Vocational Education Research Articles

Technical and vocational education training and industry collaboration: a bibliometric review

Technical and vocational education training (TVET) is an education and training process with a strong emphasis on industry practices that aims to generate competent workers in particular fields. Collaboration with industry in TVET has the potential to improve the quality and relevance of TVET programmes and equip students with the practical skills and knowledge demanded by employers. Thus, there is a need for a complete bibliometric study of research linked to collaboration between TVET and industry, despite the fact that the number of studies in this field continues to increase. The bibliometric analysis in this research which was extracted from Web of Science database is analyze using VOSviewer. The research conducted a descriptive analysis of the publication number trends, the top authors and leading journals in this field. Next, the researcher also analyzed the co authorship based on authors and countries, research trends, citation and keywords analysis as well as co citation analysis. The article found that most of the articles in this field are published by authors from developed countries where the majority is from the United States. Other than that, the recent research hotspot were also identified indicating the future direction of the research in this field.

Enhancing global maritime education: a qualitative exploration of post-internship perspectives and preparedness among cadets

This research investigates the post-internship phase for cadets at the Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Pelayaran Jakarta with a focus on curriculum effectiveness, vocational training impact, language proficiency challenges, technology integration preferences, and the intricate influence of geographical diversity. Results reveal the integrative curriculum's success in transitioning theoretical knowledge to practical application, emphasizing the critical role of vocational training. Language proficiency nuances and a desire for balanced technology integration emerge, while geographical diversity affects cultural adaptation. Implications include refining maritime education, fostering inclusivity, and aligning educational practices with industry demands. Recognizing limitations, the study advocates for broader institutional research and targeted language proficiency investigations in future studies.

Organisational and Ethical Challenges While Caring for Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sweden: AFocus Group Study.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older people in Sweden's residential care facilities and home care services experienced high mortality rates. Prior to the pandemic, the care of older people in Sweden was challenged by organisational and regulatory changes, an ageing population and insufficient increases in staff numbers. These issues led to high staff turnover, increased workloads, stress, burnout and a perceived inability to provide satisfactory care. The pandemic brought about increased job strain, stress, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder among the staff who cared for older people. The aim of this study was therefore to focus on assistant nurses and care aides' experiences of their work environments when caring for older people during the pandemic in Sweden. The data were collected through four focus groups interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The results showed that the care staff had to navigate organisational and ethical challenges in poor and unsafe work environments. They lacked supportive leadership in their respective organisations, were neither valued, seen nor heard and were treated as 'plain doers'. During the pandemic, they were unable to protect or communicate easily with the older people in their care, which had harsh consequences. According to the participants, the pandemic left them, their working conditions and this part of the care system in a worse situation than before the pandemic. The pandemic thus revealed more unsustainable and unethical working conditions for the staff than before it, including the vulnerability of the older people in their care. The findings highlights the need of policies that ensure adequate training and instruction on medical issues, for managers responsible for overseeing the care of older people. There are also a need of provision of sufficient support for care staff and health care professionals during crises. The findings also underscore the need of feasible and efficient strategies do disseminate care information and address the psychosocial needs of older people.

Teachers with a refugee background work as educators in Germany

This study's focus is to determine refugee teachers' views regarding their ability to work as teachers in Germany, their initiatives, and the challenges they face. In this context, the study was conducted based on qualitative research methodology. In order to collect data a total of 265 teachers residing in the 16 states of Germany were reached. Upon examining the results, it is observed that the majority of participants express a desire to work as teachers in Germany, while only a few have actually obtained the opportunity to work as teachers in Germany. More than half of the participants who are currently working as teachers reside in the North Rhine-Westphalia state. When analyzing the results, it becomes evident that a significant portion of the participants are strongly inclined to pursue a teaching career in Germany. However, the data reveals that the actual attainment of employment as teacher in Germany remains relatively low among the respondents. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that a majority of the teachers currently employed in the profession are concentrated in the North Rhine-Westphalia state.

