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Maddock A, McGuigan K, McCusker P. Exploring Social Work professionals' Experiences of the Mindfulness-Based Social Work and Self-Care Programme: A Focus Group Study. SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 39:352-367. [PMID: 38439640 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2024.2325564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
The evidence for the potential of mindfulness-based programmes to support improved social work practice and self-care is growing. The aim of this focus group study was to explore social workers' (n = 13) experiences of the Mindfulness-based Social Work and Self-care programme (MBSWSC). Thematic analysis highlighted two superordinate themes: benefits to direct social work practice and coping with the social work role. Four subordinate themes highlighted the different social work practice components that were enhanced through MBSWSC participation: social work assessment, service user engagement and team working, working to social work values, and social work skills. Three subordinate themes identified improvements in individual processes which supported enhanced stress coping: moving from avoidant to approach coping, improved boundaries, increased emotional awareness and reduced negative thinking. Our findings indicate that the MBSWSC programme can have a multi-faceted positive effect on social work practice, and on social work professional's capacity to cope with their role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Maddock
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karen McGuigan
- Queen's Communities and Place, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Pearse McCusker
- School of Social and Political Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Allsopp K, Varese F, French P, Young E, White H, Chung P, Davey J, Hassan AA, Wright SA, Barrett A, Bhutani G, McGuirk K, Shields G, Huntley F, Jordan J, Rowlandson A, Sarsam M, Ten Cate H, Walker H, Watson R, Willbourn J, Hind D. A service mapping exercise of four health and social care staff mental health and wellbeing services, Resilience Hubs, to describe health service provision and interventions. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:430. [PMID: 38575960 PMCID: PMC10996192 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10835-1] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NHS England funded 40 Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs to support health and social care staff affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to document variations in how national guidance was adapted to the local contexts of four Hubs in the North of England. METHODS We used a modified version of Price's (2019) service mapping methodology. Service level data were used to inform the analysis. A mapping template was adapted from a range of tools, including the European Service Mapping Schedule, and reviewed by Hub leads. Key data included service model; staffing; and interventions. Data were collected between March 2021 - March 2022 by site research assistants. Findings were accuracy-checked by Hub leads, and a logic model developed to theorise how the Hubs may effect change. RESULTS Hub goals and service models closely reflected guidance; offering: proactive outreach; team-based support; clinical assessment; onward referral, and rapid access to mental health support (in-house and external). Implementation reflected a service context of a client group with high mental health need, and high waiting times at external mental health services. Hubs were predominantly staffed by experienced clinicians, to manage these mental health presentations and organisational working. Formulation-based psychological assessment and the provision of direct therapy were not core functions of the NHS England model, however all Hubs incorporated these adaptations into their service models in response to local contexts, such as extensive waiting lists within external services, and/or client presentations falling between gaps in existing service provision. Finally, a standalone clinical records system was seen as important to reassure Hub users of confidentiality. Other more nuanced variation depended on localised contexts. CONCLUSION This study provides a map for setting up services, emphasising early understandings of how new services will integrate within existing systems. Local and regional contexts led to variation in service configuration. Whilst additional Hub functions are supported by available literature, further research is needed to determine whether these functions should comprise essential components of staff wellbeing services moving forward. Future research should also determine the comparative effectiveness of service components, and the limits of permissible variation. STUDY REGISTRATION researchregistry6303.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Allsopp
- Complex Trauma & Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation, 3rd Floor Rawnsley Building, Hathersage Road, Manchester, UK.
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK.
