Workers In Guangzhou Research Articles

Construction and application of the emergency resilience capability evaluation scale and model for grassroots medical workers: a cross-sectional study in Guangzhou, China.

Public health emergencies pose a serious challenge to the ability of medical personnel to respond. We aimed to establish a scientific and effective resilience capability assessment scale for grassroots medical workers and explore the way to improve resilience. Developed a resilience ability assessment scale and applied it on the medical personnel who worked in community health service centers for more than 1 year. Related indicators were identified through literature review and the Delphi method. The established scale was given weight using the attribute analytic hierarchy process, and the evaluation model was built through the grey correlation analysis. A three-level indicator scale was established, which included three first-level indicators [professional quality (weight 0.346), psychological capital (weight 0.614), and emergency attitude (weight 0.040)]. The second-level indicators had 13 contents and were further subdivided into 46 three-level indicators. The overall resilience ability assessment score of 347 medical workers in Guangzhou was only 0.787. However, steady scientific-exercise habits and relative training can help improve their public health emergency resilience ability (p < 0.05). The establishment of the scale can provide a strategic basis for improving the resilience strength of grass-roots medical personnel. We should encourage this group to form a good habit of exercise, strengthen their crisis awareness by actively organizing theoretical training and practical exercises on public health emergencies, and improve their psychological capital level. In this study, 347 medical workers from 6 basic medical institutions in Guangzhou participated in the questionnaire.

Job burnout and its influencing factors among primary healthcare workers during the COVID-19 epidemic in Guangzhou, China, 2021–2022: from the perspective of institutional operation and management

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to explore the job burnout of primary healthcare workers in Guangzhou during the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic and its influencing factors from the perspective of institutional operation and management in 2021–2022.MethodsA cross-sectional study involved 866 primary healthcare workers from different districts of Guangzhou, China. The Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) was utilized to assess job burnout. From the perspective of organizational operation and management, the possible causes of job burnout among primary healthcare workers during COVID-19 have been categorized into 7 major aspects. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors for job burnout in primary healthcare workers.ResultsThe detection rate of job burnout among primary healthcare workers was 78.29%. Men (OR = 2.39) and whose institution was located in urban–rural fringe (OR = 1.56) were more likely to detect job burnout. Conversely, institution heads showed a lower risk of job burnout. From the perspective of institutional operation and management, workers who were not satisfied with personnel management (OR = 2.41), materials and vehicles (OR = 2.89), subsidies and compensation (OR = 2.18), humanistic care (OR = 2.11), superior management (OR = 8.32) were found to have a higher risk of job burnout.ConclusionThe detection rate of job burnout among primary healthcare workers in Guangzhou was relatively high during the period of COVID-19. When there is another sudden major epidemic, the managers of institutions can focus on and deal with the problems related to the operation and management of institutions such as personnel management, materials and vehicles, subsidies and compensation, humanistic care, and superior management, so as to provide logistical support for the workers and alleviate their job burnout.

The work challenges faced by primary healthcare workers in Guangzhou during the COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control period of 2021-2022: a qualitative study.

Primary healthcare workers in China were vital in controlling COVID-19, facing unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic's suddenness and transmissibility. This paper analyzed their work in Guangzhou, highlighting key difficulties in past epidemic control efforts. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with selected primary healthcare workers in Guangzhou City and audio-recorded until saturation of themes was reached. The data were analyzed independently for themes using NVivo V.12. Thematic analysis of qualitative interview data revealed that challenges and difficulties encountered in grassroots epidemic prevention and control work during the COVID-19 pandemic were primarily categorized into seven dimensions: human resource allocation, material and vehicle support, epidemic prevention subsidies and compensation, humanistic care, upper-level management, horizontal collaboration, and resident cooperation. Based on the findings, the research team recommends that administrative departments and institutions related to primary healthcare should appropriately schedule personnel work and rest time, adjust work content flexibly, optimize the allocation of medical and logistical resources, and increase investment in primary healthcare work as well as staff protection.

