Work-related Variables Research Articles

Incidence of and risk factors for lumbar disc herniation with radiculopathy in adults: a systematic review.

Lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy is associated with greater pain, disability, healthcare use, and costs compared with nonspecific low back pain. Reliable information about its incidence and risk factors were lacking. (1) What is the incidence of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy in adults? (2) What are the risk factors for LDH with radiculopathy in adults? Systematic review. We searched five electronic databases from 1970 to September 2023. Eligible cohort and case-control studies were identified and independently assessed for risk of bias. A qualitative best evidence synthesis of low and moderate risk of bias studies was conducted. We critically reviewed 87 studies and synthesised data from 59 (68%) studies; 12 were of low and 47 of moderate risk of bias. The lower and upper bound limits of the 95% CIs of annual incidence estimates ranged from 0.3 to 2.7 per 1000 persons for surgical case definitions, from 0.04 to 1.5 per 1,000 persons for hospital-based case definitions, and from 0.1 to 298.3 per 1,000 persons for clinical case definitions. Factors associated with the development of LDH with radiculopathy included middle-age (30-50years), smoking, higher BMI, presence of cardiovascular risk factors (in women), and greater cumulative occupational lumbar load by forward bending postures and manual materials handling, with effect sizes ranging from ranging from 1.1 (1.0-1.3) to 3.7 (2.3-6.0). Incidence of LDH varies in different populations and according to case definition. Risk factors include individual, behavioural, and work-related variables. Our findings support the need to develop standardised case definitions that validly classify the clinical spectrum of LDH and for future low risk of bias studies examining causal relationships for LDH with radiculopathy in adults.

Retirement Concepts as Predictors of Preretirement Consideration and Planning

This study explores how different conceptualizations of retirement—New Beginning, Continuation, Imposed Disruption, and Transition to Old Age—affect retirement consideration and planning while controlling for demographic and work-related variables. In a sample of Slovak preretirees ( N = 332, Mage = 54.84, SD = 3.67 years, all working full-time), three of the retirement concepts were significant predictors of retirement consideration and planning. The New Beginning concept positively influenced both retirement consideration and planning. In contrast, the Continuation concept negatively impacted retirement consideration, with no significant effect on retirement planning. The Imposed Disruption concept positively predicted retirement consideration and planning, although the mechanisms driving engagement differed from those in the New Beginning concept. The Transition to the Old Age concept did not significantly predict retirement consideration or planning. These findings highlight the importance of understanding individual retirement concepts when discussing retirement planning and consideration. Consequently, preretirement interventions should focus on personalized approaches that reflect employees’ unique retirement concepts and needs, supporting healthy pathways to retirement.

Unpacking the stress-satisfaction-Performance triangle in the it workforce

The booming Information Technology (IT) sector has led to high job stress due to intense workloads and technological changes worldwide. Examining the relationship between job stress, satisfaction, and performance is vital for employee well-being and productivity in IT industry. The primary objective of this research was to analyse how job stress and job satisfaction collectively impact job performance in IT sector employees of Delhi-NCR. IT professionals (n=255) working in service-based company from various roles and experience levels were recruited. Participants' perceived levels of job stress, job satisfaction, and job performance using validated scales. Through statistical analyses, it was observed that higher levels of job satisfaction will be associated with lower job stress and enhanced job performance. Conversely, elevated job stress is expected to correlate with decreased job satisfaction and diminished job performance. The demographic and work-related variables of the study added context to these findings by elucidating personal experiences, working conditions, communication, and contextual factors that may moderate these relationships. By exploring the multifaceted connections between job stress, job satisfaction, and job performance, this study provides a valuable insight that can inform evidence-based practices for fostering healthier and more productive work environments in the IT industry.

Less smartphone and more physical activity for a better work satisfaction, motivation, work-life balance, and mental health: An experimental intervention study

Employees' work satisfaction and mental health are crucial for an organization's productivity. The current experimental study on employees (Ntotal = 278) from different professional sectors and workplaces in Germany investigated how to improve both by changes of daily non-work-related smartphone use time and physical activity time. For one week, the smartphone group (N = 73) reduced its daily smartphone use by one hour, the physical activity group (N = 69) increased its daily physical activity by 30 minutes, the combination group (N = 72) followed both interventions, the control group (N = 64) did not change its behavior. Online surveys assessed work-related and mental health-related variables at three measurement time points (baseline; post-intervention; two-week follow-up). The reduction of smartphone use time and the combination of both interventions increased work satisfaction, work motivation, work-life balance, and positive mental health significantly; experience of work overload and problematic smartphone use significantly decreased. All interventions decreased depressive symptoms and enhanced sense of control significantly. Following the present findings, a conscious and controlled reduction of non-work-related smartphone use time and its combination with more physical activity could improve employees' work satisfaction and mental health in the organizational context either as an addition to established training programs or as a separate time- and cost-efficient low threshold program.

