Discomfort Factors Research Articles

Measurement and interpretation of thermal comfort in a highly adaptive mixed-mode building

Field-based thermal comfort studies have highlighted the relationship between adaptive opportunity and thermal preference and acceptability reported by occupants. While real-world complexity is integral to field-based study, its influence over comfort responses is not well understood. This paper presents a study carried out in an office where occupants have considerable environmental control. The building operates in changeover mixed-mode configuration, with natural ventilation mode enforced when ambient conditions are deemed favourable, and a choice of natural ventilation or air conditioning outside of those times. Thermal conditions were measured alongside a thermal comfort questionnaire, and state data for building mode and adaptive devices were recorded. The results were contextualized using qualitative interviews, during which participants discussed their relationship to their workspace in terms of comfort and adaptive habits. The study raised questions on the influence of cognitive tolerance, reaction to discomfort, responsibility and personal factors to the measurement of thermal comfort.

Visual discomfort of stereoscopic 3D videos: Influence of 3D motion

Visual discomfort is one of the most frequent complaints of the viewers while watching 3D images and videos. Large disparity and large amount of motion are two main causes of visual discomfort. To quantify this influence, three objectives are set in this paper. The first one is the comparative analysis on the influence of different types of motion, i.e., static stereoscopic image, planar motion and in-depth motion, on visual discomfort. The second one is the investigation on the influence factors for each motion type, for example, the disparity offset, the disparity amplitude and velocity. The third one is to propose an objective model for visual discomfort. Thirty-six synthetic stereoscopic video stimuli with different types of motion are used in this study. In the subjective test, an efficient paired comparison method called Adaptive Square Design (ASD) was used to reduce the number of comparisons for each observer and keep the results reliable. The experimental results showed that motion does not always induce more visual discomfort than static conditions. The in-depth motion generally induces more visual discomfort than the planar motion. The relative disparity between the foreground and the background, and the motion velocity are identified as main factors for visual discomfort. According to the subjective results, an objective model for comparing visual discomfort induced by different types of motion is proposed which shows high correlation with the subjective perception.

Ergonomic risk factors and physical discomfort in laptop-computer users

The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors for discomfort in laptop users. Subjective feeling, load level, intensity and frequency of discomfort were examined. The study included 186 subjects. In the first phase participants completed a questionnaire about the subjective feeling of discomfort and specifics of laptop usage, while in the second phase 10 participants were observed while working on a laptop. Upper body postures were assessed with the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) technique. Nearly one fifth of respondents showed a higher incidence of discomfort. Majority of subjects reported wrong sitting posture and unusual body postures as main factors that increase discomfort after laptop usage. After using a laptop, discomfort increases primarily in the neck, with risk factors being working for several hours continuously, in the environments with no fixed area for device placement and without using the external devices. In most positions neck extension/ flexion was noticed as a result of the specific device design. Discomfort is increased in the back, although somewhat less than in the neck. Risk factors are amplified while working continuously for several hours, working for more than five hours and in postures like sitting on the bench and without external devices. Discomfort also increases in hand wrist, in users who mostly sit on fixed surfaces. The RULA observation has shown that the risk is the greatest in the following positions: when laptop is used while sitting on the floor, lying down, and with the device on the lap. The findings have important implications for improving laptop users' wellbeing in contemporary work environment.

The effect of sleep intervention on life and sleep qualities of patients in internal medicine department

Objective To investigate the effect of sleep intervention on life and sleep qualities of patients in internal medicine department.Methods A total of 100 cases in internal medicine department were randomly divided into observation group and control group,the control group was given routine nursing,the observation group was given sleep intervention,nursing effects were compared between the two groups.Results Physical discomfort,ward noise and psychological factors were the main factors affecting patients'sleep.Sleep quality index before discharge and after 1 w intervention in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group (P ＜ 0.05).Life quality scores such as physiological function,body pain,emotional function before discharge in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Sleep disorders are existed in internal medicine department patients,sleep intervention is beneficial to improve sleep and life qualities of the patients. Key words: Sleep intervention; Internal medicine department patient; Sleep quality; Life quality

