Occupational Disability Research Articles

Reductions in Fatigue Predict Occupational Re-engagement in Individuals with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Background Symptoms of fatigue have been shown to be associated with heightened levels of disability in patients suffering from a wide range of debilitating health and mental health conditions. The role of fatigue as a determinant of work disability in individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) has received little attention. The present study examined the role of fatigue as a determinant of work-disability in individuals with WRMDs. Methods Participants included 117 individuals with WRMDs who completed measures of pain severity, fatigue, depression and disability before and after participating in a behavioral activation rehabilitation intervention. Results Cross-sectional analyses on pre-treatment measures revealed that fatigue contributed significant variance to the prediction of self-reported disability, beyond the variance accounted for by pain severity and depression. Prospective analyses revealed that reductions in fatigue through the course of treatment predicted occupational re-engagement following termination of the intervention. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest fatigue contributes to occupational disability, independent of the effects of pain and depression. The findings also suggest that meaningful reductions in fatigue might be achieved through psychosocial interventions that promote gradual re-integration into discontinued activities, increase participants' exposure to success and achievement experiences, and reduce the severity of depressive symptoms. Behavioural activation interventions such as the one used in the present study might contribute to more positive occupational outcomes in work-disabled individuals who report high levels of fatigue.

The Relationship Between Level of Catastrophizing and Mental Health Comorbidity in Individuals With Whiplash Injuries.

Pain catastrophizing has been shown to be correlated with measures of mental health problems such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the clinical implications of findings reported to date remain unclear. To date, no study has been conducted to determine meaningful cut-scores on measures of catastrophizing indicative of the heightened risk of mental health comorbidity. One objective of the present study was to identify the cut-score on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) indicative of the heightened risk of the comorbidity of depression and PTSD. A second objective was to determine whether mental health comorbidity mediated the relationship between catastrophizing and occupational disability. The sample consisted of 143 individuals with whiplash injuries. Pain severity, pain catastrophizing, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms were assessed after admission to a rehabilitation program. Mental health comorbidity was operationally defined as obtaining a score above the clinical threshold on measures of depressive and/or post-traumatic stress symptom severity. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that a PCS score of 22 best distinguished between participants with and without mental health comorbidity. Results also revealed that mental health comorbidity mediated the relationship between catastrophizing and occupational disability. The findings suggest that a score of ≥22 on the PCS should alert clinicians to the possibility that patients might also be experiencing clinically significant symptoms of depression or PTSD. Greater attention to the detection and treatment of mental health conditions associated with whiplash injury might contribute to more positive recovery outcomes.

Smoking is associated with greater pain intensity and pain-related occupational disability in Japanese workers.

Pain symptom, such as that caused by musculoskeletal disorders, is a major cause of occupational disability. As nicotine intake from smoking increases pain sensitivity, smokers may experience stronger pain and be more likely to experience pain-related disability than non-smokers. The study aim was to examine whether smoking was associated with pain-related occupational disability via pain intensity. Participants were 1189 workers with pain aged 20-74years in Japan. Participants completed a self-report questionnaire, which included a question to measure pain-related occupational disability with ordinal-option: (1) without pain-related disability, (2) pain-related presenteeism, and (3) pain-related absenteeism. An ordinal logistic regression model was used to calculate multivariable-adjusted proportional odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the prevalence of pain-related occupational disability according to smoking status. A multiple mediation analysis was also conducted to assess whether pain sensitivity mediated the association between smoking and pain-related occupational disability. Adjusted variables were demographic variables, socioeconomic status, work-related psychosocial factors, general psychological factors, and pain duration. Current smoking and pain were associated with pain-related occupational disability compared with non-smoking and pain (multivariable OR 1.78; 95% CI 1.26-2.52). Greater pain intensity partially mediated the association of current smoking and pain with pain-related occupational disability. The mediation rate (indirect/total effect) was 25%. Smoking and pain were associated with pain-related occupational disability, partially through greater pain intensity, among Japanese workers.

