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Costa C, Teodoro M, Mento C, Giambò F, Vitello C, Italia S, Fenga C. Work Performance, Mood and Sleep Alterations in Home Office Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19041990. [PMID: 35206177 PMCID: PMC8871883 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19041990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The sudden burst of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the work environment in favor of remote working, affecting the perception of work quality, satisfaction and performance. This crisis has also influenced workers’ mood, sleep quality and general perception of everyday life. Our main purpose in this study was to give empirical contributions about home office workers experiencing remote working during the pandemic by assessing mood spectrum variations, sleep disturbances and the general impact of pandemic in everyday life. This cross-sectional study was performed between November and December 2020 through an online questionnaire. Participants were office workers performing remote work from workstations settled at home. The questionnaire investigated sociodemographic characteristics, health factors, perception of remote working, mood spectrum, sleep quality and pandemic context perception. The sample consisted of 94 respondents: 63 women and 31 men; the mean age was 50.4 years. Study population showed great satisfaction for remote working performance and online services for video connections. Only one third of the participants reported higher levels of irritability and loneliness and 16% of women complained of nightmares. Most of participants stated that the pandemic importantly affected daily life (85.1%). Half of female subjects with children <18 years stated that children’s age influenced their work performance. Since the pandemic is still an ongoing issue, the lesson learnt is that local government actions are needed to assist home office workers through tailored programs to support families. Given the central role of women in childcare, female workers would mainly benefit from social support accordingly to their parental tasks and remote work organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Costa
- Clinical and Experimental Medicine Department, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (F.G.); (C.V.); (C.F.)
| | - Carmela Mento
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Clinical Psychology, Psychiatric Unit, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Federica Giambò
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (F.G.); (C.V.); (C.F.)
| | - Carmen Vitello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (F.G.); (C.V.); (C.F.)
| | - Sebastiano Italia
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (F.G.); (C.V.); (C.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2061
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Occupational Medicine Section, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (M.T.); (F.G.); (C.V.); (C.F.)
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Gronewold J, Engels M, van de Velde S, Cudjoe TKM, Duman EE, Jokisch M, Kleinschnitz C, Lauterbach K, Erbel R, Jöckel KH, Hermann DM. Effects of Life Events and Social Isolation on Stroke and Coronary Heart Disease. Stroke 2021; 52:735-747. [PMID: 33445957 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.120.032070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic represents a severe, life-changing event for people across the world. Life changes may involve job loss, income reduction due to furlough, death of a beloved one, or social stress due to life habit changes. Many people suffer from social isolation due to lockdown or physical distancing, especially those living alone and without family. This article reviews the association of life events and social isolation with cardiovascular disease, assembling the current state of knowledge for stroke and coronary heart disease. Possible mechanisms underlying the links between life events, social isolation, and cardiovascular disease are outlined. Furthermore, groups with increased vulnerability for cardiovascular disease following life events and social isolation are identified, and clinical implications of results are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Gronewold
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen (J.G., E.-E.D., M.J., C.K., D.M.H.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Miriam Engels
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Germany (M.E.)
| | - Sarah van de Velde
- Centre for Population, Family and Health, Department of Sociology, University of Antwerp, Belgium (S.v.d.V.)
| | - Thomas Kofi Mensah Cudjoe
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (T.K.M.C.)
| | - Ela-Emsal Duman
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen (J.G., E.-E.D., M.J., C.K., D.M.H.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Martha Jokisch
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen (J.G., E.-E.D., M.J., C.K., D.M.H.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen (J.G., E.-E.D., M.J., C.K., D.M.H.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Karl Lauterbach
- Institute for Health Economics and Clinical Epidemiology, University of Cologne, Germany (K.L.)
| | - Raimund Erbel
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (R.E., K.-H.J.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Jöckel
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology (R.E., K.-H.J.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
| | - Dirk M Hermann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen (J.G., E.-E.D., M.J., C.K., D.M.H.), University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany
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STRESS INFLUENCE ON PLASMA PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS IN THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE (BRANTA RUFICOLLIS) AND HAWAIIAN GOOSE (BRANTA SANDVICENSIS). J Zoo Wildl Med 2017; 48:136-143. [PMID: 28363046 DOI: 10.1638/2016-0003.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of stress (as measured by total heterophil + eosinophil counts [THECs] and plasma corticosterone [PC] levels) on plasma protein electrophoresis (PPE) in two Anseriform species. Ten red-breasted geese ( Branta ruficollis ) and eight Hawaiian geese (Branta sandvicensis) were received into quarantine at Beauval Zoo and housed together with other Anseriformes. Two days later, all were examined as part of routine quarantine procedures, and blood was collected. THECs were performed using a Malassez hemocytometer after a 1 : 200 dilution with an eosinophil dilution liquid containing phloxine B. PPE, as well as total protein and PC assays, was performed on lithium heparin plasma. Twenty days after arrival, all birds were similarly restrained, examined, and sampled. Pododermatitis lesions were identified on four geese that were excluded from statistical analysis. For each goose, THECs and PC values were sorted by value (lower or higher) independently from the day of sampling. A Wilcoxon signed rank test showed no significant differences between lower and higher values of THECs for any of the PPE fractions. Higher values of corticosterone were associated with higher values of prealbumin, but none of the other fractions were significantly different. A Spearman rank correlation coefficient showed that THECs and PC were not correlated; this suggested differences in kinetics between these stress markers. Results did not show significant alterations of electrophoresis patterns associated with stress as measured with THECs and PC. The results also highlight the complexity of precisely assessing acute and chronic stress in avian species.
