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Coimbra MAR, Ikegami ÉM, Souza LA, Haas VJ, Barbosa MH, Ferreira LA. Efficacy of a program in increasing coping strategies in firefighters: randomized clinical trial. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2024; 32:e4179. [PMID: 38865555 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.6807.4179] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to evaluate the effectiveness of a program in increasing coping strategies focused on military firefighters' problems and emotions. METHOD randomized, parallel, single-masked clinical trial. The sample consisted of 51 participants in the intervention group and 49 in the control group. The intervention group received the intervention program including coping strategies based on the Nursing Interventions Classification, lasting six consecutive weeks, one day a week. The control group followed the Service Unit routine. Descriptive statistics, Student's T test with Welch's correction and the Mann-Whitney test were used for the analyses. The magnitude of the intervention effect was calculated using Cohen's d index. A p-value of ≤0.05% was considered. RESULTS in the analysis of the mean difference between the scores in the groups, the means of the intervention group increased significantly for the coping strategies: social support (p = 0.009), acceptance of responsibility (p = 0.03), problem solving (p = 0.05) and positive reappraisal (p = 0.05). The impact of the intervention was moderate in magnitude for social support (d = 0.54). CONCLUSION the intervention program enabled the increase of coping strategies focused on military firefighters' problems and emotions. ReBEC: RBR-8dmbzc. (1) The intervention program increases coping strategies. (2) The study included military firefighters. (3) Social support was the main strategy of the study. (4) Intervention group presented better results than the control group. (5) The use of the Nursing Intervention Classification was effective.
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Asadi-JabehDar R, Dashti-Kalantar R, Mehri S, Mirzaei A, Soola AH. Assessing unsafe behaviors and their relationship with work-related factors among EMS staff in Iran: a cross-sectional study. BMC Emerg Med 2024; 24:70. [PMID: 38654181 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-024-00980-5] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff often encounter various safety incidents. Work-related factors can lead to unsafe behaviors and safety incidents. This study assessed unsafe behaviors and their relationship with work-related factors among EMS staff. METHODS This descriptive-correlational study used census sampling method to select 284 EMS staff in Ardabil Province, northwest of Iran, from April to June 2023. The data collection tools were demographic and occupational information form, Mearns Unsafe Behavior Scale, Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, Michielsen Fatigue Scale, and Patterson Teamwork Scale. The data were analyzed using the SPSSv-16, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression. RESULTS The mean of unsafe behavior, fatigue, perceived stress, non-conflict of teamwork, and conflict of teamwork were 15.80 (± 4.77), 20.57 (± 6.20), 16.10 (± 6.13), 117.89 (± 17.24), and 40.60 (± 9.59), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that "partner trust and shared mental models (PTSMM)," "physical fatigue," "age," "type of shift," "employment status," and "overtime hours per month" were predictors of general unsafe behavior (P < 0.001) and "mild task conflict (MTC)," "employment status," "partner trust and shared mental models (PTSMM)" were predictors of unsafe behavior under incentives EMS staff (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The present study showed that some work-related factors were predictors of unsafe behaviors. The negative consequences of unsafe behaviors should be considered, and long-term planning should be done to reduce them. Developing specific guidelines for addressing unsafe behaviors, implementing measures to reduce fatigue, managing overtime hours in the workplace, and Establishing a system where novice staff work with experienced staff during their first year can be beneficial in reducing these behaviors among EMS staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Asadi-JabehDar
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Rajab Dashti-Kalantar
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Saeid Mehri
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Alireza Mirzaei
- Department of Emergency Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Aghil Habibi Soola
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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Sani MM, Jafaru Y, Ashipala DO, Sahabi AK. Influence of work-related stress on patient safety culture among nurses in a tertiary hospital: a cross-sectional study. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:81. [PMID: 38291420 PMCID: PMC10829317 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-023-01695-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the global issues facing the nursing profession is work-related stress because it interferes with care quality and organisational competency. These kinds of stressful situations can cause damage to the mental ability of the affected individual resulting in low job productivity. In a Nigerian healthcare setting, patient safety is under-researched. AIM This study aimed to assess the influence of work-related stress on patient safety culture among nurses in a tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey. The Population of the study was nurses who are currently serving as employees at Federal Medical Center Birnin-Kebbi. Proportional and systematic sampling methods were used in the selection of the sample of the study. The tools used for this study were adapted Hospital Survey on Patient Safety (HSOPS) and Nurses' Occupational Stressor Scale. Ethical approval was obtained from the research ethical committee of the hospital. RESULTS The moderate stress experience was having the highest percentage (45.0%). The highest percentage of the nurses (69.9%) practised a moderate safety culture. There were weak or very weak significant negative correlations (P < 0.01) between patient safety culture practices and occupational stress across all the subscales of the nurses' occupational stressors scale except in the occupational hazards subscale in which there was extremely weak and non-significant negative correlation. Work-family conflict was a significant predictor of patient safety culture, t (208) = -2.341, P < 0.05. Difficulty in taking leave was a significant predictor of patient safety culture, t (208) = -2.190, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION There was a significant negative correlation between stress and safety practice which implies that as stress increased safety practice decreased. These study findings can be used to develop ongoing strategies and targeted interventions in addressing work-related stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Mohammed Sani
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
| | - Yahaya Jafaru
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria.
