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Hagendijk ME, Zipfel N, Melles M, van der Wees PJ, Hulshof CTJ, Çölkesen EB, Hoving JL, van der Burg-Vermeulen SJ. Towards person-centred work-focused healthcare for people with cardiovascular disease: a qualitative exploration of patients' experiences and needs. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38676465 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2344653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the experiences and needs concerning work-focused healthcare of patients experiencing problems with work participation due to cardiovascular disease based on all facets of person-centred care. METHODS Nineteen patients who experienced or continue to experience problems with work participation due to cardiovascular disease participated in semi-structured interviews preceded by preparatory written assignments. The transcripts were analysed by means of directed qualitative content analysis. Adapted principles of the Picker Institute for Person-Centred Care provided a template for the analysis. RESULTS 28 experiences and needs emerged and were grouped into the eight principles for person-centred work-focused healthcare. Randomly presenting one theme for each of the eight principles, the themes included: (1) frequent encounters with occupational healthcare professionals; (2) substantive work-related advice; (3) transparency in communication; (4) support for family; (5) information provision on the work-focused healthcare process; (6) personal control during the process; (7) empathy for the personal situation; and (8) tailored work-focused support. CONCLUSIONS The identified experiences and needs for work-focused healthcare of patients experiencing problems with work participation due to cardiovascular disease clearly indicate the need to improve the delivery of person-centred work-focused healthcare to better meet the individual needs of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije E Hagendijk
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nina Zipfel
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke Melles
- Department of Human-Centred Design, Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Philip J van der Wees
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Carel T J Hulshof
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ersen B Çölkesen
- Department of Cardiology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands
| | - Jan L Hoving
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Research Centre for Insurance Medicine, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia J van der Burg-Vermeulen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Scott KA, Elliott KC, Lincoln J, Flynn MA, Hill R, Hall DM. Rural health and rural industries: Opportunities for partnership and action. J Rural Health 2024; 40:401-405. [PMID: 37669228 PMCID: PMC10912364 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A. Scott
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - K. C. Elliott
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Anchorage, Alaska, USA
| | - Jennifer Lincoln
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael A. Flynn
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ryan Hill
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Diane M. Hall
- Office of Rural Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Haraldsson P, Nylander E, Jonker D, Ros A, Josefsson KA. Workplace interventions focusing on how to plan, organize and design the work environment in hospital settings: A systematic review. Work 2024:WOR230205. [PMID: 38277328 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occupational Health Service (OHS) is a service that should support employers and employees with their work environment. Previous research indicates the need for deeper knowledge about the effect of workplace interventions with a focus on planning, organizing and designing the workplace to improve work conditions in hospital settings. OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate the outcomes, workplace interventions and intervention strategies in hospital settings. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted. CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection were searched in September 2021. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Study results are presented through a narrative synthesis. A protocol for this study was registered on the Open Science Framework. RESULTS Twenty-six studies, published between 2010 and 2021, were included. These included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs, and mixed methods reports with moderate to good quality. The results support the use of workplace interventions to improve work conditions, health, and well-being in hospital settings. Combinations of different interventions, tailored to the specific organization, were used. Important intervention strategies commonly used in the start-up, evaluation, and intervention of successful workplace interventions, were identified. Using a pragmatist complexity approach in workplace interventions can improve outcomes by providing clear intervention strategies and combinations of tailored interventions, related to context specific problems. CONCLUSION OHS support in workplace interventions with clear intervention strategies will contribute to improve work conditions, health and well-being in hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Haraldsson
- Occupational Safety and Health Care, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | | | - Dirk Jonker
- Occupational Safety and Health Care, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Axel Ros
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- Futurum -Academy for Healthcare, Region Jönköping County, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Kristina Areskoug Josefsson
- School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping Academy for Improvement of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
- University West, Department of Health Sciences, Trollhättan, Sweden
- Department of Behavioural Science, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