Relationship Between Occupational Stress Level and Readiness Towards Knowledge Sharing Among IT Sector Employees

In the era of a knowledge-based economy, effective knowledge management, including knowledge sharing, is one of the determinants of organizational performance. Therefore, the task of companies should be to optimize the process of knowledge sharing, which is achieved by, among other things, a thorough understanding and use of the factors that affect this process. Aim. The purpose of the article was to study the relationship between the level of occupational stress and readiness towards knowledge sharing among IT Sector Employees. Method. A cross-sectional study model was applied. The study included 98 employees from the IT industry. The study used the Perceived Stress at Work Scale (PSaW) by Chirkowska-Smolak and Grobelny and a self-designed survey including: demographic data, work-related variables and questions about knowledge sharing with co-workers. Results. In the surveyed group of IT workers, greater readiness to share knowledge was found among employees who showed lower scores on the PSaW scale. In addition, significant relationships were found between the study variables according to the selected variables, including that among women with low rates of perceived stress at work, older women showed greater willingness to share knowledge compared to younger women. Furthermore, in terms of work-related variables, the results showed that among men declaring high rates of stress, those with shorter seniority were more willing to share knowledge compared to men with longer seniority. Conclusions: The research findings significantly broaden knowledge in the sphere of the factors influencing the effective organization of the knowledge management process, particularly knowledge sharing under stressful work conditions. This knowledge can be useful especially for IT managers.

Establishment and validation of a nomogram for dropout intention in Chinese early year medical undergraduates

BackgroundThe attrition rate of Chinese medical students is high. This study utilizes a nomogram technique to develop a predictive model for dropout intention among Chinese medical undergraduates based on 19 individual and work-related characteristics.MethodA repeated cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 3536 medical undergraduates in T1 (August 2020-April 2021) and 969 participants in T2 (October 2022) through snowball sampling. Demographics (age, sex, study phase, income, relationship status, history of mental illness) and mental health factors (including depression, anxiety, stress, burnout, alcohol use disorder, sleepiness, quality of life, fatigue, history of suicidal attempts (SA), and somatic symptoms), as well as work-related variables (career choice regret and reasons, workplace violence experience, and overall satisfaction with the Chinese healthcare environment), were gathered via questionnaires. Data from T1 was split into a training cohort and an internal validation cohort, while T2 data served as an external validation cohort. The nomogram’s performance was evaluated for discrimination, calibration, clinical applicability, and generalization using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC), area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultFrom 19 individual and work-related factors, five were identified as significant predictors for the construction of the nomogram: history of SA, career choice regret, experience of workplace violence, depressive symptoms, and burnout. The AUC values for the training, internal validation, and external validation cohorts were 0.762, 0.761, and 0.817, respectively. The nomogram demonstrated reliable prediction and discrimination, with adequate calibration and generalization across both the training and validation cohorts.ConclusionThis nomogram exhibits reasonable accuracy in foreseeing dropout intentions among Chinese medical undergraduates. It could guide colleges, hospitals, and policymakers in pinpointing students at risk, thus informing targeted interventions. Addressing underlying factors such as depressive symptoms, burnout, career choice regret, and workplace violence may help reduce the attrition of medical undergraduates.Trial registrationThis is an observational study. There is no Clinical Trial Number associated with this manuscript.

Relation between work hours, work control, work stress, and quality of life in persons with spinal cord injury

