Work-related Challenges Research Articles

Maternal employment characteristics as a structural social determinant of breastfeeding duration

Abstract Background The European Region exhibits the world’s lowest exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months. Addressing work-related breastfeeding challenges is crucial, particularly for women navigating precarious work situations, compounding their adversity. This scoping review surveys research on maternal employment characteristics facilitating breastfeeding continuation post-return to work in the European Region. Methods Studies from 2013 to 2023 were gathered from Scopus, PubMed, and PsycInfo. Inclusion criteria comprised English or French quantitative/qualitative studies exploring links between maternal employment characteristics and breastfeeding status, duration, or experience. Participants were employed mothers of healthy children sustaining breastfeeding post-resumption of work. Key determinants included work-related factors contributing to socially diverse working conditions, encompassing type of employment, working conditions, and work environment. Geographic scope included World Health Organization European Region countries. Results Among 693 hits, 13 studies met criteria. Eight focused on work and breastfeeding, others explored broader breastfeeding determinants. Represented countries: Spain (n = 4), France (n = 4), UK (n = 2), Ireland (n = 2), Netherlands (n = 1). Findings highlighted methodological heterogeneity, indicating a lack of conceptual framework linking work, breastfeeding, and social health inequalities. Nonetheless, self-employment, non-manual professions with time flexibility, workplace breastfeeding facilities, coworker support, and breastfeeding workplace policies emerged as pivotal factors supporting working mothers’ breastfeeding. Conclusions Backing breastfeeding choices for working mothers is crucial amid adversities faced by mothers and children. These results underscore the need for targeted workplace interventions, including time flexibility, breastfeeding facilities, and promotion of breastfeeding-friendly policies. Key messages • Self-employment, non-manual occupations, time flexibility, breastfeeding facilities, support of co-workers and breastfeeding workplace policies promote continuation of breastfeeding. • Policy directives targeting low skilled or precarious jobs are needed to reduce social health inequalities broadly, and in particular, in relation to breastfeeding practices.

Experiences of Certified Peer Support Specialist Providing Formal Peer Support in Mental Health Services: ASystematic Review and Meta-Synthesis.

Peer support specialists (PSSs) in mental healthcare services are individuals recovering from mental health conditions and providing formal peer support to clients with similar conditions. Despite evidence of the benefits of this modality and the increasing demand for it, little is known about the PSSs' experiences in mental healthcare services. This review systematically synthesises available qualitative data on the certified PSSs' experiences in providing formal peer support in mental healthcare services. A search was performed across six electronic databases and one grey literature database for all published and unpublished qualitative studies in English between 2014 and 2022. Mixed-methods studies were included if their qualitative data were extractable. This review included PSSs who provided formal peer support to clients with similar mental health conditions. The included studies were appraised through the Critical Appraisal Skills Program Qualitative checklist, while data extraction was done through a customised tool. Our meta-synthesis revealed an overarching theme on certified PSSs' journey in mental healthcare services, alongside four main themes: (i) emotional impacts of being PSSs, (ii) struggle to justify their roles, (iii) complex roles of PSSs and (iv) sources of support. The review has provided an insightful understanding of the PSSs' roles and needs, for which there is a need to cultivate a supportive working environment. Given the difficulties in adopting the PSSs' roles, as demonstrated by our findings, future research should explore how mental healthcare organisations can address their work-related challenges and cultivate a supportive working environment.

Evaluating the Impact of Gender and Race on Otolaryngology Resident Experiences Across the United States.

