Unfavourable Working Research Articles

Diagnosis-Specific Work Disability before and after Lumbar Spine Decompression Surgery-A Register Study from Sweden.

Low back pain (LBP) patients undergoing lumbar spine decompression surgery (LSDS) often suffer from multi-comorbidity and experience high work disability. This study aimed to identify diagnosis-specific work disability patterns in all LBP-patients before and after LSDS during 2008–2010, that were aged 19–60 years and living in Sweden (n = 10,800) and compare these patterns to LBP-patients without LSDS (n = 109,179), and to matched individuals without LBP (n = 472,191). Work disability days (long-term sickness absence (LTSA), disability pension (DP)) during the three years before to three years after the cohort’s entry date were identified by generalised estimating equations. LBP-patients undergoing LSDS had higher overall work disability during the three years following surgery (LTSA: 23.6%, DP: 6.3%) than LBP-patients without LSDS (LTSA: 19.5%, DP: 5.9%), and those without LBP (LTSA: 7.9%, DP: 1.7%). Among patients undergoing LSDS, the prevalence of work disability due to dorsopathies increased from 20 days three years before surgery to 70 days in the year after and attenuated to 30 days in the third year following surgery. Work disability for other diagnoses remained stable at a low level in this group (<10 days annually). LBP-patients undergoing LSDS have an unfavourable long-term work disability prognosis, primarily due to dorsopathies. Decompression surgery seemed to restrict further inclines in work disability in the long run.

Risk factors for structural and functional changes of the heart in coal industry workers

Introduction. Working conditions at workplaces of coal industry enterprises are characterized by harmful factors exceeding the maximum permissible levels. These include coal-rock dust, noise, vibration, sudden temperature changes, etc. Conversely, unfavourable working conditions increase the risk of developing not only occupational but also work-related diseases. The objective of the study was to study the influence of industrial and common risk factors for cardiovascular diseases on structural and functional changes in the heart in coal industry workers. Material and methods. The study included 130 workers in coal mines in the South of Kuzbass and 78 workers in open coal pits, ranging from 40 to 55 years. The exclusion criteria from the study were the presence of any somatic pathology that could lead to structural and functional changes in the heart. In addition, all subjects underwent echocardiography to determine the structural and functional indices of the heart. Results. Lower values of ejection fraction and longitudinal deformation of the left ventricle were found among the workers in underground coal mining. At the same time, a decrease in the latter was revealed in 19.3% of the miners versus 7.6% of the workers in open coal pits (p=0.025). There was no association between reducing left ventricular longitudinal deformation and common risk factors in coal mine workers, in contrast, to open coal pit workers. The initial manifestations of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle in the group of workers of underground coal mining were revealed, which in the correlation analysis had a relationship with the indices of external respiration function. Conclusion. The decrease in the global longitudinal left ventricular myocardial deformation among miners is not associated with the studied common cardiovascular risk factors. Still, it is related to the influence of a complex of unfavourable production factors. Reduced indices of external respiration function affect the initial manifestations of diastolic dysfunction of the right ventricle in the workers of underground coal mining.

A síndrome de burnout nos cirurgiões-dentistas de Porto Alegre, RS

The dental surgeons are exposed daily to contacts with tense and anxious patients, to a long journey of work and many times face unfavorable work conditions. They are in constant risk of developing the burnout syndrome, a process that presents three components: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation, and lack of personal accomplishment. In the present investigation, the level of burnout was studied in relation to the three factors of the syndrome. One hundred and Sixty nine dental surgeons„ composed the sample of Porto Alegre's dentists that answered to the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The questionnaires were taken to their work place to be self answered. The results showed that the dental surgeons of this sample presented low levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation, and very low grades of lack of personal professional situation was significantly associated to the sub scales of the MBI, suggesting that the characteristics of the organisational structure of work are more important to explain the burnout syndrome than personal variations.

