Service Workers Research Articles (Page 1)

Adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (ANDDs), including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, are largely underserved by dedicated specialty centers in the United States. Many ANDDs also have seizures and sensorimotor deficits. To fill the gaps in care for ANDDs, we developed the Clinical Center for Adults with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (CCAND) to provide a multidisciplinary care program. Funding for CCAND staff salaries was solicited from and allocated by the Maryland General Assembly and Governor after our fair market salary analysis determined that physician professional fees would not be adequate to pay staff salaries. We retrospectively (2019-2024) present our clinical cohort at CCAND to demonstrate one strategy to improve quality of care for ANDDs and to illustrate a fiscal model and blueprint for similar centers around the United States. CCAND operates within an academic medical center. ANDDs aged 18 and older were referred to CCAND from regional pediatric providers through care transition, from area neurologists or psychiatrists, or by self-referral. CCAND staff includes a neurologist/epileptologist and psychiatrist, 2 advanced practice providers (certified registered nurse practitioner), a social worker, a certified genetic counselor, and an administrative assistant. Over 5 years, 305 ANDDs were evaluated in CCAND with >90% follow-up rate. During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, all care was delivered successfully through telemedicine. Patients were evaluated for behavioral health needs and medication management. Social work services provided counseling, connection with state-offered services, and assistance with transition to semi-independent living. A total of 131 individuals had a history of seizures requiring ongoing treatment. In total, 150 individuals had not previously undergone standard-of-care genetic ascertainment, and in 17 of 86 individuals who were genetically ascertained by chromosomal microarray or whole-exome sequencing, a new genetic diagnosis was made including copy number and single-nucleotide variants. Care for ANDDs requires a multidisciplinary team approach. Because provider professional billing does not fully cover the salaries needed for support staff, state or other sources of support are necessary. We submit that advocacy to state governments to support other CCANDs could greatly influence access to quality care for ANDDs in the United States.

Purpose Following the COVID-19 pandemic, teleworking was widely applied in many organisations, providing new work experiences for employees and creating a new work environment in the meta-pandemic era. This study aimed to examine the impact of teleworking and work flexibility on service work efficiency in the service industry. Design/methodology/approach This study used an online questionnaire survey. The sample included 836 employees from three major sectors of the Greek service industry: tourism, public services and retail trade services. The statistical relationships between variables were evaluated using linear regression. Findings The study revealed that teleworking does significantly affect work efficiency in various services in different ways. Moreover, teleworking imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected work efficiency. Finally, the flexibility afforded by teleworking enhanced work efficiency. Research limitations/implications This study focused only on companies operating in specific service industries. Practical implications These findings provide service executives with a means to enhance their work-efficiency initiatives. They can also assist executives and public servants to use work flexibility as an incentive for teleworking. Social implications This study may assist managers by demonstrating that in the service industry, teleworking may be more effective as a motivator through work flexibility to improve work efficiency. Originality/value This study aims to better understand the impact of teleworking and work flexibility on work efficiency in specific industries. The novelty of this study lies in the flexibility of hours that teleworking provides in various service industries, with varying effects on work efficiency.

Purpose This study aims to explore strategies used by frontline service employees with invisible disabilities to manage the disclosure and concealment of their professional identities. This study develops a theoretical framework to help these workers navigate their roles effectively. This study also recommends ways in which service institutions can mitigate disparities and promote social justice. Design/methodology/approach Building on the literature on vulnerability and professional identity, the authors conducted 21 in-depth semi-structured interviews with frontline service employees with invisible disabilities. This study analyzed 1,170 min of data using reflexive thematic analysis, both manually and with MAXQDA software, to organize relevant excerpts and ensure consistency. Findings This study identified three strategies with emotional costs and related outcomes: i) isolation/encapsulation: individuals withdraw from interactions to avoid stigma, but this can lead to emotional exhaustion; ii) performance and productivity adaptation: workers attempt to compensate for perceived limitations by increasing their effort, sometimes at a high emotional cost; and iii) activism/advocacy in service work: some professionals channel their experiences into awareness-building, institutional transformation, and disability advocacy. These pathways are not mutually exclusive and may shift depending on environmental support and self-perception. Originality/value This study presents a framework based on disability disclosure models, incorporating diagnostic impacts, context (self, social, service), the disclosure continuum, pathways to isolation or activism, and intrinsic/extrinsic outcomes. Building on prior studies of disability identity in traditional employment, this research highlights the challenges and strategies faced by frontline service employees, particularly in educational service ecosystems with high-performance expectations, frontline interactions, and meritocratic pressures shaped by institutional ableism.

