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Phillips RS, Saunders GH. Occupational Stress in United Kingdom Audiologists. Am J Audiol 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38963786 DOI: 10.1044/2024_aja-24-00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Occupational stress is known to have detrimental effects on health care professionals worldwide. This study aimed to address a research gap by investigating sources and levels of occupational stress in U.K. audiologists. METHOD A mixed-methods cross-sectional design and convenience sampling were utilized. The study used the Audiologist Occupational Stress Questionnaire (AOSQ) and an audiological working practices questionnaire. The study included 100 registered U.K. audiologists. RESULTS The research revealed that over a third of participants reported experiencing moderate or higher levels of occupational stress. Pediatric audiologists and those with a high daily patient load reported significantly higher stress scores than other specialties and those seeing fewer patients per day. Identified sources of stress for U.K. audiologists included clinical demands and time constraints, staffing issues, leadership in the workplace, and equipment availability. Reported impacts of stress encompassed mental health issues, fatigue, social life disruptions, and physical health concerns. CONCLUSIONS The research validated the use of the AOSQ in a U.K. setting, and the findings provided insights into the sources and levels of occupational stress experienced by U.K. audiologists, supporting existing research on occupational stress in audiologists in other countries. The identification of consistent stress themes across the literature underscores the need for targeted support and interventions to ensure the well-being of audiologists and empower them in maintaining their pivotal role in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Phillips
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Gabrielle H Saunders
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, Division of Psychology, Communication and Human Neuroscience, The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
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Macdonald WA, Oakman J. Changes needed to reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:575-581. [PMID: 38752696 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23613] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main contributor to disability levels, which are rising as populations age. Workplace hazard exposures are a major source of this problem, and current workplace risk management practices require substantial changes to tackle it more effectively. Most importantly, the current focus of risk management on "manual handling" tasks must broaden to encompass the whole job. This is necessary because a wide range of psychosocial hazards, most of which operate across the whole job rather than particular tasks, are significant contributors to risk. To ensure that risk-control actions are effective, a recurring risk management cycle that includes worker participation and addresses risk from both biomechanical and psychosocial hazards will be essential. Legislation that mandates workplace management of psychosocial hazards would be helpful. Amendment by regulatory bodies of MSD-related guidance and codes of practice so that they reflect current research evidence would also be helpful in communicating the need for change to workplace stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy A Macdonald
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jodi Oakman
- School of Psychology and Public Health, Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Shiratsuchi D, Motohiro A, Okuyama K, Abe T. Relationship between occupational stress and presenteeism status among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2024; 79:83-90. [PMID: 38829113 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2024.2359409] [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: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify characteristics of workers experiencing health problems without a decline in labor productivity to address presenteeism. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 554 workers in Japan, with a median age of 43 years. Participants reported any health problems in the past month, along with job stressors, stress responses, social support, and job and life satisfaction using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. They were categorized into three groups: "no symptoms," "pre-presenteeism" (health problems without work impact), and "presenteeism" (health problems with work impact). Results showed that 30.1% were in "prepresenteeism" and 52.0% in "presenteeism." Stress responses and social support were linked to both "pre-presenteeism" and "presenteeism," while job stressors and job and life satisfaction were only associated with "presenteeism." These findings offer insights for preventing presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijo Shiratsuchi
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Motohiro
- Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo City, Japan
- Canvas Inc., Matsue City, Japan
| | - Kenta Okuyama
- Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo City, Japan
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Takafumi Abe
- Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), Head Office for Research and Academic Information, Shimane University, Izumo City, Japan
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Hubner FCL, Telles RW, Giatti L, Machado LAC, Griep RH, Viana MC, Barreto SM, Camelo LV. Job stress and chronic low back pain: incidence, number of episodes, and severity in a 4-year follow-up of the ELSA-Brasil Musculoskeletal cohort. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00610. [PMID: 38787636 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT We investigated the association between job stress, as assessed by the effort-reward imbalance model, and the incidence of chronic low back pain (CLBP) over a 4-year period. A total of 1733 participants from the ELSA-Brasil Musculoskeletal cohort, who were free from LBP at baseline (2012-2014), were included. Episodes of LBP in the past 30 days, intensity, and the presence of disability were investigated in annual telephone follow-ups (2015-2018). Chronic LBP was defined as episodes of LBP lasting >3 months with at least moderate intensity. We analyzed the incidence of at least one episode of CLBP (yes/no), the number of CLBP episodes (0, 1, ≥2), and CLBP severity/disability (absent, nondisabling, severe/disabling). The association between these outcomes and tertiles of the effort-to-reward ratio, as well as each dimension of the effort-reward imbalance model, was investigated using multinomial logistic and Poisson regression models adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational variables. The cumulative incidence of CLBP over 4 years was 24.8%. High effort-reward imbalance increased the chances of experiencing multiple CLBP episodes and severe/disabling CLBP by 67% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-2.47) and 70% (95% CI: 1.14-2.53), respectively. High overcommitment increased the incidence of CLBP by 23% (95% CI: 1.01-1.50) and the chances of multiple CLBP episodes and severe/disabling CLBP by 67% (95% CI: 1.11-2.50) and 57% (95% CI: 1.05-2.34), respectively. These results indicate that exposure to job stress is associated with a higher incidence, a greater number of episodes, and increased severity of CLBP over a 4-year period. If this association is causal, measures aimed at reducing exposure to job stress are likely to alleviate the burden of CLBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Corsino Lima Hubner
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Rosa Weiss Telles
- Faculdade de Medicina and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luana Giatti
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Luciana A C Machado
- Faculdade de Medicina and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Science Integrity Alliance, Sunrise, FL, United States
| | - Rosane Harter Griep
- Laboratory of Health and Environment Education, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Maria Carmen Viana
- Department of Social Medicine, Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Sandhi Maria Barreto
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Lidyane V Camelo
- Postgraduate Program in Public Health, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Faculdade de Medicina and Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
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5
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Dunn M, Rushton AB, Mistry J, Soundy A, Heneghan NR. The biopsychosocial factors associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. An umbrella review and meta-analysis of observational systematic reviews. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0294830. [PMID: 38557647 PMCID: PMC10984407 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this umbrella review was to establish which biopsychosocial factors are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. METHODS Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, PsycINFO, CINAHL, PEDro, PROSPERO, Google Scholar and grey literature were searched from database inception to 4th April 2023. Systematic reviews of observational prospective longitudinal studies, including populations with <3 months (not chronic) musculoskeletal pain, investigating biopsychosocial factors that contribute to development of chronic (>3 months) musculoskeletal pain. Two reviewers searched the literature, assessed risk of bias (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews-2), and evaluated quality (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to provide an overall statement on the certainty of evidence for each biopsychosocial factor. Data analysis was performed through random effects meta-analysis (including meta-analysis of meta-analyses where possible) and descriptive synthesis. RESULTS 13 systematic reviews were included comprising 185 original research studies (n = 489,644 participants). Thirty-four biopsychosocial factors are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Meta-analyses of odds and/or likelihood ratios were possible for 25 biopsychosocial factors. There is moderate certainty evidence that smoking (OR 1.24 [95%CI, 1.14-1.34), fear avoidance (LR+ 2.11 [95%CI, 1.59-2.8]; LR- 0.5 [95%CI, 0.35-0.71]) poorer support networks (OR 1.21 [95%CI, 1.14-1.29]), lower socioeconomic status (OR 2.0 [95%CI, 1.64-2.42]), and high levels of pain (OR 5.61 [95%CI, 3.74-8.43]) are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain (all P<0.001). Remaining factors are of low or very low certainty evidence. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE There is moderate certainty evidence that smoking, fear avoidance, poorer support networks, lower socioeconomic status, and high levels of pain are associated with development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. High risk of bias was evident in most included reviews; this highlights the need for higher quality systematic reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Dunn
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, Centre for Allied Health, St. George's University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alison B Rushton
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
- School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jai Mistry
- Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy, St. George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- School of Physical Therapy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Soundy
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola R Heneghan
- Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain, School of Sport and Exercise Science, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
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Souza DBDO, Barros MBDA, Lima MG. Sex differences in the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on health-related quality of life: a population-based study, Campinas, SP - ISACamp 2014/15. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2024; 29:e18802022. [PMID: 38451658 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232024293.18802022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
This article aims to estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MD) on the adult population of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, verifying associated demographic and socioeconomic factors, and to analyze their impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) according to sex. A population-based study was conducted with 2,166 individuals using data from the ISACamp 2014/15. The Medical Outcomes Study SF-36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to measure HRQoL according to MD. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated by Poisson regression. Musculoskeletal disorders had a prevalence of 8.5% (6.7% tendonitis and 2.7% work-related musculoskeletal disorders - WMSD). Results showed a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in women, active or on leave due to illness, and in individuals with higher education levels. Moreover, reduced HRQoL scores were observed in 6 of the 8 domains, due to MD. The mental component and physical component showed greater impairment respectively among women and men after self-reported WMSD. These findings point to substantial damage from musculoskeletal disorders on the population's HRQoL. WMSD affect the HRQoL of men and women distinctly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatila Barbieri de Oliveira Souza
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz. 13083-887 Campinas SP Brasil.
| | - Marilisa Berti de Azevedo Barros
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz. 13083-887 Campinas SP Brasil.
| | - Margareth Guimarães Lima
- Departamento de Saúde Coletiva, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas. R. Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Cidade Universitária Zeferino Vaz. 13083-887 Campinas SP Brasil.
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Sanchez Rico M, Plessz M, Airagnes G, Wiernik E, Hoertel N, Goldberg M, Zins M, Meneton P. Lifetime exposure to unemployment and prior working conditions are associated with retiree's health: A retrospective study in a large population-based French cohort. Soc Sci Med 2024; 341:116550. [PMID: 38160610 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116550] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
It is unclear whether unemployment exposure, as well as working conditions, can have sustained effects on the health of retirees who are no longer exposed. The aim of the present study is to investigate this issue in 29,281 French retirees from the CONSTANCES cohort in whom the prevalence of suboptimal self-rated health, disability for routine tasks, cardiovascular diseases and cancers is assessed according to lifetime exposure to unemployment and prior working conditions. The analyses are performed retrospectively using multivariable logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounders such as sex, birth year, parental histories of cardiovascular disease and cancer, social position, retirement age and duration. High lifetime exposure to unemployment is associated with an increased prevalence of suboptimal self-rated health (adjusted odds ratio (95% CI), 1.39 (1.23-1.57)), disability for routine tasks (1.41 (1.26-1.57)) and several cardiovascular diseases including stroke (1.66 (1.19-2.31)), myocardial infarction (1.65 (1.18-2.31)) and peripheral arterial disease (2.38 (1.46-3.90)). Bad prior working conditions are associated with an increased prevalence of disability for routine tasks (1.17 (1.04-1.33)) and cancers (1.27 (1.04-1.54)), notably prostate cancer (1.60 (1.01-2.64)). These findings suggest that unemployment and working conditions have long-term health effects that may cumulate over lifetime, emphasizing that risk evaluation and preventive strategies in retirees, as in workers, should take into account the life-course of individuals in addition to traditional risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Sanchez Rico
- AP-HP, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Marie Plessz
- Centre Maurice Halbwachs, INRAE, EHESS, ENS-PSL, CNRS, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Airagnes
- AP-HP, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuel Wiernik
- Université Paris Cité, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, UMS_011 INSERM, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Hoertel
- AP-HP, DMU Psychiatrie et Addictologie, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France; Université Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; UMR_1266, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Marcel Goldberg
- Université Paris Cité, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, UMS_011 INSERM, Villejuif, France
| | - Marie Zins
- Université Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, UMS_011 INSERM, Villejuif, France
| | - Pierre Meneton
- UMR_1142 INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université Paris 13, Paris, France.