| | - Filippo Varese
- Complex Trauma & Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation, 3rd Floor Rawnsley Building, Hathersage Road, Manchester, UK
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Paul French
- Faculty of Health, Psychology and Social Care, Manchester Metropolitan University, Brooks Building, Bonsall Street, Manchester, UK
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Headquarters, 225 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Ellie Young
- Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Headquarters, 225 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Hannah White
- Complex Trauma & Resilience Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Research and Innovation, 3rd Floor Rawnsley Building, Hathersage Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Priscilla Chung
- Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Sceptre Point, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, Preston, UK
| | - Jessica Davey
- Humber and North Yorkshire Resilience Hub, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, West Park Hospital, Edward Pease Way, Darlington, UK
| | - Alysha A Hassan
- Cheshire and Merseyside Resilience Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, UK
| | - Sally-Anne Wright
- Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Sceptre Point, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, Preston, UK
| | - Alan Barrett
- Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Headquarters, 225 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, UK
- School of Health Science, University of Salford, Mary Seacole Building, Frederick Road Campus, Broad St, Salford, UK
| | - Gita Bhutani
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
- Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Sceptre Point, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, Preston, UK
| | - Katherine McGuirk
- Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, 4th Floor, 3 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, UK
| | - Gemma Shields
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - Fay Huntley
- Cheshire and Merseyside Resilience Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, UK
- Doctorate of Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, Old Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Teviot Place, Room 2.2, Doorway 6, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanne Jordan
- Humber and North Yorkshire Resilience Hub, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, West Park Hospital, Edward Pease Way, Darlington, UK
| | - Aleix Rowlandson
- School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, UK
| | - May Sarsam
- Cheshire and Merseyside Resilience Hub, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, V7 Building, Kings Business Park, Prescot, UK
| | - Hein Ten Cate
- Lancashire and South Cumbria Resilience Hub, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, Sceptre Point, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit, Preston, UK
| | - Holly Walker
- Humber and North Yorkshire Resilience Hub, Tees Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, West Park Hospital, Edward Pease Way, Darlington, UK
| | - Ruth Watson
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Headquarters, Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 3BL, UK
| | - Jenni Willbourn
- Greater Manchester Resilience Hub, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Trust Headquarters, 225 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Hind
- School of Health and Related Research, The Innovation Centre, University of Sheffield, 217 Portobello, Sheffield, UK
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Nikunlaakso R, Shiri R, Oksanen T, Laitinen J. The effect of improving psychosocial stressors on psychological distress: a quasi-experiment of Finnish health and social care workers. Scand J Public Health 2024:14034948241242160. [PMID: 38570315 DOI: 10.1177/14034948241242160] [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: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To examine how a positive change in one to three psychosocial stressors (job demands, job rewards, and workplace social capital) influenced psychological distress. METHODS The analysis included 3605 Finnish health and social services workers who completed surveys in 2019, 2020 and 2021. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the propensity score of experiencing a positive change in one to three psychosocial stressors between 2019 and 2020. We balanced the baseline characteristics with propensity scoring. A generalised linear model with a binomial distribution and a log link function was used to compare the quasi-intervention and quasi-control groups for the risk of psychological distress in 2021. RESULTS Among the total sample, neither improving a single stressor nor two or three stressors affected psychological distress. However, among employees younger than 50 years, improving two or three psychosocial stressors in 2019-2020 decreased the risk of moderate to severe psychological distress in 2021 by 41% (risk ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.36-0.96). Among employees aged 50 years or older, improving job rewards lowered the risk of mild to severe psychological distress by 23% (risk ratio 0.77, 95% confidence interval 0.62-0.96). CONCLUSIONS The results of this quasi-experiment suggest that the positive effect of improving psychosocial stressors is stronger among younger than older workers. Future interventions should be customised for different ages and aim to improve accumulated work stressors and individual stress-coping skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risto Nikunlaakso
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Rahman Shiri
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
| | - Tuula Oksanen
- University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo, Finland
| | - Jaana Laitinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland
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Herz M, Bösl S, Gebhard D. Individual and organizational interventions to promote staff health and well-being in residential long-term care: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials over the past 20 years. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:195. [PMID: 38519896 PMCID: PMC10958844 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01855-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Staff in residential long-term care (RLTC) experience significant physical and mental work demands. However, research on specific interventions to promote staff health and well-being in RLTC facilities is limited. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the current evidence on health promotion interventions among RLTC staff. METHODS A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted on studies published between January 2000 and April 2023. Four electronic databases were searched, including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PsychArticles via EBSCO. The review followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) protocol. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias Assessment tool (RoB 2). RESULTS A total of 26 publications, referring to 23 different interventions with a randomized controlled design were included. Among these interventions, ten used training/educational approaches, six used behavioral approaches, and seven employed a multimodal approach. Significant improvements in health and well-being outcomes were found in four interventions using a training/educational approach, three interventions using a behavioral approach, and four interventions using a multimodal approach. Within the interventions studied, twelve specifically targeted the reduction of job demands, while only one intervention exclusively addressed job resources among RLTC staff. Furthermore, ten interventions addressed primary outcomes that encompassed both job demands and job resources. CONCLUSION Current evidence for health promotion interventions among RLTC staff is still limited, but research suggests that there is potential to improve certain outcomes related to RLTC staff health and well-being. Future research is recommended to contemplate a tailored intervention design that encompasses both individual-level and organizational-level approaches, and gender-specific physiological and sociological characteristics of RLTC staff. Moreover, detailed reporting of the development process, and research on the interaction between job demands and resources of RLTC staff are also recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Herz
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992, Munich, Germany.