Longitudinal associations of stressful life events and social support deficits with later functioning in patients with acute coronary syndrome: Social factors for functioning in ACS

BackgroundIn this study we investigated associations between stressful life events (SLEs) and social support deficit (SSD), which we evaluated within 2 weeks of an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) episode, and changes in functioning, disability, and quality of life (QOL) over a 1-year follow-up period. MethodIn total, 1152 patients were recruited at baseline within 2 weeks of an ACS episode, and 828 were followed up for 1 year thereafter. The occurrence of SLEs was identified at baseline using the “List of Threatening Events”, and the participants were categorized into absent or present SLE groups. The SSD was evaluated using the Social Support Scale and was dichotomatized into low or high SSD groups. We measured social and occupational functioning, disability, and quality of life (QoL) at both examinations. The associations between the baseline SLE and SSD with functional changes over 1 year were estimated using repeated-measures analyses of covariance with relevant covariates. ResultsThe presence of SLEs and high SSD at baseline independently predicted worsening of functional disability and QoL over the 1-year follow-up period, after adjustment. Moreover, the coexistence of both present SLE and high SSD indicates negative effects that are more severe on functional outcomes. ConclusionsSLEs and SSD at an early phase of ACS predicted chronically poorer functioning and QoL outcomes. Preventive and therapeutic efforts should include strategies to identify and manage psychosocial risk factors in ACS patients.

1562-P: Diabetes as Leading Cause of Permanent Occupational Disability due to Ocular Diseases in the Mexican Institute of Social Security

Eye diseases are an important cause of disability and economic burden on society, affecting economically active population. We described the rates of permanent occupational disability due ocular diseases and specifically due diabetic retinopathy in workers affiliated to the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), during the 2000-2016 period. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with data from the IMSS permanent occupational disability database. Subjects with ocular diseases were classified using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10) in the following groups: diabetic retinopathy (ICD-10: E103, E113, E123, E133, E143, H280, H360), glaucoma (ICD-10: H40), age-related macular degeneration (ICD-10: H353), cataract (ICD-10: H25-H28), hypertensive retinopathy (ICD-10: H350), trachoma (ICD-10: B940) and blindness (ICD-10: H54). Data for each worker including sex, age at time of permanent occupational disability and ocular diseases were acquired. Permanent occupational disability rates were expressed x100,000 total worker affiliate population. There were 31,221 workers with permanent occupational disability due ocular diseases, 79.3% were male and mean age was 50.8 years old. Diabetic retinopathy was the most frequent cause of ocular permanent occupational disability with 21,161 workers (67.8%). Ocular disease rate increase from 10.52 to 13.78 x 100,000 affiliated workers during 2000 and 2016 respectively (percentage increase 30.9%), and diabetic retinopathy rate also showed an incremented in the same period (from 6.48 to 11.38 x 100,000 affiliated workers, percentage increase 75.7%).The increase in the number of workers with permanent occupational disability due to diabetic retinopathy, reflects an important diabetes complications incidence among the more than 19 million working people affiliated to the IMSS, the largest social security institution in Latin America. Disclosure I. Ascencio-Montiel: None. E. Zitle-García: None. C. Reyes-Martínez: None. M. García-Lopez: None. Funding Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (72694 to I.D.A-M.)

Rapid upper limb assessment (RULA): validity and reliability evidences in identifying workplace ergonomics among bank employee’s using computers

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent one of the leading causes of occupational injury and disability. Awkward body posture while typing is associated with MSDs among the computer users. RULA (rapid upper limb assessment) is a subjective observation method of posture analysis for use in ergonomics investigations of workplaces where work-related upper limb disorders are reported. To date, no data available on reliability and validity of RULA among the bank employee’s using computers. OBJECTIVE: To examine the validity and reliability of RULA among the bank employees’ using computers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of bank employee were recruited by simple random sampling technique to take part in this validity and reliability study. All anthropometric measurement was taken before the beginning of the study including age, height and weight. The concurrent validity of RULA was established with the criterion referenced, Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Principal investigator recorded both the scores of RULA and REBA to estimate the concurrent validity. Intra-rater reliability of RULA was established by the principal investigator across two trials on the same group of participants in the same environmental condition and same timings with a gap of 2 days. Inter–rater reliability of RULA was established by the principal investigator and another researcher on the same group of participants with in the same environmental conditions and same with a gap of 2 minutes. RESULT: Total 301 Participants were recruited in this study, in which 170 participants were males, and other 131 were females. Concurrent validity of RULA with the criterion measure REBA is found to be good as measured by spearman’s rank correlation test, ?=0.91 (p<0.001). Intra-and inter-rater reliability of RULA is found to excellent with ICC=0.92 (0.90-0.94) and 0.91 (0.89-0.93) respectively. CONCLUSION: Validity and reliability of RULA have been established among the bank employees’ using computers. There exists good validity and excellent reliability among them.

