Differences In Work Ability Research Articles

Survival and patient-reported outcomes of real-world high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer patients after reduction of adjuvant CAPOX duration from 6 to 3 months

AimAdjuvant chemotherapy has been advised for high-risk stage II and III colon cancer since 2004. After the IDEA study showed no clinically relevant difference in outcome, reduction of adjuvant CAPOX duration from 6 to 3 months was rapidly adopted in the Dutch treatment guideline in 2017. This study investigates the real-world impact of the guideline change on overall survival (OS) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). MethodsPatients with high-risk stage II (pT4 +) and III (pN+) colon cancer were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry, based on surgical resection and adjuvant CAPOX before (2015–2016) versus after (2018–2019) the guideline change. Both groups were compared on OS, using multivariable Cox regression, and on PROs. ResultsPatients treated before (n = 2330) and after (n = 2108) the guideline change showed similar OS (HR 1.02; 95 %CI [0.89–1.16]), also in high-risk stage III (pT4/N2, HR 1.06 [0.89–1.26]). After the guideline change, 90 % of patients were treated for 3 months with no inferior OS to those still receiving 6 months (HR 0.89 [0.66–1.20]). PROs 2 years after CAPOX completion, available for a subset of patients, suggest a lower neuropathy (n = 366; 26.2 [21.3–31.1] to 16.5 [14.4–18.6]) and better quality of life (n = 396; 80.9 [78.6–83.2] to 83.9 [82.8–84.9]), but no significant difference in workability (n = 120; 31.5 [27.9–35.1]) to 35.3 [33.8–36.7]), with reduction from 6 to 3 months of CAPOX. ConclusionThis real-world study confirmed that shorter adjuvant CAPOX did not compromise OS and may improve PROs, complementing the IDEA study and supporting 3 months of adjuvant CAPOX in daily clinical practice.

Work Ability in the Year after Rehabilitation—Results from the RehabNytte Cohort

Background: There is limited knowledge regarding the impact of rehabilitation on work ability. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with work ability 12 months following a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program in a cohort with different diagnoses. Methods: Of 9108 potentially eligible participants for the RehabNytte research project, 3731 were eligible for the present study, and 2649 participants (mean age 48.6 years, 71% female) consented to contribute with work-related data, and were included. Self-perceived work ability was assessed by the Work Ability Score (WAS) (0–10, 10 = best), during the follow-up period using paired t-tests and logistic regression to examine associations between demographic and disease-related factors and work ability at 12-month follow-up. Results: The mean baseline WAS for the total cohort was 3.53 (SD 2.97), and increased significantly to 4.59 (SD 3.31) at 12-month follow-up. High work ability (WAS ≥ 8) at 12 months was associated with high self-perceived health at the baseline (OR 3.83, 95% CI 2.45, 5.96), while low work ability was associated with a higher number of comorbidities (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11, 0.61), medium pain intensity (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.38, 0.83) and being married or cohabiting (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.43, 0.88). There were no significant differences in work ability between participants receiving occupational and standard rehabilitation. Conclusions: Work ability increased significantly over the follow-up period. High work ability at 12-month follow-up was associated with high self-perceived health at baseline, while being married or cohabiting, having higher number of comorbidities, and experiencing medium baseline pain intensity was associated with lower work ability. Rehabilitation interventions targeting these factors may potentially enhance work ability, leading to a positive impact on work participation among people in need of rehabilitation.

The physical activity paradox in relation to work ability and health-related productivity loss in Korea.

