Psychosocial Risk Research Articles

Screening for mental disorders in health workers

Introduction: mental health is presented as an essential element in work capacity and productivity, and, similarly, psychosocial risks at work can generate detrimental effects on mental health. Objective: To determine the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and panic disorders among healthcare professionals at the Regional Hospital of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico. Methods: quantitative, observational, descriptive, cross-sectional and analytical study, with stratified probabilistic sampling. Sample of 299 health workers. For data collection, the instrument for detecting anxiety, depression and panic disorders, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4+PHQ-TP), was used; and for the analysis the statistical program SPSS version 27.Results: it is shown that 59,5 % of the participants are women, 76,3 % work in the morning shift, and 51.8% are single. With 66.9% the nursing job category predominates, 76,6 % have an academic level greater than a bachelor's degree. A quarter of them work two jobs and suffer from chronic illnesses. 25,8 % have been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and/or panic, predominating in the morning shift and in the female gender. Most are assigned to emergency services. The risk of panic predominates at 39,5 % and 53,4 % correspond to nursing staff. Cases of anxiety and depression occur in 47,8 % and 55,7 % respectively in resident doctors. Conclusion: the study shows a high prevalence of mental disorders in health workers in Culiacán, Sinaloa, with significant differences depending on the shift and job category. These findings are consistent with international literature, highlighting the urgent need to implement psychological support programs and improve working conditions.

Psychosocial Syndemic Burden, Sexual Behaviors, and Engagement in HIV Prevention Care Among Sexual and Gender Minority Youths: United States, 2022.

Objectives. To examine linear and nonlinear associations between psychosocial syndemic factors and HIV risk and engagement in HIV prevention care among sexual and gender minority (SGM) youths. Methods. Between February and October 2022, we recruited 17 578 SGM youths aged 13 to 18 years in the United States for an online survey. We examined the relationship of syndemics (i.e., binge drinking, drug use, sexual victimization, and anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender discrimination) with sexual behaviors (i.e., sexual initiation, condomless anal or vaginal sex, and number of sexual partners) and HIV prevention care (i.e., HIV testing, preexposure prophylaxis awareness and utilization) using regression. Results. Psychosocial syndemic burden (number of syndemic factors reported) was linearly and cubically associated with engagement in sexual behaviors. Psychosocial syndemic burden was linearly associated with higher HIV testing and preexposure prophylaxis awareness and cubically associated with higher preexposure prophylaxis utilization. Conclusions. Our findings are evidence of synergism across psychosocial syndemic factors regarding HIV risk and engagement in HIV prevention care among SGM youths in the United States. Public Health Implications. Multicomponent interventions may help reduce HIV risk and promote access to HIV prevention services among SGM individuals aged 13 to 18 years. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):892-902. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307753).

P.364: Increased psychosocial risk factors in pediatric liver transplant patients transplanted for fulminant liver failure.

P.364: Increased psychosocial risk factors in pediatric liver transplant patients transplanted for fulminant liver failure.

