Work Ability Research Articles

Long-term course and factors influencing work ability and return to work in post-COVID patients 12 months after inpatient rehabilitation

BackgroundRehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring work ability and facilitating the reintegration of post-COVID patients into the workforce. The impact of rehabilitation on work ability and return to work (RTW) of post-COVID patients remains poorly understood. This study was conducted to assess the work ability and RTW of post-COVID patients before rehabilitation and 12 months after rehabilitation and to identify physical and neuropsychological health factors influencing RTW 12 months after rehabilitation.MethodsThis longitudinal observational study included 114 post-COVID patients with work-related SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent inpatient post-COVID rehabilitation with indicative focus on pulmonology and/or psychotraumatology (interval between date of SARS-CoV-2 infection and start of rehabilitation: M = 412.90 days). Employment status, work ability, and the subjective prognosis of employment (SPE) scale were assessed before rehabilitation (T1) and 12 months after rehabilitation (T4). The predictors analysed at T4 were functional exercise capacity, physical activity, subjective physical and mental health status, fatigue, depression, and cognitive function. Longitudinal analyses were performed via the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Logistic and linear regression analyses identified predictors of work ability and return to work (RTW), whereas mediation analyses examined the relationships between these predictors and work ability.ResultsAt T4, the median of WAI total score indicated poor work ability, which significantly worsened over time (p < 0.001; r = 0.484). The SPE scale significantly increased from T1 to T4 (p = 0.022, r = -0.216). A total of 48.6% of patients had returned to work 12 months after rehabilitation. Fatigue was identified as the main predictor of reduced work ability and RTW, with each unit increase in fatigue severity decreasing the odds of RTW by 3.1%. In addition, physical capacity and subjective health status were significant predictors of perceived work ability.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the significant challenges that post-COVID patients face in regaining work ability and achieving successful RTW 12 months after rehabilitation. Fatigue appears to be an important predictor of work ability and RTW. To optimize recovery and enhance both biopsychosocial health and work ability, it is crucial to develop and implement personalised interventions that address fatigue, improve physical capacity, and support mental health.Trial registrationThis study is registered in the German Clinical Trials Register under DRKS00022928.

Digital rehabilitation care planning for people with chronic diseases (RehaPro-SERVE): study protocol for a German multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundChronic diseases are a significant and growing problem of our time. They impair the ability to work and increase the risk of early retirement. To support the return to work, rehabilitation services can be applied for in Germany. Currently, the application system for rehabilitation allows only a limited degree of individualisation of the treatment and is associated with a lack of multidisciplinary communication. To facilitate rehabilitation care planning, we developed a complex intervention. A digital, platform-based case management approach (intervention) will ensure multidisciplinary communication and the tailored selection of medical treatments and/or non-medical support measures. The overall objective is to assess the effectiveness of the intervention compared to treatment as usual (control condition). The German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS) funds the RehaPro-SERVE study (grant number: 661R0053K1).MethodsThis is the protocol for an investigator-initiated, pragmatic, multicentre, randomised and controlled two-arm parallel-group superiority trial with embedded qualitative process evaluation. The study will be conducted in Hesse state, Germany. N = 59 primary care physicians will be recruited and tasked with the recruitment of six eligible patients each. Eligibility criteria: age 40–60; minimum of 4-week work disability due to musculoskeletal, oncologic or psychological conditions or the post-COVID-19 syndrome within the last 6 months; at high risk for early retirement. In total, n = 352 patients will be randomised with a 1:1 allocation to intervention or control group and stratified by primary care practice using permuted blocks. The primary outcome is the number of days of sick leave during a 12-month period after the assumed completion of treatments (t1 to t2). Secondary outcomes include the number of days of sick leave (self-report), work ability, and health-related quality of life, as well as data from the qualitative process evaluation.DiscussionThe results of the study will inform the design of future care services and provide valuable information on multidisciplinary case management in the context of rehabilitation care planning. The results of the qualitative process evaluation will further contribute to the understanding of facilitating and hindering factors.Trial registrationDRKS-German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS0 00242 07. Registered on 22 March 2021.

