Work Experience Research Articles

Exploring Health Professionals’ Views on Hive: A Digital collaborative space for Health Emergencies

Abstract Background The rapidly changing media landscape has significantly affected how information is consumed, particularly during health emergencies. Conflicting information shared or information lacking in scientific rigour can be exploited nefariously online to undermine the health response and damage trust. Digital platforms have become increasingly vital for facilitating communication, and in response, the WHO developed the Hive digital space to provide a safe environment for public health professionals to convene, share information, ask questions, and learn from each other. This study aims to explore the experiences of public health professionals in health emergencies to assess the added value of the Hive platform to coordinate and connect health expertise globally. Methods This study uses a cross-sectional online survey distributed to Hive users focusing on their experiences of working in health emergencies. The responses will undergo descriptive and thematic analysis, as well as inferential statistics such as one-way ANOVA and post-hoc analysis. The survey will emphasize the practical application, value, satisfaction, perceptions, and strategy for the Hive platform to be utilised for global health emergency coordination. Expected Outcomes Insights from this study will delineate how the Hive platform is used by public health experts at all levels in emergency management. It will also highlight the challenges, needs and demands for digital tools to connect skills, experience and knowledge in one place. These insights will demonstrate how the Hive can streamline these processes and provide a safe space for information exchange for a coordinated response to health emergencies. Conclusions Understanding the needs and perceptions of Hive users involved in health emergency prevention, preparedness, response, and resilience will provide critical insights into optimizing the platform’s usability, connectiveness across emergency teams and sustainability of the platform. Key messages • Connecting communities, fostering collaboration and co-creation for improved health emergency management. • Hive enhances collaboration among health professionals, providing a safe environment for knowledge and information sharing.

Children with disabilities and inclusive education in general schools: pricipals’ attitudes

Abstract Background As inclusive education is being implemented nationwide in Lithuania, various attitudes towards education of children with disabilities in general schools are observed. We aimed to assess the attitudes of heads of general schools towards the provision of education to children with disabilities in general education schools of Lithuania. Methods Heads of all schools in the Lithuanian capital and its surrounding municipalities implementing general education programmes were invited to take part in this study. 115 persons agreed to participate and completed the questionnaire in spring of 2024. The distribution of the respondents by their answers to the questions about the attitudes towards the provision of inclusive education was compared according to gender, age, education level, work experience, school location (municipality), language of education, type of school, subordination, number of pupils, teachers, teaching assistants and pupils with disabilities. Results The most frequently indicated barriers for inclusive education provision were the lack of specialists, compensatory measures, methodological tools, adaptation of the physical environment, and high number of pupils (87.8%, 84.3%, 78.8% and 76.6% respectively). Attitudes of the respondents were similar in most of the cases when compared according to socio-demographic factors (p more than 0.05). Negative attitudes towards the possibilities for provision of inclusive education were more common among respondents from schools with fewer pupils and higher relative number of teachers, positive attitudes - among those from schools located in municipalities with lower number of residents and schools with more teaching assistants (p less than 0.05). Conclusions While attitudes of heads of general schools towards the provision of inclusive education for children with disabilities are similar in most of the cases, negative attitudes are more common among those from schools with fewer pupils and more teachers. Key messages • While attitudes of heads of general schools towards the inclusive education are similar in most of the cases, negative attitudes are more common among those from smaller schools. • Higher number of teaching assistants and smaller municipalities were associated with positive attitudes towards inclusive education of children with disabilies in general schools.

