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Fan J, Smith AP. Effects of Occupational Fatigue on Cognitive Performance of Staff From a Train Operating Company: A Field Study. Front Psychol 2020; 11:558520. [PMID: 33041922 PMCID: PMC7517727 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.558520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Occupational fatigue is a key issue in the rail industry that can endanger staff, passenger, and train safety. There is a need to demonstrate the relationship between workload, fatigue, and performance among rail staff. Objective The present study, conducted in the workplace in realistic situations, integrating both subjective and objective measurements, aimed at demonstrating the relationship between workload, fatigue, and cognitive performance with a rail staff sample. Methods The “After-Effect” technique was applied in the current study. Online diaries and cognitive performance tasks were used to assess the fatigue, work experiences, and performance of rail staff before and after work on the first and last days of one working week. Results Reported fatigue was greater after work on both the first and last day of the working week. There were large individual differences in the change in fatigue and workload ratings. Analysis of covariance with age and the pre-work performance score as covariates and the post-work performance score as the dependent variable showed that high levels of fatigue were associated with impaired performance on both the visual search and logical reasoning tasks. Workload had fewer effects on performance than fatigue. Conclusion This field study provided evidence for the relationship between work-related fatigue and performance impairment. The findings show the need for future work on predicting fatigue-related performance decrements, and the necessity of providing interventions and support so that the risk to safety can be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialin Fan
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew P Smith
- Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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2
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Schapowal A, Dobos G, Cramer H, Ong KC, Adler M, Zimmermann A, Brandes-Schramm J, Lehmacher W. Treatment of signs and symptoms of the common cold using EPs 7630 - results of a meta-analysis. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02904. [PMID: 31844762 PMCID: PMC6888731 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of Pelargonium sidoides preparation EPs 7630 in the common cold (CC) was assessed by performing meta-analyses of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Mean differences (MD) and risk ratios (RR) with their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Five trials with a total of 833 patients were included. All trials had a treatment period of ten days with visits at days 3, 5, and 10 after baseline and used a ten-symptom Cold Intensity Score (CIS) as the primary outcome. Significant differences favoring EPs 7630 were observed for total CIS reduction (day 5: MD = -2·30; 95%CI = -4·12,-0·49; day 10: MD = -1·16; 95%CI = -2·22,-0·10), proportion of patients with substantial improvement (day 5: RR = 1·73; day 10: RR = 1·06) and complete remission (day 5: RR = 2·52; day 10: RR = 2·13). Subjects treated with EPs 7630 missed fewer days at work, used less paracetamol and had an improved sleep quality. No serious adverse reactions to EPs 7630 were reported. The results support the efficacy of EPs 7630 in adults with CC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gustav Dobos
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276 Essen, Germany
| | - Holger Cramer
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Faculty of Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Am Deimelsberg 34a, 45276 Essen, Germany
| | - Kian Chung Ong
- KC Ong Chest & Medical Clinic, 3 Mount Elizabeth #12-03, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
| | - Martin Adler
- Institute of Integrative Medicine Siegen, University of Münster, Lärchenweg 27, 57078 Siegen, Germany
| | - Andrea Zimmermann
- Clinical Research, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Willmar-Schwabe-Straβe 4, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Juliette Brandes-Schramm
- Clinical Research, Dr. Willmar Schwabe GmbH & Co. KG, Willmar-Schwabe-Straβe 4, 76227 Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Walter Lehmacher
- Emeritus, University of Cologne, Institute of Medical Statistics, Informatics and Epidemiology, Kerpener Straβe 62, 50931 Cologne, Germany
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3
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Barratt R, Shaban RZ, Gilbert GL. Clinician perceptions of respiratory infection risk; a rationale for research into mask use in routine practice. Infect Dis Health 2019; 24:169-176. [PMID: 30799181 PMCID: PMC7129171 DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2019.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are global threats to society. Planning for, and responses to, such events must include healthcare and other measures based on current evidence. An important area of infection prevention and control (IPC) is the optimal use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by healthcare workers (HCWs), including masks for protection against respiratory pathogens. Appropriate mask use during routine care is a forerunner to best practice in the event of an outbreak. However, little is known about the influences on decisions and behaviours of HCWs with respect to protective mask use when providing routine care. In this paper we argue that there is a need for more research to provide a better understanding of the decision-making and risk-taking behaviours of HCWs in respect of their use of masks for infectious disease prevention. Our argument is based on the ongoing threat of emerging infectious diseases; a need to strengthen workforce capability, capacity and education; the financial costs of healthcare and outbreaks; and the importance of social responsibility and supportive legislation in planning for global security. Future research should examine HCWs' practices and constructs of risk to provide new information to inform policy and pandemic planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Barratt
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; The Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Ramon Z Shaban
- Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Faculty of Medicine and Health, Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia; Directorate of Nursing, Midwifery and Clinical Governance, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia.