The physical activity paradox suggests that occupational physical activity (OPA), unlike leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), may detrimentally impact health. We explored the relationships of OPA and LTPA with work ability (WA) and health-related productivity loss (HRPL). This study included 5,501 workers in Korea who were recruited in 2021 through a web-based cross-sectional questionnaire. The questionnaire was utilized to quantify OPA and LTPA in metabolic equivalents, while WA and HRPL were also measured. Non-parametric regression, using a generalized additive model (GAM), was employed to visualize the relationships of LTPA and OPA with WA and HRPL. Mean differences in WA and HRPL, in relation to OPA and LTPA, were examined using linear regression models. These models were adjusted for covariates including sex, age, body mass index, education level, alcohol consumption, smoking history, insomnia, occupation, hours worked, and income. The GAM and linear regression analyses revealed that higher LTPA corresponded with higher WA and lower HRPL. In contrast, as OPA increased, WA decreased and HRPL increased. However, within the group with high OPA, HRPL was not significantly lower in the high-LTPA subgroup relative to the low-LTPA subgroup (mean difference=1.92%, p=0.343). This pattern was especially pronounced among workers aged 60 years and older, with an increase in HRPL observed with increasing LTPA among the respondents with high OPA. High LTPA levels were associated with elevated WA and diminished HRPL. In contrast, higher levels of OPA were associated with lower WA and higher HRPL.

Validity and Reliability of Work Ability Index in Turkish Context: Inter-Level, Direct, and Indirect Relations with Job Satisfaction and Task Performance

ABSTRACT Descriptive research on work ability is well advanced. However, literature is still far from explaining its consequences. Besides, Turkish literature has been quite limited in terms of considering the work ability concept. In the research, the work ability index, and task performance scale were adapted to Turkish. The research was patterned with quantitative method. According to findings, the improvement of work ability levels and increase in job satisfaction and task performance are related in the same direction. Moreover, work ability positively contributes to directly predicting job satisfaction and task performance. Furthermore, work ability positively contributes to indirectly predicting task performance through job satisfaction. This mediation effect, determined for the first time, is an important research finding regarding its contribution to literature. Apart from these, there are significant differences in work ability among age groups, and certain age group categories have a moderating effect on the relationship between work ability and task performance. This study demonstrated that work ability index is a valid and reliable tool for the Turkish sample. Besides, the study provides holistic findings thanks to work ability levels and direct and indirect effect analysis. The theoretical and practical implications were discussed, and directions were made to further research.

From Puppy Love to Pet Peeve: What Causes Second/Successor Dog Syndrome in Assistance-Dog Handlers and Companion-Dog Owners?

ABSTRACT In a Guide Dog population, there is a higher return rate of handlers’ second dog compared with any prior or subsequent dog pairings. This phenomenon is called Second Dog Syndrome (SDS). Qualitative studies have identified defining features of this syndrome in Guide Dog handlers; however, there has been no peer-reviewed study into the experience of SDS in companion-dog owners or handlers of other assistance dogs. As such, this exploratory study aimed to define the SDS experience in companion-dog owners and assistance-dog handlers. Ten participants, all women, were recruited to participate in focus groups for companion-dog owners (n = 5) and assistance-dog handlers (n = 5). Transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. SDS was characterized by a strong bond with the previous dog, ongoing bereavement related to the previous dog loss, negative emotions related to the successor dog, and inability to bond with them. This appeared to be due to comparisons made between the successor and previous dog and unmet expectations of the new dog. For companion-dog owners it was also characterized by a fear of getting hurt again; for assistance-dog owners it was an inability to trust the successor dog, differences in work ability, and a threat to their independence. Time since the loss of the previous dog, awareness of the phenomenon of SDS, and support from the community also influenced the SDS experience. One unexpected finding was that SDS was not exclusively linked to second-paired dogs and that it may be more aptly named “Successor Dog Syndrome.” Given that poor outcomes associated with unsuccessful dog–owner bonding may result in relinquishment, this study provides an important first step to being able to quantify the experience of SDS to develop interventions in the future.

Modeling mixing kinetics for large-scale production of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete: effects of temperature, volume, and mixing method

The mixing of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) featuring low water-to-binder ratios involves different evolution of microstructures and mixing torques from conventional concrete. This paper investigates the mixing kinetics of UHPC in the mixing process, presents a mixing kinetics model to predict the mixing torque at an arbitrary time instant, and develops a multi-batching method to reduce the mixing torque for large-volume production of UHPC. The presented mixing kinetics model considers the effects of mixing temperature, mixing volume, and mixing methods. The mixing kinetics model is calibrated using experimental data, and the calibrated model shows high prediction accuracy. The multi-batching method enables large-volume mixing of UHPC by reducing the mixing torque while retaining desired flowability and hardened properties of UHPC. Specifically, when the number of sub-batches is two, the peak mixing torque of the multi-batching method was approximately reduced to half of the peak mixing torque of the mono-batching method. Besides, the differences in workability, compressive strength, and autogenous shrinkage by using the multi-batching method and mono-batching method are within 5%. Finally, the reliability and repeatability of the presented mixing kinetics model are verified through the validation tests with different UHPC mixture designs and mixing methods. This study will advance understandings of the mixing kinetics for UHPC and promote large-volume UHPC production.