Employees’ work ability during returning to work with common mental disorders: a mixed methods study

Abstract Background A main goal during the return to work (RTW) process after a long-term sickness absence due to common mental disorders (CMDs), is to restore and maintain an employees’ work ability to enable sustained work participation. To date, surprisingly little research has examined the concept of work ability during the RTW process with CMDs. To better understand how to restore employees’ work ability during RTW with CMDs, both quantitative and qualitative research is needed. The goal of this mixed methods study is to expand the understanding of restoring work ability during the RTW process with CMDs. Methods In this mixed methods follow-up study of N = 286 participants, work ability was quantitatively assessed with the Work Ability Score (WAS, range 0-10) at five measurement points (0, 6, 12, 18 and 30 months) during 30 months of follow-up. In a sub-sample, the qualitative work ability experiences of N = 32 participants were jointly analysed with their quantitative work ability ratings at 6 and 12 months. Results In the joint analysis, three groups of qualitative work ability experiences together with their respective quantitative work ability ratings emerged: Employees with (1) poor work ability (WAS 0-3), who did not RTW yet and described great difficulties in coping with everyday life; (2) moderate work ability (WAS 4-6), who mainly did RTW, but still showed a certain level of fragility; and (3) good to very good work ability (WAS 7-10), who mainly returned within 12 months and reported many individual and work accommodations to restore and maintain their work ability. Conclusions The joint evaluation of work ability ratings and experiences allowed a deeper understanding of restoring work ability during the RTW process. This knowledge may help occupational health professionals and other key RTW stakeholders to provide more tailored support during the RTW process and to promote a sustainable RTW for employees with CMDs. Key messages • Restoring and maintaining the work ability of employees with common mental disorders during the return to work process is crucial for their sustained work participation. • Achieving a good to very good work ability helps returning employees with common mental disorders to ‘stay and thrive’ at work again.

Long Covid autonomic syndrome and his impact on workability: results of observational prospective study and 1-year FU in patients admitted to hospital with COVID19

Abstract Long-COVID19 has been recently associated with long-sick leave and unemployment. We will present recent data obtained by a prospective observational study conducted during the 2nd wave of the pandemic in Italy to assess the time course of Long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome in working age population and its impact on patient’s work ability. The patients were consecutively enrolled at the time of their hospital discharge and were followed-up for 1 year. Clinical data and work ability have been collected at 1, 6, and 12 months after hospital discharge in our out-patient clinic. Data on Long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome occurrence in working-age and the effects on work ability will be presented and discussed. Long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome occurred in one in three working-age people and was still evident 6 and 12 months after the acute infection resolution. This was associated with a significant reduction in the work ability. Timely recognition of long-COVID19 autonomic syndrome and its potential impact on work ability represents important steps in the prevention of long-term disabilities among active working adults.

6.X.1. Disentangling Long-COVID: prevalence, risk factors and impact

Abstract Background Prolonged symptoms after the acute SARS-COV2 infection significantly alter daily functioning and work ability for substantial number of people. Application of different long COVID definitions result in variable prevalence estimations, while aetiology of long COVID as well as its impact is insufficiently understood. Our workshop is set to discuss the public health impact of long COVID in the general population, to identify risk factors of developing long COVID, and stimulate dialog to advance adequate health care and public health actions aimed to reduce the impact of this condition. Objectives and Key Questions The overall objective is to discuss the public health impact as well as geographic variations across Europe in long COVID prevalence, major risk factors for long COVID and impact on work capacity, accounting for different population-based and hospital study settings. Specifically, the workshop will address the following key questions: 1) what are the challenges in estimating prevalence of long COVID? 2) what are the risk factors of long COVID and some of the most vulnerable population groups? 3) what is a distribution of long COVID in Europe? 4) what is the impact of long COVID on work ability? Brief Overview The workshop will include 3 presentations (in combined total duration of 12 min) on challenges for research and practice attributable to variability in defining long COVID, prevalence of long COVID across several European countries, risks factors of long COVID and impact on work ability. Active discussion of 13 min will conclude the session. Key messages • Standardized definitions, such as WHO-PCC definition with severity thresholds would facilitate surveillance of long COVID and advance knowledge on the risk factors related to this condition. • Understanding better the risk factors and impact of long COVID will inform more adequate screening and therapeutic strategies, and possibly anticipate effects of potential new infectious threats.

