Work-related Activities Research Articles

Measuring System-Level Impacts of Corporate Mobility as a Service (CMaaS) Based on Empirical Evidence

Corporate Mobility as a Service (CMaaS) is a type of MaaS that enables mobility within as well as to and from a worksite for employees. The expected benefits of CMaaS are to support a shift towards more sustainable and more effective work-related transport activities. There is a lack of knowledge regarding the impacts of CMaaS and how its performance should be measured. This paper proposes an evaluation framework to measure CMaaS impacts at a system level. The proposed evaluation framework is then applied to evaluate a real CMaaS deployment in Sweden. This paper contributes to knowledge building and guidance to support policy and decision making for CMaaS development and implementation in the future.

BIKEMI BIKE-SHARING SERVICE EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS ON MOBILITY PATTERNS

Abstract. Bike Sharing Systems (BSS) are growing worldwide for the social and environmental benefits that they can provide. Thanks to the increasing popularity of the BSS and the availability of monitoring technologies, there is a continuous production of data that can help to understand bike usage and to improve its design and management. This study aims at exploring BSS users’ mobility patterns habits and the demand for the service. To reach this scope, the available data have been preprocessed in order to allow data mining and data visualization with open source tools based on Python. The study case regards the BikeMi BSS of the City of Milan between June 2015 to December 2018. The suggested approach proceeded, first, with the categorization of the user typology based on the frequency of use of the service; at a second stage, the influence of the day typology on the use of the service has been explored; third, the spatial and temporal patterns of the BSS use among the stations has been analysed; fourth, the influence of meteorological conditions on the use of the service has been considered; at last, the clustering of the stations with similar bikes use activity through K-Means has been performed. As expected, it was observed that the service is extensively used for commuting to work-related activities. Regular users compose a large part of the BSS community making use of the service mostly during weekdays. In addition, it was noted that only 'strong' meteorological conditions can impact the use of the service. Both the identification of the demand for the service and of the external factors that can affect its use support the clustering activities, allowing for the elimination of not relevant information and facilitating the interpretation of the obtained clusters.

Risk Shifts in the Gig Economy: The Normative Case for an Insurance Scheme against the Effects of Precarious Work*

Risk Shifts in the Gig Economy: The Normative Case for an Insurance Scheme against the Effects of Precarious Work*

A Qualitative Study on Coping Strategies Among Patients with Non-Specific Low-Back Pain

Background: Non-specific low-back pain (NSLBP) is a common health problem worldwide, but the perception and coping strategies used by patients are underreported. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to evaluate the perception of patients with NSLBP, the ways the pain interrfered with their basic life, and coping strategies employed by them. Methods: Twenty patients consisting of 10 males (50%) and 10 females (50%) participated in this study. A qualitative interview was conducted using a three-section modified structured interview guide by Gwenda. Section A contained sociodemographic information, section B was the numerical pain rating scale, and section C asked questions about the pain duration, the ways of pain interference with the patient’s life, and strategies used to cope with pain. The data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Results: The results showed that 50% of the patients were within the age range of 58 years or above. Ten (50%) patients perceived that NSLBP was caused by work-related activities and 10% perceived that NSLBP was a spiritual problem. Fifty percent reported that the pain interfered with their activities of daily living, and four (20%) mentioned that NSLBP interfered with their sexual function and religious activities. Concerning the coping strategy, 40% used prayer, 15% usually ignored the pain, and 35% used the conventional approach. Conclusions: It can be concluded that half of the patients with NSLBP perceived NSLBP to be caused by work-related activities. Besides, NSLBP interfered with basic activities of daily living, and about 40% were coping with NSLBP with prayer and spiritual means.

Creating a COVID-19 Action Plan for GME Programs.

Creating a COVID-19 Action Plan for GME Programs.

Does Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Provide a Quality-of-Life Benefit Over Traditional Closed Reduction of Mandibular Condyle Fractures?