Employment and ability to work after kidney transplantation in the Netherlands: The impact of preemptive versus non-preemptive kidney transplantation.

Work can have a major positive impact on health and wellbeing. Employment of kidney transplant recipients (KTR) of working age is much lower than in the general population. The first aimof this study was to examine the impact of a preemptive kidney transplantation (PKT) on employment, in addition to other possible influencing factors. The second aim was to explore differences in work ability, absenteeism and work performance among employed KTR with different types of transplantations. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted between 2018 and 2019 in nine Dutch hospitals. PKT as potential predictor of employment was examined. Furthermore, work ability, absenteeism and loss of work performance were compared between employed preemptive recipients with a living donor (L-PKT) and non-preemptive recipients with a living donor (L-nPKT) and with a deceased donor (D-nPKT). Two hundred and twenty four KTR participated; 71% reported having paid work. Paid work was more common among PKT recipients (82%vs. 65% in L-nPKT and 55% in D-nPKT) and recipients who were younger (OR .950, 95%CI .913-.989), had no comorbidities (1 comorbidity: OR .397, 95%CI .167-.942; 2 comorbidities: OR .347, 95%CI .142-.844), had less fatigue (OR .974, 95%CI .962-.987) and had mentally demanding work tasks (only in comparison with physically demanding tasks, OR .342, 95%CI .145-.806). If recipients were employed, D-nPKT recipients worked fewer hours (mean 24.6±11.3vs. PKT 31.1±9.6, L-nPKT 30.1±9.5) and D-nPKT and L-nPKT recipientsreceived more often supplemental disability benefits (32 and 33.3%, respectively) compared to PKT recipients (9.9%). No differences were found for self-reported ability to work, sick leave (absenteeism) and loss of work performance with the exception of limitations in functioning at work. Preemptive kidney transplantation recipients with a kidney from a living donor are employed more often, work more hours per week (only in comparison with D-nPKT) and have a partial disability benefit less often than nPKT recipients. More knowledge regarding treatments supporting sustainable participation in the labor force is needed as work has a positive impact on recipients' health and wellbeing and is also beneficial for society as a whole.

Social inequalities in early exit from employment in Germany: a causal mediation analysis on the role of work, health, and work ability.

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of work factors, health, and work ability to social inequalities in early exit from employment among older employees in Germany. Longitudinal data from the representative German lidA Cohort study was linked with employment register data to obtain maximum information on exit routes out of paid employment. Information of N=2438 respondents, aged 46 and 52 at baseline, were obtained for a follow-up of six years (2011-2017). Causal mediation analysis with inverse odds weighting was conducted using discrete-time survival outcomes and baseline measurements of the socioeconomic status (SES: education), work factors, health, and work ability. Older employees with low SES were at an increased risk of exiting employment early by receiving disability pension and through long-term unemployment but not through an unspecified labor market exit when compared to those with high and moderate SES. Low work ability accounted for up to 38% of the social inequalities in work exits into disability pension. Less-than-good physical health accounted for up to 59% of inequalities in work exits into long-term unemployment. Work factors contributed considerably to inequalities in exits through unemployment but not disability pension. This study finds social inequalities in early exits through disability pension and long-term unemployment among older employees in Germany, predominantly attributable to differences in work ability (disability pension) and physical health (unemployment). Investments in work ability and promotion of physical health may constitute promising approaches to counteract an increase of these inequalities.

