Work Ability Index Research Articles

Changes in Work Ability after Weight-Loss Surgery: Results of a Longitudinal Study of Persons with Morbid Obesity before and after Bariatric Surgery

Introduction: Bariatric surgery is a life-changing treatment, but knowledge of its influence on changes in work ability is still limited. We hypothesized that self-reported work ability improves in response to surgery-induced weight loss and sociodemographical variables (e.g., age, sex, and marital status), and that psychosocial characteristics (e.g., depressive symptoms and dysfunctional eating) may have predictive value as to patients’ work ability. Methods: A total of 200 participants scheduled for bariatric surgery were recruited between September 2015 and June 2018. They completed several self-report measures at the preoperative examination (t1) and at 6- (t2) and 12 months (t3) after bariatric surgery. A repeated-measures analysis of variance was calculated to detect any changes in the work ability and body mass index (BMI) among the 3 time points. Further, a hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether any demographical and psychosocial characteristics at (t1) would predict work ability at (t3). Results: Participants (82% of whom were women) were middle-aged and showed a BMI of nearly 46 at the preoperative medical examination. Excess weight loss at (t2) and at (t3) was 49 and 66%, respectively. Work ability increased toward a moderate level after weight-loss surgery. Work ability and dysfunctional eating at (t1) showed significant predictive value with respect to work ability at (t3). Discussion: The results suggest that weight-loss surgery has a positive impact on work ability, and indicate a predictive value for the extent of weight loss and dysfunctional eating behavior. Against our hypothesis and in contrast to former research, a predictive value for depressive symptoms and age was not revealed. Further research must show how interventions can support and maintain improvements in work ability after bariatric surgery, in order to reduce sick leave and unemployment in patients with preoperative morbid obesity.

Job burnout and its impact on work ability in biosafety laboratory staff during the COVID-19 epidemic in Xinjiang

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has increased the physical and psychological stress of medical workers. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of job burnout and its impact on work ability among Biosafety Laboratory (BSL) staffs during the COVID-19 epidemic in Xinjiang.MethodsA total of 7911 qualified BSL staffs in Xinjiang were investigated by electronic questionnaires. The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was used for job burnout survey. Work Ability Index (WAI) was used for work ability survey. The prevalence and risk factors of job burnout in BSL staffs were analyzed through chi square test, t-test and one-way ANOVA. And then, the influence of demographic and job-related variables, i.e., confounding factors, were eliminated to the greatest extent by the propensity score analysis (PSA) method, to investigate the impact of job burnout on work ability in BSL staffs.ResultsA total of 67.6% BSL staffs experienced job burnout. There were significant differences in the detection rate of job burnout among demographic and job-related variables, including gender, age, ethnicity, education, working years, professional title, marital status, number of night shift per month and overall sleep condition (all P < 0.05). The detection rate of job burnout in female was higher than that in male. The detection rates of job burnout in 45–50 years old, Han ethnicity, education of postgraduate or above, 11–20 years of working, intermediate professional title, married, staff with many night shifts per month and poor overall sleep condition were higher than that of other groups. The average burnout scores of the Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Cynicism (CY), Reduced Personal Accomplishment (PA) scale were 10.00 ± 5.99, 4.64 ± 4.59 and 15.25 ± 8.16, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the three dimensions of job burnout, i.e., EE, CY, PE, were negatively correlated with work ability and significantly affected the work ability of BSL staffs (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur results suggest that the prevalence of job burnout is extremely common among BSL staffs. In addition, the work ability decreases with the increase of job burnout and the improvement of job burnout can enhance work ability among BSL staffs.

Investigating the effect of noise exposure on mental disorders and the work ability index among industrial workers

Noise as one of the most common hazardous physical agents in the work environment causes physical and psychological problems in occupied workers. This study aims to investigate the relationship of demographic variables and noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in automotive industry workers. This study aims to investigate the effect of noise exposure on mental disorder and work ability index among industry workers. In this descriptive-analytic study, 325 individuals working in auto parts supplier industry who were exposed to different level of noises were investigated. Personnel’s daily exposure to noise for each group was measured based on ISO-9612 standards using calibrated sound level meter model SVANTEK-971. Workers’ mental disorder and work ability index were determined using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaire and shortened form of work ability index, respectively. Then, collected data were analyzed using SPSS-22. The mean and standard deviation of mental disorder and work ability index for all employees was 23.46 ± 3.45 and 37.43 ± 6.14, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant association between noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in term of age groups, working groups, and work experience ( p-value &lt; .05). Regardless the effect of other variables, it can be stated that for each dB increase in noise exposure cause mental disorder increase by 0.32 and work ability index decrease by 0.157. And among the demographic variables, age was the most influential parameter on mental health and work ability index. According to the results of this study, noise exposure could lead to increased psychological distress and decreased work ability index in workers. The ability to work directly and indirectly through mental disorders can be affected by exposure to industrial noise. Considering severe exposure to noise in some units and the negative impact of noise exposure on mental health and work ability index, it is necessary to improve of controlling and protective measures against noise.