Preventing Surgeon Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Pilot Study of the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics (CORE) Program.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among surgeons are markedly increasing. Several proposed interventions to reduce WMSDs among surgeons have been studied, but few follow an occupational therapy-oriented approach addressing biomechanical, psychophysical, and psychosocial risk factors. To design, implement, and assess the potential of the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics (CORE) program for surgeons, a holistic evidence-based ergonomics and wellness intervention grounded in occupational therapy principles. Mixed-methods pilot study with the quantitative strand embedded in the qualitative strand. University-affiliated hospital. Six laparoscopic surgeons. CORE program outcomes were assessed using qualitative and quantitative data to indicate changes in posture, physical discomfort, sense of wellness, and operating room (OR) ergonomic performance. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used to quantify surgeons' WMSD risk level before and after intervention. There were 12 baseline observations (two for each participant), and two or three post-CORE implementation observations. A statistically significant difference, F(1, 6) = 8.57, p = .03, was found between pre- and post-occupational therapy intervention RULA scores. Thematic analysis of surgeon feedback, which was overwhelmingly positive, identified five themes: postural alignment, areas of commonly reported physical pain or discomfort, setup of the OR environment, surgical ergonomics training, and ergonomics in everyday life. The CORE program effectively decreased ergonomic risk factors to optimize surgeons' occupational performance in the OR. This study demonstrates a potential solution to how occupational therapists can holistically support surgeons and health care providers who are at risk for WMSDs. Plain-Language Summary: By 2025, a surgeon shortage is expected, partly because of the increase in surgeons' work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which affect their health and job continuity. This pilot study shows that the Comprehensive Operating Room Ergonomics program effectively addresses these problems. The study also serves as a framework for occupational therapy professionals to work with health care providers on ergonomics, benefiting population health. Results suggest that this approach could enhance surgeons' work conditions, supporting the American Occupational Therapy Association's Vision 2025 to improve health and quality of life.

Effects of Psychosocial Risks on the Performance of Teacher-Researchers: Moroccan Context

In recent years, the concept of psychosocial risks has assumed enormous importance in working life. Indeed, PSR at work has become almost synonymous with work life and more specifically work stress, and it is widely accepted that work experiences can have a major impact on the psychological health of employees. Psychological risks are the human pressures that arise as a result of implementing an organization's strategy, and take different forms such as anxiety, pressure, violence, mental load and poor communication, musculoskeletal disorders and other pressures that are transmitted differently among employees depending on their position in the organization. Thus, mental health is an integral part of health and a state of happiness. In this state, a person can achieve self-actualization, overcome the normal pressures of life, engage in productive work and contribute to community life. Its degree is determined by social, psychological and biological factors. In the workplace, it is associated with psychosocial risk (PSR), which can cause a variety of discomforts and negative emotions about work. The assessment of PSR in the workplace is necessary, their identification allows to take preventive measures to have an objective impact on absenteeism, performance, productivity and health of workers and organizations In this sense, the objective of this work is to evaluate the prevalence of work-related psychological organizational constraints in the group of practicing teachers based on the Karasek model. This is a cross-sectional survey with data from 100 qualified teachers in elementary school, secondary schools and universities. The respondents were informed in advance of the purpose of the survey and the anonymity of the data. They are teachers, men and women of all ages, different learning levels, different cycles, different teaching professions and different levels of experience.

Perspectivas de estudiantes de secundaria del Departamento de Oruro sobre la trata de personas

Human trafficking is the third most lucrative crime worldwide, after drug trafficking and arms trafficking. The groups most vulnerable to this scourge are adolescents, women and children. In this context, the objective of this research was to determine whether students aged 16 to 18 years at the secondary level, belonging to 4 educational units in the department of Oruro, know the psychosocial risk factors that promote human trafficking, as well as the strategies of coping to avoid being victims. Methodologically, the study adopted a field-level, descriptive design, quantitative approach. 358 students participated, selected through a stratified random sampling, to whom 3 measurement instruments were applied: CRTP, CFRP and ACS. The results were segmented by rural and urban areas. The conclusions indicate that students have knowledge about risk factors, but are not prepared to face them effectively. This situation highlights the need to implement prevention and education strategies that empower adolescents to avoid becoming victims of human trafficking.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Improving Workplace Well-Being: A Systematic Review

In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly increased in the field of workplace well-being. This study systematically reviews the most common applications of AI in this context, covering literature published between 2018 and 2023, and evaluates both its current and potential impact. The research involved a comprehensive search in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines, resulting in 31 articles that met the inclusion criteria. The qualitative synthesis reveals that AI is being utilized in areas such as mental health monitoring, emotional support, personalized well-being programs, identification of psychosocial risk factors, and training and development. This review contributes to the existing literature by offering a detailed categorization of AI applications in workplace well-being, and it highlights the practical utility of AI in enhancing employee mental health and overall well-being. The findings suggest that AI has the potential to revolutionize the management of workplace well-being, providing actionable insights for both researchers and practitioners. Recommendations for future research are also discussed.

