Occupational Health Nurses Research Articles

Screening for Hepatitis B: Serology Markers Interpretation.

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) need adequate knowledge to interpret the serology markers when screening workers for Hepatitis B virus.

Relationship of perceived job strain and workplace support to antenatal depressive symptoms among pregnant employees in Taiwan

ABSTRACTMost Taiwanese women continue to work throughout pregnancy. Few studies have investigated the prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms in employed women and their relationship with work-related factors. We explored the relations of work-related factors, including perceived job strain and workplace support, to depressive symptoms among pregnant Taiwanese employees. During 2015–2016, we interviewed 153 employees in their third trimester of pregnancy using questionnaires to collect data on demographics, pregnancy status, physical conditions, work-related factors, family function, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The prevalence of antenatal depressive symptoms, based on EPDS scores≥13, was 13.7%. Pregnant employees with depressive symptoms had lower Family APGAR scores (p < 0.0001) and lower scores on all scales of the HRQoL (p < 0.05). Controlling for covariates, work-related feelings of stress and distress were associated with increased odds of antenatal depressive symptoms (Odds Ratio [OR] = 4.7, 95% confidence Interval [95% CI] = 1.3–19.9). Feeling tired at work (OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 2.3–47.0) and lack of support from colleagues (OR = 16.7, 95% CI = 2.9–53.1) were significantly associated with antenatal depressive symptoms. Such information will facilitate implementation of supportive workplace climates for pregnant employees by employers, supervisors, and occupational and environmental health nurses, which may help improve the health of pregnant employees.

Suicide: An Unrecognized Epidemic Among Farmers.

Stress and depression are prevalent among farmers, and suicide has reached epidemic status. Occupational health nurses are in key positions to recognize these mental health issues and use strategies to control this epidemic.

Difficulties of fathers whose families evacuated voluntarily after the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

The Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 resulted in radiation exposure, and many evacuees felt anxious of its health risks. However, little is known about the difficulties faced by fathers whose families evacuated voluntarily. Therefore, the aim of the present case study was to clarify the difficulties and concerns of fathers whose families evacuated voluntarily after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Eleven fathers in Fukushima were interviewed between 14 December 2014 and 25 February 2015. Four themes emerged: (i) seeking a safe place away from radiation exposure; (ii) burdens of a double life; (iii) feelings of isolation and perceived deterioration of health; and (iv) deciding on whether to continue voluntary evacuation. Fathers were anxious about radiation exposure, similar to mothers, and faced work-family conflicts from the voluntary evacuation of their families, including financial, physical, and mental sacrifice. Half of the fathers did not express their difficulties to others. Our findings identified a new type of conflict between people of a community who did/did not choose voluntary evacuation. Occupational health nurses should understand fathers' feelings of isolation and monitor their health to prevent the development of stress-related diseases.

Promoting Hearing Health.

Noise-induced hearing loss is a chronic illness that develops gradually over time. Occupational health nurses can intervene in meaningful ways to promote best practices to prevent hearing loss.

Promoting and inhibiting factors for the use of validated dietary assessment questionnaires in health check-up counseling: from occupational health nurses and dietitians' perspective.

A validated questionnaire is not typically used for dietary assessment in health check-up counseling provided by occupational health nurses in Japan. We conducted a qualitative study to investigate the barriers and promoting factors affecting the use of validated questionnaires. Ten occupational health nurses and three registered dietitians, working at a health insurance society, were recruited for this study using an open-ended, free description questionnaire. Inhibiting factors, such as “Feeling of satisfaction with the current method,” “Recognition of importance,” and “Sense of burden from the questionnaire”, and as promoting factors, “Feeling the current method is insufficient”, “Recognition of importance,” “Reduction in the feeling of burden after the answer,” “Expectation of and reaction to the result,” and “Expectation for the effect of the counseling” were noted. Since a standardized dietary assessment method in health counseling might be desirable for the harmonization of work with diseases prevention in an occupational field, findings in this study could propose appropriate targets to reduce confusion in health professionals’ concerning the use of validated questionnaires.

Cigarette Smoking Cessation Involving the 5-A Framework.

Occupational health nurses (OHNs) need to have adequate knowledge and skills to manage and educate individuals about smoking cessation.

Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Components for Occupational Health Nurses-Part 1.

This article, the first in a two-part series, reviews and examines the components of clinical nutrition. In Part 1, the authors introduce the concept of nutrition and the role it plays in supporting healthy employees, current guidelines, and recommendations for determining healthy eating and the nutritional component of carbohydrates. In Part 2, the components of fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water, and a resource guide are provided for the occupational health nurse to assist in the implementation of employee education in the area of healthy nutrition. The intent of the articles is to acquaint and inform occupational health nurses on the current guidelines for healthy eating so they can better appraise their employee population, thus creating a healthier workforce. The information provided is not all-inclusive on the topics discussed, but provides a foundation to understand the requirements for a healthier workforce.

Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Components for Occupational Health Nurses—Part 1

Comprehensive Review of Nutritional Components for Occupational Health Nurses—Part 1

Reflections on Occupational Health Nursing in Taiwan: Challenges and Perspectives

The development of the occupational health nursing profession has promoted stable and healthy human resources in Taiwan. In order to improve the occupational safety, health, and healthcare of workers, the professional core competencies and role functions of occupational health nursing is of utmost importance. This article investigated the current status of occupational health nursing education, role functions, practice scope, and the development and responsibilities of professional associations and proposed the challenges to and the future prospects of the development of occupational health nursing in Taiwan. The key findings include: (1) the role functions and practice scope of occupational health nursing; (2) occupational health nursing courses should be included in the required credits of Department of Nursing and master and doctor programs in occupational health nursing should be established; (3) a certification system of occupational health nursing should be established as soon as possible; (4) the professional associations for occupational health nursing should take responsibility for continuing education and training; and (5) interdisciplinary collaborations among relevant occupational health professionals should be strengthened.

Structure of Relationships Formed by Occupational Health Nurses for Co-operating with Managers to Support Workers with Mental Health Concerns

Occupational health staff and managers play important roles in supporting workers with mental health concerns and mutual co-operation among them is a necessary element. However, when co-operating with other professionals, several problems arise that often make such co-operation a challenge. Effective mutual actions are needed to promote such co-operation, and relationships must be formed for this purpose. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to clarify how occupational health nurses form relationships for facilitating co-operation with managers to provide support to workers with mental health concerns. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 11 occupational health nurses who provide individualized mental health support and who have at least 5 years of experience as occupational health nurses. Analysis of the recorded interviews was performed using a qualitative statistical method (KJ method). Six elements that constitute the formation of relationships were identified. When occupational health nurses form relationships for facilitating co-operation with a manager to provide support to workers, they "form relationships through strategic communication" with them and when co-operation is required, they form a relationship by "acting in a manner that suits the manager," such as his/her character and the situation. To support this relationship, occupational health nurses "provide mental support to the manager" by listening to his/her anxiety or real intention about supporting the subordinate with mental health concerns and provide relief while understanding their burdens during the co-operation. Occupational health nurses even "provide support to the manager in their activities," which assessed the situation at the workplace as the specialist and advised the manager to understand how to concern to the subordinate specifically. In addition, they "indirectly support the manager" which included coordinating with the concerned persons so as to not excessively burden the manager. Such support promoted the "creation of systems for clear roles" of managers in supporting the subordinate with mental health concerns. Relationships that occupational health nurses form with their managers were the structure which formed emotional human relationships from the front or back necessity of co-operation causes and developing confidence in relationships with the foundation of emotional human relationships.

Hazardous Drugs: Handling in Health Care Settings.

Occupational and environmental health nurses can play a key role in the implementation of the U.S. Pharmacopeial (USP) <800> guidelines to protect the health and safety of all workers who handle hazardous drugs.

Occupational Health Nurse's in Champagne County from the Occupational Health &amp; Safety Department

Occupational Health Nurse's in Champagne County from the Occupational Health &amp; Safety Department

Kanta-arkiston käyttökokemuksia työterveyshuollossa

Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriön laatiman Sote-tieto hyötykäyttöön -strategian tarkoituksena on mahdollistaa, että terveydenhuollon ammattilaisella on käytössään ajantasainen potilastieto ja työtä tukevat tietojärjestelmät. Tietojen vaihto yli organisaatiorajojen toteutetaan valtakunnallisen Potilastiedon arkiston (Kanta-arkiston) avulla. Arkistoon on tallennettu tietoja lähes kaikista suomalaisista ja sen käyttö lisääntyy terveydenhuollon ammattilaisten keskuudessa koko ajan.&#x0D; Tutkimuksen tarkoituksena oli selvittää Kanta-arkiston käyttöä työterveyshuollossa. Sähköinen kysely lähetettiin työterveyslääkäreille, työterveyshoitajille, työfysioterapeuteille ja työterveyspsykologeille kesällä 2017 ja siihen vastasi yhteensä 359 henkilöä.&#x0D; Tulokset osoittavat, että Kanta-arkistoa pidetään hyvänä ideana, mutta sitä käytetään vielä vähän. Vastaajat kokevat, että tietojen haku on hidasta, tarvittavan tiedon löytäminen hankalaa ja potilastietojen tallentumisessa Kanta-arkistoon on ajoittain viivettä. Lisäksi Kanta-arkistossa näkyvät potilaskäyntien päivämäärät eivät aina välttämättä vastaa käynnin todellista ajankohtaa. Työterveyshuollon ammattilaiset uskovat muiden ammattilaisten hyödyntävän työterveyshuollossa syntyneitä tietoja, vaikka kokevatkin, että Kanta-arkiston avulla kokonaiskuvan saaminen potilaan hoidon tilanteesta ei onnistu helposti.&#x0D; Tietojen ajantasainen kirjaaminen ja niiden tallentuminen Kanta-arkistoon mahdollistaa potilaalle parhaan mahdollisen hoidon, kun ammattilaiset saavat tarvittaessa esille potilaan koko terveys- ja sairaushistorian. Vaikka Kanta-arkiston käyttö on vielä osin hankalaa ja tietojen löytämisessä on vaikeutta, voidaan kuitenkin sanoa sen täyttävän tarkoituksensa ja hyödyttävän työterveyshuollon ammattilaisen työtä. Tulevaisuudessa tilanne tulee paranemaan, kun Kanta-arkistoon toteutettavan tiedonhallintapalvelun kautta saadaan ammattilaisille käyttöön kooste potilasta koskevista keskeisistä terveystiedoista.

