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Molek-Winiarska D. Reducing Work-Related Stress Through Soft-Skills Training Intervention in the Mining Industry. HUMAN FACTORS 2024; 66:1633-1649. [PMID: 36373772 PMCID: PMC10943617 DOI: 10.1177/00187208221139020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to verify if soft-skills training is an effective intervention in reducing work-related stress among miners, that is, people who run the risk of losing health and/or life due to unpredictable natural forces or human error at work. BACKGROUND The motivation for the intervention was based on Job Demands-Resources model where soft skills are job resources that help individuals to cope with or prevent high demands of the environment. The needed skills as well as work demands were first investigated and then a custom training was developed. The rationale for introducing soft-skills training into the work environment can be seen as compatible with the Human Capital Model (HCM) which is designed to stimulate positive organizational behaviour by providing an effective approach to ensure employees' adequate coping with work-related stress. METHOD 96 volunteer employees were assigned to intervention (n = 48) and comparison (n = 48) groups. 16-hour tailored training covered tasks and simulation games related to communication, teambuilding, self-management and conflict resolution skills. Job Content Questionnaire, Occupational Stress Indicator (modified to fit the mining environment) and General Health Questionnaire were used in the study. A MANOVA with effect-size measures was conducted. RESULTS Results revealed a significant increase in decision latitude and social support for the trainees. A substantial decrease in stress was also observed, along with a significant decrease in general health problems. There were no such changes in the comparison group. CONCLUSIONS A soft-skills training, including communication, teamwork, self-motivation and conflict-resolution skills, helped participants to cope better with the stressful environment and improved their mental health. These effects lasted three months later. APPLICATION The intervention improved miners' psychosocial health and the strategies of coping with stress, which increased safety and health in the company. Investigating the effectiveness of such interventions included in the general Human Capital Model, as it was done in the study, might be a step forward towards building an interdisciplinary approach for health and safety and human resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Molek-Winiarska
- Associate Professor, Human Resources Management Department, Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Wroclaw, Poland
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Roche E, Richardson N, Sweeney J, O’Donnell S. Workplace Interventions Targeting Mental Health Literacy, Stigma, Help-Seeking, and Help-Offering in Male-Dominated Industries: A Systematic Review. Am J Mens Health 2024; 18:15579883241236223. [PMID: 38581228 PMCID: PMC10998494 DOI: 10.1177/15579883241236223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Mental ill-health and suicide represent a significant proportion of the burden of global disease among men. Connell's relational theory of masculinities provides a useful framework to explore how mental health literacy, mental health stigma, and delayed help-seeking and help-offering behaviors are associated with mental ill-health among men, particularly within male-dominated industries. To address the high incidences of mental ill-health in male-dominated industries, several workplace interventions targeting these outcomes have been implemented. No review to date has examined the current state of evidence for these interventions or identified the behavior change techniques used. This review was restricted to empirical, quantitative research reporting on psychosocial interventions targeting mental health literacy, stigma, and help-seeking and help-offering behaviors in male-dominated industries. Quality appraisal was completed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project and a narrative synthesis was conducted. Twelve articles were included for review which reported on four distinct interventions. The methodological quality of two articles was strong, three moderate and seven weak. The strongest evidence of intervention effects related to mental health literacy and help-seeking intentions. There was less evidence relating to help-offering and help-seeking behaviors and mental health stigma. Sixteen behavior change techniques were identified across interventions that are discussed in relation to the wider men's health literature. The evidence on psychosocial interventions in male-dominated industries is limited due to methodological and conceptual issues. Recommendations for future research include standardized reporting of intervention descriptions, the use of theory to guide intervention development, and utilizing validated and reliable outcome measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Roche
- The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Carlow, Ireland
| | - Noel Richardson
- The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Carlow, Ireland
| | - Jack Sweeney
- The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Carlow, Ireland
| | - Shane O’Donnell
- The National Centre for Men’s Health, Department of Health and Sports Sciences, South East Technological University, Carlow, Ireland
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Fox JL, Gurney T, Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan S, Pols TAH, Tuffaha H, Pak A, McGrail M. A Narrative Review of Health Status and Healthcare Delivery in the Oil and Gas Industry: Impacts on Employees, Employers, and Local Communities. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2888. [PMID: 37958032 PMCID: PMC10647413 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Workers in the oil and gas industry are exposed to numerous health risks, ranging from poor health behaviours to the possibility of life-threatening injuries. Determining the most appropriate models of healthcare for the oil and gas industry is difficult, as strategies must be acceptable to multiple stakeholders, including employees, employers, and local communities. The purpose of this review was to broadly explore the health status and needs of workers in the oil and gas industry and healthcare delivery models relating to primary care and emergency responses. Database searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus were conducted, as well as grey literature searches of Google, Google Scholar, and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers website. Resource-sector workers, particularly those in 'fly-in fly-out' roles, are susceptible to poor health behaviours and a higher prevalence of mental health concerns than the general population. Evidence is generally supportive of organisation-led behaviour change and mental health-related interventions. Deficiencies in primary care received while on-site may lead workers to inappropriately use local health services. For the provision of emergency medical care, telehealth and telemedicine lead to favourable outcomes by improving patient health status and satisfaction and reducing the frequency of medical evacuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan L. Fox
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Rockhampton 4700, Australia;
| | - Tiana Gurney
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Toowoomba 4350, Australia; (T.G.); (S.K.-C.)