АНАЛИЗ ПРАКТИЧЕСКИХ АСПЕКТОВ СОВЕРШЕНСТВОВАНИЯ ПРОФЕССИОНАЛЬНОЙ КОМПЕТЕНТНОСТИ ФАРМАЦЕВТИЧЕСКИХ РАБОТНИКОВ В ОБЛАСТИ ВЗАИМОДЕЙСТВИЯ С МАЛОМОБИЛЬНЫМИ ПОСЕТИТЕЛЯМИ АПТЕЧНЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ С ОГРАНИЧЕННЫМИ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЯМИ ЗДОРОВЬЯ

Currently, pharmacies are part of the healthcare system and must comply with the requirements for providing an accessible environment for people with disabilities, including providing them with the opportunity to receive the necessary pharmaceutical services. The aim of the study is to analyze the practical aspects of improving the professional competence of pharmacists in the field of interaction with people with limited mobility and disabilities in pharmacies. The texts of regulatory legal acts of the Russian Federation and also systemic and logical methods of their interpretation have been used in this study. It has been revealed that the current federal state educational standards of higher education and secondary vocational education in the specialty «Pharmacy» do not directly provide for the need to train future pharmacists in the basics of professional interaction with people with disabilities, but they establish the possibility of introducing additional competencies and/or new academic disciplines into the curricula for more in-depth training of graduates. It has been shown that pharmacists are required to have knowledge of the anatomical and functional characteristics of various groups of people with limited mobility and disabilities, their physiological states and pathological processes that directly affect their ability to receive pharmaceutical services in pharmacies. The possibility of pharmacists of pharmacies to consult people with limited mobility and disabilities on the necessary pharmacy goods online has been analyzed, taking into account possible functional disorders in these people – in various formats: text, audio only or using video communication. It has been proposed to introduce training on relevant aspects of their professional interaction with visitors to pharmacies with disabilities into educational programs for training and professional development of pharmacists.

The use ADDIE model to improve the competence of the higher education task force in obtaining competitive funding for the independent campus program

PurposeThis research aims to improve the competence of the task force of vocational higher education study programs in preparing a proposal for the Vocational Higher Education Strengthening Program-Private University (VHESP-PU) of the Independent Campus Program.Design/methodology/approachThis type of research is R&D by applying the ADDIE model procedures. The research subjects were 30 lecturers assigned as study program task forces from 15 private universities in North Sumatra. The techniques to collect data are tests and questionnaires. Data analysis techniques use quantitative descriptive statistics.FindingsThe application of the ADDIE Model was proven effective in achieving training objectives based on the mean comparison analysis between the pre-test and post-test, showing an increase. The maximum score achieved by participants also increased by 9.52% from 84 to 92. Participants' evaluation of the implementation of the training was also dominant in the “Good” and “Very Good” categories. The training learning achievements that participants have obtained will help prepare higher-quality VHESP-PU proposals for each fiscal year to optimize training sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe fact that only 15 universities participated in the training underscores the urgent need for ongoing training using the ADDIE model. This will ensure that more participants from private universities in North Sumatra can benefit from this practical approach to proposal preparation.Practical implicationsUsing the ADDIE model to prepare VHESP-PU proposals is an innovative approach that can inspire similar applications in other fields. This research demonstrates that the ADDIE model, usually associated with instructional design, curriculum or learning materials, can also effectively prepare funding proposals using a competition scheme.Originality/valueThe use of the ADDIE model in preparing VHESP-PU proposals is an innovation because ADDIE is usually more related to developing instructional design, curriculum or learning materials rather than funding proposals using a competition scheme.

Education and women in high-skill occupations in India

Purpose This paper aims to examine women’s likelihood of being employed in a high-skill occupation compared to men in India. It also analyses the impact of education on women’s likelihood of entering a high-skill occupation. Design/methodology/approach This study uses data from Periodic Labour Force Survey 2018–19. National Classification of Occupations 2004 is used to classify the occupations in three categories, i.e. high-skill, medium-skill and low-skill. The paper uses ordered probit with Heckman’s sample selection method to estimate the impact of gender identity and education on women’s likelihood of entering high-skill occupations. Findings The results show that female workers are more likely to be employed in high-skill occupations than male workers. Formal years of schooling and technical education further improve women’s probability of working in high-skill occupations compared to men. However, an increase in monthly per capita expenditure of the households improves men’s chances of being employed in high-skill occupations in comparison to women. It suggests that gender norms are still relevant. Originality/value Studies have found occupational segregation in India with a large share of women being employed in low-wage work. This study examines the issue by focusing on the skill level of occupations. It found that women have a higher likelihood of entering high-skill occupations in India and education is playing an important role in it.

