Duration Of Working Hours Research Articles

Perceived stress and insomnia among medical residents in South India: A cross-sectional study

Background: The ever-expanding medical knowledge, longer work schedule and the work atmosphere ridden with litigations make the medical education a stressful phase. Stress in resident doctors goes unattended many a times. Residents also face difficulty in sleep owing to their heavy work and erratic routine. Insomnia is noted to be a common accompaniment of stress. In this background, the present study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of stress levels and the presence of insomnia among resident doctors and to assess the association between them along with their socio-demographic correlates. Methodology: Resident doctors working in three different hospitals attached to a medical college were approached; consenting participants were administered Sociodemographic pro forma, Perceived Stress Scale, and Bergen's Insomnia scale. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Results: A total of 251 residents participated in the study, of which majority were females, Hindu, from an urban background, unmarried and used no psychoactive substance. Of all the residents 80% reported to be stressed and 62% had insomnia. Bergen's Insomnia scores had moderate correlation with Perceived stress scores (r = 0.453, P < 0.001). Female and sleep-deprived residents had higher stress. Residents in clinical branches and residents with long work hours had significant insomnia than their counterparts. On logistic regression analysis, duration of work hours and problem adjusting to the current place of residence significantly predicted insomnia. Conclusion: Most residents reported to be having stress and the stressed individuals had associated insomnia. Given the serious health effects of stress, there is a need to detect it early. Insomnia could be viewed as an early and soft indicator of underlying stress.

The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Iranian Spinner Workers in the Textile Industry and its Association With Demographic and Lifestyle Characteristics

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the annual and weekly prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) and their relation to demographic characteristics, such as Body Mass Index (BMI), work experience, and physical activity in spinner workers in the textile industry. We also conducted a comparison between the annual and weekly prevalence of MSDs. Methods: The study sample included 700 male spinner workers (Mean±SD age: 32.6±6.5 years) from 10 companies in Najaf Abad City, Isfahan Province, Iran. Information about MSDs was collected through the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (ENMQ) from November 2018 to September 2019. Demographic characteristics were collected using a demographic checklist through a direct interview by one investigator. Results: The present study findings suggested that the Mean±SD duration of work hours per week was 56.6±8.4 hours. The Mean±SD times of experiencing an injury equaled 27.8±33.1 months. The annual prevalence of MSDs was reported to be 74.4% for at least one of the 9 body regions. The highest annual prevalence rates belonged to the knees (54.0%), lower back (34.3%), and shoulders (23.1%). In contrast, the most weekly prevalent regions were the knees (44.6%), lower back (26.9%), and ankles (15.9%). Generally, the weekly prevalence was significantly lower than that of the annual prevalence (P&lt;0.008). Job experience, marital status, and physical exercise presented a significant relationship with the annual prevalence of MSDs in the neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, knees, and ankle/foot. Contrarily, there was a significant relationship between job experience and the weekly prevalence of MSDs in the shoulder, lower back, and knee regions. The prevalence of neck, shoulders, wrists/hands, low back, knee, and ankle/foot pain was significantly increased in married workers. Furthermore, exercise history could cause a significant decrease in the prevalence of MSDs. Discussion: The high prevalence of MSDs in spinner workers is affected by some demographic characteristics; thus, such data should be considered in planning the prevention strategies within the textile industry.

PENGARUH WORK LIFE BALANCE TERHADAP KINERJA DENGAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL MEDIASI (Studi pada Perawat Puskesmas Rawat Inap di Kota Semarang)

The medical personnel have a great responsibility in providing optimal health care. One of the medical personnel who is directly related to the service is a nurse. Nurses are required to have a good performance, in practice, the nurse has a challenge related the duration of work hours. Sometimes the work hours didn’t proper with the compensation obtained. In this study examines the effect of work life balance on employee performance by job satisfaction as a mediating variable.&#x0D; This research was conducted on nurses at Puskesmas inpatient unit on Semarang with a total respondent is 86 people. The sampling method used is Census Sampling. The questionnaire consisted of 6 questions about work life balance, 4 questions about job satisfaction, and 4 questions about employee performance. Data were processed using path analysis with SPSS 22.0 statistical methods for Windows.&#x0D; The results of the study found that work life balance had a significant effect on employee performance. Job satisfaction does not meet the requirements to become a mediating variable because work life balance on job satisfaction does not have a significant effect, and job satisfaction on performance has no significant effect. Thus, in this study the effect of work life balance with employee performance has a direct effect

Pulmonary function of automobile repair workers in the informal sector of Raichur urban