| | - Sabina Bösl
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992, Munich, Germany
- European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, Hofmannstrasse 7A, 81379, Munich, Germany
| | - Doris Gebhard
- Department Health and Sport Sciences, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Georg-Brauchle-Ring 62, 80992, Munich, Germany
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Anger WK, Dimoff JK, Alley L. Addressing Health Care Workers' Mental Health: A Systematic Review of Evidence-Based Interventions and Current Resources. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:213-226. [PMID: 38354343 PMCID: PMC10916736 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Background. Mental health is declining in health care workers. Objectives. To provide a comprehensive assessment of intervention literature focused on the support and treatment of mental health within the health care workforce. Search Methods. We searched online databases (e.g., Medline, PsycINFO). Selection Criteria. We selected manuscripts published before March 2022 that evaluated the target population (e.g., nurses), mental health outcomes (e.g., burnout, depression), and intervention category (e.g., mindfulness). Data Collection and Analysis. Of 5158 publications screened, 118 interventions were included. We extracted relevant statistics and information. Main Results. Twenty (17%) earned study quality ratings indicating design, analysis, and implementation strengths. Randomized controlled trials were used by 52 studies (44%). Thirty-eight percent were conducted in the United States (n = 45). Ninety (76%) reported significant changes, and 46 (39%) reported measurable effect sizes. Multiple interventions significantly reduced stress (n = 29; 24%), anxiety (n = 20; 17%), emotional exhaustion or compassion fatigue (n = 16; 14%), burnout (n = 15; 13%), and depression (n = 15; 13%). Authors' Conclusions. Targeted, well-designed mental health interventions can improve outcomes among health care workers. Public Health Implications. Targeted health care‒focused interventions to address workers' mental health could improve outcomes within this important and vulnerable workforce. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S2):S213-S226. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307556).
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Affiliation(s)
- W Kent Anger
- W. Kent Anger and Lindsey Alley are with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Portland, OR 97233. Jennifer Dimoff is with University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer K Dimoff
- W. Kent Anger and Lindsey Alley are with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Portland, OR 97233. Jennifer Dimoff is with University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lindsey Alley
- W. Kent Anger and Lindsey Alley are with Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Portland, OR 97233. Jennifer Dimoff is with University of Ottawa, Telfer School of Management, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Yıldırım M, Dilekçi Ü, Marcatto F, Gómez-Salgado J. Validation of a Turkish Translation of the Perceived Occupational Stress Scale and Measurement Invariance Across Turkish and Italian Workers. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2024; 17:261-268. [PMID: 38313396 PMCID: PMC10838499 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s437312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Measuring and understanding perceived occupational stress is crucial for understanding workers' experiences of stress in the workplace and its potential implications on mental health outcomes and job performance. However, there is a scarcity of brief measures containing relevant items focused solely on occupational stress, suitable for integration with risk assessment tools for work-related stress. This study aimed to validate the Perceived Occupational Stress (POS) scale in Turkish and examined its measurement invariance across Turkish and Italian samples. Methods The participants included 350 Turkish teachers (55.7% male) and 160 Italian workers (60.6% female). Results The results showed a single-factor structure explaining 69.61% of the total variance for the POS. The internal consistency was found to be high in both samples. The results also indicated that the factor structure of the POS was equivalent across the two groups, supporting measurement invariance. Conclusion Overall, the POS demonstrated solid measurement properties, including validated factor structure, internal reliability, and measurement invariance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Yıldırım
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Agri Ibrahim Cecen University, Agri, Turkey
- Department of Social and Educational Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ümit Dilekçi
- Department of Child Development, Batman University, Batman, Turkey
| | | | - Juan Gómez-Salgado
- Department of Sociology, Social Work and Public Health, Faculty of Labour Sciences, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Safety and Health Postgraduate Program,Universidad Espíritu Santo, Guayaquil, Ecuador