Precarious employment expectancy by history of mental-health-related sickness absence in Finland

Abstract Background Poor mental health may lead to labour market insecurity including precarious employment and vice versa. Less is known of how mental health is associated with cumulative engagement in precarious employment over the working career. We examined how the working career is expected to be distributed into precarious and other types of employment by history of mental-health-related sickness absence. Methods We used a register-based 70% population sample to examine wage-earners living in Finland in 2018. Applying the Sullivan method, we calculated the expectancy of precarious and non-precarious employment between age 25 and 63 (N = 1268666) based on a novel measure (score with items on temporariness, agency employment, multijob holding, underemployment and income level) and limited employment (due to which precariousness could not be assessed) among those with and without compensated (granted after 10 weekdays) sickness absence due to mental disorders in the past five years (mental SA history). Results Precarious employment expectancy was higher among those with than among those without a mental SA history (2.5 vs. 1.5 among men and 3.5 vs. 2.8 years among women). The difference in the limited employment expectancy was in the same direction, but much larger among men (6.5 vs. 3.3 among men and 4.4 vs. 3.4 years among women). Men with a mental SA history were expected to spend almost a fourth of their working career with either precarious or limited employment, whereas for men without such a history the number was 13%. Conclusions Individuals with mental disorders have notable accumulation of precarious employment over the working career. They also spend excessive time with limited employment, which may have similar elements as precarious employment and reflect broader labour market insecurity. Attempts should be made to ensure that insecure employment conditions among people with mental health problems do not further deteriorate their health and work ability. Key messages • People with mental disorders spend a disproportionate part of their working career either precariously employed or facing other insecurities in the labour market. • Interventions aiming to promote health and work ability should take into account the interplay between poor mental health and poor employment conditions.

Workplace health promotion in the German Federal Armed Forces-Economic analysis and health benefits

Abstract Background In the German Federal Armed Forces (GFAF) workplace health promotion measures (WHPM) are implemented since 2015 to promote the health of military and civilian employees and thus improve the ability to defend state interests. Here the aim is to evaluate the social and health benefits associated with WHPM in relation to expenditures for WHPM. Methods Calculations are based on data from departmental reporting (full survey) on WHPM, the number of participants and days of incapacity for work (DIW). Mean indirect costs for the WHPM participation and DIW were calculated as 249.33 Euro per DIW. To assess the costs for the use of health care services and social and health benefits a longitudinal observational study (T0: 06-09/2022; T1: 06-09/2023) was conducted online and paper based. The survey invitation was addressed to 223.967 employees of the GFAF. Statistical analyses were performed using R software. Results In departments offering WHPM the chance of DIW is lower (-19%) compared to departments without WHPM offers and in case of DIW, the duration is shorter (-10%). In T0 23.568 (10.5%) and in T1 14.059 (6%) employees participated. 63.9% (T1: 3.070/4.805) reported positive effects of WHPM on their working ability and general health status (T1: 63.0% (3.013/4.782)). Of those participating in WHPM 81% (T0: 5.442/6.716) would recommend the GFAF as an employer. A number of 4.540 employees participated in both surveys, of which 2.249 participated in WHPM. The average costs per employee participating in WHPM compared to employees not participating are 0,4% higher (T0; T1: 3,5%) and thus almost equal. Conclusions Although WHPM need expenditures, the total costs per employee participating and not participating in WHPM are comparable. WHPM participants report better self-rated health status, higher working ability and commitment to the employer than non-participants. The chance of DIW is reduced in departments offering WHPM to its employees. *shared authorship Key messages • Although WHPM need expenditures, the total costs per employee participating and not participating in WHPM are comparable. • Employees participating in workplace health promotion measures report higher working ability and commitment to the employer.