Predictive factors for return to work after lumbar discectomy

Background. Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common complaints leading to disability and work absence. This study was performed to determine the rate and contributing factors of return to work in the postoperative phase after lumbar discectomy. Methods. This cohort study was performed among 142 patients attending the orthopedics spine clinic of a teaching hospital during 2016. Initially, the demographic and occupational characteristics and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were fulfilled, and patients were followed with regard to time off, work return and type of job after surgery. Results. 113 participants (79.5%) returned to work in 3 months. Male gender, higher literacy, non-manual job, less physical activity, non-smoking, formal work agreement, lower working hours and higher income were associated with return to previous work. Also, shorter preoperative duration of LBP, longer hospital stay, lower severity of LBP, lower ODI score and poor perceived prognosis of return to work were associated with return to previous work. Conclusions. Return to work after discectomy is seen in more than two-thirds of patients and is related to factors such as pain intensity and body mass index. However, return to previous versus modified job is a multifactorial issue.

Determinants of disability pension applications and awarded disability pensions in Finland, 2009 and 2014.

Aims: Examining the non-medical determinants of applying for and being awarded disability pension is important for assessing the functionality of the disability pension system. We examined how demographic and socioeconomic factors as well as factors related to the disability process associate with the probability of applying for disability pension and the probability of applicants being awarded pension in 2009 and 2014. Methods: 70% random samples of Finnish non-retired residents aged 18-64 in 2009 (n = 2,076,881) and in 2014 (n = 2,097,790) were analysed with logistic regression analysis. The application rates were 0.9% in 2009 and 0.7% in 2014, and the rates of awarded pensions were 80.6% in 2009 and 72.2% in 2014. Results: Being an upper-level non-manual employee and having more employment during the preceding four calendar years decreased the odds of applying for disability pension but increased the odds of being awarded one. Older age increased the odds of both applying for and being awarded pension. Compared to applications based on mental disorders, those applying due to neoplasms and diseases of the circulatory system had increased odds of being awarded pension whereas those applying due to musculoskeletal diseases or injuries had decreased odds. Only minor temporal changes were found in the determinants of applying for or being awarded disability pension. Conclusions: With a greater probability of disability pension applications but also a lower probability of being awarded pension, the occupational disability process involves a comprehensive disadvantage for lower socioeconomic status groups.

Low back pain among primary school teachers in Rural Kenya: Prevalence and contributing factors.

BackgroundLow back pain (LBP) has been recognised as a common occupational problem with a high prevalence among work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Although there appears to be a high prevalence of LBP among school teachers, there is inadequate information on the prevalence and predisposing factors of LBP among primary school teachers in rural Western Kenya.AimTo determine the prevalence, factors associated with LBP and physical disability caused by LBP.SettingThe setting was public schools in rural Western Kenya selected by simple random sampling method.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among primary teachers from public schools using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included information on LBP, demographic data, occupational and psychosocial factors and disability score. The 12-month prevalence, associated factors and LBP disability were analysed.ResultsThe 12-month self-reported prevalence of LBP among primary teachers was 64.98%, with close to 70% of them reporting minimal disability. The logistic regression analysis showed that female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 1.692, p < 0.02) was associated with LBP and high supervisor support (OR: 0.46, p < 0.003) was negatively associated with LBP.ConclusionThe prevalence of LBP among primary school teachers in rural Western Kenya is 64.98%, with the majority of them reporting minimal disability. The identified risk factors were female gender and low supervisor support. The presence of work-related psychosocial risk factors in this study suggests a comprehensive approach in evaluation and management of LBP. Preventive measures should be in place to prevent and reduce the progression of LBP disability.Keywordslow back pain; rural; Kenya; teachers, primary school; public schools; risk factors; disability.

