Physical Work Fatigue Research Articles

The mediating effect of resilience between work fatigue and psychological distress among healthcare workers in Brazil, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Serbia, and Tunisia.

To test the hypothesis that resilience has a mediating effect on the association between work fatigue and psychological distress. A cross-sectional survey was conducted online in eight countries in 2021: Brazil, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Qatar, Serbia, and Tunisia. A total of 1094 healthcare professionals specialized in medicine, pharmacy, and nurse practitioners that were exposed to/worked with COVID-19 patients were included (age: 33.89 ± 10.79 years; 59.6% females). After adjusting for potential confounders (i.e., country, gender, primary work in emergency department, primary work in infectious disease, primary work in intensive care unit, working in a COVID-19 ward, and working voluntary hours), the results of the mediation analysis showed that resilience fully mediated the association between physical work fatigue and psychological distress and partially mediated the associations between mental and emotional work fatigue and psychological distress. Higher work fatigue was significantly associated with less resilience; higher resilience was significantly associated with less psychological distress. Finally, higher mental and emotional, but not physical, work fatigue, were directly and significantly associated with more psychological distress. Identifying resilience as an important mediator in the path from fatigue to distress helps elucidate underlying mechanisms and pathways leading to the mental health-alteration process among healthcare workers during COVID-19. New strategies targeting resilience may be developed to further improve mental health outcomes among healthcare workers.

A Spanish version of the Three-Dimensional Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI): factor structure, internal consistency, and criterion validity

BackgroundIn the working population, there are risks of overload due to physical, mental, and emotional demands. No instrument is available in Spanish to measure these three types of work fatigue (WF) separately. This paper adapts the Three-Dimensional Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI) (2015), which is of American origin and measures and differentiates these three different types of WF. It has adequate psychometric properties at its root, as do the subsequent German (2018), Lebanese (2022), and Chinese (2023) adaptations.MethodsA total of 1100 workers (average age = 40 years) from economic sectors such as security and transportation of valuables, secondary and university educational institutions, and healthcare centers participated. They responded to the 3D-WFI, the Health-Related Quality of Life Index, and the Individual Strength Checklist for concurrent validity effects, together with items with sociodemographic and lifestyle variables.ResultsA confirmatory factor analysis with the total sample 3D-WFI supports its three-dimensionality; Cronbach’s alpha and Omega values are adequate by dimensions: for physical work fatigue (α = 0.92, Ω = 0.92), for mental work fatigue (α = 0.94. Ω = 0.94), and emotional work fatigue (α = 0.95, Ω = 0.95). The 3D-WFI correlates significantly with the Checklist Individual Strength (0.743), and a pattern of significant relationships is found between WF and antecedent variables (e.g., being exposed to heat and noise, emotional labor, concentration, and workwear), as well as some consequences of WF (for example, mental health, absenteeism, work satisfaction, and sleep quality).ConclusionsWe contribute here to the cross-cultural validity of the 3D-WFI, which can be used reliably and validly in the Chilean and probably Latin American working population. Some WF predictor variables are confirmed, as well as WF impacts on the absenteeism, health, and quality of life among workers.

Relationship between Nutritional Status, Diet, and Calorie Adequacy on Work Fatigue of Female Pottery Crafters in Karanganyar Village, Borobudur, Magelang

Background: Work Fatigue is a common condition often experienced by workers characterized by decreased work performance. Work fatigue can be caused by poor nutritional status, diet and calorie intake received by workers. Objectives: This study purpose is to analyze the relationship between nutritional status, diet, calorie intake and work fatigue experienced by female pottery craftsmen in Karanganya Village, Central Java. Methods: This research is a quantitative analytic research with cross-sectional study design. The study population was 70 female pottery artisans in Karanganyar Village, Borobudur District, Magelang Regency, Central Java. The number of samples taken was 43 people determined using simple random sampling. The variables studied were nutritional status, diet, calorie adequacy and physical labor fatigue. The instruments used were digital weight scales and staturemeter, Food Frequency Questionnaire, 24-hour food recall form and reaction timer. Data analysis techniques using SPSS with Chi-square test and logistic regression. Results: 48,84% of pottery crafters have abnormal nutritional. 65.12% of pottery crafters have a good diet although 69.77% of the calorie adequacy of pottery crafters is not met. 34.88% of pottery craftsmen experienced physical fatigue in the moderate category and 4.65% experienced physical fatigue in the severe category. Based on the results of bivariate analysis, there is a relationship between diet (p=0.010), calorie adequacy (p=0.044) with physical work fatigue. There is no relationship between nutritional status (p=0.098) with physical fatigue. Conclusions: Work fatigue experienced by female pottery crafters in Karanganyar Village is caused by diet and calorie adequacy deficits.

