Longer Work Research Articles

Factors associated with nurses' self-efficacy in oral care at Oulu University Hospital, Finland.

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with nurses' self-efficacy in oral care among infection-sensitive patients in a university hospital. All the nurses working in five wards of internal medicine and one department of oncology at Oulu University Hospital, Finland (n = 114) were recruited. Data were collected with a questionnaire containing 10 self-efficacy items (scored 0 to 10) and nine knowledge items (five-point Likert scale) that were validated in an earlier pilot study. Factor analysis was performed for the self-efficacy scale and a mean score was calculated for the knowledge scale. A multivariate linear regression model was used to analyze the association between explanatory variables and self-efficacy factor scores. Factor analysis revealed self-efficacy factors: Practical skills, Self-confidence in taking care of patients' oral hygiene, and Confidence in detecting oral problems (factor scores varied between 4.9 and 8.8). A higher mean score for the knowledge scale was positively associated with the factor Practical skills (B = 0.5, p < 0.05). Longer working experience was associated with higher factor scores in Self-confidence in taking care of patients` oral hygiene and Confidence in detecting oral problems. Better oral health-related knowledge and longer working experience were positively associated with oral health-related self-efficacy.

Investigating the impact of teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and psychosocial factors of employees: a review article

Introduction: Advances in technology have increased job flexibility for employees and employers alike. On the other hand, effective teleworking requires planning, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced many employees to quickly change their workplace from outside to home, without ensuring that the conditions are ready. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of teleworking on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors in the days of Corona. Materials and Methods: This research was done by a review method. Articles were searched from 2020 to 2023 on PubMed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar sites with the key words Ergonomics, Teleworking, MSDs, and COVID19. Results: A total of 93 articles were reviewed. By evaluating the titles, 45 related articles and 30 articles were selected by reviewing the abstracts, and finally 13 articles which full text was available were selected. These articles refer to the study of the effects of teleworking on musculoskeletal disorders and psychosocial factors in the era of Corona. Conclusion: Most of the studies point to the increase of musculoskeletal disorders. Teleworkers have experienced more musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in different areas of the body. Longer working hours with shorter breaks to meet increased work demands, social isolation, lack of support from colleagues, blurred boundaries between work and home, and omnipresence of work are some of the psychosocial and organizational factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders. For some employees, teleworking will remain a common way of working in the post-pandemic era. Therefore, it is necessary to identify telework-related risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and address them with timely telework preventive measures and the individual needs of employees.

10.A. Round table: Transforming public health systems at large scale: no pain, no gain

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, acceleration of climate change, and geopolitical turmoil have triggered discussions about how public health systems in Europe need to transform to be adequately equipped for the so-called “permacrisis”. The challenges to policy makers, health institutions and health services have become so multifaceted, that single solutions from the health sector alone no longer work. Yet, despite the complexity, countries seek to get its own house in order whilst building on inter-sectoral and European approaches in parallel. Germany, Ireland, and Ukraine have all embarked upon ambitious public health services and institutional reforms, leading to transformative change in public health systems. WHO has been accompanying these reforms. The workshop will provide a platform to draw insights and lessons on transforming public health systems from all three countries, although their population size, their socioeconomic and political situation and their public health system design is so different. As the smallest of the three countries in population, Ireland created coherence and is aligning public health actors within “Healthy Ireland” and the Sláintecaire and the Crowe Horwath public health reforms. Germany’s “Pact for the Public Health Services” has been one of the greatest public health investment programs in Europe that was initiated following lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. And Ukraine has undertaken important legal steps to adopt a Public Health System Law, in the middle of a war of aggression on its territory. The workshop will exhibit the process of large-scale public health system transformation in each of the three countries. The purpose is to identify the enablers that make large scale system transformation possible and addressing some of the pains and gains. The workshop will have three parts. Part one consists of three presentations on large scale system reforms from each of the participating countries. Part two consists of a moderated Q&amp;A session. Part three will focus on the synthesis of enablers for large scale public health system reforms through interaction with the workshop participants, using a digital white board. Key messages • Disruptive times can create enabling conditions for large scale public health system transformation. • Designing and implementing large scale public health system reforms is complex, requiring passion, resilience, and collaborative leadership.