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Kinsman N, Marris N, Oakman J. The impact of coworking spaces on workers' performance, mental and physical health: A scoping review. Work 2024; 77:61-75. [PMID: 37483047 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220353] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Utilisation of coworking spaces (CWS) was rising sharply prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to new work arrangements which involve a hybrid, work and home model, is likely to involve the use of alternative workspaces. Understanding the impacts of CWS on employees is timely to examine the benefits of utilisation and how these might be incorporated into new ways of working. This scoping review aims to explore the relationship between CWS, mental and physical health, and workers' performance, and provide insights into future considerations for design. OBJECTIVE The main objective was to map the current literature on CWS, focusing on identification of relevant modifiable factors to improve worker's mental and physical health, and performance. METHOD Three databases, Embase, PsycInfo, and Proquest, were systematically reviewed, to identify studies from 2005 onwards. Data was extracted and analysed using diagrammatic mapping. Only studies published in English were included. RESULTS Eleven relevant papers were included which covered the three outcomes of interest: worker's performance (5), mental health (4) and physical health (2). Environmental factors influencing the three outcomes were categorised into physical environment (12 factors) and the psychosocial environment (6 factors). Overall, CWS environmental factors had a positive influence on workers (23 positive relationships and 11 negative relationships). CONCLUSION Coworking spaces offer potential benefits for tele-workers, including opportunities for collaboration/networking and productivity gains. However, attention to the CWS physical design is important to optimise the experience for workers and mitigate risk of adverse mental and physical health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Kinsman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Nicole Marris
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
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Roveshti MM, Pouya AB, Pirposhteh EA, Khedri B, Khajehnasiri F, Poursadeqiyan M. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among bakers: A systematic review. Work 2024; 77:463-476. [PMID: 37718825 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220165] [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] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and ergonomic risk factors are very common in bakery workers. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to (1) assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among bakers because they use automated machines or traditional baking, and (2) to determine the strategies to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in bakers. METHODS A systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted from the beginning to February 4, 2022, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Mesh keywords and phrases were used to execute the search strategy. Information on MSDs and ergonomic risk factors in bakery workers was collected. Two reviewers worked independently on study selection, data extraction, and paper quality ranking. RESULTS This study identified 14 papers from seven countries. Although the prevalence of MSDs in bakery workers has been studied, only a handful of them have been studied ergonomic risk factors, and the findings have been very limited. The association between different risk factors and MSDs seemed significant compared to many other occupational diseases. The traditional bread-baking system and lack of mechanization may increase the risk of MSDs in bakery workers. CONCLUSION WRMSDs for bakery workers have been less studied than other occupational diseases. Our systematic review found several significant relations between the factors influencing the prevalence of MSDs. This study also showed the comparison of traditional and modern cooking systems with diseases of the upper limbs, shoulders, and back pain as possible fields for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Maleki Roveshti
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amin Babaei Pouya
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Ardabil Universityof Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Elham Akhlaghi Pirposhteh
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Khedri
- Department of Social Work, Social Studies Faculty, Hanze University of Applied Science, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Farahnaz Khajehnasiri
- Department of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Poursadeqiyan
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Ardabil Universityof Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
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Wagenblast F, Läubli T, Seibt R, Rieger MA, Steinhilber B. Wrist Extensor Muscle Fatigue During a Dual Task With Two Muscular and Cognitive Load Levels in Younger and Older Adults. HUMAN FACTORS 2023:187208231218196. [PMID: 38058009 DOI: 10.1177/00187208231218196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of concurrent physical and cognitive demands as well as age on indicators of muscle fatigue at the wrist. BACKGROUND There are few studies examining risk indicators for musculoskeletal disorders associated with work-related physical and cognitive demands that often occur simultaneously in the workplace. METHODS Twenty-four gender-balanced older and 24 gender-balanced younger (mean age 60 and 23 years) participants performed four 30 min dual tasks. Tasks differed by the muscular load level during force tracking: 5% and 10% of maximum voluntary contraction force (MVC) and concurrent cognitive demands on the working memory: easy and difficult. Muscle fatigue was assessed by MVC decline and changes in surface electromyography (increased root mean square: RMS, decreased median frequency: MF) at the extensor digitorum (ED) and extensor carpi ulnaris (EU). RESULTS A decline in MVC was found in all participants when tracking was performed at 10% MVC (mean ± SD: 137.9 ± 49.2 - 123.0 ± 45.3 N). Irrespective of age, muscular, or cognitive load, RMS increased (ED 12.3 ± 6.5 - 14.1 ± 7.0% MVE, EU 15.4 ± 7.6 - 16.9 ± 8.6% MVE) and MF decreased (ED 85.4 ± 13.6 - 83.2 ± 12.8 Hz, EU 107.2 ± 17.1 - 104.3 ± 16.7 Hz) in both muscles. However, changes in MF of EU tended to be more pronounced in the older group at higher cognitive and lower muscular load, without reaching statistical significance. CONCLUSION Maximum voluntary contraction indicated no interaction between muscle fatigue, cognitive load, or age. However, the tendencies toward altered muscle activity due to an increase in cognitive load and older age suggest muscular adaptations while maintaining tracking performance during the onset of fatigue signs in the sEMG signal. APPLICATION If the tendencies in muscle activity are confirmed by further studies, ergonomic assessments in industrial workplaces should consider cognitive load and age when describing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florestan Wagenblast
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Läubli
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert Seibt
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Steinhilber
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Germany
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11
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Bezzina A, Austin E, Nguyen H, James C. Workplace Psychosocial Factors and Their Association With Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:578-588. [PMID: 37698343 PMCID: PMC10676046 DOI: 10.1177/21650799231193578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review examines literature regarding the relationship between workplace psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of work disability, resulting in billions of dollars of financial losses. Evidence suggests that workplace psychosocial factors can lead to the development and progression of MSDs. A data search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Scopus, and CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature) from August 2009 to May 2020 inclusive. Other eligibility criteria included studies published in English, conducted on adults within a workplace setting, conducted in developed economies, and were stability-control longitudinal observational studies. Studies were independently screened for eligibility, using COVIDENCE (software for managing and streamlining systematic reviews) and assessed for quality by multiple authors, using the JBI Evidence synthesis tool. From 6,812 studies, 47 articles were included in the final analysis. The most common MSDs investigated were lower back pain, neck and shoulder pain, and upper extremity symptoms and disorders. Included articles identified that psychosocial workplace factors of support, collaboration, job control, and job demands were statistically significantly associated with risk and progression of MSDs. Review of the articles included in this article supports the theory that MSDs have a multifactorial, complex etiology that includes psychosocial factors. Interventions to enhance psychosocial work environment provide opportunities to reduce the risk of MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bezzina
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
- Centre for Resources Health and Safety, School of Public Health and Medicine, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle
| | - Emma Austin
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, NSW Health
| | - Ha Nguyen
- Centre for Work Health and Safety, Department of Customer Service, NSW
| | - Carole James
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
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12
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Lu J, Chen Y, Lv Y. The effect of housework, psychosocial stress and residential environment on musculoskeletal disorders for Chinese women. SSM Popul Health 2023; 24:101545. [PMID: 37927818 PMCID: PMC10625151 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, discussions of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have focused on paid work factors. However, the relation between housework (unpaid work) and MSDs for women is important. Little is known about the relationship between housework and MSDs and how this relationship can be influenced by physical environment factors and psychosocial stress, as well as other individual characteristics. Therefore, this study proposed a model to disentangle interactions between housework, residential indoor environment, psychosocial stress and MSDs for women, using the structural equation modeling approach, based on the cross-sectional data in the Central Plain of China. Model results showed housework (0.23) and psychosocial stress (0.44) were risk factors for the development of MSDs, while indoor environmental satisfaction (-0.27) was the protective factor for MSDs. Moreover, housework had a significant effect on psychosocial stress (0.20) while indoor environment satisfaction showed negative effect on psychosocial stress (-0.22). Furthermore, multiple group analysis suggested individual characteristics, including age, BMI, education, length of residence, household size and floor area, could change the strength of relationships in the model. This paper formulated and validated a model to define interactions between housework, residential indoor environment, psychosocial stress and MSDs for women, which would help improve knowledge on impact of housework on MSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifu Lu
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Green Building in Western China, Xian University of Architecture & Technology, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Civil Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Yapeng Lv
- School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
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13
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Bentley T, Onnis LA, Vassiley A, Farr-Wharton B, Caponecchia C, Andrew C, O'Neill S, De Almeida Neto A, Huron V, Green N. A systematic review of literature on occupational health and safety interventions for older workers. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:1968-1983. [PMID: 36730839 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2176550] [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: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As the global population ages there is an imperative to enhance labour participation of older workers in ways that support good physical and psychological health. However, there is limited guidance for organisations on how to do this effectively. This systematic review examined literature identified through four databases and a targeted web-search, yielding 39 PRISMA records (32 scholarly, seven grey literature) reporting workplace interventions aimed at improving the injury outcomes of older workers. The review revealed that organisational and composite interventions may be most effective, although an absence of robust research in this area and a scarcity of empirical evidence-based interventions known to improve injury outcomes for older workers was noted. Responding to these shortcomings, this article presents 'A future research agenda for older worker health, safety and well-being interventions.' This systems-based approach has a dual focus on organisational and composite interventions combined with robust research design.Practitioner summary: We conducted a systematic literature review of studies focussed on workplace interventions to improve the physical and psychological safety of older workers. Within the existing literature, evidence for effective interventions and guidance for organisations is weak. We present a future research agenda with a systems approach to address these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Bentley
- Centre for Work + Wellbeing, School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Leigh-Ann Onnis
- College of Business, Law & Governance, James Cook University, Cairns, Australia
| | - Alexis Vassiley
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Ben Farr-Wharton
- School of Business and Law, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Carlo Caponecchia
- School of Aviation, 'University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Catherine Andrew
- School of Health and Society, University of Wollongong NSW, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Sharron O'Neill
- School of Aviation, 'University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Vanessa Huron
- School of Business, University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia
| | - Nicola Green
- Ergonomics Work & Health Ltd, Christchurch City, New Zealand
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14
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Oakman J, Lambert KA, Weale VP, Stuckey R, Graham M. The effect of preference and actual days spent working from home on stress and musculoskeletal pain in older workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:1113-1121. [PMID: 37464225 PMCID: PMC10504216 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01992-7] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The rapid shift to working from home (WFH) due to the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between preferred and actual days spent working from home on employees musculoskeletal pain (MSP) and stress in older workers. METHODS This study uses three waves of data from the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study collected in May 2021 (n = 451), November 2021 (n = 358) and May 2022 (n = 320) during the COVID-19 pandemic. A generalised mixed-effect model was used to model the relationships between preference and actual days spent WFH, stress and MSP. Exploratory mediation analysis was conducted to further explore significant relationships between actual days WFH and outcomes. RESULTS WFH was associated with increasing stress levels in older participants, when the actual number of days WFH increased (B: 0.051, 95% CI: 0.008, 0.094) and when the number of days WFH exceeded their preferences (B: 0.218, 95% CI: 0.087, 0.349). Actual number of days spent WFH and stress in older employees was mediated through their sense of community (Indirect effect: 0.014, 95% CI: 0.003, 0.03; p = 0.006). The relationship between WFH and MSP was variable. For older employees, WFH more than their preferred number of days was associated with a higher likelihood of reporting MSP (OR: 4.070, 95% CI: 1.204, 13.757). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study support the need for flexible policies to support WFH which take into account employees preferences. For older workers, a sense of community was found to be important and proactive attempts to restore this will be important for maintain their health and supporting sustainable employment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia.