Work fatigue among Lebanese physicians and students during the COVID-19 pandemic: validation of the 3D-Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI) and correlates

BackgroundWork fatigue is a work-related condition that affects physicians’ health, work attitude safety and performance. Work fatigue affects not only medical workers but can also leave a negative impact on patients. With the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the economic crisis Lebanese doctors have been facing in the last 2 years, the aim of our study was to validate the 3D-Work Fatigue Inventory (3D-WFI) among Lebanese physicians and assess the rate and correlates of work fatigue (physical, mental and emotional).MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire between October 2020 and January 2021. The SPSS AMOS software v.24 was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). To validate the 3D-WFI, multiple indices of goodness-of-fit were described: the Relative Chi-square (χ2/df) (cut-off values:< 2–5), the Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) (close and acceptable fit are considered for values < 0.05 and < 0.11 respectively), the Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) and the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) (acceptable values are ≥0.90).ResultsA total of 401 responses was collected; 66.1, 64.8 and 65.1% respondents had an intermediate to high level of emotional, mental and physical work fatigue respectively. The fit indices obtained in the CFA of the 3D-WFI items fitted well: CFI =0.98, TLI =0.98, RMSEA = 0.05; 95% CI 0.046–0.063; pclose = 0.20) and χ2(136) = 295.76. The correlation coefficients between the three factors (Factor 1 = Physical work fatigue, Factor 2 = Mental work fatigue, Factor 3 = Emotional work fatigue) were adequate as well: Factor 1-Factor 2 (r = 0.70), Factor 1-Factor 3 (r = 0.52) and Factor 2-Factor 3 (r = 0.65). In addition, feeling pressured by long working hours during the pandemic, having more hours of night duty per month, more stressful events in life, and higher depression were significantly associated with more physical and mental work fatigue. Higher depression and having more stressful events in life were significantly associated with more emotional work fatigue.ConclusionWork fatigue in Lebanese physicians seems to be associated with higher level of everyday stress, high work load and depression. Hospitals and local health authorities can use these results for early interventions that aim to reduce work fatigue and ensure the wellbeing of Lebanese physicians.

Correlates of emotional intelligence among Lebanese adults: the role of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, alcohol use disorder, alexithymia and work fatigue

BackgroundRelationship between emotional intelligence and emotional variables such as stress, depression, anxiety and mental health has been well documented in child and adult samples. New insights into the association between emotional intelligence and different components of mental health in one study (cognitive, emotional and behavioral dimensions) can help patients, therapists, relatives, and friends to understand, explain, and cope with symptoms. There have been no studies assessing the association between the emotional intelligence (EI) with various factors in Lebanon. This study principal aim was to evaluate how EI is related to mental health issues: social anxiety, depression, alcohol use disorders (AUD), work fatigue, stress and alexithymia in Lebanon.Methods789 participants were enrolled in a cross-sectional study between November 2017 and March 2018. A cluster analysis was used to evaluate participants’ profiles with the help of emotional intelligence subscales, to separate the Lebanese population into equal limited units with different characteristics using the K-mean technique.ResultsThree clusters were computed dividing participants into low EI (cluster 1; 24.5%), moderate EI (cluster 2; 43.7%) and high EI (cluster 3; 31.7%) respectively. Fitting into the cluster 1 (low EI) was significantly associated with higher AUD, alexithymia, anxiety, depression, perceived stress, social phobia, emotional, mental and physical work fatigue, suicidal ideation compared to cluster 3 (high EI). Fitting into the cluster 2 (moderate EI) was significantly correlated with higher AUD, depression, alexithymia, anxiety, perceived stress, social phobia, mental work fatigue and suicidal ideation compared to cluster 3 (high EI).ConclusionThis study results suggest that emotional intelligence is related to different variables, warranting interventions to limit/decrease alcohol abuse and mental/psychological illnesses as much possible.