Predictors of disability retirement - a prediction model for disability pension application risk

Abstract Background Regarding the objective of preventing early exits from labor market, the late life-course years present an important timeframe. It is essential to identify the employees in the greatest risk of permanently losing their work ability. In practical applications, multifactorial models are needed to evaluate the combined effect of risk factors. In this study, the disability pension risk is modeled based on large unique register data, at the same time assessing the effect of sickness absences (SA) of different lengths. Methods We utilize a logistic model for the risk of filing a first-time disability pension application (DPA) based on register data on 222,321 Finnish municipal sector employees. The data include employment and sickness spells, occupations, and wages in 2016-2018 as covariates. During the 3-year follow-up, 2,969 employees filed a DPA. The data include also short SA spells, a novelty in these kinds of studies. DPA is used as a follow-up to include employees who receive a rejecting decision but still carry a physician’s evaluation of diminished work ability. Results The resulting model can accurately predict the risk of DPA in employee groups. Age, occupation, cumulative SAs preceding the application, and the number of SA spells of all lengths, also short ones, have a significant increasing effect on the DPA risk. Proximity of the retirement age and high earnings decrease the risk of DPA. Surprisingly gender had no effect on the risk. Conclusions The results indicate that register-based sociodemographic data is very useful in modeling the employee DPA risk in public sector employee groups. The resulting model provides a basis for tools for predicting the risk status of employee groups for the use of employers responsible for risk management and early intervention, also allowing for the assessment of economic effects of SAs and disability risk. The presented modeling results are already utilized among public sector employers in Finland. Key messages • Disability pension risk can accurately be predicted in public sector employee groups based on readily available sociodemographic register data. • All sickness absences have a significant increasing effect on the risk of disability pension application, but the effect varies greatly depending on age and occupation.

Prevalence of adults with fatigue in Germany: results of the ‘German Health Update 2023’ study

Abstract Background Fatigue is a non-specific symptom complex associated with exhaustion, lack of motivation and concentration. It has high public health relevance due to impairments in quality of life and work ability and increased risk of accidents. Fatigue has increasingly gained attention as one of the most common post-acute consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Fatigue is also common among non-infected people and there is a lack of population-based background data. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and factors associated with fatigue in a population-based epidemiological study in Germany. Methods The analyses are part of the national population-based cross-sectional telephone survey ‘German Health Update’ (GEDA 2023) in adults (3/2023-2/2024). Fatigue was surveyed using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) and dichotomized into yes (at least mild/moderate) versus no fatigue. The FAS is an instrument for mild-to-moderate fatigue, which must be distinguished from chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Weighted analyses of the data from 9,766 adults were carried out descriptively and in multivariable Poisson models, considering sociodemographic and health-related determinants. Results The prevalence of fatigue in Germany was estimated to be 29.7% (95% CI 28.1-31.2) and was highest in 18- to 29-year-olds at 39.6% (35.0-44.4). The prevalence decreased up to 65- to 79- year-olds (20.6% (18.2-23.3)) and was again higher in people aged 80 and over (33.2% (28.9-37.7)). Women had a higher risk of fatigue than men (aRR 1.19 (1.08-1.32)). Lower education (aRR 1.29 (1.13-1.49)) and medium education (aRR 1.13 (1.01-1.27)) were associated with increased risk of fatigue. There were significant associations between fatigue and chronic illness, depressive symptoms and long COVID. Conclusions Fatigue is a common symptom among adults in Germany. Female gender, young and very old adulthood as well as lower education are associated with higher risk of fatigue. Key messages • The correlations between fatigue and socio-demographic variables as well as parameters of physical and mental health provide important indications of groups particularly affected by fatigue. • The fatigue survey in GEDA 2023 is one of the few current European studies that describe the frequency of fatigue in the general population and analyzes health and sociodemographic determinants.