| | - Katrina A Lambert
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia, 3086
| | - Victoria P Weale
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - Melissa Graham
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia, 3086
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15
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Ayvaz Ö, Özyıldırım BA, İşsever H, Öztan G, Atak M, Özel S. Ergonomic risk assessment of working postures of nurses working in a medical faculty hospital with REBA and RULA methods. Sci Prog 2023; 106:368504231216540. [PMID: 38018149 PMCID: PMC10686032 DOI: 10.1177/00368504231216540] [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] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study is to reach objective results about the ergonomic risks of nurses' working postures not only by using questionnaires but also by using Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) methods, which are risk assessment methods used in engineering fields. This study is a cross-sectional study. First of all, 383 nurses were evaluated with a survey. 91.4% of the nurses were women and 6.5% were men. Average age (female: 38.20; male: 31.5), average weight (female: 65.60 kg; male: 81.50 kg), average height (female: 162.7 cm; male: 176.80 cm) and average body mass index (female: 24.80; male: 26) were calculated. In the hospital, which we grouped into in the hospital, which we divided into eight workstations, the REBA and RULA scores of the three nurses working at each workstation were calculated and the average REBA and RULA scores of the workstations were determined. The percentage of those who experienced musculoskeletal pain in the last 1 year at each workstation and the mean REBA-RULA scores were as follows; ward (92%; 6.92-5.69), operating room (98%; 10-7), emergency department (100%; 6.08-5.33), outpatient clinic (75%; 5.5-5.16), intensive care (94%; 6.21-5.57), administrative affairs (94%; 5-5), laboratory (95%; 5.80-5.2) and interventional procedure (92%; 6.4-5.4). In these stations, the highest scores were seen in the operating room. In the questionnaire, 92.46% of the nurses reported having complaints in at least one part of the musculoskeletal system in the last year. The hospital weighted mean score was REBA 6.86 and RULA 5.71. When REBA and RULA measurements were evaluated, it was determined that the risk in the departments where the nurses worked was generally at the medium risk level. REBA and RULA scores indicate that ergonomic changes and adjustments should be made. For this determination, the risks of working postures should be determined with quantitative methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özkan Ayvaz
- Department of Public Health, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Bedia Ayhan Özyıldırım
- Department of Public Health, Bezmıalem Vakıf University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Halim İşsever
- Department of Public Health, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Gözde Öztan
- Department of Medical Biology, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Muhammed Atak
- Department of Public Health, İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sevda Özel
- Department of Biostatistics, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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16
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Gorce P, Jacquier-Bret J. Effect of Assisted Surgery on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevalence by Body Area among Surgeons: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6419. [PMID: 37510651 PMCID: PMC10379148 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Surgeons are highly exposed to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The objective of this review was to summarize the WMSD prevalence by body area with and without assistive devices. The underlying question was whether there is an effect of assistive device use (robot, video, or other) during surgery on WMSD prevalence by body area among surgeons, regardless of their specialty. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The Google Scholar, Pubmed/Medline, and ScienceDirect databases were scanned to identify relevant studies. The article selection, review, critical appraisal, and data extraction were performed by two authors independently. Among the 34,854 unique identified records, 77 studies were included. They were divided into two groups: 35 focused on robotic- and video-assisted surgery (RVAS) and 48 concerning surgery without video/robotic assistance (WAS) (6 studies evaluated the prevalence for both groups). WMSD prevalence was reported for 13 body areas: the neck, back, upper back, mid-back, lower back, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, thumbs, hips, knees, and ankles. The results showed that WMSD prevalence was significantly higher (unpaired t-test, p < 0.05) for RVAS in the shoulders (WAS: 28.3% vs. RVAS: 41.9%), wrists (WAS: 20.9% vs. RVAS: 31.5%), and thumbs (WAS: 9.9% vs. RVAS: 21.8%). A meta-analysis was performed for 10 body areas (with 4 areas including more than 25 studies). No sufficient data were available for the mid-back, thumbs, or hips. A high heterogeneity (Cochran's Q test and I2 statistic) was observed. A random-effects model revealed that the highest worldwide prevalence was in the neck (WAS: 41% and RVAS: 45.3%), back (WAS: 37.7% and RVAS: 49.9%), lower back (WAS: 40.0% and RVAS: 37.8%), and shoulders (WAS: 27.3% and RVAS: 41.4%). Future work could focus on work environment design, particularly the positioning and adjustment of equipment, and on postural analysis to reduce the appearance of WMSDs. Recommendations are proposed for future reviews and meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Gorce
- International Institute of Biomechanics and Occupational Ergonomics, ErBio, Avenue du Dr Marcel Armanet, 83400 Hyères, France
- Université de Toulon, CS60584, CEDEX 9, 83041 Toulon, France
| | - Julien Jacquier-Bret
- International Institute of Biomechanics and Occupational Ergonomics, ErBio, Avenue du Dr Marcel Armanet, 83400 Hyères, France
- Université de Toulon, CS60584, CEDEX 9, 83041 Toulon, France
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17
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Yang M, Myong JP, Lee J, Park MY, Kang MY. Association between irregular working hours and work-related musculoskeletal pain: results from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. Ann Occup Environ Med 2023; 35:e21. [PMID: 37928371 PMCID: PMC10622252 DOI: 10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recently, irregular working hours have become controversial issues in Korea. The health impact of irregular working hours on the work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is scarcely researched before. We sought to investigate the association between irregular working hours and work-related MSP among South Korean workers. Methods This study used data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey in 2020. The prevalence of work-related MSP was analyzed using the χ2 test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between irregular working hours and work-related MSP. We conducted stratified analysis by gender, weekly working hours, and workers' control over their working hours. We calculated the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of work-related MSP for irregular working hours combined with weekly working hours. Results The OR for work-related MSP was significantly higher in the population with irregular working hours than in the population with regular working hours (OR: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-1.58). Irregular and long (> 52 hours/week) working hours have the highest risk of work-related MSP in both genders (in men, OR: 3.48 [95% CI: 2.53-4.78]; in women, OR: 2.41 [95% CI: 1.46-4.00]). Conclusions Irregular working hours were associated with work-related MSP in Korea. The association was magnified with long working hours. Reform of the Korean Labor Standards Act leading to increase irregular working hours may induce adverse health outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munyoung Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jun-Pyo Myong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jongin Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Young Park
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Mo-Yeol Kang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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18
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Eliasson K, Lewis C, Hellman T, Dahlgren G, Svartengren M, Nyman T. Does occupational health surveillance lead to risk reduction for workers exposed to hand-intensive work? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 112:104074. [PMID: 37352726 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
This mixed method study aimed to describe what risk-reducing actions were proposed by ergonomists after the execution of a guided process for occupational health surveillance for workers exposed to hand-intensive work in ten companies. Another aim was to describe the exposed workers' proposals for risk-reducing actions, including their perceptions of potential changes in the self-assessed exposure levels and work-related pain. Several actions, targeting organizational, technical, and/or individual measures were proposed. Proposals from the ergonomists more often targeted the personal measures, whereas the workers' proposals targeted technology or organizational changes. Six companies implemented at least one of the action proposals. These action proposals were not related to evaluation metrics, nor were they evaluated. This study indicates that both ergonomists and companies need guidance on how to improve to work in a participatory process for the implementation and evaluation of risk-reducing actions, e.g., by how to better include workers' experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Eliasson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Charlotte Lewis
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Therese Hellman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Gunilla Dahlgren
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, 901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Svartengren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Teresia Nyman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Oakman J, Macdonald WA, McCredie K. Psychosocial hazards play a key role in differentiating MSD risk levels of workers in high-risk occupations. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 112:104053. [PMID: 37270872 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.104053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Workplace management practices targeting risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) fail to reflect evidence that risk is affected by psychosocial as well as physical hazards. To promote improved practices in occupations where MSD risk is highest, better information is needed on how psychosocial hazards, combined with physical hazards, affect risk of workers in these occupations. METHODS Survey ratings of physical and psychosocial hazards by 2329 Australian workers in occupations with high MSD risk were subjected to Principal Components Analysis. Latent Profile Analysis of hazard factor scores identified different combinations of hazards to which latent subgroups of workers were typically exposed. Survey ratings of frequency and severity of musculoskeletal discomfort or pain (MSP) generated a pre-validated MSP score and its relationship with subgroup membership was analysed. Demographic variables associated with group membership were investigated using regression modelling and descriptive statistics. RESULTS Analyses identified three physical and seven psychosocial hazard factors and three participant subgroups with differing hazard profiles. Profile group differences were greater for psychosocial than physical hazards, and MSP scores out of 60 ranged from 6.7 for the low hazard profile (29% of participants) to 17.5 for the high hazard profile (21%). Differences between occupations in hazard profiles were not large. CONCLUSIONS Both physical and psychosocial hazards affect MSD risk of workers in high-risk occupations. In workplaces such as this large Australian sample where risk management has focused on physical hazards, actions targeting psychosocial hazards may now be the most effective way to reduce risk further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia.
