Work-related Problems Research Articles

Predictors associated with the quality of life at work of public university teachers

To analyze the predictive factors associated with the teachers' perception of their Quality of Life at Work at the public university. Descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted with 91 professors from different areas of a public university in southwest Goiás, Brazil. To estimate the predictive factors, Total Quality of Work Life -42 and a socio-demographic and labor characterization questionnaire were used. For statistical analysis, the STATA program was used. The dimensions assessed in the Quality of Life at Work were considered satisfactory, with a better score in the psychological behavioral dimension. In the bivariate analysis of the potential factors associated with the General Quality of Life at Work, significance was found with the academic title (p=0,005), the work-related health problem (p<0,001), the leisure time reserve (p<0,001), satisfaction with physical, psychological and social condition (p<0,001) and age (p=0,024). In the regression analysis, length of service at the institution (p=-0.15; p=0.039), work-related health problems (p=-0.44; p<0.001) were decreasing predictors of good General Quality of Life, while satisfaction with their physical, mental and social condition (p=0.30; p<0.001) and having a PhD degree is shown as an increasing predictor (p=0.20; p=0.046). Teachers have a satisfactory assessment of their Quality of Life at Work, however some predictive factors punctuate elements that interfere with QWL and health perception in their work environment.

Frequency of Work Related Musculoskeletal Wrist Pain Among Health Care Professionals of Lahore Pakistan

The wrist and hand work related musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are very high in individuals performing prolonged hand task and repeated movements. The profession required manual dealing with additionally repetitive movement and hard work are at high risk of developing work related MSK problems.

Musculoskeletal disorders among the garments workers in Rupandehi district, Nepal

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorder are common work-related health problem which is common among garments workers as they are denied of their basic rights and less importance is given to their health. Garment workers are among the most vulnerable as they have to work for long hours in perilous posture. Objective: Aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and types of musculoskeletal disorders among the workers of the garment factory. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 workers in garment industries at Rupendehi district of Nepal over a period of six months. Data collection was done using a semi-structured interview schedule and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS 23 version. Results: There were 48.5 percent of respondents found to be suffering from musculoskeletal disorders. The most common affected site was low back (67%) and shoulder (26%). Most of the workers (82%) experienced that their pain occurred occasionally during heavy workload. The musculoskeletal disorders were found to be associated in age group, sex &amp; educational status. Conclusion: Health problems among garment workers are one of the areas of public health concern in the country. Reducing the work strain and providing a supportive workplace environment will have a favorable impact on work productivity.

Developing Strategy: A Guide For Nurse Managers to Manage Nursing Staff's Work-related Problems

SummaryPurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess nursing staff's work-related problems as perceived by their managers and thereafter develop strategies that would serve as a guide for nurse managers to manage these problems.MethodsA descriptive research design was used. The participants included in the study consisted of the following two groups: Group 1—a convenience sample of 150 first-line managers working at three different hospitals; and Group 2—a panel of experts for the Delphi technique, selected using the Snowball sampling technique. Tools for data collection included the following: Tool 1—questionnaire about nursing staff's problems; Tool 2—Delphi technique to develop strategies for managing nursing staff's problems; and Tool 3—opinionnaire format.ResultsThe recruited first nurse managers were of the opinion that job stress, work overload, conflict, workplace violence, poor performance, staff turnover, demotivation, lack of empowerment, and staff absenteeism were among the common problems faced by staff nurses at work.ConclusionFrom the expert panelists’ perspectives, the newly developed strategy in this study was considered valid; the researchers recommend the strategy developed in this study to be universalized in different health care settings and used as a guide for nurse managers.

Low back pain and associated factors among civil service sectors office workers in Southern Ethiopia