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Walusiak-Skorupa J, Kaczmarek P, Wiszniewska M. [Artificial Intelligence and employee's health - new challenges]. Med Pr 2023; 74:227-233. [PMID: 37695935 DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The presence of artificial intelligence (AI) in many areas of social life is becoming widespread. The advantages of AI are being observed in medicine, commerce, automobiles, customer service, agriculture and production in factory settings, among others. Workers first encountered robots in the work environment in the 1960s. Since then, intelligent systems have become much more advanced. The expansion of AI functionality in the work environment exacerbates human health risks. These can be physical (lack of adequate machine control, accidents) or psychological (technostress, fear, automation leading to job exclusion, changes in the labour market, widening social differences). MATERIAL AND METHODS The purpose of this article is to identify, based on selected literature, possible applications of AI and the potential benefits and risks for humans. RESULTS The main area of interest was the contemporary work environment and the health consequences associated with access to smart technologies. A key research area for us was the relationship between AI and increased worker control. CONCLUSIONS In the article, the authors emphasize the importance of relevant EU legislation that guarantees respect for the rights of the employed. The authors put forward the thesis that the new reality with the widespread use of AI, requires an analysis of its impact on the human psycho-social and health situation. Thus, a legal framework defining the scope of monitoring and collection of sensitive data is necessary. Med Pr. 2023;74(3):227-33.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa
- Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Klinika Chorób Zawodowych i Zdrowia Środowiskowego / Clinic of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health)
| | - Paulina Kaczmarek
- Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Klinika Chorób Zawodowych i Zdrowia Środowiskowego / Clinic of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health)
| | - Marta Wiszniewska
- Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. prof. J. Nofera / Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Klinika Chorób Zawodowych i Zdrowia Środowiskowego / Clinic of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health)
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Chirico F, Nucera G, Szarpak L, Nowrouzi-Kia B. Occupational Health Services Have a Relevant Role in Protecting the Health and Safety of Paramedics. Ann Burns Fire Disasters 2023; 36:189-190. [PMID: 38680440 PMCID: PMC11041874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In this Letter to the Editor, the authors point out occupational health and safety risks for paramedics, and highlight the relevant role carried out by multidisciplinary occupational health services in the prevention of occupational risks and the promotion of physical and mental well-being of these workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Chirico
- Post-graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of Interior, Italy
| | - G. Nucera
- Department of Emergency, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli and Sacco, Milan, Italy
| | - L. Szarpak
- Institute of Outcomes Research, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Medical Academy, Warsaw, Poland
- Maria Sklodowska-Curie Bialystok Oncology Center, Bialystok, Poland
- Polish Society of Disaster Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
- Henry JN Taub Department of Emergency Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - B. Nowrouzi-Kia
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Wagner A, Keles K, Preiser C, Neunhöffer AT, Soeder J, Schwille-Kiuntke J, Rieger MA, Rind E. Assessing Attitudes and Participation Regarding a Pilot COVID-19 Workplace Vaccination Program in Southern Germany Considering the Occupational Health Perspective-A Mixed Methods Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1082. [PMID: 37376471 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11061082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This mixed methods study retrospectively assessed attitudes and participation of employees, occupational health personnel, and key personnel regarding the rollout of a pilot COVID-19 workplace vaccination program in five German companies in May/June 2021 in Baden-Württemberg (Southern Germany) by combining survey data and qualitative interviews. A total of 652 employees completed a standardized questionnaire and we conducted ten interviews with occupational health personnel and key personnel with other professional backgrounds organizing the pilot workplace vaccination program. Survey data were analyzed descriptively and interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Employees participated widely in COVID-19 vaccinations at their workplaces, and most employees (n = 608; 93.8%) had a full COVID-19 immunization at the time of the survey. The main advantages of the pilot COVID-19 workplace vaccination program were seen in the flexible and time-saving vaccination offer as well as the trust in and long-standing relationship with occupational health physicians. The main disadvantage of the pilot vaccination offer was increased workload for occupational health personnel, especially during the roll-out phase of the program. The pilot COVID-19 workplace vaccination program was predominantly positively assessed, and the important role of occupational health services in managing the COVID-19 pandemic was highlighted. The main criticisms of the COVID-19 workplace vaccination program related to the high organizational and administrative burden. Findings from our study can support the development of future programs for the administration of generally recommended vaccination in the workplace setting in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anke Wagner
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kamil Keles
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christine Preiser
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Anna T Neunhöffer