| | - Wendy A Macdonald
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
| | - Kate McCredie
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, 3086, Australia
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20
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Grünwald JA, Licka TF. Health Promotion for Students of Veterinary Medicine: A Preliminary Study on Active Microbreaks and Ergonomics Education. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13101641. [PMID: 37238071 DOI: 10.3390/ani13101641] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Occupational hazards, such as psychosocial stressors, physical injuries from human-animal interactions, and physically demanding work tasks, are common in the veterinary profession, and musculoskeletal discomfort and pain (MDP) may already be present in veterinary undergraduates. This preliminary study investigates the effects of very short, active interventions, called microbreaks, in 36 veterinary students. At the start, participants had a high prevalence of MDP, especially in the neck and lower back. Within a 12-week observational period, 6 weeks of active intervention comprised teaching microbreaks (nine strengthening, stretching, and relaxation exercises; 30-90 s each) and a weekly veterinary-specific ergonomics education and discussion. After the intervention, participants reported fewer painful body regions and an increase in their self-efficacy in potentially painful, risky, or dangerous human-animal interactions. After the 12-week observational period, participants had increased self-efficacy in the maintenance of physical health and self-protection but decreased self-efficacy in healing injuries after veterinary human-animal interactions. Participants felt to have increased and decreased control over dangerous situations with dogs and horses, respectively, although self-efficacy in handling horses increased. Participants integrated microbreaks well into their undergraduate activities and rated the topic relevant to their (later) profession. This should encourage the inclusion of similar programs in undergraduate curricula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Andrea Grünwald
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Franziska Licka
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
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21
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Bentley TA, Caponecchia C, Onnis LA, Brunetto Y, Farr-Wharton B, Cattani M, Neto A, Vassiley A. A systems model for the design of occupational health and safety management systems inclusive of work-from-home arrangements. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2023; 109:103966. [PMID: 36642059 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2023.103966] [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: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The study addressed an important knowledge gap in the literature by co-designing a model for OHS management systems inclusive of workers who work-from-home, with a focus on psychosocial risks. This qualitative research study utilised a series of co-design focus groups involving Australian regulators, health and safety managers and practitioners, senior managers, middle managers and workers who work-from-home, to better understand the types of measures that organisations can apply to improve their health and safety management systems. Using a systems approach, consideration was given to the organisation of the remote working system, the home-work interface for remote workers, the competencies of managers and employees in regard to their occupation health and safety (OHS) responsibilities, and the complexity of identifying, reporting and monitoring psychosocial hazards for employees working from home. The study identified a need for tools designed to support both managers and workers in promoting psychologically safe working from home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim A Bentley
- Centre for Work and Wellbeing, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia.
| | | | - Leigh-Ann Onnis
- Centre for Work and Wellbeing, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Ben Farr-Wharton
- Centre for Work and Wellbeing, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Marcus Cattani
- Centre for Work and Wellbeing, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Abilio Neto
- Centre for Work Health and Safety, New South Wales Government, Sydney, Australia
| | - Alexis Vassiley
- Centre for Work and Wellbeing, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
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22
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Kwon S, de Castro AB, Herting JR, Lee SJ, Johnson K, Bao S. Job satisfaction and job security as moderators in the relationships among job demands, musculoskeletal symptoms, and work performance. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:607-619. [PMID: 36692547 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01955-y] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study examined whether job satisfaction and job security moderate the path from physical demands and job strain to impaired work performance via musculoskeletal symptoms in the upper extremities (MSUE). Moderation effects on five paths were examined: (1) from job strain to MSUE; (2) from job strain to work performance; (3) from physical demands to MSUE; (4) from physical demands to work performance; (5) from MSUE to work performance. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 669 full-time workers from 9 manufacturing and 3 healthcare facilities. Data were collected via health interviews, on-site physical exposure assessments, and computation of the Strain Index by ergonomists, and self-administered questionnaires on psychosocial factors. Structural equation modeling and zero-inflated negative binomial regression analysis were performed to examine the moderation effect on each path. RESULTS Job satisfaction moderated the relationship between MSUE and impaired work performance (B = - 0.09, 95% CI: - 0.15, - 0.04) and job security moderated the relationship between physical demands and MSUE (B = - 0.64, 95% CI: - 1.17, - 0.11). Interaction between job satisfaction and MSUE was significant on both the occurrence (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87, 0.97) and the degrees of impaired work performance (mean ratio: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97, 0.99), while the interaction between job security and physical demands was significant only on the degrees of MSUE (mean ratio: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89, 0.99). CONCLUSION Job satisfaction and job security can, respectively, mitigate the adverse impacts of working with MSUE and physical demands on work performance. Workplace interventions to improve workers' job satisfaction and job security can contribute to their musculoskeletal health and work performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyoung Kwon
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - A B de Castro
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jerald R Herting
- Department of Sociology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Soo-Jeong Lee
- Department of Community Health Systems, School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kurt Johnson
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen Bao
- Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP) Program, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, Olympia, WA, USA
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Nyman T, Rhén IM, Johansson PJ, Eliasson K, Kjellberg K, Lindberg P, Fan X, Forsman M. Reliability and Validity of Six Selected Observational Methods for Risk Assessment of Hand Intensive and Repetitive Work. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085505. [PMID: 37107787 PMCID: PMC10138863 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Risk assessments of hand-intensive and repetitive work are commonly done using observational methods, and it is important that the methods are reliable and valid. However, comparisons of the reliability and validity of methods are hampered by differences in studies, e.g., regarding the background and competence of the observers, the complexity of the observed work tasks and the statistical methodology. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate six risk assessment methods, concerning inter- and intra-observer reliability and concurrent validity, using the same methodological design and statistical parameters in the analyses. Twelve experienced ergonomists were recruited to perform risk assessments of ten video-recorded work tasks twice, and consensus assessments for the concurrent validity were carried out by three experts. All methods' total-risk linearly weighted kappa values for inter-observer reliability (when all tasks were set to the same duration) were lower than 0.5 (0.15-0.45). Moreover, the concurrent validity values were in the same range with regards to total-risk linearly weighted kappa (0.31-0.54). Although these levels are often considered as being fair to substantial, they denote agreements lower than 50% when the expected agreement by chance has been compensated for. Hence, the risk of misclassification is substantial. The intra-observer reliability was only somewhat higher (0.16-0.58). Regarding the methods ART (Assessment of repetitive tasks of the upper limbs) and HARM (Hand Arm Risk Assessment Method), it is worth noting that the work task duration has a high impact in the risk level calculation, which needs to be taken into account in studies of reliability. This study indicates that when experienced ergonomists use systematic methods, the reliability is low. As seen in other studies, especially assessments of hand/wrist postures were difficult to rate. In light of these results, complementing observational risk assessments with technical methods should be considered, especially when evaluating the effects of ergonomic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresia Nyman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.J.J.); (K.E.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence:
| | - Ida-Märta Rhén
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Peter J. Johansson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.J.J.); (K.E.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kristina Eliasson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (P.J.J.); (K.E.)
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katarina Kjellberg
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Per Lindberg
- Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE-801 76 Gävle, Sweden;
| | - Xuelong Fan
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Mikael Forsman
- School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, SE-141 57 Huddinge, Sweden; (I.-M.R.); (M.F.)
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm County Council, SE-113 65 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Unit of Occupational Medicine, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden;
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Weinmann T, Forster F, Hell K, Gerlich J, Wengenroth L, Schlotz W, Vogelberg C, von Mutius E, Nowak D, Radon K. Work-related stress and atopic dermatitis: Results from the study on occupational allergy risks. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2023; 20:109-119. [PMID: 36441057 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2022.2151604] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress at work is ubiquitous in modern societies. However, its influence on atopic dermatitis (AD) has hardly been investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the association between work-related stress and AD via a longitudinal study. The analysis comprised data from three phases (2002-2003, 2007-2009, 2017-2018) of the prospective Study on Occupational Allergy Risks (SOLAR), including 1,240 young adults aged 16 to 18 years at baseline (61% female) who were originally recruited for the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase II in 1995-1996. AD was assessed at all three phases based on self-reports of a physician's diagnosis and symptoms. Work-related stress was measured at all three periods using the work discontent and work overload scales from the Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress with adaptions to school and university. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the association between stress and AD, treating work discontent and work overload first as continuous and then as categorical exposure variables. We observed 50 AD cases (4%) at SOLAR I, 48 (4%) at SOLAR II, and 42 (3%) at SOLAR III. A one-point increase in the work discontent score was associated with an odds ratio (OR) for AD of 1.05 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.00-1.10). The respective increase in the work overload score led to an OR of 1.03 (95% CI, 0.99-1.06). In the categorical analysis, there was no clear indication of elevated odds of AD in the highest vs. lowest exposure group (4th vs. 1st quartile: OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.92-2.53 for work discontent; OR, 1.38, 95% CI, 0.83-2.27 for work overload). Altogether, we observed limited to no evidence for an association between work-related stress and AD. Our study's ability to detect stronger evidence may have been compromised by shortcomings such as nondifferential misclassification of the outcome or insufficient statistical precision due to small numbers of AD cases. Another explanation could be that AD predominantly becomes evident in childhood, not in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Felix Forster
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Hell
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Jessica Gerlich
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Wengenroth
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolff Schlotz
- Max Planck Institute of Empirical Aesthetics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christian Vogelberg
- Paediatric Department, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Erika von Mutius
- Dr. v. Haunersches Kinderspital, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Lee S, Ju H, Ho D, Song B, Jeong S, Ahn Y, Ok S, Cheon K. Establishment of quantitative indicators for an efficient treatment on masticatory muscle pain. Clin Exp Dent Res 2023; 9:219-229. [PMID: 36562248 PMCID: PMC9932258 DOI: 10.1002/cre2.705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several studies have investigated effective treatments for masticatory muscle pain (MMP), no unified conclusion has been drawn regarding the effectiveness of these treatments. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to define quantitative indicators for predicting the outcome of MMP treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, patients aged 20-70 years were recruited and divided into the MMP (n = 24) and control (n = 36) groups, based on the presence of MMP according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. At pretreatment, the MMP group was assessed using quantitative indicators such as subjective pain levels, pain duration, graded chronic pain scale (GCPS), and perceived stress scale (PSS). Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were analyzed. The masticatory muscle palpation score and the range of mouth opening were measured. At posttreatment, subjective pain levels, mouth opening, and treatment/medication duration were examined. The PSS and sAA levels were assessed in the control group. RESULTS sAA levels in the MMP group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < .05). The masseter muscle palpation score (MPS) showed a positive correlation with IL-6 levels (ρ = 0.503, p < .05) and a negative correlation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) treatment period (ρ = -0.462, p < .05). The temporalis muscle palpation score (TPS) was positively correlated with pain duration and GCPS grade (ρ = 0.483, p < .05, and ρ = 0.445, p < .05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Treatment with NSAIDs was effective in the MMP group with high MPS and IL-6 levels, but not in the MMP group with high TPS, pain duration, and GCPS grade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunhee Lee
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science InstitutePusan National UniversityYangsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Hye‐Min Ju
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science InstitutePusan National UniversityYangsanRepublic of Korea
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental HospitalYangsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Donald Ho
- Department of Pediatric DentistryUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
| | - Byong‐Sop Song
- Department of StatisticsGraduate School of the Pusan National UniversityBusanRepublic of Korea
| | - Sung‐Hee Jeong
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science InstitutePusan National UniversityYangsanRepublic of Korea
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental HospitalYangsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Yong‐Woo Ahn
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science InstitutePusan National UniversityYangsanRepublic of Korea
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental HospitalYangsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Soo‐Min Ok
- Department of Oral Medicine, Dental and Life Science InstitutePusan National UniversityYangsanRepublic of Korea
- Dental Research Institute, Pusan National University Dental HospitalYangsanRepublic of Korea
| | - Kyounga Cheon
- Department of Pediatric DentistryUniversity of Alabama at BirminghamBirminghamAlabamaUSA
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Johannessen HA, Knardahl S, Emberland JS, Skare Ø, Finnanger Garshol B. Do regulatory tools instigate measures to prevent work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors? A process evaluation of a Labour inspection authority trial in the Norwegian home-care services. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:349. [PMID: 36401320 PMCID: PMC9673432 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06244-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective There is a research gap regarding the way managers and employee representatives respond to Labour Authority interventions targeting work-related psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors. The present study aimed to determine if (I) labour inspections and (II) guidance-through-workshops led by inspectors were perceived by the target audience as equally useful and educational; and to determine if utility and enhanced knowledge were associated with the implementation of measures to prevent work-related risk factors. Finally, it aimed to determine if the managers in the intervention groups to a greater extent than the controls reported implementing such measures. Results Managers and employee representatives in both intervention groups reported a high level of perceived utility as well as a high level of enhanced knowledge. Both utility (p < 0.05) and enhanced knowledge (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with the implementation of, or plans to soon implement, measures to improve working conditions. When compared to controls, implemented measures, or plans to implement measures, were reported significantly more frequently by managers in the inspection group (p < 0.05). Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03855163 Registered on February 26, 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06244-4.