Otolaryngology residents often encounter work-related stress and challenges during training. Sociodemographic factors influence experiences during residency; however, the impact of race and gender on otolaryngology trainee well-being during residency remains understudied. Online survey. US residency programs. An anonymous online survey consisting of 59 multiple-choice questions was sent to 104 directors of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education otolaryngology residency programs to distribute to residents. Respondents were queried regarding demographics and experiences with bias. Residents self-identified gender and race. Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Middle Eastern/North African, and multiracial residents were categorized as underrepresented minorities (URM). Sixty-oneUS otolaryngology residents responded to the survey, the majority of whom were women (60.7%) and white (62%). Many residents endorsed a belief that receipt of research and training opportunities was negatively impacted by bias due to race (29.5%) or gender (45.9%). More women (27%) than men (13%) reported maximal burnout, and fewer men (17.4%) than women (40.5%) expressed low confidence in ability to independently care for patients. More male (47.8%) and white (31.6%) residents strongly agreed they were thriving. 94.6% of women and 33.3% of URM residents reported being mistaken for a nonphysician, compared to 0% of white male respondents. Otolaryngology residents perceived differential treatment based on race and gender, with women and URM residents experiencing greater exclusion and bias, as well as increased misidentification and decreased ability to thrive. Future work includes increasing sample size for generalizability and developing interventions that uphold equity in residency training environments.

Sustainability in occupational dermatology : Starting points, challenges, and potentials for sustainable care of work-related skin diseases

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in healthcare and has moved into focus at various levels. This article aims to provide an overview of guiding principles, concepts, and target systems of sustainability and to transfer these to occupational dermatology. Current and future starting points are outlined for various levels, e.g., politics, research, industry, and patient care, in order to link sustainability and occupational dermatology in astructured and systematic way and to transform the structures of patient care in occupational dermatology care towards sustainability. Using the specific example of protective gloves, which is apivotal personal protective measure to prevent work-related hand eczema, starting points, potentials, and challenges are analyzed and specific possibilities and perspectives for more ecologically sustainable action are presented.

Work-Related Experiences and Challenges of Perioperative Nurses in Southwestern Nigeria

Background: Perioperative nursing is highly demanding due to the long hours of complex procedures, limited support, inadequate facilities, and staffing issues. These factors contribute to fatigue, frustration, and burnout. However, there is a paucity of data on challenges and experiences of perioperative nurses in Southwestern Nigeria.Purpose: This study explored work-related experiences and challenges of perioperative nurses in selected hospitals in in a south western state, Nigeria.Methods: This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological design. Twenty perioperative nurses that have spent minimum of six months in the operating theatres of the three public hospitals selected hospitals were purposively selected for the study. Data collection was done with through semi-structured interview using key informant interview guide. The qualitative data collected were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using content and thematic analysis.Results: The study identified two major themes: the experiences of perioperative nursing practitioners and the challenges faced in perioperative nursing practice. The findings highlighted perioperative nurses’ personal experiences, their motivational factors, and their professional aspirations. Additionally, the study uncovered several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and equipment, obsolete theatre buildings, faulty and insufficient surgical instruments, a severe shortage of perioperative nurses, and underfunding of perioperative nursing services.Conclusion:The study concluded that perioperative nurses’ experiences were both educative and fulfilling, yet also challenging and frustrating due to the numerous obstacles they face in their professional roles. Therefore, there is a need for stakeholders to address these challenges to enable perioperative nurses to function optimally and improve outcomes for surgical patients.

Revealing the Most Vulnerable Groups: Courtesy Stigma in Caregivers of Autistic Persons in Quebec.