Background: Low back pain is one of the most common work-related health problems among office workers. Low back pain has been identified as one of the most costly disorders among the worldwide working population. However, there is a lack of information on associated factors with low back pain which makes people not to work properly. &#x0D; Objectives: This study was aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with low back pain among civil service sectors office workers in Southern Ethiopia.&#x0D; Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted among 625civil service sectors office workers, who work in the sitting position, in Sodo town, Southern Ethiopia from March 10 to June 20, 2017. The sampling frame was obtained from civil service office and simple random sampling technique was used for each stage. Data was collected by using a pretested structured questionnaire adapted from Standardized Nordic musculoskeletal Questionnaires and modified Oswestry through face to face interview and by using checklist for observations, which was measured by diploma nurses. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean, median and standard deviation were conducted. Also, binary logistic regression was conducted and variables with p&lt;=0.20 in bivariate analysis were fitted into the multiple logistic regression models to identify factors associated with low back pain. Variables with P value &lt;0.05 were considered as statistically significant predictors of low back pain.&#x0D; Results: Out of the calculated sample size, 625 participants responded making a response rate of 99%. The 12-month prevalence of low back pain among civil service sectors office workers in this study was (38.4%) 95% CI: (0.34, 0.42).This study found that, being obese (AOR [95%CI] =6.3[4.29 - 9.09]), having smoking history (AOR [95%CI] =5.2[2.57 - 10.82]), poor sitting posture (AOR [95%CI] =2.6[1.61-4.30]), having job stress (AOR [95%CI] =5.9[3.44-10.25]), having no rest break during workday (AOR [95%CI]=3.2[1.82-5.62]), sitting &gt;6 hours per day (AOR [95%CI]=16.08[14.4-19.3]) and frequently using computer (AOR [95%CI]=4.3[2.09-5.47]) are significantly associated with low back pain.&#x0D; Conclusion and recommendations: The 12-month prevalence of low back pain in this study is high (38.4%).Therefore, healthy lifestyle habits, good awareness of sitting posture and better ergonomic facilities and psychosocial support to workers were recommended to decrease the effects of predisposing factors of low back pain.

Evaluation and comparison of the Chinese policy context for safety-related psychological health in the workplace: Realities, gaps and challenges

Work-related psychological health problems have become a major challenge for occupational health and safety (OHS) management. Hard and soft policy systems could be employed to guarantee that this issue is taken seriously and solved effectively. However, in China, compared with the European Union (EU) and Australia, few experts have reviewed the policies related to this area. Thus, a comparative analysis was performed to investigate the hard and soft law policies associated with safety-related psychological health in the workplace based on approved criteria. A total of 21 policies (16 hard and 5 soft) were evaluated, and the current realities were discovered. Then, by comparing the actual situation in China with that of countries with well-developed policy systems in this area, extant gaps and future challenges were observed. The results showed that both hard and soft policies addressed the topic, but all of them had rather low scores. The policy system is far from perfect and is still in its infancy in China, and there are great gaps between China and countries with more developed systems related to this topic. Filling these gaps may involve encountering some challenges in the future. Based on the analysis, some specific suggestions are recommended to promote the policy system and improve OHS management from the perspective of psychological health related to work.

Does pre-event lack of emotional support increase the risk of post-event PTSD, anxiety, depression symptoms and lack of support? A comparative population-based study among victims of threat and violence

Our knowledge about the effects of perceived emotional support on PTSD, anxiety and depressive symptoms after serious threat and violence is primarily based on post-event studies. Very little is known about the extent to which (1) victims lacking pre-event emotional support are more at risk of post-event symptoms and lack of post-event support than victims with pre-event emotional support, and (2) victims with pre-event emotional support and victims lacking emotional support are more at risk of post-event anxiety and depressive symptoms than nonvictims with similar pre-event support levels. For this purpose, we conducted a 2-wave prospective study (VICTIMS) using the Dutch population-based longitudinal LISS panel. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted, controlling for pre-event demographics, symptoms, and physical, work-related and financial problems. As hypothesized, victims (Nvictims total = 187) lacking pre-event support more often had high post-event PTSD, anxiety and depressive symptoms than victims with pre-event support. No significant differences were found between victims and nonvictims with pre-event emotional support (Nnonvictims total = 2,828, not exposed to any event). Since victims and nonvictims with pre-event support did not differ in post-event symptoms and support, the findings offer strong evidence for the buffering hypothesis of emotional support.

Ultrafine particles in scanning sprays: a standardized examination of five powders used for dental reconstruction

BackgroundIntraoral matting sprays for chairside systems can release fine or ultrafine particles or nanoparticles at dentists’ workplaces and cause work-related health problems by inhalation exposure. Until now, little is known about the magnitude of the ultrafine fraction, when using these scanning sprays. Hence, more information is needed for workplace risk assessments in dental practices.MethodsFive commonly used dental spray-powders were examined under standardized conditions. Ingredients were taken from the respective safety data sheet. Particle number-size distributions and total number concentrations were analyzed with a fast mobility particle sizer, and reported graphically as well as mean particle fractions smaller than 100 nm. Based on these measurements, risk assessments were conducted, and particle depositions in the lung were modelled.ResultsThe mean fraction of particles smaller than 100 nm varied between 9 and 93% depending on the matting agent and mode of application of the intraoral scanning spray. Propellants can represent a large fraction of these particles. Titanium dioxide, pigment-suspensions, talcum and others particles, which can pose relevant health risks, were listed as ingredients of scanning sprays in safety data sheets. Nevertheless, the deposited fraction of hazardous particles in the lung of employees in dental practices seems to be small (15%) during this dental procedure.ConclusionsOur results suggest that dentists’ personnel can be exposed to hazardous fine and ultrafine particles. Though extensive standardized measurements and systematic evaluation of safety data sheets were used for this study, they cannot sufficiently assess and categorize potential workplace-related health risks.