The Interactive Relationship between Mandarin Language Proficiency and Subjective Well-Being—An Investigation Based on Linguistic Surveys of Migrant Workers in Guangzhou

The Interactive Relationship between Mandarin Language Proficiency and Subjective Well-Being—An Investigation Based on Linguistic Surveys of Migrant Workers in Guangzhou

Analysis of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among automobile manufacturing logistics workers in Guangzhou

Objective: To investigate the occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou, and explore their potential categories and influencing factors, so as to provide basis for the prevention and control of WMSDs in logistics workers of automobile manufacturing enterprises. Methods: From April to May 2020, a convenient sampling method was adopted to select 1442 logistics workers in 2 automobile manufacturing enterprises in Guangzhou as the research objects. The incidence of WMSDs among them was investigated by using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and the incidence pattern of WMSDs among the subjects was analyzed by the method of potential category analysis. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of the disease. Results: The total prevalence of WMSDs was 42.9% (619/1442). The three parts with high prevalence of WMSDs were neck (23.5%, 339/1442), shoulder (21.3%, 307/1442) and lower back (19.1%, 275/1442). 69.0% (427/619) of the patients showed simultaneous disease in two or more sites. The subjects were divided into four latent groups by the analysis of latent categories: the group with multiple body parts (4.51%), the group with very low or no disease (70.39%), the group with shoulder and neck and upper back (11.37%), and the group with limbs and lower back (13.73%). Multivariate logistic regression showed that compared with the "very low or no disease group", the risk factors of multiple body parts of automotive logistics workers suffering from WMSDs mainly included: Working posture uncomfortable (OR=3.10, 95%CI: 1.44~6.70, P=0.004), often bend and turn (OR=2.36, 95%CI: 1.05~5.29, P=0.037), bend your knees homework for a long time (OR=2.29, 95%CI: 1.17~4.47, P=0.015) ; Working posture uncomfortable (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.51~3.38, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.03~2.74, P=0.036), neck minister time keep the same position (OR=1.81, 95%CI: 1.22~2.67, P= 0.003) It is a risk factor for shoulder, neck and upper back WMSDs; Risk factors for limb-lower back WMSDs include: Length > 10 years (OR=2.16, 95%CI: 1.24~3.78, P<0.001), the working position uncomfortable (OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.63~3.48, P<0.001), bending the neck (OR=1.66, 95%CI: 1.03~2.68, P=0.039) . Conclusion: The prevalence rate of WMSDs among logistics workers in automobile manufacturing enterprises is high, which has obvious characteristics of classification and comorbis, and is closely related to individual characteristics such as sufficient rest time and working posture of workers.

Overview of road traffic injuries among migrant workers in Guangzhou, China, from 2017 to 2021

IntroductionThere are many migrant workers in China’s first-tier cities, but little is known about road safety. This paper systematically analysed road traffic injuries and risk factors among migrant workers in...

Development and validation of an HPLC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous analysis of volatile organic compound metabolites, hydroxylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine in human urine

Humans are widely and concurrently exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). However, few studies have reported the internal co-exposure levels of these chemicals in occupational and general populations. Specifically, the associations revealed between the urinary levels of metabolites of VOCs (mVOCs), hydroxylated PAHs (OH-PAHs), and oxidative stress biomarkers for humans remain limited. In this study, a method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 22 mVOCs, 12 OH-PAHs, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in human urine samples. The method was validated with all target analyte accuracies and precisions in the range of 76 %–120 % and 1 %–14 % at three levels of spiked urine samples, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the target analytes were 0.01–0.34 ng/mL and 0.01–7.57 ng/mL, respectively. And the method was applied to measure urinary levels of target analytes from 38 petrochemical workers in Guangzhou, South China. Except for 3-hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene, all target analytes were detected in the urine samples. The average levels were 0.05–12.6 ng/mL for individual OH-PAHs, 0.20–73620 ng/mL for individual mVOCs, and 1.00 ng/mL for 8-OHdG. Additionally, 3-hydroxy-phenanthrene, 1-hydroxy-pyrene, 6-hydroxy-chrysene, N-acetyl-S-(trichlorovinyl)-L-cysteine, 2-methylhippuric acid, thiodiacetic acid, trans, trans-Muconic acid, and N-acetyl-S-(3,4-dihydroxybutyl)-L-cysteine had statistically significant positive effects on 8-OHdG levels, while 1-hydroxy-naphthalene, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene, and hippuric acid showed a negative effect on 8-OHdG, indicating these metabolites could lead to synergistic or antagonistic oxidative DNA damage. This study provides a robust analytical method that permits a comprehensive assessment of co-exposure to PAHs and VOCs and their potential adverse health effects.