| | | | | | - Haitham Tuffaha
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia; (H.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Anton Pak
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia; (H.T.); (A.P.)
| | - Matthew McGrail
- Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Rockhampton 4700, Australia;
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Gullestrup J, King T, Thomas SL, LaMontagne AD. Effectiveness of the Australian MATES in Construction Suicide Prevention Program: a systematic review. Health Promot Int 2023; 38:daad082. [PMID: 37647522 PMCID: PMC10468011 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health issue globally. The World Health Organization has called for nations to create comprehensive national suicide prevention strategies including multisectoral collaboration, awareness raising, advocacy and capacity building. The workplace provides opportunity and structure for suicide prevention programs. However, many of these programs are poorly documented and evaluated. The MATES in Construction (MATES) program is a multimodal workplace-based suicide prevention program designed for and by the construction industry. This systematic review examined the available evidence for the effectiveness of the MATES program and is reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A literature search resulted in the inclusion of 12 peer-reviewed articles published between January 2010 and February 2023 containing primary data of evaluations of MATES. There was evidence of the effectiveness of the MATES program in improving mental health and suicide prevention literacy, helping intentions and reducing stigma. The results highlighted the importance of worker-to-worker peer approaches with workers consistently stating that supervisors were the least trusted resources for mental health and suicide concerns. Favourable results were found in relation to reduced suicide risk in the construction industry. The evidence base for MATES is limited in terms of causal inference with very few controlled evaluations and no experimental studies having been conducted to date. Improved understanding of how the program motivates volunteers, their experiences and research on the longer-term impacts of the program on the industry is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorgen Gullestrup
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Tania King
- School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Samantha L Thomas
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anthony D LaMontagne
- Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Bezzina B A, Ashton L, Watson T, James CL. Health and wellness in the Australian coal mining industry: An analysis of pre-post findings from the RESHAPE workplace health promotion program. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288244. [PMID: 37418458 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for 71% of deaths in 2021. The chronic and pervasive nature of these diseases spurs the need for novel treatment approaches, including using the workplace as a front for the promotion and dissemination of health messages and activities. Taking this into consideration, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of a workplace health promotion program that targeted nutrition, physical activity, and obesity outcomes in a New South Wales (NSW) coal mine site. DESIGN A 12-week quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test study. SETTING A coal mine site in rural NSW, Australia. PARTICIPANTS At baseline there were n = 389 participants, with similar numbers at follow-up (n = 420) as well as 61 participants from both timepoints (8.2% repeated measures), with 89% of participants being male. INTERVENTION A multicomponent wellness intervention was implemented incorporating aspects of education, goal setting, and competition. OUTCOMES Physical activity, nutrition, and weight. RESULTS The mean BMI at baseline was 30.01 kg/m2, and at follow-up 29.79 kg/m2 (p = 0.39). At follow-up, participants reported 81% lower odds of engaging in the exercise category 'no moderate physical exercise' (OR = 0.09, p < 0.001), as well as 111% higher odds of meeting physical activity and exercise guidelines (OR = 2.11, p = 0.057). There were no changes to diet outcomes and no association between employment characteristics and participating in physical activity. CONCLUSIONS Workplace health promotion programs can be an efficacious strategy in improving physical activity outcomes and marginally improving weight outcomes in those in the mining industry. Further research is needed to determine the true effectiveness of these programs long-term, particularly in an environment as challenging and dynamic as the mining industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Bezzina B
- Centre for Resources Health and Safety, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Lee Ashton
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Active Living Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), New Lambton Heights, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Education, College of Human and Social Futures, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Trent Watson
- School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
- Ethos Health, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Carole L James