The COVID-19 pandemic had a lasting global health impact, with many survivors facing Long Covid. Older adults, already vulnerable to disability and cognitive decline, may also experience long-term challenges after COVID-19 infection. This study explores whether a history of COVID-19 infection interacts with pre-existing impairments in older adults, focusing on its effects on health services and work-related outcomes. This longitudinal cohort study used data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), spanning 2018 to 2022. Participants ≥ 50years old in 2018 with documented functional and cognitive status scores and self-reported presence or absence of COVID-19 infection were included. Functional status was assessed using the Functional Limitation score, and cognitive status using the Crimmins cognitive scale or Langa scale if the HRS respondents were represented by a proxy. Health services use and work outcomes were evaluated using the 2022 HRS survey. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between baseline functional and cognitive status and outcomes, controlling for COVID-19 history, 2018 functional or cognitive status, age, gender, marital status, number of chronic conditions, household size, graduation from high school, and self-report of COVID-19 vaccination. The study included 8,621 respondents. Those with severe functional limitations in 2018 were more likely to report health services use in 2022, irrespective of COVID-19 history. COVID-19 history did not significantly interact with baseline functional or cognitive impairments when evaluating health services use, ability to work, or disability benefit access. While older adults with moderate or severe functional limitations were more likely to report hospitalizations and nursing home stays, these outcomes were not significantly different based on COVID-19 history. In this cohort of older adults, the relationship between baseline functional and cognitive impairment with health services use, ability to work, or disability benefit access did not significantly vary by self-reported COVID-19 infection history. While COVID-19 may have long-term impacts on older populations, our data suggest that infection history alone did not amplify the effects of pre-existing impairments in those who survived the pandemic. Further research using validated measures of persistent symptoms is needed to understand how Long Covid may manifest in older adults.

Education that promotes the development of cultural humility and culturally responsive clinical work among psychotherapists may help address health care disparities faced by underserved and minority populations. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of community engagement experiences (CEEs) and directed self-reflection in addressing this area of growth with student psychotherapists. The authors examined the effect of a CEE and a directed self-reflection teaching strategy on the development of cultural humility among psychotherapy students. Seven master's-level student participants engaged in a CEE in rural Honduras, providing mental health care to an underserved population in 2023. Participant-reported experiences were synthesized into four categories: self-reflection, acclimation, service work, and personal growth. CEEs paired with directed self-reflection were a promising teaching modality in the development of cultural humility with psychotherapy students and may be helpful to other health care professionals.

An in-depth understanding of travel behavior underpins the development of efficient and sustainable urban transport systems. While several studies have examined aspects of urban mobility in Sub-Saharan Africa, comprehensive and in-depth studies remain limited across most cities in the region. Consequently, many urban contexts in this area are still underexplored, particularly in Ethiopia, the mobility dynamics and the factors that influence it are unknown. Therefore, this study explores the urban mobility behavior of emerging cities and its relationships with individual and household attributes in Bahir Dar. To this end, data was collected through a household travel survey from 2,000 participants, selected using cluster and systematic sampling techniques, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, SEM and curve fitting techniques using SPSS, R, and AMOS. The findings showed that the travel characteristics of residents vary among individuals based on personal and household attributes. Overall, Bahir Dar residents made on average 2.4 daily trips, with a trip rate of 2.5 for men predominantly for work and administrative service purposes, and 2.33 trips undertaken by women mainly for shopping, social affairs and health purposes. Demographically, females, the elderly and relatively young group of populations tended to make fewer and shorter distance travels compared to other groups. The results of the structural equation model have proved the relationships between identified characteristics of travelers and their travel behavior. As a result, transport system attributes (β = 0.98), economic characteristics (β = 0.96), household size (β = 0.96), and number of workers in households (β = 0.94) were key factors influencing travel behavior in emerging cities. However, gender, possession of a driving license, and land use variables were found to be less significant in determining the travel behavior of residents. Besides filling the research gap, this study recommends the consideration of travel variations among different socio-demographic and economic groups when developing various city plans, policies and traffic management interventions.

The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of food service workers regarding the use of spices in restaurants. Questionnaires were distributed to 100 food service employees in various restaurants across Prishtina. Participants were asked questions about their perceptions of natural and artificial spices. Furthermore, they were requested to respond to questions related to the need for public education and information regarding the use of spices, along with providing demographic information. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS program (Version 14.0 for Windows). The results showed that 66.7% of respondents used both natural and artificial spices, while 33.3% of respondents used only natural spices. Additionally, 69% of respondents reported that they had attempted to increase the use of natural spices. There were significant differences in perceptions and attitudes toward spices according to the type of restaurant (p<0.05). Respondents perceived a need for education on the safety of artificial spices and the production process of natural spices. The findings suggest that education related to the use of artificial spices, as well as cooking methods that utilize natural spices, is necessary to reduce the use of artificial spices in restaurants.

