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Cavallari JM, Trudel SM, Miskovsky MN, Laguerre RA, Dugan AG. Life satisfaction and job and personal resources among public workers with non-standard work schedules. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1133. [PMID: 38654243 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18575-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the link between non-standard work schedules and poor health outcomes is established, few studies have examined how resources both in and outside of work can support the well-being of workers with non-standard work schedules. METHODS Using a cross-sectional survey, we assessed the association between one facet of well-being, life satisfaction, and job and personal resources. In 2019, an electronic survey was administered to two unionized, public service populations who work non-standard work schedules: transportation maintainers and correctional supervisors. We assessed life satisfaction with a 10-item scale; a broad set of job resources (reward satisfaction, supervisor support, co-worker support, schedule satisfaction, and working hours fit); and a broad set of personal resources (health status, sleep, physical activity, and finances). We used log-binomial regression models to estimate prevalence ratios and 95% confidence intervals among statistically significant univariate predictors. RESULTS Of the 316 workers surveyed, the majority were male (86%), White (68%), and reported positive life satisfaction (56%). In multivariate models, the prevalence of positive life satisfaction was higher in workers reporting reward satisfaction (PR:1.35, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.65; p = 0.003), good work schedule fit (PR:1.43, 95% CI: 1.12, 1.83; p = 0.004), good health (PR:2.92, 95% CI: 1.70, 4.99; p < 0.0001), and good finances (PR:1.32, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.72; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Employers should consider increasing work recognition, as well as improving schedule fit, financial well-being, and overall good health in support of worker life satisfaction and ultimately well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Cavallari
- UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, MC 6325, 06030-6325, Farmington, CT, USA.
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Namazi S, Dugan AG, Cavallari JM, Rinker RD, Preston JC, Steele VL, El Ghaziri M, Cherniack MG. Participatory design of a sleep intervention with correctional supervisors using a root causes approach. Am J Ind Med 2023; 66:167-177. [PMID: 36537998 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After a Design Team (DT) conducted a workforce health assessment of correctional supervisors, they selected sleep as an intervention priority, given its numerous health and work consequences. Existing workplace sleep interventions are designed with little worker input, but participatory solutions that incorporate workers' lived experiences and root causes of poor sleep may be more relevant, appropriate, and acceptable to end-users, resulting in better uptake. METHODS The DT met bi-monthly to complete the Intervention Design and Analysis Scorecard (IDEAS) tool to brainstorm interventions that address root causes of poor sleep, and evaluate, rank, and select interventions for implementation. We conducted a qualitative review of meeting notes and worksheets from each IDEAS step, and present our findings on root causes and prioritized solutions. RESULTS The DT consisted of two university researchers and seven members of a correctional supervisors' union, with 5-9 participants attending each meeting. IDEAS Steps 1-5 were completed in eight meetings over six months. Root causes of poor sleep included mind/body and environmental disruptions, and insufficient time. Three solutions were proposed: training on sleep hygiene, meditation, and sleep debt management; a sleep-tracking smartphone app; and a shared overtime policy based on splitting one 8-hour shift between two supervisors. CONCLUSIONS This is the first known application of IDEAS to address sleep, and targeting root causes may result in more efficacious interventions for sleep improvement. Moreover, because IDEAS guides DTs in selecting solutions with the greatest perceived health benefits, reach, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility, it may result in more successful implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alicia G Dugan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jennifer M Cavallari
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Martin G Cherniack
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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Edgelow M, Fecica A, Kohlen C, Tandal K. Mental health of public safety personnel: Developing a model of operational, organizational, and personal factors in public safety organizations. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1140983. [PMID: 36935659 PMCID: PMC10017732 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1140983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The work of public safety personnel (PSP) such as police officers, firefighters, correctional officers, and paramedics, as well as other PSP, makes them vulnerable to psychological injuries, which can have profound impacts on their families and the communities they serve. A multitude of complex operational, organizational, and personal factors contribute to the mental health of PSP; however, to date the approach of the research community has been largely to explore the impacts of these factors separately or within single PSP professions. To date, PSP employers have predominantly focused on addressing the personal aspects of PSP mental health through resiliency and stress management interventions. However, the increasing number of psychological injuries among PSPs and the compounding stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrate a need for a new approach to the study of PSP mental health. The following paper discusses the importance of adopting a broader conceptual approach to the study of PSP mental health and proposes a novel model that highlights the need to consider the combined impacts of operational, organizational, and personal factors on PSP mental health. The TRi-Operational-Organizational-Personal Factor Model (TROOP) depicts these key factors as three large pieces of a larger puzzle that is PSP mental health. The TROOP gives working language for public safety organizations, leaders, and researchers to broadly consider the mental health impacts of public safety work.