Self-Estimated functional inability because of pain questionnaire for workers: a reliability and construct validity study.

The objective of this study was to investigate the reliability and construct validity of the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers in a sample of Brazilian workers with musculoskeletal pain. This is a questionnaire validation study. Workers with musculoskeletal pain were included. Besides the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers, we used the following instruments to perform construct validity: the Work Ability Index and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale. A subsample answered the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers in two moments to calculate reliability by means of the intraclass correlation coefficient and internal consistency by means of the Cronbach's alpha. A total of 190 Brazilian workers were included. Regarding the construct validity, we observed a correlation with magnitude above 0.50 between the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, given that these two instruments have similarity in the construct, and correlations above 0.30 between the Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers and the domains 2, 3, and 4 of the Work Ability Index. Regarding reliability, we observed adequate reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.864) and internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.807). The Self-Estimated Functional Inability because of Pain questionnaire for workers is a reliable and valid instrument to be used in Brazilian workers with musculoskeletal pain.

Numerical simulation for increasing the sand mastic adaptation of repairing the breakwater

As a breakwater gradually becomes obsolete, it becomes vulnerable to loss of its original functions and finally occurs corruption due to cavitation, scours inside, etc. The mortar grouting method, which has been in general applied in many cases, would invoke serious issues such as coastal environmental pollutions because of spilled-out cement before curing on the near sea. Thus, the sand mastic that utilizes the mastic asphalt becomes focused on as a substitute. However, the related study is hard to find in the domestic literature. In this study, therefore, the workability of sand mastic when filling up the cavitation inside a breakwater was evaluated with a 3-D numerical model, FLOW-3D. It was intended to propose the workability index (WI) of sand mastic based on the diffusion diameter. It has been shown that the temperature and the composition ratio of the asphalt are the most significant parameters on the rheologic characteristics of the sand mastic. As a result, it is recommended that the asphalt composition above 16% and the initial temperature above 150℃ when applying with a breakwater with inside cavitation.

Occupational self-efficacy and work engagement associated with work ability among an ageing work force: A cross-sectional study.

Occupational self-efficacy (OSE) is an appropriate adaption capability to react to continuous changes in work life today. While self-efficacy is an important component in work context, there is less knowledge regarding older workers' OSE. This study examined the relationship between work ability, OSE and work engagement among a middle-aged workforce, and whether there were any differences between age groups and between professionals in different work context. Data were collected by questionnaire, which included Work Ability Index (WAI), Occupational Self-Efficacy Scale, and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. A total of 359 home care workers and engineers (response rate 43%) participated. The average age was 54 (SD±5.3) years, 69%were women. The results of logistic regression analyses revealed an association between WAI, OSE (OR 0.66; 95%CI 0.52 to 0.86) and work engagement (OR 0.61; 95%CI 0.47 to 0.78). Higher OSE and work engagement were related to higher work ability. No difference in OSE (5.9; ±0.8) between professional groups was seen, but the home care workers scored considerably higher work engagement (5.1; ±0.9) than the engineers (4.5; ±1.3). Improving OSE could be worthwhile to support work ability among middle-aged workers, despite dissimilarities in work context and educational level.

Maintenance of physical activity level, functioning and health after non-pharmacological treatment of pelvic girdle pain with either transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or acupuncture: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo investigate if there are differences between acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as treatment for pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in pregnancy in order to manage pain and thus...

The Relationship between Work Ability Index (WAI), Mental Workload and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) of Firefighters in Tehran, Iran.

The article's abstract is not available.