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Nigam JAS, Barker RM, Cunningham TR, Swanson NG, Chosewood LC. Vital Signs: Health Worker-Perceived Working Conditions and Symptoms of Poor Mental Health - Quality of Worklife Survey, United States, 2018-2022. MMWR. MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY WEEKLY REPORT 2023; 72:1197-1205. [PMID: 37917563 PMCID: PMC10629752 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.mm7244e1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Health workers faced overwhelming demands and experienced crisis levels of burnout before the COVID-19 pandemic; the pandemic presented unique challenges that further impaired their mental health. Methods Data from the General Social Survey Quality of Worklife Module were analyzed to compare self-reported mental health symptoms among U.S. adult workers from 2018 (1,443 respondents, including 226 health workers) and 2022 (1,952, including 325 health workers). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between health workers' reported perceptions of working conditions and anxiety, depression, and burnout. Results From 2018 to 2022, health workers reported an increase of 1.2 days of poor mental health during the previous 30 days (from 3.3 days to 4.5 days); the percentage who reported feeling burnout very often (11.6% to 19.0%) increased. In 2022, health workers experienced a decrease in odds of burnout if they trusted management (odds ratio [OR] = 0.40), had supervisor help (OR = 0.26), had enough time to complete work (OR = 0.33), and felt that their workplace supported productivity (OR = 0.38), compared with those who did not. Harassment at work was associated with increased odds of anxiety (OR = 5.01), depression (OR = 3.38), and burnout (OR = 5.83). Conclusions and implications for public health practice Health workers continued to face a mental health crisis in 2022. Positive working conditions were associated with less burnout and better mental health. CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health has developed a national campaign, Impact Wellbeing, to provide employers of health workers with resources to improve the mental health of these workers.
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Mc Magh C, Fadahun O, Francis JM. Prevalence and correlates of alcohol use, mental disorders, and awareness and utilization of support services among healthcare professionals in West Rand District, Gauteng, South Africa: a cross-sectional study. Fam Pract 2023:cmad094. [PMID: 37713606 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare professionals (workers) are at an increased risk for developing mental and alcohol use disorders (risky drinking) due to increased psychological distress, long working hours, medical litigation, role conflict, and verbal/physical violence from colleagues and patients. Psychological well-being in healthcare workers is crucial to provide the best quality of care to patients. Current data are limited regarding alcohol abuse (risky drinking) rates and mental health condition among healthcare professionals in South Africa. OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence and correlates of alcohol use disorder (risky drinking), depression, anxiety, suicidality, and covid anxiety during the coronavirus pandemic in healthcare professionals in West Rand District, Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS We carried out a cross-sectional study on a sample of healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, clinical associates, and dentists working in the West Rand District of Gauteng, South Africa, during Covid-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to complete a paper-based questionnaire addressing sociodemographic questions, a set of measures for alcohol use disorder (AUDIT-C), depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-7), suicidality (PSS-3), covid anxiety (CAS), and awareness and utilization of support services. RESULTS A total of 330 healthcare professionals (60.9% nurses, 33% doctors, 5.5% other) participated. Females comprised the majority of study participants with 78.8%, and 48.2% of the participants were in the age band 35-64 years. Overall, 20.9% of the healthcare professionals reported risky alcohol use. Females were 73% less likely to report risky alcohol use (AOR = 0.27;95% CI: 0.13-0.54). Prevalence of probable depression was 13.6% and female professionals were 5 times more likely to be classified as having probable depression (AOR = 4.86;95% CI: 1.08-21.90). The grouped prevalence of anxiety ranging from mild to severe was reported at 47.3%, female professionals were 3 times more likely to be classified as having anxiety disorder (AOR = 2.78;95% CI: 1.39-5.57). Furthermore, races other than African had higher rates of anxiety (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI: 1.00-6.42). The prevalence of suicide symptoms was 7.9% and that of covid dysfunctional anxiety 4.8%. Only 5% of participants were involved in an employee wellness program, with 60% expressing interest in joining one. CONCLUSION Alcohol use (risky drinking) and mental disorders were common among healthcare professionals in West Rand District, Johannesburg, South Africa. There is overall poor awareness and use of support structures highlighting urgent need for interventions. Future studies could also explore in-depth the drivers of mental disorders and lack of utilization of the available service and strategies to deliver alcohol and mental disorder screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Mc Magh
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Oluwafojimi Fadahun
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Joel Msafiri Francis