- Sydney School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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Tóth MD, Ihionvien S, Leduc C, Aust B, Amann BL, Cresswell-Smith J, Reich H, Cully G, Sanches S, Fanaj N, Qirjako G, Tsantila F, Ross V, Mathieu S, Pashoja AC, Arensman E, Purebl G. Evidence for the effectiveness of interventions to reduce mental health related stigma in the workplace: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e067126. [PMID: 36806140 PMCID: PMC9944311 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-067126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Increasing access to mental health support is a key factor for treating mental disorders, however, important barriers complicate help-seeking, among them, mental health related stigma being most prominent. We aimed to systematically review the current evidence for interventions focusing on reducing stigma related to mental health problems in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). DESIGN Systematic review with a focus on interventions targeting mental health related stigma in the workplace in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of included articles was assessed using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies Scale. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Ovid Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane databases and Google Scholar were searched from January 2010 until November 2022. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES We included experimental or quasi-experimental studies about workplace interventions aiming to reduce stigma, where the outcomes were measured in terms of stigmatisation against depression, anxiety and/or other mental health problems. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Records were screened by two independent reviewers after inspecting titles and abstracts and a full-text read of the articles to assess whether they meet inclusion criteria. The results were synthesised narratively. RESULTS We identified 22 intervention studies, 3 with high quality, 13 with moderate quality and 6 with weak quality. Only 2 studies included SMEs, but no study focused on SMEs exclusively . The mode of delivery of the intervention was face to face in 15 studies, online in 4 studies and mixed in 3 studies. We found a significant reduction in stigmatising attitudes in almost all studies (20/22), using 10 different instruments/scales. Effects seemed to be independent of company size. Online interventions were found to be shorter, but seemed to be as effective as face-to-face interventions. CONCLUSIONS Although we did not find interventions focusing exclusively on SMEs, it is likely that antistigma interventions also will work in smaller workplaces. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO: ID: CRD42020191307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónika Ditta Tóth
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sarah Ihionvien
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Caleb Leduc
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | - Birgit Aust
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benedikt L Amann
- Centro Fórum Research Unit, Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Addictions (INAD), Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
- University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Hanna Reich
- German Depression Foundation, Leipzig, Germany
- Department for Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Depression Research Center of the German Depression Foundation, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarita Sanches
- Phrenos Center of Expertise for Severe Mental Illness, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Altrecht Mental Health Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Gentiana Qirjako
- Department of Public Health, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Fotini Tsantila
- LUCAS, Centre for Care Research and Consultancy, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victoria Ross
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sharna Mathieu
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Arlinda Cerga Pashoja
- Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork, Ireland
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - György Purebl
- Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Evaluation of a workplace suicide prevention program in the Australian manufacturing industry: protocol for a cluster-randomised trial of MATES in manufacturing. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:799. [PMID: 36536388 PMCID: PMC9761021 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04464-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Males are at higher risk of death by suicide than females in Australia, and among men, blue-collar males are at higher risk compared to other working males. In response, MATES in Construction developed a workplace suicide prevention program for the construction sector in 2007 that has been widely implemented in Australia. In the current project, this program is being adapted and trialled in the manufacturing sector. The common aims of MATES programs are to improve suicide prevention literacy, help-seeking intentions, and helping behaviours. The program will be evaluated using a cluster randomised-controlled trial design with waitlist controls across up to 12 manufacturing worksites in Australia. We hypothesise that after 8 months of the MATES in Manufacturing program, there will be significantly greater improvements in help-seeking intentions (primary outcome) compared to waitlist controls. The project is led by Deakin University in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, and in partnership with MATES in Construction and a joint labour-management Steering Group.Trial registration: The trial was registered retrospectively with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry on 25 January 2022 (ACTRN12622000122752).Protocol version: 2.0, November 2022.