Trajectory of Telework in a Brazilian Labor Court During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study of Working and Health Conditions According to Work Modality.

This study aimed to compare ergonomic and psychosocial risks and the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and common mental disorders during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic according to work modality. A longitudinal study was carried out with 659 employees between 2021 and 2022. The data were collected via web with self-administered questionnaires. The Wilcoxon and repeated-measure analysis of variance tests were used. The participants who started teleworking during the pandemic showed significant improvements in their workstations and worsening of the risks associated with rest breaks after returning to face-to-face work. Employees in telework presented a significant reduction in the intensity of musculoskeletal complaints in the last 7 days compared to those who returned to face-to-face work. Although there was a reduction in the ergonomic risk after returning to face-to-face work, telework was related to better working and health conditions.

Epidemiology of Chronic Shoulder Pain Among Adult Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India.

Introduction Chronic shoulder pain(CSP) is a significant medical and socioeconomic problem that hinders daily living activities, creating a burden on the individual and society. An epidemiological study will help to find out the risk factors and their impact, thereby giving medical practitioners and policymakers the necessary tools to tackle the problem. Materials and methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital in South India over a period of four years from 2018 to 2021 using a structured questionnaire, clinical and radiological examination, and visual analog score (VAS). The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A statistically significant correlation was found between CSP and increasing age, occupational risk factors like vibrations, repetitive movements, lifting heavy objects, repetitive lifting of the arm above the shoulderand sitting in the same posture for a prolonged time, and work stress. Vitamin D deficiency and diabetes mellitus were found to increase the risk of shoulder pain, smoking, and alcoholism. There was a higher incidence of rotator cuff pathology and frozen shoulder among those who had CSP. Conclusion CSP affects the quality of life and the productivity of the patients. Reducing the physical and psychosocial risk factors is the key to decreasing its prevalence. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a good working environment is very essential.

Psychosocial risk management at mining and metallurgical enterprises

Psychosocial risk management at mining and metallurgical enterprises

Implementation of a Program to Deal With Stress as a Strategy For Psychosocial Risk Management in a Pediatric Hospital

Introducción: A partir del reconocimiento del estrés laboral en trabajadores hospitalarios como un factor de riesgo psicosocial, se implementó un programa de afrontamiento del estrés, como medida preventiva frente a la aparición de problemas en la salud integral en los colaboradores de la institución hospitalaria. Objetivo: Describir la implementación del programa uno dos tres para afrontar el estrés en los colaboradores de los servicios de gestión de la información y servicio farmacéutico de un hospital pediátrico de tercer nivel. Metodología: El programa se implementó con base en el ciclo PHVA, mediante una serie de etapas y fases, siguiendo una metodología cualitativa con enfoque histórico hermenéutico y un de diseño estudio de caso. Resultados Se evidencia en los colaboradores un posicionamiento crítico frente a su realidad, reconociendo la necesidad y motivación para practicar lo aprendido en pro del mejoramiento de sus dinámicas laborales. Conclusiones: El programa contribuye al desarrollo de acciones para el fortalecimiento de entornos saludables, impactando positivamente en el colaborador, evidenciándose la necesidad de implementarlo en otros servicios de la organización.

Psychosocial risks in the Canadian construction and extractive industries

Workers in the Canadian construction and extractive industries (CEIs) are exposed to psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) and experience a greater prevalence of mental health issues than the public. Guided by risk management theory, the purpose of this quantitative, nonexperimental, correlational study was to examine the relationship between five predictors (age, gender, residence type, employment arrangement, and rotation status); and 15 response variables (measures of Canadian CEI workers’ perspective of PRFs). Using a cross-sectional design, an 84-question survey was administered to workers (N = 174) over the age of 18 to obtain demographic and contextual data and scores for the PRFs using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire – Canadian version. Analysis of variance was used to compare means across groups to determine if there was a difference in views of PRFs. The findings revealed significant relationships between the predictors and workers’ views on their influence at work, development opportunities, meaning of work, role conflict, work-life conflict, and social community. While workers’ experiences are largely unique, there are also clear influences on PRFs based on age, gender, and employment arrangement.