Caregivers of autistic persons often face "courtesy stigma," a phenomenon by which caregivers experience stigma because of their association with a person whose disability may be stigmatized. Understanding the repercussions of this stigma is crucial not only for caregivers' mental health but also for the quality of care provided to their dependent. This study aimed to explore courtesy stigma among caregivers of autistic persons in Quebec, examining its prevalence and impact in order to identify groups that are particularly susceptible to negative outcomes. This study used a cross-sectional online survey methodology employing quota sampling to collect responses from 194 participants. Data were collected using a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) platform. The impact of courtesy stigma was measured in terms of care burden, mental health, and overall well-being of caregivers. The findings revealed that caregivers frequently experience rejection, isolation, and work-related challenges. Notably, caregivers' health was below average with the lowest reported health outcomes in Quebec. The caregivers who are the most vulnerable to negative outcomes included female caregivers, those aged 45 or older, financially strained households, caregivers of children requiring elevated levels of support, caregivers who isolated due to their autistic dependents, and those who experienced stigmatization directed at themselves or their children in the form of rejection.Interestingly, 60% of respondents reported that the caregiving burden was "not at all" to "somewhat" difficult, raising questions about factors that may mitigate caregiving challenges over time. Negative outcomes from courtesy stigma vary depending on certain risk factors and individual characteristic. This study underscores the need for targeted public policies and interventions, particularly for those at a higher risk of experiencing the negative effects of courtesy stigma on the burden of care, overall health, and mental health. By tailoring resources and support for these priority groups, we can better address the challenges faced by families of autistic persons.

How does organizational support for innovation influence job crafting and knowledge sharing behaviors? A comparison between teleworkers and office workers

PurposeScholars highlight the lack of research that explains the mechanisms leading to knowledge sharing, which appears complex and involves many variables. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the direct effect of organizational support for innovation on job crafting behaviors and knowledge sharing. The second objective is to assess the mediating role of job crafting in the relationship between organizational support for innovation and knowledge sharing. The third aim is to compare the direct effects of organizational support for innovation on job crafting behaviors and knowledge sharing between teleworkers and office workers.Design/methodology/approachBased on an empirical study involving 193 teleworkers and 191 office workers, the structural equation modeling method was employed to examine the direct and indirect effects of organizational support for innovation on knowledge sharing via job crafting behaviors. The comparison between teleworkers and office workers was investigated using a multigroup approach in AMOS software. This research is grounded in the conservation of resources theory and social exchange theory to elucidate these relationships.FindingsThe results indicate that organizational support for innovation has a positive influence on job crafting activities, manifested by the increase in structural and social resources, as well as the amplification of work-related challenges. The results also indicate that organizational support for innovation directly promotes knowledge sharing behavior and indirectly through job crafting. Furthermore, the findings reveal that these effects on job crafting and knowledge sharing are stronger among teleworkers compared to office workers.Research limitations/implicationsThe study has limitations. Its cross-sectional design does not establish causality, potentially leading to common method variance. However, after implementing many procedural and performing statistical tests, common method variance was not significant in this research. Replicating the study longitudinally would be valuable. Additionally, considering personality traits and technology characteristics in job crafting behaviors would be beneficial. Lastly, the study focuses only on accountants and predates COVID-19, which may impact its findings and generalizability.Practical implicationsThe study’s findings underscore the practical significance of supporting innovation and fostering job crafting to enhance knowledge sharing, particularly for remote workers. It highlights that the extent of employees’ engagement in job crafting depends on the level of innovation support provided in their workplace. To mitigate potential negative outcomes such as increased absenteeism, reduced productivity and retention challenges, organizations could benefit from training supervisors to prioritize and encourage job crafting and knowledge sharing behaviors among employees, especially in telework settings. Ensuring alignment between organizational messaging and managerial attitudes is crucial. Without autonomy or flexibility for job crafting, the positive effects of organizational innovation support may be limited.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that job crafting behaviors serves as mechanisms between organizational support for innovation and knowledge sharing. The findings further advance the literature by revealing three psychological and motivational processes that may explain this relationship, particularly when comparing teleworkers to office workers. Our results reveal that the effect of organizational support for innovation on job crafting and knowledge sharing is stronger among workers who telework compared to office workers. This advances the theory of conservation of resources, especially the significance of resource gains, particularly in contexts where employees need resources, such as in telework.

Work-related challenges and their associated coping mechanisms among female head porters (Kayayei) in Ghana.

