work ability, while four out of 10 of the teachers who suffered from both voice disorders and stress had poor work ability. As regards the background variables, nearly half of the subjects working in the non-problem buildings have neither stress nor voice disorders. Discussion We recommend offering support for reducing stress at work to improve teachers’ work performance. The findings also support the maintenance of school buildings and keeping them in good condition. Follow-up studies are needed to investigate the possible effects of voice disorders and the associated variables on work ability.

Working Conditions and Health Among Italian Ageing Workers

In many European countries requirements for retirement have been tightened, causing an increase in work participation of older workers, in spite their potentially poorer health may limit their work ability. This study aimed at assessing the diffusion of health problems and exposure to unfavorable working conditions among ageing workers in two Italian surveys, as well as comparing them with those observed in the same surveys conducted before the 2011 Italian pension reform tightening the normal retirement age. The 2013 National Health Survey (NHS) and Labour Force Survey (LFS) were employed to assess the prevalence of poor perceived health, health conditions and functional limitations, and of exposure to physical, psychosocial and organization factors at work, among 60–64 years workers. Poisson regression models were used to estimate Prevalence Ratios of health outcomes and unfavorable working conditions in the two surveys, compared to data from the 2005 (NHS) and 2007 (LFS) corresponding surveys, respectively. Among both men and women, approximately one quarter had at least one physical disorder or functional limitations and 15% poor mental health. Exposure to different ergonomic factors (15–30%) and working during unsocial hours (19%) were particularly diffused. A significant increase in the prevalence of functional limitations and of working at night or during unsocial hours was found in 2013, compared to corresponding data from 2005 and 2007, respectively. Our results indicate that exposure to ergonomic and organizational hazards should be reduced among ageing workers, to avoid decreased work ability, health damage or early exit from the labour market.

The Complexity of Decreased Work Ability: Individuals' Perceptions of Factors That Affect Returning to Work after Sickness Absence.

Much of what has been written about decreased work ability is based on quantitative studies and has been written from the perspective of professionals, service providers or authorities. In our qualitative study, we sought to understand how affected individuals themselves perceive and experience the multifaceted factors that are related to their decreased work ability. Sixteen individuals in Finland with musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) participated in semi-structured interviews. The participants were potential clients of a multi-professional service pilot model, the TOIKE Work Ability Centre. Narrative and thematic analyses were utilised. The study found that individuals with decreased work ability have differing perspectives towards returning to work and often complex life situations. Five distinctive groups were identified based on self-assessed health, work ability and orientation towards work or pension: (1) the Successful; (2) the Persevering; (3) the Forward-looking; (4) the Stuck; and (5) the Pension-oriented. Health problems, unemployment, age discrimination, financial difficulties and skill deficits were the major challenges of the interviewees. Furthermore, they perceived the service and benefit systems as complicated. The TOIKE service proved useful to some of them. However, many had not utilised it due to a lack of understanding of its purpose. Identifying the distinctive groups and their needs may improve interventions. Ultimately, this may help to achieve Target 8.5 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which advocates the right to employment for all ages and for those with disabilities.

Investigating the effect of noise exposure on mental disorders and the work ability index among industrial workers

Noise as one of the most common hazardous physical agents in the work environment causes physical and psychological problems in occupied workers. This study aims to investigate the relationship of demographic variables and noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in automotive industry workers. This study aims to investigate the effect of noise exposure on mental disorder and work ability index among industry workers. In this descriptive-analytic study, 325 individuals working in auto parts supplier industry who were exposed to different level of noises were investigated. Personnel’s daily exposure to noise for each group was measured based on ISO-9612 standards using calibrated sound level meter model SVANTEK-971. Workers’ mental disorder and work ability index were determined using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaire and shortened form of work ability index, respectively. Then, collected data were analyzed using SPSS-22. The mean and standard deviation of mental disorder and work ability index for all employees was 23.46 ± 3.45 and 37.43 ± 6.14, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant association between noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in term of age groups, working groups, and work experience ( p-value &lt; .05). Regardless the effect of other variables, it can be stated that for each dB increase in noise exposure cause mental disorder increase by 0.32 and work ability index decrease by 0.157. And among the demographic variables, age was the most influential parameter on mental health and work ability index. According to the results of this study, noise exposure could lead to increased psychological distress and decreased work ability index in workers. The ability to work directly and indirectly through mental disorders can be affected by exposure to industrial noise. Considering severe exposure to noise in some units and the negative impact of noise exposure on mental health and work ability index, it is necessary to improve of controlling and protective measures against noise.

Drivers of productivity: Being physically active increases yet sedentary bouts and lack of sleep decrease work ability.

Physical behavior (ie, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep) is a crucial lifestyle factor for preventing and managing diseases across the lifespan. However, less is known about potential work-related psychological and cognitive outcomes such as productivity. The present study examined within-person associations between physical behavior and self-perceived work ability. To investigate the degree to which physical behavior parameters influence self-perceived work ability in everyday life, we conducted an Ambulatory Assessment study in 103 university students over 5days. Physical behavior was assessed continuously via a multi-sensor system. Self-perceived work ability was assessed repeatedly up to six times per day on smartphones. We employed multilevel modeling to analyze the within-person effects of physical behavior on self-perceived work ability. Physical activity intensity (MET) (β=0.15±0.06, t=2.59, p=0.012) and sit-to-stand transitions (β=0.07±0.03, t=2.44, p=0.015) were positively associated with self-perceived work ability. Sedentary bouts (≥20min) (β=-0.21±0.08, t=-2.74, p=0.006) and deviation from a recommended sleep duration (ie, 8h) (β=-0.1±0.04, t=-2.38, p=0.018) were negatively associated with self-perceived work ability. Exploratory analyses supported the robustness of our findings by comparing various time frames. Total sedentary time and sleep quality were not associated with self-perceived work ability. Regular sleep durations, breaking up sedentary time through sit-to-stand transitions, and higher intensities of physical activity may be important for the regulation of self-perceived work ability in university students' daily lives.