BackgroundWork participation is related to a better quality of life (QoL) for people with spinal cord injury (SCI), however, the specific work characteristics that are related to QoL in people with SCI are largely unknown. ObjectivesTo investigate which work characteristics are related to QoL in people with SCI. MethodsCross-sectional survey of people with SCI in the Netherlands. The survey consisted of demographic, SCI-related, and work-related items. Work control was measured with the short Job Content Questionnaire and work stress with the effort-reward imbalance (ERI). People of working age with at least 1 h of paid work per week were included. Hierarchical regression analysis was performed to examine the contribution of work characteristics to QoL while controlling for potential clinical and demographic confounders. ResultsThe study included 169 persons with SCI (74.6 % male, 47.8 ± 9.3 years, time since injury 18.9 ± 11.1 years). The final hierarchical regression model explained 31 % of the variance in QoL. The number of SCI-related health complications contributed the strongest to QoL (ß = −.36), followed by work hours (β = .24), and work stress (β = .24). However, work control did not contribute significantly to QoL in our final model. ConclusionWork hours and work stress contributed to QoL in people with SCI, but the number of SCI-related health complications was the strongest contributor. Future research and vocational rehabilitation should be directed to both medical and work-related variables to enhance the QoL of working people with SCI.

Physical Inactivity Increases Impairment of Daily Activities Due to Pain in Workers: An Ordinal Regression Logistic and Correspondence Analysis.

Background: The evidence for the health benefits of physical activity is growing; however, the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles continues to contribute to the increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. We know that occupational-time physical activity does not provide the same benefits as leisure-time physical activity, which has been shown to reduce mortality and pain. We also know that multiple factors influence pain; however, there are no studies that specifically analyze the impact of type of working time and occupational-time physical activity on the impairment of daily activities due to pain. We aimed to study the influence of both personal and occupational factors on the impairment of daily activities due to pain, assessing whether leisure-time physical activity acts as a protective factor. Methods: A cross-sectional, population-based design was used based on the 2017 National Health Survey in Spain (ENSE). Sociodemographic, leisure-time physical activity, and work-related variables were collected. The outcome variable was the impairment of daily activities due to pain. Ordinal logistic regression was applied, and the analysis was complemented with simple correspondence analysis. Results: A total of 1,441 workers between 18 and 65 years of age were studied. Significant differences were found between sexes for all variables except age and leisure-time physical activity. Logistic regression revealed significant associations between sex, primary and secondary education levels, no leisure-time physical activity, and overweight with impairment of daily activities due to pain. Simple correspondence analysis showed that the categories doing leisure-time physical activity several times a week as well as several times a month are closer to the categories of little or no pain. Conclusion: Female gender, low educational level, overweight, and lack of leisure-time physical activity were associated with increases in impairment of daily activities due to pain. Occupational-time physical activity and work shift were not related to impairment of daily activities due to pain. Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Occupational Health Nursing interventions through education and counseling on the importance of leisure-time physical activity promotion programs potentially can reduce the impairment of daily activities due to pain in working populations.

Perceived Stress and Resilience Among Psychiatric Nurses Working in Inpatients Units

The aim of this study is to assess the levels, relationships, and predictors of resilience and perceived stress among psychiatric nurses working in inpatient units. A descriptive, cross-sectional, predictive design was employed to collect data from 140 psychiatric nurses through a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic and work-related variables, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), and perceived stress scale (PSS-10). The total mean score of the perceived stress was 22.73 (SD = 3.54) indicating a moderate level. The total mean score of the resilience was 49.49 (SD = 15.31) indicating a low level. Resilience correlated positively with educational level and job satisfaction; and negatively with intention to leave psychiatric settings. Significant differences were found in resilience with educational level, intention to leave psychiatric settings, and job satisfaction. Three independent variables predicted resilience: educational level, ward/unit, and job satisfaction; and only one variable (intention to leave psychiatric settings) predicted the perceived stress.

Changes in Sleep Quality, Sleep Duration, and Sickness Absence: A Longitudinal Study with Repeated Measures.

Sickness absence has been linked to short and long, as well as poor, sleep in a few studies. Such studies have started from a baseline measurement and followed up on subsequent sickness absence. In the present study, however, we focused on the change in biennial reports of sickness absence and sleep measures (using work-related variables as possible modifiers). We also searched for an interaction between predictors and gender since women report more sleep problems. A total of 5377 individuals (random sample from the Swedish working population) participated across five biennial points of measurement. Data were analyzed using mixed-model logistic regression. The multivariable analysis of variation across the five time points showed that the significant sleep-related predictors of sickness absence (at least one occurrence during the preceding year) were sleep duration during days off (OR = 1.16, 95% Cl = 1.08;1.24) and sleep problems (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.33;1.51). These also remained significant after the addition of psychosocial work factors. Sensitivity analyses indicated that a 9 h sleep duration during days off may represent a critical level in terms of increased sickness absence and that late rising contributed to the association between sickness absence and long sleep duration during days off. Women reported a higher sickness absence than men (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 1.74;2.68) and had a higher probability of sickness absence for long sleep during days off and during the workweek than men. It was concluded that increases in sleep problems and sleep duration during days off are longitudinally associated with changes in sickness absence and that women have a closer link between the two. This suggests that treatment for sleep problems may reduce the risk of sickness absence.