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Zhang Y, Ma J, Xu Q, Rong Y, Lu S, Wang Z. Effects of sleep duration, perceived organisational support and personal resilience on anxiety in non-hospitalised residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey study in Ningbo, China. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073648. [PMID: 37607791 PMCID: PMC10445373 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed the association between sleep duration, perceived organisational support (POS), personal resilience and anxiety among non-hospitalised residents during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ningbo, China. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, an online survey was conducted from 27 January 2023 to 5 February 2023, involving non-hospitalised residents over 14 years old in Ningbo. We received 1938 valid responses. The study used the General Demographic Characteristics Scale, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale, Brief Resilient Coping Scale and the POS questionnaire. RESULTS Among the 1938 valid questionnaires, 1068 (55.1%) participants reported anxiety. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that high organisational support (β=-0.34, adjusted OR (aOR) 0.71, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.98, p=0.038), moderate resilience (β=-0.26, aOR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.95, p=0.013), high resilience (β=-0.67, aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.73, p<0.001) and sleep duration of ≥7 hours (β=-1.00, aOR 0.37, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.49, p<0.001) were significantly associated with anxiety. Participant characteristics were not associated with anxiety. CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, organisational support, personal resilience and adequate sleep duration were associated with anxiety among non-hospitalised residents. These findings highlight the importance of increasing organisational support, implementing interventions that promote resilience and stress management, ensuring sufficient rest and sleep duration, and helping residents better manage anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqing Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Ningbo Medical Center LiHuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Jingjing Ma
- Department of Nursing, Ningbo Medical Center LiHuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Qihang Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Ningbo Medical Center LiHuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yuezheng Rong
- Department of Nursing, Ningbo Medical Center LiHuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Shunshun Lu
- Department of Infection, Ningbo Medical Center LiHuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhengzheng Wang
- Department of Nursing, Ningbo Medical Center LiHuili Hospital, Ningbo, China
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Zheng B, Chen F, Wang J, Deng H, Li J, Zhou C, Ye M. The Prevalence and Correlated Factors of Occupational Stress, Cumulative Fatigue, and Musculoskeletal Disorders among Information Technology Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Chongqing, China. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2322. [PMID: 37628520 PMCID: PMC10454031 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational stress, cumulative fatigue, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are major concerns in the field of occupational health. Previous studies on occupational health focused on key industries, such as medical care, while there were few related studies on Information Technology (IT) industry. Our study explored the factors influencing occupational stress, cumulative fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders in the IT industry. We collected 1363 IT workers' valid questionnaires, of which 73.1% of participants were technicians in Chongqing, 2021. The core occupational stress scale (COSS), self-diagnosis checklist for the assessment of workers' accumulated fatigue and Chinese musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire were used to measure the occupational stress, cumulative fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders of the respondents. Logistic regressions were used to explore the correlated factors affecting these indicators. The results showed that the prevalence of occupational stress, cumulative fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders was 50.4%, 47%, and 72.3%, respectively. Working in the current position for 3-10 years was a common increased risk for all three indicators. Insomnia was associated with an increased risk of cumulative fatigue (Odds Ratio, OR = 2.156, p < 0.001) and musculoskeletal disorders (OR = 1.878, p < 0.001). Cumulative fatigue was also associated with an increased risk of having WMSDs (OR = 3.207, p < 0.001). According to our findings, occupational factors, such as long working years, overtime work, and personal lifestyle, are highly related to the occurrence of occupational stress, cumulative fatigue, and musculoskeletal disorders for IT industry workers. More attention should be paid to women and those with long working hours in the IT industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailiang Zheng
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401331, China; (B.Z.)
| | - Fengqiong Chen
- Institute of Occupational Health and Radiation Health, Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400042, China; (F.C.)
| | - Jin Wang
- National Institute for Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China;
| | - Huaxin Deng
- Institute of Occupational Health and Radiation Health, Chongqing Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing 400042, China; (F.C.)
| | - Jinshan Li
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401331, China; (B.Z.)
| | - Chunmin Zhou
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401331, China; (B.Z.)
| | - Mengliang Ye
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401331, China; (B.Z.)