The price of pressure: nationwide survey on lifestyle disturbances, occupational burnout and compromised perceived-competency among radiology residents in China.

The competency of radiology directly affects the quality and equity of medical services. Due to their different occupational characteristics compared to other specialists, this study aims to evaluate the impacts of lifestyles on competency and burnout in radiology residents in China. A nationwide, cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 1, 2020 to April 30, 2021. A total of 12,208 radiology residents during their standardized residency training in China were invited. Multivariate linear regression and logistic regression were conducted to identify perceived competency and burnout associated with lifestyles. Of the 3,666 participants, 58.02% were female, 82.24% were aged <30 years, 40.53% were from the Eastern region, and 92.06% obtained a bachelor's degree. The radiology residents with high-level lifestyles had higher competency (β = 0.16, 95% CI = [0.01, 0.32]), particularly in the realms of sleep, physical activity, and alcohol consumption. The correlation was stronger in residents with longer work hours and more night shifts. Residents with insomnia (OR = 7.69, 95% CI = [4.23, 14.67]) and less exercise (OR = 6.24, 95% CI = [1.33, 29.37]) had higher burnout risk, while residents who smoked had a lower risk (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = [0.40, 0.89]). And lifestyle factors had a slightly different impact on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Radiology residents' lifestyles can be emphasized, as it may reflect their pressure and wellbeing and influence their concentration, competency, burnout and performance. Policymakers and hospital administrators should incorporate practical and modifiable strategies into work routines to improve the lifestyle quality of residents.

Development and experimental validation of a 3D numerical model to investigate performance of phase change based cooling vest in hot environments

To ensure health and safety of outdoor workers exposed to harsh environment, particularly during summer, they must be protected against heat-related injuries. Personal cooling device like cooling vest are viable solution in such situations considering their cooling capabilities and ergonomic aspects. In the present study, a 3D numerical model is developed for analyzing performance of PCM vest and it is validated with experimental results obtained from a torso thermal manikin facility fabricated in-house. Thermal performance of the PCM vest is analyzed in terms of temperature, liquid fraction and energy storage of PCM and skin temperature for different thermophysical properties of PCM, ambient conditions and mode of operations. Based on the study, PCM with higher latent heat and melting temperature is recommended for the longer working duration of the vest. Increasing ambient temperature from 40 °C to 45 °C reduces the effectiveness time by 20 % while decreasing ambient temperature from 40 °C to 35 °C increases effectiveness time of the PCM vest by 32 %. Fraction of energy stored by the PCM from the body and environment remains unaffected by the change in the latent heat of PCM. Further, it is noticed that increasing the air flow rate or using the PCM vest in hybrid mode of operation is not recommended from the point of view of its effective useable duration. Overall, the study presents a comprehensive approach to estimate performance of the PCM vest realistically and provides guidelines for the design of effective cooling vest for various practical applications.

Work-life balance and health among pharmacists: physical activity, sleep quality, and general health