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jana Soeder
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane Schwille-Kiuntke
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Esther Rind
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tübingen, Germany
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Henriques M, Rodrigues D, Viegas S, Serranheira F, Sacadura-Leite E. Vitamin D status in active duty Navy military personnel: a systematic review. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:353-360. [PMID: 37012046 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Active duty Navy military personnel are prone to vitamin D deficiency due to an occupational environment detrimental to sunlight exposure. The main objective of this systematic review is to provide a worldwide overview of vitamin D status in this population. METHODS The Condition, Context, Population (CoCoPop) mnemonic was used to define the inclusion criteria (vitamin D status; all contexts; active duty Navy military personnel). Studies with recruits or veterans were excluded. Scopus, Web of Science and PubMed/Medline databases were searched from inception to 30 June 2022. Joanna Briggs Institute and Downs & Black checklists were used for quality assessment and data were synthesised in narrative and tabular formats. RESULTS Thirteen studies published between 1975 and 2022 and conducted in northern hemisphere Navies, including mainly young and male service members, were included. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was globally reported as significant. Nine studies included a total of 305 male submariners who performed 30-92 days submarine patrol and reported the effect of sunlight deprivation in the decrease of vitamin D levels. CONCLUSIONS This new systematic review underlines the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in the Navy, especially in submariners, and the need to implement measures to prevent vitamin D deficiency. Serum 25(OH)D data available and the heterogeneity of the studies limited a pooled analysis. Most studies included only submariners, which may limit generalisability to all active duty Navy military personnel. Further research on this topic should be promoted. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022287057.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moisés Henriques
- Portuguese Navy Research Centre (CINAV), Portuguese Navy, Almada, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Diogo Rodrigues
- Portuguese Navy Research Centre (CINAV), Portuguese Navy, Almada, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Florentino Serranheira
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ema Sacadura-Leite
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Occupational Health Department, Northern Lisbon University Hospital Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
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Abstract
Objectives. This study aimed to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal problems in office workers and their physical activity levels and quality of life. Methods. A questionnaire form, the quality of life scale (SF-36) and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Group differences were compared post hoc (Bonferroni) and non-parametrically (Mann-Whitney U test, etc.). Results. Among the participants, 81.7% experienced pain in at least one body area. Back pain was experienced most frequently at a rate of 54.8%, followed by neck and shoulder pain, respectively. According to the participants' physical activity levels, 58.5% (n = 141) were active, 37.3% (n = 90) were less active and 4.1% (n = 10) were very active. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the participants and the participants' age, educational status, income status, regular exercise status, duration of computer use, eye complaints, complaints in the wrists and ergonomic chair use. Conclusion. The prevalence of MSDs was determined to be high in the office workers, while their levels of physical activity were found low. Training and exercises are needed to prevent MSDs in office workers and improve their levels of physical activity and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harun İkiz
- Board Doctor Department, Capital Markets Board of Turkey, Turkey
| | - Emine Ergin
- Public Health Nursing Department, İstanbul Aydın University, Turkey
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Lax MB, Zoeckler JM. Occupational Disease in New York State: An Update. New Solut 2023; 32:304-323. [PMID: 36799954 DOI: 10.1177/10482911231152896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
An assessment of occupational disease in New York State was undertaken that partially replicated and expanded earlier work from 1987. Utilizing an expanded conception of occupational disease, the assessment used a variety of data sources and methods to provide estimates of mortality and morbidity of occupational disease; workers exposed to specific workplace hazards; disparities in occupational disease among racial/ethnic groups and gender; costs and distribution of costs of occupational disease; and accessible occupational medical resources. Examples of the pathways work may impact health in some of the major health issues of current import including stress-related health conditions; substance use; and overweight/obesity were included. The report contains recommendations for addressing the problem of occupational disease in New York State and advocates for the convening of a statewide group to develop an occupational disease prevention agenda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael B Lax
- Occupational Health Clinical Center, Department of Family Medicine State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Jeanette M Zoeckler