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Taibi Y, Metzler YA, Bellingrath S, Neuhaus CA, Müller A. Applying risk matrices for assessing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work. Front Public Health 2022; 10:965262. [PMID: 36148359 PMCID: PMC9485617 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.965262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although wide-ranging amendments in health and safety regulations at the European and national level oblige employers to conduct psychosocial risk assessment, it is still under debate how psychosocial hazards can be properly evaluated. For psychosocial hazards, an epidemiological, risk-oriented understanding similar to physical hazards is still missing, why most existing approaches for hazard evaluation insufficiently conceive psychosocial risk as a combination of the probability of a hazard and the severity of its consequences (harm), as found in traditional risk matrix approaches (RMA). We aim to contribute to a methodological advancement in psychosocial risk assessment by adapting the RMA from physical onto psychosocial hazards. First, we compare and rate already existing procedures of psychosocial risk evaluation regarding their ability to reliably assess and prioritize risk. Second, we construct a theoretical framework that allows the risk matrix for assessing psychosocial risk. This is done by developing different categories of harm based on psychological theories of healthy work design and classifying hazards through statistical procedures. Taking methodological and theoretical considerations into account, we propose a 3 × 3 risk matrix that scales probability and severity for psychosocial risk assessment. Odds ratios between hazards and harm can be used to statistically assess psychosocial risks. This allows for both risk evaluation and prioritizing to further conduct risk-mitigation. Our contribution advances the RMA as a framework that allows for assessing the relation between psychosocial hazards and harm disregarding which theory of work stress is applied or which tool is used for hazard identification. By this, we also contribute to further possible developments in empirical research regarding how to assess the risk of workplace stress. The risk matrix can help to understand how psychosocial hazards can be evaluated and organizations can use the approach as a guidance to establish a suitable method for psychosocial risk evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacine Taibi
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,*Correspondence: Yacine Taibi
| | - Yannick A. Metzler
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany,IfADo – Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Silja Bellingrath
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ciel A. Neuhaus
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Müller
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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28
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Macdonald W, Oakman J. The problem with "ergonomics injuries": What can ergonomists do? APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2022; 103:103774. [PMID: 35512433 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2022.103774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Effects of psychosocial hazards on risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are often very substantial, but workplace risk management practices focus largely on biomechanical hazards, as do the risk assessment methods used by ergonomists. Translation of research evidence into more effective workplace practices demands a more holistic risk management framework that encompasses both types of hazard. In this context, we evaluate the validity of different MSD risk assessment methods for different purposes, focusing particularly on requirements for routine workplace risk management. These include choice of fit-for-purpose assessment methods, prioritisation of hazards that are most affecting risk, and control actions as high as possible in the risk control hierarchy. Ergonomists could facilitate more effective workplace risk management by promoting: awareness of the need for change; improvements to guidance from OHS regulators; research on MSD-related workplace management issues; and professional development programs on this topic for ergonomists and other OHS practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Macdonald
- Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia
| | - Jodi Oakman
- Centre for Ergonomics & Human Factors, School of Psychology & Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
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Albanesi B, Piredda M, Bravi M, Bressi F, Gualandi R, Marchetti A, Facchinetti G, Ianni A, Cordella F, Zollo L, De Marinis MG. Interventions to prevent and reduce work-related musculoskeletal injuries and pain among healthcare professionals. A comprehensive systematic review of the literature. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2022; 82:124-143. [PMID: 36031239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are among the main causes of injury and pain in healthcare professionals. Previous reviews provided a fragmented view of the interventions available for WMSDs. This review aims to provide a comprehensive description of interventions for preventing and reducing work-related musculoskeletal injuries and/or pain among healthcare professionals, and to assess the methodological quality of studies. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed, based on the Effective Public Health Practice Project process. A comprehensive search was conducted on six peer-reviewed databases and manually. The methodological quality of the studies included was rated as weak, moderate, or strong. The studies were organized based on the 2019 classification of the interventions by Oakman and colleagues. RESULTS Twenty-seven articles were included reporting individual (n = 4), task-specific (n = 4), work organization and job design (n = 2), work environment (n = 1), and multifactorial (n = 16) interventions. Overall quality rating was strong for 6 studies, moderate for 16, and weak for 5. Individual interventions such as neuromuscular and physical exercise were effective in reducing pain. Task-specific and work organization interventions could prevent certain injuries. Significant reduction of both injuries and pain resulted from multifactorial interventions, which were reported by the majority of strong (n = 5) and moderate (n = 10) quality articles. CONCLUSIONS This review provides healthcare professionals with evidence-based information to plan interventions targeted towards reducing WMSDs. In particular, more efforts are needed to implement and extend effective multifactorial interventions. Moreover, studies about each professional healthcare target group are needed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Our results can guide policy-makers, healthcare managers and professionals to choose the best strategies to prevent and reduce WMSDs and to shape continuous education programs. This study prompts clinicians to develop inter-professional collaborations and to practice physical activities in order to reduce WMSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Albanesi
- Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy; Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Michela Piredda
- Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Bravi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Bressi
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Gualandi
- Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Marchetti
- Research Unit Nursing Science, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ianni
- Research Unit in Hygiene, Statistics and Public Health, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cordella
- CREO Lab - Advanced Robotics and Human Centred Technologies, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Zollo
- CREO Lab - Advanced Robotics and Human Centred Technologies, Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy
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Herr RM, Brokmeier LL, Fischer JE, Mauss D. The Benefits of an Employee-Friendly Company on Job Attitudes and Health of Employees: Findings from Matched Employer-Employee Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159046. [PMID: 35897413 PMCID: PMC9329963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: This study explored the association of an employee-friendly work environment with employees’ job attitudes (engagement, commitment, turnover intentions, and job satisfaction), and health (mental and general health), applying matched employer–employee data. Methods: The German Linked Personnel Panel (LPP; n = 14,182) survey simultaneously captures the data of employees and the human resources (HR) management of companies. A two-step cluster analysis of 16 items of the HR valuation identified relatively more- and less-employee-friendly companies (EFCs). Logistic regressions tested differences between these companies in the assessment of job attitudes and health of their employees. Results: Compared to less-EFCS, more-EFCS had a reduced risk of poorer job attitudes and substandard health of their employees. For example, the risk for higher turnover intentions was reduced by 33% in more-EFCS (OR = 0.683, 95% C.I. = 0.626–0.723), and more-EFCS had an 18% reduced chance of poor mental health reporting of their employees (OR = 0.822, 95% C.I. = 0.758–0.892). Conclusions: More-EFCS have more motivated and healthier employees. The most distinct factors for more-EFCS were: the existence of development plans for employees, opportunities for advancement and development, and personnel development measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raphael M. Herr
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (L.L.B.); (J.E.F.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-621-383-71806
| | - Luisa Leonie Brokmeier
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (L.L.B.); (J.E.F.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joachim E. Fischer
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (L.L.B.); (J.E.F.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniel Mauss
- Center for Preventive Medicine and Digital Health (CPD), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany; (L.L.B.); (J.E.F.); (D.M.)