This study sought to estimate patient-reported outcomes and compare quality-of-life (QOL) measures between patients electing for either open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation (CRIMF). This was a retrospective cohort study of patients with unilateral condyle fractures who had undergone either ORIF or CRIMF at the New York University Tisch Hospital and Bellevue Hospital Center. The primary study predictor was treatment choice (ORIF or CRIMF). Other study predictors were patient age, gender, and the presence of any other coexisting facial fractures. The 9 study outcomes were derived from an 11-item postoperative QOL questionnaire evaluating self-reported perceptions of pain and function. Univariate comparisons and multivariate regression models were calculated. A total of 38 patients (21 CRIMF and 17 ORIF) comprised the study sample. All patients were eligible for either ORIF or CRIMF, and the choice of treatment was decided through shared decision making after a comprehensive discussion of risks and benefits. With respect to pain outcomes, patients who underwent ORIF reported lower overall pain scores at 2weeks (P<.01) and 2months (P=.01), less mastication pain at 3months (P=.01), and a lower rate of persistent headaches after 6weeks (P=.04). With respect to functional outcomes, patients who underwent ORIF reported better range of motion at 3months (P=.01), less treatment-related weight loss (P=.01), and more ease when performing physical (P<.01) and work-related (P<.01) activities. In the multivariate regression models, ORIF was independently associated with decreased pain at 2weeks (P<.01) and decreased difficulty in obtaining nutrition (P<.01), performing physical activities (P=.02), and performing work-related activities (P<.01). Patients who underwent ORIF appeared to experience subjective favorable pain and functional QOL outcomes. Given the clinical controversy, the choice of treatment should synthesize patient-reported outcomes and be approached through shared decision making.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Interventional Radiologists

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, defined as aches, pains, discomfort, or numbness, by using a validated assessment tool among interventional radiologists. Materials and MethodsA Web-based survey using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was disseminated to interventional radiologist members by email in November 2015. Musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated in 9 body areas. Information regarding participant demographics, practice details, use of radio-protective equipment, and exercise routines was also gathered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors associated with more severe symptoms. ResultsOf 4,096 SIR members at the time of the survey, 640 completed the questionnaire in its entirety (16% response rate). Respondents consisted of 69 females (11%) and 571 males (89%), with a mean age of 47.5 ± 10.2 years old, a mean body mass index of 25.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2, and a mean practice length of 17.1 ± 9.8 years. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 88% in the 12 months preceding the survey. For those reporting musculoskeletal issues, 58% attributed the symptoms to work-related activities. Lower back (61%), neck (56%), and shoulder complaints (46%) were the most common. Symptoms prevented 21.2% of respondents from being able to work over the same time period. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, above-normal body mass index, and a practice length of 10 years or more as factors associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe symptoms. ConclusionsMusculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among interventional radiologists, the majority of which are attributed to work-related causes.

Epidemiology and Outcome Analysis of Burns During Explosion Accident at a Major Center in Southwestern China From 2002 to 2016.

Explosions always lead to serious public health, social, and economic problems. We investigated the epidemiology, outcomes, and costs of burn patients caused by explosion accident in Southwest China to explore more effective prevention and treatment strategies. This retrospective study included 497 inpatients with burns during explosion accident admitted to the Institute of Burn Research of Army Medical University from 2002 to 2016. A total of 497 cases (77.78% males) were found, accounting for 2.37% of the total burn patients. The average age was 34.38 ± 15.02 years. The most common etiology was gas explosions (51.51%). Most of the cases were caused by work-related activities. The average TBSA was 31.30 ± 28.32%. The median length of stay (LOS) was 31 days. The LOS was correlated with TBSA, full-thickness burns, older age, number of operations and outcome. The major factors determining the cost were larger TBSA, full-thickness burns, and higher cure rate. The mortality was 6.44%. Larger TBSA and older age were the most important risk factors for the mortality. This study suggested that special attention should be paid to prevent burns during explosion accident in adult males with occupational exposure. In the future, more effective and practical strategies for preventing and treating burns during explosion accident based on related risk factors should be implemented.

Functional, work-related rehabilitative programming for cancer survivors experiencing cancer-related fatigue

IntroductionCancer-related fatigue negatively impacts 50–90% of cancer survivors. In North America, approximately 50% of return-to-work interventions initially fail for survivors, with cancer-related fatigue often cited as a barrier to workability. Occupational therapy-driven cancer-related fatigue work-related programming for survivors is sparse, despite many published reviews calling for interdisciplinary interventions; to address work-related performance, specific functional interventions are likely to be needed. Further exploration and a broader understanding of survivors’ cancer-related fatigue management, participation in rehabilitative programmes, and plans for return to work are necessary to target survivor needs better.MethodDrawing on social theory, this exploratory descriptive study utilised content and thematic analysis of interviews from 12 survivors to explore and describe the perspectives of survivors experiencing cancer-related fatigue yet desiring to work.ResultsContent analysis reflected distinct differences in fatigue-related terminology. Thematic analysis identified three themes specific to cancer-related fatigue and workability: valuing physical wellness, perceived cognitive impacts of cancer-related fatigue on function and workability, and the lack of transition from physical exercise to functional work-related activities.ConclusionSurvivors identified gaps in care related to managing cognitive symptoms and the need for functional, work-related interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue. With their expertise in function, occupational therapists are well positioned to facilitate work-specific interventions, within cancer-specific exercise programming.