Students' experience of stress with different framework conditions and different origins

Background. Students are exposed to numerous stress factors. The large number of demands and high strain can lead to a higher drop-out rate. For this reason, the aim of the study is to examine and comparing the experience of stress among German and international students during their studies under adaptation to generally stressful conditions. The international students performed a complete study program in Germany. Methods. Data from 194 students (41.8% women, 58.2% men) were evaluated. The average age of the participants was 23.0±3.44 years. Our sample consisted of 80 international students. The questionnaire on strains during the study (and at the workplace) was used. We registered the frequency and the intensity of the stress factors in everyday study life. We factor analysed the 34 stress items, which gave five main stress factors. We then looked at the differences between German and international students on these factors, while adjusting for generally stressful conditions. Results. The most important stressors were unfavourable working hours, incompatibility of tasks, climate, excessive demands, high responsibility, lack of information, social isolation, emotional strain and financial problems. The stressors differed in 17 out of 34 stressors in the groups of students of different origin. The international students experienced more physical and psychosocial strain and they experienced resources less often than German students did, but if they felt them, it was more intense. Conclusions. Strains during studies and their individual demands vary. German and international students have different perceptions of stress during study programs. There is a need for health promotion and prevention programs, which should be integrated during study.

Barriers and drivers of psychosocial risk assessments in German micro and small-sized enterprises: a qualitative study with owners and managers

BackgroundThe negative effect of unfavorable working conditions and long-term work stress on health has been demonstrated in previous research. To address these challenges, systematic approaches such as psychosocial risk assessments (PRA) have been developed in many countries worldwide. Despite legal obligations, psychosocial risk assessments are rarely carried out in micro and small-sized enterprises (MSE). Even though those enterprises constitute a large proportion of the general workforce, this area remains largely untouched by research. In order to enable starting points for a greater dissemination in organizational practice, the present study explores barriers and drivers of psychosocial risk assessments in micro and small-sized enterprises.MethodsA total of 18 owners and managers from 15 micro and small-sized enterprises in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, were interviewed. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. A qualitative approach was applied: Content analysis was used to analyze the data, using deductive as well as inductive coding techniques.ResultsThe following barriers emerged from the interviews: Negative PRA image, stigmatization of mental health, lacking acceptance of employees, fear of excessive authority interference, ignorance of PRA, not understanding the necessity, inappropriate approach, and limited resources. The identified drivers were: Easy access to PRA material, external support from experts, renaming the term “workplace risk assessment”, understanding content and benefit of PRA, simplify and revise PRA process, and noticeable consequences of PRA execution and non-execution. The results are comparable with those in larger companies. They emphasize the importance of mental health education, improving the process of psychosocial risk assessments, and the ongoing support in overcoming limited financial as well as human resources.ConclusionsTo improve implementation of PRA in organizational practice, a simplification of the process is proposed, accompanied by information campaigns and an improvement in the health literacy of owners and managers of MSE. In view of the results, the full revision of the PRA approach should also be considered.

Regional features of occupational pathology in the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (2007–2018)

The purpose of the study was a comparative investigation of working conditions, prevalence and structure of occupational pathology in the subjects of the Russian Arctic in 2007-2018. Material and methods. The analysis of data on socio-hygienic monitoring in the section “Working conditions and occupational morbidity” of the population in the Russian Arctic in 2007-2018 was carried out. Results. The development risks, prevalence and structure of occupational pathology in the subjects of the Russian Arctic were established to have significant differences. The most common factor causing the development of occupational pathology (32.8% of all cases) was the increased severity of labour. In three regions of the Russian Arctic, the seriousness of work was a leading risk factor: Arctic zones of the Republics of Komi and Karelia, the Murmansk region. The most unfavourable working conditions and a high level of occupational morbidity are observed in Arctic zones of the Republic of Komi (207.44 per 10,000 employees) and Krasnoyarsk Territory (20.65), the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug (12.69). The basis of the economy of these entities is formed by the mining and metallurgical industries. On the contrary, the least harmful working conditions and a low level of occupational pathology are characteristic of the gas and oil producers of the Yamalo-Nenets (1.29) and the Nenets Autonomous Okrugs (3.45). Over the analyzed period, the level of occupational morbidity in five subjects of the Russian Arctic (Arctic zones of the Krasnoyarsk Territory and the Republic of Komi, the Nenets and Chukotka Autonomous Okrugs, the Murmansk Region) tended to increase, while in other three (Arctic zones of the Arkhangelsk Region and the Republic of Yakutia, the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug) - to decrease. Conclusion. Modern targeted programs for the prevention of occupational pathology should consider the characteristics of the formation of health disorders both in general in the Russian Arctic and in its subjects.