Dry eye disease in French elderly subjects: the Alienor Study

To describe dry eye disease in French elderly subjects. The Alienor Study is a population-based study on age-related eye disease in 963 residents of Bordeaux (France), aged 73 years or more. Self-reported dry eye disease and use of artificial tears were documented through face-to-face interview. Dry eye symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and tear film stability by tear break-up time measurements (TBUT). Definite dry eye disease was defined as self-reported dry eye, confirmed by use of artificial tears and/or OSDI greater or equal to 22. Nine hundred and fifteen subjects, with mean age of 80 ± 4 years, returned the OSDI questionnaire. Of these, 271 (29.6%) subjects reported a dry eye disease and 135 (14.7%) were using artificial tears. An OSDI score > 22 was found in 359 (39.2%) subjects and a TBUT < 5 seconds in 335/746 (44.9%) subjects. Overall, definite dry eye affected 21.9% of subjects and was more frequent in women (27.1%) than in men (13.6%). After multivariate adjustment, dry eye disease was also significantly less frequent in subjects with high educational level (odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.31-0.78 for long secondary school) and more frequent in subjects with ocular hypertension (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.02-2.57) and those using anxiolytics (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.02-2.29). This large observational study confirmed the high prevalence of dry eye symptoms among elderly subjects and confirmed some of the previously identified risk factors (in particular female gender and use of anxiolytics).

Barriers and facilitators of helmet use in a Greek sample of motorcycle riders: Which evidence?

AimThe current study aimed to assess the frequency of helmet use in a sample of Greek motorcycle riders as well as identify factors affecting self-reported helmet use including the riders’ motivations and various socio-demographic, environmental and trip-related characteristics. MethodA probabilistic, stratified random sampling was performed to select 405 riders aged 19–65years from three cities of Crete. Data were collected through an easy-to-use self-administered questionnaire during face-to-face contacts with the study participants. ResultsThe overall self-reported helmet use was very low. Gender, years of education, consumption of high concentrated alcohol, and time of day when riding occurred, were significant predictors of the frequency of self-reported helmet use. High agreement with the factors of Imitation (B=5.4, p<.001), Experience (B=2.6, p=.001), Self-protection (B=3.8, p<.001), Environment (B=5.8, p<.001), and Regulation (B=4.2, p<.001) as well as low agreement with the factors of Discomfort (B=−4.3, p<.001) and Underestimation of danger (B=−1.9, p<.013), were associated at a statistically significant level with higher frequency of self-reported helmet use. ConclusionThe evidence derived from this study could be useful in understanding the priorities for future intervention. Continuous education programs and intensification of law enforcement, particularly at night hours, may be effective in increasing helmet use.

Do the digestive tract symptoms in eating disorder patients represent functional gastrointestinal disorders?

BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are common in patients with eating disorders. The aim of this study was to determine, using factor analysis, whether these GI symptom factors (clusters) in eating disorder patients hold true to the Rome II classification of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).MethodsInpatients in a specialised eating disorder unit completed the Rome II questionnaire. Data from 185 patients were analysed using factor analysis of 17 questions cited as present in 30% to 70% of the patients.ResultsFive factors emerged accounting for 68% of the variance and these were termed: ‘oesophageal discomfort’, ‘bowel dysfunction’, ‘abdominal discomfort’, ‘pelvic floor dysfunction’, and ‘self-induced vomiting’. These factors are significantly related to the Rome II FGID categories of functional oesophageal, bowel and anorectal disorders, and to the specific FGIDs of IBS, functional abdominal bloating, functional constipation and pelvic floor dyssynergia. Both heartburn and chest pain were included in the oesophageal discomfort factor. The ‘pelvic floor dysfunction’ factor was distinct from functional constipation.ConclusionsThe GI symptoms common in eating disorder patients very likely represent the same FGIDs that occur in non-ED patients. Symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction in the absence of functional constipation, however, are prominent in eating disorder patients. Further investigation of the items comprising the ‘pelvic floor dysfunction’ factor in other patient populations may yield useful results.

Aerodynamic Mode of Double-Skin Transparent Façade with Narrow Physical Cavity and its Influence on Indoor Environment in the Summer Season

Tall slab-shaped building of north-south orientation. Narrow-cavity double skin transparent façade. South (S) external wall with application of double-skin transparent façade. Aerodynamic regime of narrow-cavity double skin transparent façade in summer. The total aerodynamic resistance of natural physical cavity and its relationship to the convection air lift force. Air stagnation in the cavity as the physical defect of the double-skin façade. Aerodynamics of the double-skin transparent façade as a conditional factor of the thermal discomfort of indoor climate in the building.