Influence of psychosocial safety climate on construction workers’ intent to stay, taking job satisfaction as the intermediary

PurposeFrom a psychosocial perspective, this study aims to understand the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on the intent to stay of construction workers and provides practical recommendations for construction enterprises to retain construction workers.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes the conceptual framework explained by the conservation of resources (COR) theory and develops a mediation model of “PSC – job satisfaction – intent to stay” within the framework supported by the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model. Then, a questionnaire survey of 489 construction workers in Guangzhou was conducted and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed on the data collected.FindingsResults show that PSC has a significant and positive effect on job satisfaction and intent to stay. In addition, job satisfaction partially mediates the effect of PSC on intent to stay. Hence, the theoretical model of “PSC – job satisfaction – intent to stay” has been empirically tested and supported.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the effect of PSC on intent to stay and enriches the research on the retention of construction workers. The COR theory explains well the mechanism of PSC influence on intent to stay, thus expanding its application to the construction field. Moreover, this study provides practical recommendations for construction enterprises to retain workers so as to build a stable and productive workforce.

Critical factors of construction workers' career promotion: evidence from Guangzhou city

PurposeThis study aims to build a framework of the influencing factors of construction workers' career promotion and identifies the critical determinants so as to propose suggestions for the government and enterprises to offer construction workers a path for career promotion.Design/methodology/approachIn line with the theory of human resources, such as Herzberg's two-factor theory, this study constructs a theoretical framework that affects the career promotion of construction workers. Using evidence from Guangzhou city, valid data provided by 464 workers from 50 sites were collected by a questionnaire survey, and the significance test on the influencing factors of construction workers' career promotion was taken by binary logistic regression.FindingsThe overall career development of construction workers in Guangzhou is worrying. The binary logistic regression indicates that age, working years, type of work, career development awareness, legal awareness, professional mentality, vocational psychological training and career development path are critical factors that affect construction workers' career promotion.Originality/valueThis study for the first time explores the career promotion of frontline construction workers. Specifically, it identifies the critical factors that affect the career promotion of workers and thus lays a foundation for further research and the promotion and continuous and healthy development of the construction industry. Thus, this study is original and has theoretical and practical significance.

Validating a model for indicating the professionalisation of social work in China

Summary The social work profession has developed at an unprecedented rate in the past decade in China. This article addresses the much-debated question of whether the international standards of social work can be applied in the Chinese context. Employing Weiss-Gal and Welbourne’s conceptual framework of the professionalisation of social work, this study aimed to identify validated indicators to define social work professionalisation in China. A questionnaire with 11 indicators was designed, and responses were received from 748 social workers in Guangzhou. Formative measurement was adopted as an analytic strategy. Findings Five of the 11 indicators were validated: perception of public recognition, perceived adequacy of the knowledge base, involvement in professional organisations, congruence with ethical standards, and perception of professional autonomy. Contrarily, six indicators had no significant impact on social work professionalisation in China: public recognition in terms of qualification levels, professional education, satisfaction with professional organisations, monopoly (self-perception and entrance criteria) and prestige and remuneration. Applications This study extends the application of Weiss-Gal and Welbourne’s conceptual framework to China. Utilisation of this framework suggests that social work professionalisation in China may diverge from international standards in social work, while the professionalisation measures for social work implemented by the Chinese governments may be ineffective. In particular, this study highlights the continuing challenges for the development of social work in China and provides evidence of the need to strengthen the professional power of Chinese social work.

Using the JD-R Model to Predict the Organizational Outcomes of Social Workers in Guangzhou, China

Objective: An examination of how job burnout and job satisfaction are jointly associated with social workers’ commitment and turnover intentions is critical to understanding the underlying mechanisms of social workers’ turnover intentions. Using the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study examined the relationships between job satisfaction and organizational outcomes (e.g., turnover intentions and organizational commitment) and how job burnout (i.e., exhaustion and cynicism) mediated these relationships. Method: We applied the JD-R model to 748 social workers from the Integrated Family Services Centers in Guangzhou, China. Job demands were measured as workloads, and job resources were measured as support from organizations (e.g., supervisory support) and professional associations (e.g., career development). Results: Our results provide evidence for the extended dual process of the JD-R model: the health-impairment process and the motivation-driven process. Social workers’ job demands (i.e., workload) influenced their intentions to leave the organization, whereas social workers’ job resources predicted their commitment to the organization. Conclusion: Our findings confirm the importance of providing job resources to social workers in Integrated Family Services Centers.

The lead burden of occupational lead-exposed workers in Guangzhou, China: 2006–2019

We analyzed the lead levels in blood and urine from lead-exposed workers in Guangzhou and assessed the influencing factors. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, and the time-dependent changes were mapped via analytical statistics. Although the lead burden showed a clear downward trend over time, it remained high among the exposed workers. The highest lead burden was detected in workers of the electrical equipment manufacturing industry, especially among those in lead-acid battery factories where we did field studies. Hazardous as the working conditions of the original lead-acid battery factories were, there were improvements in the applications of occupational disease prevention measures after the relocation of factories, but the lead burdens were still above the average levels of lead-related industries. Improvements are needed in the management and regulations on occupational safety and health to further decrease the lead burden to acceptable levels.