Link Between Migration Status and Occupational Health and Safety of Filipino Migrant Workers in South Korea

With its offer of competitive compensation and attractive employment permit system (EPS), South Korea has recently experienced an influx of migrant workers. There has been a concomitant rise in the concerns about the health and safety of migrant (especially undocumented) workers as well. The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of work-related health and safety problems among Filipino migrant workers and determine the relationship between migration status and occupational health and safety (OHS) problems. We conducted a survey of 116 Filipino migrant workers, both legal and undocumented. We utilized the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and a validated health and safety questionnaire to assess the various forms of occupational health problems they face. A focus group discussion (FGD) was also conducted to cross-validate information from the questionnaire. Descriptive data were presented in percentages, mean, and standard deviation (SD). Chi-squares tests and logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the degree of association between variables (P &lt; 0.05). Among the eight subscales of KOSS, inadequate social support (2.48), organizational injustice (2.57), and lack of reward (2.52) were experienced by workers. There was a 44.83% prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with the arm/elbow having the highest rate, followed by the shoulder and low back regions. Inadequate social support and discomfort in organizational climate and overall MSDs prevalence showed significant relationships with migration status (P &lt; 0.05). A significant relationship between migration status and some of the OHS problems faced by Filipino migrant workers in Korea was observed. In this study, undocumented workers were seen to be more vulnerable to stressors as compared to those employed legally.

Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among occupational bus drivers ofKarnataka, South India.

Work-related health problems result in an economic loss of 4-6% in GDP (Gross domestic Product) of the most countries. In the industrialized countries, 1/3rd of the health-related absence to duty are due to musculoskeletal disorders. Professional driving is one such occupation which looks like sedentary occupation, but involves many risk factors that contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) due to its nature of working and work environment. This research describes the various risk factors associated with WMSDs and their effects on drivers health. To assess the prevalence of WMSD and its associated risk factors among the bus drivers of Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Karnataka. Subjects considered in this study are 301 full-time bus drivers from the central division KSRTC which consists of 6 depots in Bengaluru. Information regarding reported WMSD symptoms during immediate past 7 days to 12 months, the intervention of WMSD in their day-to-day life and the overall comfort of the body are determined through Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and also by direct observation. The survey questionnaire is conducted by face to face interview. From the statistical analysis, it is found that around 55.8% of the study population has experienced WMSD. The prevalence of WMSD is most common in the age group of 29-39 years (53.5%) followed by the age group of >40 years. In this study, some of the work-related and lifestyle/health-related factors show significant association with WMSD in bus drivers of Karnataka. Musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by designing the driver's workspace ergonomically so that the design suits to all sorts of drivers and the drivers should also be trained on basics of vehicle ergonomics (posture, seat adjustments, in-vehicle controls adjustments). KSRTC should educate drivers on the basics of vehicle ergonomics, harmful use of tobacco/alcohol, unhealthy food habits and also to involve in physical exercise at least 75-150 mins weekly. If not, the trend of drivers suffering from WMSD belonging to mid-age will increase exponentially. Statistical result and direct observation insist on undertaking further studies on ergonomic interventions at driver's cabin, lifestyle/occupational health factors which mitigate WMSD in different parts of the body during driving.

Clinical characteristics and quality of life, depression, and anxiety in adults with neurofibromatosis type 1: A nationwide study.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic condition characterized by numerous somatic manifestations. The psychosocial burden in adults has rarely been studied. We examined the prevalence of self-reported impairment of quality of life (QoL), symptoms of anxiety and depression and need for support, associated with disease severity and visibility. We conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study of all 467 adults with NF1 diagnosed between 1977 and 2016 at one of the two national centers for rare diseases in Denmark. A total of 244 (56% response rate) completed a questionnaire that included standard measures of QoL, symptoms of depression and anxiety, indicators of disease-related severity, visibility, and need for professional support. Associations between disease severity and visibility and psychosocial burden were analyzed in descriptive and multivariate models. We observed impaired QoL (mean = 81.3; 95% CI, 76.2; 86.4); 19% reported symptoms of depression (mean = 5.7; SD = 5.4), and 15% reported anxiety (mean = 5.1; SD = 5.2) at a clinical level. Adults with NF1 also reported requiring professional support for physical, psychological, and work-related problems. Disease severity and (partly) visibility were significantly (p < .0001) associated with psychosocial well-being and a requirement for support. This study provides new understanding of the factors associated with impaired QoL, indicating that follow-up care should be optimized into adult life.