Public attitudes towards intellectual disability: a multidimensional perspective

Public attitudes towards persons with intellectual disabilities (IDs) have a significant effect on potential community integration. A better understanding of these can help target service provision and public awareness programmes. The objective of the present study is threefold: (1) describe public attitudes towards persons with ID along affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions; (2) compare and contrast attitudes according to sex, age, education and income, as well as frequency and quality of contacts with persons with ID; and (3) ascertain whether the level of functioning has an effect on attitudes. The Attitudes Toward Intellectual Disability Questionnaire (ATTID) was administered by phone to 1605 randomly selected adult men and women, stratified by region in the province of Québec, Canada. The ATTID uses a multidimensional perspective of attitudes that reflect affective, cognitive and behavioural dimensions. The results showed that public attitudes were generally positive regarding all three attitudinal dimensions. Public attitudes towards persons with ID are presented in terms of the five factors measured through the ATTID: (1) discomfort; (2) sensibility or tenderness; (3) knowledge of causes; (4) knowledge of capacity and rights; and (5) interaction. Attitude factor scores vary as a function of participant characteristics (sex, age, education and income) and the degree of knowledge about ID, the number of persons with ID known to the participants, as well as the frequency and quality of their contacts with these persons. Men had greater negative attitudes than women as regards the discomfort factor, while women had more negative attitudes regarding the knowledge of capacity and rights factor. More positive attitudes were revealed among younger and more educated participants. Attitudes were generally not associated with income. Public attitudes tended to be more negative towards people with lower functioning ID. These results yield useful information to target public awareness and education.

PIECES 프레임워크 중심의 요구사항 정제와 우선순위 결정 전략

급변하는 웹과 모바일 환경에서 사용자 요구사항을 효율적으로 찾아내고 올바르게 시스템에 반영하는 것은 매우 중요하다. 본 연구는 모바일 프로그램에서 사용되는 댓글, Q&A, 불편사항 신고 등의 사용자 요구사항을 기반으로 웹과 모바일 프로그램을 변경하기 위한 요구사항을 정제하고, 정제된 요구사항의 우선순위를 결정하기 위한 전략을 제안한다. 요구사항을 정제하기 위하여 소프트웨어사업선진화포럼의 표준화 방안, 기 개발된 프로그램 구성도를 활용하여 요구사항을 그룹화 하였으며, 이를 PIECES 에 맵핑하여, 정제된 요구사항이 시스템에 유효하게 반영될 수 있는지 여부를 확인하고 정제하였다. 정제된 요구사항의 우선순위를 결정하기 위하여 첫째, 소프트웨어의 구조, 요구사항, PIECES 카테고리에 상대적인 가중치를 부여하고, 둘째, 각 요구사항에 대한 통합 점수를 구하여 부문 및 전체 점수의 상대적인 값을 구한다. 제안한 기법의 가능성을 검증하기 위해서 S 대학교에서 서비스하는 모바일 애플리케이션의 변경 요구사항을 15명의 업무 관련 이해당사자에게 설문한 결과로 그 유효성을 입증하였다. Identifying user requirements efficiently and reflecting them on the existing system is very important in a rapidly changing web and mobile environments. This study proposes the strategies to refining requirements and to prioritizing those refined requirements for changing of web and mobile application based on user requirements (e.g. mobile application comments, Q&A, reported information as discomfort factors). In order to refining the user requirements, those requirements are grouped by using the advancement of the software business of the Forum of standardization and the existing configuration-based programs. Then, we mapped them onto the PIECES framework to identifying whether the refined requirements are correctly reflected to the system in a way of valid and pure. To determine the priority of refined requirements, first, relative weights are given to software structure, requirements and categories of PIECES. Second, integration points on each requirement are counted to obtain the relative value of partial and overall score of a set of software structural requirements. In order to verifying the possibility and proving the effectiveness of proposing technique in this study, survey was conducted on changing requirements of mobile application which have been serviced at S University by targeting 15 people of work-related stakeholders.