Exploring the employment readiness and return to work status of breast cancer patients and related factors

ObjectiveTo investigate the employment status, employment readiness, and other factors affecting the ease or difficulty with which breast cancer patients effect their return to work (RTW). MethodsThis study adopted a mixed-method design, recruiting participants from among breast cancer patients in a cancer hospital in Hunan from December 2018 to June 2019. We approached 300 individuals, 192 of whom ultimately participated in this study. The quantitative part of the study involved several scales: the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), the Work Ability Index (WAI), and the Lam Assessment of Employment Readiness (LASER). The qualitative part involved a set of open-ended questions and written responses collected from 41 participants who had already returned to work at the time of data collection. Their written responses mainly concerned factors influencing RTW. ResultsForty-one breast cancer patients had returned to work. The results reported a median total Cognitive Symptom Checklist score of 9.00 (6.00, 15.25), a median WAI score of 5.00 (3.50, 9.75), a median BFI score of 26.00 (14.75, 42.00), a median total PHQ-9 score of 8.00 (5.25, 17.00), and a LASER score of 50.35 ± 11.90. Multiple regression analysis showed that the participants’ cancer stage, cognitive limitations, depression, fatigue, and work ability were significant predictors of employment readiness (P < 0.05). Exploring the qualitative data, we found that higher skill levels, better social support, and a flexible work schedule facilitated RTW; stress, lack of confidence in one’s work skills, depression, and fatigue are all possible barriers to RTW. ConclusionThe findings indicate that breast cancer patients have a low level of employment readiness. Nurses and other healthcare providers can develop relevant interventions to promote employment readiness and ultimately achieve RTW in this study population.

The relationship between readiness to change pain-related exercise participation and perceived work ability: a cross-sectional study of factory workers

BackgroundHealthy lifestyle behaviours are associated with protection against health disorders and pain. Exercise participation is one such behaviour, associated with improved outcomes in those experiencing pain. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent in the workplace, particularly in factory workers and associated loss of work function is recognised as having a great impact on individuals, society and the economy. A worker’s ‘readiness to change pain behaviour’ is an important factor to consider in achieving a healthy lifestyle behaviour and potentially improved function. This study aimed to examine the relationship between a cohort of factory workers ‘readiness to change pain behaviour’ such as exercise and their ‘perceived work ability’.MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used to establish the relationship between ‘readiness to change pain behaviours’ and ‘perceived work ability’. The Multidimensional Pain Related Change Questionnaire 2 (MPRCQ2) was used to measure readiness to change various pain behaviours including exercise. The Work Ability Index (WAI) was used to assess ‘perceived work ability’. Seventy-five factory workers, aged over 18 (66 male, 9 female) were recruited using convenience sampling between September–November 2019. Correlation and multiple regression were used for statistical analysis.ResultsMean WAI, MPRCQ2 and MPRCQ2 exercise component were 41.89 (SD 5.28), 4.26 (SD 1.01) and 4.40 (SD 1.69). MPRCQ2 and MPRCQ2 exercise component were not significant predictors of WAI in factory workers (F (2, 72) = 2.17, p > 0.001). There was no significant relationship between MPRCQ2 and WAI (rs = .09, p > .05). However, there was a significant positive relationship between MPRCQ2 exercise component and WAI (rs = .23, p < .05).ConclusionsThis study suggests that readiness to change pain-related exercise participation has a positive association with ‘perceived work ability’. Further research should explore the causal relationship and consider strength training as a specific type of exercise.

Workability, quality of life and cardiovascular risk markers in aging nightshift workers: a pilot study.

BackgroundIn aging healthcare professionals, multiple stressors such as night work may affect life and work satisfaction and risk for chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease [CVD]). In this pilot study we compared workability, quality of life (QoL), and CVD risk markers between night shift and day workers.MethodsWe included 70 hospital employees (mean age 52 ± 4 years, 91.4% female): 32 rotating night shift workers (> 3 nights/month) and 38 permanent day workers. In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics, we assessed i) workability index (WAI), ii) QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-Bref]) and iii) CVD risk markers, i.e. carotid ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers (NTproBNP, CRP, IL‑6, LDL, ferritin, copper, zinc, and selenium). WAI, QoL, and CVD risk markers were compared between night and day workers. In a subgroup of participants (N = 38) with complete data, we used quantile regression analysis to estimate age and multivariate adjusted differences in biomarker levels.ResultsWe found no differences in the domains of QoL (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and WAI scores between night and day workers. Night shift workers were less likely to report excellent workability than day workers, although differences were not statistically significant. Night shift workers reported more sleep problems (73.1% vs. 55.6%) and tended to have lower zinc levels and higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‑6, ferritin), but differences were not significant after adjusting for potential confounders.ConclusionsWorkability, QoL and CVD markers did not significantly differ between rotating night shift and day workers in this small pilot study. Sleep problems and inflammatory marker levels carry implications for occupational health.Supplementary InformationThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-021-01928-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Work ability of informal caregivers of patients treated by the public home care service of Brazil: A cross-sectional study