- Occupational Health Clinical Center, Department of Family Medicine State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Huang YY, Liu Q, Li JY, Yue SW, Xue B, Redding SR, Zhou WB, Ouyang YQ. Breastfeeding Practices of Women Returning to Full-Time Employment in China: Prevalence and Determinants. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:68-77. [PMID: 36514253 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221126371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Returning to work after childbirth is a common reason for women to stop breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding support available to employed women in China, and factors affecting breastfeeding duration. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 1,243 breastfeeding women employed full-time was conducted. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors that are associated with breastfeeding. RESULTS The mean exclusive breastfeeding duration and any breastfeeding duration of full-time employed women were 5.7 ± 0.5 months and 9.8 ± 1.5 months, respectively. The total WBSS score was 46.6 ± 5.3 (M ± SD). Generally, women perceived coworkers (M [SD] = 4.8 [1.0]) and supervisors (M [SD] = 5.7 [1.2]) to be supportive of breastfeeding. Lower scores on the WBSS were related to lack of technical and facility support, indicating no access to a refrigerator to store breast milk (M [SD] = 2.0 [1.5]) or to a breast pump (M [SD] = 1.7 [1.7]). Similarly, a private area for expressing breast milk (M [SD] = 1.4 [1.0]) was unavailable. Maternity leave, residential province, ethnicity, education level, average monthly household income, main reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding, commute time greater than 1 hour, and the total WBSS score were also factors influencing breastfeeding duration of the full-time employed women. CONCLUSIONS There were gaps in breastfeeding practices and workplace breastfeeding support of Chinese full-time employed women when compared with the World Health Organization recommendations. Occupational health providers should consider these findings when developing programs to support breastfeeding in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | | | | | - Bing Xue
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University
| | | | - Wen-Bin Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Hubei Provincial Corps Hospital, Chinese People Armed Police Forces
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Ortner J, Moya D, Manzanera R, Torres M, Vives A, Farrus X, Grau N, Mira JJ. Adverse events in the global healthcare practice of an Occupational Mutual Insurance Company in Spain. Work 2023; 76:1157-1165. [PMID: 37248933 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient safety is currently a main issue in healthcare practice. Adverse events (AEs) management is a key instrument for the application of strategies to prevent harm to patients. OBJECTIVE To analyze the type, severity and preventability, according to validated scales, of AEs occurring annually in the healthcare practice of an Occupational Mutual Insurance Company in order to implement action plans to improve patient safety. METHODS We analyzed the reported AEs in an Incident Reporting System and AEs detected in the Audit program of clinical records as a result of treating injured or ill workers in our 88 ambulatory care centers. RESULTS We detected 28 AEs in the clinical records (CR), representing 0.05 AE/CR, with maximum values in the COM sample (26 AEs, 0.11) and much lower in INT (1 AEs, 0.02) and MIN (1 AE, 0.02). The most frequent AE type was procedure-related, followed by infection and care. AEs of severity level D (11 cases) and E (9 cases) predominated, while level F was also detected (6 cases). Intermediate values in preventability (3 and 4) predominated, 61.5% were preventable. With the Incident Reporting System, 27 AEs were identified, predominated by procedural type. Most reported AE severities was in levels E (10 cases) and C (8 cases), 89% were preventable. CONCLUSION Our company detects AEs via the Incident Reporting System and annual Audit program of clinical records, both of which are complementary, and may result in the implementation of more effective Patient Safety measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jose Joaquin Mira
- Universidad Miguel Hernández, Elche, Spain
- Departamento de Salud, Alicante-Sant Joan, Alicante, Spain
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12
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Lee YJ. Effects of a mobile health intervention on activities of stress self-management for workers. Work 2023; 75:233-241. [PMID: 36591675 DOI: 10.3233/wor-211406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile health interventions are being widely tried because of their attractive advantages. However, there is not enough evidence for its effectiveness. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the effects of mobile app-based stress management intervention (mSMI) on highly stressed workers. METHODS A sample of 82 white-collar workers with elevated symptoms of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10≥22) were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. The mSMI consisted of three modules: self-management including a work diary, counseling based on cognitive behavioral therapy and interventions focused on music, meditation, relaxation and image healings. Self-report data were collected at the baseline and post-intervention. Study outcomes analyzed perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and work engagement. Data were assessed using analysis of covariance with covariates. RESULTS There was significantly reduced perceived stress from baseline to 6 weeks in mSMI (t = 5.788, p < 0.001) and control group (t = 3.184, p = 0.003). After adjusting for covariates, the between-group difference in the perceived stress was significantly different (F = 4.051, p = 0.048); however, the effect size was small. There was no significant intervention effect on anxiety, depression, and work engagement. The process evaluation indicated that most participants (85.3%) were satisfied with the intervention and their mental health benefited. CONCLUSION This study found that mobile health intervention facilitated perceived stress management for highly stressed workers. Further studies should address job-related outcomes and mental health symptoms in workers by applying the latest information technology and addressing the limitations of mobile interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Joo Lee