Online teaching competencies and teacher effectiveness in higher education: the mediating effect of perceived career support

PurposeOnline teaching competencies are critical skills required for effective teaching and learning in higher education. However, evidence regarding the impact of online teaching competencies on teacher performance and career satisfaction is minimal in the literature. This study draws on the TPACK model to understand how online teaching competencies influence teacher performance and career satisfaction.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts a quantitative approach and collected data from 243 faculty in both public and private universities in Ghana. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the relationships among the study constructs.FindingsThe results show that the various dimensions of TPACK have a significant positive effect on teacher performance and career satisfaction. Furthermore, the mediation results reveal that neither perceived career support nor teacher attributes mediate the relationship between online teaching competencies, teaching performance and career satisfaction.Practical implicationsThis paper provides a better understanding of how context knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical context knowledge, technology pedagogical knowledge, career support and teacher attributes affect teacher performance.Originality/valueThis study draws on the TPACK (context knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical context knowledge and technology pedagogical knowledge) model and incorporates perceived career support and teacher attributes as essential characteristics within an emerging economy country context.

Exploring the relationship between occupational stress, physical activity and sedentary behavior using the Job-Demand-Control Model

ObjectivesTo study the relationship between the occupational stress model, specifically the Job Demand-Control Model of Karasek, physical activity level and sedentary behavior.MethodThis is a cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 100 volunteers working at Clermont Auvergne University. The questionnaire included the Karasek questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.ResultsThe results reveal that occupational characteristics play a significant role, with individuals exhibiting high job control showing reduced sitting time and increased physical activity compared to those with low job control. Job strain was associated with increased sitting time and decreased physical activity. Further analysis revealed that being in a state of job strain significantly predicted sitting for more than 7 h per day. Similarly, job strain and isostrain were explanatory factors for having a low to moderate physical activity level. Logistic regression quantified the risks, indicating that sitting for more than 7 h per day increased the risk of job strain by 4.80 times, while high physical activity levels and being male reduced the risk by 79 and 84%, respectively. Job strain also increased the risk of prolonged sitting by 5.06 times and low to moderate physical activity levels by 5.15 times. Additionally, mediation analysis revealed that a substantial portion of the association between sitting time and job strain was mediated by physical activity, and vice versa, emphasizing the interconnected nature of sedentary behavior and physical activity in influencing occupational stress.ConclusionThe study highlights the impact of sedentary behavior on occupational stress, assessed using Karasek’s Job-Demand-Control Model. Despite being less studied, sedentary behavior appears to be a relevant contributor to occupational stress. Furthermore, the results emphasize the significant role of physical activity levels, suggesting that it plays a substantial part in the relationship between sedentary behavior and occupational stress.

A Sustainable Vision for Technical Education 4.0 of Post COVID-19

The impacts of industry 4.0 have been reflected in education around the world as countries compete to formulate educational policies based on innovation and digitization in order to adapt to the IR 4.0. In this regard, a new approach to technical education 4.0 has been formulated. It seeks to integrate technical education with the technology developments that define the Industrial Revolution 4.0, emphasizing the importance of this alignment in promoting sustainable economic growth and fostering inclusive development. The paper highlights the strategies and techniques implemented in the design of technical education 4.0 school buildings, arriving at legislative and design recommendations for creating school buildings that are compatible with sustainable education, meet the needs of industry 4.0 building practices, and are supported by modern technologies. By using an integrated approach in terms of new design needs and new education needs that adapt to modern pandemics and prevent any diseases in the future, this research aims to present a new model for technical education 4.0 in the pandemic era in line with the sustainable development goals in the Education Strategy 2030. This study discusses the problems existing in the current situation of technical education schools in Egypt and comes up with a new model that is compatible with new design and educational needs. It is structured using new design strategies for technical education 4.0 schools based on design patterns for 21st century schools that meet industry 4.0 needs and address the COVID-19 pandemic.