| | - Gwendoline L Gilbert
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, 176 Hawkesbury Rd, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Marie Bashir Institute for Infectious Diseases and Biosecurity, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia.
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4
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Hwang JH, Park SH, Choi EK, Jung SJ, Pyo MK, Chae SW. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to assess the effects of protopanaxadiol saponin-enriched ginseng extract and pectinase-processed ginseng extract on the prevention of acute respiratory illness in healthy people. J Ginseng Res 2019; 44:697-703. [PMID: 32913399 PMCID: PMC7471208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2019.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GS-3K8 and GINST, both of which are modified ginseng extracts, have never been examined in terms of their effectiveness for the prevention of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in humans. We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of performing a large-scale, randomized, controlled trial. Methods This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study at a single center from October 2014 to March 2015. The 45 healthy applicants were randomly divided into the GS-3K8 (n = 15), GINST (n = 15), and placebo groups (n = 15). The study drug was administered as a capsule (500 mg/cap and 3000 mg/day). GS-3K8 contained 6.31 mg/g of Rg1, 15.05 mg/g of Re, 30.84 mg/g of Rb1, 15.02 mg/g of Rc, 12.44 mg/g of Rb2, 6.97 mg/g of Rd, 1.59 mg/g of Rg3, 3.25 mg/g of Rk1, and 4.84 mg/g of Rg5. GINST contained 7.54 mg/g of Rg1, 1.87 mg/g of Re, 5.42 mg/g of Rb1, 0.29 mg/g of Rc, 0.36 mg/g of Rb2, 0.70 mg/g of Rd, and 6.3 mg/g of compound K. The feasibility criteria were the rates of recruitment, drug compliance, and successful follow-up. The primary clinical outcome measure was the incidence of ARI. The secondary clinical outcome measures were the duration of symptoms. Results The rate of recruitment was 11.3 participants per week. The overall rate of completed follow-up was 97.8%. The mean compliance rate was 91.64 ± 9.80%, 95.28 ± 5.75%, and 89.70 ± 8.99% in the GS-3K8, GINST, and placebo groups, respectively. The incidence of ARI was 64.3% (9/14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 31.4-91.1%), 26.7% (4/15; 95% CI, 4.3-49.0%), and 80.0% (12/15; 95% CI, 54.8-93.0%) in the GS-3K8, GINST, and placebo groups, respectively. The average days of symptoms were 3.89 ± 4.65, 9.25 ± 7.63, and 12.25 ± 12.69 in the GS-3K8, GINST, and placebo groups, respectively. Conclusion The results support the feasibility of a full-scale trial. GS-3K8 and GINST appear to have a positive tendency toward preventing the development of ARI and reducing the symptom duration. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong-Hwan Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.,Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Park
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyung Choi
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Jin Jung
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Kyung Pyo
- International Ginseng and Herb Research Institute, Geumsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Wan Chae
- Clinical Trial Center for Functional Foods, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pharmacology, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Jeonbuk, Republic of Korea
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Hansen S, Zimmerman PA, van de Mortel TF. Infectious illness prevention and control methods and their effectiveness in non-health workplaces: an integrated literature review. J Infect Prev 2018; 19:212-218. [PMID: 30159039 PMCID: PMC6109877 DOI: 10.1177/1757177418772184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infectious illness in the workplace places a substantial cost burden on employers due to productivity losses from employee absenteeism and presenteeism. AIM Given the clear impacts of infectious illness on workplaces, this review aimed to investigate the international literature on the effectiveness and cost-benefit of the strategies non-healthcare workplaces use to prevent and control infectious illnesses in these workplaces. METHODS MEDLINE, CINAHL Plus with Fulltext and Business Source Complete were searched concurrently using EBSCO Host 1995-2016. FINDINGS Infection prevention and control strategies to reduce workplace infectious illness and absenteeism evaluated in the literature include influenza vaccination