Nursing Perspectives on the Impacts of COVID-19

Nursing Perspectives on the Impacts of COVID-19

Analysis of Cyclone Shelter Patterns to Build a Better Shelter Management: A Case Study of Bangladesh Southern Region

Bangladesh is located geographically in a vulnerable location. Every year different types of natural disasters like cyclone, flood, Nor'wester, tornado, storm surge, salinity, drought, river erosion, river bed siltation, land slide, etc. visit in our country. Cyclone is a very common phenomenon in our country. Cyclone shelter is the haven place for the coastal people during the cyclonic event. There are various types of cyclone shelters in the coastal areas of Bangladesh. The overall aim of the research is to identify the best types of cyclone shelters for better shelter management. A total of ten types of cyclone shelters are considered to conduct this research work. The qualitative and quantitative data were analyzed. A priority index matrix is made to identify the best types of cyclone shelters. Different types of data were analyzed viz. access road conditions, enter and exit facilities, physical elements of the cyclone shelters. From the data analysis, it is identified that type 6 cyclone shelter is the best pattern among ten cyclone shelters. This research finds out some weaknesses of the current shelter management practices like a warning signal, poor condition of the shelter, relief work-related problem, electricity, drinking water, and limited logistic support. Finally, the research also made some recommendations for new builds, existing, and institutional arrangements of cyclone shelters that may help to improve the future establishment of cyclone shelters in coastal areas of Bangladesh. So, the identified better pattern of cyclone shelter will improve the emergency management system by providing better shelter management facilities during an emergency situation of any cyclonic event.

Occupational Health among Swedish Occupational Therapists: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The Swedish public sector is facing great challenges in recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals, due to increasing sick leave numbers. The aim of this study was to describe Swedish occupational therapists’ occupational health in terms of risk factors in the social and organizational work environment, occupational balance, and work-related mental health problems. A web survey was emailed to all working members of the Swedish Association of Occupational Therapists (n = 7600) and 3658 answered the survey. The web survey included questions on sociodemographic characteristics, social and organizational environment, occupational balance, and work-related health. The occupational therapists in general rated their workload as high, which was described as leading to increased stress, difficulties doing a good job, and increased job turnover. They also reported having difficulties maintaining occupational balance. Almost a fifth reported having symptoms related to mild incipient exhaustion or a pronounced exhaustion disorder. Almost 60 percent reported having, during the last year, seriously considered seeking new employment as an occupational therapist and 35 percent had seriously intended to leave their profession. In conclusion, there is an urgent need to improve the work situation of occupational therapists. If not, increases in mental health problems, sick leave and job turnover rates may seriously jeopardize the welfare system by eroding healthcare.

Socioeconomic Costs of Mental Illness: A Systematic Review

Mental illness is a psychological health problem that causes disability and impairment. A population suffering from mental illnesses experience a wide range of social and workrelated problems that have economic impacts. Keeping in view the seriousness of this issue a systematic review of existing literature was done for identifying facts and figures on the socioeconomic costs of mental illness among general populations. A Systematic Narrative Review was done by searching studies in electronic databases like Google Scholar, Wiley Online, Oxford Journals, Science Direct and Taylor &amp; Francis. The results showed that mental illness causes social problems like, e.g., stigma, low selfesteem, poor quality of life, clinical problems. Moreover, its economic impacts include cost associated with treatment, absenteeism, accidents, and turnover intentions. Findings of the current study revealed that mental illness has both social and economic impacts, therefore, proactive steps need to be taken together at individual and institutional levels for overcoming costs associated with mental health illnesses.

Employment of Syrian refugees in Jordan: challenges and opportunities

ABSTRACT Employment is a key issue for refugees, host states, and local communities, whose interests in this area often diverge. Based on an ethnographic qualitative study among Syrian refugees and Jordanian citizens, this research sheds much-needed light on the dynamics of employment of refugees in Jordan. Research findings demonstrate how Syrian refugees work in both the formal and informal sectors of the labor market with an emphasis on legal precarity, job insecurity, poor working conditions, and workplace discrimination. Refugee women face additional challenges due to gender roles and cultural sensitivities. Employment also brings opportunities to refugees with regards to access to sustainable livelihoods, self-sufficiency, socialization, and regaining of the sense of dignity. Growing Syrian refugee employment in Jordan makes an urgent need for social workers to focus their efforts on addressing work-related problems and making advancements benefiting refugees, host communities, and policymakers.