The impact of company size on dual VET quality in Spanish companies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive description and analysis of quality levels with regard to dual Vocational Education and Training (VET) at companies participating in this programme in Spain, with a specific focus on company size.Design/methodology/approachThe study is based on a quantitative cross-sectional analysis, collecting quality indicator data from 829 participating companies through a structured questionnaire. Subsequently, both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to address the specific objectives.FindingsThe study reveals that, on the whole, companies implement dual VET with a high level of quality, achieving compliance rates of above 70% in dimensions related to process, resources, staff and training. However, in this study the dimensions of evaluation and synergies showed lower compliance rates, with figures of 47.4 and 25.7%, respectively. Notably, medium-sized and large companies outperformed micro-SMEs and SMEs in training, evaluation and synergies, while SMEs surpassed large companies in resource management. The study provides recommendations for enhancing dual VET in companies.Research limitations/implicationsThe main limitations of this study pertain to an absence of data concerning the distribution of the population by company sizes and a lack of information regarding the specific sectors to which these companies belong.Originality/valueThis study offers significant value, as it provides data on the quality of dual VET in companies considering size as a key factor. These findings are particularly noteworthy given that research on the quality of dual VET in companies remains limited within the scientific literature.

Beginning Teachers Navigating Identity Development Transitions: Identity Motives and Commitment to Teaching

Beginning teachers (preservice and novice) must develop a resilient professional identity, yet high early attrition rates indicate the need for additional support in this process. Many attrition studies focus on external factors; few address teacher identity. According to developmental psychologists, identity commitments are concretized in a stepwise process, first by tentatively making them, and then by evaluating them. Most preservice and novice teachers are in a transitional stage, as they explore whether tentative commitments fit their sense of self. Our research tests the proposition that such exploration is often focused on determining whether a teaching career will satisfy their identity motives. We interviewed and collected self-reported written stories from 154 interns and novice teachers. Participants discussed their career choice in an initial interview and in a questionnaire focusing on recent, identity-relevant significant events administered at three points in time over a year. These career choice and written, field-based significant event stories underwent content analysis for the presence of identity motives, guided by a codebook developed for this research. This paper describes two central and innovative findings. First, identity motives are, indeed, present and highly salient in teachers’ career deliberations. Secondly, we found that beginning teachers express motives differentially, vary in the salience they accord the motives, and explore motives differently according to situational context. This differentiation in focus may indicate important shifting priorities and challenges as participants navigate the transition to the field. Taken together, these findings suggest that understanding and addressing identity motives in teacher development may enable more personalized and responsive tools that support teacher retention.

Decentralizing the School: The Necessity of Teacher Involvement in School Management

The role of school management is to ensure that the school is run in efficient and orderly ways, providing an ideal education environment for teachers and students. Effective school management can substantially promote teacher professional development whereas flawed school management undermines the teacher’s job satisfaction and identification with the teaching career, leading to increased turnover rates (Stockard & Lehman, 2004; Tang, 2024). Also, the leadership style of the school is closely related to the students’ quality of learning, making a significant difference to their interest, motivation, and outcomes (Robinson & Gray, 2019; Yu et al., 2021). Therefore, developing legitimate school management patterns is of vital significance for educational quality enhancement.