Social Diversity in Focus: Assessing the Impact of Socioeconomic Backgrounds and Work Experience on Psychological Well-Being and Academic Confidence Among German First-Year Medical Students

This investigation pioneers an examination of the scarcely explored terrain of social diversity in medical education, assessing the complex impacts of socioeconomic status (SES), prior working experiences, and completed apprenticeships on a spectrum of psychological and academic facets among first-year medical students (n = 336) in an urban university setting. By utilizing a systematic and detailed approach, the study illuminates prior anatomical knowledge and various psychological constructs, marking a significant stride into a domain where knowledge remains profoundly limited. Analyses indicated that SES significantly affects financial anxiety (F(4, 331) = 17.391, p < 0.001) and academic behavioral confidence (F(4, 331) = 4.323, p = 0.002). Students with prior working experience reported higher self-perceived clinical experience but lower A-level grades (t(279.459) = −6.690, p < 0.001), competence in natural sciences (t(321.045) = −3.178, p = 0.002), and online competence (t(319.429) = −2.026, p = 0.044). Those who completed an apprenticeship showed higher resilience, academic confidence, self-efficacy, and greater concerns about balancing studies and work (t values ranging from 2.020 to 3.158, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between resilience (RQS) and coping with academic stress (CAS) (r = 0.632, p < 0.001), as well as between resilience and academic behavioral confidence (ABC) (r = 0.608, p < 0.001). Negative correlations were observed between resilience, coping with academic stress, academic confidence, and cognitive test anxiety (CTA) (r values from −0.235 to −0.404, p < 0.001). The findings emphasize the need for tailored support for students from diverse SES backgrounds and with varying experiences. The study highlights the value of a comprehensive approach in medical education, considering the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these factors on professional competencies and patient care, leveraging the diversity of the student body for a holistic educational experience.

Why students feel anxious in group work: an investigation into students’ perspectives on the sources of their anxious experiences in group work

IntroductionThis large-scale, mixed-methods study aimed to uncover sources of learner anxiety when interacting in small groups in the language classroom. A secondary aim of the study was to examine relationships between these sources and learners’ levels of small-group anxiety.MethodsData was gathered from 1,344 learners enrolled in English classes at four universities in western Japan. Qualitative content analysis was employed to identify anxiety-inducing situations described in learner’ responses, and categorize these situations based on the underlying source of anxiety.ResultsThe analysis revealed two primary sources of small-group anxiety: interacting with other learners and L2 communication. The most prominent interaction-related situations were interacting with new people, expressing opinions, and uncomfortable silence, while those related to L2 communication were competence and proficiency, conveying meaning and understanding others. Levels of small-group anxiety were significantly related to the source of anxiety. Learners with a high level of anxiety were twice as likely to cite interaction as the source of their anxiety than learners with a low level of anxiety.DiscussionThe results suggest that interaction anxiety may be more salient than foreign language anxiety when language learners work in small groups, and that the impact of this form of social anxiety needs to be taken into consideration for learners to fully receive the benefits of group work.

Investigation of the Knowledge Level of Hospital Managers About Strategic Management Tools and Their Use

Objectives: Effective and efficient implementation of all elements of strategic management is important for health organizations to achieve their future goals. This study aims to examine the knowledge levels of hospital managers about strategic management tools, their usage of these tools, and the priorities and needs in tool selection. Materials and Methods: The population of the study is the managers working in private hospitals in Antalya Province. 90 managers constitute the sample of the study. The data were collected by face-to-face questionnaire method. The questionnaire includes sociodemographic characteristics form and statements to measure the level of knowledge and use of strategic management tools. Mann Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were applied to examine the differences between groups, and Spearman Correlation Analysis was applied to examine the relationships between variables. SPSS.25 Package Program was used to analyze the data obtained. Statistical significance was accepted at 0.05 level. Results: 59% of the participants were female, 63% had a bachelor's degree, and the majority (41%) were middle managers. Those who did not receive managerial training and strategic management training were the majority (54% and 71%, respectively). When the knowledge level of the managers about strategic management tools was analyzed, mission and vision (98.9%) received the highest score, and value chain analysis (73.3%) received the lowest score. It was observed that the priorities of the administrators in the selection of strategic management tools were different between the groups according to gender, level of education, and type of school graduated from. In addition, statistically significant relationships were found between the priorities in the selection of strategic management tools and age, professional experience and years of working in the organization. Conclusion: Managers have limited knowledge and use of strategic management tools and there are differences in the selection of strategic management tools according to their sociodemographic status.