Background: Automobile repair workers of the informal sector are exposed to dusts, toxic fumes and aerosols. Long term occupational exposure may lead to pulmonary function impairment. Hence, the objectives were to study the occurrence of obstructive and restrictive pulmonary impairment among the automobile repair workers by using pulmonary function test and the factors associated with it.Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in automobile repair workers who work in informal sector in the urban area of Raichur in Karnataka. The pulmonary function tests viz. Forced Expiratory volume in one second, Forced vital capacity, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate per liter and FEV1/FVC ratio in percentage were measured for each worker in sitting posture using a digital spirometer. Data collected were analyzed in SPSS 16.0 software. Chi-square test and t test was used.Results: Out of the 97 automobile repair workers, 42 (43.3%) had normal pulmonary function. Among the abnormal PFT, 20 (20.6%) had obstructive lung function, 25 (25.8%) had restrictive lung function and 10 (10.3%) had mixed obstructive and restrictive lung function. The workers with abnormal PFT consisted of body repair workers (25.0%), mechanical workers (38.1%), spray painters (75.0%), battery repair workers (100.0%) and tyre retreading workers (88.9%).Conclusions: In this study, 56.7% of workers had some form of pulmonary function impairment. Smoking, increase in duration of work hours and years of work showed significant pulmonary impairment. The study highlights the need for creating awareness and encouraging the use of protective gears such as masks, early screening, diagnosis and treatment of respiratory diseases among the garage workers.

Prevalence, Pattern and Factors Associated with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMD) among Housekeeping Workers in a Private Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangalore

Introduction Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) represent one of the most common and important occupational health problems in the working population; they negatively impact the quality of life and are a cause for major economic burden in the form of compensation and lost wages. Objectives To assess the prevalence, pattern and factors associated with WRMD among housekeeping workers in a private tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted among housekeeping workers in a private tertiary care hospital from May to September 2014. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire was administered which included socio-demographic details and the standardized Nordic questionnaire (SNQ). Out of the 130 workers, we were able to contact 83 workers (as some were on long leave and some left the job). Results Among the 83 housekeeping workers studied, the mean age was 37.4 ± 2.42 years. Prevalence of WRMD was estimated to be 68.3 per cent and the pattern of pain was found to be high for low back and least for ankles. There was a significant association between the prevalence of pain with increased duration of work hours and years of employment. Conclusion This study showed a high prevalence of WRMD among housekeeping staff which is associated with long hours of work and years of work. We can aim at reducing the WRMD by giving health education about ergonomics, recommending job rotation and in severe cases even physiotherapy.

Musculoskeletal morbidity among construction workers: A cross-sectional community-based study

Background:Construction industry is one of the stable growing industries in India. People working in construction industries are at a risk of various occupational diseases. Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is the single largest cause of work-related illness, accounting for over 33% of all newly reported occupational illnesses in the general population and approximately 77% in construction workers. In spite of the high prevalence and wide range of adverse consequences, the studies highlighting the burden and impact of musculoskeletal morbidities are very scarce in India. The current study is aimed at filling this vital gap in the current knowledge.Objective:To assess the musculoskeletal morbidities among construction workers using the modified Nordisk Scale.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted by 30 × 10 multistage cluster random sampling method in Chennai Metropolitan city.Results:Out of the 308 participants included in the final analysis, majority were 21–40 years. Working hours ranged from 8 to 12 hours. Duration of work ranged from 2 months to 20 years. Out of 308 participants, 104 workers (33.8%) had musculoskeletal problems. Three most common disorders discovered were low backache seen in 64 (20.8%), shoulder pain seen in 36 (11.7%), and wrist pain seen in 36 (11.7%) participants. The proportion of hospitalized participants in the last 1 year was 7.8%. Total duration in the construction field, duration of work hours, and higher age had statistically significant impact on musculoskeletal morbidity.Conclusion:The prevalence of musculoskeletal morbidity was very high in construction workers, with resulting adverse impact on the workers. Immense attention, in the form of appropriate prevention measures, is needed to effectively address this public health problem.

Training to prevent healthcare associated infections

Objectives. Aim of this study was to investigate pre-education information level, efficiency of training, persistence of acquired information, and factors affecting information level of recently employed nurses about healthcare associated infections. Methods. One hundred and thirty-two nurses who have just started work were trained about “healthcare associated infections and infection control measures”. Tests were performed pre, post training and one year after training. Factors affecting test success were investigated. Results. Nurses who continued education after high school were more successful ( p =0.002). Duration of work-hours, unit where they work and presence of previous training didn't affect test success ( p =0.705, p =0.040, p =0.105; respectively). Test results were assessed over 100 points. Mean score before the training was 67.95±10.5 and it increased to 85.06±7.6 after the training ( p =0.000). Mean test score at test repeated one year later was 80.04±8.77. Unit where they have worked during previous year, application of isolation in their unit and presence of training didn't affect general success in the test ( p =0.344, p =0.316, p =0.259; respectively). Conclusions. Training programs using individualized, regularly repeated and approved training methods should be conducted in accordance with needs determined by these studies. Next target after knowledge increase will be reflection of this increase to daily practice and behaviour change.