The role of purpose in life as reflected in the indicators of body composition, fitness and quality of life in women working in the social sector

Professionals working in the social sector typically do significant overwork in rather unfavourable working conditions. Although the purpose in life is proved to determine the areas of career, health awareness, and the quality of life, the latter has not yet been confirmed among social workers. The purpose of this research is to demonstrate body composition and fitness status as well as the quality of life of female employees (n = 127) at a social institution, furthermore the decisive role purpose of life plays in these indicators. Data were collected through questionnaires, tests, body composition analyses, and fitness status tests, and were assessed by t-test, analysis of variance and regression analysis. Body composition of the participants indicates a generally overweight status, while fitness status, quality of life, and purpose of life are within the acceptable range, however, all with notable range values. Those with a higher-level purpose of life demonstrate better fitness indicators and higher quality of life. In terms of body composition, fitness, and quality of life, only a minor difference was found between those who do intellectual and physical type of work. Those who took sick leave demonstrated a lower level of fitness and quality of life compared to those who did not take any sick leave. Body composition and fitness status have proven to deteriorate with age. Previous research findings can be confirmed by stating that neither the body composition and fitness indicators, nor the quality-of-life level of social workers are optimal. The determining role of purpose in life has been proven in substantial aspects in this study. One of the focus areas of enhancing purpose in life is the workplace, where major positive impacts can be achieved in terms of the physical and mental health, well-being, and work performance. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(27): 1089-1098.

Comparing the effect of occupational stress on oil and gas industry workers in Nigeria with respect to age and gender.

The petroleum industry in Nigeria has positively impacted the Nigerian economy. Sadly, the industry has also recorded high incident rates and has maintained the upward trend as reported by the Department of Petroleum Resource (DPR) in their 2015 publication of the petroleum industry health and safety performance score card. The report indicates that fatality in the oil and gas industry had risen by 244% between 2010 to 2015 and that the death toll reached 217 within the same period. The deaths were recorded from 298 incidents reported industry-wide within the five-year period and the reasons are not farfetched. The workers in the oil and gas industry have continually faced unfavorable work environments and conditions, lengthy working hours, achieving ambitious targets and deadlines, workplace competition and other workplace stress factors which led to fatigue, substance abuse to keep up with work, poor judgments and accidents as the eventual outcome. Previous studies have confirmed the risky nature of petroleum exploration and prevalence of stress elements faced by the industry workers while some other studies have established the relationship between occupational stressors and workplace incident in the oil and gas industry. This study therefore will focus on the comparison of oil and gas industry workers response to the effect of stress with respect to their age and gender. The study utilized a web-based questionnaire distributed across 850 respondents selected from Nigeria’s petroleum industry with different job roles. A total of 550 feedbacks representing 64.71% of the total sample population for the study were received. SPSS software was first used to analyze descriptive statistics of demographic information such as age, gender, work-experience, employment type, and job category. The prevalence of stress and the level experienced by the respondents were analyzed using cross-tabulation and correlation on the questionnaires. The percentage of responses for each item used to measure the occupational stress factors in the oil and gas industry was examined in order to understand the extent to which the respondents agree or disagree with the questions. The findings showed that over 95% of the workers in petroleum industry experience stress from their jobs from a moderate level to an extreme level. 111 respondents of the 550 workers surveyed indicated that their jobs were very stressful, which accounted for 20.2% of the total respondents. 45.8% of the respondents said their jobs were moderately stressful, 31.8% were mildly stressful while 2.2% of respondents said their job were not stressful at all. it can be observed that 39.1% of workers between the ages of 20-29 years complained that their job was very stressful, 31.1% of the workers between the ages of 30-39 years complained that their jobs were very stressful, 11.5% of worker between the ages of 40-49 years complained that their jobs were very stressful and none of the worker above the age of 50 years complained that their jobs were very stressful. The survey also showed that 22.1% of male workers indicated that their jobs were very stressful while 9.6% of female workers indicated that their jobs were very stressful. This study has shown that workers of all ages in the oil and gas industry experience different levels of stress and greater number of male workers are more distressed at work than their female counterparts. Further study is needed with equal number of male and female participants in similar jobs roles with the same age groups. This will provide more details that could be used to develop specific stress management models with respect to the age and gender of oil and gas industry workers in Nigeria. &nbsp;