Employees’ work ability during returning to work with common mental disorders: a mixed methods study

Abstract Background A main goal during the return to work (RTW) process after a long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders (CMDs), is to restore and maintain an employees’ work ability to enable sustained work participation. To date, surprisingly little research has examined the concept of work ability during the RTW process with CMDs. To better understand how to restore employees’ work ability during RTW with CMDs, both quantitative and qualitative research is needed. The goal of this mixed methods study is to expand the understanding of restoring work ability during the RTW process with CMDs. Methods In this mixed methods follow-up study of N = 286 participants, work ability was quantitatively assessed with the Work Ability Score (WAS, range 0-10) at five measurement points (0, 6, 12, 18 and 30 months) during 30 months of follow-up. In a sub-sample, the qualitative work ability experiences of N = 32 participants were jointly analysed with their quantitative work ability ratings at 6 and 12 months. Results In the joint analysis, three groups of qualitative work ability experiences together with their respective quantitative work ability ratings emerged: Employees with (1) poor work ability (WAS 0-3), who did not RTW yet and described great difficulties in coping with everyday life; (2) moderate work ability (WAS 4-6), who mainly did RTW, but still showed a certain level of fragility; and (3) good to very good work ability (WAS 7-10), who mainly returned within 12 months and reported many individual and work accommodations to restore and maintain their work ability. Conclusions The joint evaluation of work ability ratings and experiences allowed a deeper understanding of restoring work ability during the RTW process. This knowledge may help occupational health professionals and other key RTW stakeholders to provide more tailored support during the RTW process and to promote a sustainable RTW for employees with CMDs. Key messages • Restoring and maintaining the work ability of employees with common mental disorders during the return to work process is crucial for their sustained work participation. • Achieving a good to very good work ability helps returning employees with common mental disorders to ‘stay and thrive’ at work again.

The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Working Conditions and Efficiency of Radiographers at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences' Radiology and CT Scan Imaging Centers

Background: Radiographers are highly skilled imaging technology users who work directly with COVID-19 cases. Objectives: This study aims to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the working conditions and efficiency of radiographers and their level of satisfaction with personal protective equipment (PPE), cleaning supplies, and facilities during the COVID-19 epidemic. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among radiographers registered in the radiology and CT scan imaging centers of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences and some private centers between June and October 2022. A questionnaire with 28 multiple-choice questions was used to collect information. The questionnaire consisted of two sections; the first part contained demographic information. In the second part, participants answered questions about changes in working conditions, such as changes in stress level, work efficiency, the need for more rest, imaging time, use of equipment, and personal protective equipment at work, based on their experiences and observations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data analysis was performed using Statistical Product Service Solutions (SPSS) software, version 26.0, with statistical significance assumed at a P-value < 0.05. Results: One hundred and fifty radiographers completed the questionnaire. The mean age and mean work experience of participants were 33.2 ± 8.3 years and 9 ± 7.2 years, respectively. The results showed that most participants of both sexes agreed that they needed more rest (P-value < 0.05); their work efficiency had not decreased significantly during the COVID-19 epidemic. The stress level of participants had significantly increased compared to before the epidemic. There were significant differences between government-owned hospitals and private radiology centers regarding the presence of a COVID-19-related protocol, the compulsory use of masks, the existence of decontamination instructions, the type of air decontamination, the contact with imaging equipment manufacturers, the timing of decontamination, and the type of decontamination applied to the imaging equipment (P-value < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the reduction in work efficiency among radiographers was not significant compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the study's results, radiographers' working conditions underwent numerous adjustments over the course of the COVID-19 epidemic.