- Research Institute of Nursing Science, College of Nursing, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu, South Korea
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13
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de Troya Martín M, Aguilar S, Aguilera-Arjona J, Rivas-Ruiz F, Rodríguez-Martínez A, de Castro-Maqueda G, Cambil-Martín J, de Gálvez-Aranda V, Blázquez-Sánchez N. Risk assessment of occupational skin cancer among outdoor workers in southern Spain: local pilot study. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:14-20. [PMID: 36424170 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2022-108454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main preventable cause of skin cancer. Outdoor workers, exposed to the sun for many hours throughout their working lives, are at special risk. The aim of this study is to determine occupational photoexposure and photoprotection among outdoor workers employed by a municipality in southern Spain. METHODS Cross-sectional descriptive study focusing on outdoor workers employed by the municipality of Fuengirola (in areas such as construction, gardening, urban cleaning and beach maintenance). The participants were monitored by personal dosimetry, participated in a dermatological check-up and answered a validated questionnaire (CHACES) on their habits, attitudes and knowledge related to sun exposure. RESULTS The median effective erythema dose of exposure to solar UV radiation during the working day (n=20) was 379.4 J/m2, equivalent to 3.8 standard erythema doses, almost 3 times higher than the recommended limits for an 8-hour workday. Skin examination (n=128) revealed the presence of actinic lentigines (79.7%), actinic keratoses (8.6%) and skin cancer (3.9%). The CHACES questionnaire (n=128) revealed a sunburn rate of 50.0%. Photoprotection practices were markedly deficient: only 16.7% of the survey respondents sought protection in the shade, 20.3% avoided exposure during the peak exposure hours and 33.1% applied sunscreen. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to evaluate UV radiation exposure, occupational sun protection practices, sunburn and actinic injuries of different outdoor workers in one of the sunniest regions of Spain and underlines the need for effective interventions to protect outdoor workers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sierra Aguilar
- Occupational Risk Prevention Service, Fuengirola City Council, Fuengirola, Spain
| | - José Aguilera-Arjona
- Photobiological Dermatology Laboratory, Medical Research Centre, Department of Medicine and Dermatology, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | | | | | - Guillermo de Castro-Maqueda
- Physical Education Department, Education Science Faculty, University of Cadiz, Cadiz, Spain.,Nursing Department, Health Science Faculty, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Jacobo Cambil-Martín
- Nursing Department, Health Science Faculty, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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14
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Rydlewska-Liszkowska I. [Directions of organizational and economic changes in occupational health services as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic - challenges to the health crises]. Med Pr 2022; 73:471-483. [PMID: 36576399 DOI: 10.13075/mp.5893.01310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused not only short-term organizational and economic changes in the functioning of occupational health services, but also enforced to include them in the formulation of a strategic systemic approach to this link of the health care system. The aim of the article is to identify and describe the organizational and economic changes in occupational health services during the pandemic. On this basis, the directions of further research on the improvement of the activities of health care entities of working people in response to future health crises have been formulated. The review covered legal acts relating to organizational and economic changes, Polish and foreign expert publications, full-text Polish and English-language scientific articles included in the PubMed database, publications beyond the specified period, consistent and useful in explaining the concepts of organization, management and economics. The changes in occupational health services presented in the literature during the pandemic consisted of: introducing additional organizational forms of providing health care to employees including occupational medicine leaders, strengthening supervision over working conditions, interdisciplinary cooperation for managing the health of working people, participation in pro-vaccination campaigns, activities in the field of rehabilitation after COVID-19 and new-quality cooperation with public and private health stakeholders. As the result of the review, problems were formulated for future research, which included ensuring the security of occupational medicine entities in terms of resource availability, adjusting the allocation of resources to new financial needs during and after a pandemic, evaluation of organizational and economic changes introduced during the pandemic and the legitimacy of their maintenance in subsequent periods, the development of economic and organizational instruments for the time of crisis, the scope and principles of cooperation with health care stakeholders and the introduction of medical technologies based on a medical and economic assessment according to Health Technology Assessment. Med Pr. 2022;73(6):471-83.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Rydlewska-Liszkowska
- Uniwersytet Medyczny w Łodzi / Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Polska (Wydział Nauk o Zdrowiu, Zakład Ubezpieczeń Medycznych i Finansowania Ochrony Zdrowia / Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Medical Insurance and Health Care Financing)
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15
