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Bogaers R, Sluik D, Helmhout P, Leijten F. A Workplace Health Promotion Program for a Predominantly Military Population: Associations with General Health, Mental Well-Being and Sustainable Employability. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:625. [PMID: 38791839 PMCID: PMC11120656 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Due to the globally increasing life expectancies, many countries are raising their official retirement age to prevent labor shortages and sustain retirement systems. This trend emphasizes the need for sustainable employability. Unhealthy lifestyles pose a risk to sustainable employability as they contribute to chronic diseases and decreased productivity. Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programs have gained attention as a strategy to enhance employee health and well-being. The Netherlands Armed Forces, a unique employer with demanding psychological and physical requirements, was used as a case study to investigate the associations of a WHP Program with workers health and sustainable employability. The program offered tailor-made guidance to participants (N = 341) through individual coaching trajectories. The program's impact was evaluated by measuring self-reported health, mental well-being, and sustainable employability over a 6-month period. Results indicated significant improvements across all these dimensions after participation in the program. This study provides valuable insights into the benefits of tailor-made WHP programs. While this was an observational study without a control group, this study supports the importance of incorporating individualized approaches in WHP initiatives to foster positive outcomes in health and sustainable employability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bogaers
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Defence Healthcare Organisation, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.S.)
| | - Diewertje Sluik
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Defence Healthcare Organisation, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.S.)
| | - Pieter Helmhout
- Centre of Excellence, Training Medicine and Training Physiology, Royal Netherlands Army, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fenna Leijten
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Defence Healthcare Organisation, Ministry of Defence, 3584 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands; (D.S.)
- Directorate of Strategy and Knowledge, Directorate-General of Policy, Ministry of Defence, 2511 CB The Hague, The Netherlands
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Jaffe AE, Walton TO, Walker DD, Kaysen DL. Social support and treatment utilization for posttraumatic stress disorder: Examining reciprocal relations among active duty service members. J Trauma Stress 2023; 36:537-548. [PMID: 36728194 PMCID: PMC10293030 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are underutilized by active duty service members in the United States. Social support may help service members overcome avoidance and facilitate treatment utilization. In turn, treatment utilization may improve social support. To evaluate these possibilities, the aim of the current study was to examine potential reciprocal associations between social support and treatment utilization among service members. Secondary analyses were conducted on a randomized controlled trial of 161 U.S. military service members with PTSD. Participants completed assessments of perceived social support and attendance at individual therapy sessions at baseline and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. To determine reciprocal relations between social support and treatment utilization, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate a random-intercept cross-lagged panel model with a two-part variable for treatment utilization (i.e., any therapy, and if so, dose). There were no between-person associations between average social support and treatment utilization. One prospective cross-lagged within-person association emerged as significant: social support at 3 months was negatively associated with any therapy use at 6 months; the model explained 26.1% of the variance in this observed variable. The findings revealed that low social support promoted subsequent treatment utilization, but such treatment did not lead to changes in social support. This suggests service members with PTSD may have been motivated to attend individual therapy in pursuit of social connection and support. Future research is needed to determine if reciprocal associations between various forms of social support and therapy utilization differ by treatment modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Jaffe
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska, Lincoln, USA
| | - Thomas O Walton
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Denise D Walker
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Debra L Kaysen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, California, Stanford, USA
- National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, California, Menlo Park, USA
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Bogaers R, Geuze E, van Weeghel J, Leijten F, van de Mheen D, Rüsch N, Rozema A, Brouwers E. Workplace Mental Health Disclosure, Sustainable Employability and Well-Being at Work: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Military Personnel with Mental Illness. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2023; 33:399-413. [PMID: 36376748 PMCID: PMC9663181 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-022-10083-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Disclosure of mental illness to a supervisor can have positive (e.g. supervisor support) and negative consequences (e.g. stigma). However, research on the association between disclosure and sustainable employability and well-being at work is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the disclosure decision (yes/no), experiences with the decision (positive/negative) and sustainable employment and well-being at work among military personnel with mental illness (N = 323). Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted. Descriptive and regression (linear and ordinal) analyses were performed. Comparisons were made between those with positive and negative disclosure experiences. Results Disclosure decision (yes/no) was not significantly associated with any of the measures of sustainable employability and well-being at work. However, positive disclosure experiences were significantly associated with higher scores on almost all measures of sustainable employability and well-being at work. Those with negative disclosure experiences reported significantly more shame (Mpos = 2.42, Mneg = 2.78, p < .05) and discrimination (Mpos = 1.70, Mneg = 2.84, p < .001). Those with a positive disclosure experience, reported significantly more supervisor support (Mpos = 3.20, Mneg = 1.94, p < .001). Conclusion We did not find evidence that the disclosure decision itself is related to measures of sustainable employment and well-being at work. In contrast, how participants had experienced their (non-)disclosure decision was significantly related to almost all measures. This emphasizes the importance of the work environments reactions to disclosure and mental illness in the workplace. Future research and interventions should focus on increasing the likelihood of positive disclosure experiences through creating a more inclusive work environment, with more supervisor support and less stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bogaers
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Well-Being, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
- Brain Research and Innovation Centre, Ministry of Defence, Lundlaan 1, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Ministry of Defence, Herculeslaan 1, 3584 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Elbert Geuze
- Strategic Military Healthcare Department, Ministry of Defence, Herculeslaan 1, 3584 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Weeghel
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Well-Being, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Fenna Leijten
- Directorate of Strategy and Knowledge, Directorate-General of Policy, Ministry of Defence, Kalvermarkt 32, 2511 CB, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Dike van de Mheen
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Well-Being, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolas Rüsch
- Department of Psychiatry II, University of Ulm and BKH, Günzburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Rozema
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Well-Being, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Brouwers
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Well-Being, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Warandelaan 2, 5037 AB, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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Bogaers R, Geuze E, van Weeghel J, Leijten F, van de Mheen D, Greenberg N, Rozema AD, Brouwers E. Mental health issues and illness and substance use disorder (non-)disclosure to a supervisor: a cross-sectional study on beliefs, attitudes and needs of military personnel. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e063125. [PMID: 37045564 PMCID: PMC10105997 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Research suggests that military personnel frequently delay disclosing mental health issues and illness (MHI), including substance use disorder, to supervisors. This delay causes missed opportunities for support and workplace accommodations which may help to avoid adverse occupational outcomes. The current study aims to examine disclosure-related beliefs, attitudes and needs, to create a better understanding of personnel's disclosure decision making. DESIGN A cross-sectional questionnaire study among military personnel with and without MHI. Beliefs, attitudes and needs regarding the (non-)disclosure decision to a supervisor were examined, including factors associated with (non-)disclosure intentions and decisions. Descriptive and regression (logistic and ordinal) analyses were performed. SETTING The study took place within the Dutch military. PARTICIPANTS Military personnel with MHI (n=324) and without MHI (n=554) were participated in this study. OUTCOME MEASURE (Non-)disclosure intentions and decisions. RESULTS Common beliefs and attitudes pro non-disclosure were the preference to solve one's own problems (68.3%), the preference for privacy (58.9%) and a variety of stigma-related concerns. Common beliefs and attitudes pro disclosure were that personnel wanted to be their true authentic selves (93.3%) and the desire to act responsibly towards work colleagues (84.5%). The most reported need for future disclosure (96.8%) was having a supervisor who shows an understanding for MHI. The following factors were associated both with non-disclosure intentions and decisions: higher preference for privacy (OR (95% CI))=(1.99 (1.50 to 2.65)intention, 2.05 (1.12 to 3.76)decision) and self-management (OR (95% CI))=(1.64 (1.20 to 2.23)intention, 1.79 (1.00 to 3.20)decision), higher stigma-related concerns (OR (95% CI))=(1.76 (1.12 to 2.77)intention, 2.21 (1.02 to 4.79)decision) and lower quality of supervisor-employee relationship (OR (95% CI))=(0.25 (0.15 to 0.42)intention, 0.47 (0.25 to 0.87)decision). CONCLUSION To facilitate (early-)disclosure to a supervisor, creating opportunities for workplace support, interventions should focus on decreasing stigma and discrimination and align with personnels' preference for self-management. Furthermore, training is needed for supervisors on how to recognise, and effectively communicate with, personnel with MHI. Focus should also be on improving supervisor-employee relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bogaers
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
- Brain Research and Innovation Centre, Dutch Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elbert Geuze
- Brain Research and Innovation Centre, Dutch Ministry of Defence, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Weeghel
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Fenna Leijten
- Directorate-General of Policy, Directorate of Strategy and Knowledge, Dutch Ministry of Defence, Den Haag, The Netherlands
| | - D van de Mheen
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - N Greenberg
- King's Centre for Military Health Research, King's College London, London, UK
| | - A D Rozema
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Evelien Brouwers
- Tranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg, The Netherlands
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