Promoting work ability with a wearable activity tracker in working age individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) may improve work ability and health in individuals with hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). The use of wearable activity trackers (WATs) has been shown to increase PA and improve other health outcomes but little is known concerning their effect on work ability. The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of self-monitoring PA with a WAT on work ability, PA and work productivity among individuals of working age with hip and/or knee OA.MethodsIndividuals (n = 160) were included and cluster-randomized to a Supported Osteoarthritis Self-management Program (SOASP) with the addition of self-monitoring PA using a commercial WAT for 12 weeks (n = 86), or only the SOASP (n = 74). Primary outcome was self-reported work ability measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and secondary outcomes were self-reported PA measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and work productivity, measured with the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scale: Osteoarthritis (WPAI:OA) at baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months. Data was primarily analysed with linear mixed models.ResultsParticipants with data from baseline and at least one follow-up were included in the analyses (n = 124). Linear mixed models showed no statistically significant difference between groups regarding pattern of change in work ability or PA, from baseline to follow-ups. Also, neither group had a statistically significant difference in work ability between baseline and each follow-up.ConclusionThe SOASP together with self-monitoring PA with a WAT did not have any effect on the primary outcome variable work ability. Participants already at baseline had good work ability and were physically active, which could have reduced the possibility for improvements. Future interventions should target a population with lower work ability and PA-level.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03354091. Registered 15/11/2017.

Influence of age on functional capacity and work ability in Chilean workers: a cross-sectional study.

To determine if there are differences in functional capacity and work ability between older and younger active workers in public institutions, and to relate functional capacity to work ability. This cross-sectional study evaluated 360 subjects from two public institutions, a university and a high-complexity regional hospital. The participants were divided into 3 age ranges 40-49, 50-59 and ≥ 60years. The following evaluations were applied: a multidimensional assessment questionnaire, work ability and functional capacity using physical tests (strength, flexibility and balance). There are no significant differences in work ability among the different age groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found according to age group in 30-s chair-stand test (30-s CST), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) extending the knee 90° (1RM-leg extension) and 1RM of handgrip strength (1RM-handgrip), upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, static balance or dynamic balance (P < 0.05). Only the variables 30-s CST (rs = 0.13, P = 0.018), lower body flexibility (rs = 0.13, P = 0.012) and static balance (rs = 0.13, P = 0.012) were related to work ability. There are differences in functional capacity as the workers' ages increase. By contrast, work ability does not present any differences when comparing older and younger adults. Some physical tests of the lower extremities presented a small correlation with work ability.

Violence exposure and burnout in healthcare sector: mediating role of work ability.

Background:One of the most difficult problems faced by health care professionals is experiencing verbal and physical abuse from patients and their family members. Some studies have shown that health care workers, especially nurses, are up to 16 times more likely to be subject to violence than other workers.Aims:The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between exposure to violence, work ability and burnout.Methods:Data were collected through a questionnaire to investigate health care workers’ exposure to violence (Violent Incident Form), burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory) and work ability (Work Ability Index). A sample of 300 nurses was obtained for the study.Results:A total of 36% of nurses indicated that they had been a victim of violence in the past 12 months. The data analysis highlighted highly significant differences in work ability, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization between health care workers who had been victims of violence and those who had not experienced violence. Finally, work ability was shown to have a mediating effect on emotional exhaustion (indirect effect: b = 2.7, BCa CI: 1.37–4.33) and depersonalization (indirect effect: b = 1.1, BCa CI: 0.48–1.87).Discussion:This study is one of the first to consider the mediation effect of work ability between workplace violence experienced and burnout in the healthcare sector; it reports the complexity and severity of the consequences of workplace violence in this sector.