Informal caregivers are subject to a heavy work burden, which can have negative repercussions on their work ability. This cross-sectional study with 70 informal caregivers aims to evaluate the work ability of informal caregivers caring at home for patients followed by the Public Home Care Service in Bauru, Brazil, as well as to investigate its associated factors. The association between work ability and the variables under study was estimated using simple and multiple logistic regression models, including a hierarchical model. Work ability, care-related burden, sleep quality and quality of life were assessed through the Work Ability Index, the Zarit Burden Interview Scale, the Mini-sleep Questionnaire, and the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey, respectively. Almost 36% of the informal caregivers had an inadequate work ability. The variables that increased the probability of an adequate work ability were quality of life (OR: 0.94; CI: 0.92–0.97) and self-perceived physical fitness (OR: 0.32; CI: 0.17–0.60), while those that reduced the likelihood of adequate work ability were age (OR: 1.06; CI: 1.02–1.13), burden (OR: 1.05; CI: 1.01–1.10) and poor sleep quality (OR: 1.07; CI: 1.01–1.12). It is necessary to develop public health policies aimed at informal caregivers who, due to their informality, are not seen as workers.

Workability of dentists working in state children's dental polyclinics

Introduction. A high level of workability of a doctor is an essential part of successful professional activity. The assessment of workability in combination with the study of working conditions, health status and quality of life of a specialist seems to be one of the actual areas of occupational health. The aim of the study was to analyze the workability of dentists providing medical care to children in state children’s dental polyclinics and children’s departments of state dental polyclinics providing medical care to adults in St. Petersburg. Materials and methods. A survey included 120 dentists using a standardized workability questionnaire. Workability was characterized by the level of current workability and workability index. Statistical data processing was carried out using SPSS 17.0 software. Results. The average values of current workability and workability index in the studied group of dentists are in the average (reduced) level - 6.1 ± 1.7 and 33.0 ± 5.3. The majority of doctors indicated the presence of certain health disorders, although 40% noted that their health will allow them to adequately fulfil their professional duties in the next two years. 62% of specialists were characterized by a good level of work motivation. From the total number of specialists, 68% had up to 9 days of disability per year. The group of dental surgeons did not have specialists with excellent work ability, and the proportion of doctors with good workability was half the size of others. 68% of doctors need to improve workability, and 11% need to restore it. Discussion. It is alarming that half of the specialists had a low (threatening) level of current work ability with average levels of current work ability and work ability index. Only 8.3% of doctors consider themselves absolutely healthy and capable of doing work without restrictions. Conclusion. The majority of dentists corresponds to average workability level. Workability indicators and the number of days of disability of dental surgeons are worse than those of orthodontists and pediatric dentists. The majority of doctors need to improve workability.

Online survey among maritime pilots: job-related stress and strain and the effects on their work ability

BackgroundMaritime pilots often navigate ships through challenging waterways. The required 24 h standby rotation system (ROS) poses a stressful working situation. This study aims to describe the current job-related stress and strain among maritime pilots and the effects on their work ability, taking into account the different rotation systems.MethodsWithin a cross-sectional survey, pilots of all German pilots’ associations were asked to complete an online questionnaire. The 1-week ROS (port pilots) was compared with the 4-month ROS (sea and canal pilots). The pilots’ subjective perception of stress and strain was assessed using an established ship-specific questionnaire. Daily sleepiness and work ability were examined respectively using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Work Ability Index (WAI).ResultsThe study group consisted of 401 male German pilots with an average age of 48.5 years (participation rate 46.9%). More than 50% of the pilots evaluated irregular working hours as the main stressor in their job. 79.8% of the pilots (especially 4-month ROS) experienced high psychological demands in their workplace. 83.3% stated having regularly neglected their private obligations due to job assignments. Pilots from the 4-month ROS experienced insufficiently predictable free time and long operation times at a stretch as stressors (p < 0.001 and p = 0.037). Elevated daily sleepiness was found in 41.9% of the pilots. The overall evaluation of the WAI questionnaire showed good to very good work ability at 77.3%. Additionally, no significant differences in the daily sleepiness or the work ability were observed between the pilots of the different two ROS.ConclusionsDue to their subjectively higher job-related mental demands, their disturbed work-life balance, and their long operation times at a stretch, it is likely that pilots from the 4-month ROS have significantly higher job stress compared to those in the 1-week ROS. However, this does not lead to more sleepiness or reduced work ability, which suggests that the pilots of this ROS are highly adapted to their working situation. Nevertheless, intervention measures with shortened ROS amongst sea and canal pilots’ associations should be tested in respect of benefit, practicability and acceptance by the pilots.

