The effect of work-related and socio-demographic factors on Work Ability Index (WAI) among Iranian workers

Emotional and Work-Related Factors in the Self-Assessment of Work Ability among Italian Healthcare Workers

The Work Ability Index (WAI) is the most commonly used tool for evaluating work capacity. Self-assessments made by workers can be influenced by various occupational and emotional factors. We wanted to study the association of work-related factors, such as work annoyance, stress, overcommitment, job satisfaction, social support, and emotional factors, such as anxiety, depression, and happiness, with work ability, in a sample of 490 healthcare workers from an Italian public health company. A principal component analysis indicated the presence of two components of the WAI questionnaire; the first expresses "subjectively estimated work ability" (SEWA), and the second refers to "ill-health-related work ability" (IHRWA). Using stepwise multiple hierarchical linear regression, we identified the factors that best predicted the total score on the WAI and on the two components. The total score was negatively predicted by anxiety, depression, a lack of happiness, low job satisfaction, overcommitment, and work annoyance. Age, being female, anxiety, and occupational stress were associated with a reduction in the IHRWA component score, while overcommitment, work annoyance, a lack of social support, depression, and a lack of happiness were negatively associated with the SEWA component. These results can help interpret those of epidemiological studies and provide guidance on ways to improve work ability.

Factors associated with work ability among employees of an Italian university hospital

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence clearly documents the benefits of integrated systems approaches to protecting and promoting the safety, health and well-being of workers. The purpose of this study is to provide a holistic view of the work ability of employees of an Italian University Hospital measuring their resources in relation to job demands. In particular, it examines socio-demographics, family and organizational antecedents of health professionals' work ability.

METHODS

A survey was conducted to assess the work ability of healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses and administrative staff, working at the University Hospital of Modena (Italy). The data collection allows us to get a sample of 443 workers, who correspond to 11% of the target population. The data were analyzed using preliminary statistics on the main characteristics of the sample in terms of work ability, socio-demographic variables, family and organizational characteristics. In addition, logit models of the likelihood of having high work ability were estimated using SPSS version 25.

RESULTS

Work ability decreases with increasing age, comorbidity, high body mass index, having at least one child under 5 and/or a dependent adult, having a poor work-life balance, and doing more than 20 h of housework. Specific job resources can significantly promote work ability, including relationship-oriented leadership, autonomy in decision making and individuals' skill match. The nursing profession is associated with a low work ability. Finally, a significant gender gap has been documented. Women find it more difficult to reconcile life and work, especially when they have children of preschool age and work in professions with greater responsibilities, as in the case of women doctors, who experience lower work capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that it is necessary to consider other factors, in addition to age, that are equally relevant in influencing work ability. Consequently, organisational interventions could be implemented to improve the work ability of all workers. In addition, we propose targeted interventions for groups at risk of reduced work capacity, in particular older workers (45 years and over), nurses, women with children of preschool age and in the position of physician.

Job demands-resources model and burnout in physical education teaching: A mixed-method sequential explanatory study

BACKGROUND

While literature includes a number of studies about burnout in teaching, investigations on teaching field-specific perspective remain limited. Research is needed to improve practical implications based on structured theoretical models and methodological basis that focusses on the unique environment of PE teaching field and causal factors behind burnout.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to examine burnout among physical education (PE) teachers based on the job demands-resources (J-DR) model.

METHODS

A sequential explanatory mixed design was conducted in the study. 173 teachers replied to questionnaires, of which 14 teachers thereafter participated in semi-structured interviews. Demographic information form, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and J-DR scale for PE teachers were used, as well as an interview form. 173 teachers were first asked to report demographic information, and score Maslach Burnout Inventory and J-DR scale. Then a subsample group (n = 14) was identified/sampled for a semi-structured interview. Canonical correlation and constant comparative analysis were used to unpack the data.

RESULTS

Teachers' states of burnout varied, and physical, organisational, and socio-cultural resources were closely related with burnout levels. Demands that cause pressure on burnout were determined as paperwork and bureaucracy, student-related factors, and pandemic-related experiences. In addition to supporting the general model, specific J-DR factors for PE teaching were observed that is linked with burnout.

CONCLUSION

J-DR factors that might lead to negative conditions in the teaching environment should be considered, and field-specific factors should be focused on through arrangements to increase teaching efficiency and improve the quality of PE teachers' professional life.

