1
|
Paterson JL, Thomas MJ, Reynolds AC, Sprajcer M, Gupta C, Gibson RH, Vincent GE, Ferguson SA. "I need to be alert at night to provide care": Factors associated with problematic sleep among young Australian caregivers. Behav Sleep Med 2023; 21:322-331. [PMID: 35762128 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2022.2093879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES There is increased recognition that young people (<25 years) may occupy a carer role for family or others with health conditions or disability. This is often in addition to study and social activities. This means competing demands on time, and insufficient sleep. Our aim was to determine the contribution of caring duties to problematic sleep in young carers. METHODS A survey of Australian carers was conducted, including questions on demographics, characteristics of the carer and care recipient, and sleep quality and quantity. Participants were eligible if they reported sleep time <7 hr or dissatisfaction with their sleep, and were aged 15-24 years. RESULTS A total of 110 participants (71.8%_female = 79, 15-17 years = 62, 18-24 years = 48) were included in analysis; 55.5% (n= 61) reporting dissatisfaction with their sleep and 62.7% (n= 69) reporting typically less than 7 hr sleep per night. Sleep duration was significantly shorter for those who reported 1-2 or ≥3 awakenings to provide care, compared with no awakenings (p_< .05). Sleep quality, as described by scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was also significantly worse for those who were frequently awoken by their care recipient (p < .05). Worrying about the care recipient, being woken by the care recipient, and listening out for the care recipient were the most frequently identified factors impacting on sleep. CONCLUSION Young carers experience reduced sleep duration and poor sleep quality. Strategies to alleviate the burden of care work on young carer's sleep would benefit the health and safety of this group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Paterson
- Flinders Institute for Mental Health and Wellbeing, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Matthew Jw Thomas
- Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amy C Reynolds
- Adelaide Institute for Sleep Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Australia
| | - Madeline Sprajcer
- Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Charlotte Gupta
- Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Rosemary H Gibson
- Sleep/Wake Research Centre, School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Wellington, and School of Psychology, Massey University Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Grace E Vincent
- Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sally A Ferguson
- Appleton Institute, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, Central Queensland University, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Work schedule and seasonal influences on sleep and fatigue in helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft operations in extreme environments. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8263. [PMID: 35585079 PMCID: PMC9117332 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08996-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep and fatigue were investigated in aviation search and rescue, firefighting, emergency medical services and offshore transfer operations in 210 participants, for 21 days each, across 17 datasets in seven countries. Sleep data were collected using wrist-worn actigraphs and sleep diaries. Sustained attention was assessed using a 5-min Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Duty information was provided from corporate IT systems. Despite the number of 24 h operations, most work occurred during daytime hours, and most sleep occurred at night. There were seasonal changes in work and sleep patterns, with naps used to augment total sleep time. The proportion of sleep occurring during duty varied from zero to 30%. Differences in PVT response times were trivial to small. Legislation that defines flight, duty time and minimum rest limits assume that sleep is not obtained during duty periods, apart from some napping under Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS). However, especially in cases where the aviation service requires waiting for tasks (e.g. search and rescue, emergency medical response), this assumption may not always hold. FRMS should accommodate different modes of working that safely facilitate sleep during duty time where appropriate.