A bibliometric analysis of coronary heart disease impacted by work stress elements and lifestyle disease.

One psychosocial risk factor that has drawn attention is work-related stress, although it is still unclear how exactly this risk factor relates to poor health. Prospective observational studies have found a 40%-50% raise in the incidence of coronary heart disease in those who experience chronic stress at work and in their personal lives. In the recent decade, there has been a rise in the requirement for firms to gather information on job stress on employees that leads to coronary heart disease. As a result, this study on trends in Coronary Heart Disease induced by Work Stress becomes necessary to examine all of these efforts. This research employs bibliometric analysis and charting to describe the growth and structure of the research field of work-related stress causing coronary heart disease. The field's conceptual framework and research boundaries, the connections between publications and the contributors, key phrases, the latest networks of collaboration, the most prevalent concepts, and the most cited authors are all revealed by our findings. Research found that this field has seen a significant increase in research on coronary heart disease in recent years. Because it has been demonstrated that there is a rise in deaths from cardiovascular disease, researchers, academics, and professionals should be made aware of how stress can lead to coronary heart disease. The study suggests that workplace health should be a priority for both developed and developing nations, and it must be disseminated in several languages.

Predictors of early child development for screening pregnant women most in need of support in Brazil.

Home visiting programmes can support child development and reduce inequalities, but failure to identify the most vulnerable families can undermine such efforts. We examined whether there are strong predictors of poor child development that could be used to screen pregnant women in primary health care settings to target early interventions in a Brazilian population. Considering selected predictors, we assessed coverage and focus of a large-scale home visiting programme named Primeira Infância Melhor (PIM). We undertook a prospective cohort study on 3603 children whom we followed from gestation to age four years. We then used 27 potential socioeconomic, psychosocial, and clinical risk factors measurable during pregnancy to predict child development, which was assessed by the Battelle Developmental Inventory (BDI) at the age of four years. We compared the results from a Bonferroni-adjusted conditional inference tree with exploratory linear regression and principal component analysis (PCA), and we conducted external validation using data from a second cohort from the same population. Lastly, we assessed PIM coverage and focus by linking 2015 cohort data with PIM databases. The decision tree analyses identified maternal schooling as the most important variable for predicting BDI, followed by paternal schooling. Based on these variables, a group of 214 children who had the lowest mean BDI (BDI = -0.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.63, -0.33) was defined by mothers with ≤5 years and fathers with ≤4 years of schooling. Maternal and paternal schooling were also the strongest predictors in the exploratory analysis using regression and PCA, showing linear associations with the outcome. However, their capacity to explain outcome variance was low, with an adjusted R2 of 5.3% and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.62 (95% CI = 0.60, 0.64). External validation showed consistent results. We also provided an online screening tool using parental schooling data to support programme's targeting. PIM coverage during pregnancy was low, but the focus was adequate, especially among families with longer enrolment, indicating families most in need received higher dosage. Information on maternal and paternal schooling can improve the focus of home visiting programmes if used for initial population-level screening of pregnant women in Brazil. However, enrolment decisions require complementary information on parental resources and direct interactions with families to jointly decide on inclusion.