Understanding mobility and sexual risk behaviour among women in fishing communities of Lake Victoria in East Africa: a qualitative study

BackgroundHIV-prevalence and incidence is high in many fishing communities around Lake Victoria in East Africa. In these settings, mobility among women is high and may contribute to increased risk of HIV infection and poor access to effective prevention and treatment services. Understanding the nature and patterns of this mobility is important for the design of interventions. We conducted an exploratory study to understand the nature and patterns of women’s mobility to inform the design of HIV intervention trials in fishing communities of Lake Victoria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional formative qualitative study conducted in six purposively selected fishing communities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Potential participants were screened for eligibility on age (18+ years) and having stayed in the fishing community for more than 6 months. We collected data using introductory and focus group discussions, and in-depth interviews with key informants. Data focused on: history and patterns of mobility, migration in and out of fishing communities and the relationship between mobility and HIV infection. Since the interviews and discussions were not audio-recorded, detailed notes were taken and written up into full scripts for analysis. We conducted a thematic analysis using constant comparison analysis.ResultsParticipants reported that women in fishing communities were highly mobile for work-related activities. Overall, we categorized mobility as travels over long and short distances or periods depending on the kind of livelihood activity women were involved in. Participants reported that women often travelled to new places, away from familiar contacts and far from healthcare access. Some women were reported to engage in high risk sexual behaviour and disengaging from HIV care. However, participants reported that women often returned to the fishing communities they considered home, or followed a seasonal pattern of work, which would facilitate contact with service providers.ConclusionWomen exhibited circular and seasonal mobility patterns over varying distances and duration away from their home communities. These mobility patterns may limit women’s access to trial/health services and put them at risk of HIV-infection. Interventions should be tailored to take into account mobility patterns of seasonal work observed in this study.

The effects of integrating work-related factors and improving cooperation in musculoskeletal physical therapy practice: protocol for the \u2018WORK TO BE DONE\u2019 cluster randomised controlled trial

BackgroundMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the primary cause of disability worldwide and a major societal burden. Recent qualitative research found that although a patient’s work is considered important, physical therapists take work participation insufficiently into account as a determining factor in the treatment of patients with MSDs. Therefore, the aim of this study is to improve the effectiveness of physical therapy (in primary healthcare) with respect to the work participation of employees with MSDs by increasing the knowledge and skills of generalist physical therapists and by improving the collaboration between generalist physical therapists and physical therapists specialised in occupational health.Methods/designThis trial is a two-arm non-blinded cluster randomised controlled trial. Working patients with MSDs visiting a physical therapy practice are the target group. The control group will receive normal physical therapy treatment. The intervention group will receive treatment from a physical therapist with more knowledge about work-related factors and skills in terms of integrating work participation into the patients’ care. Data are gathered at baseline (T0), at four months (T1) and eight months (T2) follow-up. Most outcomes will be assessed with validated patient-reported questionnaires. Primary outcomes are the limitations in specific work-related activities and pain during work. Secondary outcomes include limitations in general work-related activities, general pain, quality of life, presenteeism, sick leave (absenteeism), estimated risk for future work disability, work-related psychosocial risk factors, job performance, and work ability. Based on a sample size calculation we need to include 221 patients in each arm (442 in total). During data analysis, each outcome variable will be analysed independently at T1 and at T2 as a dependent variable using the study group as an independent variable. In addition to the quantitative evaluation, a process evaluation will be performed by interviewing physical therapists as well as patients.DiscussionThe trial is expected to result in a more effective physical therapy process for working patients with MSDs. This will lead to a substantial reduction of costs: lower costs thanks to a more effective physical therapy process and lower costs due to less or shorter sick leave and decreased presenteeism.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register, registration number: NL8518, date of registration 9 April 2020, URL registration: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/8518