Collapse
|
3
|
Dorrian J, Chapman J, Bowditch L, Balfe N, Naweed A. A survey of train driver schedules, sleep, wellbeing, and driving performance in Australia and New Zealand. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3956. [PMID: 35273197 PMCID: PMC8913649 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Train drivers work long hours on 24 h schedules and many factors impact their fatigue risk at work, creating a clear imperative for good rostering practice. Adopting a systems approach, this study investigated the relationship between multiple interrelated factors (train drivers’ schedule, sleep, wellbeing, and fatigue) and the perceived influence of these factors on train driving performance and safety using an online survey distributed in Australia and New Zealand. In addition to demographics and work schedule, passenger and freight train drivers (n = 751) answered questions about: (1) Sleep duration; (2) wellbeing, including physical and mental health, the extent to which shiftwork causes sleep, social, domestic, and work problems, and (3) the extent to which ten fatigue, health and wellbeing factors in the work and home environment negatively impact their driving performance. The key factor that emerged from analyses, with the largest and most consistent negative effects (and controlling for other factors) was schedule irregularity. Approved rosters were ranked as having the most important impact on day-to-day driving performance, followed by physical and mental health, and outside work factors. Results also suggested that schedule irregularity may amplify the negative impacts of the roster, impaired physical and mental health, and outside work factors on driving performance. As shift variability and schedule irregularity are often poorly represented in existing industry guidance, these results provide evidence for increased reflection on current fatigue management guidelines for train drivers and suggest a need for greater focus on schedule irregularity through the lens of a systems approach.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Dorrian
- University of South Australia, UniSA Justice and Society, Adelaide, 5001, Australia.
| | | | - Lorelle Bowditch
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia
| | - Nora Balfe
- Trinity College Dublin, Centre for Innovative Human Systems, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anjum Naweed
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute for Behavioural Science, Wayville, SA, 5034, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gupta CC, Dorrian J, Coates AM, Zadow A, Dollard M, Banks S. The impact of dayshifts and sleepover nightshifts on the eating and driving behaviours of residential support workers: An exploratory workplace study. Work 2021; 66:827-839. [PMID: 32925142 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residential support workers (RSWs) provide 24-hour care to clients and many work overnight sleepover nightshifts. Although RSWs perform safety-critical tasks and are at high-risk of work stress and exhaustion, the health and safety of RSWs has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE This explorative workplace case study explored the impact of support work on the eating and driving behaviours of RSWs. METHODS Thirteen RSWs who had worked a dayshift (n = 6) or a sleepover nightshift (n = 7) completed questions on the timing of food intake during their shift, motivations for eating during the shift, subjective work performance, alertness and sleepiness post-shift, and driving performance post-shift. RESULTS RSWs reported snacking during the night on a sleepover nightshift. Time available was the biggest determinant for when RSWs ate during a day and sleepover nightshift. Ratings of subjective alertness and sleepiness after eating were not different between shift types, however participants reported an increase in work performance after eating during a dayshift. Driving events were more frequently reported post-sleepover nightshift, compared to post-dayshift. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate an impact of shift type on eating and driving behaviours of RSWs and highlight the importance of further investigation of this under-researched group to identify appropriate strategies for improving health and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte C Gupta
- Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Behaviour Brain Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jill Dorrian
- Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Behaviour Brain Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Alison M Coates
- Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Behaviour Brain Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amy Zadow
- Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Maureen Dollard
- Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Siobhan Banks
- Sleep and Chronobiology Laboratory, Behaviour Brain Body Research Centre, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liss DJ, Kerl ME, Tsai CL. Factors associated with job satisfaction and engagement among credentialed small animal veterinary technicians in the United States. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2021; 257:537-545. [PMID: 32808895 DOI: 10.2460/javma.257.5.537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate job satisfaction and engagement among credentialed veterinary technicians (CVTs) employed in the United States. SAMPLE 873 CVTs who responded to an internet-based survey in 2017. PROCEDURES A survey was conducted to collect information on demographics, individual engagement, and job satisfaction among a convenience sample of CVTs in the United States. Only responses from those employed in small animal practice were included. Demographic and job-related factors were evaluated for associations with individual engagement and job satisfaction. RESULTS The mean (SD) score for overall individual engagement (7-point Likert scale, with 7 representing strong engagement) was 4.9 (1.0) and for job satisfaction (7 representing extreme satisfaction) was 5.4 (1.5). Factors associated with lower individual engagement and lower job satisfaction included most frequently working overnight shifts and having more veterinarians in the respondent's practice, whereas holding a supervisory role, receiving a higher hourly wage, and having more veterinary technicians in the practice were significantly associated with higher individual engagement and higher job satisfaction, with other variables held constant. Having a veterinary technician specialist designation was not associated with individual engagement or job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE To the authors' knowledge, this was the first study to investigate factors associated with individual engagement and job satisfaction among CVTs in the United States. Employers should review these factors and support and enhance those associated with enhanced engagement and increased job satisfaction. Employers should regularly review factors identified as negatively associated with job satisfaction and engagement and do their best to mitigate them.