Factors associated with empathy among community pharmacists in Lebanon

IntroductionEmpathy is the cornerstone of the relationship between the healthcare provider and the patient. In Lebanon, no studies have investigated the factors associated with empathy among community pharmacists. Hence, the importance of this research to better understand empathy and help community pharmacists with this vital aspect of their practice.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate empathy and possible factors associated with it among Lebanese community pharmacists.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out between March and July 2018. It enrolled a proportionate random sample of 435 community pharmacists from all Lebanese districts. The Epi info software calculated the minimum sample size, based on a total number of 3762 community pharmacists, with an expected frequency of 50% of pharmacists with low empathy, and a 95% confidence interval. The minimal sample size required was 350 community pharmacists; our sample size was 435 to account for missing values.ResultsOur results revealed that 228 (53.4%) pharmacists had low empathy. Lower empathy was significantly associated with more physical (Beta = − 0.331) and mental (Beta = − 0.126) work fatigue, higher age (Beta = − 0.125) and a practice experience between 3 years and less than 6 years compared to less than 6 months (Beta = − 2.440).ConclusionThis study shed the light on some factors associated with empathy among Lebanese community pharmacists. Low empathy levels were significantly associated with factors such as age, practice experience, and mental and physical work fatigue, all of which impact the practice, as the accepted model of pharmacy practice requires that pharmacists establish effective communication and use interpersonal skills. Therefore, developing empathetic communication skills is considered essential. Furthermore, increased mental and physical work fatigue should not hinder community pharmacists’ access to self-care, whether for their mental or physical health.

Analysis of Mental and Physical Fatigue Risk Factors in Utility Unit of Petrochemical Company

Introduction: Work exhaustion defined as a tired feeling felt by workers with different symptoms in each individual. In this study work fatigue was divided into two types, namely physical work fatigue and mental work fatigue. This study aims to determine risk factors of physical and mental fatigue on utility unit PT. Trans Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI) which produces petroleum or gas, as well as the chemical BTX. Methods: This research was an observational study with a cross-sectional method. Based on the problem characteristic and data analysis, this study belongs to analytical research. Data were collected by interview, questionnaires, measurement, and observations. The population is 36 workers and the sample size of this study is 33 respondents from utility unit workers. The sampling technique used simple random sampling. The variables in this study were age, years of service, work duration, workload, heat stress index, responsibility, and support from company’s head. Results: Showed that factors associated with physical and mental fatigue are the age, workloads, work duration, and heat stress index. Conclusion: Physical fatigue and mental fatigue had correlation with age, workloads, work time, and heat stress index. The higher age, workload, work duration, and heat stress index, it will increasingly cause physical and mental fatigue faster and harder.Keywords: fatigue risk factors, mental fatigue work, physical fatigue work

Factors associated with depression among the Lebanese population: Results of a cross-sectional study.

The aim of this study was to assess factors associated with depression in a representative sample of the Lebanese population. A cross-sectional study, conducted between November 2017 and March 2018, enrolled 789 participants. Depression was measured using the Arabic version of the Hamilton Depression Scale. The participants' mean age was 30.30 ± 12.52 years (54.8% males). More than half of the participants had depressive symptoms (59.7%). Anxiety (β = .457), alcohol dependence (β = .290), suicidal ideation (β = 1.427), high socioeconomic status (β = 1.910), being widowed (β = 4.564), and physical work fatigue (β = .090) were significantly associated with higher depression. Higher social emotional awareness was significantly associated with lower depression (β = -.176). This study sheds light on high levels of psychological distress and depression among the Lebanese general population and suggests potential preventative strategies.

Work fatigue among Lebanese community pharmacists: prevalence and correlates.