Self-harming behaviours and social support among a sample of young men in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Abstract Background Psychiatric morbidity is substantially higher in Northern Ireland (NI) than in peer nations and men are disproportionately represented in suicide mortality data, particularly at early adulthood and middle age. To better scale interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality among young men, a mixed-methods study was conducted combining interviews and validated quantitative tools. Methods A non-random community sample of 30 working-class young men in Belfast aged 16-19 was recruited via organisations focused on job training, restorative justice, and youth work. Participants completed the Self-Harm Inventory and a semi-structured interview. Analyses were completed in NVivo and RStudio. Results The prevalence of self-harm was more than 8 times higher than for the general population of adolescents in NI, with 83.3% reporting ever engaging in self-harm. Only 2 of the 28 participants reported making a suicide attempt and most injuries were minor, suggesting nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) represented almost all injuries. Although the sample had a higher risk profile than the general population-with high levels of trauma, substance use, and socioeconomic deprivation-participants also endorsed strong social connections to friends, family, and community. While many expressed concerns about sharing their own emotional distress, almost all reported that disclosures are important to avert poor mental health and shared times when they or friends sought support. Conclusions Although there was a high prevalence of NSSI in the sample, the low prevalence of suicide attempts may be associated with the high levels of protective social connections reported by participants. Gender-based concerns regarding emotional support were common, but there was also strong endorsement for the importance of seeking support from trusted relationships. This suggests that there may be an appetite for male role models to provide education around the “bravery” of help-seeking. Key messages • Prevalence of nonsuicidal self-injury may be substantially more elevated in some populations of adolescent males. • Gender-based concerns continue to act as a barrier to young men sharing their emotional distress with trusted individuals.

Caregiver and Youth Characteristics That Influence Trust in Digital Health Platforms in Pediatric Care: Mixed Methods Study.

Combining patient-generated health data and digital health platforms may improve patient experience and population health, mitigate rising health care costs, reduce clinician burnout, and enable health equity. However, lack of trust may be a notable barrier to the data-sharing required by such platforms. Understanding sociodemographic, health, and personal characteristics will enable developers and implementers of such technologies to consider these in their technical design requirements. This study aims to understand relationships between sociodemographic characteristics of caregivers of children or adolescents and trust in and willingness to use digital platforms to store and share personal health information for clinical care and research. This study used a mixed methods approach, including surveys of caregivers of youth aged <18 years living in Canada or the United States and youth aged 16 to 17 years living in Canada, as well as web-based bulletin board discussions to further explore topics of trust in data sharing. Sociodemographic and survey data were tabulated and explored using proportional odds ordinal regression models. Comments from web-based group discussions were analyzed thematically using a coding approach to identify issues important to the participants. Survey data from 1128 caregivers (female participants: n=549, 48.7%; 36-50 years old: n=660, 58.5%; Canadian: n=603, 53.5%; urban population: n=494, 43.8%) were collected, of which 685 (60.7%) completed all questions. Data from 173 youth (female participants: n=73, 42.2%; urban population: n=94, 54.3%) were collected, of which 129 (74.6%) completed all questions, and data were available for analysis. Furthermore, among 40 participants, 23 (58%) caregivers contributed to the web-based discussion boards. Related to trust, living in a rural area (vs urban; odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 95% CI 0.46-0.95) resulted in lower concern for data privacy and security, while having an undergraduate (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.30-2.55) or graduate degree (vs secondary or trade school; OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.68-3.73) resulted in higher levels of concern. Living with a chronic disease (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.35-2.44) increased levels of concern regarding data privacy and security. Interestingly, those with chronic disease were more willing to use digital platforms for clinical care and share personal health information for not-for-profit research. Caregivers were most concerned about data breaches involving data from their children but also highlighted that digital platforms would allow for better coordination of care for their children. Our research confirms the willingness of caregivers and youth to use digital platforms for both clinical care delivery and research and suggests that the value of a digital platform may outweigh the risks of its use. Engagement of end users in co-designing such platforms has the potential to enhance digital trust. However, digital trust varies across sociodemographic groups; therefore, diverse end user engagement is necessary when designing digital applications.

ISCO-08 Classification and scope of practice of nurses: Survey among WHO-Europe member states