Effect of hour administration and nursing on the predictability vomiting of lung cancer patients receiving the NP program

Objective To observe the effect of hour administration and care on the predictability vomiting of lung cancer patients receiving the NP program.Methods Totals of 79 cases that received NP chemotherapy program were randomly divided into chrono-chemotherapy group (n =40 ) and routine chemotherapy group (n =39).Chrono-chemotherapy group with PICC catheters received the vinorelbine (NVB) at the dose of 25 mg/(m2 · d),in the time of 17:00 to 03:00 and with the peak 21:00,d1 and d8 administration; and cisplatin (PDD) at the dose of 20 mg/( m2 · d),the administration time was 10:00～22:00 with 16:00 peak,d1-d3.The routine chemotherapy group with peripheral intravenous infusion received NVB at the dose of 25 mg/(m2 · d)with d1 and d8 administration,and PDD at 20 mg/(m2 · d) and administration in 9:00 ～ 13:00 and d1 ～ d3.Two groups received 2 to 4 cycles treatment with 21 days of one cycle.And received the routine care of lung cancer chemotherapy,while the chrono-chemotherapy group also be special cared such as strictly perform the hour clinical medication advice,maintain intravenous catheter patency,bedside shift and sleep care intervention and so on.Before the start of second cycle,both groups were treated with level and disgusting questionnaire (NP) assessment.Results The ANY incidence of chromo-chemotherapy group (22.5％) was significantly less than that of routine chemotherapy group(58.97％ ).There were significant statistical different between the two group.In the chromo-chemotherapy group,the total score of nausea questionnaire (0.29 ± 0.13 vs 0.52 ± 0.19),body discomfort factor score (0.19 ± 0.07 vs 0.32 ± 0.11 ),gastrointestinal reaction factor score (0.27 ± 0.10 vs 0.45 ± 0.16 ),emotional pain factor score (0.17 ±0.06 vs 0.28 ±0.12),were.significantly lower than that of routine chemotherapy group,and the difference was statistically significant ( t =2.530,2.075,2.429,2.133 ; P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusions NP program combines with hour administration and care can significantly reduce the ANY incidence and improve the level of ANY level indicators and NP questionnaire score of lung cancer patients. Key words: Nursing; Lung cancer; Antineeplastic combined chemotherapy protocols; Hour administration; Vomiting

The influence of local effects on thermal sensation under non-uniform environmental conditions — Gender differences in thermophysiology, thermal comfort and productivity during convective and radiant cooling

Applying high temperature cooling concepts, i.e. high temperature cooling (Tsupply is 16–20°C) HVAC systems, in the built environment allows the reduction in the use of (high quality) energy. However, application of high temperature cooling systems can result in whole body and local discomfort of the occupants. Non-uniform thermal conditions, which may occur due to application of high temperature cooling systems, can be responsible for discomfort. Contradictions in literature exist regarding the validity of the often used predicted mean vote (PMV) index for both genders, and the index is not intended for evaluating the discomfort due to non-uniform environmental conditions. In some cases, however, combinations of local and general discomfort factors, for example draught under warm conditions, may not be uncomfortable.The objective of this study was to investigate gender differences in thermophysiology, thermal comfort and productivity in response to thermal non-uniform environmental conditions. Twenty healthy subjects (10 males and 10 females, age 20–29years) were exposed to two different experimental conditions: a convective cooling situation (CC) and a radiant cooling situation (RC). During the experiments physiological responses, thermal comfort and productivity were measured. The results show that under both experimental conditions the actual mean thermal sensation votes significantly differ from the PMV-index; the subjects are feeling colder than predicted. Furthermore, the females are more uncomfortable and dissatisfied compared to the males. For females, the local sensations and skin temperatures of the extremities have a significant influence on whole body thermal sensation and are therefore important to consider under non-uniform environmental conditions.

How do the work environment and work safety differ between the dry and wet kitchen foodservice facilities?