Work Adaptation and Employee Well-Being: Uncovering the Significance of Work Pattern Choices of Higher Education Employees During the Pandemic

ABSTRACT Background Maintaining a pleasant work environment and striking a healthy work-life balance are critical for improving employee well-being and performance. The Job Stress and Health model sheds light on acute challenges that employees confront as a result of numerous work-related or external variables. The COVID-19 epidemic has resulted in abrupt changes in work habits and lifestyles, resulting in severe stress and disruptions to people’s physical and mental health around the world. Purpose During the pandemic, this study was undertaken to investigate employee work pattern choices, such as work from home, blended work, or work from the office. Methods This study examined how work pattern decisions affected HEI employees’ well-being during the COVID-19 epidemic using the Job Stress and Health model and an online survey. To investigate work model preferences and challenges, demographics, work patterns, and well-being indicators including sleep and performance were collected and evaluated using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study questionnaire was close-ended and prepared in English. Results Even after the pandemic, a significant proportion of employees preferred the blended work paradigm, showing the long-term impact of the shift in work habits. Furthermore, the shift in work schedules has had an impact on employee well-being, particularly changes in sleep patterns. Discussion Even though the employees of higher education are adaptable and accept a blended work model, it is important to note that work-related stress and inefficiency can arise depending on the resource requirements. Also, physical and mental health aspects while working remotely or in a blended model need consideration, especially when implemented in the long term. Translation to Health Education Practice Understanding the effects of these work pattern choices on employee well-being is critical for organizations to adopt policies that foster a healthy work environment and assist employees in reaching optimal work-life balance. A AJHE Self-Study quiz is online for this article via the SHAPE America Online Institute (SAOI) http://portal.shapeamerica.org/trn-Webinars.

The Blaufeuer measure for employees with mental stress and simultaneous workplace problems-Is the target group being reached?

Employees with mental burden and simultaneous workplace problems have an increased risk of chronification and disability pension. To support this group of people, the German Pension Insurance (Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund) developed the Systemic Integration Management for People with Mental Impairments (SEMpsych) project as part of the rehapro federal program. The Blaufeuer counselling service was implemented in three model regions (Berlin, Cologne, and Nuremberg). The measure usually comprises up to 12counselling sessions in 12months. This article describes the characteristics of the participants and examines whether they belong to the intended target group. During September 2020 and June 2022, the participants completed aquestionnaire between the first and second counselling sessions. Socio-demographic-, clinical- and work-related variables were assessed. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals. Data from n = 482 participants (66.4% female; MAge = 45.2 years (±10.2 years); 64.1% working full-time; 49.8% currently on sick leave) were included. The participants have high psychological impairments (e.g. PHQ-9: M = 14.6 (±5.4)) and low subjective work ability (e.g. WAS: M = 3.2 (±2.6)). Most participants report overload at work and problems with superiors. Participants exhibit mental burden values that correspond to those of patients at the beginning of outpatient psychotherapy or the first contact in an inpatient psychiatric clinic. Blaufeuer addresses ahighly stressed group of people who have not yet received adequate treatment. Further studies on process and outcome evaluation will follow.

Balancing Act: Investigating the Work-Life Equilibrium of Public Elementary School Teachers

This study aimed to find out the significant relationship between work-related variables and work-life balance of the elementary school teachers of the Division of Lipa City. This study used the descriptive-correlational type of research. This study was conducted with the aid of one hundred twenty (120) public elementary school teachers in the division of Lipa City for the school year 2023-2024. The researcher used the survey questionnaire in gathering responses to find out the effects of work-related variables to teacher’s work-life balance. The study found out that the respondents agree that various work-related factors influence their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The respondents also strongly agree that their work-life balance is significantly impacted by various factors, including their working hours, utilization of vacation and leave, ability to spend quality time, and their overall health and well-being. Overall, work-related variables exhibit significant relationships with various aspects of teachers' professional lives. Based on the findings the following recommendations are set forth: Considering the agreement of the teachers toward the work-related variables, the researcher suggests that time management for teachers should be a priority to avoid stress, anxiety and poor mental health and well-being since in the teaching field, extra work and extended hours of working could not be avoided. Give time for and health and well-being through physical exercise and avoid worries and stress.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Complaints Among Clinical Healthcare Workers