While internal migrants (Kayayei) in Ghana have been perceived as a vulnerable group facing various health-related challenges, there has not been enough research on the impact of their work on their health and well-being. This study investigated the lived experiences of the Kayayei to identify the health-related challenges associated with their work and the coping mechanisms they adopt in dealing with these challenges. We interviewed 21 participants purposely selected and conducted two focus group discussions (FGD) of five participants each at the Agbogbloshie market. Interpretive Phenomenology Analysis Approach was used to identify themes and sub-themes. Statements from participants were presented as quotes to corroborate their views. The work-related challenges identified in the study were physical health, mental health, accommodation, and social challenges. Religion, recreation, social support, hope, resilience, and self-medication were the coping strategies adopted by the study participants. The government of Ghana should be encouraged to work with stakeholders like social welfare to raise awareness about women's rights, build their skills to increase their employment opportunities, enhance their safety, health, and overall well-being. It is also important to ensure the networking of relevant stakeholders to work with women in the informal sector to foster agency and provide support when needed.

Impact of multiple sclerosis comorbidities on quality of life and job activity

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently accompanied by comorbid conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of key comorbid conditions in people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) and assess their impact on quality of life and work-related activities. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 755 pwMS from two third-level Italian MS centers was conducted. Comorbidities were identified from medical records, and quality of life was assessed using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. Work-related challenges were evaluated using the Multiple Sclerosis Questionnaire for Job Difficulties (MSQ-Job). Results: 53.8% of pwMS had at least one comorbidity. Hypertension, depression, and anxiety were the most prevalent. Comorbidity presence was associated with reduced quality of life scores in almost all EQ-5D-3L domains and greater job difficulties in all but one MSQ-Job domain. Conclusion: Comorbidities in pwMS are prevalent and have a profound influence on quality of life and work-related activities. This comprehensive study offers new insights into the role of comorbidities in MS within the Italian context, emphasizing the need for a multidisciplinary approach in MS management. Further research is crucial to deepen our understanding of these findings in the broader Italian MS community.

Deconstructing ageism among older informal workers: a systematic review

PurposeThis study aims to conduct a systematic review of existing literature on ageism among older informal workers, as most studies have focused on formal work settings. Specifically, it seeks to identify the scope and characteristics of ageism that older informal workers encounter and its influence on their work and well-being.Design/methodology/approachThis paper follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework to conduct a systematic review. Eleven studies from six databases were included and thematically analysed.FindingsThe findings revealed four main themes: the contextual nature of ageism, dimensions of work-related ageism, navigating work-related challenges, and effects on well-being. These themes highlight that, despite being perceived as experienced and reliable, older informal workers face exclusion from work opportunities as they are perceived as unproductive and less capable of acquiring new skills. These negative perceptions significantly impacted their willingness to continue working and overall well-being.Practical implicationsThe findings offer an overview of extant research and the direction for future research and policy interventions to address ageism among older informal workers. The findings are crucial for enhancing older workers' quality of life, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where population ageing is the fastest.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few to systematically explore and evaluate empirical evidence on ageism in the informal work sector. It thus expands existing knowledge and understanding of the phenomenon of ageism in a least explored context.

Examining the experiences of mid-career nurses in hospitals: a phenomenological study

Background The turnover of new and mid-career nurses has been increasing, leading to challenges in recruiting and retaining nursing staff. Objectives Securing and retaining mid-career nurses is crucial for ensuring high-quality care. However, little is known about mid-career nurses’ experiences regarding turnover. This study aimed to understand the experiences of mid-career nurses and identify strategies to enable mid-career nurses to maintain long-term employment in health services. Design Colaizzi’s phenomenological methodology was adopted to illuminate the subjective meaning derived from the work-related challenges of mid-career nurses, leading to turnover. Focus group interviews were conducted to delve into the work challenges faced by mid-career nurses. Method The participants were 23 mid-career nurses working in one tertiary hospital and six secondary hospitals across three Korean cities, recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. The inclusion criteria entailed a minimum of three years of nursing experience and current employment within a designated department or clinical area within the hospital environment, commonly known as a nursing unit. Such units encompassed a range of clinical settings, including medical-surgical units, intensive care units, and emergency rooms. The interview data were transcribed verbatim, and significant statements were extracted from abstract sentences to derive themes through an analytical process. Results Analysis of the work experiences of 23 mid-career nurses in medical institutions yielded 15 themes and 4 theme clusters derived from 353 meaningful statements. These theme collections were identified as ‘Difficulties endured as a mid-career nurse’, ‘Meaningless and regrettable new graduate nurses’ education’, ‘An inexpressibly poor work environment’, and ‘Systems and policies needed to remain in the hospital’. Conclusions Difficulties faced by mid-career nurses including the establishment of an education and career development system, provisions for guaranteed leave, a diverse and flexible work system, opportunities for effective communication, and engagement with the opinions of mid-career nurses should promptly be addressed.