In order to create a worker-friendly environment for institutional foodservice, facilities operating with a dry kitchen system have been recommended. This study was designed to compare the work safety and work environment of foodservice between wet and dry kitchen systems. Data were obtained using questionnaires with a target group of 303 staff at 57 foodservice operations. Dry kitchen facilities were constructed after 2006, which had a higher construction cost and more finishing floors with anti-slip tiles, and in which employees more wore non-slip footwear than wet kitchen (76.7%). The kitchen temperature and muscular pain were the most frequently reported employees' discomfort factors in the two systems, and, in the wet kitchen, "noise of kitchen" was also frequently reported as a discomfort. Dietitian and employees rated the less slippery and slip related incidents in dry kitchens than those of wet kitchen. Fryer area, ware-washing area, and plate waste table were the slippery areas and the causes were different between the functional areas. The risk for current leakage was rated significantly higher in wet kitchens by dietitians. In addition, the ware-washing area was found to be where employees felt the highest risk of electrical shock. Muscular pain (72.2%), arthritis (39.1%), hard-of-hearing (46.6%) and psychological stress (47.0%) were experienced by employees more than once a month, particularly in the wet kitchen. In conclusion, the dry kitchen system was found to be more efficient for food and work safety because of its superior design and well managed practices.

Ergonomics development needs in truck body design – from video analyses to solution proposals

Truck drivers need improvements on their work environment in ergonomics and safety issues. In this study, participative video analyses were performed to identify areas of discomfort and the risks drivers face when working outside the cab. Analyses resulted in identification of 262 discomfort and risk factors of which roughly half occurred in trucks and trailers. Due to the findings, a web questionnaire was used to investigate what kind of participative product design aspects truck body and trailer manufacturing companies apply currently. Accordingly, the need for participation is recognised but these companies lack such systematic procedures and methods. This study also introduces a procedure to utilise the identified risks and discomforts for developing the design and development requirements. The procedure has led to new solutions that are currently utilised in different interest groups’ processes. The procedure supports participation by all stakeholders and may be used in product design processes in environments where a mutual understanding is crucial for eliminating the recognised safety problems in practice.

Participatory Ergonomics Applied to Sonographers' Work

A participatory ergonomics process has been initiated, the aim of which is to work with cardiac, vascular, and diagnostic medical sonographers to develop interventions that will improve their work conditions and reduce their occupational exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Numerous surveys have been conducted that have identified sonographers as experiencing high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, intervention research involving them is limited. The presentation describes the research methodology and results from the first stages of the intervention process.

Patient Expectations, Acceptance and Preferences in Treatment with Orthodontic Mini-implants

The objective of this study was to compare two different insertion techniques as well as two different anesthesia injection methods carried out on patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with mini-implants to reinforce skeletal anchorage. A total of 30 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups, A and B. For the patients in group A the mini-implants were inserted manually after pre-drilling with a dental handpiece. In group B self-drilling mini-implants were inserted without pre-drilling. Furthermore, all patients were given a local anesthetic injected into the root tip area in the second quadrant. In the first quadrant the anesthetic was injected directly next to the insertion region. The patients were questioned concerning pain perception prior to, immediately after, and 1 day after the treatment. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the degree of discomfort described by the patients. While patients in group A considered the noise from the dental handpiece as the main discomfort factor, patients in group B reported that the pressure applied when inserting the self-drilling mini-implants was the main source of discomfort. Overall discomfort from injections immediately next to the mini-implant insertion area was lower than that resulting from the standard injection methods, where the longer lasting anesthesia was considered unpleasant. Patients tolerated the various insertion procedures equally well. However, there were differences with regard to the injection technique: The patients favored an injection immediately next to the mini-implant insertion area.

A cross-cultural study of perceptions of medical tourism among Chinese, Japanese and Korean tourists in Korea

The purpose of this study is to observe factors related to perceptions of and possible participation in medical tourism by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean visitors to Jeju Island in Korea. It aims to identify cultural differences among them, and how those differences affect their pursuit of medical tourism in the future. The research results illustrate that significant differences exist in how Chinese, Japanese and Korean visitors view factors of choice, discomfort and preferred product items. The study establishes four factor groups regarding medical tourism with exploratory factor analysis. Based on these findings, differences of participation intention and behaviors among the three groups are explained. From this, the study describes distinct characteristics of medical tourism among the three cultural groups. The differences among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean tourists with regard to the selection of destination, inconveniences, and preferred products were found to be all significant. Korean tourists placed most significance on selection factors, followed by Chinese tourists, and, lastly, the Japanese. On the other hand, inconveniences related to medical and care services, stay and cost, and information and insurance elements were most strongly associated with Japanese tourists. This may be a reflection of a possible tendency of Japanese tourists to value safety and cost effectiveness. For Chinese tourists, the importance of stay and cost was equally high as those of their Japanese counterparts, which is indicative of Chinese tourists’ cost sensitivity. Light treatments (minor surgery) were preferred by Chinese tourists, while more significant treatments (major surgery) were preferred by Japanese tourists. In terms of aesthetic and healthcare services, Chinese tourists showed the most interest, while Japanese tourists placed emphasis on rehabilitation (lifestyle-related), which may reflect the Korean Wave’s influence in certain Chinese market segments, leading to an increased demand for cosmetic or plastic surgery.