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11
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Nikunlaakso R, Reuna K, Oksanen T, Laitinen J. Associations between accumulating job stressors, workplace social capital, and psychological distress on work-unit level: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1559. [PMID: 37587453 PMCID: PMC10428655 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16506-w] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial job stressor studies usually examine one exposure at a time and focus on individual workers. In this study we examined the accumulation of work stressors in work units and its association with psychological distress (PD) on work-unit level. We also investigated whether high workplace social capital modifies the effect. METHODS We examined survey responses from 813 Finnish health and social services (HSS) work units, comprising 9 502 employees, in a cross-sectional study design. The survey was conducted in 2021. We calculated odds ratios for the association between accumulating job stressors and PD. We also analyzed the interaction between work stressors and the effect modification of high workplace social capital. RESULTS We found that HSS work units with high percentage of employees having high job demands and low rewards (OR 7.2, 95% CI 3.7, 13.8) have an increased risk of higher PD in the work unit. We also found indication of high social capital possibly modifying the effect of job stressors on PD. The results suggest that accumulated job stressors are associated with PD on work unit level, with excess risk for PD compared to the stressors acting separately. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that the effect of accumulating job stressors should be further studied on work-unit level. Participatory organizational-level and work-unit level interventions to tackle job stressors and to improve workplace social capital are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaisa Reuna
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Tuula Oksanen
- University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaana Laitinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 90220 Oulu, Finland
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12
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Selander K, Korkiakangas E, Toivanen M, Yli-Kaitala K, Kangas H, Nevanperä N, Laitinen J. Engaging Leadership and Psychological Safety as Moderators of the Relationship between Strain and Work Recovery: A Cross-Sectional Study of HSS Employees. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11071045. [PMID: 37046972 PMCID: PMC10093905 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11071045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Work in the health and social sector (HSS) is highly straining and therefore recovery from work needs to be promoted. Less is known on how job resources can be used to alleviate job strain and increase recovery from work. Thus, we analyzed the following: the association between job demands and work recovery; the connections of engaging leadership and psychological safety to recovery from work; and the moderating effects of engaging leadership and psychological safety on the relationship between strain and recovery from work. This cross-sectional study of 18,155 HSS and 4347 eldercare employees in 2020 using linear regression analysis showed that job strain (p < 0.001) and moral distress (p < 0.001) were associated with decreased recovery from work. Engaging leadership (p < 0.001) and psychologically safe work community (p < 0.001) enhanced recovery from work independently. Engaging leadership mitigated the harmful effect of job strain (p < 0.01) and moral distress (p < 0.05), and psychological safety mitigated the effect of job strain (p < 0.001), but not moral distress (p > 0.05). Thus, it is important to reduce job strain so that employees recover from work. Further job resources such as engaging leadership and psychological safety are important in themselves as they support recovery from work and employees' well-being, but also as they alleviate job demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsikka Selander
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, 70032 Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Minna Toivanen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Yli-Kaitala
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hilpi Kangas
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, 00032 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nina Nevanperä
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, 90032 Oulu, Finland
| | - Jaana Laitinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Työterveyslaitos, 90032 Oulu, Finland
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13
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Lahti H, Kalakoski V. Work stressors and their controllability: Content analysis of employee perceptions of hindrances to the flow of work in the health care sector. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 43:1-19. [PMID: 36788978 PMCID: PMC9910235 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04328-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
High levels of work stress are prevalent today, and the underlying working conditions need to be tackled urgently. In this study, our aim was to identify the range of factors that employees themselves perceive as hindrances to the flow of work, that is, hindrance stressors. We analysed the open-ended questionnaire responses of 4766 employees working in the health care sector using semi-automated content analysis. We then used more detailed conventional content analysis to compare the responses of the groups that reported high (n = 1388) and low (n = 833) levels of subjective stress. Finally, we interpreted and categorised the stressors raised by the respondents from the viewpoint of controllability, to shed light on where to target interventions. The main hindrance stressors reflected inadequate staffing, work overload, time pressure, and management-related issues, of which the responses revealed concrete examples. Interruptions and problems related to cooperation and instructions were also commonly mentioned. The respondents in the high stress group emphasised work overload and issues related to management and clients. Our results suggest that the major hindrances to daily work are beyond employees' control and require decisions and resources at the level of supervisors, managers, directors, and policymakers. Future studies on work stress should explore the controllability of common stressors in more detail and include the appraisal of controllability in explanatory models. Avoiding overemphasis of psychological coping and instead targeting harmful working conditions and the organisational actors who can influence these could make workplace stress management interventions more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Lahti