THE FEATURES OF EMPATHY AND REFLECTION IN A PERSON AT DIFFERENT STAGES OF EDUCATION

Background: The article discusses empathy and reflection as psychological constructs in personality orientation during education and work-related activities. The article aims to study the features of empathy and reflection at different stages of education and work-related (for example, medicine-related) activities, as well as to search for the relationship between these constructs and certain individual psychological characteristics of a person. Materials and methods: The study involved 169 medical students aged from 17 to 30 years. The students were divided into 3 groups in accordance with the stages of education and work-related activities: first-year students (initial stage) – 59 persons, third-year students (practice-related stage) – 52 persons, fourth-year students (final stage of training) – 58 persons. The following research methods were used: the diagnosis of multicommunicative empathy after I.M. Yusupov, a technique for diagnosing the severity and direction of reflection by M. Grant, California Psychological Inventory. The following data processing methods were used: descriptive statistics, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the Kendall rank correlation coefficient, a multilayer perceptron neural network of a regression type. Results: The general level of empathy as a whole tends to increase from stage to stage and is higher at the final stage of education. In the structure of reflective processes, there is a predominance of self-reflection mechanisms aimed at analyzing one’s own inner world and areassociated with self-sufficiency and independence. Conclusion: Empathy is formed and developed when mastering the specifics and requirements of work-related activities. The predominance of self-reflection can adversely affect the understanding of the other person’s inner world, which is necessary for future subjects of socionomic professions. In the psychological profiles of students, there are qualities that conflict with each other and are the cause of intrapersonal conflicts, which lead to social maladaptation and frustration. Thus, psychological correction is required for resolving the identified contradictions at all stages of education.

Impact of chronic plantar fasciitis on work-related activity

Objective: Compare the real need for rest of chronic plantar fasciitis patients with the leave of absence time and criteria used by national and international technical medical expert examination manuals. Methods: We conducted a review of the medical literature from 2013 to 2018, selecting only randomized controlled clinical trials on the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. National and international medical expert examination manuals were also selected. The treatment time for chronic plantar fasciitis was then compared with the leave of absence time recommended by the manuals. Results: Of the six articles selected, we ascertained that three articles evaluating second-line treatment managed to reduce the VAS by 60% after 4 weeks, one after 3 months, one after 6 months, and one that showed no improvement at all. In all studies, no control group receiving first-line treatment alone achieved a 60% reduction in the VAS during the follow-up period. The evaluated manuals recommend leave from work ranging from zero to 21 days, with only two using the criterion of the type of work performed by the employee for the expert decision. Conclusion: We observed that none of the medical expert examination manuals provides support for the medical expert to grant leave to workers with chronic plantar fasciitis from their work-related activities to receive secondary treatment for at least four weeks. In addition, stratification by acute or chronic disease is not observed. Two manuals scale leave time by type of activity. Level of Evidence III; Economic and Decision Analyses; Analyses Based on Limited Costs and Alternatives.

OnabotulinumtoxinA Injections for Patients with Chronic Migraine During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Headaches are among the top prevalent conditions that physicians encounter in their daily practice. Migraine headaches affect nearly15% of the United States population (approximately 45 million).‎‎1,‎2 Over 50% of all patients with migraine report significant or severe impairment and disability.2 Migraine is the leading cause of years lived with disability among patients between ages 15 and 49 years old – the most productive years.‎‎3 According to the World Health Organization headache report, up to 4% of the world’s population experience chronic migraine (headaches occurring on at least 15 days per month with at least 8 of these headaches meeting migraine criteria).‎‎‎4 Approximately, 65% of patients with episodic migraine and 75% of patients with chronic migraine have missed family events and activities in the past month due to migraine-related impairment.‎‎5 Migraine also significantly impacts work-related activities. It has been estimated that 11% of patients with chronic migraine have been missing at least 1 day of work per week in the past 2 weeks‎.‎‎6 Based on migraine attack frequency and related disability, headache experts suggest offering prophylactic treatment options to patients with four migraine attacks per month or more. ‎‎7 Nevertheless, it has been estimated that only 26-29% of patients continue to adhere to their prophylactic treatment regimen at 6 months and only 17-20% continue to use their oral preventive medications at 12 months. ‎8,‎9 OnabotulinumtoxinA injection is an established FDA-approved therapy for chronic migraine prevention.