Factors associated with problematic vocalizations in nursing home residents with dementia.

Problematic vocalizations (PVs) are the most frequent and persistent disruptive behaviors exhibited by nursing home residents with dementia. Understanding factors associated with these behaviors are important to prevent or reduce them. We used the Need-Driven Dementia-Compromised Behavior model to identify the characteristics of persons with dementia who are likely to display nonaggressive and aggressive PVs and the conditions under which these behaviors are likely to occur and persist. This multisite descriptive study included 138 residents of 17 nursing homes, and approximately half had a history of PVs. Background data were gathered through interviews, chart reviews, and administration of physical and neuropsychological assessments. Proximal data were obtained from observations and videotapes. When the 2 subscales of the Verbal Behavior Scale were used as the dependent variables, agreeableness and conscientiousness, positive affect, and discomfort were associated with nonaggressive vocalizations, and general health state (GHS), age, and negative and positive affect were associated with aggressive vocalizations. When the verbally agitated (nonaggressive) section of the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory was the dependent variable, the background factors of gender, agreeableness, GHS, and age remained predictors, as did the proximal factors of affect and discomfort. We identified 5 background factors and 3 proximal factors as risk factors for PVs in persons with dementia, with variation between nonaggressive or aggressive PVs. These data provide direction for caregiving for persons with dementia and design of interventions to prevent or reduce PVs.

Risk Factors for Physical Discomfort in Australian Optometrists

There are anecdotal reports that optometrists suffer work-related physical discomfort but no published reports to support this. An on-line questionnaire was sent by e-mail to ∼1700 Australian optometrists. Participants were asked if they experienced work-related discomfort in any of eight nominated body regions, the type and severity of discomfort, self-reported work-related factors contributing to the discomfort, and demographic and work-related information. Four hundred sixteen optometrists participated in the questionnaire. Work-related physical discomfort was reported by 82% of respondents. The most common sites of discomfort were neck, shoulder, and lower back. Univariate analysis revealed that females are more likely to report discomfort than males (p = 0.001) and more likely to report a higher number of discomfort sites (p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that females have up to a 6.6× [confidence interval (CI) = 2.2-19.9] greater risk of reporting discomfort in individual body locations compared with males and a higher risk of experiencing severe discomfort (discomfort present for >30 days) [odds ratio (OR) = 3.0, CI = 1.7 to 5.5]. A greater number of eye examinations per day increased the risk of reporting work-related discomfort by up to 5.1× (CI = 2.1 to 12.7). Being self-employed and being older than 40 years both appear to be protective factors for work-related discomfort. The risk of experiencing severe discomfort is increased by performing repetitive tasks (OR = 1.9, CI = 1.2 to 3.1) and by continuing to work while injured (OR = 2.9, CI = 1.6 to 5.2). Eliminating both these factors would reduce the disease load for severe discomfort by 28%. Females, young optometrists, and those conducting a high number of consultations daily have a higher risk of experiencing work-related physical discomfort. Performing repetitive tasks and continuing to work while injured increases the risk of severe discomfort. The results of this investigation have important implications for the longevity of the optometry workforce.

Participatory Ergonomics Applied to Mammographers' Work

A participatory ergonomics process has been initiated, the aim of which is to work with mammographers to develop interventions that will improve their work conditions and reduce their occupational exposure to risk factors for musculoskeletal discomfort. Mammography is an understudied occupation, but worthy of attention, based on the number of workers and the elevated prevalence of musculoskeletal discomfort they experience. The presentation describes the research methodology and results from the first stages of the process.