Cross-sectional study of mental health related knowledge and attitudes among care assistant workers in Guangzhou, China

BackgroundCare assistant workers (CAWs) are a part of a new pattern of mental health care providers in China and play a significant role in bridging the human resource shortage. CAWs in China mainly include community cadres, community mental health staff, and community policemen. The mental health related knowledge and attitudes of CAWs could influence their mental health care delivery. This study aimed to assess mental health related knowledge and attitudes of CAWs in Guangzhou, China.MethodsIn November 2017, a study was conducted among 381 CAWs from four districts of Guangzhou, China. Participants were assessed using the Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale (PDD), the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS), and the Mental illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA) Scale. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Bonferroni corrections and multivariable linear regression.ResultsThe mean scores (standard deviation) of PDD, MAKS and MICA were 36.45 (6.54), 22.72 (2.56), and 51.67 (7.88), respectively. Univariate analyses showed that the older CAWs, community policemen and those who were less willing to deliver care to people with mental illness had significant higher MICA scores when compared with other staff (P < 0.001). Multivariable linear regression showed that after controlling for key variables, care willingness and PDD total score were positively associated with the MICA total score (all P < 0.05), while attitudes on additional items were significant negatively with the MICA total score (all P < 0.01).ConclusionThese findings suggest negative attitudes towards people with mental disorders among CAWs are common, especially among older staff. Community policemen suggest that they applied stereotypes of “violent mentally ill” people to all people they deal with who have mental disorders. The results also indicate human rights are being paid some attention to now, but need to be further continually improved in the future. Strategies for improving such negative attitudes and reducing the perceived stigma and discrimination should be carried out towards particular staff groups in an anti-stigma programme in Guangzhou, China.

Hand eczema among healthcare workers in Guangzhou City: a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundHealthcare workers are at high risk of developing hand eczema. This study aimed to investigate the association between occupational hygiene and self-reported hand eczema among nurses and doctors in Guangzhou.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a self-administrated questionnaire sent to 740 health care workers in two tertiary hospitals between 1st April and 1st July 2019 was conducted.ResultsIn total, 521 healthcare workers responded (70.4%). The prevalence of self-reported hand eczema was 9.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.1–12.1%], with 10.8% in nurses and 6.9% in doctors. According to multivariable logistic regression analysis, the prevalence was higher in those who were excessively exposed to hair dye (OR: 3.871, 95% CI: 1.106–13.549) and those having a history of food allergy were at 3.013 (95% CI: 1.314–6.907) times greater risk of having hand eczema than those who did not. The odds of having hand eczema were 4.863 (95% CI: 1.037–22.803) times greater in those who hand washed more than 50 times daily in comparison to those who washed hands less than 10 times per day. The symptoms of hand eczema were mild during the investigation period.ConclusionsHand eczema is common among healthcare workers in Guangzhou. The prevention of hand eczema by educational programs is needed for Chinese healthcare workers.

Life satisfaction and internal migration experience: migrant workers in Guangzhou, China

ABSTRACTOur study links the life satisfaction of internal migrants with assessment of their migration outcomes in relation to the people back home and their integration experience. Our research adds to a growing body of literature on the integration of internal migrants in three ways. First, we extend the understanding of the subjective dimension of integration. Second, we have refined two important concepts for measuring migrant experience in our research. We differentiate local ties between local hukou and non-local hukou ties. Third, we provide a more comprehensive picture of life satisfaction among migrants by comparing relative importance of a set of variables. Data for this study come from a survey of rural–urban migrants in 2015–2016 in Guangzhou, China. The findings show that income, perceived socioeconomic status in comparison to that of local residents, perceived socioeconomic status in comparison to that of fellow villagers back home, and social ties with local hukou relative, and the perception of their own socioeconomic status have significant relationships with life satisfaction. Implications are discussed.

Work engagement as a mediator between organizational commitment and job satisfaction among community health-care workers in China: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore levels of organizational commitment, job satisfaction and work engagement among community health-care workers in China, and to examine spatial relationships of variables. Data were collected by Organizational Commitment Scale, Job Satisfaction Scale and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale from 1404 community health-care workers in Guangzhou and Shenzhen cities. Structural equation model was used to analyze relationships among three variables. Medium levels of organizational commitment, job satisfaction and work engagement were found among community health-care workers. Organizational commitment was positively correlated to work engagement (r = 0.564) and job satisfaction (r = 0.550). The path analysis indicated that total effect (β = 0.598) of organizational commitment on job satisfaction (R 2 = 0.52) consisted of a direct effect (β = 0.264) and an indirect effect (β = 0.334), which was mediated positively by work engagement. Improvement in work engagement may lead to higher level of job satisfaction and organizational commitment.