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Hulls PM, de Vocht F, Martin RM, Langford RM. “We are our own worst enemy”: a qualitative exploration of work-related stress in the construction industry. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-11-2021-0213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PurposeAround 400,000 working days per year are lost in the construction industry due to stress, depression or anxiety, but a large proportion of the industry – those primarily not based “on-site” – is not included in these statistics. Little research has been conducted in this group about their experiences of occupational stress. The authors explored how stress was experienced and managed by construction professionals and its perceived impact on health.Design/methodology/approachThe authors interviewed 32 construction professionals in a British construction company, with varying levels of seniority and years in the industry. Interviews were transcribed, coded and analysed thematically.FindingsStress was viewed an inevitable and increasing part of the construction industry, exacerbated by recent economic challenges. Participants talked about a culture of stress and overwork but often felt unable to challenge it due to job insecurity. Senior management acknowledged stress was a problem within the industry and something that potentially threatened company productivity. Company-wide initiatives had been implemented to address stress levels (e.g. Mental Health First Aiders), but were criticised for ignoring underlying issues. Informal means of managing stress were identified, such as careful consideration of team dynamics, which allowed employees to form close bonds and using “banter” and camaraderie to relieve stress. However, the persistence of a macho male image meant some participants were reluctant to talk about their feelings at work. Participants described individual coping strategies, such as exercise, but these were hard to prioritise in challenging times.Originality/valueThere is growing recognition that health and well-being must be given greater priority in the construction industry. Industry pressures and competitive practices undermine efforts to improve staff well-being. Action must be taken at senior levels to address this conflict, while building on existing informal mechanisms of support and stress relief.
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Wang Y, Byrne L, Bartram T, Chapman M. Developing inclusive and healthy organizations by employing designated lived experience roles: Learning from human resource management innovations in the mental health sector. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/09585192.2022.2054287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- School of Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Louise Byrne
- School of Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Timothy Bartram
- School of Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melissa Chapman
- School of Management, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Future of Work Institute, Faculty of Business and Law, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Winifred AD, Jane RL, Brian K, Amponsah-Tawiah K, Carole J. Mental health and workplace factors: comparison of the Ghanaian and Australian mining industry. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:322. [PMID: 35272678 PMCID: PMC8908671 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07712-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mining is a global industry and contributes significantly to international economies. This study seeks to compare the patterns of psychological distress, job demand-control, and associated characteristics between two countries (Australia/Ghana) to increase understanding of cross-cultural factors relevant to mental health in this industry. Method A cross-sectional study design was used. Eight coal mines in Australia and five gold mines in Ghana. A total of 2622 mineworkers participated in this study. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) and help-seeking questionnaire. Results Ghanaian mineworkers reported increased psychological distress compared to Australian mineworkers; Job demands outweighed control among Ghanaian mineworkers but was associated with lower risk of psychological distress compared to Australian mineworkers; Ghanaian mineworkers were significantly less likely to drink alcohol at risky levels but this was associated with higher psychological distress; Increased social network was associated with decreased psychological distress for both countries. Conclusions These findings identify cultural and geographical differences in the socio-demographics, workplace factors, psychological distress, and alcohol use in both countries. Cross-cultural occupational workplace factors and mental health issues are highlighted. Potential workplace interventions applicable in comparable settings are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asare-Doku Winifred
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Centre for Resources Health and Safety, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. .,National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rich Louise Jane
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Kelly Brian
- School of Medicine and Public Health, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Centre for Resources Health and Safety, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
| | - Kwesi Amponsah-Tawiah
- Department of Organisation & Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School, Legon-Accra, Ghana
| | - James Carole
- Centre for Resources Health and Safety, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.,School of Health Sciences, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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The characteristics of accepted work-related injuries and diseases claims in the Australian coal mining industry. Saf Health Work 2022; 13:135-140. [PMID: 35664901 PMCID: PMC9142351 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2021.12.701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coal mining is a hazardous industry. The purpose of the study is to identify the nature of occupational injuries and diseases among coal miners and to determine the factors that affect the rate of injury and duration of time loss from work. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted using accepted workers' compensation claims data of 30,390 Australian coal miners between July 2003 and June 2017. Results Musculoskeletal and fracture conditions accounted for approximately 60% of claims in all occupational groups. Cox regression analysis showed that older age and female gender were significant predictors of longer time off work. Injury types and occupations were associated with work time loss: mental health conditions, and machine operators and drivers had significantly longer durations of time off work. Conclusion Future research can further address how these factors led to longer time off work so that coal industry regulators, employers, and healthcare providers can target interventions more effectively to these at-risk workers.