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia (FM) are among the most prevalent rheumatic diseases in women causing significant functional and occupational disability [1]. FM main feature is diffuse and widespread musculoskeletal pain while RA is characterized by chronic inflammation, preferably of peripheral joints, which may lead to the appearance of deformities. In Portugal, RA affects between 0.8 to 1.5% of the population [1], mainly postmenopausal women, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have been identified as the main cause of death, in which the role of atherosclerosis is recognized as determinant. In clinical practice, according to the European League Against Rheumatism recommendations, the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) index is the best tool to quantify that risk in RA patients, having no specific guidelines for it [2]. SCORE index estimates the risk of an individual having the first fatal cardiovascular event within 10 years, whether would be a heart attack, stroke or other occlusive artery disease, including cardiac death. This work aimed to assess the 10-year CVD risk in patients with RA using the SCORE predictive index and its comparison with fibromyalgia patients. Material and methods: The sample was selected by convenience, including all female patients with RA and FM with recent data on blood lipid levels, assisted in outpatient or inpatient settings. Patients with clinical analysis performed for more than one year and/or patients with fibromyalgia and other associated rheumatic diseases of inflammatory nature were excluded. Several factors as age, rheumatic and other conditions, smoking habits, and type and frequency of physical activity were recorded. Blood pressure, anthropometric and body composition, analyzed with InBody 720, were used to calculate the high risk SCORE index. Data was studied using the rheumatic pathology as the dependent variable. Results: A total of 40 women, 24 with RA and 16 with FM, aged 33 to 89 were included. The mean age was 64 ± 11 years for RA patients and 60 ± 8 years for FM patients and the prevalence of comorbidities was similar in both groups (p > 0.05). The mean SCORE index value for RA patients was 2.5 ± 1.4 higher than the 1.7 ± 0.8 found for FM patients. By using the SCORE index, the subjects were divided into 3 risk categories and although the majority (80 %) was classified as of moderate risk, two patients (5%) were identified as at high risk of fatal cardiovascular event in 10 years. Discussion and conclusion: The application of the SCORE index showed a higher 10-year risk of fatal CVD for RA patients compared to FM patients although not significant.

Collagen Peptide Presenting Nanofibrous Scaffold for Intervertebral Disc Regeneration.

Lower back pain (LBP) is a prevalent spinal symptom at the lumbar region of the spine, which severely effects quality of life and constitutes the number one cause of occupational disability. Degeneration of the intervertebral disc (IVD) is one of the well-known causes contributing to the LBP. Therapeutic biomaterials inducing IVD regeneration are promising candidates for IVD degeneration treatments. Here, we demonstrate a collagen peptide presenting nanofiber scaffold to mimic the structure and function of the natural extracellular matrix of the tissue for IVD regeneration. The collagen peptide presenting nanofiber was designed by using a Pro-Hyp-Gly (POG) peptide sequence on a self-assembling peptide amphiphile molecule, which assembled into nanofibers forming scaffolds. Injection of collagen peptide presenting peptide nanofiber scaffold into the degenerated rabbit IVDs induced more glycosaminoglycan and collagen deposition compared to controls. Functional recovery of the tissue was evaluated by degeneration index score, where the bioactive scaffold was shown to provide functional recovery of the IVD degeneration. These results showed that the collagen peptide presenting nanofiber scaffold can prevent the progression of IVD degeneration and provide further functional recovery of the tissue.

Characterization of oral maxillofacial lesions resulting from physical aggression: differences between genders

In developed countries, violence is the main cause of oral maxillofacial (OMF) injuries. In Brazil, there are scant records of such lesions. The scope of this study was to detail the OMF injuries resulting from physical aggression in a capital of the Brazilian northeast and analyze gender differences. The Forensic Medicine Institute of São Luís, state of Maranhão, featured 15,847 reports, which occurred in 2012, and they were investigated. Socioeconomic, demographic data and OMF characteristics were analyzed. The Chi-square and Fisher's Exact tests were applied to assess gender differences. Of the cases examined, 1977 were OMF. Female victims, aged 20-59, dark-skinned, without a partner and maids were the most affected. Ecchymosis-type lesions, in the mouth and lip regions arising from the use of blunt instruments, causing permanent functional impairment, were the most prevalent in women (P < 0.05), whereas dental fracture and contusion arising from sharp instruments causing permanent deformity, occupational disability, and threat to life were detected in men (P < 0.05). The conclusion drawn is that the incidence of OMF due to physical aggression is high in São Luís, state of Maranhão, and although women are the most affected, the OMF in men are more severe.