BackgroundPharmacists face unique occupational challenges that can impact their health and well-being. This study examines the relationships between work-life balance factors, physical activity, sleep quality, and general health among pharmacists in Shiraz, Iran.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from 7 August 2021 to 21 November 2021 among 136 pharmacists working in community and hospital pharmacies in Shiraz. Participants were selected using stratified random sampling. The Persian versions of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (P-IPAQ), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (P-PSQI), and General Health Questionnaire (P-GHQ-28) were used to assess physical activity, sleep quality, and general health status, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Fisher’s exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.ResultsLow physical activity was reported by 35.3% of pharmacists, with longer work hours significantly associated with lower physical activity (p = 0.009). Poor sleep quality was prevalent in 57.4% of participants, with no significant associations with demographic variables. General health was categorized as unhealthy for 50.7% of pharmacists, with female pharmacists more likely to be in this category (χ2 = 4.383, p = 0.036). Older pharmacists reported better general health status (Mann-Whitney U = 1792.500, p = 0.024).ConclusionsPharmacists face significant challenges in maintaining work-life balance, evidenced by low physical activity, poor sleep quality, and compromised general health. Targeted interventions, including workplace exercise programs, optimized schedules, and comprehensive wellness initiatives, are needed to support pharmacists’ well-being and enhance patient care quality.

A study of noise-induced annoyance and fatigue in open-plan offices: comparison between hearing-impaired and normal-hearing listeners

Several studies outline a future scenario of longer working lives and later retirement, meaning that there could be a large number of elderly workers in offices. Add to this the natural effect of hearing loss due to ageing (presbycusis; which usually presents after the 5th decade of life) and you have an open door to questions regarding the acoustic comfort of this group. In a first study, it was shown that the effect of intelligible speech on performance in a serial recall task is similar for listeners with normal hearing and presbycusis. The aim of this new experiment is to assess whether any differences might occur when people are involved in a more ecologically valid task (long exposure to noise - 3 h/condition - and similar tasks to those performed in open-plan offices). Given the validation of a hearing loss simulator in previous studies, this one will be used to reproduce the group of people with mild hearing loss (onset of presbycusis). Therefore, the same group of people (32 participants) with normal hearing will perform the experiment under two listening conditions, with and without the simulator. Each listening condition will have two noise conditions, irrelevant speech, each with a different intelligibility level.

Prevalence of compassion fatigue among post-graduate trainees in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study.

To determine the prevalence of compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and burnout and identify the socio-demographic and work-related factors associated with compassion fatigue among FCPS Part-II trainees in Pakistan. A cross-sectional study of FCPS-II trainees was conducted using stratified sampling at multiple centers over six months. Data was collected through an online, self-administered survey, which consisted of the 30-item ProQOL-V and a socio-demographic and work-related characteristics questionnaire. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data was analysed using SPSS 26 for descriptive stats, one-sample t-test, Pearson correlation, and multivariate linear regression at a 95% significance level. Out of 460, only 392 trainees completely filled the online survey (completion rate: 90.74%). The study found that 78.80% of postgraduate trainees experienced moderate levels of compassion fatigue (CF) (Mean = 27.6, SD = 6.3), with moderate burnout (BO) (75.50%, Mean = 26.6, SD = 5.9), while moderately high Compassion satisfaction (CS) (90.60%, Mean = 33.3, SD = 5.5). Compared to normative data, compassion fatigue levels were significantly elevated among post-graduate trainees (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed between CF and BO (r =0.59), CF and CS (r = -0.20), and BO and CS (r = -0.63). Factors associated with higher CF included family dependents (p = 0.029), longer working hours (p < 0.001), and inadequate sleep (p < 0.001). Trainees in "Poor" work environments reported higher CF levels than those in "Excellent" environments (p < 0.001). Additionally, engaging in self-care activities such as exercise, prayer, and socialising were associated with lower CF levels (p < 0.05). The study revealed that many postgraduate trainees experience moderate compassion fatigue and burnout, with a strong positive correlation between CF and BO. Compassion satisfaction inversely related to both CF and BO, highlighting the need to boost CS. Factors like longer work hours, poor sleep, family dependents and unfavorable work conditions were linked to higher Compassion Fatigue. Conversely, engaging in self-care practices like prayer, meditation, exercise, and socialising is associated with decreased compassion fatigue levels. These results stress the importance of tailored interventions to enhance trainees' well-being and ultimately improve patient care quality.