Promotion included in prevention (PIP)

Abstract Issue/problem Every year in Europe more than 20 million visits are carried out on workers. The opportunity to integrate health promotion into prevention is now under the attention of large companies, according to the American model known as Total Worker Health©. Description of the problem The main critical points of this strategy are the correct balance between promotion and prevention efforts and the extension of the projects to small companies. Furthermore, coordination is necessary between all the figures who promote health, particularly in the national health service. Results Occupational risk prevention activities, mandatory in all European countries, have been integrated with health promotion campaigns, addressing health topics chosen in a participatory way. The costs of designing the campaign, information material for employees and data processing are borne by the university, which covers the costs with research funds. No costs are borne by workers or companies. During their medical check-up in the workplace, workers are invited to fill in a questionnaire regarding the project topic, its outcome, and some related factors. Workers receive advice on how to improve their lifestyles and are referred to the National Health Service for any necessary tests or treatments. In the last 15 years, as many annual campaigns have been conducted. Projects have dealt with: Eating behavior disorders; Post-COVID syndrome; Syncope and presyncope; Headache; Musculoskeletal disorders; Work engagement; Sleep health promotion; Aging; Violence at work; Work organization; Indoor air quality; Mediterranean Diet; Hand skin disorders; Teleworking; Work Ability. More than 30,000 workers from 38 companies participated. Lessons The participatory character of the projects, their simplicity and cost-effectiveness, the integration between occupational medicine and basic medicine demonstrate that PIP projects are economical, sustainable, and effective. Key messages • Health promotion can be integrated into the prevention of occupational risks, without additional costs. • The creation of a network of occupational physicians who are involved in PIP projects respects corporate and professional independence and improves the work culture, health, and safety of workers.

Characteristics of sick-listed employees diagnosed with a mental disorder in Germany

Abstract Purpose Employees with mental disorders (MDs) are more likely to exit the labour market prematurely. In Western European countries, characteristics of employees diagnosed with a MD have not been reported comprehensively, hampering targeting the risk group and developing preventive interventions. The aim was to describe the socio-demographic, health, treatment, organisation, job and labour market characteristics of employees diagnosed with a MD in Germany and their gender differences. Methods This cross-sectional study uses baseline data from sick-listed (≥6 weeks) employees diagnosed with a MD, aged 20-60 years, who were patients in the German mental health care, and recruited in the context of a return to work (RTW) intervention evaluation trial (RTW-PIA study). Descriptive T-tests/Chi-2 tests were applied. Results 484 individuals (58.5% female; 31% highly educated, average age 42.6) were included, of which 88.4% had affective disorders. Most were salaried employees working full-time, employed in large companies and having permanent contracts. 65.5% reported moderate depressions and the average work ability was 3.9 on a 0-10 scale. 74.2% had a positive RTW prognosis; 15.3% scored high levels of RTW self-efficacy. Gradual RTW (GRTW) was perceived the most important requirement for RTW (76.9%). More than 60% had discussed various work-related topics during therapy; further RTW-measures were prepared among 47.7%. Almost 60% received a recommendation for GRTW. Significant gender differences were found among the socio-demographic, health, job and labour market characteristics. Conclusions This study gives insights into a hardly investigated group. Almost two thirds had moderate depressions, 84.7% had low RTW self-efficacy and a very low average work ability. This highlights the vulnerability of persons with MDs in the labour market and suggest an urgent need for more work-related (health-)care. Gender differences need to be better addressed in mental health research. Key messages • Comprehensive knowledge of the characteristics of sick-listed employees diagnosed with MDs is crucial for targeting interventions to promote RTW. • Moderate depression scores, low RTW self-efficacy and very low work ability highlight the vulnerability of persons with MDs in the labour market, suggesting an urgent need for more work-related care.