MRI Evaluation of Low Back Ache Cases with Radiologic Evidence of Degenerative Lumbar Spine

Background: Back pain is one of the leading cause of occupational disability and limiting factor in performing activities of daily living.Identifying the exact cause of low back ache is a tedious task, but is critical in planning the management of the condition. Magnetic resonance imaging is regarded as the most sensitive method in pointing out the exact pathology. Objective: To describe the MRI findings in patients with low back ache with radiologic evidence of degenerative lumbar spine. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 80 patients who were sent for MRI evaluation, from Orthopedics and General Medicine department, with low back ache and radiographic evidence of degenerative changes of the lumbar spine. MRI was taken in all study subjects and the findings were noted. The data thus collected was properly coded and entered in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done using the software SPSS version 16.0. Results: Mean age of the study population was 51.46 years (SD=12.58 years and majority (73.75%) were males. Most common associated clinical findings was radicular pain syndrome (36.25%) followed by&nbsp; weakness of lower limbs(18.75%).MRI demonstrated following findings: dehydrative changes(86.25%), reduction in disc space(67%), disc protrusion(36.25%), disc extrusion(6%), disc bulge(56%), spondylolisthesis (18.75%),spinal stenosis(7.5%),Schmorl’s nodes(4%), hemangioma (2.5%) and&nbsp; vertebral body destruction (1.25%). Conclusion: Dehydrative changes and reduction of disc space were the most common MRI findings. Disc protrusion, disc extrusion as well was disc bulge was most commonly seen at L4-L5 level while spondylolisthesis was common at L5-S1 level.

A Review of Heterogeneity in Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects approximately 8%–12% of children worldwide. Throughout an individual’s lifetime, ADHD can significantly increase risk for other psychiatric disorders, educational and occupational failure, accidents, criminality, social disability and addictions. No single risk factor is necessary or sufficient to cause ADHD. The multifactorial causation of ADHD is reflected in the heterogeneity of this disorder, as indicated by its diversity of psychiatric comorbidities, varied clinical profiles, patterns of neurocognitive impairment and developmental trajectories, and the wide range of structural and functional brain anomalies. Although evidence-based treatments can reduce ADHD symptoms in a substantial portion of affected individuals, there is yet no curative treatment for ADHD. A number of theoretical models of the emergence and developmental trajectories of ADHD have been proposed, aimed at providing systematic guides for clinical research and practice. We conducted a comprehensive review of the current status of research in understanding the heterogeneity of ADHD in terms of etiology, clinical profiles and trajectories, and neurobiological mechanisms. We suggest that further research focus on investigating the impact of the etiological risk factors and their interactions with developmental neural mechanisms and clinical profiles in ADHD. Such research would have heuristic value for identifying biologically homogeneous subgroups and could facilitate the development of novel and more tailored interventions that target underlying neural anomalies characteristic of more homogeneous subgroups.

The predictors of occupational disability in obsessive-compulsive disorder in a large clinical sample