Objective:To assess work fatigue and its associated factors among community pharmacists in Lebanon.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2018. A proportionate sample of 435 community pharmacists was selected from all regions of Lebanon. A standardized self-administered questionnaire, distributed by trained interviewers, was used to assess the studied variables.Results:The results showed that 50.12% of the pharmacists had emotional work fatigue [95%CI 0.454-0.549], 55.01% had mental work fatigue [95%CI 0.503-0.597], and 54.78% had physical work fatigue [95%CI 0.501-0.595]. Higher mental work fatigue was significantly associated with higher stress (Beta=0.185) and having a master’s degree compared to a bachelor’s degree (Beta=2.23). Higher emotional work fatigue was significantly associated with higher stress (Beta=0.219), working more than 40 hours compared to ≤ 16 hours (Beta=2.742), and having 6 months to less than 1 year of practice compared to less than 6 months (Beta=-5.238). Higher physical work fatigue was significantly associated with higher stress (Beta=0.169) and having better soft skills (Beta=-0.163).Conclusions:Work-related fatigue is high among community pharmacists and touches all aspects: physical, mental, and emotional. In our study, community pharmacists’ fatigue levels were associated with educational level, years of experience, working hours, stress, depression, and soft skills, while no relation was found with gender, age, position in the pharmacy, and economic status. Interventions are recommended to tackle this public health problem that affects pharmacists, and eventually, patients.

Factors associated with quality of life among community pharmacists in Lebanon: results of a cross-sectional study.

Objective:The objective of this study was to assess the quality of life and the factors associated with it among community pharmacists in Lebanon.Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out between March and July 2018, enrolling 435 pharmacists, using a proportionate random sample of community pharmacies from all districts of Lebanon. The validated Arabic translation of the Short-Form 12 (SF12v2) was used to derive 2 summary scores: physical and mental component summaries (PCS and MCS).Results:Lebanese community pharmacists scored a mean PCS-12 and MCS-12 of 48.9 (SD 7.1) and 48.8 (SD 8.5), respectively. Higher age (Beta= -0.08), having a PhD degree (Beta= -4.54), higher depression score (Beta= -0.25), higher emotional work fatigue (Beta= -0.13) and higher physical work fatigue (Beta=-0.14) were significantly associated with lower physical QoL (lower PCS-12 scores). Increased stress (Beta= -0.17), higher insomnia (Beta= -0.21), higher depression (Beta= -0.2) and working for over 40 hours per week (Beta= -0.2) were significantly associated with lower mental QoL (lower mental MCS-12 scores).Conclusions:Our research has found a strong correlation between quality of life and psychological factors, including stress, burnout, insomnia, and depression among community pharmacists.

Burnout and Its Relationships With Alexithymia, Stress, Self-Esteem, Depression, Alcohol Use Disorders, and Emotional Intelligence

Our aim was to assess the relationship between personality and psychological traits, and burnout among the Lebanese population. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted with multiple validated scales used to measure burnout and other characteristics. A cluster analysis was then performed to split the population into mutually exclusive groups with different profiles according to the burnout scales using the K-mean method. A multivariate analysis of covariance was carried out to compare multiple measures between the cluster groups under comparison. The study, conducted between November 2017 and March 2018, enrolled 789 participants. The results showed that 100 (14.0%) had high emotional work fatigue, whereas 443 (62.5%) and 680 (95.4%) had high mental and physical work fatigue, respectively. People with high physical work fatigue (cluster 1) had lower alcohol dependence (β = -2.78), alexithymia (β = -3.16), depression (β = -7.20), anxiety (β = -6.99), perceived stress (β = -2.53), social phobia (β = -11.49), suicidal ideation (β = -0.35), emotional awareness (β = -4.54), emotional managament (β = -1.71), social emotional awareness (β = -9.27), and relationship management (β = -9.12). People with high emotional work fatigue (cluster 2) had higher alcohol dependence (β = 2.11), alexithymia (β = 6.51), depression (β = 2.48), anxiety (β = 4.11), perceived stress (β = 4.30), and lower emotional awareness (β = -6.68), emotional management (β = -7.80), social emotional awareness (β = -3.71), and relationship management (β = -3.05). Higher levels of burnout were found to be associated with multiple psychological factors. The results would help understand the burnout dimensions and their correlated factors in the Lebanese population.