School teachers’ perceptions of intersectoral working with health in the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the challenge for teachers to integrate protective health measures into their academic daily responsibilities. The aim of this abstract is to analyse how school teachers’ views on intersectoral collaboration with health professionals during COVID-19 vary by country, seeking insights for future directions. Methods In 2021, an online survey was conducted in 6 languages with education and health professionals, followed by optional online semi-structured interviews. We explored the: 1-effect of the pandemic on schools/pupils/teachers; 2-reorganisation of schools; 3-experience of implementing infection control measures in schools; 4-intersectoral working; 5-important resources for keeping schools open. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and translated into English. Analysis of a survey question seeking professionals’ rating of intersectoral working led to a directed content analysis of transcripts and free-text survey responses regarding intersectoral working experiences. Results Data were analysed from 1046 school teacher survey responses from 6 countries/territories and 21 follow-up interviews. Ratings varied considerably across countries. A large majority of teachers in Taipei (83%) reported excellent or good collaboration with health professionals, about half in China (53%) and Portugal (51%), and far fewer in Brazil (38%), Morocco (29%) and France (15%). Taipei respondents cited the key role of school nurses as a positive factor; others added clear national guidelines and local protocols. Negative ratings related to health professionals’ rare visits or absence. Conclusions The direct support of health professionals in schools was offered as explanation for teachers’ positive ratings of intersectoral working in the pandemic. Policy and practice varied geographically; thus, understanding contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of intersectoral working in schools is crucial to orient future public health strategies. Key messages • This highlights the importance of understanding contextual factors that influence the effectiveness of intersectoral working in implementing protective health measures in schools. • This suggests that policy support and the presence of dedicated health personnel within schools play a pivotal role in ensuring effective collaboration between the education and health sectors.

Suspicious activity reporting in emerging economies: the case of Iran

PurposeCountries with high levels of corruption can experience collusion between powerful elites and accountants to conceal, disguise and clean the proceeds of criminality. This study investigates the willingness of accountants to report evidence of money laundering in an emerging economy, Iran, notwithstanding potential personal and professional risks implicit in such due diligence. It evaluates the relevance of personal characteristics of accountants to the propensity to report, and the implications for policy makers in terms of audit team composition.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology is quantitative. Data was gathered by means of a suspicious activity scenario-based questionnaire administered to 1,128 of Certified Public Accountants in Iran, of which 281 responses were received. Four hypotheses were tested relating to the implications, if any, of gender, age, education and working experience for the propensity to report red flags indicative of money laundering.FindingsData revealed that accountants were generally more willing to report activity indicative of money laundering than was anticipated in an environment perceived to be characterised by professional and personal risks. Older accountants are more risk averse and more likely to report suspicious activity than younger counterparts who tend to disregard borderline indicators of money laundering. A significant red flag indicator of money laundering is a client's reluctance to provide information regarding controlling shareholders, debtors and creditors or to explain contrived and opaque corporate structures. Audit teams may be more effective when gender-balanced: female accountants tend to be more willing to report suspicious activity than male counterparts, reducing the risk of interference by powerful elites.Research limitations/implicationsThe time frame over which the research was conducted was a single year; if it had been conducted over several years it may have revealed more nuanced and evolving reporting behaviour. The study was limited to Iran: a cross-comparison with another emerging economy or economies may have revealed useful contrasts.Originality/valueThe study contributes to behavioural accounting research in emerging economies. Limited empirical data is available regarding the influence of personal characteristics of accountants on their willingness to report suspicious activity in corrupt environments where personal safety and professional security may be at risk from powerful elites. It evaluates the implications of these for suspicious activity reporting policy, and for improving the effectiveness of the scrutineering role of audit teams. An innovative questionnaire was designed which may be suitable for future comparable research in emerging economies.