Economic assessment of a Dynamic Autonomous Road Transit system for Singapore

Autonomous vehicle (AV) has been discussed as a promising solution to substantially improve transit system performance. However, the feasibility of AVs at a system level remains unclear. This paper offers an early glimpse of the efficiency performance of an AV-based transit system in Singapore, namely Dynamic Autonomous Road Transit (DART). Compared to the existing bus system, the improved operational strategy of DART service can garner higher efficiency with respective reductions of 44%, 66% and 47% in total cost of ownership (TCO), TCO/km/h and TCO/passenger. A stated-preference survey was conducted, and the data analysed via a mixed logit model. Travel time and travel cost remain critical for determining an individual's travelling preferences. In addition, the current paper presents empirical evidence that travellers are more sensitive to travel time reduction, compared to travel cost reduction. It is also found that a traveller's preferences towards walking, waiting and in-vehicle activities play an influential role of behavioural adjustment. Value of time (VOT) was calibrated with a value of S$ 31 and a reduction of 49% was observed for individuals who performed work-related activities while travelling.

Assessing personal noise exposure and its relationship with mental health in Beijing based on individuals’ space-time behavior

BackgroundMost prior studies adopted a static residence-based approach in the assessment of noise exposure, which may lead to biased exposure estimates and misleading findings in noise–health relationships. Relatively little is known about personal noise exposure based on individuals’ space-time behavior and its effect on mental health. ObjectivesThis study aims to analyze and geo-visualize personal exposure to noise in various microenvironments based on individuals’ space-time trajectories at a very fine resolution and to further investigate the relationships between mental health and personal noise exposure at both the activity/travel episode level and the entire day level. MethodsIndividual-level real-time data were collected with portable noise sensors and GPS trackers from a sample of 117 residents aged 18–60 years old from December 2017 to February 2018 in Beijing, China. Descriptive statistics and geo-visualization methods were used to examine how personal noise exposure varied across different activity types, travel modes, and among residents living in the same residential neighborhood on workdays and weekends based on individuals’ space-time behaviors. Logistic regression models were applied to examine the relationships between personal noise exposure and self-reported mental health. ResultsWe observed substantial differences in personal noise exposure across different activity types. The equivalent sound levels (Leq, dB(A)) for sleeping were the lowest, while the average Leq for work-related activities was the highest in indoor environments. The noise exposure levels for activities in outdoor environments were higher than indoor noise levels but differed between workdays and weekends. Variations in noise exposure associated with different travel modes were also evident, with the average Leq for public transport being much higher than that of other travel modes. A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level measured over 24 h for each individual (Leq,24h, dB(A)) varied significantly for residents living in the same residential neighborhood, ranging from 36 to 97 dB(A), with the majority of respondents being exposed to noise levels above 55 dB(A) on both workdays and weekends. Regarding the noise–health relationships, the modeling results showed that individual-level objective noise exposure based on space-time behaviors measured over a 24-h period (Leq,24h) was strongly associated with residents’ self-reported mental health. Higher exposure to noise was significantly associated with worse mental health. However, personal noise exposure at the activity/travel episode level (Leq) was not significantly associated with mental health on weekdays, but this link turned out to be significant in the weekend model. ConclusionsThere were large variations in personal noise exposure associated with different activity types and travel modes, and the individual-level noise exposure varied significantly across time of day and between residents living in the same residential neighborhood. Variations in personal exposure strongly depend on different space-time behaviors and individual-specific microenvironments experienced in daily life, and they were significantly correlated with mental health.

Surgeons' Interactions With and Attitudes Toward E-Patients: Questionnaire Study in Germany and Oman.