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Kupsová B, Pavlík V, Horáček JM, Šafka V, Lašák P, Fajfrová J, Husárová M, Boušová K, Tuček M. Occupational diseases arising in the area of the Ministry of Defence in the Czech Republic and their relationship to work categorization. Cent Eur J Public Health 2022; 30:235-240. [PMID: 36718926 DOI: 10.21101/cejph.a7235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The article deals with occupational health protection and identification of health risks in the work environment of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Czech Republic (CR). It focuses on the assessment of the incidence of occupational diseases (OD) in high-risk and risk-free occupational categories in the years 2010-2019 and compares them with data from the civilian sector. It identifies the differences between military staff and civilian employees of the MoD. METHODS From the records of OD at the Department of Occupational Diseases of the Central Military Hospital in Prague, the data on acknowledged OD from the years 2010 to 2019 were obtained and then a retrospective analysis focusing on the classification of work at risk was performed. The obtained data were compared with the data from the Czech National Registry of Occupational Diseases (NROD), which are published annually by the National Institute of Public Health. RESULTS In the years under review, 191 OD were confirmed at the area of MoD, 26% of all OD occurred in employees classified in the occupational risk category. Compared with the data in the NROD, where 50% of OD were found to have been caused by high-risk work, the incidence of OD caused by high-risk work in professional soldiers is lower. Only 1.6% of all OD occurred in professional soldiers whose work was classified as high-risk one. In civilian employees of MoD 24.6% of all OD were connected with high-risk work. On the contrary, the proportion of OD occurring in professional soldiers working in risk-free categories was 57.6%, in civilian employees of MoD was the ratio much lower - 16.2%. CONCLUSION Work at the Ministry of Defence was not adequately categorized, therefore, in 2020 a new categorization of work was introduced, which together with preventive measures could contribute to reducing the incidence of OD at the Ministry of Defence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanka Kupsová
- Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Vladimír Pavlík
- Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan M Horáček
- Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Šafka
- Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Lašák
- Department of Military Internal Medicine and Military Hygiene, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Fajfrová
- Administration Activities Department, Section of Military Health Care, Ministry of Defence, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Husárová
- Department of Hygiene, Military Health Institute, Military Medical Agency, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Karin Boušová
- Department of Occupational Medicine, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Tuček
- Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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16
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Vähätalo L, Siukola A, Atkins S, Reho T, Sumanen M, Viljamaa M, Sauni R. Cooperation between Public Primary Health Care and Occupational Health Care Professionals in Work Ability-Related Health Issues. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11916. [PMID: 36231222 PMCID: PMC9564539 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Work disability creates significant expenses for nations and causes human suffering by limiting patients' lives. International studies show that to enhance recognition of and support for work disability, cooperation, mutual trust, and information exchange between public primary health care and occupational health care must be strengthened. However, little is known of how health care professionals experience this cooperation. The aim of this study was to understand how professionals experience the cooperation between public primary health care and occupational health services regarding patients' work ability. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 health care professionals working in five small cities (<10,000 inhabitants) in Finland. Interviews were audio and video recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Three key themes were identified from the interviews: attitudes toward the other health care sector, the exchange of information, and resources for cooperation. Professionals seem to have poor knowledge about the services available and how care is given in the other sector, appearing to lead to weak mutual trust. The public primary health care professionals especially emphasized the benefits of cooperation, but several issues were mentioned as barriers to cooperation. These results can be used when planning effective patient paths and service provisioning models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauri Vähätalo
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Anna Siukola
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Salla Atkins
- Health Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
- Department of Global Public Health, Social Medicine Infectious Disease and Migration (SIM), Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tiia Reho
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | - Markku Sumanen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Riitta Sauni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland
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17