Work, resilience and sustainable futures

PurposeThis paper examines the relationship between work, resilience and sustainable futures for organisations and communities by considering the nature of work-related problems (WRPs) and the work-based research designed to investigate them. The authors explore the axis of work environment &gt; work-related problem &gt; resilience &gt; sustainable futures as it might be impacted by work-based research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces two current real-world examples, one in Australia and one in Asia, of work-based research projects associated with higher education aimed at promoting resilience and sustainability, and discusses the research problems, questions, designs, methods, resilience markers and sustainability markers used by these projects.FindingsWork-based research, when conducted rigorously using mixed methods, may contribute to increased resilience of organisations and communities and thereby seeks to promote more sustainable organisational and social futures.Practical implicationsWork-based research conducted in higher education seeks to investigate, address and solve WRP, even when such problems occur in unstable, changing, complex and messy environments.Social implicationsResilience and sustainable futures are ambiguous and disputed terms, but if work-based research can be brought to bear on them, organisations and communities might better adapt and recover from challenging situations, thus reducing their susceptibility to shock and adversity.Originality/valueWhile resilience and sustainability are commonly referred to in the research literature, their association to work, and specifically problems associated with work, have yet to be examined. This paper goes some of the way to addressing this need.

Lifetime Prevalence of Self-Reported Work-Related Health Problems Among U.S. Workers - United States, 2018.

Approximately 2.8 million nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries were reported in the United States in 2018 (1). Current surveillance methods might underestimate the prevalence of occupational injuries and illnesses (2,3). One way to obtain more information on occupational morbidity is to assess workers' perceptions about whether they have ever experienced health problems related to work (4). Occupational exposures might directly cause, contribute to, exacerbate, or predispose workers to various health problems (work-related health problems). CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimated the lifetime prevalence of self-reported, work-related health problems for the currently employed population overall and stratified by various demographic and job characteristics using data from the 2018 version of the SummerStyles survey. Overall, 35.1% of employed respondents had ever experienced a work-related health problem (95% confidence interval [CI]=33.0%-37.3%). The most commonly reported work-related health problem was back pain (19.4%, 95% CI=17.6%-21.2%). Among industries, construction (48.6%, 95% CI=36.54%-60.58%) had the highest prevalence of any work-related health problems. Workplace injury and illness prevention programs are needed to reduce the prevalence of work-related health problems, especially in higher-risk industries.

AN EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMME FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN NAMIBIA – A NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The aim of this study was to explore the personal and work-related problems that impact on the productivity of employees in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Namibia. The study further investigated how such problems are dealt with in the workplace and explored the perceptions of employers and employees regarding the provision of an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), as well as the type of EAP viable for the SME sector. Findings of the study revealed that employees experience diverse problems and that SME owners are not equipped to deal with employees’ psychosocial problems effectively. The results also indicated a need for an EAP in SMEs to promote employee wellbeing.

Detection of Stress among Workers in a Cement Factory

Introduction: Stress is one of the most important work-related psychological health problems. Occupational stress is defined as harmful physical and emotional responses incurred in work environment. Recently, researches focused more on the impact of the psychosocial work environment on health more than physical hazards in the workplace. As a lot of economic problems can result from mental problems among workers such as raising absenteeism, decrease productivity, expensive treatment and labor compensation claims. Aim of work: To study the stress condition among workers in a cement factory in Upper Egypt, and to detect vulnerable workers for stress. Materials and methods:A cross-sectional study was performed included 86 workers from main four departments (quarry, production, packing and maintenance). Pre-designed questionnaire was answered, including personal and occupational histories and specific questions to assess stress; extracted from Job Stress Questionnaire (JSQ), which was created in a study specially made by Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Persons with a total score for physical stress response of 25 points or more are considered to have physical stress response. Results: The current study showed that nearly half of the studied group was current smokers, 22 % worked as farmers in their weekend, 95 % of workers were categorized in low physical job stress response. The mean of job stress score of all studied workers was 14.9 ±4.8, recording highest score 32 and lowest score 11. However, when comparing the job stress difference among workers according to different characteristic; there was statistically significant relationship between job stress and department distribution, duration of exposure, presence of respiratory complains and residency (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Nearly most of the studied workers (95 %) were categorized among low job stress group. However the most vulnerable groups for stress were maintenance workers, workers with respiratory complains, workers with high duration of exposure “more than 20 years”, workers resident in urban areas, and supervisors.