An experimental assessment of the grinding characteristics of some native seeds used by Aboriginal Australians

Numerous plant seeds (the caryopsis or achene) from a wide variety of genera were traditionally ground for food by hunter-gatherer peoples, including over 200 varieties by Aboriginal Australians. In Australia, these seeds varied greatly in size, shape and hardness. Except for a broad distinction being made between grass and tree seeds, differences in the morphological and other characteristics of seeds — in particular their performance in seed-grinding — are rarely documented. A recent experimental examination of the efficiency of millstones using commercial proxies for difficult to obtain Australian native seeds has shown significant differences in workability and output of different types of seeds. This paper tests predictions as to whether the grinding characteristics of a number of widely used native seeds also vary significantly, the implications this has for the selection, treatment and use of seeds by Aboriginal people in Australia and elsewhere, and generates quantitative data which can supplement and explicate other experimental research. It also makes a preliminary assessment of whether domesticated seeds can provide useful grinding analogues for unavailable native seeds. Our findings have broad relevance for an understanding of prehistoric seed-grinding and species selection in Australia and other parts of the world.

Work Ability and Health Promotion Offers needed by Healthcare Personnel in Germany: Results of an Expert Survey

The burden on nursing staff in Germany is continuously increasing. Specific health promotion programs can help to reduce this burden. To develop such programs, the concrete needs of nurses for instructions and training have to be determined. The aim of the project "PFLEGEprevent" (funded by the Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Gesundheit und Pflege) is to develop a prevention program that focuses on the special needs of the nursing staff. The project is structured in four subprojects: (1) identification of needs, workloads and occupational challenges of caregivers and the scientific evidence (national expert survey and systematic literature review), (2) development of a specific prevention program, (3) implementation and evaluation of the prevention program (Intervention study; DRKS00012870), (4) development of a manual to instruct the implementation of the prevention program (transferability). In subproject (1) the current subjective work ability of the nursing staff in Germany and their need for preventive offers were revealed by a national expert survey. The survey was directed to nurses in outpatient, semi-inpatient and inpatient care facilities and clinics. In addition to personal information and questions on current work and organization, the subjective work ability of the nurses (based on the Work Ability Index, WAI) and the need for preventive offers were queried. A total of 1381 questionnaires were analysed. The majority of surveyed healthcare staff was female (81%). On average they were 40.1 years old (SD=12.0) and had worked in the care sector for 16.3 years (SD=10.9). The mean of the WAI score was 37.2 (SD=7.1) points, which indicates a good work ability. However, there were differences in work ability between types of institution and number of years in job. The care staff needed instructions mainly on the topics of stress, communication and teamwork. Active training was required for relaxation, back muscle training and strengthening. 75% of respondents said they would participate in a 5-day prevention program.

Investigation on the Mechanical Properties and Post-Cracking Behavior of Polyolefin Fiber Reinforced Concrete

This paper deals with the behavior of concrete’s self-compatibility in a fresh state and its compressive and flexural strength in a hardened state with the addition of polyolefin macro fibers. Four different amounts (3 kg/m3, 4.5 kg/m3, 6 kg/m3, and 9 kg/m3) of polyolefin macro fibers were mixed into the concrete mixture to observe the differences in workability and strength properties between the concrete specimens. As a partial replacement of cement, class C type of fly ash was added to make up 25% of the total cement mass. The water-binder ratio (W/B) of the concrete mix was 0.36. Superplasticizer was added to the concrete mixture to achieve self-compacting properties. The slump test was carried out in the fresh state for determining the flowability. On the 7th and 28th days of the curing process, compression strength tests were performed, and on the 28th day, flexural strength tests and crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD) analyses were carried out to determine the strength properties and post-cracking behavior of the concrete samples. Bending strength and post-cracking behavior of the samples were improved by the addition of fibers. The fiber concentration in the concrete mixture greatly influenced the slump flow and self-compaction properties.

Estimated work ability in warm outdoor environments depends on the chosen heat stress assessment metric.