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12
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Does Help Seeking Behavior Change Over Time Following a Workplace Mental Health Intervention in the Coal Mining Industry? J Occup Environ Med 2020; 61:e282-e290. [PMID: 30985617 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate help seeking behavior and attitudes to mental health in mining employees. METHODS A pre-post survey study of employees from two Australian coal mines. Data were collected prior to, at baseline, at 6 and 18 months following delivery of the MATES in mining (MIM) peer support mental health intervention. RESULTS Help seeking behaviors increased, with participants' sex, age, relationship status, shift type, and psychological distress significantly associated with likelihood of seeking help (P <0.05). In relation to stigma, significantly more participants' disagreed that they would be treated differently by friends or colleagues following disclosure of mental illness (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Results provide an understanding of help seeking behaviors of mining employees; support the MATES in Mining peer support program in the men dominated industry and provide information to guide mental health workplace program development more broadly.
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Evaluation of a Suicide Prevention Program for the Energy Sector. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176418. [PMID: 32899257 PMCID: PMC7503608 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence indicating that traditionally male-dominated occupations are associated with greater risk of suicide. In Australia, MATES in Construction was developed as an occupational health initiative to prevent suicides in the industry. The program has recently been applied to the energy industry; however, little is known regarding exposure to suicide and suicide prevention interventions in this sector. The study aimed to examine the effectiveness of MATES in Energy general awareness training (GAT), and estimate the prevalence of recent suicidal ideation and exposure to suicidal behaviors in workers. A before and after design was used to examine the effectiveness of GAT training. Data were collected from 4887 participants undertaking GAT training at energy sites across Queensland, Australia. In total, 2% (97) of participants reported recent suicidal thoughts, 65% of participants reported they had known someone who had attempted suicide, and 69% had known someone who died by suicide. Significant improvements were found on all suicide literacy items after GAT training. Younger people were more likely to be positively affected by the intervention. The results indicate that the MATES in Energy program is successfully transitioning from the construction industry, and offers the first empirically supported suicide intervention tailored to the energy sector.
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James C, Rahman M, Bezzina A, Kelly B. Factors associated with patterns of psychological distress, alcohol use and social network among Australian mineworkers. Aust N Z J Public Health 2020; 44:390-396. [PMID: 32865849 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the convergence of individual findings relating to psychological distress, alcohol use and social network (SN) to identify their associated clusters within Australian mineworkers. METHODS This study used cross-sectional survey data from 3,056 participants across 12 Australian mines. Latent class analysis used the scores of Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Social Network Index. RESULTS Class 1 (moderate to very high psychological distress, low SN score and low to moderate AUDIT) included 39% (n=1,178) participants and class 2 (low to moderate psychological distress and AUDIT and very high SN) composed of 61% (n=1,873) participants. Class 1 was associated with younger age (OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.53-0.81), being a current smoker (OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.18-1.79), and reporting a history of anxiety (OR=3.00, 95%CI=2.23-4.05) and/or depression (OR=2.18, 95%CI=1.65-2.90). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the challenges the mining sector faces regarding the welfare of its employees. Implications for public health: Modifiable work factors associated with lower social networks and higher psychological distress need addressing at an individual and industry level through targeted and specifically tailored multi-component interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole James
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales.,Centre for Resources Health and Safety, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales
| | - Mijanur Rahman
- Priority Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales.,Department of Statistics, Comilla University, Bangladesh
| | - Aaron Bezzina
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, New South Wales.,Centre for Resources Health and Safety, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales
| | - Brian Kelly
- Centre for Resources Health and Safety, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, New South Wales.,School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales
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