programs, use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser and paid sick days. While the reported studies have various methodological flaws, there is good evidence of the effectiveness of influenza vaccination in preventing workplace infectious illness and absences and moderate evidence to support hand hygiene programs. DISCUSSION Some studies used more than one intervention concurrently, making it difficult to determine the relative benefit of each individual strategy. Workplace strategies to prevent and control infectious illness transmission may reduce costs and productivity losses experienced by businesses and organisations related to infectious illness absenteeism and presenteeism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Hansen
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Griffith University, Southport, Australia
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6
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Zivich PN, Gancz AS, Aiello AE. Effect of hand hygiene on infectious diseases in the office workplace: A systematic review. Am J Infect Control 2018; 46:448-455. [PMID: 29195781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extensive data suggests that hand hygiene is a critical intervention for reducing infectious disease transmission in the clinical setting. However, it is unclear whether hand hygiene is effective at cutting down on infectious illnesses in non-clinical workplaces. The aim of this review is to assess the current literature concerning the effects of hand-washing interventions on infectious disease prevention among employees in nonclinical, office-based workplaces. METHODS In compiling this review, PubMed, Scopus, and Business Source Premier were examined for studies published from 1960 through 2016. RESULTS Eleven studies (eight experimental, two observational, one a simulation) were identified as eligible for inclusion. Hand-hygiene interventions at various levels of rigor were shown to reduce self-reported illness symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Hand hygiene is thought to be more effective against gastrointestinal illness than it is against respiratory illness, but no clear consensus has been reached on this point. Minimal hand-hygiene interventions seem to be effective at reducing the incidence of employee illness. Along with reducing infections among employees, hand-hygiene programs in the workplace may provide additional benefits to employers by reducing the number of employee health insurance claims and improving employee morale. Future research should use objective measures of hand hygiene and illness, and explore economic impacts on employers more fully.
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7
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Hansen S, Zimmerman PA, van de Mortel TF. Assessing workplace infectious illness management in Australian workplaces. Infect Dis Health 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.idh.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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8
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Matthews G, Warm JS, Dember WN, Mizoguchi H, Smith AP. The Common Cold Impairs Visual Attention, Psychomotor Performance and Task Engagement. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/154193120104501813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A study was conducted to test the effects of naturally-occurring colds on visual attention, psychomotor performance and subjective indices of stress. 204 participants performed a battery of tasks assessing simple reaction time, focused attention, categoric search and vigilance, on two separate occasions. Affective, motivational and cognitive stress state dimensions were measured using a validated questionnaire. On the first occasion, all participants were healthy. On the second occasion, approximately half the sample suffered from a cold. Comparison of cold sufferers with healthy controls showed significant cold effects. In the cold group, response was slower on simple reaction time and focused attention tasks, and detection rate on the vigilance task was lower. Colds reduced subjective task engagement (e.g., lower energy and motivation) and increased distress (e.g., more negative mood). Regression analysis indicated a direct effect of colds on simple reaction time, whereas the cold effect on vigilance appeared to be statistically mediated by reduced task engagement. It is concluded that colds can produce operationally-significant performance deficits on a variety of attentional tasks.