| | - Daniel Opotamutale Ashipala
- School of Nursing and Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Namibia, Rundu, Rundu, Namibia
| | - Abubakar Kalgo Sahabi
- Department of Nursing Science, College of Health Sciences, Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
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Nawata K. Evaluation of physical and mental health conditions related to employees' absenteeism. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1326334. [PMID: 38274521 PMCID: PMC10808730 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1326334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Employees' health conditions are issues for not only employees themselves but also companies and society to keep medical costs low and productivity high. Data and methods In this analysis, 15,574 observations from 2,319 employees at four operational sites of a large corporation were used. The dataset contained physical and mental health conditions obtained from annual mandatory medical checkups, the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ), and work record information. Health and other factors related to long-term absenteeism (over three days in a quarter) were analyzed. Data were collected between February 2021 and January 2022, and we converted into quarterly observations. A logit (logistic regression) model was used in the analysis. Results Age and gender were identified as important basic characteristics. The estimates for these variables were positive and negative and significant at the 1% level. Among the variables obtained from the medical checkups, the estimates for diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, anamnesis, heart disease history, smoking, increased weight, and frequency of alcohol consumption were positive and significant at the 1% level, further those for taking antihypertensive medications and kidney disease history were positive and significant at the 5% level. In contrast, the estimates for systolic blood pressure and amount of alcohol consumption were negative and significant at the 1% level. The estimate for taking antihyperglycemic medications and health guidelines were negative and significant at the 5% level. Among the variables obtained from the BJSQ, the estimates for amount of work felt, fatigue and support from family and friends were positive and significant at the 1%, and the estimate for irritation was positive and significant at the 5% level. The estimates for controlling job and physical complaints were negative and significant at the 1% level, and those for usage of employee's ability to work and suitability of the work were negative and significant at the 5% level. As all four operational sites were located in the northeastern region of Japan (cold and snowy in winter), the seasonal effects were significant at the 1% level. The effect of year was also significant and significant differences were observed among the sites at the 1% level. Conclusion Some physical and mental health conditions were strongly associated with long-term absenteeism. By improving these conditions, corporations could reduce the number of employee absence days. As absenteeism was costly for corporations due to replacement employees and their training costs to maintain operations, employers must be concerned about rising healthcare (direct and indirect) costs and implement investments to improve employees' health conditions. Limitations This study's results were based on only one corporation and the dataset was observatory. The employees were primarily operators working inside the building and most of them are healthy. Therefore, the sample selection biases might exist, and the results cannot be generalized to other types of jobs, working conditions, or companies. As medical checkups and the BJSQ are mandatory for most companies in Japan, the framework of this study can be applied to other companies. Although we used the BJSQ results, better mental measures might exist. Similar analyses for different corporations are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumitsu Nawata
- Hitotsubashi Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS), Hitotsubashi University, Kunitachi, Japan
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Nowrouzi-Kia B, Garrido P, Gohar B, Yazdani A, Chattu VK, Bani-Fatemi A, Howe A, Duncan A, Riquelme MP, Abdullah F, Jaswal S, Lo J, Fayyaz Y, Alam B. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Return-to-Work Interventions for Individuals with Work-Related Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101403. [PMID: 37239689 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The workplace is a vital setting to support positive mental health. Mental health conditions in the workforce contribute to decreased work engagement and participation. There is existing literature on return-to-work (RTW) interventions for individuals with work-related mental health conditions, however, there lacks consensus on their effectiveness. Therefore, the primary aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the literature and evaluate the effectiveness of return-to-work interventions on return-to-work rates, quality of life, and psychological wellbeing for individuals with work-related mental health conditions. Selected articles were organized and identified using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Population/Intervention/Comparison/Outcome (PICO) framework. Quality assessment of the included studies was completed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme randomized controlled trials checklist and the Joanna Briggs Institute quasi-experimental studies checklist. A random effects meta-analysis model was performed using DerSimonian-Laird weighting to calculate standard mean difference and risk ratios to assess the impact of RTW interventions on return-to-work rates, absenteeism, stress symptoms, depression symptoms, and quality of life. A total of 28 out of 26,153 articles met the inclusion criteria. Diagnoses for participants in the studies ranged from work-related stress to work-related PTSD following exposure to a psychologically traumatizing event in the workplace. No significant differences were found for the meta-analyses examining return-to-work rates, absenteeism, depression, stress, and quality of life. The most effective interventions were found to be a multi-domain intervention (67% of participants RTW full time) and a health-focused intervention (85% RTW rate). Future research may consider establishing effective interventions to develop programs or policies supporting the RTW of employees and promote mental well-being among employees experiencing work-related mental health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, 60 Leonard Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 0S8, Canada