THE INFLUENCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE-TERRITORIAL REFORM ON THE STATE OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY IN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

Injuries to workers at work in Ukraine are a very serious problem. The decision of this question is possible at the analysis of the reasons of trauma, and on this basis to offer measures for reduction of risk of dangers. The agricultural sector of the economy has a number of features and problems in the organization of labor protection on its safety and in the period of reform the situation in this direction may deteriorate. The reforms carried out in Ukraine, namely decentralization, administrative-territorial organization and land, affect primarily in the suburban and rural areas the agricultural sector of the economy, including the interaction of government agencies with farms on labor protection. Therefore, it is important to develop measures to improve the work of the labor protection management system at the enterprises of the industry during the reform period to prevent the deterioration of this situation, primarily as a result of administrative-territorial reform. The paper presents statistical data on injuries at work in Ukraine for 2018-2020 and emphasizes the state of labor protection in the agricultural sector. The analysis shows that injuries in agricultural production are directly related to the organization of labor protection and, above all, the most persistent trend in accidents in small businesses. The decrease in the number of occupational diseases against the background of unfavorable working conditions is associated with difficulties in accounting and control over workers in agriculture, including due to changes in ownership, deterioration of medical and occupational care services for the rural population. A large proportion of agricultural workers are hidden due to the lack of formal employment, which reduces the possibility of accounting and medical supervision of employed workers. Modern health care reform has also had a negative impact on health surveillance and the detection of occupational diseases. The impact on the state of labor protection in settlements and rural areas during decentralization and administrative-territorial reform is considered. Changing the administrative-territorial division involves the redistribution of powers between districts and local governments. Earlier, the territory of Ukraine was divided into 490 districts, the reform provides for 136 districts. It is pointed out that it is necessary to address these issues within the framework of state policy, including taking into account administrative and territorial reform, namely not only in state district administrations, but also in community associations there should be labor protection specialists who can , but also to provide real assistance in organizational matters, as well as in identifying risks in production processes and help prevent their implementation, especially for small farms, including farms. This requires the effectiveness of the control and supervisory bodies for labor protection, which can affect the reduction of injuries, primarily for organizational reasons, and this is almost 70% of all injuries.

Problems of causation and assessment of occupational risk in arterial hypertension in workers in harmful and unfavorable working conditions (literature review)

The article substantiates the opinion of Russian and foreign authors that the diagnosis of cardiac diseases and the assessment of cardivascular risk in workers, or those entering a job, is associated with the action of harmful production factors. Among the principal factors leading to the development of work-related cardiac diseases, the main place is occupied by functional overstrain and factors of physical activity. In order to preserve the cardiovascular health of workers, it is necessary to develop Federal clinical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of occupational and work-related lesions of the cardiovascular systems, primarily Federal clinical guidelines on work-related hypertension associated with work (high-risk professions).

Impact of different work organizational models on gender differences in exposure to psychosocial and ergonomic hazards at work and in mental and physical health

PurposeTo examine differences between genders in exposure to psychosocial and ergonomic factors at work and in work-related health, according to different work organization models.MethodsThe study population included a sample of 9749 (women: 37.1%) and 10,374 (women: 39.9%) employees who participated in the 2010 and 2015 European Working Conditions Surveys, respectively. Multiple Correspondence Analysis was applied to work characteristics reported by workers to estimate principal components, followed by Hierarchical Clustering on principal components to identify clusters of work organization models. Gender differences in exposure to work hazards and health outcomes were assessed through Poisson robust regression. Differences of PRs across organizational models were tested through interaction between gender and type of work organization.ResultsThree organizational models were identified in 2010, including lean production, Tayloristic production, and a “reflexive production” model, whereas in 2015, a “simple” or traditional model was also found. In 2010, women employed in companies adopting the Tayloristic or the lean production models were more likely than men to be exposed to unfavourable psychosocial and physical work factors, and to report musculoskeletal pain, compared to those belonging to reflexive production. In 2015, a significantly higher female/male ratio persisted in lean production for exposure to high job strain and for carrying/moving heavy loads, whereas gender differences in Tayloristic and traditional production were quite similar to those of reflexive production.ConclusionsOur results suggest that employment in workplaces characterized by lower monotony, repetitiveness, and production constraints may contribute to reduce exposure to job strain among working women.