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Truchon M, Gilbert-Ouimet M, Zahiriharsini A, Beaulieu M, Daigle G, Langlois L. Occupational Health and Well-being Questionnaire (OHWQ): an instrument to assess psychosocial risk and protective factors in the workplace. Public Health 2022; 210:48-57. [PMID: 35870321 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Psychosocial stressors at work have been identified as significant risk factors for several mental and physical health problems. These stressors must be compensated by psychosocial resources to prevent or reduce adverse effects on health. Questionnaires measuring these stressors and resources already exist, but none integrate digital stress, ethical culture, and psychosocial safety climate; factors that are increasingly linked to workers' health. This study aims to develop and establish the psychometric properties of one of the most comprehensive instruments measuring the psychosocial work environment to date: the Occupational Health and Well-being Questionnaire (OHWQ). STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional validation study is proposed to develop the OHWQ and document its psychometric properties. METHODS The OHWQ was developed from validated instruments to which new items were added. The questionnaire includes psychosocial dimensions, along with indicators of psychological distress, musculoskeletal disorders, and well-being. It was administered to a sample of 2770 participants from a population working in the academic field. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the calculation of Cronbach's α coefficient were used to identify the variables, items, and, dimensions of the OHWQ and to document its main psychometric properties. RESULTS The acceptability of the measurement model was evaluated by the reliability of the items, internal consistency between the items, and the convergent and discriminant validity. Construct validity was assessed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Using factor analyses and cut-off rules, the new instrument has 124 items grouped into 22 dimensions. The OHWQ demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity, as well as reasonable fit indices. The internal consistency of the scales was also good (Cronbach's α = 0.68-0.96, median = 0.85). CONCLUSION The OHWQ demonstrated good psychometric properties. It could be useful for both research purposes and for workplaces interested in developing concrete action plans aimed at improving the balance between psychosocial work stressors and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Truchon
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; Centre de recherche interdisciplinaire en réadaptation et intégration sociale (CIRRIS), Quebec City, QC G1M 2S8, Canada.
| | - M Gilbert-Ouimet
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 1595 Boulevard Alphonse-Desjardins, Lévis, QC G6V 0A6, Canada; CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
| | - A Zahiriharsini
- Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, 1595 Boulevard Alphonse-Desjardins, Lévis, QC G6V 0A6, Canada; CHU de Québec-Laval University Research Center, 1050 Chemin Ste-Foy, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada.
| | - M Beaulieu
- Nursing Faculty, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - G Daigle
- Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - L Langlois
- Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
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Hoertel N, Rico MS, Limosin F, Lemogne C, Alvarado JM, Goldberg M, Zins M, Ménard J, Meneton P. Retirement age does not modify the association of prior working conditions with self-rated health and mortality in retirees: results from a prospective study of retired French workers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1921-1934. [PMID: 35687142 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01886-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is unclear whether retirement age can modify the association of working conditions with health and mortality in retirees who are no longer exposed to these conditions. METHODS The present study investigated this issue in a cohort of 13,378 French workers in whom self-rated health and mortality were measured over 15 years after statutory retirement. The analyses were also performed in homogenous clusters of workers differentiated on the basis of working conditions, social position, birth and retirement years. RESULTS Bad working conditions before retirement, which were assessed using a global score combining 25 different occupational exposures, were associated with higher rates of suboptimum self-rated health and mortality in retirees after adjusting for retirement age, social position, demographics and health status before retirement. These rates were also substantially higher in the cluster of workers characterized by bad working conditions in comparison to other clusters. In contrast, retirement age was not associated with self-rated health or mortality after adjusting for working conditions, social position, demographics and health status before retirement. Likewise, no association of retirement age with self-rated health or mortality was found in any cluster of workers and no interactions were observed with any of these clusters. CONCLUSION These results suggest that bad working conditions before retirement have long-term detrimental effects on health and mortality in retirees and that retirement age does not modulate these effects. Improving work environment rather than modifying retirement age should be prioritized to promote health and reduce mortality not only in workers but also in retirees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Hoertel
- Département de Psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, Université de Paris, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.,UMR_S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Marina Sanchez Rico
- Département de Psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, Université de Paris, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.,Department of Psychobiology and Behavioral Sciences Methods, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
| | - Frédéric Limosin
- Département de Psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, Université de Paris, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.,UMR_S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Cédric Lemogne
- Département de Psychiatrie, AP-HP, Hôpital Corentin-Celton, Université de Paris, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France.,UMR_S1266, INSERM, Université de Paris, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Paris, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Jesús M Alvarado
- Department of Psychobiology and Behavioral Sciences Methods, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, Pozuelo de Alarcon, Spain
| | | | - Marie Zins
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Paris, Paris, France.,UMS_011, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Joël Ménard
- UMR_1142, INSERM, Sorbonne, Université, Université Paris 13, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Meneton
- UMR_1142, INSERM, Sorbonne, Université, Université Paris 13, Paris, France.
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Musculoskeletal pain trajectories of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1891-1901. [PMID: 35674803 PMCID: PMC9175522 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01885-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. This study aimed to identify different trajectories of multisite musculoskeletal pain (MSP) amongst employees WFH during the COVID-19 pandemic and examined the influence of work and non-work factors. Methods Data from 488 participants (113 males, 372 females and 3 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, April and November 2021 were analysed. Age was categorised as 18–35 years (n = 121), 36–55 years (n = 289) and 56 years and over (n = 78). Growth Mixture Modelling (GMM) was used to identify latent classes with different growth trajectories of MSP. Age, gender, working hours, domestic living arrangements, workstation comfort and location, and psychosocial working conditions were considered predictors of MSP. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression was used to identify work and non-work variables associated with group membership. Results Four trajectories of MSP emerged: high stable (36.5%), mid-decrease (29.7%), low stable (22.3%) and rapid increase (11.5%). Decreased workstation comfort (OR 1.98, CI 1.02, 3.85), quantitative demands (OR 1.68, CI 1.09, 2.58), and influence over work (OR 0.78, CI 0.54, 0.98) was associated with being in the high stable trajectory group compared to low stable. Workstation location (OR 3.86, CI 1.19, 12.52) and quantitative work demands (OR 1.44, CI 1.01, 2.47) was associated with the rapid increase group. Conclusions Findings from this study offer insights into considerations for reducing MSP in employees WFH. Key considerations include the need for a dedicated workstation, attention to workstation comfort, quantitative work demands, and ensuring employees have influence over their work. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00420-022-01885-1.
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People, Professionals, and Profit Centers: The Connection between Lawyer Well-Being and Employer Values. Behav Sci (Basel) 2022; 12:bs12060177. [PMID: 35735387 PMCID: PMC9219783 DOI: 10.3390/bs12060177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Concerns about the well-being of lawyers are rising against the backdrop of a transforming legal profession, one which many observe to be operating more like a business in recent decades. However, aspects of this change, such as lawyers perceiving that their employers value financial performance and productivity above all else, could be associated with unhealthy work practices detrimental to lawyer well-being. The objective of the present study was to determine whether the perceived values of employers were differentially associated with lawyer well-being, stress, and work overcommitment. To this end, 1959 participants from a random sample of attorneys completed a survey designed to assess well-being. Participants were separated into one of three groups based on what they perceived their employer to value most about them: (1) Professionalism/Individual (professionalism and skills), (2) Financial Worth/Availability (revenue generation and availability), and (3) No Value/No Feedback (feeling unvalued or lacking feedback) and compared on measures of mental and physical health (SF-12), stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and work over commitment (Effort−Reward Imbalance Questionnaire). MANOVA results indicated that mental health, stress, and work overcommitment significantly differed between groups in the following rank order: Professionalism/Individual > Financial Worth/Availability > No Value/No Feedback. Overall, our findings paint a compelling picture of a health hierarchy within legal work environments, one that appears to be linked to employer values.
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Le AB, Shkembi A, Sturgis AC, Tadee A, Gibbs SG, Neitzel RL. Effort-Reward Imbalance among a Sample of Formal US Solid Waste Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116791. [PMID: 35682374 PMCID: PMC9179994 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background: Solid waste workers are exposed to a plethora of occupational hazards and may also experience work-related stress. Our study had three specific hypotheses: (1) waste workers experience effort−reward imbalance (ERI) with high self-reported effort but low reward, (2) unionized workers experience greater ERI, and (3) workers with higher income have lower ERI. Methods: Waste workers from three solid waste sites in Michigan participated in this cross-sectional study. We characterized perceived work stress using the short-version ERI questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and linear tests for trend were assessed for each scale. Linear regression models were constructed to examine the relationship between structural factors of work stress and ERI. Gradient-boosted regression trees evaluated which factors of effort or reward best characterize workers’ stress. Results: Among 68 participants, 37% of workers reported high effort and low reward from work (ERI > 1). Constant pressure due to heavy workload was most indicative of ERI among the solid waste workers. Union workers experienced 79% times higher ERI than non-unionized workers, while no significant differences were observed by income, after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: Organizational-level interventions, such as changes related to workload, consideration of fair compensation, and increased support from supervisors, can decrease work stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora B. Le
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (A.S.); (A.C.S.); (A.T.); (R.L.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-734-615-7105
| | - Abas Shkembi
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (A.S.); (A.C.S.); (A.T.); (R.L.N.)
| | - Anna C. Sturgis
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (A.S.); (A.C.S.); (A.T.); (R.L.N.)
| | - Anupon Tadee
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (A.S.); (A.C.S.); (A.T.); (R.L.N.)
| | - Shawn G. Gibbs
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA;
| | - Richard L. Neitzel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (A.S.); (A.C.S.); (A.T.); (R.L.N.)