Comparison of Two Multidisciplinary Occupational Rehabilitation Programs Based on Multimodal Cognitive Behavior Therapy on Self-Rated Health and Work Ability.

Objective: Musculoskeletal pain and common mental disorders constitute the largest proportion of people who are on sick leave. This study investigated the efficacy of two multidisciplinary occupational rehabilitation programs on self-rated health and work-related outcomes. The interventions were identical in content but differed in length. It was hypothesized that a longer inpatient program would yield greater improvements than a shorter outpatient program.Methods: Patients were sick-listed workers referred to occupational rehabilitation by the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration. A non-randomized 2 Condition (20 days, n = 64 versus 12 days, n = 62) × 4 repeated measures (start, end, 3 months, 12 months) between-subject design was used. Both programs were based on multimodal cognitive behavior therapy with a return-to-work focus. Health-related questionnaires were the Subjective Health Complaints inventory, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SF-36 Bodily Pain. Work-related questionnaires were the Work Ability Index, the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire, Return To Work Self-Efficacy, and Return To Work expectations. Intervention effects were estimated using linear mixed models and Cohen’s d.Results: The results revealed that both groups improved on the selected outcomes. Within-group contrasts and effect sizes showed that the inpatient group showed larger effect sizes at the end of rehabilitation and 12 months post-intervention for work-related outcomes than the outpatient group.Conclusion: Both programs were efficacious in improving health- and work-related outcomes during and after rehabilitation, but the inpatient group generally displayed stronger and more rapid improvements and was more stable at one-year postintervention.

Work ability and psychological distress in a working population: results from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort.

Psychological distress is a global public health concern with individual and societal implications causing work-related disability and loss of productivity. It is less known how much work ability contributes to the development of psychological distress. This study aimed to assess the association between self-perceived physical and mental work ability in relation to job demands, and the incidence of psychological distress in a Swedish working population. Data were obtained from three subsamples of the Stockholm Public Health Cohort with baseline in 2010 and follow-up in 2014, based on a working population in Stockholm County aged 18-60 years, with no or mild psychological distress at baseline (n=29,882). Self-perceived physical and mental work ability in relation to job demands were assessed at baseline with a subscale from the Work Ability Index. Study participants scoring 4 or more on the General Health Questionnaire 12 at follow-up were classified as having developed psychological distress during the study period. Poisson log linear regression was used to calculate crude and adjusted rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. At follow-up, 2543 participants (12%) had developed psychological distress. Reporting poor physical and/or poor mental work ability in relation to job demands at baseline was associated with an almost doubled rate ratio of psychological distress at follow-up, compared to reporting good work ability (rate ratio 1.8; 95% confidence interval 1.6-2.0). Poor work ability is associated with a higher incidence of future psychological distress compared to good work ability.

Mitochondrial Function as Related to Psychological Distress in Health Care Professionals.

The present study evaluated the association of psychological distress and radiation exposure as a work-related stressor with mitochondrial function in health care professionals. Health care professionals at a regional hospital in Italy were evaluated for physical health and psychological measures using self-report questionnaires (n = 41; mean age = 47.6 [13.1] years; 66% women). In a second sample, individuals exposed to elevated levels of ionizing radiation (IR; likely effective dose exceeding 6 mSv/y; n = 63, mean age = 45.8 [8.8] years; 62% women) were compared with health care workers with low IR (n = 57; mean age = 47.2 [9.5] years; 65% women) because exposure to a toxic agent might act as a (work-related) stressor. Associations were examined between psychological factors (12-item General Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale), work ability (Work Ability Index), and IR exposure at the workplace with markers of mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial redox activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number, biogenesis, and mtDNA damage response measured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All participants were in good physical health. Individuals reporting high levels of psychological distress showed lower mitochondrial biogenesis as indicated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1-α and lower nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) expression (2.5 [1.0] versus 1.0 [0.9] relative expression [rel exp], p = .035, and 31.5 [5.0] versus 19.4 [6.9] rel exp, p = .013, respectively). However, exposure to toxic agents (IR) was primarily associated with mitochondrial metabolism and reduced mtDNA integrity. Participants with IR exposure displayed higher mitochondrial redox activity (4480 [1202] mean fluorescence intensity [MFI]/min versus 3376 [983] MFI/min, p < .001) and lower mitochondrial membrane potential (0.89 [0.09] MFI versus 0.95 [0.11] MFI, p = .001), and reduced mtDNA integrity (1.18 [0.21] rel exp versus 3.48 [1.57] rel exp, p < .001) compared with nonexposed individuals. This study supports the notion that psychological distress and potential stressors related to toxic agents might influence various aspects of mitochondrial biology, and that chronic stress exposure can lead to molecular and functional recalibrations among mitochondria.