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety & Health, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
| | - Pablo Garrido
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Hontaneda 2653, Valparaíso 2341369, Chile
- OH&S Salud Ocupacional, Av. Salvador 149 Of 811, Santiago 7500710, Chile
| | - Basem Gohar
- Centre for Research in Occupational Safety & Health, Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd, Sudbury, ON P3E 2C6, Canada
- Department of Population Medicine, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Amin Yazdani
- Canadian Institute for Safety, Wellness, and Performance, School of Business, Conestoga College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, 299 Doon Valley Drive, Kitchener, ON N2G 4M4, Canada
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442107, India
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
| | - Ali Bani-Fatemi
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Aaron Howe
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Andrea Duncan
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Maria Paz Riquelme
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Hontaneda 2653, Valparaíso 2341369, Chile
| | - Faizah Abdullah
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Sharan Jaswal
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Joyce Lo
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Yusra Fayyaz
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
| | - Bushra Alam
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1V7, Canada
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Vivarelli S, Italia S, Teodoro M, Pollicino M, Vitello C, De Vita A, Alibrandi A, Costa C, Fenga C. Salivary Biomarkers Analysis and Neurobehavioral Assessment in Nurses Working Rotation Shifts: A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5376. [PMID: 37047991 PMCID: PMC10094107 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Currently, about one in five workers is employed in night shift work in Europe. Shift work including nighttime hours is essential in several activities, especially the healthcare sector. Importantly, night working may be associated with the occurrence of sleep disorders or work-related stress, both potentially augmenting the risk of errors and accidents at work. This study aims to examine the presence of neurobehavioral alterations that can be a consequence of shift working and concurrent misalignment of the sleep times and circadian rhythms. Nurses (n = 102) employed at a University Hospital located in North-Eastern Sicily, Italy, voluntarily participated in this pilot study. During medical surveillance, morning and evening salivary samples were collected, and seven psychodiagnostics questionnaires were administered to all the subjects. On one hand, the salivary levels of stress-related biomarkers (cortisol and alpha-amylase) and a circadian biomarker (melatonin) were evaluated. On the other hand, several neurobehavioral features were assessed, including depression, anxiety, work-related, and sleep issues. Interestingly, a positive relationship between salivary morning cortisol and depression scale, as well as a negative relationship between salivary morning alpha-amylase and work ability scale, were observed. Based on these results, the integration of subjective questionnaire outcomes and objective salivary biomarker quantification can help to identify workers with increased susceptibility to developing neurobehavioral alterations. This approach may contribute to ameliorating preventive strategies towards sensitive categories, such as nurses working rotation shifts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Vivarelli
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Italia
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Teodoro
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Manuela Pollicino
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Carmen Vitello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Annalisa De Vita
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Chiara Costa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences, Morphological and Functional Imaging, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Brief Assessment of Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies During Pandemic. TRENDS IN PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [PMCID: PMC9977094 DOI: 10.1007/s43076-023-00274-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyse the internal structure, internal consistency, and convergent and divergent validity for the Coping Strategies Scale. We found a two-factor solution (maladaptive coping; adaptative coping) with a second-order general factor (coping strategies) that demonstrated adequate factorial structure and internal consistency for a brief nine items instrument in a sample of 211 economically active Brazilians (Mage = 37.07; SD = 13.03). The adaptive strategies factor converged with quality of life and work. It also diverged from phobia, stress, and anxiety. Maladaptive coping strategies converged with phobia, stress, and anxiety and diverged from the quality of work and life. According to the results, we found that coping strategies are a vital personal resource to overcome daily adversity, including those from the current pandemic. The present instrument may impact worldwide, offering conditions to investigate and promote mental health positive outcomes by reinforcing coping assessment during pandemics.