The Impact of an Aging Population in the Workplace.

Evidence suggests that older Americans are working longer and spending more time on the job than their peers did in previous years. The increased number of older adults working longer is observed not only in the Unites States but also worldwide. There are numerous ramifications associated with the changing demographics and the expanding prevalence of an aging population in the workforce. Dynamics that arise include stereotyping and discrimination, longevity and on-site expert knowledge, variances in workplace behavior, a multigenerational employee pool, chronic disease management, occupational safety, and the application of adaptive strategies to reduce injury occurrences. Occupational health nurses play a pivotal role in implementing best practices for an aging-friendly workplace.

Psychological Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Workers After Toxic Chemical Spill in Gumi, South Korea.

The extent and severity of the psychological effects following chemical release disasters have not been widely reported. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of hydrogen fluoride (HF)-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to identify associated psychological risk factors. On September 2012, an estimated 8 to 12 tons of HF gas, which dissolves in air moisture to form droplets of corrosive hydrofluoric acid, escaped from an industrial complex in Gumi, South Korea. Ten months later, structured questionnaires that included items from the Impacts of Event Scale (revised Korean version) as well as questions about demographic and psychological risk factors related to PTSD were distributed to workers in the affected area. The prevalence rate of PTSD was 5.7%. The odds of PTSD in non-alcohol-dependent workers (odds ratio [OR] = 3.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.27, 7.60]) was significantly higher than in alcohol-independent workers. The OR for PTSD in workers with anxiety (OR = 7.63, 95% CI = [2.10, 27.71) was significantly higher than the OR workers without anxiety. The odds of PTSD in workers with high perceived stress scale (PSS) scores (OR = 8.72, 95 % CI = [2.29, 33.16]) was significantly higher than for workers with low PSS. Alcohol dependence, psychiatric symptoms at the time of the event, anxiety, and high PSS were associated with HF-related PTSD. Long-term employee assistance programs are needed to assist occupational health nurses and clinicians to reduce PTSD after industrial disasters.

Role of the occupational health nurse

The missions of occupational health nurses are exclusively preventive, except in the event of emergency situations. They are involved in the prevention of occupational stress, the assessment of psychosocial risks and the improvement of quality of life at work.

Chronic Hepatitis C Screening, Evaluation, and Treatment Update in the Age of Direct-Acting Antivirals.

Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV), the cause of one of the most common infectious diseases, infects approximately 4 million to 5 million Americans with approximately half of infected individuals undiagnosed. Some workplaces screen employees for HCV exposure and other bloodborne pathogens (BBP) after needlestick injuries, but it is not well known whether employers screen employees for HCV without an occupational exposure. New guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that all individuals born between 1945 and 1965 should be screened for HCV regardless of risk; this provides an opportunity at the worksite for HCV outreach to employees, dependents, and retirees. To understand this recommendation, the management of HCV in the age of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) should be reviewed. Now that new DAA treatment can cure HCV, occupational health nurses should identify potential HCV-positive individuals at the worksite via HCV education, screening, testing, and, if positive, linking to specialists for treatment.

Self-Determination Theory With Application to Employee Health Settings.

Occupational health nurses motivate employees to engage in healthy behaviors. Both clinicians and researchers need strong theories on which to base decisions for health programs (e.g., healthy diet) and experimental interventions (e.g., workplace walking). The self-determination theory could be useful as it includes concepts of individual autonomy, competence to perform healthy behaviors, and relationships as predictors of health behaviors and outcomes. In this article, the self-determination theory is described and evaluated using Walker and Avant's criteria. The theory is applied to a population of federal employees who smoke. By increasing employees' ability to autonomously choose smoking cessation programs, support their competence to stop smoking, and improve their relationships with both others who smoke and employee health services, smoking cessation should increase.

Study of assessment items and measurement processes for the ongoing health interview after the stress check by the occupational health nurses

Study of assessment items and measurement processes for the ongoing health interview after the stress check by the occupational health nurses