The impact of mental workload, work-related and socio-demographic factors on job burnout among emergency medical staff

BACKGROUND: Job burnout syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to difficult working conditions. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff are exposed to varying levels of mental workload (MWL) depending on the operation, so it is more likely that they experience burnout syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the current research was to investigate the effect of MWL, work-related and socio-demographic factors on job burnout among Iranian EMS staff. METHODS: The current cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical research was carried out among 198 EMS. In doing so, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), The NASA task load index (NASA TLX), and an author-developed work-related and socio-demographic factors were distributed among participants to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t-test, ANOVA test, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation coefficient). RESULTS: The results showed a significant statistical relationship between burnout and MWL. A significant statistical relationship between overall workload and two dimensions of MBI, namely, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, a significant statistical difference regarding the mean of burnout in the different groups of educational levels and occupational categories were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The EMS staff generally reported moderate levels of MWL and burnout. Findings showed that socio-demographic and occupational factors had little effect on burnout. MWL, education levels, and occupational categories are the main predictors of job burnout.

The impact of manual patient handling on work ability: A cross-sectional study in a Brazilian hospital

Aim

To investigate the level of self‐reported work ability and its association with manual patient handling in healthcare workers.

Design

Cross‐sectional study adhering to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines.

Methods

A total of 320 healthcare workers answered a self‐administered questionnaire regarding manual patient handling, work ability, occupational factors, occurrence of low back pain and sociodemographic and lifestyle factors from November 2016 to March 2017. The association between manual patient handling and low back pain was analysed with Poisson regression models.

Results

The prevalence ratio of inadequate work ability was 43.42%. Manual patient handling (PR 1.375, 95% CI 1.038–1.821), bachelor education (PR 2.150, 95% CI 1.272–3.632), less than bachelor education (PR 2.166, 95% CI 1.218–3.855), seniority (PR 1.049, 95% CI 1.024–1.086), poor sleep quality (PR 1.425, 95% CI 1.13–1.796) and presence of low back pain (PR 2.003, 95% CI 1.314–3.052) were all positively associated with an inadequate work ability.

Factors Influencing Work Ability among the Working-Age Population in Singburi Province, Thailand

The ability to work is an essential factor in the quality of work life. This study aimed to determine factors related to work ability among the working population in Sing Buri Province. A total of 360 workers completed a cross-sectional survey using a questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic data and work conditions, psychosocial factors, and measures of the seven components of the work-ability index (WAI). Mean, percentage, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the rates and predictors of the WAI of the participants. Of the 360 participants, 61.40% were women with an average age of 43.00 ± 11.30 years; 36.70% had completed high school education. Their average work experience was 11.30 ± 8.50 years. The results revealed that the average WAI was 31.40 ± 4.15. 76.10% of the participants qualified for the moderate work ability index. The number of current diseases, age, and monthly income were found to significantly contribute to the prediction of the WAI (p < 0.05). This finding suggests that the relevant agencies should support a policy, project or program related to health promotion among the working population with physical health conditions. Promoting occupations should be considered to raise income policy. In doing so, work ability among the working population may be improved.

Career adaptability as protagonist on contemporary rural migrant workers' turnover intention: The mediating effect of organization embeddedness and organizational identification

BACKGROUND

Contemporary migrant workers from rural areas demonstrate high turnover behaviors in China and pose substantial threats to China's economic growth.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the causes of this short-term employment from the perspective of individual dispositions in terms of career adaptability. This study investigated organization embeddedness and organizational identification as underpinning mechanisms linking career adaptability to turnover intention. The hypotheses explanations were provided according to the Conservation of Resources theory.

METHODS

Survey data were collected from 379 migrant workers from rural areas in the manufacturing sectors of China, and the structural equation modeling technique was used to find the range of outcomes.

RESULTS

The empirical results demonstrate that career adaptability does not meaningfully predict turnover intention but is positively and significantly related to organization embeddedness and organizational identification. Organization embeddedness and organizational identification both negatively and significantly predicted turnover intention and also played as a conciliator in the association between career adaptability and turnover intention.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest management and human resource specialists can directly influence the turnover intention of contemporary rural migrant workers via paying attention to these two critical factors, namely, organization embeddedness and organizational identification.

Regression model for predicting low work ability among sedentary aging workers

BACKGROUND

Work ability is the physical and psychological capacity of workers to meet the demands of a job; it declines with age, and the effect is multiplied in a sedentary job. Early detection of workers at risk would help to improve their functional capacity and work efficiency.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors and develop a prediction model for low work ability among sedentary aging office workers.