With a view to occupational effects of climate change, we performed a simulation study on the influence of different heat stress assessment metrics on estimated workability (WA) of labour in warm outdoor environments. Whole-day shifts with varying workloads were simulated using as input meteorological records for the hottest month from four cities with prevailing hot (Dallas, New Delhi) or warm-humid conditions (Managua, Osaka), respectively. In addition, we considered the effects of adaptive strategies like shielding against solar radiation and different work-rest schedules assuming an acclimated person wearing light work clothes (0.6clo). We assessed WA according to Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) by means of an empirical relation of worker performance from field studies (Hothaps), and as allowed work hours using safety threshold limits proposed by the corresponding standards. Using the physiological models Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) and Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI)-Fiala, we calculated WA as the percentage of working hours with body core temperature and cumulated sweat loss below standard limits (38°C and 7.5% of body weight, respectively) recommended by ISO 7933 and below conservative (38°C; 3%) and liberal (38.2°C; 7.5%) limits in comparison. ANOVA results showed that the different metrics, workload, time of day and climate type determined the largest part of WA variance. WBGT-based metrics were highly correlated and indicated slightly more constrained WA for moderate workload, but were less restrictive with high workload and for afternoon work hours compared to PHS and UTCI-Fiala. Though PHS showed unrealistic dynamic responses to rest from work compared to UTCI-Fiala, differences in WA assessed by the physiological models largely depended on the applied limit criteria. In conclusion, our study showed that the choice of the heat stress assessment metric impacts notably on the estimated WA. Whereas PHS and UTCI-Fiala can account for cumulative physiological strain imposed by extended work hours when working heavily under high heat stress, the current WBGT standards do not include this. Advanced thermophysiological models might help developing alternatives, where not only modelling details but also the choice of physiological limit criteria will require attention. There is also an urgent need for suitable empirical data relating workplace heat exposure to workability.

Study on Properties of SCC with Partial Replacement of Cement by GGBFS and Fly Ash

This paper presents experimental study on the properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) amended with two additional cementitious materials (fly ash and slag) on the mechanical performance of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Portland cement (PC) was replaced with fly ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBFS). The effect of these admixtures on the fresh and hardened SCC of various mix proportions was studied. It was observed there was only very small difference in workability and strength of SCC when the cement was partially (30%) replaced by GGBFS and Fly ash at various proportions. From the results obtained GGBFS replacement in concrete, considerably increase the strength of concrete.

Improving a web-based employability intervention for work-disabled employees: results of a pilot economic evaluation

Purpose The purpose of this study is to improve web-based employability interventions for employees with work-related health problems for both intervention content and study design by means of a pilot economic evaluation. Methods Uptake rate analysis for the intervention elements, cost effectiveness, cost utility and subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential content-related intervention improvements. Differences in work ability and quality-adjusted life years and overall contribution of resource items to the total costs were assessed. These were used to guide study design improvements. Results Sixty-three participants were a-select allocated to either the intervention (n = 29) or the control (n = 34) group. Uptake regarding the intervention elements ranged between 3% and 70%. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses resulted in negative effects although higher total costs. Incremental effects were marginal (work ability −0.51; QALY −0.01). Conclusions The web-based tool to enhance employability among work disabled employees requires improvements regarding targeting and intensity; outcome measures selected and collection of cost data. With respect to the studies of disability and rehabilitation, the findings and methods presented in this pilot economic evaluation could guide the assessment of future assistive “e-health” technologies.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThe methods presented in this pilot economic evaluation have large potentials to guide the assessment of future assistive e-health technologies addressing work-disabilities.The findings show that the web-based tool requires content related improvements with respect to targeting and intensity to enhance employability among work disabled employees.The findings show that the web-based tool would benefit from improvements related to the study design by more adequately selecting and collecting both outcome measures and cost data.The burden attributable to large-scale studies and implementation issues were prevented as the outcomes of the pilot economic evaluation did not support the implementation of the web-based tool.