Collapse
|
6
|
Niessen P, Stockinger C, Zoeller I. Analyzing the effect of social interaction on job demands and health in the example of flexible shiftwork. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2020; 28:315-323. [PMID: 32643562 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2020.1789318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In the literature, shiftwork-related stress is often connected with health complaints. However, it has been shown that these are not equally distributed. Further reasons must exist as to why stress resulting from shiftwork only affects health in some cases. In a study with 653 employees working in highly flexible shiftwork conditions, an examination was made of the factors affecting the relationship between job demands and health status. The results show that satisfaction with leadership influences whether unevenly distributed work and time pressure have a significant impact on health. The factor of other people living in the household significantly influences whether time pressure and emotional stress lead to health complaints. The study concluded that the impact of social interaction as a resource is not limited to the workplace. Social interaction, as a personal resource, can be helpful in both the professional and private spheres.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pia Niessen
- Institute for Ergonomics and Human Factors, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Ilka Zoeller
- Institute for Ergonomics and Human Factors, Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Banks S, Landon LB, Dorrian J, Waggoner LB, Centofanti SA, Roma PG, Van Dongen HP. Effects of fatigue on teams and their role in 24/7 operations. Sleep Med Rev 2019; 48:101216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2019.101216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
|
8
|
Lemieux-Cumberlege A, Taylor EP. An exploratory study on the factors affecting the mental health and well-being of frontline workers in homeless services. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2019; 27:e367-e378. [PMID: 30864195 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Frontline workers in homeless services work in a high-intensity, emotionally consuming environment, with frequent exposure to traumatic material with potentially significant consequences for their own mental health. This, in turn, may have a negative impact on the quality of care provided to homeless service users. Prevention of this trajectory may be achieved through psychologically informed environments for staff. This study aimed to explore factors that may influence the development of burnout, secondary traumatic stress (STS), depression, anxiety and stress in this population. Elevated levels of burnout and STS were predicted, as was an association between the predictor variables of professional experience, educational background, continuing professional development, access to organisational support structures and the outcome measures of compassion satisfaction, burnout, STS, depression, anxiety and stress. An online cross-sectional survey design using the Professional Quality of Life Scale (Version V) and the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 and scales designed for this study capturing occupational variables were distributed via email and national networks to a wide range of services across Scotland and the rest of the UK. Over 4 months in 2017, 112 frontline homelessness workers in health, social care and third sector organisations completed the survey. Results did not indicate elevated levels of burnout or STS, though depression and stress were found to be significantly elevated compared to population norms and were associated with burnout, compassion satisfaction and secondary traumatic stress. High levels of various types of supervision support and CPD were identified. There was no association between these and burnout or stress. We highlight the elevated levels of stress and depression and make a research recommendation to parse types of supervision to assess for optimal effectiveness and efficiency in ensuring that staff working in high-stress homelessness settings receive optimal support to deliver high quality services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aliénor Lemieux-Cumberlege
- Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Emily P Taylor
- Clinical and Health Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Centofanti S, Banks S, Colella A, Dingle C, Devine L, Galindo H, Pantelios S, Brkic G, Dorrian J. Coping with shift work-related circadian disruption: A mixed-methods case study on napping and caffeine use in Australian nurses and midwives. Chronobiol Int 2018; 35:853-864. [DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2018.1466798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Centofanti
- Sleep & Chronobiology Laboratory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Siobhan Banks
- Sleep & Chronobiology Laboratory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Caroline Dingle
- SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa Devine
- SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Helen Galindo
- SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Gorjana Brkic
- SA Health, Government of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jillian Dorrian
- Sleep & Chronobiology Laboratory, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| |
Collapse
|