Firefighters display increased risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The distribution for CRC stage at diagnosis among firefighters compared to other occupational groups is unknown. CRC cases from the Florida Cancer Data System cancer registry (2001-2014) for males ≥20 years were ascertained. Firefighters were identified through either direct linkage with Florida Fire Marshal's Office employment and certification records or Standard Occupation Code annotations ascertained at diagnosis. White-collar, blue-collar, and service workers were also identified according to these codes. Stage of diagnosis was classified as localized, regional or distant. Bivariate tabulations of occupational groups and clinico-demographic covariates were conducted using contingency tables. The association between occupational class and stage at diagnosis was assessed by multivariable multinomial logistic regression adjusting for year of diagnosis, age, race and ethnicity, tobacco use and cancer diagnosis sequence and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) reported. 13,813 CRC cases, including 346 cases among firefighters, were analyzed. Firefighters were more likely to be non-Hispanic white and be diagnosed with a single primary cancer. 140 (40.5%) firefighter CRC cases were localized. Using firefighters as the referent group, only blue-collar workers approached 50% increased odds of later-stage diagnoses (aORRegional: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.12 to 1.84; p = .004; aORDistant: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.11 to 2.01; p = .008). Individuals ≥50 years and the first among multiple primary cancers were more likely to have localized CRC (p < .001). Although firefighters have increased CRC risk, they tend to be diagnosed more localized. Improved screening across worker groups can increase the percentage of localized CRCs.

This article examines contemporary narratives about adult survivors of child sexual abuse within Australian peer-reviewed literature since 2017. A feminist study, using a scoping literature review method, gathered 15 articles that were descriptively and thematically analysed. The first two themes highlighted the ongoing dominance of patriarchal-informed paradigms of medicine, psychology and psychiatry that reproduce narratives of harm and responsibility. In contrast, the final theme identifies alternate narratives that construct diversity and nuance of adult survivors’ experiences, which have implications for social work and human services research and practice in Australia, and elsewhere, where similar patriarchal norms persist.

The funeral industry, despite its importance to society, remains under-researched in the context of professional stress. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the psychological issues faced by workers in the Russian funeral industry, including stress factors, consequences for mental health, and coping strategies. A study conducted among Russian funeral service workers identifies specific stressors in this profession, such as social stigmatization, emotional exhaustion, workplace health risks, and exposure to traumatic events. The results of the study show a significant connection between these stressors and the prevalence of psychological issues among employees, such as PTSD and depression. Recommendations for addressing these issues include the implementation of stress management programs and the creation of a supportive corporate culture.

Informal foster care is prevalent in South-East Nigeria but faces a myriad of challenges which require the support of social work services. In-depth interviews with six community leaders and 11 public social welfare officers were conducted and thematically analysed. They provided insights on the main difficulties of alternative childcare arrangements, namely, the absence of legal supervisory processes, social welfare support services and social registers on the number of children in informal foster care households. The study emphasises the importance of the social worker role to ensure children’s safety in informal child fostering arrangements. The findings from this study will also help social workers in other countries to better understand the needs and experiences of children from Nigeria.

ABSTRACT Massification, broadening participation, and increasing student diversity are key objectives in higher education (HE). Yet, there is limited definitional clarity with terms, such as equity, access, and participation, and limited evaluation of strategies. The aspiration to promote educational opportunity regardless of socioeconomic or cultural background, geographic location, race, age, gender, or dis/ability is established. Some discipline areas such as social work and human services (SWHS) attract high rates of equity students with lived experience of disadvantage. However, inequitable student access and outcomes persist. This article details an international scoping review that considered 1) how student participation is conceptualized within SWHS and 2) considerations for students from equity backgrounds. Five themes were identified relating to participation: conceptualizations; enablers; barriers; motivations; and co-designing the participation agenda. A further theme focuses on single equity identities and failure to adopt an intersectional approach, leading to limited understanding of the complexity of the intersectional disadvantage experienced by these students. The findings call for greater conceptual and operational clarity and further critical examination of access and participation objectives and practices, leading to improved organizational structures, responses, and pedagogical strategies for addressing power, inclusion, and disadvantage in contemporary HE.