Investigating the Relationship between Emotion Regulation Strategies and Anxiety Caused by COVID-19 in Employees of Rehabilitation Centers

Background and Objectives: In the current situation, it is essential to determine the level of anxiety in medical and non-medical employees due to the pandemic. Therefore, this research aims to assess the relationship between corona anxiety, emotion regulation strategies, and stress tolerance among the staff of rehabilitation centers in Tehran Province, Iran. Methods: This study was descriptive, cross-sectional, and correlational. The statistical population of the present study included the entire staff of rehabilitation centers served by the Welfare Organization of Tehran Province in 2022. Using simple random sampling, 10 rehabilitation centers were selected as study centers. Subsequently, 200 employees of these centers were selected and tested using Morgan’s sampling table (the male age of the participants was 31.5 years). The data collection instruments included the corona disease anxiety scale, the emotional distress tolerance questionnaire (2005), and the March emotional self-regulation strategies scale (2007). Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 26. Results: The results showed that the mean of corona anxiety was 18.94 out of a maximum of 54 and the proportion of psychological symptoms of corona anxiety was higher than physical symptoms. The highest score from the participant’s point of view from dimensions of distress tolerance was assigned to the subjective assessment of distress. The mean score for distress tolerance was 52.68 out of a maximum of 75 points and the mean score for employees’ emotion regulation strategies was 134.37 points, which shows that the use of emotional self-regulation strategies is strong. The results of the current research showed that corona anxiety decreases significantly by increasing distress tolerance, absorption of negative emotions, regulation of efforts to relieve distress and distress tolerance, and corona anxiety also decreases significantly. Also, with the increase in the level of emotion regulation strategies, the anxiety of corona decreases significantly. Distress tolerance showed a negative correlation with corona anxiety, and with the improvement of distress tolerance, corona anxiety decreased (P=0.014). Conclusion: Based on the results, increasing and improving distress tolerance and emotional regulation strategies significantly reduced corona anxiety. Also, the experiences and work of experts with more work experience alongside the younger and less experienced forces and their cooperation prepared the ground to reduce the effects of corona anxiety, as well as to improve the level of stress tolerance and emotion regulation strategies of employees.

Predicting PTSD among labour ward staff: The role of burnout, intent to leave, and emotional support

Abstract Background Healthcare professionals in delivery rooms frequently encounter stressful situations. Following an examination of how midwives coped and functioned during the unfamiliar and chaotic period of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is crucial to understand their challenges and the support they receive to enhance well-being and patient care. This study aimed to examine the relationship between burnout, intentions to leave, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) symptoms among healthcare professionals, and to identify predictors of PTSD. Methods We employed a mixed-methods design, consisting of a survey of 196 midwives and gynecologists assessing burnout, intentions to leave, exposure to negative work experiences, and PTSD. Additionally, we conducted 15 semi-structured interviews and 13 interviews with labour ward head nurses. Results Most participants experienced difficult events in the delivery room or multiple such events, reporting insufficient emotional support. The main themes identified were stress, fear, anxiety, and frustration. Burnout and a lack of emotional support were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms, with participants highlighting the need for more support to manage complex situations. Discussion Addressing burnout through prevention and intervention programs is essential. Emotional support plays a crucial role in mitigating PTSD symptoms, enhancing resilience and well-being among midwives and gynecologists. Implications for Nursing Management: Understanding the psychological impact of stressful situations on healthcare professionals is crucial for guiding policies and interventions aimed at maintaining staff psychological well-being. Midwives’ managers can leverage this research to identify actions that improve staff resilience and cohesion during crises. Strengthening the resilience of health teams is pivotal in providing optimal health services. Key messages • Burnout and insufficient emotional support are key predictors of PTSD among healthcare workers in labour wards. • Enhancing support and resilience for midwives and gynecologists is crucial for their well-being and patient care.