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9
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Allan GM, Arroll B. Prevention and treatment of the common cold: making sense of the evidence. CMAJ 2014; 186:190-9. [PMID: 24468694 PMCID: PMC3928210 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.121442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- G. Michael Allan
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Family Medicine (Allan), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care (Arroll), University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Bruce Arroll
- Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Family Medicine (Allan), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alta.; Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care (Arroll), University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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10
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Hübner NO, Hübner C, Kramer A. Impact of health campaign on hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand rubs in a non-clinical setting. J Hosp Infect 2013; 83 Suppl 1:S23-8. [PMID: 23453172 DOI: 10.1016/s0195-6701(13)60006-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hand hygiene has been acknowledged as the single most important measure to prevent nosocomial infections. Likewise, for non-clinical settings, hand hygiene is recognized as a key element to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, nevertheless poor compliance has been documented. The feasibility of hand hygiene interventions in open-community settings with adults is mostly unclear. AIM To investigate the acceptability and feasibility of a health campaign to promote hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand disinfectants at workplaces in a non-clinical setting. METHODS The surveys were conducted as part of a prospective, controlled intervention study with volunteers from the administration of the Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, the municipality of Greifswald and the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. Participants in the intervention group were provided with alcohol-based hand disinfection; the control group was unchanged. Eleven volunteers filled out an initial survey at the beginning of the intervention regarding demographic and health-related questions as well as questions about the type of work, and a survey after completion of the intervention to evaluate the study's impact on the participants' attitudes toward hand hygiene. Participants in the experimental group filled out a monthly questionnaire regarding their compliance with hand hygiene measures, feasibility of hand disinfection and possible side-effects. FINDINGS From 850 employees asked to participate, 134 were included in the study, and surveys from 129 participants (intervention: 64 vs control: 65) were accepted for analysis. Overall, datasets of 1230 person-months (79.46% of total possible follow-up surveys) were collected. Return rate and compliance remained high during the study period. Hand disinfection did not lead to skin problems in the majority of person-months. After the intervention, a majority of participants would favour a further use of hand disinfectants. CONCLUSION Campaigns that enforce the use of alcohol-based hand disinfectants can have a sustainable effect on the compliance with hand hygiene measures in non-clinical settings. Campaigns have been shown to be feasible and effective in the prevention of transmissible diseases, therefore employers should consider whether hand hygiene campaigns to introduce waterless hand rubs could be included in companies' health programmes.
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Affiliation(s)
- N-O Hübner
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital of Greifswald, Germany.
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11
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Stedman-Smith M, DuBois CLZ, Grey S. Workplace hand hygiene and wellness: a survey of knowledge, beliefs, and practices. Workplace Health Saf 2013; 60:477-85. [PMID: 23092176 DOI: 10.1177/216507991206001103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Community hand hygiene interventions have reduced the spread of infectious disease in elementary schools, daycare centers, and private homes. Despite this success, and the potential for reducing workplace absenteeism and presenteeism, few peer-reviewed hand hygiene intervention studies among workers have been published. This research used the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to guide the development of a model to understand and predict motivations for performing hand hygiene, and to examine related illness, absenteeism, and presenteeism among employees from 39 bank branches in Ohio. Although the TPB has been used extensively to elucidate hand hygiene practices among employees in the health care and food industries, little is known about the ability of the TPB to predict hand hygiene practices among workers in public settings. These survey findings indicate a need for hand hygiene improvement, and support the use of attitudinal beliefs and social norms to guide multimodal approaches for workplace hand hygiene interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Stedman-Smith
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, Kent State University, OH, USA.
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12
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Stedman-Smith M, DuBois CLZ, Grey S. Workplace Hand Hygiene and Wellness: A Survey of Knowledge, Beliefs, and Practices. Workplace Health Saf 2012. [DOI: 10.3928/21650799-20121016-67] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Smith AP. Behavioral effects of upper respiratory tract illnesses: a consideration of possible underlying cognitive mechanisms. Behav Sci (Basel) 2012; 2:38-49. [PMID: 25379214 PMCID: PMC4217577 DOI: 10.3390/bs2010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has shown that both experimentally induced upper respiratory tract illnesses (URTIs) and naturally occurring URTIs influence mood and performance. The present study investigated possible cognitive mechanisms underlying the URTI-performance changes. Those who developed a cold (N = 47) had significantly faster, but less accurate, performance than those who remained healthy (N = 54). Illness had no effect on manipulations designed to influence encoding, response organisation (stimulus-response compatilibility) or response preparation. Similarly, there was no evidence that different components of working memory were impaired. Overall, the present research confirms that URTIs can have an effect on performance efficiency. Further research is required to identify the physiological and behavioral mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Smith