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Bani-Issa W, Radwan H, Al Shujairi A, Hijazi H, Al Abdi RM, Al Awar S, Saqan R, Alameddine M, Ibrahim A, Rahman HA, Naing L. Salivary cortisol, perceived stress and coping strategies: A comparative study of working and nonworking women. J Nurs Manag 2022; 30:3553-3567. [PMID: 35666587 DOI: 10.1111/jonm.13697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigated stress levels and coping strategies among working and nonworking women in the United Arab Emirates. BACKGROUND Stress levels in working and nonworking women have previously been studied, but few studies used cortisol to measure stress or examined how coping strategies affect stress levels. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample of women aged 20-65 years. Information on women's sociodemographic characteristics, perceived stress (using the Perceived Stress Scale) and coping strategies (using the Brief-COPE) was collected. Participants' morning (07:00-08:00) and evening (19:00-20:00) cortisol levels were measured using unstimulated saliva samples. RESULTS In total, 417 working and 403 nonworking women participated in this study. More nonworking women reported high stress levels than working women (14.1% vs. 4.1%, p = .001). Working women reported more use of informational support and venting to cope with stress compared with nonworking women (94.0% vs. 88.1%, p = .001). More nonworking women had impaired morning (<0.094 mg/dl) and evening (>0.359 mg/dl) cortisol compared with working women (58.1% vs. 28.5% and 41.7% vs. 18.0%, respectively). Compared with working women, nonworking women had 3.25 (95%CI: 2.38, 4.47) and 3.78 (95%CI: 2.65, 5.43) times the odds of impaired morning and evening cortisol, respectively. CONCLUSION Nonworking women exhibited higher levels of stress than working women. There is an urgent need to support nonworking women to manage stress through appropriate awareness campaigns and public health policies. IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT Policymakers and community leaders should consider the mental health of nonworking women as a priority in planning public health policies and programmes. Nurse managers must have a voice in reforming public health policy to support early assessment and management of stress among nonworking women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wegdan Bani-Issa
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hadia Radwan
- College of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Arwa Al Shujairi
- Medical Affair Department, GSK Gulf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Heba Hijazi
- Department of Health Services Administration, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Rabah M Al Abdi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shamsa Al Awar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Roba Saqan
- Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamad Alameddine
- Department of Health Services Administration, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ali Ibrahim
- Marketing Department, American University in the Emirates, United Arab Emirates.,Marketing Department, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Hanif Abdul Rahman
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei.,University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lin Naing
- PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei
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Edikpa EC, Chigbu BC, Onu AE, Ogakwu VN, Aneke MC, Nwafor BN, Diara CF, Chibuko H, Oguejiofor CN, Anigbogu GN, Adepoju EB, Igbokwe CI. Assessing the general health, increase in mental and physical workload among administrative staff of the University of Nigeria due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29938. [PMID: 35984134 PMCID: PMC9387663 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the global workloads and general well-being of employees, especially in the university system. The object of this study is to evaluate the mental health and effect of increase in workload on the general well-being of the administrative staff of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, on the resumption of academic activities after the lockdown due to COVID-19. A total of 73 randomly selected administrative staff were involved in the study. Three sets of instruments, the demographic questionnaire, National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index, and General Health Questionnaire, were used to obtain information on the demographic characteristics, workload, and level of mental disorder among the respondents due to COVID-19. The generalized linear regression model, 1-way analysis of variance, independent samples t test, and contingency coefficient were used to analyze the data. The results revealed that high workload is significantly associated with high risk of mental and general health disorders among the respondents. The married, divorced, widowed, older, and females staff with >2 children are the most vulnerable to mental disorder, physical workload, frustration, and general health challenges. The younger staff, those with at most 2 children, and those who are still single experience lower mental and general health disorder and are more resilient. Significant and comprehensive health and administrative support should be provided for the overall well-being of the staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith C Edikpa