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Edgelow M, Scholefield E, McPherson M, Legassick K, Novecosky J. Organizational Factors and Their Impact on Mental Health in Public Safety Organizations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13993. [PMID: 36360872 PMCID: PMC9658143 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Public safety personnel (PSP), including correctional officers, firefighters, paramedics, and police officers, have higher rates of mental health conditions than other types of workers. This scoping review maps the impact of organizational factors on PSP mental health, reviewing applicable English language primary studies from 2000-2021. JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed. After screening, 97 primary studies remained for analysis. Police officers (n = 48) were the most frequent population studied. Correctional officers (n = 27) and paramedics (n = 27) were the second most frequently identified population, followed by career firefighters (n = 20). Lack of supervisor support was the most frequently cited negative organizational factor (n = 23), followed by negative workplace culture (n = 21), and lack of co-worker support (n = 14). Co-worker support (n = 10) was the most frequently identified positive organizational factor, followed by supervisor support (n = 8) and positive workplace culture (n = 5). This scoping review is the first to map organizational factors and their impact on PSP mental health across public safety organizations. The results of this review can inform discussions related to organizational factors, and their relationship to operational and personal factors, to assist in considering which factors are the most impactful on mental health, and which are most amenable to change.
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Dugan AG, Namazi S, Cavallari JM, El Ghaziri M, Rinker RD, Preston JC, Cherniack MG. Participatory Assessment and Selection of Workforce Health Intervention Priorities for Correctional Supervisors. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:578-592. [PMID: 35195112 PMCID: PMC9301986 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A team of academics and unionized correctional supervisors collaborated to assess workforce health and determine intervention priorities using participatory methods and tools. METHODS Correctional supervisors took a web-based survey. Univariate and bivariate tests examined attitudes/behaviors, exposures, and outcomes most strongly associated with health; risk based on rank within chain-of-command; and health behaviors amenable to change. We used a voting process tool to prioritize intervention topics. RESULTS Some health behaviors and outcomes were poor (89% overweight/ obese, 41% poor-quality sleep). We also found favorable health behaviors (annual check-ups) and psychosocial conditions (meaningful work). Some health risks (excessive overtime) were not amenable to change or resisted acknowledgment (poor mental health). The team voted to develop interventions on sleep, mental health, and obesity. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive health assessment informed the prioritization process, enabling the team to quickly reach consensus on intervention priorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia G. Dugan
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Sara Namazi
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Jennifer M. Cavallari
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Mazen El Ghaziri
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Robert D. Rinker
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Julius C. Preston
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
| | - Martin G. Cherniack
- From the Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Dugan, Dr Cavallari, Dr Cherniack); Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA (Dr Namazi); Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT (Dr Cavallari); Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA (Dr El Ghaziri); Connecticut State Employees Association, Service Employees International Union, Local 2001, Hartford, CT (Mr Rinker, Mr Preston)
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Dugan AG, Decker RE, Zhang Y, Lombardi CM, Garza JL, Laguerre RA, Suleiman AO, Namazi S, Cavallari JM. Precarious Work Schedules and Sleep: A Study of Unionized Full-Time Workers. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 6:247-277. [PMID: 35372671 PMCID: PMC8962924 DOI: 10.1007/s41542-022-00114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Unlike precarious employment which is temporary and insecure, with inadequate pay, benefits, and legal protections, precarious work schedules can affect workers with permanent full-time jobs in sectors where employment has historically been secure, well-compensated, and even unionized. Precarious work schedules - characterized by long shifts, non-daytime hours, intensity and unsocial work hours - are increasingly prevalent. Relations between precarious work schedules and poor health are not well understood, and less is known about how to attenuate this relation. We examined the indirect effects of precarious work schedules on fatigue and depressive symptoms through sleep quantity. Two moderators - schedule flexibility and sleep quality - were examined as buffers of these associations. Workers from the Departments of Correction and Transportation in a northeast state (N = 222) took surveys and reported on demographics, work schedule characteristics, schedule flexibility, sleep quality and quantity, fatigue, and depressive symptoms. Results revealed that precarious work schedules had indirect effects on fatigue and depressive symptoms through sleep quantity. Schedule flexibility moderated the relation between precarious work schedules and sleep quantity, such that workers with greater schedule flexibility had more hours of sleep. Sleep quality moderated the association between sleep quantity and fatigue and depressive symptoms, such that workers reported greater fatigue and depressive symptoms when they had poorer sleep quality. Findings have direct applicability for developing initiatives that enhance Total Worker Health® through individual and organizational changes. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41542-022-00114-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia G Dugan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