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal complaints among health workers in clinical wards, examining the relationship between these complaints and various work-related and personal variables. Conducted between December 2022 and April 2023, this descriptive study utilized a non-probability, voluntary sample of 100 health workers. Results indicated that 26% of participants reported lower back pain, 49% arm or neck complaints, 44% regular back pain, and 51% leg complaints. Key risk factors included extended work hours without breaks (67%), time pressure (33%), lifting (45%), and stooping (54%). Despite high medium-risk exposure (85%), no participants reported high-risk levels. This study highlights the significant burden of WMSDs among clinical healthcare workers and underscores the need for interventions to reduce duce these risks and improve occupational health. Highlight: Prevalence: A significant portion of healthcare workers reported musculoskeletal complaints, with 51% experiencing leg pain and 49% arm or neck pain. Risk Factors: Key risk factors identified include prolonged work hours without breaks (67%), time pressure (33%), lifting (45%), and stooping (54%). Implications: The study underscores the need for targeted interventions to mitigate WMSDs and improve the occupational health of clinical healthcare workers. Keywords: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Healthcare Workers, Risk Factors, Occupational Health, Clinical Wards

Incivility is systematically associated with indicators of health, stress, well-being, and the psychosocial work environment

Abstract Aim Incivility is one of the most intrusive forms of antisocial behavior in the workplace. Using a newly constructed, single-item measure of incivility, the aim of the current study was to assess the possible prevalence of incivility in a sample from the Swedish retail industry, and to investigate possible associations between prevalence of incivility and a multitude of indicators of health, stress, well-being, and the psychosocial work environment. Subject and methods A total of 1014 (20%) individuals enrolled in the cross-sectional study and responded to a questionnaire, partially or fully. We conducted t-tests to assess possible differences in the indicators between those responding “Yes” versus “No” regarding prevalence of incivility at their workplace. Results Incivility at work was related to statistically significant differences in mean values in 32 out of 33 key indicators of health, well-being, stress, recovery, and the psychosocial work environment. Those reporting a prevalence of incivility systematically exhibited worse ratings. Conclusion The findings are in line with previous research. Although this study cannot infer causality, the profoundly systematic results indicate that the prevalence of workplace incivility is a bothersome problem that should be addressed. A single item about the prevalence of workplace incivility seems to be a feasible indicator of associations to a wide range of health-, stress-, well-being-, and psychosocially oriented work-related variables.

Factors and age-related drivers that influence self-rated bad health in police officers: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveAlthough some previous studies have investigated health in police officers, investigations of related factors have been limited to work-related associations or those affecting certain police officers. To address this gap, this study investigated relationships between sociodemographic factors, work-related factors, health behaviors, health conditions, and self-rated bad health (SRBH) in Korean police officers. MethodsIn 2021, we conducted a cross-sectional survey in cooperation with the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA). The respondents were 6,591 police officers aged 21–60 years, all of whom agreed to complete the survey online using the police agency’s intranet. After collecting data, we conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis to examine factors that were associated with SRBH, with calculations for adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). The study model included a range of individual socioeconomic characteristics, work-related variables, health behaviors, and health conditions. ResultsAlthough the associated factors varied according to age group, several factors generally related to SRBH, including the lack of exercise, stress, having one or more chronic diseases, and work-related pain. By contrast, neither sex nor sleep duration were associated with SRBH of respondents. Monthly night work, smoking, and alcohol consumption were only associated with SRBH of certain age groups. ConclusionsSeveral variables clearly related to SRBH of police officers. In this context, health-related associations, especially stress and chronic diseases, tended to differ according to age, including those that should be considered to improve health. These findings have important implications for relevant healthcare programs and interventions.

Stress and predictive psychosocial variables in Ecuadorian university teachers

ABSTRACT University professors are exposed to high levels of stress as a result of the multiple activities involved in their profession. The objective of this research is to explain how a sequence of psychosocial variables directly and indirectly influences stress. Method: A non-probabilistic and non-clinical sample of 480 professors from different Ecuadorian universities was surveyed online, and participation was anonymous. Sequential Canonical Analysis was used (SEQCA). This paper examined the following multivariate sequence: (1) resilience; (2) psychological inflexibility; (3) loneliness; (4) life engagement; and (5) stress. The model also considered the indirect influences of work-related variables including occupation, work-hours, and likelihood of losing a job. Results: The overall SEQCA was statistically significant (p < .0001) and accounted for 36% of the variance. Conclusions: Psychosocial variables predict stress more than work-related variables. The results will provide information for designing effective stress prevention programs.