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Rigó M, Dragano N, Wahrendorf M, Siegrist J, Lunau T. Long-term trends in psychosocial working conditions in Europe-the role of labor market policies. Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:384-391. [PMID: 35472073 PMCID: PMC9159322 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Employees have witnessed rising trend in work stress over the last few decades. However, we know a little about country differences in those trends. Our article fills this gap in the literature by examining heterogeneities in trends in working conditions by country groups defined by their amount of investment into labor market policy (LMP) programs. Additionally, we provide findings on differences in occupational inequalities between country groups. Methods We use comparative longitudinal data of the European Working Conditions Surveys including cross-sectional information on employees from 15 countries surveyed in Waves 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. Estimation results are provided by three-way multilevel models with employees nested within country-years nested within countries. Our work stress measure is the proxy version of job strain based on the demand-control model. Results Our regression results indicate that for employees in countries with the least LMP spending job strain increased by 10% from 1995 to 2015 compared to a smaller and insignificant change in middle- and high-LMP countries. In low-LMP countries, inequalities in job strain also widened during the studied period: the gap in job strain between the highest- and lowest-skilled increased by 60% from 1995 to 2015. This contrasts a stable gap in middle- and high-LMP countries. Conclusions Our results direct the attention to the vulnerable position of the least skilled and highlight that LMP investments may buffer some of the adverse impacts of globalization and technological changes and effectively improve the labor market situation of the least skilled.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Rigó
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Morten Wahrendorf
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Johannes Siegrist
- Senior Professorship on Work Stress Research, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Thorsten Lunau
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Institute for Social Research and Social Economy (iso), Saarbrücken, Germany
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van Vreden C, Xia T, Collie A, Pritchard E, Newnam S, Lubman DI, de Almeida Neto A, Iles R. The physical and mental health of Australian truck drivers: a national cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:464. [PMID: 35260120 PMCID: PMC8903653 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12850-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative health consequences of truck driving are well documented. However, despite the distinct occupational challenges between long- and short-haul driving, limited research has been conducted on how the health profile of these drivers differ. The aims of this study were to characterise the physical and mental health of Australian truck drivers overall, and to identify any differences in factors influencing the health profile of long-haul compared to short-haul drivers. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cross-sectional study, 1390 Australian truck drivers completed an online survey between August 2019 and May 2020. Questions included validated measures of psychological distress, general health, work ability and health-related quality-of-life. Participants driving 500 km or more per day were categorised as long-haul and those driving less than 500 km as short-haul. RESULTS The majority of survey respondents were classified as either overweight (25.2%) or obese (54.3%). Three in ten reported three or more chronic health conditions (29.5%) and poor general health (29.9%). The most commonly diagnosed conditions were back problems (34.5%), high blood pressure (25.8%) and mental health problems (19.4%). Chronic pain was reported by 44% of drivers. Half of drivers reported low levels of psychological distress (50.0%), whereas 13.3 and 36.7% experienced severe or moderate level of psychological distress respectively. There were a small number of differences between the health of long- and short-haul drivers. A higher proportion of short-haul drivers reported severe psychological distress compared to long-haul drivers (15.2% vs 10.4%, χ2 = 8.8, 0.012). Long-haul drivers were more likely to be obese (63.0% vs 50.9%, χ2 = 19.8, < 0.001) and report pain lasting over a year (40.0% vs 31.5%, χ2 = 12.3, 0.006). Having more than one diagnosed chronic condition was associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes in both long- and short-haul drivers. CONCLUSION Australian truck drivers report a high prevalence of multiple physical and mental health problems. Strategies focused on improving diet, exercise and preventing chronic conditions and psychological distress, that can also be implemented within the unique occupational environment of trucking are needed to help improve driver health. Further research is needed to explore risk and protective factors that specifically affect health in both short-haul and long-haul drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caryn van Vreden
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
| | - Ting Xia
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Alex Collie
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Pritchard
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
| | - Sharon Newnam
- Accident Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Turning Point, Eastern Health and Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Ross Iles
- Healthy Working Lives Research Group, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Level 2, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia
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Wainwright E, Bevan S, Blyth FM, Khalatbari-Soltani S, Sullivan MJL, Walker-Bone K, Eccleston C. Pain, work, and the workplace: a topical review. Pain 2022; 163:408-414. [PMID: 34294663 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Wainwright
- Department of Psychology, Bath Spa University, Bath, United Kingdom
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Bevan
- HR Research Development, Institute for Employment Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona M Blyth
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Aging Research (CEPAR), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Saman Khalatbari-Soltani
- The University of Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, New South Wales, Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence in Population Aging Research (CEPAR), University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Karen Walker-Bone
- Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Eccleston
- Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative, and Supportive Care Review Groups, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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An Exploratory Study on the Physical Activity Health Paradox-Musculoskeletal Pain and Cardiovascular Load during Work and Leisure in Construction and Healthcare Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052751. [PMID: 35270444 PMCID: PMC8910306 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Using a novel approach, this exploratory study investigated whether the physical activity (PA) paradox extends to cardiovascular load and musculoskeletal pain. At baseline, 1–2 days of 24 h heart rate was assessed in 72 workers from construction and healthcare. Workers then reported pain intensity in 9 body regions (scale 0–3) every 6 months for two years. The 2 year average of musculoskeletal pain (sum of 9 pain scores; scale 0–27) was regressed on time spent during work and leisure above three thresholds of percentage heart rate reserve (%HRR), i.e., ≥20 %HRR, ≥30 %HRR, and ≥40 %HRR, using a novel ilr structure in compositional data analysis. Analyses were stratified for several important variables. Workers spending more time in physical activity at work had higher pain, while workers with more time in physical activity during leisure had less pain (i.e., the PA paradox), but none of the associations were statistically significant. Higher aerobic capacity and lower body mass index lowered the pain score among those with higher physical activity at work. This exploratory study suggests that the PA paradox may apply to musculoskeletal pain and future studies with larger sample sizes and additional exposure analyses are needed to explain why this occurs.
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Nuebling M, Hegewald J, Starke KR, Lincke HJ, Jankowiak S, Liebers F, Latza U, Letzel S, Riechmann-Wolf M, Gianicolo E, Beutel M, Pfeiffer N, Lackner K, Münzel T, Wild PS, Seidler A. The Gutenberg health study: a five-year prospective analysis of psychosocial working conditions using COPSOQ (Copenhagen psychosocial Questoinnaire) and ERI (effort-reward imbalance). BMC Public Health 2022; 22:24. [PMID: 34991529 PMCID: PMC8740453 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12240-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Psychosocial working conditions were previously analyzed using the first recruitment wave of the Gutenberg Health Study (GHS) cohort (n = 5000). We aimed to confirm the initial analysis using the entire GHS population at baseline (N = 15,010) and at the five-year follow-up. We also aimed to determine the effects of psychosocial working conditions at baseline on self-rated outcomes measured at follow-up. Methods At baseline, working GHS participants were assessed with either the Effort-Reward-Imbalance questionnaire (ERI) (n = 4358) or with the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) (n = 4322); participants still working after five years received the same questionnaire again (ERI n = 3142; COPSOQ n = 3091). We analyzed the association between working conditions and the outcomes job satisfaction, general health, burnout, and satisfaction with life at baseline, at follow-up and also prospectively from baseline to follow-up using linear regression models. We examined the outcome variance explained by the models (R2) to estimate the predictive performance of the questionnaires. Results The models’ R2 was comparable to the original baseline analyses at both t0 and t1 (R2 range: ERI 0.10–0.43; COPSOQ 0.10–0.56). However, selected scales of the regression models sometimes changed between assessment times. The prospective analysis showed weaker associations between baseline working conditions and outcomes after five years (R2 range: ERI 0.07–0.19; COPSOQ 0.07–0.24). This was particularly true for job satisfaction. After adjusting for the baseline levels of the outcomes, fewer scales still explained some of the variance in the distribution of the outcome variables at follow-up. The models using only data from t0 or t1 confirmed the previous baseline analysis. We observed a loss of explained variance in the prospective analysis models. This loss was greatest for job satisfaction, suggesting that this outcome is most influenced by short-term working conditions. Conclusions Both the COPSOQ and ERI instruments show good criterion validity and adequately predict contemporaneously measured self-reported measurements of health and (occupational) well-being. However, the COPSOQ provides a more detailed picture of working conditions and might be preferable for improvment strategies in workplaces. Additional prospective research with shorter follow-up times would be beneficial for estimating dose-response relationships. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12240-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Nuebling
- FFAW: Freiburg Research Centre for Occupational Sciences, Bertoldstr. 63, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Janice Hegewald
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine (IPAS), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Karla Romero Starke
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine (IPAS), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Lincke
- FFAW: Freiburg Research Centre for Occupational Sciences, Bertoldstr. 63, D-79098, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Jankowiak
- Division Work and Health, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Falk Liebers
- Division Work and Health, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ute Latza
- Division Work and Health, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health BAuA, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Letzel
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Merle Riechmann-Wolf
- Institute of Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Institute for Teachers' Health, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Emilio Gianicolo
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Lecce, Italy
| | - Manfred Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Pfeiffer
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Klaus Lackner
- Institute for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Münzel
- Center of Thrombosis and Hemostatis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Center for Cardiology - Cardiology I, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Philipp S Wild
- Center of Thrombosis and Hemostatis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Preventive Cardiology and Preventive Medicine, Center for Cardiology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Rhine-Main, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Seidler
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine (IPAS), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Nagata T, Ito R, Nagata M, Odagami K, Kajiki S, Fujimoto K, Matsuda S, Mori K. The differences of the economic losses due to presenteeism and treatment costs between high-stress workers and non-high-stress workers using the stress check survey in Japan. J Occup Health 2022; 64:e12346. [PMID: 35797140 PMCID: PMC9262123 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study sought to examine differences in the economic losses due to presenteeism and costs of medical and dental treatment between high-stress workers and non-high-stress workers using the stress check survey. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019 in a pharmaceutical company. High-stress workers were classified with the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire using two methods: the sum method and the score converted method. The incidence of presenteeism and its costs were determined using a questionnaire. The costs of medical and dental treatment were calculated according to claims. We compared the costs between high-stress and non-high-stress workers using Wilcoxon's rank-sum test. RESULTS Of 3910 workers, 6.3% were classified as high-stress using the sum method and 6.6% were classified as high-stress using the score converted method. The costs associated with presenteeism and medical treatment among high-stress workers were higher than the costs among non-high-stress workers, whereas the costs associated with dental treatment were not. CONCLUSIONS To motivate employers to improve stressful work environments, it is recommended that presenteeism measurement items be added to the stress check survey, and that the methods used in this study be used to calculate the loss associated with high-stress workers in Japanese companies. However, we must be careful in interpreting absolute presenteeism loss amounts because they are poorly reliable and valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohisa Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Ryotaro Ito
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Masako Nagata
- Department of Occupational MedicineSchool of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
- Occupational Health Data Science CenterUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Kiminori Odagami
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Shigeyuki Kajiki
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Kenji Fujimoto
- Occupational Health Data Science CenterUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Shinya Matsuda
- Occupational Health Data Science CenterUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
| | - Koji Mori
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental HealthKitakyushuJapan
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Hultqvist J, Bjerkeli P, Hensing G, Holmgren K. Does a brief work-stress intervention prevent sick-leave during the following 24 months? A randomized controlled trial in Swedish primary care. Work 2021; 70:1141-1150. [PMID: 34842202 PMCID: PMC8764599 DOI: 10.3233/wor-205029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Work-related stress (WRS) presents a risk for sick leave. However, effective methods to identify people at risk for sick leave due to WRS at an early stage are lacking in primary health care. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether a systematic early identification of WRS can prevent sick leave over 24 months after the intervention. METHODS: Study participants (n = 132 intervention; n = 139 control) were employed, non-sick-listed persons seeking care at primary health care centres. The intervention included early identification of WRS by a validated instrument, general practitioner (GP) awareness supported by a brief training session, patients’ self-reflection by instrument completion, GP giving the patient feedback at consultation and GP identifying preventive measures. The control group received treatment as usual. Outcome data were retrieved from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. RESULTS: The intervention group had less registered median sick leave days (n = 56) than the control group (n = 65) but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The brief intervention was not proven effective in preventing sick leave in the following 24 months compared to treatment as usual. Further research on how to identify, advice and treat those at high risk for sick leave in primary health care is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Hultqvist