Mapping the supportive care needs and quality of life of adult survivors of childhood cancer at a comprehensive cancer center in the Middle East

Assessing unmet needs is crucial to achieving quality care and patient satisfaction. Between September and December 2021, we assessed unmet supportive care needs in a consecutive sample of adult survivors of childhood cancer at KHCC (King Hussien Cancer Center). Two hundred and ninety-seven adult survivors of childhood cancer completed the study questionnaire. The average needs score across all domains was 24.80 (SD = 19.65), with the financial domain scoring the highest 30.39 (SD = 31.95) and sexuality scoring the lowest 7.67 (SD = 19.67). Using a multivariate linear regression model, female gender was independently associated with significantly high scores in all need domains (p < 0.001), except for sexuality. Monthly income, comorbidities, socioeconomic challenges, time since diagnosis, and age at diagnosis have emerged as predictors of needs in many domains. Mean quality of life (QoL) was significantly and inversely associated with the mean score in multiple domains: psychological (p < 0.001), sexuality (p = 0.038), financial (p < 0.001), and overall needs (p = 0.004). Following a content analysis of qualitative data, educational difficulties, and work-related challenges were identified as other unmet needs. Cancer experiences during childhood significantly influence supportive care needs in adulthood. There is a need for more tailored studies assessing different populations of cancer survivors and avoiding the one-size-fits-all survivorship care.

Flourishing School Leadership: Perspectives of Canada’s Outstanding Principals

&lt;p&gt;With research pointing to increased levels of stress and work demands on school leaders, attention has turned to examining the factors that contribute to their well-being. Studies have also shown that many school administrators not just survive but also thrive in their work and succeed despite work-related challenges. Furthermore, some principals experience flourishing at work, which is characterized by optimal functioning, feeling good, and achieving a balanced life. Our study examined the sense of flourishing of the national award-winning principals in the Canada’s Outstanding Principals program, which recognized outstanding contributions of principals in publicly funded schools. In this article, we describe the participants’ perceptions in relation to the following constructs in the overall flourishing: flow, thriving, resilience, and grit. This study highlights the conditions, behaviours, mindsets, and characteristics that are critical for the well-being of school administrators.&lt;/p&gt;

Considering Contextual Influences on Fatherhood Program Participants’ Experiences

The current study assessed multiple changes over 1 year for fatherhood program participants and explored variations in challenges at program start, retention, and improvements in outcomes based on geographic setting, race, and sequencing of services. In a sample of 630 racially diverse fathers, we found enhanced economic vulnerability of urban fathers and Black/other minority fathers, and greater individual and work-related challenges for White fathers at program start. Results from growth modeling indicated fathers reported sustained growth over 1 year in nearly all measures assessed including relationship skills and functioning, hope for ensuring a positive future, father involvement and parent-child relationship quality, child academic adjustment, and commitments and ability to meet financial obligations. Evidence of enhanced benefit of programs in multiple areas over time for rural and White participants, compared with Black/other minority and urban fathers is presented. Results also indicate receiving case management first enhances fathers’ attendance and retention in program classes.