Early childhood care and education in Ethiopia: A quest for quality

Early childhood care and education (ECCE) has a crucial contribution to the future life of children, and overall quality of learning and development of a country. Even though there are no well-established international criteria to evaluate the quality of ECCE programmes because of the variability in nations’ economies, workforces, political regimes and cultures, there are some common standards. Therefore, the purpose of this review article is to assess the status of ECCE in Ethiopia and its contribution to quality education. This review is based on a document analysis from different sources (i.e. policy documents, books, journals, theses and dissertations). The study focuses on identifying common quality indicators/dimensions for ECCE and the challenges that Ethiopian ECCE faces in terms of these dimensions. Indicating that the practice of ECCE in Ethiopia is faced with diverse challenges. Some of the challenges are lack of proper training for teachers and caregivers; use of developmentally inappropriate curriculum; lack of pedagogical skill; unfavourable working conditions; inadequate resources; lack of continuous supervision and programme evaluation; inactive parental and community participation; ineffective school organisation and leadership; imbalanced staff-child ratios; and improper healthcare and hygiene. Therefore, the Ministry of Education (MoE) in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH), the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA), the community and other concerned bodies should work together to improve the practice of ECCE.

46 The Hidden Truth About Gender Bias in Surgery. A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Gender discrimination remains pervasive in surgery, significantly impacting current and future surgeons and population health. This study analyses the gender barriers and critical retention factors for female surgeons and trainees in surgery. Method Five electronic databases were searched till May 2020. Titles and abstracts were sieved, followed by a full text review. Data synthesis and inductive thematic analysis were conducted using the Thomas and Harden methodology. Result 14 articles were included, involving 528 participants. Four themes were generated–unfavourable working environment, male-dominated culture, societal pressures and progress towards gender equality. Females in surgery often faced harassment, disrespect and perceptions of incompetence, resulting in hostile work conditions, which were aggravated by the inadequate support and mentorship. The persistence of male-dominated cultures was observed, with females facing prejudice and exclusion from professional and social circles. Differential treatment and higher expectations of female surgeons also arose from entrenched societal pressures. Despite these, increased acceptance of motherhood and greater recognition of contributions by female surgeons were reported, indicating some progress in gendered culture. Conclusions There is a need to increase female surgical leadership and allocate resources to address the deep-rooted causes of biased surgical culture and ingrained perceptions, to achieve greater gender equality in surgery.

Hygienic aspects of the analysis of occupational morbidity of agricultural workers in the Kemerovo region

Unfavorable working conditions at the workplaces of agricultural enterprises are the reason for the development of occupational pathology, which makes it necessary to conduct a hygienic assessment of the occupational morbidity of workers in the agricultural sector of the Kemerovo region. The methods used are the analysis of primary statistical forms of accounting for occupational diseases, hygienic assessment of working conditions, and a comprehensive hygienic assessment of occupational morbidity in accordance with the «Methods of computer modeling of the sanitary and epidemiological situation with occupational morbidity in the Kemerovo region. Methodological recommendations» using the cluster analysis program «Cluster Analysis». For the period 2008–2018. In the region, only 58 cases of occupational diseases were registered among agricultural workers, while 90 % of enterprises are classified as objects of the 2–3 group of sanitary and epidemiological welfare. In contrast to the gradual decline in indicators in the country as a whole, the region recorded peaks in the incidence in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2017. At the same time, the correlation analysis indicates a direct strong correlation between the dynamics of occupational morbidity in the region and in the Russian Federation (R = 0.862702; p &lt; 0.05). The results of the analysis of the method of establishing the diagnosis indicate that in relation to diseases that arose as a result of exposure to physical overload, vibroacoustic factors, only 60 % were detected during periodic medical examinations. The structure of occupational diseases was dominated by radiculopathy — 33 %, vibration disease — 31 %, brucellosis — 25 %. The analysis of cause-and-effect relationships, the clusters of professions obtained using the method of mathematical modeling (driver and blacksmith-cluster distance 1,4, mechanic and plasterer-cluster distance 2,2, independent clusters-tractor driver and wood feller) and the similarity of the development of unfavorable sanitary and epidemiological situations in relation to them should be used in the activities of the Rospotrebnadzor Department as a basis for planning control and supervisory measures and for justifying preventive measures to preserve labor potential.