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | | | - Gunnel Hensing
- Insurance Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Kristina Holmgren
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
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Shaygan M, Yazdanpanah M. Depression and work-family conflict mediating the effects of job stress on chronic pain: A structural equation modelling approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:2551-2558. [PMID: 34789081 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.2008130] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The majority of research studying the relationship between job stress and chronic pain has relied on physiological responses. This study aims to determine psycho-social mechanisms by which job stress can influence chronic pain in workers. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out among 793 workers in gas and oil platforms or petroleum refinery plants in southern Iran. Structural equation modelling was applied to evaluate the direct, indirect, and total effects of job stress on chronic pain in the presence of mediating variables (work-family conflict and depression). RESULTS According to the results, job stress (B=0.024, β=0.477), 95% CI [0.016, 0.032], work-family conflict (B=0.031, β=0.446), 95% CI [0.023, 0.038], depression (B=0.046, β=0.224), 95% CI [0.028, 0.064], and work experience (B=0.083, β=0.380), 95% CI [0.065, 0.101] had significant direct effects on chronic pain. The indirect paths from job stress to chronic pain via depression (B=0.002, β=0.042), 95%CI [0.001, 0.003] and work-family conflict (B=0.004, β=0.085), 95%CI [0.003, 0.006] were significant. CONCLUSIONS Given that depression and work-family conflict mediate the effects of job stress on pain, stress management programs for workers might include various strategies to reduce negative thoughts as well as cognitive biases and minimize role conflicts between work and private life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Shaygan
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Yazdanpanah
- Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Schmidt KG, Holtermann A, Jørgensen MB, Svendsen MJ, Rasmussen CDN. Developing a practice and evidence-based guideline for occupational health and safety professionals to prevent and handle musculoskeletal pain in workplaces. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 97:103520. [PMID: 34246072 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Practice guidelines can facilitate the translation of evidence-based knowledge into better occupational health and safety (OHS) prevention. This paper describes the development process, findings and content of a practice and evidence-based guideline for musculoskeletal pain (MSP) to OHS professionals in Denmark. We used a participatory process with involvement of more than 100 OHS professionals in the development of the guideline. The guideline contains three sections: 1) Rapid review of risk factors for MSP (Push/pull, Screen work, Lifting, Awkward postures and Psychosocial factors related to MSP) and single- and multi-stranded interventions targeting MSP. 2) Process recommendations for use of the guideline by a three-phase participatory process 3) Practical recommendations that contain advice and methods for the three-phase participatory process. This paper can promote future guideline development, as it provides specific insight into how OHS professionals can be included in the development of practice and evidence-based guideline through a participatory process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrine Greby Schmidt
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Marie Birk Jørgensen
- Health and Safety, Municipality of Copenhagen, Enghavevej 82, 2450, Copenhagen, SV, Denmark
| | - Malene Jagd Svendsen
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark; Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230, Odense M, Denmark
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Le AB, Rosen JD. It Is Time to Implement Primary Prevention in the Workplace to Ameliorate the Ongoing U.S. Opioid Epidemic. New Solut 2021; 31:210-218. [PMID: 34431383 PMCID: PMC8505780 DOI: 10.1177/10482911211039880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The United States' opioid public health crisis continues having disastrous consequences on communities, including workers and employers. From May 2019 to May 2020, the largest number of drug overdose deaths was recorded over a twelve-month period. The "twindemics" of COVID-19 and opioids underscore the urgent need to address workers' physical and mental health. Although much has been written about the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic on the workplace, few initiatives have focused on primary prevention, addressing work-related root causes of opioid use disorders (e.g., injury, stress) that may lead to prescription or illicit opioid use. We suggest primary prevention efforts to address the connection between workplace hazards and opioid misuse, dependence, and addiction such as examining patterns of work injury and stress with records of opioid prescription. Government funding should be expanded to support primary prevention and research efforts to strengthen the evidence-base to support workplace primary prevention endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora B. Le
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jonathan D. Rosen
- National Clearinghouse for Worker Safety and Health Training, Schenectady, NY, USA
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Cao W, Hu L, He Y, Yang P, Li X, Cao S. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Hospital Midwives in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China and Associations with Job Stress and Working Conditions. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2021; 14:3675-3686. [PMID: 34512055 PMCID: PMC8423493 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s299113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Midwives have a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which are the leading cause of pain and disability. However, the association between job stress and WMSDs among midwives has not been studied. The aim of this project was to specifically describe relationships between the job stress and WMSDs among a sample of hospital midwives in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among a sample of 769 eligible midwives in the city of Chenzhou in Hunan Province, China from May 2018 to January 2019. All participants completed a questionnaire regarding the presence and severity of different pain symptoms and job stress assessed by the Korean occupational stress scale. Results A total of 597 participants responded (77.6%), and 491 (82.2%) reported that they had experienced WMSDs at some time over a 12-month period. The most common pain site was low back (72.7%), followed by the neck (52.8%) and shoulders (42.7%). We revealed that various aspects of job stress were associated with WMSDs in the current study, namely “Owing to my workload, I always feel time pressure” (OR, 2.05; 95% CI: 1.28–3.28), “My job has become increasingly overbearing” (OR, 2.34; 95% CI: 1.46–3.77), “My work requires long lasting concentration” (OR, 3.50; 95% CI: 2.13–5.74), “I have to do various jobs simultaneously”, (OR, 3.15; 95% CI: 1.93–5.14)), “My work requires creativity” (OR, 2.15; 95% CI: 1.31–3.54), “My work requires a high level of skill or knowledge” (OR, 2.83; 95% CI: 1.67–4.80), “My supervisor is helpful in getting the job done” (OR, 0.53; 95% CI: 0.33–0.84), “I have someone who understands my difficulties at work” (OR, 0.53; 95% CI: 0.34–0.85), “Undesirable changes (ie, downsizing) will come to my job” (OR, 3.28; 95% CI: 2.01–5.77), “My company provides me with sufficient organizational support” (OR, 0.47; 95% CI: 0.29–0.74), “Departments cooperate each other without conflicts” (OR, 0.50; 95% CI: 0.32–0.80), “I am provided with the opportunity to develop my capacity” (OR, 0.57; 95% CI: 0.36–0.91) and “My company climate is authoritative and hierarchical” (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.97-5.23). Conclusion Overall, this study suggests that job stress has an important influence on WMSDs among a sample of hospital midwives in Chenzhou, Hunan Province, China. Given the multifaceted nature of identified risk, a comprehensive approach to reduce this risk is clearly required and a job stress management program will be essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Cao
- Nursing School of Xiang Nan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Hu
- School of Public Health of Xiang Nan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongmei He
- Department of Nursing, The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- Rehabilitation School of Xiang Nan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shunwang Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Taibi Y, Metzler YA, Bellingrath S, Müller A. A systematic overview on the risk effects of psychosocial work characteristics on musculoskeletal disorders, absenteeism, and workplace accidents. APPLIED ERGONOMICS 2021; 95:103434. [PMID: 33932689 DOI: 10.1016/j.apergo.2021.103434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present article provides a systematic overview on the relationship between psychosocial work characteristics and musculoskeletal disorders, absenteeism, and workplace accidents. The study identified and reviewed the findings of 24 systematic reviews or meta-analysis and 6 longitudinal studies. Publications were systematically searched in several databases from 1966 to January 2021. To summarize the level of evidence, a best evidence synthesis was performed, and the quality of included studies was rated. High job demands, high job strain, high effort/reward-imbalance and low social support showed a strong evidence to increase the risk for musculoskeletal disorders. In addition to job demands and job strain, low perceived fairness proved to be a risk factor of absenteeism with strong evidence. Due to the small number of studies, no reliable evidence assessment for workplace accidents was possible. The summarized findings can improve risk assessment methods, by providing a systematic estimation of the potential risk severity of psychosocial work characteristics and assist practitioners in further developing the psychosocial risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacine Taibi
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141, Essen, Germany.
| | - Yannick A Metzler
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141, Essen, Germany; Department of Occupational Medicine, Occupational Safety and Health, Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe AG, Kaiser-Wilhelm-Straße 100, 47166, Duisburg, Germany.
| | - Silja Bellingrath
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141, Essen, Germany.
| | - Andreas Müller
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 2, 45141, Essen, Germany.
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Ronchetti M, Russo S, Di Tecco C, Iavicoli S. How Much Does My Work Affect My Health? The Relationships between Working Conditions and Health in an Italian Survey. Saf Health Work 2021; 12:370-376. [PMID: 34527399 PMCID: PMC8430439 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKROUND Working condition surveys are widely recognized as useful tools for monitoring the quality of working life and the improvements introduced by health and safety policy frameworks at the European and national level. The Italian Workers' Compensation Authority carried out a national survey (Insula) to investigate the employer's perceptions related to working conditions and their impact on health. METHODS The present study is based on the data collected from the Italian survey on health and safety at work (INSULA) conducted on a representative sample of the Italian workforce (n = 8,000). This focuses on the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and self-reported health using a set of logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS Working conditions such as managerial support, job satisfaction, and role act as protective factors on mental and physical health. On the contrary, workers' risk perceptions related to personal exposure to occupational safety and health risks, concern about health conditions, and work-related stress risk exposure determine a poorer state of health. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the link between working conditions and self-report health, and this aims to provide a contribution in the field of health at work. Findings show that working conditions must be object of specific preventive measures to improve the workers' health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Ronchetti
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene - Italian Workers Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Russo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene - Italian Workers Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Tecco
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene - Italian Workers Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene - Italian Workers Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
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Kadri Filho FE, São-João TIM, Alexandre NMC, de Lucca SR, Gallasch CH, Rodrigues RCM, Cornélio ME. Musculoskeletal symptoms, psychosocial factors and work ability in Brazilian labor justice workers. Work 2021; 69:917-926. [PMID: 34219687 DOI: 10.3233/wor-213524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The implementation of the electronic judicial process (PJe) in recent years is associated with an increase in workload and stricter control through productivity targets in the Brazilian labor judiciary. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the relations between musculoskeletal symptoms, psychosocial factors and work ability in civil servants of a labor justice body in the context of the PJe. METHODS A cross-sectional exploratory study with a quantitative approach involving 449 workers. Sociodemographic, occupational and related data were collected through questionnaires validated in the Brazilian context. Data analysis was conducted by descriptive and inferential statistics: Mann-Whitney test, Spearman's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS There was a correlation between musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors (p < 0.05), as well as between both musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors with reduced work ability (p < 0.05). The multiple linear regression model pointed to the female gender and the dimensions "demands", "control" and "peer support" as related to the musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSION We highlight the importance of a broader approach, involving psychosocial factors in preventive actions related to musculoskeletal disorders considering the important relationship with work ability.
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Socioeconomic Status, Mental Health, and Workplace Determinants among Working Adults in Hong Kong: A Latent Class Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157894. [PMID: 34360188 PMCID: PMC8345757 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study provides insights on mental health correlates and work stress patterns in a representative sample of working adults in Hong Kong using an intersectional perspective. Using data from a cross-sectional, population-based telephone survey of 1007 working adults in Hong Kong, latent class analysis was conducted to identify socioeconomic classes within the sample. Three latent classes were identified, and they differed significantly in all the SES variables. Results suggested mental health to be the lowest in Class 1, the lowest income group. The three classes did not differ from their perceived level of job demand and control in work-related stress. Predictably, the highest income group perceived the lowest level of effort-reward imbalance. The lowest paid class was also reported perceiving the lowest level of relational justice. Different barriers to mental health services were also identified. Finally, cultural implications associated with work stress patterns, research, and practice implications are discussed. This study provides an empirical foundation for future studies to investigate patterns of job stress and mental health needs in a diverse population of working adults, with a particular focus on addressing the intersectional profiles of working adults and their needs in mental health services.
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