Dutch translation and cultural adaptation of new LYMPH-Q- scales measuring impact on work and lymphedema worry

BackgroundBreast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) is a significant complication of breast cancer treatment that can impact patients’ quality of life. This study focuses on the translation and cultural adaptation of two new LYMPH-Q scales ‘Impact on Work’ and ‘Lymphedema worry’ into Dutch to assess the work-related challenges and worries experienced by patients with BCRL in the Netherlands.MethodsThe translation process followed established guidelines from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) and the World Health Organization (WHO). Forward and back translations, expert panel reviews, cognitive debriefing interviews with patients with BCRL, and proofreading were conducted to refine the Dutch translation of the scales. The translation aimed to ensure conceptual equivalence and cultural relevance.ResultsThe translation process resulted in the Dutch versions of the LYMPH-Q ‘Impact on Work’ and ‘Lymphedema worry’ scales. The forward translation revealed discrepancies in meaning, word order and synonyms. The back translation and review resulted in changes in item formulation. The expert panel meeting and cognitive debriefing interviews provided valuable input for further refinement.ConclusionThe translated LYMPH-Q ‘Impact on Work’ and ‘Lymphedema worry’ scales provide healthcare professionals with an instrument to assess and monitor the impact of BCRL on work-related challenges and on worries. This comprehensive translation process, involving patients with BCRL and experts, ensured the linguistic accuracy, cultural relevance, and clarity of the Dutch versions. The translated scales will contribute to a better understanding of the multifaceted impact of BCRL and facilitate the development of tailored interventions to improve patients’ well-being and functional outcomes.Level of Evidence:Not ratable

Mental health and wellbeing of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff: An occupational psychology perspective

Through the lens of occupational psychology, this article sheds light on the mental health and wellbeing of staff working in intensive care units (ICUs), a vital component of healthcare. The article begins by discussing the work-related challenges encountered by ICU staff, including emotional burdens and poor working conditions, and the potential implications on mental health and patient care. It then delves into the specific effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of ICU staff. The Job Demands-Resources model is presented as a framework to understand the interplay between the various working conditions of ICU staff and their effect on mental health outcomes. Finally, the article highlights the importance of developing tailored and whole-system interventions grounded in occupational psychology to address the work-related challenges faced by ICU staff and enhance their wellbeing..

Interior frontiers and highly skilled migrants' work-related challenges in Japan.

In this opinion article, the author argues that highly skilled migrants in Japan face many challenges and are ineffectively used due to the existence of interior frontiers. Although interior frontiers are more subtle than the external boundaries these migrants have had to cross to enter the country, they have tremendous power over their everyday lives. Ethnocentric attitudes, influenced by Nihonjinron, have contributed to the existence of these frontiers. They emphasise homogeneity instead of flexibility and accommodation, and exist in the workplace. Employers want a homogeneous workplace and highly skilled migrants face strong pressures to assimilate. There is also an insistence on Japanese human resource practices such as seniority-based pay and promotion. An interior frontier also exists in the hiring process, and migrants are less likely to progress beyond the first round of interviews. With Japan's rapidly aging and declining population and acute labour shortages, there is urgency in addressing these frontiers.

Investigation of the Relationship among Work Shift, Sleep Quality, and Work Ability Index in Pre-Hospital Emergency Personnel in Urmia City in 2023