Work Hours and Worker Happiness in the US: Weekly Hours, Hours Preferences and Schedule Flexibility

This research explores the relationship between three different dimensions of work hours with individuals’ reported level of happiness — its duration, mismatch with preferences and flexibility over its timing. Using pooled data from the US General Social Survey (1972-2012) and two of its modules, we find many nuances in the association of the weekly duration of work hours and happiness level among those employed. This includes patterns by occupation, such as managerial-administrative vis-a-vis others, income levels and size of geographical location of work. Working hours just below 40 hours per week tends to be associated inversely with happiness, and also in the shortest hours of work bracket, depending on control variables. Happiness is also frequently lower at the level of weekly hours just above the 40-hour standard. In contrast, working very long hours is associated positively with happiness. However, this is virtually all attributable to the income level of the worker. Alternative indicators of work hours duration largely reinforce these findings. In addition, being underemployed — below one’s preferred workweek, willing to work longer, regardless of hours duration — is consistently associated with reduced happiness level. We offer possible explanations for these “underemployed worker” and “happy worker” effects in the US institutional context. Finally, indicators of flexibility employee-centered, such as setting of one’s work schedule, are strongly associated with greater happiness, robust through all control variables. The findings may provide support for public policies that are intended to curb both the incidence and extent of worker underemployment and to promote a legal right of employees to request and receive a preferred minimum workweek and/or reconfiguration of the duration, timing and flexibility of their work hours or schedule, in the pursuit of individual and national happiness.

The musculoskeletal system complaints of office workers at a vehicle production factory

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors contributing to musculoskeletal system complaints (MSC) in office workers of a vehicle production factory and absenteeism due to these complaints. A total of 86.2% (n = 333) of the workers completed the survey. Of the workers, 73 (21.9%) were women, and 260 (78.1%) were men, and the mean age was 36.9 ± 8.75 years. The majority of the personnel had more than one symptom with a prevalence of 80.8%. The most frequently observed discomfort was tension and pain in the back muscles (58.6%) and in the neck muscles (58.3%), followed by low back pain (41%) and shoulder pain (30.3%). Pain in the shoulders, neck, and the back and pain and numbness in the fingers were statistically significantly more prevalent in employees who spent more than 5 hours per day performing desk work. Furthermore, all of the complaints, excluding pain in the elbows and knees, were statistically significantly more common in the women. When each complaint and the effects of contributing risk factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, pain in the shoulders, neck, and back; pain that spread to the arms; and pain in the fingers were correlated with longer work hours and the female gender (p < 0.05). The number of employees who had used sick leave within the past year due to MSCs was 11.7%. In conclusion, duration of work hours, frequency of breaks, and gender were determined as the most important risk factors in computer users regarding MSCs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Estimated activity patterns in British 45 year olds: cross-sectional findings from the 1958 British birth cohort

To investigate patterns of, and associations between, physical activity at work and in leisure time, television viewing and computer use. 4531 men and 4594 women with complete plausible data, age 44-45 years, participating in the 1958 British birth cohort study. Physical activity, television viewing and computer use (hours/week) were estimated using a self-complete questionnaire and intensity (MET hours/week) derived for physical activity. Relationships were investigated using linear regression and chi(2) tests. From a target sample of 11,971, 9223 provided information on physical activity, of whom 75 and 47% provided complete and plausible activity data on work and leisure time activity respectively. Men and women spent a median of 40.2 and 34.2 h/week, respectively in work activity, and 8.3 and 5.8 h/week in leisure activity. Half of all participants watched television for > or =2 h/day, and half used a computer for <1 h/day. Longer work hours were not associated with a shorter duration of leisure activity, but were associated with a shorter duration of computer use (men only). In men, higher work MET hours were associated with higher leisure-time MET hours, and shorter durations of television viewing and computer use. Watching more television was related to fewer hours or MET hours of leisure activity, as was longer computer use in men. Longer computer use was related to more hours (or MET hours) in leisure activities in women. Physical activity levels at work and in leisure time in mid-adulthood are low. Television viewing (and computer use in men) may compete with leisure activity for time, whereas longer duration of work hours is less influential. To change active and sedentary behaviours, better understanding of barriers and motivators is needed.