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Baptista C. Chigbu
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- *Correspondence: Baptista C. Chigbu, Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria (e-mail: )
| | - Amaka E Onu
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Veronica N. Ogakwu
- Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Mary C. Aneke
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | | | - Chinwe F. Diara
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Honorius Chibuko
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Chidumebi N. Oguejiofor
- Department of Educational Management and Policy, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
| | - Grace N. Anigbogu
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Esther B. Adepoju
- Department of Educational Foundations, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Chiawa I. Igbokwe
- Department of Educational Management and Policy, Faculty of Education, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria
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Cezar-Vaz MR, Xavier DM, Bonow CA, Vaz JC, Cardoso LS, Sant’Anna CF, da Costa VZ. Domains of Physical and Mental Workload in Health Work and Unpaid Domestic Work by Gender Division: A Study with Primary Health Care Workers in Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:9816. [PMID: 36011463 PMCID: PMC9407714 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19169816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Various studies indicate that workload metrics can be used to assess inequities in the division of labor according to gender and in the mental health of health care professionals. In most studies, the workload is portrayed in a way that does not integrate the different fields of work, that is, work in health services and unpaid domestic work. The objective was to determine the effects of the workload domains of health work and unpaid domestic work according to the gender division of health professionals working in primary health care (PHC), and to analyze the workload as an inducer of anxiety disorders and episodes of depression. This cross-sectional study consisted of 342 health care professionals recruited for interview at primary health care units in the extreme south of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sociodemographic and occupational variables, workload in PHC and unpaid domestic work, and dichotomies of anxiety disorders and episodes of depression were considered. Poisson and multivariate linear regression models were used for data analysis. Cohen's standardized effect size was used to assess the magnitude of the difference between women and men in terms of workload. The female professionals presented higher scores in terms of PHC work and unpaid domestic work and higher proportions of episodes of depression and anxiety disorders compared to males. The male professionals showed that anxiety disorders presented a medium standardized effect size on domestic workload and the level of frustration with family involvement was higher in those with episodes of depression. The results illustrate that the workload metric is an important indicator of female vulnerability to working conditions in PHC and in the family environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Clarice Alves Bonow
- Faculty of Nursing, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas 96010-610, Brazil
| | - Jordana Cezar Vaz
- Institute of Dermatology Professor Rubem David Azulalay (Medical Residency), Rio de Janeiro 20020-020, Brazil
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Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical Supervision of Healthcare Students in Rural Settings: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095555. [PMID: 35564949 PMCID: PMC9101335 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruptions to healthcare student placements worldwide, including already challenged rural areas in Australia. While accounts are emerging of student experiences in larger centers and from a student perspective, there is a need for in-depth exploration of student supervisor experiences in rural areas at the onset of the pandemic. This study aims to address this gap through 23 individual, semi-structured interviews with healthcare workers from ten health professions who were either direct student supervisors or in roles supporting student supervisors A reflexive thematic analysis approach was used to develop four themes, namely compounding stress, negative impacts on student learning, opportunity to flex and innovate, and targeted transitioning support strategies. The findings indicate that healthcare workers with student supervision responsibilities at the onset of the pandemic experienced high levels of stress and wellbeing concerns. This study sheds light on the importance of supporting student supervisors in rural areas, and the need for implementing targeted support strategies for new graduates whose placements were impacted by the pandemic. This is not only essential for supporting the rural healthcare workforce but is also imperative for addressing inequalities to healthcare access experienced in rural communities.