Stress coping and resilience of frontline nurses under the emergency infectious disease pandemic: A latent class analysis

AimThis study aimed to classify coping strategies and resilience among nurses caring for COVID-19 patients using latent class analysis (LCA), and to compare variations across these subgroups. BackgroundThe pandemic of emerging infectious diseases is a traumatic stressor for frontline nurses, potentially leading to compassion fatigue. Effective coping strategies and resilience were essential for managing stress, but their nuanced classification and outcomes remain unclear. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to March 2022. Purposive and snowball sampling was utilized to recruit participants. ResultsA total of 215 clinical nurses (mean age 34.59 years) were recruited. A three-class model showed the best fit: class 1 (35.8 %) with proactive coping and high resilience, class 2 (29.8 %) with mixed coping and high resilience, and class 3 (34.4 %) with avoidance coping and low resilience. Compared to class 3, class 1 participants had lower stress (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.37, 95 % CI: 0.143–0.950, P = 0.039), reduced risk of compassion fatigue (OR = 0.29, 95 % CI: 1.110–4.536, P < 0.001), and lower intention to quit (OR = 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.175–0.843, P = 0.017). Class 2 participants, with higher proportion to live with family, had longer work experience, higher income, and also showed significantly reduced intention to quit (OR = 0.386, 95 % CI: 0.168–0.887, P = 0.025). ConclusionsIdentifying these vulnerable groups can help in providing interventions to reduce stress and prevent compassion fatigue and intention to quit.

Path planning of manure-robot cleaners using grid-based reinforcement learning

The use of a robot cleaner for manure removal improves housing conditions for dairy cows in the face of labor shortages. However, current robot cleaners follow programmed fixed routes without considering the dynamic behaviors of cows. This cleaning approach is less efficient and leads to more cow-robot encounters or collisions, thus affecting animal welfare. To address these issues, this paper (1) developed heatmap models for cow locations and defecation behaviors; (2) proposed a dynamic path planning approach for the manure robot cleaner using Grid-based Reinforcement Learning; (3) incorporated cow location information and defecation behavior into the path planning process; (4) compared the performance of the proposed approach with two different cleaning methods: the current fixed programmed cleaning in practice and the ideal path produced by simulated annealing for traveling salesman problem. The simulations mimic the situation in a barn at Dairy Campus of Wageningen Livestock Research located in Leeuwarden (the Netherlands). Obviously, the best performance was achieved when the route was executed without cows present, resulting in no cow-robot collision. However, with cows present, the proposed dynamic path planning strategy achieved a 67.6% reduction in cow-robot encounters while maintaining 85.4% of the cleaning performance compared to the current programmed fixed routes. Compared to the ideal path produced by simulated annealing for traveling salesman problem, the proposed dynamic path planning approach achieved 5% better cleaning performance, at the cost of 25% more cow-robot encounters due to its longer working path. We conclude the proposed grid-based Reinforcement Learning solution for manure robots in barns cleaned most efficient with the least interference with cow traffic.

Unlocking housing wealth through mortgage debt: do patterns and motivations vary by age?

Successive waves of house price appreciation have prompted homeowners to tap into housing wealth, increasing mortgage debt to meet spending needs. This paper addresses three questions about equity borrowing behaviour via panel-data modelling. First, how do homeowners’ asset and debt portfolios affect equity borrowing behaviour? Second, is equity borrowing influenced by financial behaviours relating to saving, planning and risk-taking? Third, do equity borrowing drivers vary by age? Our findings confirm that equity borrowing is generally influenced by asset and debt portfolios, with notable age-related differences. Younger homeowners exhibit greater sensitivity to changes in primary home value and debt, and risk willingness. Income, labour force status and ownership of other property are crucial for those aged 55–64, while homeowners aged 65+ are generally insensitive to asset, debt or income changes. We discuss policy implications, emphasizing the prospects of longer working lives among pre-retirees, the need for safeguards for elderly equity-borrowers, and the welfare consequences of later-life debt burdens or homeownership loss.