Sociodemographic, work- and health-factors predict rejection of vocational rehabilitation in Finland

Abstract Background Vocational rehabilitation (VR) decreases the number of premature retirements. Pension insurance companies operate private sector employees’ VR in Finland. In 2022, some 15,500 individuals received rehabilitation in this earnings-related pension system. However, the rejection rate was 46%. Similar systems exist throughout OECD. VR facilitates finding suitable work despite an illness. A person is eligible if a threat of disability exists within the next few years and non-medical requirements are met. Currently VR is underused. Thus, it is important to understand which sociodemographic, work- and health-related factors predict a VR rejection. Methods We had full application data from a Finnish insurer for 2015-20. Our data cover roughly 40% of the 2.7M person Finnish working population. We excluded applicants with preceding VR and only included under 58-year-old applicants rejected due to ‘no risk for disability’. Our data comprised age, region of residence, salary, doctor’s assessment grades, diagnosis, industry, and data on preceding sickness, unemployment and rehabilitation benefits. For analysis, we used logistic regression. Results After adjustment, younger age and mental disorders showed largest effects on rejection. Features associated with a less severe medical condition as well as decreased employment were significantly connected to rejection. Industry and place of residence showed no effect. Of note, stable employment and higher pay predict entry possibly due to more possible rehabilitation options and better health in general. Interestingly, people with multiple diagnoses are more likely to be rejected. Conclusions The work-ability of aging European populations could benefit from vocational rehabilitation that better suits mental disorders and younger people. Key messages • Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is an underused method to maintain work ability. • Our study identified groups that could benefit from tailored solutions in VR that decrease barriers to entry.

Employment, work ability and sick leave in melanoma patients within the first year of diagnosis.

Malignant melanoma affects younger working individuals. This study investigated work ability and sick leave within one year after diagnosis, as well as the impact of rehabilitation and psycho-oncological measures on employment outcomes. In this monocentric, prospective, observational cohort study, 221 patients (62.4% females), aged 19-65, participated. 78.5% had tumor stageIB or lower at baseline. Routine clinical documentation, occupational history, work ability, subjective prognosis of employment, need for and satisfaction with rehabilitation measures were repeatedly assessed. 181 patients (82%) were employed at first visit, 172 (78%) at last visit. Approximately 75% of patients initially rated work ability as "moderate", with up to 9 sick leave days. In the following year, sick days increased significantly in patients with stageIB and IIA (p=0.044) and highly significantly in patients with stageII B and above (p<0.001). Psycho-oncologic consultation (24%) and rehabilitation (18%) did not change the significantly worse self-rated work ability of these patients. Melanoma affects work ability, even in tumor stages without lymph node involvement or distant metastasis. Controlled clinical trials would be useful to evaluate the success of rehabilitation and psycho-oncological interventions for patients with melanoma.

Residual stress and deformation of welded T-joint between low carbon steel and stainless steel

The welded structures between carbon steel and stainless steel are widely used in many sectors such as pedestrian bridges, food industry, chemical industry, petroleum, and thermal power plants, … These composite structures take advantages of each material for different parts of structure. In the welded structures between carbon steel and stainless steel, the structure is made by T-joint that is the most common. The calculation of residual stress and welding strain of the T-joint between low-carbon and stainless steel materials is the basis to evaluate the working ability of this structure. In this study, the residual stress and welding deformation of the T-joint are determined by the imaginary force method. The double-sided weld of T-joint between low carbon steel and stainless steel is welded simultaneously by MIG welding process. The obtained results of residual stress and welding deformation in this case are compared with the case of single-sided weld so that we can find the difference between residual stress and welding deformation in two cases.

Thriving minds, thriving workplaces: unleashing creativity through psychological wellbeing and psychological capital