Abstract Background The expansion of nurse’s roles in the delivery of care needs transparent defining of roles, extra education/training opportunities, and complementary legislative regulations. Methods This cross-sectional study was planned to explore status of nursing and midwifery workforce in WHO Europe member states. Data were collected from December 2020 until September 2023. Results ISCO-08 2221 is used to classify for only bachelor prepared-nurses in 2 of countries (Bulgaria and Spain). Besides, it is used only for vocational prepared-nurses in 2 of countries (Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan). Those countries only have vocational or bachelor education. ISCO-08 2221 is used in 1 of countries which have two entry levels with vocational and bachelor prepared-nurses (Georgia). ISCO-08 3221 is referred to vocational training in 5 (20%) countries (Armenia, Finland, the UK, Croatia, Hungary). ISCO-08 2221 is main classification for all levels prepared nurses in 18 countries including Switzerland, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Israel, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Lithuania Latvia, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovakia, Türkiye. Scope of practice of vocational and bachelor prepared nurses is defined by law/legislation in 25 of member states. Scope of practice vocational versus bachelor depends on conduct scientific tasks (Switzerland), being broader (Kazakhstan), competency level (Hungary, Croatia, Portugal) exceptionally there is no difference in Malta. Scope of Registered Nurse, Specialist Nurse and Advanced Nurse Practitioner differ in 22 of countries of those which on activities/practice/roles, expanded authority, working with determined care group. As a result, while scope of practice of professional nurses varies in line with their education level, ISCO-08 2221 is used for nurses’ classification from all education levels in member states. Key messages • There is no classification for postgraduate trained nurses (as is the case for physicians), even though scope of practice is different across education levels. • When revising the ISCO-08 classification, it should be recommended that a common terminology is needed to define postgraduate nurses in region.

Synergizing Sports Education and Urban Development: A Comprehensive Study of Industry-City-Education Integration in Yunnan’s Higher Vocational Colleges

The study aims to evaluate the concept of sports education and urbanization in Yunnan by focusing more on the vocational institutions. The study directs the evaluation and the level of connection between the sports education of vocational education and its impact over the urban development of the province. To achieve this aim, the qualitative study has been conducted where the topic is studied by identifying some key articles as part of the secondary analysis. The secondary study offers insight into the level of adaption of sports education in the curriculum of Yunnan's vocational institutions and their role in the urban development to identify their linkage with the backup of the concept linked to Industry-city-education integration. The role of the education of sports is evaluated in the context of the role of vocational institutions based on Yunnan to deliver output that can improve social infrastructure. The key findings revealed that there are very few technical or vocational institutions in Yunnan that are offering sports education while many are focused on avoiding this practice and be more focused on the theoretical and course work material, along with this the vocational institutions are also not much into urbanization of Yunnan therefore it offers the confirmation of the literature that sports education integration give rise to the city development by practice of urbanization.The whole study concludes that the role of sports education is surely productive, and Yunnan must adapt it to move more towards urbanization because its current level of urbanization is very low.

Which diversity factors influence the attribution of competences and co-operation in nursing teams?

Abstract Background Diversity within nursing teams increases due to staff shortages in Germany, nurse migration and the current academization of the profession. Quality of patient care is associated with intraprofessional teamwork. Little is known about how nurse’s own diversity factors and those of team members impact nurse’s perception and behavior in team situations. Methods A quasi-experimental, cross-sectional study with a factorial online survey with fictional case studies (vignettes) was conducted in two German hospital operators in 2023. Nurses of legal age working in hospitals or nursing homes were eligible to participate. Associations of diversity factors, i.e., gender, age, migration background, and qualification, on the participant and vignette level on perceived competences and willingness to cooperate were preliminary analyzed via multi-level fixed effects models in SPSS. Results N = 684 nurses participated (76% female; mean age: 44.2 years; 88% born in Germany; 75% completed vocational training). Competency of team members in patient’s personal hygiene was rated higher by respondents born in Germany (.36), when fictional colleagues were of middle age (.06) compared to higher age and were from Germany (.22) or France (.08) compared to China. Competency in inserting infusions was rated higher by respondents born in Germany (.56), when fictional colleagues were from Germany (.29) or France (.20) compared to China and when one worked together for months compared to days (-.39). Willingness to swap shifts was affected by the fictional length of collaboration (-.08). All significance levels were p&amp;lt;.02. Conclusions How nurses perceive their colleagues’ competences is mainly influenced by their own and the other’s migration background, while willingness to cooperate is only affected by length of collaboration. Improving the onboarding process of new nurses in teams, and providing the time and space for professional exchange might improve mutual trust and teamwork. Key messages • Diversity in German nursing teams increases due to nurse migration and plurality of qualifications. • Facilitating professional exchange about individual competences might improve team work in nurses.