Predictors of body image perceptions among healthcare providers in Terengganu, Malaysia

ObjectivesThe study's aim was to find predictors of body image perception scores among health care providers (HCPs) in Terengganu, Malaysia. MethodsA cross-sectional study among 201 health care providers (HCPs) was conducted from January to March 2023. This study participants were drawn from a pool of HCPs with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher. Body image perceptions were scored using the Malay version of the Body Self-Image Questionnaire-Short Form. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the predictors of body image perception scores. ResultsAge and longer work hours correlate with higher body satisfaction among HCPs, while higher BMI lowers satisfaction. Nurses typically experience more height dissatisfaction. Higher income is associated with better self-ratings in looks, health, and fitness, but higher education correlates with poorer self-ratings. Married HCPs report lower attractiveness, health, fitness, and self-esteem but are more satisfied with their height. ConclusionThis situational analysis identifies predictors, such as sociodemographic factors and occupational aspects, that can aid in customising interventions to address specific body image concerns among HCPs, with the goal of reducing obesity prevalence among them.

Patient Safety Culture in a Tertiary Referral Hospital: Evidence from a Main Criterion in Accreditation

Objectives: In Iran’s accreditation program, the patient safety dimension is one of the main dimensions, holding the highest weight among the accreditation criteria. The purpose of this study was to identify the patient safety culture (PSC) in a tertiary referral hospital. Methods: The current study was conducted between March and April 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Iran. The sample size was 628 participants, selected through simple random sampling. The hospital survey on patient safety culture (HSOPSC) was used to assess provider and staff perceptions about patient safety issues, medical errors, and event reporting. The survey included 32 items that measure 10 dimensions of PSC. Normality tests, along with non-parametric Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, were used to examine the relationship between PSC and demographic variables using SPSS 22 software. Results: Based on current findings, among the 10 dimensions of PSC, teamwork and organizational learning-continuous improvement received the highest scores (83% positive response), which were higher than these variables in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) data. Conversely, staffing and work pace, as well as hospital management support for patient safety, received the lowest positive scores (43% and 55% positive response, respectively), which were lower than these variables in the AHRQ data. There was a significant positive relationship between dimensions of PSC and older age, female gender, staff with longer working experience, and longer work hours per week (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: The majority of our participants felt that patient safety needs to be enhanced. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to emphasize the dimensions of “staffing and work pace” and “hospital management support for patient safety” more in the accreditation criteria to strengthen these dimensions in hospitals. Additionally, we have introduced a comprehensive guide for using an international tool to measure PSC, which hospitals can use to succeed in annual accreditation.

Working Time, Income Inequality, and Life Expectancy: A Longitudinal Analysis of US States, 2005–2018

Previous studies on the relationship between working time and health generally find that longer working hours are detrimental for health outcomes. An unexplored issue in prior research is how other social structures, such as income inequality, can influence the working time/health relationship. Integrating arguments on the health consequences of income inequality and working time, this study considers how income inequality moderates the relationship between working hours and average life expectancy. It is proposed that the effect of working hours on life expectancy is greater in places that have higher levels of income inequality due to the increased precarity, stress and anxiety associated with longer work hours. Examining data from all 50 US states from 2005 to 2018, results from two‐way fixed‐effect models suggest that states with longer average working hours tend to exhibit lower average life expectancy net of other important economic and demographic controls. The models also reveal that the effect of working time on life expectancy is larger in states with higher levels of income inequality. These findings suggest that there are complex linkages between working time and inequality that negatively impact population health.