Factors Associated with Work Ability in a Population of Dock Workers

Background: Work ability consists in the balance between employee’s capabilities and work demands. It can be measured by the Work Ability Index, a validated questionnaire that has been used in Europe since 1980s. This study is the first evaluating work ability among dock workers, a workforce which carries out complex activities requiring physical and mental engagement (night shifts, irregular shifts, constant demand for attention and concentration and significant physical effort). Objective: It was hypothized that the high strain level affecting this peculiar job may lead to a decrease in work ability. The aim of the study was to assess work ability and investigate if and how much not work-related factors, such as psycho-emotional state, lifestyle, health conditions and socio-demographic aspects, can interfere with it. Psycho-diagnostic protocol consisted of 6 questionnaires, chosen because of fast and effective data collection aiming to worker compliance and simple interpretation of results. Method: A total of 105 workers was engaged in different companies involved in port services. A protocol consisting of 6 questionnaires has been applied individually before the work shift: Work Ability Index (WAI), Effort-reward imbalance questionnaire (ERI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Work ability resulted excellent in 60 subjects and good in 37. No significant correlation between individual characteristics and work ability was found. Our results indicated that work ability was negatively related with emotional states, particularly with anxiety. Univariate and multivariate linear regression model for work ability, have shown a statistically significant correlation with BDI, HAM-A and ERI questionnaires’ results. Conclusion: Our results showed that WAI is a useful tool for routine occupational health surveillance. The association of work ability with psychosocial factors suggests that actions at the workplace adopted by occupational physicians in order to prevent a reduction in working capacity, should have a multidimensional approach evaluating not only individual lifestyle, but also mood states.

Work ability and psychosocial risk factors among professionals at a higher education institution

Abstract Background Currently, we live in a society that is too competitive and with aggressive physical and social environments, which triggers profound changes in work conditions and requirements. Pressures are constantly being felt that foster the increase in psychosocial risks, altering the psychological, physical and social balance of the human being with serious implications for the health of the worker. Methods The present study aimed to understand whether the ability of professionals in a Higher Education Institution to work is influenced by sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, function); whether psychosocial factors are influenced by sociodemographic variables (age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, function) and whether the ability to work varies depending on psychosocial factors. For data collection, a two parts questionnaire was applied. The first part of the questionnaire was dedicated to collecting sociodemographic data and assessing the perception of workers' ability to work, through the Work Ability Index (WAI). The second part concerned the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), to identify factors of exposure to psychosocial risk factors. Results The average work capacity was 41.07 points, which corresponded to a ‘good’ work capacity. In the COPSOQ results, no critical values were identified in the subscales. We found that the ability to work varies according to psychosocial risk factors. Conclusions We conclude that the variable age influences the ability to work. As for the remaining sociodemographic variables, although this study did not show statistically significant differences, they also seem to influence the WAI.

Psychosocial risk factors and work capacity in health professionals

Abstract Background Modern societies put enormous pressure on workers by putting their health at risk. Psychosocial risks are considered those related to the conception, organization and management of work, social and environmental factors, which can cause psychological, social or physical damage to the worker and the work capacity expresses the generic evaluation of a worker's productive capacities, worker's health, and their psychological resources. Important factor for maintaining a working life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between work ability and exposure to psychosocial risk factors in health professionals. Methods The sample consisted of 309 primary health care professionals, and validated instruments were applied to assess the Work Ability Index (WAI) and psychosocial risks in the work contexts (COPSOQ). Results It was found that female professionals are more exposed to psychosocial risk factors: Offensive Behaviors and Quantitative Requirements (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Mental and physical demands influence work ability (P &amp;lt; 0.05). There was a correlation between psychosocial risk factors and work ability in 11 COPSOQ subscales. Conclusions Thus, it is pertinent to evaluate and manage psychosocial risks and to take measures that enable a positive combination between psychosocial characteristics and individual resources, in order to minimize psychosocial risks and situations of vulnerability in health professionals.