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van Hees SGM, Carlier BE, Blonk RWB, Oomens S. Promoting Factors to Stay at Work Among Employees With Common Mental Health Problems: A Multiple-Stakeholder Concept Mapping Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:815604. [PMID: 35619783 PMCID: PMC9128844 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.815604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Most individuals affected by common mental health problems are employed and actually working. To promote stay at work by workplace interventions, it is crucial to understand the factors perceived by various workplace stakeholders, and its relative importance. This concept mapping study therefore explores perspectives of employees with common mental health problems (n = 18), supervisors (n = 17), and occupational health professionals (n = 14). Per stakeholder group, participants were interviewed to generate statements. Next, each participant sorted these statements on relatedness and importance. For each group, a concept map was created, using cluster analysis. Finally, focus group discussions were held to refine the maps. The three concept maps resulted in several clustered ideas that stakeholders had in common, grouped by thematic analysis into the following meta-clusters: (A) Employee’s experience of autonomy in work (employee’s responsibility, freedom to exert control, meaningful work), (B) Supervisor support (being proactive, connected, and involved), (C) Ways to match employee’s capacities to work (job accommodations), (D) Safe social climate in workplace (transparent organizational culture, collective responsibility in teams, collegial support), and (E) professional and organizational support, including collaboration with occupational health professionals. Promoting stay at work is a dynamic process that requires joined efforts by workplace stakeholders, in which more attention is needed to the interpersonal dynamics between employer and employee. Above all, a safe and trustful work environment, in which employee’s autonomy, capacities, and needs are addressed by the supervisor, forms a fundamental base to stay at work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne G M van Hees
- Occupation and Health Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Bouwine E Carlier
- Occupation and Health Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Roland W B Blonk
- Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands.,TNO, Leiden, Netherlands.,Optentia, North West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Shirley Oomens
- Occupation and Health Research Group, HAN University of Applied Sciences, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen School of Occupational Health, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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18
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Kirkland KH, Rosenman KD. Association of occupational and environmental clinics exposure code system and criteria for substances that cause work-related asthma. Occup Environ Med 2022; 79:287-288. [PMID: 35177429 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2021-108174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine H Kirkland
- Association of Occupational and Environmental Clinics, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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19
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Chirico F, Nucera G, Szarpak L, Zaffina S. The Cooperation Between Occupational and Public Health Stakeholders and Its Decisive Role in the Battle Against the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 17:e100. [PMID: 34937592 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2021.375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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20
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Jakobsen J, Veierød MB, Grimsrud TK, Fosså SD, Hammarström B, Kjærheim K. Early detection of prostate cancer in firefighters: a register-based study of prognostic factors and survival. Occup Environ Med 2021; 79:200-206. [PMID: 34510005 PMCID: PMC8862087 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2021-107622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To examine age at diagnosis, prognostic factors and survival of prostate cancer (PCa) in Norwegian firefighters and three other occupations undergoing occupational health check-ups, and comparing with PCa cases in the general population. Methods All PCa cases diagnosed in 1960–2017 were extracted from the Cancer Registry of Norway. Firefighters, military employees, pilots and police officers were identified through occupational data from Statistics Norway. Age at diagnosis, clinical stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, performance status and overall survival and PCa-specific survival in cases in these occupations were compared with cases in the general population. Results Firefighters were significantly younger at PCa diagnosis than cases in the general population in 1960–1993 (mean difference: 2.1 years) and 2007–2017 (mean difference: 4.3 years). At diagnosis, firefighters had significantly lower PSA values, Gleason scores and performance status scores than the general population. Firefighters diagnosed in 2007–2017 had lower risk of all-cause death than the general population (crude HR 0.71 (0.53–0.95)). No difference remained after adjusting for age at diagnosis (HR 1.03 (0.77–1.37)). Firefighters were older at diagnosis in 1994–2006 (mean difference: 3.0 years), but showed no other significant differences in age at diagnosis, PSA values, Gleason scores or performance status compared with military employees, pilots and police officers. Conclusions Younger age and better prognostic factors at PCa diagnosis among firefighters and other occupations with requirements for health check-ups than cases in the general population may indicate an increased diagnostic intensity, likely contributing to elevated PCa incidence in such occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jarle Jakobsen
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway .,Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit B Veierød
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom K Grimsrud
- Department of Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sophie Dorothea Fosså
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bato Hammarström
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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21