BackgroundDoctors’ interactions with and attitudes toward e-patients have an overall impact on health care delivery.ObjectiveThis study aimed to gauge surgeons’ interactions with e-patients, their attitudes toward those e-patient activities, the possible impact on the delivery of health care, and the reasons behind those activities and attitudes.MethodsWe created a paper-based and electronic survey form based on pertinent variables identified in the literature, and from March 2018 to July 2018 we surveyed 49 surgeons in Germany and 59 surgeons in Oman, asking them about their interactions with and attitudes toward e-patients. Data were stored in Microsoft Excel and SPSS, and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and chi-square tests were performed on the data.ResultsOf our sample, 71% (35/49) of the German surgeons and 56% (33/59) of the Omani surgeons communicated electronically with their patients. Although the German surgeons spent a greater percentage of Internet usage time on work-related activities (χ218=32.5; P=.02) than the Omani surgeons, there were many similarities in their activities. An outstanding difference was that the German surgeons used email with their patients more than the Omani surgeons (χ21=9.0; P=.003), and the Omani surgeons used social media, specifically WhatsApp, more than the German surgeons (χ21=18.6; P<.001). Overall, the surgeons were equally positive about the most common e-patient activities such as bringing material from the internet to the consultation (mean 4.11, SD 1.6), although the German surgeons (mean 3.43, SD 1.9) were more concerned (P=.001) than the Omani surgeons (mean 2.32, SD 1.3) about the potential loss of control and time consumption (German: mean 5.10, SD 1.4 and Omani: mean 3.92, SD 1.6; P<.001).ConclusionsThe interactions show a high degree of engagement with e-patients. The differences between the German and the Omani surgeons in the preferred methods of communication are possibly closely linked to cultural differences and recent historical events. These differences may, moreover, indicate e-patients’ desired method of electronic communication to include social media. The low impact of surgeons’ attitudes on the activities may also result from a normalization of many e-patient activities, irrespective of the doctors’ attitudes and influences.

Sustaining Teachers’ Organizational Commitment: A Glimpse on Spiritual Intelligence Paradigm

This paper examined the relationship between spiritual intelligence (SQ) and organizational commitment (OC) among employees. Consistent with Multiple Intelligence Theory (MI), 510 teachers were drawn through a list-based simple random sampling technique in the Peninsular areas of Malaysia. Hypothesis was tested with structural equation modeling (SEM) and the structural model was assessed through renowned GOF indices. Findings revealed that SQ relates significantly positive with OC, such that spiritually intelligent employees are more obliged towards workplace activities. GOF indices showed χ² / df ratio (997.341 / 547) = 1.823, RMSEA (0.057), and CFI (0.903), providing empirical support for the hypothesized structural model. The study outcomes are promising. Theoretically, it contributes to organizational behavior research regarding the influence of spiritual resources and virtues on employees’ behavior. The study has implications for HR policies such as compensation and motivation. Spiritual intelligence aids employees to see beyond the material aspects of the workplace. Hence, they are better inspired when HR managers augment HR policies with SQ components. Practically, employees are more productive, creative, and resourceful when performing organizational activities. Therefore, the study provides indication on how employees can consider work-related activities as a quest worth achieving. Within this process, lies the opportunity to experience spiritual consciousness which stimulates their personal growth and development. The study is limited in a number of ways. It is cross-sectional, purely quantitative, and has its social-demographic factors controlled.

Low back pain prevalence and risk factors among health workers in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

ObjectivesLow back pain (LBP) has a major impact on health workers, and its prevalence and risk factors among them in Saudi Arabia have been investigated previously. However, the results have never been comprehensively reviewed. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the available literature to identify the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among health workers in Saudi Arabia.MethodsMEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Saudi peer‐reviewed journals were searched for relevant literature. After quality assessment of the eligible articles, 18 studies targeting seven occupational categories, with a total number of 5345 health workers, were analyzed.ResultsPooled prevalence rates of 40.8% (n = 7 studies), 65.0% (n = 13 studies), and 81.4% (n = 2 studies) were obtained for week, year, and career, respectively, across all professional groups. Nurses and physical therapists were more susceptible to LBP, in that order, than the other categories considering week and career periods. Age, body mass index, and female gender were the most commonly reported individual risk factors. Occupational risk factors mainly included work‐related activities requiring back bending and twisting, lifting and pulling objects, and manual patient‐handling.ConclusionsThe results of this review indicate that LBP is highly prevalent among health workers in Saudi Arabia when compared with international rates. Proper prophylactic measures are necessary to reduce LBP and minimize its consequences. Further high‐quality research is needed in different Saudi regions to achieve a broader understanding of LBP prevalence and causes.

Languages at work in the Basque Autonomous Community

En la Comunidad Autónoma Vasca, la presencia de la lengua minoritaria local, el euskara, ha aumentado paulatinamente en el lugar de trabajo gracias a políticas lingüísticas recientes, aunque la lengua mayoritaria local, el castellano, sigue siendo claramente predominante. Al mismo tiempo, a consecuencia de la internacionalización, el inglés también ha ganado en importancia como Lengua Franca en las actividades profesionales internacionales. Este estudio analiza las percepciones de los profesionales y futuros profesionales acerca de este repertorio lingüístico “glocal” en el lugar de trabajo de la Comunidad Autónoma Vasca.