Examining the mediating role of organizational loneliness in the effect of organizational silence on the intention to quit

The main purpose of organizational behavior approaches is to increase organizational efficiency by improving employees’ morale and motivation. Many factors support and inhibit the productivity and motivation of employees in organizations. In the literature, these are referred to as pro-organizational approaches and counterproductive work behavior. The study aims to examine the relationship between organizational silence, intention to quit, and organizational loneliness. Organizational silence is the conscious denial of the employee’s mental contribution to their company’s activity due to organizational and managerial reasons. Organizational loneliness refers to a negative emotional state experienced by employees in the workplace due to incompatible normative factors (culture, belief, and values). Methodologically, the study relies on the counterproductive work behavior theory, which states that employees act against the interests of an organization and experience lack of motivation and productivity. The research data were collected from employees working for public and private banks in Konya and Ankara, Turkey. To analyse the data, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed using SPSS22.0 and AMOS software. The study shows that organizational loneliness has a mediating role in the relationship between organizational silence and intention to quit. It has also been determined that the unfavorable working conditions, which cause employees’ perception of organizational silence, strengthen the employees’ intention to quit their job and their perception of organizational loneliness. The study’s theoretical and practical results show that taking measures to increase employees’ morale and motivation in organizations will enhance their work performance.

Circadian rhythm and gestational diabetes: working conditions, sleeping habits and lifestyle influence insulin dependency during pregnancy

ObjectiveManagement of gestational diabetes (GDM) is currently changing toward a more personalized approach. There is a growing number of GDM patients requiring only a single dose of basal insulin at night to achieve glucose control. Well-known risk factors like obesity, parity and family history have been associated with GDM treatment requirements. Sleep quality and lifestyle factors interfering with the circadian rhythm are known to affect glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of such lifestyle factors on insulin requirement in GDM patients, in particular on long-acting insulin to control fasting glucose levels.Research design and methodsA total of 805 patients treated for GDM between 2012 and 2016 received a study questionnaire on lifestyle conditions. Sleep quality and work condition categories were used for subgroup analysis. Independent effects on treatment approaches were evaluated using multivariate regression.ResultsIn total, 235 (29.2%) questionnaires returned. Women reporting poor sleep conditions had higher pre-pregnancy weight and BMI, heavier newborns, more large for gestational age newborns and higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia. Treatment requirements were related to sleep and work condition categories. Multivariate regression for ‘Basal’ insulin-only treatment revealed an adjOR 3.4 (CI 1.23–9.40, p < 0.05) for unfavorable work conditions and adjOR 4.3 (CI 1.28–14.50, p < 0.05) for living with children.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that external stressors like unfavorable work conditions and living with children are independently associated with the necessity of long-acting insulin at night in GDM patients. Thus, fasting glucose levels of pregnant women presenting with such lifestyle conditions may be subject to close monitoring.

Occupational stress and mental suffering among emergency staff

IntroductionIn emergency departments, workers regularly report unfavorable working conditions. It’s a stressful workplace with excessive workloads, high demands on patient care including exposure to violence, time pressures and overcrowding.Objectives-Identify the prevalence of violence, psychological distress and job stress in the emergency department. -Investigate risk factors of aggression among emergency department staff.MethodsThis study is a descriptive-cross sectional analysis study conducted on emergency department staff. Data were collected through a questionnaire including sociodemographic information, circumstances of the aggression, the Karasek questionnaire, and the GHQ-12 (General Health Questionnaire).ResultsOur study included 62 health workers. Half of the population were physicians. The prevalence of assault was estimated at 59.6%. Psychological distress was noted in 64.5% of cases. Occupational stress was estimated at 75.8%. The most common type of assault was verbal aggression (86.4%). The aggressor was most often an accompanying person. The occurrence of violence was not associated with the worker’s psychological distress or job stress. On the other hand, we noted an association between aggression and variable work schedule.ConclusionsViolence against healthcare workers in the emergency department is an important phenomenon. Preventive actions should be taken to improve health professional wellbeing at work.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Research on the longitudinal mechanical behaviours of subway turnouts of large slope under train braking force.