Assessment of the Demographic Burden of Epidemics and Diseases within the African Sub-Region: A Review of Recent Epidemiological Data, Responses, and Resultant Psychosocial Risk Tendencies

Background: Over the past few decades, epidemic outbreaks and disease occurrences have become more frequent and widespread in Africa, posing challenges for poor countries in the region and impacting vulnerable populations. Limited resources, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic inequalities, malnutrition, mass gatherings, and lack of proper sanitation and hygiene contribute to Africa’s high burden of epidemics and infectious diseases such as cholera, measles, monkeypox, Ebola viral disease, and COVID-19. This paper reviewed epidemic outbreaks and diseases transmitted through intimate contact in Africa and their impacts on vulnerable populations. Methods: A narrative review approach was adopted to gather and analyze the relevant literature on epidemic outbreaks in African sub-regions. The review encompassed causes, transmission patterns, demographic impact, community susceptibility, preventive measures, and psychosocial risk-taking behaviors. Results: This study emphasizes the importance of addressing the causes of response lapses and the resulting human, material, and economic losses in the region. Effective preventive measures include disease surveillance, early mitigation strategies, contact tracing, personal protective measures, improved political and public health leadership, and socioeconomic equity. However, the review highlights challenges in implementing these measures effectively due to limited resources, delayed detection, and difficulties in scaling up response solutions. Conclusions: There is a need for a comprehensive approach involving health departments, infrastructure development, and addressing socioeconomic factors.

Psychosocial risks in food processing establishments related to burnout syndrome

Examine psychosocial risks in the food sector of Cartagena, Colombia, focused on the processing, transformation and quality control of food, with the purpose of proposing preventive strategies to mitigate burnout syndrome. A mixed methodology will be used, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches through the application of questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Variables such as job demands, the degree of control over work and the manifestation of burnout symptoms will be explored. The results obtained will allow the predominant risk factors to be identified and will facilitate the design of specific interventions adapted to the particularities of the sector. The mental health and well-being of workers in the food processing, transformation and quality control sector in the city of Cartagena will be improved by these measures, while providing valuable information for future research in the field of safety and health at work. In summary, this study aims to provide a comprehensive view of the psychosocial risks present in the food sector, underlining the importance of addressing these challenges to foster a healthier, more productive and sustainable work environment in the long term.

Analisis Faktor Psikososial pada Tenaga Kesehatan di KecamatanSungai Raya Kabupaten Kubu Raya

Introduction: Psychosocial risks can lead to stress and depression in the workplace, causing potential negligence and errors in performing work resulting in workplace accidents. Objective: To analyze the psychosocial risk factors of health workers in health centers that lead to the risk of workplace stress. Methods: Deskriptif analysis research using the Spearman test with a sample 65 people selected by purposive sampling from 186 health workers who served at the Sungai Durian, Sungai Raya Dalam, and Korpri health centers in Kubu Raya Regency. Research variables: Role Confusion, Role Conflict, Quantitative Overload, Qualitative Overload. Career Development, Responsibility for Others and job stress. Data were obtained from the IFRC and SDS. Results: Spearman test the most influential is qualitative overload mean value (x̄=11.28) moderate stress (39.24%). severe stress (1.54%), second quantitative overload (x̄=10.25) moderate stress 49.24%, third responsibility to others (x̄=10.26) moderate stress (41.34%). severe stress (3.0). The significance of the relationship between the variables of psychosocial risk factors and work stress very strong correlation level, the direction of the relationship is positive and unidirectional between psychosocial risk factors and work stress in health workers. Conclusion: Psychosocial risk factors experienced by health workers quantitative overload and responsibility for others need to be of concern to management there is a decrease in motivation and weakening of activities. Suggestions for management leader and health workers to increasing motivation and managing effective working hours.