Work- &amp; family-related stress &amp; the risk of hazardous alcohol use: role of sex and social support

Abstract Background There is a lack of longitudinal studies investigating the effect of individual stress factors on alcohol use behaviour, and how sex and social support may mitigate the effect of these stressors. We aimed to determine the association of work- and family-related stressors with developing hazardous alcohol use over time among habitual drinkers, and to examine the role of sex and social support in these associations. Methods A sample of 4,046 individuals, working and living in Stockholm, age 25-55 years, habitual drinkers, who answered the PART study (Swedish acronym for Mental Health, Work and Social Relations) questionnaire regarding work- and family-related stress (exposures) in 1998-2000 (wave1) and 2001-2003 (wave2) were followed until 2010 (wave3) regarding hazardous alcohol use (outcome) measured using Alcohol-Use-Disorder-Identification-Test (AUDIT) score ( &amp;gt; =8 in men, &amp;gt; =7 in women). Weights for selective attrition were calculated, and crude and multivariate (adjusting for sociodemographic, health- and previous stress-related factors) logistic regression models, yielding Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI), were used to estimate the exposure-outcome associations. Analyses were stratified for sex and social support in general and at work. Results Job strain (a combination of high demand and low control) was not statistically significantly associated with hazardous alcohol use (OR, CI: 1.3, 0.9-1.9). Among those reporting any family-related stress, a significantly higher risk was observed (OR, CI: 1.5, 1.1-2.1), particularly among women (OR, CI: 1.7, 1.02-2.7) and those with low social support (OR, CI: 2.1, 1.2-3.6). These associations became non-significant after adjusting for previous family-related stress. Conclusions Public health measures aiming to prevent transitions from habitual to hazardous alcohol use should give special attention to individuals with family-related stress, especially among women and those with low social support. Key messages • While job stress was not significantly associated, those experiencing family-related stress had a higher risk of hazardous alcohol use, especially among women and those without social support. • Individuals experiencing family-related stress, particularly women and those lacking social support, require special attention in public health prevention strategies for risky alcohol consumption.

JOBS Program Germany for health promotion among the unemployed

Abstract Aim The unemployed suffer from poorer health than the employed, especially in terms of mental health. At the same time, health promotion reaches unemployed less than employed. The “JOBS Program” is an intervention for the unemployed to promote health. It has shown positive effects in the USA and Finland. The aim of this confirmatory study (Hollederer &amp; Jahn, 2023; Jahn &amp; Hollederer, 2024) was to investigate whether the JOBS Program produces similar effects in Germany. Methods A multicenter randomized controlled trial was applied to compare an intervention group (IVG) with a waiting control group (WCG) before (T0; n = 94), shortly after (T1; n = 65) the intervention and about 6 months after the intervention (T2; n = 43). Fourteen JOBS Program trainings have been conducted. Additionally, JOBS Program trainers were interviewed via voluntary computer-assisted web interviews (resulting in 28 interviews). Results JOBS Program Germany was beneficial. Following changes in the primary outcomes were identified from T0 to T1: Compared to the WCG, a multivariate regression estimated that the IVG had (1) a 0.34 scale point higher level of self-rated general health (p = 0.025; scale range: 1-5 points), (2) a 14.52 scale point higher level of mental well-being (p = 0.004), and (3) a 2.74 scale point higher level of life satisfaction (p = 0.049). About 6 months after the training had been conducted (T2), participants in the JOBS training showed better general health status (0.41-point; p = 0.016) compared to the WCG. Furthermore, 78.5% of the JOBS Program trainers were rather or very satisfied with the theoretical contents and 85.7% with the practical implementation. A central obstacle to the implementation was the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of the JOBS Program with respect to the above outcomes, and for older and long-term unemployed, suggesting the benefit of regular implementation for different groups of unemployed in Germany. Key messages • The results of the confirmatory study show positive effects of the JOBS Program on the general health status and unemployment-related mental burden among unemployed people in Germany. • The introduction of the JOBS Program as a nationwide intervention in Germany could be an intervention approach for the unemployed to achieve better health.