METHODS

In this case-control study, work ability among sedentary aging workers was evaluated using a Work Ability Questionnaire (WAQ). The worker's age, gender, BMI, marital status, years at work, diabetes, hypertension, diagnosed medical condition, musculoskeletal problems, medicine intake, menopause, physical activity, sedentary work behaviour and six job-related tasks were recorded. Multiple logistic regression was performed, and the odds ratio was calculated for the variables assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty seven sedentary aging workers were assessed for 19 independent factors. BMI and years at work in the demographic domain, diagnosed medical condition and intake of medicine in the health-related domain and handgrip strength in the task domain were found to have a statistically significant odds ratio for poor work ability.

CONCLUSIONS

The study identified factors influencing work ability among sedentary aging workers and a prediction model was developed.

Perceived work ability and work-family conflict in healthcare workers: An observational study in a teaching hospital in Italy

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the variables associated with work ability, work‐family conflict and the relationship between these variables.

Methods

An observational prospective study was conducted and involved 436 employees of a Teaching Hospital in Rome. Data collection was performed using the following tools: the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Work‐to‐family conflict and Family‐to‐work conflict Scale (WFC—FWC Scale). Data were analyzed through univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate linear regression, using the SPSS software version 25.

Results

A direct relationship of the WFC score with two variables (female gender and physicians) and an inverse relationship with other two variables (age and administrative staff) were found. There is a direct relationship between the FWC score and the variable “having sons”. The WFC and FWC scores showed a direct relationship between them.

The Work Ability presented an almost significant association only with the profession variable, in which administrative staff, followed by physicians, presented a higher WAI score with respect to other professional categories, such as nurses.

Conclusions

Wellbeing intervention for health workers should be directed mainly to women, older workers and those with sons. In addition, more attention should be given to nurses, who showed lower work ability scores.

Workability, quality of life and cardiovascular risk markers in aging nightshift workers: a pilot study

Background

In aging healthcare professionals, multiple stressors such as night work may affect life and work satisfaction and risk for chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease [CVD]). In this pilot study we compared workability, quality of life (QoL), and CVD risk markers between night shift and day workers.

Methods

We included 70 hospital employees (mean age 52 ± 4 years, 91.4% female): 32 rotating night shift workers (> 3 nights/month) and 38 permanent day workers. In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics, we assessed i) workability index (WAI), ii) QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-Bref]) and iii) CVD risk markers, i.e. carotid ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers (NTproBNP, CRP, IL‑6, LDL, ferritin, copper, zinc, and selenium). WAI, QoL, and CVD risk markers were compared between night and day workers. In a subgroup of participants (N = 38) with complete data, we used quantile regression analysis to estimate age and multivariate adjusted differences in biomarker levels.

Results

We found no differences in the domains of QoL (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and WAI scores between night and day workers. Night shift workers were less likely to report excellent workability than day workers, although differences were not statistically significant. Night shift workers reported more sleep problems (73.1% vs. 55.6%) and tended to have lower zinc levels and higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‑6, ferritin), but differences were not significant after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusions

Workability, QoL and CVD markers did not significantly differ between rotating night shift and day workers in this small pilot study. Sleep problems and inflammatory marker levels carry implications for occupational health.

Supplementary Information

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-021-01928-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of the work ability index and the work ability score for predicting health-related quality of life

PURPOSE

To compare the relationship of the 7-item Work Ability Index (WAI) and the single-item Work Ability Score (WAS) with individual and work-related factors, and to investigate the predictive role of these two work ability assessments for health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study. 407 of 445 employees working on a construction project in Shiraz, Iran consented to participate in an anonymous survey. 381 surveys were returned completed. Correlation analyses were used to evaluate relationships between WAI and WAS, and the total score and four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF, our measure of HRQOL, and individual and work-related variables. Hierarchical multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to compare WAI and WAS in predicting HRQOL and its four dimensions.

RESULTS

WAI and WAS were both significant predictors of HRQOL and its four dimensions and the explained variance was very similar. The WAI and WAS explained 46% and 44% of the variance related to the HRQOL, respectively. WAI and WAS explained 36-38% and 35-37% of the variance related to dimensions of the HRQOL, respectively. There were significant relationships of both WAS and WAI with job type, work schedule, smoking, and exercise habit.

CONCLUSIONS

The WAS and WAI showed a very similar relationship with participants' individual and work-related factors and HRQOL. The Work Ability Score is a valid and suitable measure for assessment of work ability among Iranian workers. Use of this simple measure could be advantageous to reduce demands on research participants and in workability assessments.

Influence of age on functional capacity and work ability in Chilean workers: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there are differences in functional capacity and work ability between older and younger active workers in public institutions, and to relate functional capacity to work ability.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated 360 subjects from two public institutions, a university and a high-complexity regional hospital. The participants were divided into 3 age ranges 40-49, 50-59 and ≥ 60 years. The following evaluations were applied: a multidimensional assessment questionnaire, work ability and functional capacity using physical tests (strength, flexibility and balance).