Interconnected mental health symptoms: network analysis of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout among psychiatric nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout are common among healthcare workers. However, the interconnections among them remain under-explored. This study aimed to address the interrelationships among these symptoms in psychiatric nurses. We conducted a nationwide survey in the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic (January to March 2021) to investigate the interconnectedness of depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout among psychiatric nurses. Using network analysis, we identified central symptoms, important bridge symptoms, and the correlations among these central symptoms. Of the 9,224 psychiatric nurses (79.2% female) included in the statistical analyses, 27.6% reported clinically significant depression, 31.2% anxiety, 14.5% stress, and 23.8% burnout. Network analysis revealed that stress had the highest expected influence (EI) value (0.920) and the highest strength among all nodes. The node for depression scored the highest in both closeness and betweenness. Emotional exhaustion (EE) had the highest bridge expected influence (BEI) of 0.340, with the strongest intergroup association between EE and depression. No significant differences were found in gender or frontline work experience (all p > 0.05). Burnout, depression, anxiety, and stress are relatively common among psychiatric nurses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. While anxiety was the most prevalent, stress emerged as the core symptom, and depression as an important bridging node. Interventions targeting the core symptoms and bridging nodes may improve the mental health of psychiatric nurses.

Characteristics and Views of Young Unaccompanied Migrants Transitioning to Independent Living in the Catalan (Spain) Protection System

AbstractIn Spain, unaccompanied migrant minors receive care provision from the government. This article analyzes the experience of unaccompanied young migrants in the protection system of Catalonia (Spain) and their preparation for the transition to independent living. A survey with 90 unaccompanied migrant youths who were about to leave care was conducted. The results show that many of the participants were in non-specific transitional housing placements (67.7%), with scarce opportunities for developing basic independent living skills. Moreover, 29.4% of young people were not aware of the existence of an emancipation plan, and 10.3% felt that they had not received any preparation for independent living. Although only 24.4% had completed secondary education or higher, the majority were enrolled in some form of training (82.2%). Nevertheless, most of the young people had had some paid unskilled work experience (83.3%) in their countries of origin. Despite this, when interviewed, only 10% of the participants were working, and their prospects for emancipation were challenging. Their main concerns were their legal status (40.2%), finding a job (41.4%), and finding a place to live once they reached legal age (34.2%). Moreover, the youths’ social support networks were very precarious: 43.5% could count on only one person or no one at all when they needed material support, and their main source of support was educators. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

Self-perceived attitudes of Italian oncology nurses towards clinical trial involvement: A cohort observational study.

Literature is lacking when it comes to oncology nursing attitudes in clinical trial involvement. To assess how Italian oncology nurses perceived their attitudes in clinical trials involvement. An on-line cohort observational study was carried out. Data collected included: sex, years of work experience in oncology field and 10 items assessing participants' self-perceptions of their attitudes in clinical trials. Linear regression was used to assess associations between work experience and self-perceived preparedness. A total of 338 Italian oncology nurses were enrolled. Most nurses declared not receiving any specific training in oncology clinical trials (23.1%). No significant associations were reported between self- perceived attitudes in clinical trial involvement in the oncology setting and both work experience and clinical trial involvement. Cancer centers are improving cancer nursing research in supplying clinical care. But very few centers are involved in training oncology nurses. This gap seems to be very deep in taking into consideration the oncology nursing research in clinical trials, too.

Introducing Economics Students to Marxist Political Economy: Mental and Physical Health in the Workplace

Introducing economics students to Marxist political economy (MPE) can be a challenging endeavor, especially as there is often limited space in the curriculum. Given this constraint, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to best do justice to the complexity and depth of Marx’s work. Students can find MPE daunting, approach the topic with a range of preconceptions, and find it hard to see the immediate relevance. This case study of our teaching practice illustrates how we have approached this issue by introducing students to MPE with an application to physical and mental health in the workplace. By starting with students’ own experiences of work, we help them unpack how and why the workplace is structured in the way it is. Initial discussions about the workplace, including about situations in which students have tried to avoid doing work, enable some initial theoretical categories to be developed, such as the distinction between labor and labor power, as well as other observations about how their workplaces are organized to extract labor from them, and the unequal rewards from the output of the work that they do. This provides a way into a more formal theoretical presentation of MPE, but one that is rooted in the lived experience of students. We then look at the implications and effects that the labor process has on physical and mental health (which Marx documents in Capital volume 1) using case studies from across the globe, including Amazon warehouse workers in the United States and United Kingdom, and textile workers in India. By teaching MPE in this way, we aim to demonstrate how the logic of capitalism imposes itself on the workplace and shapes daily life, and we hope this can inspire students to explore Marx’s work further. JEL Classification: I2, P1

