Decision-making in job attendance within health care--a qualitative study

Factors Influencing Intention to Work while Ill: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to identify factors influencing workers' intention to work while ill, using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework.

METHODS

A systematic search of articles was carried out from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Eligibility of each article was assessed using PRISMA guidelines. Overall, 22 articles met the inclusion criteria after the selection process and were included in this review.

RESULTS

The factors fit into 3 constructs: (1) attitude (good and bad consequences of working while ill), (2) subjective norms (descriptive and injunctive norms on working while ill), and (3) perceived behavioral control (facilitators and barriers of working while ill).

CONCLUSIONS

The TPB is a practical theory to conceptualize and understand the factors influencing workers' intention to work while ill. These findings provide initial knowledge on the development of a framework to measure workers' intention to work while ill and to propose appropriate interventions for workers with chronic illness.

Midwives' thoughts about musculoskeletal disorders with an evaluation of working tasks

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is very high amongmidwives resulting in sickness absenteeism, functional limitation and staff shortages. There are several contributory risk factors having impact on the development of MSDs. This study aimed to (1) explore midwives' experiences and views about work-related MSDs and contributing risk factors, and (2) analyse working postures for musculoskeletal injury risks. A mixed method approach was used with interviews/focus group (n = 15/7) and observations (n = 22) of specific tasks (during birth and after birth) using the posture analysis observational method (Rapid Entire Body Assessment, REBA). The participants were midwives who had an active role in the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Services (NHS). It was found that MSDs were often attributed to the physical (working in awkward positions), organisational (longer shift hours, fewer staff, increased work load), psychosocial (defensive practice, higher demand) challenges of midwifery. All postures had very high to medium REBA risk levels with action categories indicating that action or further assessment is definitely necessary to reduce MSDs. This research provides a holistic approach by analysing risk factors and interactions in the work context to inform the development of risk management strategies. Midwifery working conditions have a big impact on developing musculoskeletal symptoms. Management of such symptoms will improve staff wellbeing, mother and baby safety, individuals' life trajectories and staff shortages.

What Motivates Engagement in Work and Other Valued Social Roles Despite Persistent Back Pain?

Purpose The prognosis of persistent back pain is variable, with some individuals adjusting poorly and others continuing to actively engage in work and other valued social roles. The aim of this study was to better understand why some individuals, despite persistent back pain, continue to actively engage in work and other valued social roles. Methods Individuals with persistent back pain, who were participating in their regular duties as a full-time employee, homemaker, student or any combination of these, were recruited from a multidisciplinary pain centre and orthopedic physical therapy clinics in Alberta, Canada. A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews of 15 participants and a thematic analysis to analyze the data. Results There were two motivators identified for participating in the work role: (1) participation formed part of the participant's self-schema (a cognitive framework that includes one's beliefs about oneself) and (2) participation made it possible to achieve a valued outcome. Conclusions Further understanding of important motivators for maintaining engagement in work and other valued social roles despite persistent back pain can help inform the development of more successful disability and pain management programs.