RESULTS

There are no significant differences in work ability among the different age groups (P > 0.05). Significant differences were found according to age group in 30-s chair-stand test (30-s CST), 1 repetition maximum (1RM) extending the knee 90° (1RM-leg extension) and 1RM of handgrip strength (1RM-handgrip), upper body flexibility, lower body flexibility, static balance or dynamic balance (P < 0.05). Only the variables 30-s CST (rs = 0.13, P = 0.018), lower body flexibility (rs = 0.13, P = 0.012) and static balance (rs = 0.13, P = 0.012) were related to work ability.

CONCLUSIONS

There are differences in functional capacity as the workers' ages increase. By contrast, work ability does not present any differences when comparing older and younger adults. Some physical tests of the lower extremities presented a small correlation with work ability.

Mediational Occupational Risk Factors Pertaining to Work Ability According to Age, Gender and Professional Job Type

The predictive value of work ability for several health and occupational outcomes is well known. Maintaining the ability to work of all employees has become an important topic in research although some evidence suggests that some groups of workers need greater attention than others. Healthcare workers (x¯ = 54.46 ± 5.64 years) attending routine occupational health checkups completed their work ability, occupational risk and sociodemographic measures. An analysis examined whether work ability differed according to gender, age and professional category. Mediation of these relationships by occupational risk variables, such as work–family conflict, was examined. Females and older adults had worse work ability than their counterparts. Professional group was not independently associated. Gender-related differences were mediated by current and historic ergonomic risk, psychosocial risk and work–family conflict. Age-related differences were mediated by violence/discrimination at work. All job risk variables, apart from current ergonomic risk, mediated associations between professional category and work ability. The present study identified the importance of risk variables for the work ability of health workers according to gender, age and professional job type. Perceptions of work–family conflict and violence–discrimination seem particularly important and should be considered when targeting improvements in work ability.

Sleep before and after work-related concussion: Sex differences in effects and functional outcomes

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have started disentangling components of disturbed sleep as part of the post-concussive syndrome, but little is known about the workers with an injury' perspectives on post-injury sleep changes or what causes these changes.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of work-related concussion/mild traumatic brain injury (wr-mTBI) on perceptions of refreshing sleep in workers with an injury and to identify the relevant factors responsible for sleep changes.

METHODS

We studied post-concussive changes in sleep in 66 adults (50% male workers, 42% aged 30-50 years, median post-injury days: 155) who had sustained wr-mTBI and experienced functional limitations long after the injury. We collected sociodemographic, occupational and health status data and identified variables related to post-concussive changes in refreshing sleep.

RESULTS

Forty-seven workers with wr-mTBI (79% of male workers, 64% of female workers) perceived their sleep as being refreshing before injury and unrefreshing afterwards (χ2 = 67.70 for change, χ2 = 27.6 for female and χ2 = 41.1 for male workers, p < 0.0001). Post-concussive losses in refreshing sleep were associated with socio demographic, occupational, and health status data variables. Sex stratification revealed differences between male and female workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Workers with wr-mTBI experience clinically meaningful changes in refreshing sleep that are associated with modifiable variables. The observed differences in functional outcomes between male and female workers warrant further study.

Job-related factors associated with changes in sleep quality among healthcare workers screening for 2019 novel coronavirus infection: a longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Sleep disorders may exacerbate many physical and mental health conditions, causing difficulty function in a healthcare setting. Workers screening for the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection have a high risk of not only occupational exposure to the virus but also sleep disorders. However, the job-related factors associated with reduced sleep quality remain unclear.

METHODS

All healthcare workers temporarily scheduled to screen the 2019-nCoV patients were asked to complete a self-administered questionnaire that included questions on demographics, job-related factors, and sleep quality as assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Sleep quality was assessed over a one-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

A total of 116 doctors and 99 nurses were recruited for this study. The total scheduled work time was 14.78 ± 6.69 days during follow-up. Some job-related factors, such as number of work days, years of work experience, and subjective psychological stress, were associated with changes in the PSQI score. During the study, some workers tried out cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for sleep disorders using methods that were available online and easily accessible. Adopting online CBT was shown to be associated with scores of components of sleep quality, sleep latency, and sleep disturbance (β = -0.152, P = 0.01; β = -0.175, P = 0.008; and β = -0.158, P = 0.011, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare workers involved in screening for 2019-nCoV experienced reduced sleep quality, and a reasonable work schedule may help with maintaining sleep quality. In addition, interventions for healthcare workers should target self-help sleep assistance.