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Hill NTM, Bailey E, Benson R, Cully G, Kirtley OJ, Purcell R, Rice S, Robinson J, Walton CC. Researching the researchers: psychological distress and psychosocial stressors according to career stage in mental health researchers. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:19. [PMID: 35105381 PMCID: PMC8805133 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00728-5] [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: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although there are many benefits associated with working in academia, this career path often involves structural and organisational stressors that can be detrimental to wellbeing and increase susceptibility to psychological distress and mental ill health. This exploratory study examines experiences of work-related psychosocial stressors, psychological distress, and mental health diagnoses among mental health researchers. Methods This international cross-sectional study involved 207 mental health researchers who were post-graduate students or employed in research institutes or university settings. Work-related psychosocial stressors were measured by the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III (COPSOQ III). Psychological distress was assessed using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Thoughts of suicide was assessed using an adaptation of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). History of mental health diagnoses was assessed through a custom questionnaire. Pearson’s chi-square test of independence was used to compare mental health diagnoses and suicidal ideation across career stages. The association between work-related psychosocial stressors and psychological distress was conducted using multivariate linear regression controlling for key demographic, employment-related and mental health factors. Results Differences in ‘demands at work’ and the ‘work-life balance’ domain were lowest among support staff (p = 0.01). Overall, 13.4% of respondents met the threshold for severe psychological distress, which was significantly higher in students compared to participants from other career stages (p = 0.01). Among the subgroup of participants who responded to the question on mental health diagnoses and suicidal ideation (n = 152), 54% reported a life-time mental health diagnosis and 23.7% reported suicidal ideation since their academic career commencement. After controlling for key covariates, the association between the ‘interpersonal relations and leadership’ domain and psychological distress was attenuated by the mental health covariates included in model 3 (β = −0.23, p = 0.07). The association between the remaining work-related psychosocial stressors and psychological distress remained significant. Conclusions Despite working in the same environment, research support staff report experiencing significantly less psychosocial stressors compared to postgraduate students, early-middle career researchers and senior researchers. Future research that targets key modifiable stressors associated with psychological distress including work organization and job content, and work-life balance could improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of mental health researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole T M Hill
- Telethon Kids Institute, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, WA, Australia. .,Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. .,School of Population and Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - Eleanor Bailey
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ruth Benson
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | - Olivia J Kirtley
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Contextual Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rosemary Purcell
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Simon Rice
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jo Robinson
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Courtney C Walton
- Orygen, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Gimenez LBH, Fernandes MNDF, Esper LH, Moraes VSD, Zanetti ACG, Gherardi-Donato ECDS. Perceived Stress Associated Factors in Workers at a Public University. Rev Esc Enferm USP 2022; 56:e20220219. [PMID: 36346181 PMCID: PMC10101149 DOI: 10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2022-0219en] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the predictors of perceived stress in a broad sample of workers at a Brazilian public university. Method: Cross-sectional study carried out with a convenience sample of workers at a public university in Brazil. To be included in the present study, the worker had to be an administrative technician. From March to August, 2017, workers were surveyed, and 929 participants answered the questionnaires of sociodemographic characterization, work and health conditions, perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), depression (Beck Depression Inventory), and anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory). Results: The multiple linear regression showed that higher perceived stress was associated with being younger and male, occupying a higher or technical position, and presenting higher levels of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: These findings have implications for occupational health nurses and other health professionals to identify workers at risk for chronic and mental illness through predictors of perceived stress and to guide institutions in planning practical actions for stress management interventions.
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Jiang T, Wumaier G, Li X, Yang X, Liu J. Research on the Effects of Occupational Stress and the DRD2 Gene on the Psychological Health of Workers in the Xinjiang Desert Oil Field. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:737228. [PMID: 34594253 PMCID: PMC8476740 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.737228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: This study investigated the relationship between occupational stress and the mental health of people working in oil fields in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang, and revealed the causal relationship between occupational stress and psychological disorders, while furthermore exploring the relationship between psychological disorders and genetic levels. Methods: The participants of this study included oil field company workers from the Xinjiang Petroleum Administration of Karamay City, Xinjiang, who underwent occupational health examinations. The Occupational Stress Inventory Revised Edition (OSI-R) was used to measure the occupational stress of the oil workers. The mental health status of oil workers was evaluated using the Symptoms Checklist-90. Results: Occupational tasks: The total scores of the personal strain and mental health questionnaires were positively correlated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia, and psychosis (P < 0.05). Individual coping resources and the mental health total score was negatively correlated with somatization, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, hostility, terror, paranoia, and psychosis. The following factors were identified as mental health risk factors: female gender; age 45 and above (relative to ≤30 years old); high scores on the personal strain questionnaire; occupational stress; external effort; internal investment; and high effort-low return. The following factors were identified as protective factors for mental health: Han nationality; oil transportation (relative to drilling); individual resilience; and work returns. In respect to the abnormal psychological group and the normal psychological group, statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies at the rs1800497 locus (P < 0.05). The depression and paranoia scores observed between different genotype groups at the rs1800497 locus were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions: This study shows that occupational stress and the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene have an impact on the mental health of oil field workers in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang. Effort-reward imbalance and occupational stress were identified as risk factors for mental health, while rewards for work were protective factors. Higher levels of occupational stress may lead to depression and other psychological disorders, adversely affecting mental health. In oil field operators in the arid desert environment of Xinjiang, the AA genotype of the DRD2 gene in the rs1800497 locus was identified as a genotype specific to susceptibility to mental health problems, and a correlation was found between the A allele and an increased risk of psychological problems. Therefore, it is necessary to devise relevant measures to alleviate occupational stress among oil workers and increase their job rewards, so as to improve their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jiwen Liu
- Department of Public Health, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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15
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Navarro-Espinosa JA, Vaquero-Abellán M, Perea-Moreno AJ, Pedrós-Pérez G, Aparicio-Martínez P, Martínez-Jiménez MP. The Influence of Technology on Mental Well-Being of STEM Teachers at University Level: COVID-19 as a Stressor. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:9605. [PMID: 34574529 PMCID: PMC8472288 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Stress can result in psychopathologies, such as anxiety or depression, when this risk factor continues in time. One major stressor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which triggered considerable emotional distress and mental health issues among different workers, including teachers, with another stressor: technology and online education. A mixed-method approach is presented in this research, combining a cross-sectional study of university teachers from Ecuador and Spain with a medium of twenty years of working experience (N = 55) and a bibliometric analysis carried out in three databases (161 documents). The levels of anxiety and depression, and therefore the risk of developing them as mental disorders, were high. The lack of training (p < 0.01), time (p < 0.05), or research regarding the use of technology in education (p < 0.01) and stress caused by COVID-19 (p < 0.001) were linked to frequency. The most relevant observational study obtained through the bibliometric analysis (138 citations and over 65% of methodological quality) indicated that previous training and behavioral factors are key in the stress related to technology. The combination of the results indicated that mental health in STEM teachers at university is related to diverse factors, from training to the family and working balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Andrea Navarro-Espinosa
- Unidad de Seguimiento a Graduados, Banca Laboral y Prácticas Pre Profesionales, Universidad de ECOTEC, Guayaquil 090501, Ecuador;
| | - Manuel Vaquero-Abellán
- GC12 Clinical and Epidemiological Research in Primary Care, Instituto Maimónides, Campus de Menéndez Pidal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Farmacología, Campus de Menéndez Pidal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alberto-Jesús Perea-Moreno
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Radiología y Medicina Física, Edificio Albert Einstein, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.-J.P.-M.); (G.P.-P.); (M.P.M.-J.)
| | - Gerardo Pedrós-Pérez
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Radiología y Medicina Física, Edificio Albert Einstein, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.-J.P.-M.); (G.P.-P.); (M.P.M.-J.)
| | - Pilar Aparicio-Martínez
- GC12 Clinical and Epidemiological Research in Primary Care, Instituto Maimónides, Campus de Menéndez Pidal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
- Departamento de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y Farmacología, Campus de Menéndez Pidal, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Maria Pilar Martínez-Jiménez
- Departamento de Física Aplicada, Radiología y Medicina Física, Edificio Albert Einstein, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain; (A.-J.P.-M.); (G.P.-P.); (M.P.M.-J.)
- Responsable Grupo Investigación PAIDI de la Junta de Andalucía TEP149, Modelos de Simulación en Energías, Transporte, Física, Ingeniería y Riesgos Laborales, Edificio Albert Einstein, Campus de Rabanales, Universidad de Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
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Abstract
The workplace is a key environment to impact employees, families, and communities to prevent further opioid and substance misuse, addiction, and overdose. However, it is often overlooked as an ideal location to launch a prevention intervention or support strategy. Employees in recovery, seeking treatment, and dealing with mental distress require employer support. Supports should consider the diversity of the work force and be culturally appropriate. Several data sources, tools, and other resources exist to aid employers in supporting their employees and addressing the opioid epidemic; a few from the National Safety Council are discussed. As well as suitable strategies to strengthen workplace prevention interventions and treatment access, in light of the opioid epidemic, coronavirus pandemic, and workplace disparities.
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