Time Required for Root Canal Retreatment Using Continuous Rotation, Reciprocation, and Optimum Torque Reverse Motions: An In-Vitro Study.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the time required for canal preparation using three different movement kinematics during retreatment: continuous rotational motion, reciprocating motion, and optimum torque reverse (OTR) motion. Materials and methods The sample comprised 45 single-canal mandibular first premolars. The crowns were sectioned to standardize the root length to 16 mm. The root canals were prepared using the AF Gold mechanical preparation system (25/06). The roots were obturated using the lateral condensation technique and kept at 100% humidity at 37°C for seven days. The sample was randomly divided based on the movement pattern used during retreatment into three groups (N = 15): group 1 is continuous rotational motion using the ProTaper Universal Retreatment system; group 2 is reciprocating motion using the WaveOne Gold system; and group 3 is OTR motion using the ProTaper Universal Retreatment system. The retreatment time was measured in seconds by summing two times: T1 (time to reach the apex) and T2 (time to achieve adequate cleaning). The data were statistically analyzed using a one-way ANOVA with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results The results showed that the time required for canal preparation during retreatment with WaveOne Gold files using reciprocating motion was significantly longer than the time needed with ProTaper Universal Retreatment files using continuous rotary motion or OTR motion (P < 0.05). Conclusions The use of OTR motion did not affect the canal preparation time when used with files designed for continuous rotary motion retreatment. The use of WaveOne Gold files for canal preparation during retreatment was associated with a longer working time than ProTaper Universal Retreatment files.

The knowledge profile, attitudes, and perioperative management of Chinese anesthesiologists towards patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional survey.

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSA) is increasingly encountered by anesthesiologists in clinical practice. However, research on managing these patients among anesthesiologists in China is scarce. This study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and perioperative management strategies for OSA patients among Chinese anesthesiologists. In this cross-sectional study, anesthesiologists from various hospitals across China were invited to complete a thirty-eight-item online questionnaire survey between October 1 and November 1, 2022. The Obstructive Sleep Apnea Knowledge and Attitude (OSAKA) scale was utilized to measure their knowledge and attitudes. A total of 470 valid participants were recruited for this research, resulting in a valid response rate of 73.3%. (1) While the majority of participants acknowledged the importance of identifying OSA during perioperative management, only 58.3% felt confident in managing OSA patients; (2) Anesthesiologists with higher professional titles and longer work experience exhibited greater confidence in managing OSA patients; (3) Just under half of the participants were familiar with the STOP-Bang and Berlin questionnaires. Anesthesiologists with over 20 years of work experience were more likely to use the STOP-Bang and Berlin questionnaires compared to those with less than 10 years of work experience (OR = 3.166, P < 0.001); (4) 71.1% of participants expressed approval regarding the preparation of sugammadex for muscle relaxation reversal, while only 32.8% approved the safety of opioid use for postoperative analgesia in OSA patients. The study displayed that Chinese anesthesiologists have inadequate knowledge and perioperative management of OSA than expected. However, they have positive attitudes towards the assessment and management of OSA. The study highlights the need for high-quality training to identify and manage OSA among Chinese anesthesiologists.

Acute Response of Different High-Intensity Interval Training Protocols on Cardiac Auto-Regulation Using Wearable Device.

The purpose of this study was to compare different high-intensity interval training (HIIT) protocols with different lengths of work and rest times for a single session (all three had identical work-to-rest ratios and exercise intensities) for cardiac auto-regulation using a wearable device. With a randomized counter-balanced crossover, 13 physically active young male adults (age: 19.4 years, BMI: 21.9 kg/m2) were included. The HIIT included a warm-up of at least 5 min and three protocols of 10 s/50 s (20 sets), 20 s/100 s (10 sets), and 40 s/200 s (5 sets), with intensities ranging from 115 to 130% Wattmax. Cardiac auto-regulation was measured using a non-invasive method and a wearable device, including HRV and vascular function. Immediately after the HIIT session, the 40 s/200 s protocol produced the most intense stimulation in R-R interval (Δ-33.5%), ln low-frequency domain (Δ-42.6%), ln high-frequency domain (Δ-73.4%), and ln LF/HF ratio (Δ416.7%, all p < 0.05) compared to other protocols of 10 s/50 s and 20 s/100 s. The post-exercise hypotension in the bilateral ankle area was observed in the 40 s/200 s protocol only at 5 min after HIIT (right: Δ-12.2%, left: Δ-12.6%, all p < 0.05). This study confirmed that a longer work time might be more effective in stimulating cardiac auto-regulation using a wearable device, despite identical work-to-rest ratios and exercise intensity. Additional studies with 24 h measurements of cardiac autoregulation using wearable devices in response to various HIIT protocols are warranted.