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, 63 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AS, UK
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14
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Smith AP, Jamson S. An investigation of the effects of the common cold on simulated driving performance and detection of collisions: a laboratory study. BMJ Open 2012; 2:bmjopen-2012-001047. [PMID: 22761287 PMCID: PMC3391368 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present research was to investigate whether individuals with a common cold showed impaired ability on a simulated driving task and the ability to detect potential collisions between moving objects. DESIGN The study involved comparison of a healthy group with a group with colds. These scores were adjusted for individual differences by collecting further data when both groups were healthy and using these scores as covariates. On both occasions, volunteers rated their symptoms and carried out a simulated driving session. On the first occasion, volunteers also carried out a collision detection task. SETTING University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies. SAMPLE Twenty-five students from the University of Leeds. Ten volunteers were healthy on both occasions and 15 had a cold on the first session and were healthy on the second. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES In the collision detection task, the main outcomes were correct detections and response to a secondary identification task. In the simulated driving task, the outcomes were speed, lateral control, gap acceptance, overtaking behaviour, car following, vigilance and traffic light violations. RESULTS Those with a cold detected fewer collisions and had a higher divided attention error than those who were healthy. Many basic driving skills were unimpaired by the illness. However, those with a cold were slower at responding to unexpected events and spent a greater percentage of time driving at a headway of <2 s. CONCLUSIONS The finding that having a common cold is associated with reduced ability to detect collisions and respond quickly to unexpected events is of practical importance. Further research is now required to examine the efficacy of information campaigns and countermeasures such as caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Paul Smith
- Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Samantha Jamson
- Institute for Transport Studies, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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Mahoney T, Ball P. Common Respiratory Tract Infections as Psychological Entities: A Review of the Mood and Performance Effects of Being Ill. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2011; 37:86-94. [PMID: 32313294 PMCID: PMC7159681 DOI: 10.1080/00050060210001706726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The clinical manifestations associated with colds and influenza overshadow the equally important mood and performance impairments. While decreased alertness and increased anxiety can be considered side effects of symptomatology, symptoms alone may not be responsible for the psychomotor and attention deficits of colds and influenza, respectively. An alternative hypothesis, as proposed in this review, suggests that the immune response, in the form of a cytokine cascade, may be responsible for both the physical and psychological symptoms. In particular, patterns of cytokine production for each infection will dictate the symptoms and performance deficits both within and between viruses. This hypothesis can be extended to incorporate infectious mononucleosis, as well as colds and influenza. The efficacy of symptom‐based overthe‐counter medications is then called into question.
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16
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Hübner NO, Hübner C, Wodny M, Kampf G, Kramer A. Effectiveness of alcohol-based hand disinfectants in a public administration: impact on health and work performance related to acute respiratory symptoms and diarrhoea. BMC Infect Dis 2010; 10:250. [PMID: 20735818 PMCID: PMC2939638 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2334-10-250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The economical impact of absenteeism and reduced productivity due to acute infectious respiratory and gastrointestinal disease is normally not in the focus of surveillance systems and may therefore be underestimated. However, large community studies in Europe and USA have shown that communicable diseases have a great impact on morbidity and lead to millions of lost days at work, school and university each year. Hand disinfection is acknowledged as key element for infection control, but its effect in open, work place settings is unclear. Methods Our study involved a prospective, controlled, intervention-control group design to assess the epidemiological and economical impact of alcohol-based hand disinfectants use at work place. Volunteers in public administrations in the municipality of the city of Greifswald were randomized in two groups. Participants in the intervention group were provided with alcoholic hand disinfection, the control group was unchanged. Respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms and days of work were recorded based on a monthly questionnaire over one year. On the whole, 1230 person months were evaluated. Results Hand disinfection reduced the number of episodes of illness for the majority of the registered symptoms. This effect became statistically significant for common cold (OR = 0.35 [0.17 - 0.71], p = 0.003), fever (OR = 0.38 [0.14-0.99], p = 0.035) and coughing (OR = 0.45 [0.22 - 0.91], p = 0.02). Participants in the intervention group reported less days ill for most symptoms assessed, e.g. colds (2.07 vs. 2.78%, p = 0.008), fever (0.25 vs. 0.31%, p = 0.037) and cough (1.85 vs. 2.00%, p = 0.024). For diarrhoea, the odds ratio for being absent became statistically significant too (0.11 (CI 0.01 - 0.93). Conclusion Hand disinfection can easily be introduced and maintained outside clinical settings as part of the daily hand hygiene. Therefore it appears as an interesting, cost-efficient method within the scope of company health support programmes. Trial registration number ISRCTN96340690
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils-Olaf Hübner
- Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Walter-Rathenau-Strasse 49 A 17487 Greifswald, Germany.