Effectiveness of an anti-stigma training on improving attitudes and decreasing discrimination towards people with mental disorders among care assistant workers in Guangzhou, China

BackgroundCare assistant workers as a new pattern of care providers in China play an important role in bridging the mental health treatment gap. Stigma and discrimination against people with mental disorders among care assistant workers is a barrier which adversely influences mental health service delivery. However, programs aimed at reducing stigma among care assistant workers are rare in China.MethodsA total of 293 care assistant workers from four districts of Guangzhou, China were randomly divided into an intervention group (n = 139) and a control group (n = 154). The intervention group received anti-stigma training and the control group received traditional mental health training. Both trainings lasted for 3 h. Participants were measured before and after training using Perceived Devaluation and Discrimination Scale (PDD), Mental illness: Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA) and Mental Health Knowledge Schedule (MAKS). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, Chi square test or Fisher’s exact test. Multilinear regression models were performed to calculate adjusted regression coefficient of the intervention on PPD, MAKS, and MICA.ResultsThere were significant lower scores on PDD and MICA in the intervention group after training when compared with the control group (both P < 0.001). No significant difference was found on MAKS total score between the two groups after training (P = 0.118). Both groups had better correct identification of schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder before and after training.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that anti-stigma training may be effective in reducing the perception of devaluation-discrimination against people with mental illness and decreasing the level of negative stigma-related mental health attitudes among care assistant workers.

Whether Professional Training Matters: Attitudinal Antecedents to the Turnover Intentions of Social Workers in Guangzhou, China

This study aims to identify whether the professional training of social workers has an effect on the attitudinal antecedents of turnover intention. This study investigated 395 trained and 353 non-trained social workers from the Integrated Family Service Centers in Guangzhou, China. It was found that professional education did not significantly alter the attitudinal antecedents to turnover intention. In both groups, a higher feeling of burnout or a lower level of organizational commitment produced a higher intention of turnover. Furthermore, the significant influences of job satisfaction with professional association or job satisfaction with organizational environment were found to be respectively mediated by burnout and organizational commitment. This study not only provides insights into the stabilization of the emerging workforce of Chinese social workers, but also poses serious questions about social work education.

Migrant Workers’ Willingness to Purchase Houses on the Working Sites and Its Influencing Factors—Take Guangzhou as an Example

With the development of urbanization in China, more and more migrant workers are working in cities, gradually becoming an important part of urban construction and social development. Guangzhou is one of the major influxes of migrant workers. Migrant workers want to integrate better into urban life. Housing is an important condition. In order to regulate the purchase of real estate and migrant workers, this paper studies the willingness of peasant workers in Guangzhou to purchase houses and the influencing factors. This paper mainly uses the survey method to collect the collected data using SPSS17.00 for statistical analysis of the sample, interactive analysis of the contingency table, and two-factor correlation analysis, to obtain the willingness of the migrant workers to purchase houses at the working sites and its influencing factors. Mainly from four aspects to analyze the migrant workers in the workers’ purchase intention and its influencing factors: Self-characteristics, family characteristics, employment characteristics and working sites characteristics. The results show that the older migrant workers are, the weaker willingness to purchase houses, the higher migrant workers’ level of education, the higher income level, and the higher job satisfaction, the stronger willingness to purchase houses. The higher ratio of migrant workers’ non-labour population is, the weaker willingness to purchase houses. The migrant workers who have contracted land in their hometowns are more reluctant to buy houses at the working sites. Migrant workers have friends and relatives in the working area. The more satisfied they are with the cultural environment and convenience of transportation, the stronger willingness to purchase a house. This article points out that migrant workers should be provided with guidance in the purchase of houses on the working site, improve the ability of migrant workers to purchase houses, increase the construction of affordable housing, solidify rural rights and interests, encourage migrant workers to “carry capital into the city”, improve the vocational training system, and strengthen migrant workers. Employment ability allows more migrant workers to have the ability to purchase homes on the working site and increase their willingness to purchase, thereby increasing their sense of well-being.

Pragmatic Professionalism: A Fuzzy Delphi Study on the Competencies of Social Workers in Guangzhou, China

Pragmatic Professionalism: A Fuzzy Delphi Study on the Competencies of Social Workers in Guangzhou, China