Work, eat and sleep: towards a healthy ageing at work program offshore

BackgroundHealth management tools need to be developed to foster healthy ageing at work and sustain employability of ageing work-forces. The objectives of this study were to 1) perform a needs assessment to identify the needs of offshore workers in the Dutch Continental Shelf with regard to healthy ageing at work and 2) to define suitable program objectives for a future healthy ageing at work program in the offshore working population.MethodsA mixed methods design was used applying an intervention mapping procedure. Qualitative data were gathered in N = 19 semi-structured interviews and six focus-group sessions (N = 49). Qualitative data were used to develop a questionnaire, which was administered among N = 450 offshore workers. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate age-related differences relating to health status and work-related factors.ResultsThe importance of good working environments, food, as well as sleep/fatigue management was identified by the qualitative data analysis. A total of 260 offshore workers completed the questionnaire. Significant differences in work ability were found between offshore workers aged <45 and 45–54 years (mean 8.63 vs. 8.19; p = 0.005) and offshore workers aged <45 and >55 years (mean 8.63 vs. 8.22; p = 0.028). Offshore workers had a high BMI (M = 27.06, SD = 3.67), with 46 % classified as overweight (BMI 25–30) and 21 % classified as obese (BMI >30). A significant difference in BMI was found between offshore workers aged <45 and ≥55 years (mean 26.3 vs. 28.6; p <0.001). In total, 73 % of offshore workers reported prolonged fatigue. A significant difference in fatigue scores was found between offshore workers aged <45 and ≥55 years (mean 36.0 vs. 37.6; p = 0.024). Further, a “dip” was reported by 41 % of offshore workers. Dips were mainly experienced at day 10 or 11 (60 %), with 45 % experiencing the dip both as physical and mental fatigue, whereas 39 % experienced the dip as only mental fatigue.ConclusionsBoth qualitative and quantitative analyses identified work, food and sleep/fatigue management as most important program objectives for a healthy ageing at work and sustainable employability program offshore. Future studies should investigate possible causes of dip occurrences and high fatigue scores to identify suitable interventions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12889-016-2807-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A multilevel model analysis of correlation between population characteristics and work ability of employees

To analyze the correlation between population characteristics and work ability of employees with a multilevel model, to investigate the important influencing factors for work ability, and to provide a basis for improvement in work ability. Work ability index (WAI)was applied to measure the work ability of 1686 subjects from different companies (n=6). MLwi N2.0 software was applied for two-level variance component model fitting. The WAI of employees showed differences between various companies (χ2=3.378 6, P=0.0660); working years was negatively correlated with WAI (χ2=38.229 2, P=0.0001), and the WAI of the employees with 20 or more working years was 1.63 lower than that of the employees with less than 20 working years; the work ability of manual workers was lower than that of mental-manual workers (χ2=8.2726, P=0.0040), and the work ability showed no significant difference between mental workers and mental-manual workers (χ2=2.086 0, P=0.148 7). From the perspective of probability, the multilevel model analysis reveals the differences in work ability of employees between different companies, and suggests that company, work type, and working years are the important influencing factors for work ability of employees. These factors should be improved and adjusted to protect or enhance the work ability of employees.

Impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders on work ability among workers

To assess the impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) on work ability among workers. A total of 1686 workers in various occupations, such as administration and education, were enrolled as subjects using the random cluster sampling method. The WRMDs and work ability of all subjects were evaluated using standardized Nordic questionnaires for the analysis of musculoskeletal symptoms and the Work Ability Index (WAI) scale, respectively. Comparison of work ability and its classification between the disease group and the non-disease group was performed by paired t test, RxC table χ2 test, and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. The relationship between work duration and work ability was analyzed by the Spearman correlation test and a multi-level model. (1). The work ability of workers in the disease group was significantly lower than that in the non-disease group (P<0.0 1). (2) There were significant differences in work ability between workers with different work durations (<10 years, 10-20 years, and ≥20 years) (F=22.124, P< 0.01). With the increase in work duration, the work ability of workers declined in both groups, and the work ability of workers in the disease group (Spearman coefficient rs=-0. 172, P<0.01) had a more significant decline than that in the non-disease group (Spearman coefficient rs=-0.104, P<0.01). WRMDs were important risk factors for the decrease in work ability among workers. (3) There were significant differences in constituent ratios and levels of work ability classification between the disease group and the non-disease group (χ2=121.097, P<0.01; Z=-10.699, P<0.01). The proportions of workers with poor and medium work ability in the disease group were significantly higher than those in the non-disease group, while the proportion of works with excellent work ability in the disease group was significantly lower than that in the non-disease group. The similar characteristics in constituent ratios and levels of work ability classification could be found between the disease group and the non- disease group in various occupations (P<0.01). WRMDs have a harmful effect on the work ability of workers, and the work ability of workers substantially declines with the increase in exposure time (work duration).