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Psychology), Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
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14
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Sampaio F, Coelho J, Gonçalves P, Sequeira C. Protective and Vulnerability Factors of Municipal Workers' Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14256. [PMID: 36361136 PMCID: PMC9654518 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114256] [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: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Work is fundamental to an individual's mental health; however, an unfavourable work environment can lead to mental health problems. Despite existing studies addressing workers' mental health, it is essential to understand the reality of specific contexts to design effective tailored interventions. Thus, this study aimed to examine the influence of potential protective and vulnerability factors on municipal workers' depressive symptoms, anxiety and stress levels, and burnout. A cross-sectional study was conducted with data collection performed between July and December 2021 using online self-report measures. The sample comprised 115 municipal workers. The findings revealed that psychological vulnerability is a significant vulnerability factor for the presence of mental health symptoms. In addition, job satisfaction was found to be a significant protective factor for depressive symptoms, anxiety, and burnout of the municipal workers. The results of this study enhance the understanding of factors that influence worker mental health, which may facilitate the proper planning of specific interventions to promote mental health in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Sampaio
- Higher School of Health Fernando Pessoa, Rua Delfim Maia 334, 4200-253 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Coelho
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Northern School of Health of the Portuguese Red Cross, Rua da Cruz Vermelha Cidacos-Apartado 1002, 3720-126 Oliveira de Azeméis, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Gonçalves
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Health Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Rua de Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Sequeira
- CINTESIS@RISE, Nursing School of Porto (ESEP), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Nursing School of Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 830, 844, 856, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
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15
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Nikunlaakso R, Reuna K, Selander K, Oksanen T, Laitinen J. Synergistic Interaction between Job Stressors and Psychological Distress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13991. [PMID: 36360868 PMCID: PMC9656466 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Psychosocial job stressors increase the risk of mental health problems for the workers in health and social services (HSS). Although previous studies suggest that the accumulation of two or more stressors is detrimental to mental health, few studies have examined the synergistic interaction of accumulating job stressors. We examined survey responses from 9855 Finnish HSS workers in a cross-sectional study design from 2021. We conducted an interaction analysis of high job demands, low rewards and low workplace social capital on psychological distress, focusing on the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI). Additionally, we analysed the interaction of job demands, low rewards and COVID-19 burden (extra workload and emotional load). Our analysis showed that the total RERI for the job stressors on psychological distress was considerable (6.27, 95% CI 3.14, 9.39). The total excess risk was caused by two-way interactions, especially between high demands and low rewards and by the three-way interaction of all stressors. The total RERI for job demands, low reward and COVID-19 burden (3.93, 95% CI 1.15, 6.72), however, was caused entirely by two-way interaction between high demands and low rewards. Mental health interventions tackling high demands, low rewards and low social capital are jointly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Risto Nikunlaakso
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Kaisa Reuna
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Kirsikka Selander
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - Tuula Oksanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, 70210 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jaana Laitinen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 00032 Työterveyslaitos, Finland
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16
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Jiménez-Arberas E, Díez E. Musculoskeletal Diseases and Disorders in the Upper Limbs and Health Work-Related Quality of Life in Spanish Sign Language Interpreters and Guide-Interpreters. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159038. [PMID: 35897409 PMCID: PMC9332704 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Disorders in the upper limbs are common among sign language interpreters and are related with different risk factors, among which are the difficulties of interpreting work in the educational setting, posture, and emotional together with physical stress. The aim of this study was to inquire about the different musculoskeletal disorders and diseases present in a group of sign language interpreters, and to examine its relationship with the work-related quality of life. A battery of four instruments was administered to 62 sign language interpreters, composed of a sociodemographic data and musculoskeletal disease questionnaire, a health-related quality of life measurement scale (SF-36), a measurement scale of the impact of fatigue (MFIS), and an instrument for assessing hand-function outcomes (MHOQ). All the study participants had presented some kind of musculoskeletal pathology during their work career, such as tendinitis, overuse syndrome, and repetitive strain injury. In addition, many of the participants present difficulties in occupational performance that affect their daily activities. A high percentage, close to 70%, of the interpreters suffer from musculoskeletal disorders, serious enough to modify their activities and affect both the quality of their work as interpreters and their quality of life, with important mediating variables being the number of diseases; physical, cognitive, and social fatigue; and satisfaction with the hand function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estíbaliz Jiménez-Arberas
- Facultad Padre Ossó (Centro Adscrito a la Universidad de Oviedo), Calle Prado Picón s/n, 33008 Oviedo, Spain;
| | - Emiliano Díez
- Instituto Universitario de Integración en la Comunidad (INICO), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Salamanca, Av. Merced, 109, 37005 Salamanca, Spain
- Correspondence:
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