To study subway turnouts' adaptability to steep gradients, a finite element model of a metro No. 9 simple turnout was established. The main works include: (1) The train's most unfavourable loading condition was modelled. (2) The turnout's longitudinal displacement and stress were analysed with different gradients under the train braking load, temperature change load and a combination of the two, to determine the structure's safety and stability under the most unfavourable working conditions. (3) The turnout structure's cumulative longitudinal deformation under reciprocating load was studied. Both a fastener longitudinal resistance-displacement experiment under reciprocating load and a numerical simulation of No. 9 turnout modelled by the finite element modelling software, ANSYS, were carried out to study the gradient's influence on the turnout's longitudinal mechanical characteristics. (1) The turnout's longitudinal displacement and stress increase linearly with an increase in gradient and temperature change, both of which are unfavourable to the turnout structure. As the gradient increases from 0‰ to 30‰, the longitudinal stress and displacement increase by more than 10%. (2) The turnout's rail strength and displacement on a 30‰ slope under the most unfavourable load conditions are within the specification limitations. (3) Under reciprocating load, the fastener longitudinal stiffness decreases and the maximum and residual longitudinal displacement of the switch rail increase; an increased gradient intensifies these effects on the turnout.

Job demand and control among clinical nurses in a provincial hospital and related factors: Results from a cross-sectional study in 2020.

Objective: This study aimed to examine the psychological work environments and associated factors among clinical nurses in a provincial tertiary hospital in the North of Vietnam in 2020. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all nurses of 22 clinical wards who directly provided care to patients. 261/318 eligible nurses returned the self-reported survey questionnaires that consisted of the Vietnamese version of the Job Content Questionnaire 22 items and originally developed questions on personal characteristics and work conditions. Descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and multivariate linear regressions were applied to describe the current job demand, job control, and related factors at the significant level p less than 0.05. Results: The response rate of the current study was 82.1%. Nurses reported moderate job demand (29.39±3.64) and job control (66.86±5.79). Increased job control was significantly associated with more frequency of receiving support from superiors (p&lt;0.001), a self-perceived opportunity of promotion (p = 0.011), and more night shifts per week (p=0.004). Less support from co-workers and more night shifts were associated with a higher job demand score among study participants (p = 0.041 and 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Several nurses in the provincial hospital work in unfavorable work environments with high job demand and low job control, which could adversely affect nurses’ well-being. It is essential to promote social support at work to improve the psychological working conditions and performance of study participants. Keywords: Job demand, Job control, JCQ, clinical nurses, provincial hospital, Vietnam

Changes in work schedule affect the prevalence of shift work disorder among Norwegian nurses – a two year follow-up study

ABSTRACT This study aimed to explore how changes in the work schedule would affect the prevalence of Shift Work Disorder (SWD) over time. Two-year follow-up data from 1076 nurses participating in the longitudinal SUrvey of Shift work, Sleep and Health among Norwegian nurses (SUSSH) were included in the study. The questionnaires included measures of work-related factors, i.e., work schedule and numbers of night shifts and quick returns (QRs) worked the last year, as well as questions related to SWD according to the ICSD-3 diagnostic criteria at both baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Data were analyzed with paired samples t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses adjusting for sex and age. Terminating night work was the strongest predictor for recovering from SWD from baseline to follow-up (OR 10.91, 95% CI 6.11–19.46). Additionally, changing the work schedule from day work to night work from baseline to follow-up was the strongest predictor for developing SWD in the same period (OR 4.75, 95% CI 2.39–9.47). Reductions in number of nights (more than 10) and QRs (more than 10) worked the last year were associated with recovering from SWD between baseline and follow-up. Nurses who recovered from SWD had significantly reduced the mean number of night shifts worked the last year from 32.3 at baseline to 20.4 at follow-up (p = .001). Furthermore, an increase of more than 10 nights or more than 10 QRs worked the last year between baseline and follow-up predicted developing SWD. Nurses developing SWD between baseline and follow-up had significantly increased the mean number of nights worked the last year from 25.8 at baseline to 31.0 at follow-up (p =-.043). Changes in night work exposure were the strongest predictors for both recovering from or developing SWD from baseline to follow-up. Reducing exposure to night work and QRs were associated with recovering from SWD and increasing exposure to night work and QRs were associated with developing SWD. The results imply that unfavorable work schedules play a role in the development of sleep problems among nurses. These results may be useful when designing healthy working schedules.