Self-injury and suicide among people living with HIV/AIDS in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe prevalence of self-injury and suicide is higher than the general population of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). However, the results reported in existing studies are highly variable in China. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to synthesize the currently available high-quality evidence to explore the prevalence and influence factors of self-injury and suicide among PLWHA in China.MethodWe retrieve literature written in Chinese and English through databases such as PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang Database, and CQVIP from inception to 1 September 2022. Sata 16.0 software was used for analysis.ResultsA total of 28 studies were included with a sample size of 1,433,971 and had a satisfactory quality score of ≥ 5. The prevalence among PLWHA in China were 30% for suicidal ideation (SI), 5% for suicide attempt (SA), 8% for suicide plan (SP), 7% for attempted suicide (AS), and 3‰ for completed suicide. High stigma (OR = 2.94, 95%CI: 1.90 − 4.57), depression (OR, 3.17; 95%CI, 2.20 − 4.57), anxiety (OR, 3.06; 95%CI, 2.23 − 4.20), low self-esteem (OR, 3.82, 95%CI, 2.22 − 6.57), high HIV related stress (OR, 2.53; 95%CI, 1.36 − 4.72), and unemployment (OR, 2.50; 95%CI, 1.51 − 4.15) are risk factors for SI; high social support (OR, 0.61; 95%CI, 0.44 − 0.84) and spouse infected with HIV (OR, 0.39; 95%CI, 0.21 − 0.74) are protective factors for SI; depression (OR, 1.62; 95%CI, 1.24 − 2.13), high aggression (OR, 4.66; 95%CI, 2.59 − 8.39), and more negative life events (OR, 2.51; 95%CI, 1.47 − 4.29) are risk factors for AS; high level of education (OR, 1.31; 95%CI, 1.21 − 1.43) is risk factor for CS.ConclusionFigures indicate that approximately one-third of PLWHA had suicidal ideation, and three out of 1,000 completed suicide in China. Positive events are protective factors for self-injury and suicide among PLWHA, while negative events are risk factors. This suggests that psychosocial support and risk assessment should be integrated into the care of PLWHA.

Social Anxiety, Pregaming Motives/Behaviors, and Negative Alcohol Consequences Among a Multisite Sample of University Students

Social anxiety symptoms may increase risk for heavy drinking and alcohol-related negative consequences during pregaming (drinking before a social event); efforts to identify malleable psychosocial risk factors are needed. This study examined cross-sectional relationships between social anxiety symptoms, pregaming behaviors, negative alcohol-related consequences, and pregaming-specific motives, moderated by gender. Undergraduates who endorsed current drinking ( N = 7528) completed a self-report survey on drinking behaviors as part of a large, multisite study. Social anxiety symptoms were not associated with lifetime history of pregaming. Among participants who engaged in past 30-day pregaming, social anxiety symptoms were related to more negative alcohol-related consequences, greater interpersonal enhancement motives, and lower situational control motives. Social anxiety symptoms were not associated with pregaming quantity. The associations between social anxiety symptoms and pregaming frequency, situational control, and intimate pursuit motives varied by gender. Findings highlight social anxiety symptoms and gender as important factors associated with pregaming-specific motives and behaviors.

Gestión de factores de riesgo psicosocial: estudio de caso en una mediana empresa salvadoreña

Psychosocial risk factors are anything in the design or management of work that increases the risk of work-related stress. Their assessment is legally required in Salvadoran companies, nevertheless, the legislation itself lacks a specific methodology to comply with such requirements. In 2020, the Spanish National Institute of Health and Safety at Work (INSST) published a methodology to assist Micro and Small Enterprises in managing these factors that can also be used for larger companies. This article presents a case study in a medium-sized advertising Salvadoran company, where this methodology was applied in positions of its production department. The information required for its application was obtained through consultation with workers along with the review of their job descriptors and direct observation of work. The results indicate that all the jobs analyzed have psychosocial factors in adverse conditions. The most predominant ones were associated with autonomy, work pace, time and emotional demands, all with a medium level of importance. It was identified that taking on orders with short delivery deadlines modified the planning and extension of working hours, contributing to the situation observed. Based on this information, various measures were suggested, such as conducting capability and workload studies along with improving planning visibility. Given that the methodology facilitated the management of psychosocial factors, was easy to use and had a participatory approach, the experience of this research suggests that it can be an alternative for other micro, small and medium-sized Salvadoran companies to respond to regulatory requirements, ensuring the welfare of workers. Realidad Empresarial No. 18, 2024: 76-95.