Aim: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental disorder leading to severe loss of functioning. We aimed to investigate socio-demographic and clinical factors affecting occupational disability in OCD. Material and Methods: It is a cross sectional study with individuals recruited from an outpatient psychiatry clinic. A total of 393 patients were given the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 Item (HAM-D), Beck Anxiety Inventory, Barratt Impulseness Scale-11 and Wender Utah Rating Scale. Occupational disability was defined as the inability to work over the past month due to pychopathology associated with OCD. Housewives, students and retired people were excluded. Results: The rates of occupational disability were 52.9% in the whole sample, 44.3% in men and 60% in women. Higher Y-BOCS scores, higher HAM-D scores, being single, female gender, younger age at first treatment, less school years and previous suicide attempt were associated with a higher risk of occupational disability. The BAI scores, previous hospitalization, age at onset, smoking, childhood ADHD and past or present tic disorder did not statistically affect occupational status. Conclusions: OCD is associated with serious occupational disability causing inability to work in more than half of patients. The severity of OCD and depressive symptoms, marital status, gender, education level, age at first treatment and history of suicide attempt predict occupational disability. Keywords: Occupational disability; disability; functioning; obsessive-compulsive disorder; impulsivity; Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self-Instructional Module Regarding Knowledge of Correct Body Mechanics in Prevention of Low Back Pain among Staff Nurses Working at Tertiary Care Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Low back pain is the second leading health problem concerning disability and visits to the doctors in population under 45 years of age. Musculoskeletal system disorders including LBP comprise significant occupational injuries and disability within nursing profession. LBP is reportedly the most important reason for nurses’ decision to change their job. In terms of high risk groups for occupational low back pain, the, nurses and other health workers are considered to the highest incidence of low back pain requiring medical and hospital intervention. Nursing staffs have one of the highest incidences of work-related back problems of all occupations. The incidence rates continue to climb and the direct and indirect costs associated with back injuries for nurses are estimated to be $20 billion annually The objectives was to assess the knowledge of staff nurses regarding proper body mechanics in prevention of low back pain before giving the selfinstructional module and to determine the effectiveness of self-instructional module regarding knowledge on proper body mechanics in prevention of low back pain among staff nurses. One group pre test- post-test research design was selected for the study. 60 samples were selected by using purposive and convenience sampling technique. Samples were selected from medicine, surgery and orthopedic ward of Pradyumna Bal memorial Hospital, Bhubaneswar Odisha. After obtaining the written consent from the 60 staff nurses to participate in this study, the knowledge was assessed using a self administered structured questionnaire. After completing the pre test, a Self Instructional Module on correct body mechanics in prevention of low back pain was given to them and the post test was done after 7 days. The data thus collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings interpreted that in orthopedic ward out of 20 staff nurses, (45 %) have good knowledge, (5 % )have average knowledge & (50 % ) have poor knowledge of prevention of low back pain, in surgery ward out of 20 staff nurses (60 %) have good knowledge,(25 %) staff nurses have average & (15 % ) staff nurses have poor knowledge and in medicine ward out of 20 staff nurses, (70%) have good,(30 %) have average knowledge & none of the staff nurses have poor knowledge on prevention of low back pain. The study findings showed that self-instructional module was effective in improving knowledge of staff nurses

Occupational-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders and Associated Factors among Beauty Salon Workers, Adama Town, South-Eastern Ethiopia,2018

Intoduction: Occupational-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) often present significant health and costeffective loads on all the societies exposed any work type mostly in low income countries. Consequently, information pertaining to occupational related musculoskeletal disorders among Beauty Salon Workers (BSW) in our country; Ethiopia is unidentified. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence occupational-related musculoskeletal disorder among beauty salon workers in Adama town, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was applied from April to May 2018. About 372 beauty salon workers recruited as sample using the systematic random sampling technique. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS_ Version 21). The significance of associations was evaluated at alpha 0.05 p-value with a confidence intervals (95%) and Adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR). Results: The study revealed that the response rate was 98.92% (N=368). The prevalence of occupational related musculoskeletal in one year and in one week was 56% (n=205) [95% CI (51, 60)] and 33% (n=120), respectively. Age [AOR: 2.001; 95% CI (1.174, 4.346)], alcohol use [AOR: 2.28; 95% CI (1.38, 3.79)], absence of training regarding safety [AOR: 0.11; 95% CI (0.03, 0.27], working posture [AOR: 0.14; 95% CI (0.05, 0.22)], and duration of service [AOR: 1.65; 95% CI (1.11, 2.14] were statistically significantly associated determinants. Conclusions: The study concluded that occupational related musculoskeletal disorder and disability were prevalent among Adama Town beauty salon workers which to be associated with alcoholism, absence of safety training and duration of service. Thus, the authors forward that workshop or seminar programs need to address these factors.