Aims: The study aims to analyze the socio-demographic and occupational profile of women engaged in gig work and to assess the impact of gig work conditions on their reproductive health outcomes. Study Design: Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in urban Tripura and selected Indian states between June to July 2025. Methodology: A purposive sampling method was used to select 50 women gig workers aged 18–45 years engaged in platform-based, freelance, and informal service work. Primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic variables, occupational factors, and reproductive health indicators. Linear regression and Chi-square tests were applied using SPSS to determine associations between gig work conditions, barriers to healthcare, and reproductive health outcomes. Results: Findings reveal significant effects of healthcare access barriers on women’s reproductive health (p &lt; 0.05). Barriers were strongly correlated with menstrual irregularities, reproductive tract infections, and pregnancy-related complications. Stress and inadequate rest showed significant associations with physical strain and reproductive tract infections. Conclusion: The gig economy offers flexible employment but exposes women to serious health vulnerabilities. Lack of formal labor protections, healthcare access, and social security significantly impact women’s reproductive well-being. Policy intervention is crucial to improve healthcare accessibility and labor rights for women gig workers.

ABSTRACT Inspection of social work services aims to improve accountability and the quality of services, but inspection can also have unwanted consequences. This paper presents findings from a rapid review of the literature on the effects of regulatory inspection on child and family services. We searched two electronic databases, websites of national inspectorates in Ireland, Great Britain and Northern Ireland and used reference chaining of extracted publications. Sources were methodologically appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). We screened 5142 sources. Fourteen sources met eligibility criteria for extraction. The review found that inspection can encourage timeliness, documentation of process and identify poor practice. However, inspection may also drive unwarranted statutory intervention in families’ lives. Practitioners can experience inspection as anxiety-inducing and time-consuming, and negative inspection judgments sometimes destabilize services. Inspection of child and family services can create both beneficial and dysfunctional effects and systems should be monitored to identify these.

Algorithmic tools to help social workers in child protection service make well-informed decisions: A scoping review.

This paper builds upon the research of Arnold et al. (2024), further exploring factors which increase or decrease the likelihood of trainee psychologists choosing to work in the Intellectual Disability speciality on qualifying. This research was conducted in light of difficulties in the recruitment of psychologists in ID services despite the expansion of clinical psychology trainee cohorts. A qualitative design was used, whereby data was analysed via qualitative content analysis. Results demonstrate that support, interests, social inequalities, and career development (amongst other factors) are important in determining likeliness to work in ID services. These findings add to the quantitative findings of Arnold et al. (2024). On comparing results of these two studies, contradictions were noted, and thus further research is recommended to explore explicit and implicit attitudes. Recommendations are made for doctoral programmes, ID services and the BPS’s Faculty for People with Intellectual Disabilities.

Despite the expansion of clinical psychology training programmes, recruitment into Intellectual Disability (ID) services remains a problem. This research explores the factors which increase the likelihood of trainee psychologists choosing to work in the ID specialty on qualifying. A multivariate linear regression was used to analyse quantitative data collected from a wider project. Results suggest that the mean attitude score is associated with a higher likeliness to work in ID services, as self-reported by participants. Experience in ID services gained prior to training and having a core ID placement during training may also be relevant factors, although these covariates did not reach statistical significance in regression analysis.

Substance use disorder education via digital outreach: An evaluation of program dissemination and implementation.

The associations of the psychosocial safety climate with human service workers’ job demands, resources, and work-and health-related outcomes: A scoping review

Oral cancer represents a critical and escalating public health challenge in South Asia, with buccal and gingivobuccal sulcus (GBS) subsites disproportionately affected due to the pervasive use of areca nut and betel quid. Despite this burden, there is limited evidence from Bangladesh on the sociodemographic and behavioral determinants that drive subsite-specific risk. This study aimed to identify and quantify the key determinants of buccal and GBS cancers, addressing an urgent evidence gap to inform prevention strategies and policy interventions. A multicenter, hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 456 histologically confirmed OSCC patients recruited from three tertiary hospitals. Data were collected using a validated, expert-reviewed, and pilot-tested questionnaire, supplemented by pathology reports for diagnostic accuracy. Analyses were performed in Stata 17, including univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Model adequacy was confirmed through Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit tests (p > 0.10), and collinearity was excluded using correlation matrices (r < 0.70). Results were reported as adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals. Over half of the cases originated in the buccal region (53.9%). Long-term betel quid chewing (> 20 years) emerged as the strongest predictor, tripling the odds of buccal/GBS cancer (AOR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.2-7.7). Occupational status was significant, with service workers twice as likely to develop buccal/GBS cancers compared to non-workers (AOR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.2-4.2). Primary education reduced risk (AOR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.9). Other lifestyle exposures showed no independent associations. This study provides robust, subsite-specific evidence underscoring the carcinogenic impact of prolonged quid chewing and the modifying roles of occupation and education. Findings call for urgent regulatory control of areca nut products, integration of targeted screening into primary care, and culturally tailored interventions for vulnerable groups to reduce the escalating burden of OSCC in Bangladesh.