The Adjustment of the Manufacturing Labors in the Northeastern, Thailand

Problem statement: Northeastern labors used to live in the community cultures moved to work at the garment factory. The capitalism and the national economic and social development plan of Thailand were the causes. The policy of this plan was to make Thailand modern and emphasized development of an economic power. The Northeastern labors lacked of the lands for planting and turned to be head over heels in dept. They migrated to be the labors in the industry section for themselves, their families and the rural communities can survive under the capitalism context. The purpose of the article was to study the adjustment of the manufacturing labors in the garment manufacturing in Khon Khaen province located in Northeast of Thailand. Approach: It was a qualitative research. Data collection included interviews and participant observations and document analysis. Research data was classified into groups on study topic and analyzed on the purpose of study by using descriptive analysis. Informants included 60 key informants were the labors, the owned factory and the officer. Results: The result of this research was the adjustment causes of the labors who worked at the garment factory has divided into 3 conflict levels were as follows: (1) practicing, (2) norm and (3) value and ideal. These causes made them by adjusting themselves to economy acculturation for sufficient economy, namely employees stopped working when they earned enough money and the adjustment in duration of work hours was not strict. The Northeastern labors adjusted themselves for stopped working with traditional condition that was called “Heatsipsong“. It was the cultural capital of the Northeastern labors and the adjustment from cultural integration of the labors. The Northeastern labors enjoyed working as collective work and the rule and duty in work were held to a family and kinship structure; however, the rule and duty in the scheduling and assigning of employees was up to a specialization for each person. The employers viewed that the intimate relationship among family and kinship was an obstacle to produce an added value to the economy. For these reasons, the employers adjusted themselves to the labors by depending on the individual specialization. Conclusion/Recommendations: The Northeastern labors who dissatisfy working at the garment factory, they adjusted themselves to amalgamation by stopping to work at the garment factory. They chose instead to sew clothing at home. It was the short adjustment for them in their live.

Benchmark Duration of Work Hours for Development of Fatigue Symptoms in Japanese Workers with Adjustment for Job‐Related Stress

The objective of this study was to calculate benchmark durations and lower 95% confidence limits for benchmark durations of working hours associated with subjective fatigue symptoms by applying the benchmark dose approach while adjusting for job-related stress using multiple logistic regression analyses. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 3,069 male and 412 female daytime workers (age 18-67 years) in a Japanese steel company. The eight dependent variables in the Cumulative Fatigue Symptoms Index were decreased vitality, general fatigue, physical disorders, irritability, decreased willingness to work, anxiety, depressive feelings, and chronic tiredness. Independent variables were daily working hours, four subscales (job demand, job control, interpersonal relationship, and job suitability) of the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, and other potential covariates. Using significant parameters for working hours and those for other covariates, the benchmark durations of working hours were calculated for the corresponding Index property. Benchmark response was set at 5% or 10%. Assuming a condition of worst job stress, the benchmark duration/lower 95% confidence limit for benchmark duration of working hours per day with a benchmark response of 5% or 10% were 10.0/9.4 or 11.7/10.7 (irritability) and 9.2/8.9 or 10.4/9.8 (chronic tiredness) in men and 8.9/8.4 or 9.8/8.9 (chronic tiredness) in women. The threshold amounts of working hours for fatigue symptoms under the worst job-related stress were very close to the standard daily working hours in Japan. The results strongly suggest that special attention should be paid to employees whose working hours exceed threshold amounts based on individual levels of job-related stress.

Overtime Work and Family Consequences

The consequences for the work and family interface when workers' work longer than their usual hours might depend on the extra hours of work but perhaps even more so on whether such extra hours are required rather than chosen purely voluntarily. This research analyzes data from a large national survey from which we are able to isolate the potential role of choice of overtime work. It highlights the tradeoffs involved for workers. It entails a sacrifice of potential time or energy for home and family life activities. But extra hours also have positive consequences such as greater income and satisfaction from work. Two-thirds of the employed reported working longer than their usually scheduled hours at least one day per month, and about a third of these worked extra hours because it was required by their employer. The main self reported adverse consequences for workers' is interference of work with family time and inability to take time off from work for family or personal need. Greater fatigue carried home, including energy to do household chores, is also higher. Multinomial regression analysis finds only minimal effects on fatigue when overtime work is not mandatory. However, when extra work is mandatory, all such adverse effects are present and significant. Thus, future research in the work-life field should more deeply consider and measure the crucial factor of choice in overtime work, not just the duration of work hours. In addition, it should incorporate into theoretical constructs the potential economic gains workers that workers also may experience from doing overtime work, which may at least partly offset the negative effects on work-family integration.