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Bucks RS, Gidron Y, Harris P, Teeling J, Wesnes KA, Perry VH. Selective effects of upper respiratory tract infection on cognition, mood and emotion processing: a prospective study. Brain Behav Immun 2008; 22:399-407. [PMID: 17967526 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2007.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2007] [Revised: 08/30/2007] [Accepted: 09/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Observational and experimentally induced infection studies show that upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) affect mood and cognition. This study tested the effects of naturally occurring URTI on cognition, mood and emotional processing, using a prospective design, with a broader array of tests than previous research, and with well matched control participants. Eighty participants (42 younger, M age 20.3 years; 38 older, M age 64.3 years) underwent neuropsychological assessment at baseline. Once a participant had URTI symptoms, s/he and a healthy, matched participant were retested. The Cognitive Drug Research computerised assessment battery was used to assess Power and Continuity of Attention, Quality of Episodic and Working Memory, Speed of Memory, and mood. Additionally, emotional processing was measured on matching of emotionally-negative faces with faces and faces with labels. Forty-two of 80 participants were matched (21 well, 21 ill). Well participants improved in Speed of Memory and face-label reaction time. Despite a lack of fever, ill participants demonstrated significantly smaller improvements. Older participants reported feeling less alert if ill, and less stressed if well, than at baseline. All ill participants reported less contentment than at baseline than well participants. Severity of URTI symptoms correlated with changes in Speed of Memory and mood. Even without fever, infectious disease produces large disturbances in speed of cognitive processing, particularly that reflecting retrieval from memory, and these effects are more marked in older participants. URTIs also affect mood. Future studies need to examine the role of inflammatory molecules and the brain regions implicated in mediating these findings.
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LaVela S, Goldstein B, Smith B, Weaver FM. Working with symptoms of a respiratory infection: staff who care for high-risk individuals. Am J Infect Control 2007; 35:448-54. [PMID: 17765556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2006.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2006] [Revised: 12/07/2006] [Accepted: 12/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many health care workers (HCWs) who have respiratory infections take sick leave, others work following illness onset. Little is known about attendance practices of HCWs caring for persons with spinal cord injuries (SCI), a group at high risk for respiratory complications. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of HCWs. Logistic regression identified factors associated with having a respiratory infection and examined if awareness of facility level institutional control measures and/or individual level factors influenced working while symptomatic. RESULTS Response rate was 53% (n = 820). Respiratory infections were reported by 36%; of those, 86% attended work while symptomatic. HCWs aged 50 and above were less likely (odds ratio [OR] 0.58, P = 0.003) and those with a chronic condition were more likely (OR 2.24, P < 0.000) to have had a respiratory infection. HCWs who indicated that their facility institutes droplet precautions (OR 0.42, P = 0.034), restricts staff movement between wards, (OR 0.26, P = 0.002), and restricts contact between patients (OR 0.32, P = 0.009) were significantly less likely to work while symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS It is alarming that 86% of HCWs attended work while symptomatic, given the consequences that respiratory infection can have on persons with SCI. HCW awareness of outbreak control measures within their facilities appeared to influence their attendance decisions, suggesting the importance of policy placement and information dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherri LaVela
- Spinal Cord Injury Quality Enhancement Research Initiative, Department of Veterans Affairs, Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, Illinois, USA.
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Smith A, Brice C, Leach A, Tiley M, Williamson S. Effects of upper respiratory tract illnesses in a working population. ERGONOMICS 2004; 47:363-369. [PMID: 14680996 DOI: 10.1080/0014013032000157887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of upper respiratory tract illnesses on efficiency at work. This was done using the 'after-effect' technique with measurements being taken before and after work and the difference between these giving an indication of efficiency over the day. All of the volunteers (N = 48) were tested when healthy to provide baseline data for simple reaction time and mood. When volunteers developed an upper respiratory tract illness (URTI) they (N = 16) repeated the procedure. Those who remained healthy over a three month period (N = 32) were recalled as healthy controls. In addition to the performance test and mood ratings the volunteers kept a sleep log and also rated how demanding the day had been and how much effort they had put in. The results showed that those with URTIs had slower reaction times and a more negative mood both before and after work. Illness did not have an effect on ratings of demand and effort. Those who were ill reported greater sleep disturbance but this could not account for the impaired performance or negative mood states. These results suggest that upper respiratory illnesses may impair performance and well-being at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Smith
- Centre for Occupational and Health Psychology, School of Psychology, Tower Building Cardiff University, PO Box 901 Cardiff, CF10 3YG.
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