| | - Ragan E Decker
- Society for Human Resource Management, 1800 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 USA
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Solomont School of Nursing, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 113 Wilder Street, Lowell, MA 01854-5126 USA
| | - Caitlin M Lombardi
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Connecticut, 348 Mansfield Road, Unit 1058, Storrs, CT 06269 USA
| | - Jennifer L Garza
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
| | - Rick A Laguerre
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, 406 Babbidge Road, Unit 1020, Storrs, CT 06269 USA
| | - Adekemi O Suleiman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 195 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, 468 Alden St, Springfield, MA 01109 USA
| | - Jennifer M Cavallari
- Department of Medicine, Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030 USA.,Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, 195 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030 USA
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Worker perspectives on the impact of non-standard workdays on worker and family well-being: A qualitative study. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2230. [PMID: 34879831 PMCID: PMC8652092 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12265-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-standard work schedules (NSWSs), occurring outside of regular and predictable daytime hours, may negatively affect worker and family health. This qualitative study sought to understand worker perspectives on the health and well-being impacts of NSWSs among full-time, transportation maintainers, correctional, and manufacturing workers. Methods Forty-nine workers participated in 8 focus groups. Data were transcribed and analyzed with ATLAS.ti, using the constant comparative method to identify themes and sub-themes. Results Workers reported that long work hours and irregular and unpredictable schedules posed the biggest obstacles to their well-being. Workers reported that NSWSs were associated with behavior impacts (poor family and social connections, poor eating, poor sleep, lack of exercise recovery), physical health impacts (exhaustion, weight gain) and extended work exposures (increased stress, increased accidents). Conclusions This highlights the importance of developing and implementing effective workplace interventions to address these barriers to health and health behaviors.
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Cavallari JM, Suleiman AO, Garza JL, Namazi S, Dugan AG, Henning RA, Punnett L. Evaluation of the HearWell Pilot Program: A Participatory Total Worker Health® Approach to Hearing Conservation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189529. [PMID: 34574456 PMCID: PMC8472491 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Our objective was to pilot test HearWell, an intervention created to preserve hearing among highway maintainers, by using a participatory Total Worker Health® (TWH) approach to designing, implementing and evaluating interventions. Regional maintenance garages were randomized to control (n = 6); HearWell (n = 4) or HearWell Design Team (n = 2) arms. Maintainer representatives from the HearWell Design Team garages identified barriers to hearing health and collaborated to design interventions including a safety leadership training for managers, a noise hazard management scheme to identify noise levels and indicate the hearing protection device (HPD) needed, and a comprehensive HearWell training video and protocol. These worker-designed interventions, after manager input, were delivered to the HearWell Design Team and the HearWell garages. Control garages received standard industry hearing conservation training. Periodic surveys of workers in all 12 garages collected information on the frequency of HPD use and a new hearing climate measure to evaluate changes in behaviors and attitudes over the study period and following interventions. An intention-to-treat approach was utilized; differences and trends in group HPD use and hearing climate were analyzed using a mixed-effects model to account for repeated measures from individual participants. The HearWell Design Team maintainers reported the highest frequency of HPD use. Hearing climate improved in each group 6 months following intervention implementation, with the largest increase and highest value for the HearWell Design Team workers. The HearWell pilot intervention showed promising results in improving HPD use through a participatory TWH approach to hearing conservation. Furthermore, results suggest that employee participation in hearing conservation programs may be necessary for maximal effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Cavallari
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Adekemi O. Suleiman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA;
| | - Jennifer L. Garza
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
| | - Sara Namazi
- Department of Health Sciences, Springfield College, Springfield, MA 01109, USA;
| | - Alicia G. Dugan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, UConn School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (J.L.G.); (A.G.D.)
| | - Robert A. Henning
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Laura Punnett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA;
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