Lifetime Job Demands and Later Life Disability.

Occupational characteristics may improve or harm health later in life. Previous research, largely based on limited exposure periods, reached mixed conclusions. We use Health and Retirement Study data linked to the Department of Labor's O*Net job classification system to examine the relationship between lifetime exposure to occupational demands and disability later in life. We consistently find an association between non-routine cognitive demands and lower rates of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) receipt and work-limiting health conditions. Routine manual demands are associated with moderately worse health and increased SSDI receipt in most lifetime specifications. These results are robust to various specifications of occupational demand measures and controlling for transitions between jobs of different levels of occupational intensity. We show that failure to account for job characteristic exposure early in a worker's tenure obscures the relationship between physical job demands and disability later in life. While characteristics of jobs worked at ages 30 and 55 are both predictive of later-life health outcomes, early-life job characteristics frequently dominate in models containing early and late exposures.

Supporting the Academic Needs of Students in Higher Education: A Collaboration between Occupational Therapy and Disability Services

Time is often reported by students in postsecondary education as a barrier to academic success. For individuals with challenges to learning, time can place an even greater demand on students’ performance. The contribution of the occupational therapist as are source to a postsecondary academic support team can facilitate the development of productive habits and daily routines necessary for a successful college experience for students seeking accommodations through Access and Disability Services. Purpose: Contribute information supporting factors that influence the academic success of students seeking accommodations in postsecondary education to the body of knowledge in occupational therapy and higher education. Seek a better understanding based on student experience how an individual’s habits and daily routines, associated with time spent in activities related to their role as a college student within a typical day, supports a balance of activities necessary to foster the success of students with disabilities in postsecondary education Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study is to explore how temporal factors influence student performance from the perspective of undergraduate students experiencing challenges to learning. Methodology Research Design: Interpretive phenomenological qualitative study Convenient Sample of Participants: Students ages 18-28 enrolled in postsecondary education at Elmhurst College who receive services through Access and Disability Services. Students must have a high school diploma or GED and qualify under Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ADA Amendments Act of 2008, or the Bridge program. Results Results will be determined through semi-structured interviews with students receiving Access &amp; Disability services at Elmhurst College, which will then be transcribed by the researchers. The information gathered in the interviews will be transcribed and then analyzed to form the results for this study. Conclusions Through an extensive literature review it was found that student’s needs in a post secondary setting are not always met even when services are available and utilized. This interpretive phenomenological qualitative study was carried out to obtain a better understanding of student needs in relation to overall academic performance. After collecting and analyzing results from this study the researchers hope to demonstrate evidence to support the use of occupational therapy in community-based academic settings while adding to the body of knowledge for the profession. Implications for Practice A main focus of the AOTA Vision 2025 is to expand occupational therapy services on an individual, population, and community level in order to make a bigger impact with our unique expertise. The researchers hope the results of this study can provide support for occupational therapy services in a postsecondary community setting where it is not currently being utilized. Furthermore, that this data will show the benefit of occupational therapy services for the individual students, the coordinators, and the organization as a whole. This research was client-centered by getting a better understanding of the individual student’s lives and areas of need to enable better academic engagement.

Cognitive impairment in major depressive disorder.

Cognitive dysfunction is a symptomatic domain identified across many mental disorders. Cognitive deficits in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) contribute significantly to occupational and functional disability. Notably, cognitive subdomains such as learning and memory, executive functioning, processing speed, and attention and concentration are significantly impaired during, and between, episodes in individuals with MDD. Most antidepressants have not been developed and/or evaluated for their ability to directly and independently ameliorate cognitive deficits. Multiple interacting neurobiological mechanisms (eg, neuroinflammation) are implicated as subserving cognitive deficits in MDD. A testable hypothesis, with preliminary support, posits that improving performance across cognitive domains in individuals with MDD may improve psychosocial function, workplace function, quality of life, and other patient-reported outcomes, independent of effects on core mood symptoms. Herein we aim to (1) provide a rationale for prioritizing cognitive deficits as a therapeutic target, (2) briefly discuss the neurobiological substrates subserving cognitive dysfunction, and (3) provide an update on current and future treatment avenues.