Objectives: Nowadays, due to the increase in the volume of accidents, pre-hospital emergency personnel, as the frontline of treatment by providing relief and assistance to patients and victims of various incidents, have encountered various work-related challenges and problems, including cardiovascular diseases, digestive diseases, excessive fatigue, and reduced sleep quality. In this regard, the present research aimed to study the relationship among shift work, sleep quality, and work ability index in pre-hospital emergency personnel. Methods: This research was performed on 102 operational personnel of a pre-hospital emergency department in Urmia, Iran. After the collection of demographic information, the number of work shifts per week, the number of working hours per month, the quality of sleep, and the work ability of the personnel were measured by the Petersburg sleep quality questionnaire and work ability index questionnaire. The relationship between research variables was investigated using correlation coefficient, Fisher's exact test, and one-way analysis of variance tests. Results: Mean total sleep quality score of the personnel was 6.01 ± 2.38, which indicated poor and unfavorable sleep quality. Moreover, work ability index scores of 34.3%, 52%, and 13.7% of participants were at poor, moderate, good, and excellent levels, respectively. Regarding the comparison between the two variables of shift work and sleep quality, there was a significant difference, and a strong and significant relationship was observed between sleep quality and work ability index. Conclusion: Through the increase in the number of work shifts and working hours, the sleep quality of the personnel became unfavorable and weak which led to a decrease in the work ability index score and a reduction in the job performance of the personnel. Reduction of working hours, usage of young people with high work ability, management and control of the number of work shifts of the personnel by considering resting and closure time, consideration of morning-evening and night shifts in a balanced and equal manner, and prevention of people from working in monotonous shifts (activity only in the form of night work or only day work), and avoidance of working in consecutive work shifts without rest and vacation in order to improve the quality of sleep and work performance is recommended.

Understanding Youth Justice Professionals’ Motivations For Their Work

Youth Justice (YJ) professionals experience work-related stress, challenges and trauma in their work (Sibisi &amp; Warria, 2020) yet they continue to enter the field. Research regarding motivations of YJ professionals for their work is limited, but necessary to improve overall quality of care and to ensure the most suitable candidates are hired. Semi-structured interviews aimed to explore YJ workers’ motivations for their work and how they experience and cope with challenges on the job. Thematic analyses indicates that YJ professionals are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the lives of youth through prevention and intervention, progress and learning, and advocacy and resource provision. Challenges in YJ work are often related to feeling unsupported owing to low salaries, staff shortages, and system constraints. Motivating factors which contribute to their ability to stay in the field despite the challenges include a passion for their work and seeing change in their clients. Healthy coping strategies appear necessary to manage challenges and may contribute to the longevity in the field. Findings provide insight into YJ professionals' motivations, coping, and reasons for remaining in the field. These results can help to inform hiring, training and policy in Ontario YJ work.

Unravelling Causes and Mitigating Suicidal Tendencies in Male Educators in Zimbabwe's Rural Regions: A Comprehensive Analysis

This qualitative study aims to explore the underlying causes of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions and identify the strengths of current interventions targeting this issue. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 15 knowledgeable participants who possessed relevant experiences and expertise. The study employed focus group discussions to generate data, which was subsequently analysed using content thematic analysis. The research questions addressed in this study were two-fold: (1) What are the underlying causes, including work-related, psychosocial, and personal factors, that contribute to the emergence of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions? (2) What are the strengths of the current interventions targeting suicidal tendencies among male educators in these regions? The analysis of the data revealed two key findings. Firstly, the study identified multiple causal factors contributing to the emergence of suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions. These factors encompassed work-related challenges such as heavy workload, insufficient resources, and inadequate support systems. Additionally, psychosocial factors such as stigma, social isolation, and emotional distress were identified. Personal factors like financial difficulties and relationship problems were also found to contribute to suicidal tendencies. Secondly, the study identified several strengths within the current interventions targeting suicidal tendencies among male educators in Zimbabwe's rural regions. Notably, the provision of mental health support services, including counselling and awareness campaigns, was found to be a valuable aspect of the existing interventions. Moreover, the study highlighted the significance of community involvement and collaboration between educational institutions, healthcare providers, and relevant stakeholders in addressing this critical issue. Based on the findings, two key recommendations emerge. Firstly, it is crucial to enhance the existing support systems for male educators in rural regions, focusing on addressing work-related challenges and providing adequate resources and support. This may include workload management strategies, professional development opportunities, and the establishment of comprehensive mental health support networks. Secondly, there is a need for increased awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health issues among male educators. This involves implementing targeted awareness campaigns to promote mental well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment, and encouraging open dialogue on mental health concerns.