Beyond the Ire of Flames: Work Experiences of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Station Chiefs

Fire occurrences have significantly risen in recent years. These fires endanger lives, cause economic damage, and harm the environment. Uncontrolled fires are a major reason for building collapses and injuries. Building fires cause trauma due to the loss of belongings and the building itself. Existing fire safety systems are failing due to unaddressed factors causing building fires (Rathnayake et al., 2020). This study explored the experiences of the station chiefs of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Iloilo Province, Philippines, through a qualitative research method. The participants of this study were the selected ten (10) BFP station chiefs. All participants were subjected to an individual in-depth interview. The findings of this study are described in emergent themes. Six (6) emergent themes described the positive and negative experiences of the informants in the performance of their duties. For the positive experiences, two (2) emergent themes were developed, namely Personal Satisfaction Through Job Fulfillment and Workplace Camaraderie and Support. For the negative experiences, four (4) emergent themes were also developed, namely: Inadequate Resources and Financial Challenges, Complexity of Leadership and Personnel Management, Bombarded with Public Dissatisfaction, and Operational Delays and Equipment Failures. Meanwhile, three (3) emergent themes were formulated to explain how the participants address the challenges encountered in the performance of their duties, namely: Empowering Collaboration and Support Networks, Bolstering Preventive Measures and Education, and Embodying Resilience and Adaptability. Finally, three (3) emergent themes were created to express the aspirations of participants to improve the quality of their services, namely Continuous Training and Professional Development, Adequate Fiscal Allocation and Service Facilities, and Improvement of Personnel and Staffing Issues. Based on the emergent themes identified, it is recommended that the fire station chiefs be enhanced by providing them with specialized training and career development programs. This can be accomplished by the successful integration of the latest firefighting technologies in the specialized training to enhance the response effectiveness of their station.

Criteria in Building Material Selection and The Role of Sustainability

Buildings have become the focal point of sustainability because they consume large amounts of natural resources, especially materials and energy, and produce waste throughout their life cycle. Efforts to make buildings sustainable begin with the sustainability of the materials that govern most of the construction management process. In this study, an attempt was made to determine the importance levels of the criteria to be considered in the sustainability of building materials. For this purpose, a survey study was conducted to evaluate the importance of 25 criteria, grouped under the headings of environmental, social, and economic criteria, in terms of sustainability. The survey was conducted with the participation of 50 people from different professions and with different demographic characteristics, and whether participant opinions differed according to demographic characteristics was examined through inferential analyses. The inferential analyses revealed that the views differed for the work experience and only on economic criteria, and that there was no differentiation according to gender, age, education level and profession. For this reason, it was decided that the results could be generalized, and the relative importance values of the criteria were determined. While water conservation ranks first among all criteria, including environmental, accessibility among social criteria and long-term savings among economic criteria have been determined to be the most important criteria. The results revealed which criteria should be taken into consideration in the sustainability of building materials in order to make the construction industry more sustainable. In this respect, it is evaluated that the study will be a guide for governments, local governments, building material manufacturers, designers, contractors and ultimately users.

Death Anxiety and Its Related Factors in Emergency Medical Technicians in Qom, Iran, in the Post-COVID-19 Era

Background and Objectives: Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) are the first healthcare providers in the time of crisis. They are exposed to many physical and psychological risks, including death anxiety. The present study aims to investigate the death anxiety level and its related factors in EMTs in Qom, Iran, in the post-COVID-19 era. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 185 EMTs from the hospitals affiliated to Qom University of Medical Sciences in 2023. Sampling was done by simple random method. The data collection tool was Templer’s Death Anxiety Scale. Data analysis was done in SPSS software, version 23 using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, ANOVA, and regression analyses. Results: The mean total score of death anxiety was 6.4±3.05. Based on the results of the multivariate regression analysis, the variables of age, marital status, and work experience could explain 43% of the variance in death anxiety of EMTs (β=0.433, P=0.001). Conclusion: Death anxiety of EMTs in Qom in the post-COVID-19 era is at a moderate level. The factors of age, marital status, and work experience are the predictors of death anxiety in EMTs. It is recommended that older, married, and more experienced EMTs should receive more psychological evaluations and consultations.