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Falzone L, Marconi A, Loreto C, Franco S, Spandidos DA, Libra M. Occupational exposure to carcinogens: Benzene, pesticides and fibers (Review). Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4467-4474. [PMID: 27748850 PMCID: PMC5101963 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that the occupational exposure to contaminants and carcinogens leads to the development of cancer in exposed workers. In the 18th century, Percivall Pott was the first to hypothesize that chronic exposure to dust in the London chimney sweeps was associated with an increased risk of developing cancer. Subsequently a growing body of evidence indicated that other physical factors were also responsible for oncogenic mutations. Over the past decades, many carcinogens have been found in the occupational environment and their presence is often associated with an increased incidence of cancer. Occupational exposure involves several factors and the association between carcinogens, occupational exposure and cancer is still unclear. Only a fraction of factors is recognized as occupational carcinogens and for each factor, there is an increased risk of cancer development associated with a specific work activity. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the majority of carcinogens are classified as 'probable' and 'possible' human carcinogens, while, direct evidence of carcinogenicity is provided in epidemiological and experimental studies. In the present review, exposures to benzene, pesticides and mineral fibers are discussed as the most important cancer risk factors during work activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Falzone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Marconi
- Section of Occupational Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Loreto
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Human Anatomy and Histology Section, School of Medicine, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Franco
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technology Sciences ‘G.F. Ingrassia’, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of General and Clinical Pathology and Oncology, University of Catania, I-95124 Catania, Italy
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Buckley T, Morel-Kopp MC, Ward C, Bartrop R, McKinley S, Mihailidou AS, Spinaze M, Chen W, Tofler G. Inflammatory and thrombotic changes in early bereavement: a prospective evaluation. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2011; 19:1145-52. [DOI: 10.1177/1741826711421686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Buckley
- Department of Cardiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Nursing School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marie-Christine Morel-Kopp
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher Ward
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Roger Bartrop
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sharon McKinley
- Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anastasia Susie Mihailidou
- Department of Cardiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monica Spinaze
- Department of Cardiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Walter Chen
- Department of Haematology and Transfusion Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Geoffrey Tofler
- Department of Cardiology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Buckley T, McKinley S, Tofler G, Bartrop R. Cardiovascular risk in early bereavement: A literature review and proposed mechanisms. Int J Nurs Stud 2010; 47:229-38. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2009.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2009] [Revised: 06/05/2009] [Accepted: 06/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Diniz DHMP, Schor N, Blay SL. Stressful Life Events and Painful Recurrent Colic of Renal Lithiasis. J Urol 2006; 176:2483-7; discussion 2487. [PMID: 17085135 DOI: 10.1016/j.juro.2006.07.156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2005] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is strong evidence concerning the influence of life event stress on the onset and course of painful acute episodes in primary care. However, few studies have analyzed stressful life events in painful recurrent episodes of renal stone disease. We evaluated the association between painful recurrent colic of renal lithiasis and stressful life events. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed this case-control study in a primary care setting. Study participants were 194 subjects (97 cases and 97 controls) matched according to age and gender. Cases were outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis of nephrolithiasis. The control group consisted of patients seen at the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital, reporting only refraction symptoms and presenting no chronic or acute pathology. Main outcome measures reported were stressful life events as measured by the Social Readjustment Rating Scale. RESULTS The mean Social Readjustment Rating Scale of cases was significantly higher than controls at 257.56 (+/-193.81) vs 144 (+/-131.24), respectively. Logistic regression revealed that belonging to the case group increased the chances of showing positive results on the scale greater than or equal to 100 (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.64-5.59) and the chance of presenting results of 200 or greater was 2.87 (OR 2.87, 95% CI 1.58-5.22). CONCLUSIONS Stressful life events were significantly greater among cases than controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise H M P Diniz
- Nephrology Division, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), Escola Paulista de Medicina, Rua Botucatu 740, 04023-900 São Paulo-SP-Brazil.
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Abstract
There is ample evidence for the influence of central nervous system modulation through inflammatory cellular reactions under psychosocial stress. These inflammatory reflexes might be of major influence not only for metabolic and vascular disease but also for many autoimmune diseases for which stress has been reported as a risk factor. In prospective trials on the influence of risk factors for the occurrence of cardiovascular events, both psychosocial stress and autonomic nervous control of the cardiovascular system were shown to have a major impact on event rates. The underlying cause of these findings seems to be explained in part by the direct influences of autonomic reflexes, potentially induced by psychosocial tasks, on the progression of atherosclerosis. Hence, future prospective studies that aim at deciphering the influence of chronic psychosocial stress and autonomic function on the pathogenesis of inflammatory and metabolic disease will need to include neurophysiologic, molecular, and clinical parameters. Because the neuroimmunologic axis can be seen as a system connecting mental states with inflammatory reactions, pro-inflammatory mediators and anti-inflammatory strategies should be studied as such in experimental settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Bierhaus
- Department of Medicine I, INF 410, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg 69120, Germany.
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