PurposeThis study examines the complicated relationship between psychological wellbeing, joy at work, creative ability and the mediating influence of psychological capital, drawing insights from self-determination theory within the context of the banking sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized random sampling to gather comprehensive data from 465 banking employees. Following data collection, structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses formulated based on the collected data.FindingsFindings underscore a significant association between psychological wellbeing and both joy at work and creative ability within the banking sector. Moreover, the study elucidates that psychological capital acts as a crucial mediator, illuminating the pathway through which psychological wellbeing influences joy at work and subsequently enhances creative ability.Practical implicationsThis research offers valuable insights for organizational leaders and policymakers, emphasizing the imperative of prioritizing psychological wellbeing initiatives and nurturing positive work environments to enhance employee satisfaction, productivity and innovative contributions within the banking sector.Originality/valueThe application of self-determination theory as a theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding the dynamics between psychological factors and workplace outcomes. The banking industry, often characterized by high stress levels and demanding work environments, stands to benefit substantially from interventions aimed at fostering psychological wellbeing. By cultivating positive mental health and capitalizing on joy at work, organizations can stimulate employee creativity ability, thereby fostering innovation and adaptive problem-solving capabilities crucial in the contemporary banking landscape.

Academic Leadership of Educational Institution Administrators under the Jurisdiction of Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2

Background and Aims: Education is a process that enhances knowledge and skills in individuals. To be able to live effectively in society It is a tool that promotes learning for everyone from birth and throughout life, through a variety of formats suitable for each age group. Educational institution administrators need to have academic leadership qualities. which is considered an important factor in the management of educational institutions Because educational institutions have unique characteristics that are different from general organizations. This research therefore has the following objectives: (1) To study the academic leadership level of educational institution administrators under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2. (2) To compare the academic leadership level of educational institution administrators according to various characteristics such as gender, age, and size of the educational institution. And (3) to study the possibility of developing the academic leadership of educational institution administrators under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2. Methodology: The sample used in the research consisted of 317 personnel from the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2, which was obtained by stratified random sampling. The tools used in the research are a questionnaire with 5 rating scales, with IOC values ​​between 0.80 and 1.00. And had a confidence value of 0.76. In addition, a structured interview was used as an additional tool. Statistics used in data analysis include frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, T-test (t-test), and F-test. Results: The results of the research found that: (1) The academic leadership of educational institution administrators under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2 was overall at the "high" level. When considering each aspect, it was found that the academic leadership of Executives is at a "high" level in every aspect. (2) The results of the analysis of the comparison of opinions on academic leadership of school administrators according to various characteristics, including gender and age, found that there were no statistical differences. But when classified according to the size of the educational institution It was found that there was a statistically significant difference at the .05 level. (3) Guidelines for developing academic leadership of educational institution administrators under the Saraburi Primary Educational Service Office Area 2 found that: administrators should establish a committee to evaluate and monitor the implementation of the curriculum. Including internal supervision creates an environment that is conducive to teaching and learning. Support teachers to receive academic training that is consistent with the goals of the educational institution. There is a meeting of teachers to jointly consider the educational progress of the educational institution. Conclusion: Administrators have the knowledge and ability to lead educational institutions to progress. Must have knowledge and ability in academic work. Promote a teaching and learning atmosphere within educational institutions. Evaluate and monitor the progress of staff and students for maximum efficiency.

Work ability data management in multisectoral services for people with disabilities: a cross-sectional study

Successful collaboration between professionals working in multisectoral services for people with disabilities requires access to data on the client’s work ability. This study examines work ability data needs, availability, and acquisition in social and health care services and employment services and explores possible differences between these service sectors. A cross-sectional survey was carried out using a self-developed questionnaire based on Choo’s information management process model, the Work Ability House model and previous research on work ability data. The questionnaire was targeted at physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, and experts who support the work ability of people with disabilities and who work in primary health care, specialised health care, social services or employment services. The findings indicate that data on clients’ self-perceived health status is more frequently available than data on self-perceived work ability. This variability in data availability exists across professional sectors, highlighting the need for enhanced data management practices related to work ability assessment and support among professionals in social and health care services and employment services. The study underscores the importance of increasing professionals’ willingness to discuss work ability issues with working-age clients, particularly in primary health care and social services. These findings are pertinent in terms of enhancing multisectoral collaboration among professionals who need to comprehensively assess and support the work ability and employment of people with disabilities. Also, the study provides a diverse list of individual pieces of data related to work ability.