Monitoring of urinary nickel and chromium in metal industries workers in Alborz, Iran

Heavy metal contamination from occupational sources is a cause for concern due to its potential accumulation in the environment and the body of living organisms, which leads to long-term toxic effects. There is limited evidence on the concentration of heavy metals in the body fluids of welding workers. This study aimed to measure the concentration of nickel (Ni) and chromium (Cr) as two main toxic heavy metals in the urine samples of welders and determine the potential relationship of various environmental factors on their concentration levels. This study was conducted in Iran in 2022–2023. Eighty-five urine samples were collected from the studied welding workers. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used to measure the concentration of Ni and Cr. Data related to socio-demographic characteristics (education level, income, work experience, age, and body mass index (BMI)), lifestyle profile (consumption of seafood and canned food, smoking, physical activity), type of ventilation and preventive devices at work, and suffering from underlying diseases (cardiovascular and high blood pressure) were collected using valid questionnaires. Ni and Cr were present in 100% of urine samples with mean concentrations of (1.09 ± 0.294) and (11.45 ± 16.751) µg/g creatinine, respectively. A significant correlation was observed between the mean concentration of Ni and Cr with the level of education, income, work experience, age, consumption of seafood and canned food, smoking, type of ventilation and preventive devices, and underlying diseases (p-value < 0.05). Also, there was no significant difference between Ni concentration and physical activity and Cr concentration with BMI. Lifestyle determinants and not using preventive devices are important predictors of urinary heavy metals in welding workers. Therefore, more research is required to determine the adverse effects of long-term exposure to these heavy metals.

Factors Associated with Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Personnel to Use Objective and Key Results (OKRs) in Thammasat University Hospital

Background: Objective and key results (OKRs) was a strategic tool to drive the organization to achieve a goal. Goals are concomitant and come from leaders and personnel. Most hospital management studies are conducted in a qualitative approach. Objective: To evaluate the association of knowledge, attitudes, practices, personal factor (PF), and perceived organizational support (POS) of OKRs in quantitative approach. Materials and Methods: The present study was a descriptive study conducted at Thammasat University Hospital (TUH), Pathum Thani, Thailand between March and April 2024. Participants were TUH personnel. Self-filling questionnaires were applied and signed written informed consent after thoroughly counselled. Questionnaires consisted of POS, knowledge, attitudes, and practices questions. PF was also collected. Results: Two hundred and twenty-one participants were recruited. Most participant (192 out of 221) were female. Three-quarters (149 out of 221) of the participants had more than ten years’ experience. Eighty-six percent (192 out of 221) of the participants had an educational level equal to or higher than bachelor. Mean knowledge, attitudes, and practices of participants were 9.5±0.6, 3.9±0.4, and 3.7±0.4, respectively. PF was not associated with POS and practices. Hospital personnel with more than 20 years seniority had OKRs’ knowledge less than those less than 10 years seniority (b= –0.21, p=0.04). Monthly income and work experience were significantly positive and negative associated with attitudes at b=0.17 and –0.15, respectively. POS was not associated with attitudes and knowledge. Practice was associated with POS, with statistical significance (b=0.20, p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: OKRs knowledge decreased with work experience. Attitude was associated with high monthly income and reverse associated with work experience. POS was significantly associated with the practice. There was no association between PF and practice, PF and POS, POS and attitude, and POS and knowledge. This study provided guidelines for recognizing organizational support in implementing OKRs and improving processes to ensure efficiency and staff involvement. Management should establish clear policies involving personnel at all levels.