Slow walking speed and health-related exit from employment among older workers over 5 years of follow-up: evidence from the Health and Employment After Fifty (HEAF) cohort study

IntroductionWith demographic changes, there is increasing demand for individuals and governments to lengthen working lives. Jobs that are very physically demanding are likely to be more difficult to sustain at...

Are workers also vulnerable to the impact of ambient air pollution? Insight from a large-scale ventilatory exam

It remains unclear how ambient air pollution may affect the prevalence of obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (OVD) among workers. We aim to assess the association of a comprehensive set of ambient air pollutants with OVD prevalence in workers and to explore the potential interactive effects of the occupational factors. This is a population-based cross-sectional study among 305,022 participants from the Guangdong Province, China. Mixed-effects models were used to obtain differences in the OVD risk associated with a 10 μg/m3 increase in ambient air pollution. We found that for each 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, PM10, PM coarse, O3, and NO2 concentrations, the odds ratio (OR) for OVD in workers is 1.324 (95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.282–1.367), 1.292 (95 % CI, 1.268–1.315),1.666 (95 % CI, 1.614–1.719), 1.153 (95 % CI, 1.142–1.165), and 1.023 (95 % CI, 1.012–1.033). We observed that young participants (18–38 years old), women, participants with longer years of service (>48 months), participants working in large enterprises, professional skills workers, and production and manufacturing workers have higher estimated effects. In addition, we also found that workers exposed to high temperatures have higher estimated effects under air pollutants exposure, while workers exposed to noise have higher estimated effects under PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3 exposure. Workers exposed to dust have a lower risk of developing OVD under exposure to ambient air pollutants compared to those not exposed. Our results indicate that ambient air pollution increases the risk of OVD in workers. Moreover, air pollutants exhibit a greater estimated effect among workers exposed to high temperatures or noise. Our research findings highlight the importance of fully considering the impact of ambient air pollution on protecting the respiratory health of workers.

Stress, burnout and coping among nurses working on acute medical wards and in the community: A quantitative study.

Psychological distress can cause burnout, which affects mental and physical well-being. It is important to identify factors associated with psychological distress and physical discomfort and how nurses deal with these problems. The aim was to investigate distress, burnout and coping among community nurses (CN) and hospital nurses (HN). In this cross-sectional study, 409 nurses completed three questionnaires: Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Ways of Coping (WOC). Participants younger than 40 demonstrated significantly more distress and burnout than those older than 40 years. Participants who had moderate and high distress on the PSS were significantly more at risk for experiencing personal, work-related and patient-related burnout. A significant positive correlation was found between distress and behavioural escape-avoidance, cognitive escape-avoidance and distancing. Significant positive correlations were also seen between all the subscales of the CBI and behavioural escape-avoidance, cognitive escape-avoidance and distancing. Positive significant correlation was also obtained between staff resources and distress and personal-related and work-related burnout. Negative correlation was demonstrated between staff resources and patient-related burnout. Participants with longer work experience were less likely to report moderate or high distress, and those who scored higher on personal burnout and behavioural escape-avoidance were more likely to have moderate or high distress. The results of this study call for increased attention to the younger generation in the nursing profession. The results also validate the need to investigate further the correlation between distress, burnout and coping and how these issues might influence each other among nurses working in the community and hospitals. Findings should be taken with precaution, they do not describe in detail what underlying factors contribute to distress and discomfort found in this study, they do, however, indicate certain coping strategies nurses use to deal with distress and burnout.