Impact of incident rheumatoid arthritis on earnings: a nationwide sibling comparison study.

RA is known to impact work ability but much of this knowledge comes from historical comparisons vs the general population that neither reflects current RA management, nor distinguishes between effects of RA and pre-existing socio-economic conditions of patients. We therefore aimed to examine earnings of patients before and after RA diagnosis, using recent data and sibling comparisons. Swedish register data were used including demographic information and healthcare utilization. Participants were patients with RA (aged 30-60 years, diagnosed with RA 2006-2017) identified in the Swedish National Patient Register, and their same-sex siblings (n = 2433:2433; mean 48 y; 72% women). Earnings data for 2001-2019 were retrieved from Statistics Sweden and analysed from 5 years before to 5 years after RA diagnosis. No differences in average earnings were observed between siblings during the 5 years before diagnosis, but during the 5 years after diagnosis, patients with RA earned on average 5.4% less annually (-1430€[95%CI -2130, -720]) than same-sexed siblings. The change in earnings for the subgroup diagnosed 2006-2010 was -8.2% (-2020€[95%CI -2930, -1120]) but for patients diagnosed 2011-2017 there was no statistically significant change in earnings compared with siblings (-1.5%; -420€[95%CI -1490, 640]). Subgroup analyses demonstrated a more negative impact on earnings for older individuals and those with lower education level. RA diagnosis was associated with lower earnings in comparison with same-sex siblings, particularly for older individuals and those with lower education level. The negative impact of RA on earnings declined or disappeared over the study period.

Self-reported fatigue in people with post COVID-19: impact on functioning in daily life, and associated factors - a cross-sectional study.

To assess (i) the impact of self-reported fatigue on functioning in daily life, and (ii) the association with sociodemographics, physical capacity, and work ability among people with post-COVID-19. A cross-sectional study. Adults reporting post-COVID-19 symptoms for at least 2 months. Participants were recruited through social media and responded to an online survey between October 2021 and February 2022 regarding sociodemographics, COVID-19 symptoms, comorbidities, physical and mental fatigue, aerobic capacity, and work ability. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses were used. A total of 614 participants (88% women, mean age 47 years, on average 13 months of symptoms) were included. A majority (≥ 84%) reported both physical fatigue and mental fatigue, according to the Fatigue Severity Scale and Mental Fatigue Scale. The fatigue impacted motivation, physical functioning, work, family, or social life, and increased sensitivity to stress and concentration difficulties. Among the factors, work ability had the strongest association with both physical fatigue and mental fatigue; odds ratio: 0.650 and 0.473, p < 0.001, respectively. This study found that self-reported fatigue is common among people with post-COVID-19, and negatively impacts functioning in daily life. To achieve a sustainable life and work situation, support and targeted rehabilitation interventions may be important.

Workplace mental health promotion in a large state organization: Perceived needs, expected effects, neglected side effects

Background Work ability and mental health in the workplace is increasingly promoted in terms of workplace health management. In order to select suitable interventions at work in a concrete context, employees and managers of a large state organization (science and development sector) were asked about perceived needs, desired effects and possible side effects of health promotion interventions. Methods 13 semi-structured interviews with managers and three focus group interviews with employees (N = 20) were conducted in autumn 2020 by a behavior therapist in training. The evaluation was carried out by a qualitative content analysis of the interview transcripts according to a deductive procedure and was checked by two independent raters. Results Most frequently, need was expressed for individual case counselling by a health expert due to the diversity of work-related problems. Managers would like to see more health-related leadership training, and a review of the various communication channels of their organization. Expected positive effects are increased self-efficacy, higher person-job-fits and reduced absenteeism. Side effects were mentioned, such as confusion of health management activities with therapy, or sensitization effects when speaking too much about mental health in mentally healthy teams. Lack of competence with the topic of mental health was mentioned as a reason for non-participation in mental health promotion activities. Conclusions The role of managers in relation to mental health needs to be more defined. Side effects related to mental health activities should be considered in evaluations. Selection of health interventions should depend on the concrete needs of the organization.