Empathy in Patient Care among Undergraduate Nursing Students

Introduction: Empathy is a quality that is more cognitive than affective or emotional. It involves the cognitive ability to understand the patient’s perspective, amount of suffering, and ability to communicate this understanding and a desire to assist in the patient’s treatment. Hence, the study was conducted to assess the empathy in patient care among undergraduate nursing students of selected nursing colleges of Pokhara. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using the paper-based version of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy. A purposive sampling technique was used for selecting colleges. Seventy-nine students participated in the research study. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to generate descriptive statistics, t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to assess differences in empathy mean scores according to Demographic and previous work-related variables. Results: A total of 79 students participated in this study. Overall, respondents reported a good empathy score (i.e. mean±SD 111.076±13.29) as measured by the JSE-HPS The difference in empathy mean scores according to demographic and previous work-related variables i.e. age group (P= 0.373), academic year of study (P= 0.37), relationship status (P= 0.059), religion (P= 0.241), ethnicity (P= 0.486) and years of experience (P= 0.691) were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The undergraduate nursing students’ level of empathy tends to be satisfactory. The study also concludes that none of the demographic and previous work-related variables tends to influence the empathy among undergraduate nursing students.

Association of rotating night shift work with tooth loss and severe periodontitis among permanent employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study.

The modern 24/7 society demands night shift work, which is a possible risk factor for chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the associations of rotating night shift work duration with tooth loss and severe periodontitis. This cross-sectional study used data from a self-administered questionnaire survey conducted among 3,044 permanent employees aged 20-64 years through a Japanese web research company in 2023. The duration of rotating night shift work was assessed using a question from the Nurses' Health Study. Tooth loss was assessed based on self-reported remaining natural teeth count. Severe periodontitis was assessed using a validated screening questionnaire comprising four questions related to gum disease, loose tooth, bone loss, and bleeding gums. We employed linear regression models for tooth loss and Poisson regression models for severe periodontitis, adjusting for demographic, health and work-related variables and socioeconomic status. Among participants included, 10.9% worked in rotating night shifts for 1-5 years, while 11.0% worked in such shifts for ≥6 years. In fully adjusted models, rotating night shift work duration of 1-5 years was associated with tooth loss (beta -0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.55 to 0.08]) and severe periodontitis (prevalence ratio 1.80, 95% CI [1.33-2.43]); however, the association with tooth loss was not statistically significant. This study supports that employees who work short-term rotating night shifts may experience poor oral conditions. Further research is needed to determine whether long-term rotating night shift work is associated with deteriorated oral health.

Swedish maternity care professionals’ perception of labor induction

BackgroundSweden recently adopted new labor induction guidelines lowering the threshold for post-term pregnancies to 41+ weeks. Despite evidence-based foundation, these guidelines stirred controversy among maternity care professionals, who voiced concerns about potential risks and unintended consequences, such as a rising Caesarean section rate. Midwives also highlighted potential impacts on their roles, workload, and working environment; implications that could affect obstetricians and gynecologists as well. Investigating Swedish maternity care professionals’ views on labor induction could benefit policymakers, managers, and birthing women alike. AimThe aim of this study was to describe and compare midwives to obstetricians/gynecologists, with regards to their views on labor induction, and how this relates to other work-related variables such as overall job satisfaction, clinical experience, gender, age, personality, and workload. MethodsSwedish midwives (N = 207, 99 % women, M = 45.2 years), and obstetricians/gynecologists (N = 240, 83 % women, M = 44.3 years) responded to an online questionnaire reflecting aspects of maternity care work. The data was analyzed using Welch's t-test and Pearson's correlation analysis. ResultsA large difference was observed in labor induction views between midwives and obstetricians/gynecologists (d = 1.39), as well as lower job satisfaction with midwives (d = -0.26). Overall job satisfaction further correlated negatively with views on labor induction (r = -0.30). ConclusionsLabor inductions might pose challenges to midwives and could bring to light underlying tensions between obstetricians/gynecologists and midwives. Given the modest response rate of the study, we cautiously suggest that while the development of new maternity care guidelines should be grounded in evidence, they should also embrace concerns and insights from a diversity of professional perspectives.