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Thørrisen MM, Bonsaksen T, Skogen JC, Skarpaas LS, Sevic A, van Mechelen W, Aas RW. Willingness to Participate in Alcohol Prevention Interventions Targeting Risky Drinking Employees. The WIRUS Project. Front Public Health 2021; 9:692605. [PMID: 34249850 PMCID: PMC8267363 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.692605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The extent to which eligible individuals in a target population are willing to participate in interventions is important when evaluating the efficacy of public health interventions. Objectives: As part of a process evaluation of an ongoing randomized controlled trial, this study aimed to identify the proportion of risky drinkers who were willing to participate in an alcohol prevention intervention in an occupational health setting, and correlates for such willingness. Methods: Risky drinking employees from 22 companies in Norway were identified through an alcohol screening survey. Risky drinkers' (N = 779) willingness to complete a health examination and to be randomized into an alcohol prevention intervention (digital or face-to-face intervention, or control) was recorded by personnel from occupational health services. The proportion of employees who were willing to participate was assessed on 31 potential correlates (sociodemographic, alcohol-related, work-related, and lifestyle/daily activity). Adjusted (multiple logistic regression) analyses were utilized to explore associations between potential correlates and willingness to participate. Results: Altogether, 38.1% of employees were willing to participate in prevention interventions. In the adjusted analysis, only 5 out of 31 potential correlates were significantly associated with willingness to participate. Managers were more than twice as willing to participate than workers (OR = 2.17, p < 0.01). Willing employees had less workplace decision latitude (perceived control over workplace decisions and less possibility of utilizing personal skills in the job) (OR = 0.62, p < 0.05), and were more overcommitted with exorbitant work ambition and need for approval (OR = 1.49, p < 0.05). Willing employees had to some extent less alcohol-related impaired work performance (presenteeism, OR = 0.78, p < 0.05), and they spent less time on care activities (OR = 0.84, p < 0.05). Conclusions: Reaching four out of ten with risky drinking habits for prevention interventions strengthens the rationale for targeting this public health problem in occupational health care settings. In particular, this study suggests the importance of ensuring secure commitment among workers, who were less willing til participate than managers. Nevertheless, tailoring recruitment and implementation strategies based on easily identifiable correlates may be onerous.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikkel Magnus Thørrisen
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tore Bonsaksen
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, VID Specialized University, Sandnes, Norway
| | - Jens Christoffer Skogen
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway.,Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Sandnes, Norway.,Center for Alcohol & Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Lisebet Skeie Skarpaas
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Aleksandra Sevic
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Willem van Mechelen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers (Location VUmc), Amsterdam, Netherlands.,School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health and Behavioral Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Division of Exercise and Sports Medicine, Department of Human Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Randi Wågø Aas
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Faculty of Health Sciences, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
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22
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Wiszniewska M, Marcinkiewicz A, Lipińska-Ojrzanowska A, Kalska-Sochacka K, Walusiak Skorupa J. The role of occupational health services in cancer prevention - which factors determine the implementation of preventive measures? Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2021; 34:723-736. [PMID: 34060512 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.01793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Epidemiological data on cancer diseases are alarming. The workplace has become an increasingly important site for disseminating health information and implementing health promotion activities. Occupational medicine physicians (OMPs) have the opportunity to carry out primary and secondary preventive activities focused on civilization diseases, especially cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of OMPs in cancer prevention, including the analysis of factors determining the implementation of preventive measures, as part of standard healthcare for employees. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted among 362 OMPs. The interviews were carried out by the computer assisted telephone interview (CATI) method. RESULTS Over 60% of the surveyed OMPs are ready to implement cancer preventive activities among employees. The doctors with the longest seniority in occupational health services are more likely to declare unwillingness to implement cancer preventive activities. Patient's consent, informing women about the program and adjusting the time of the medical visit are the most important conditions for introducing cancer prevention programs by OMPs. Neither seniority nor the number of examinations performed by a physician influenced the currently implemented cancer preventive activities as part of occupational health services (including the evaluation of cancer risk factors occurrence among employees). CONCLUSIONS In Poland, OMPs are willing to implement cancer preventive activities among employees, but their current activity in this area is limited and needs development. The most specific actions should be addressed to doctors with the longest seniority in occupational health services, who are frequently unwilling to implement cancer preventive activities. Strengthening the preventive potential of Polish occupational health services requires a systemic approach to the scope and way of action of healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Wiszniewska
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health)
| | - Andrzej Marcinkiewicz
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health)
| | | | | | - Jolanta Walusiak Skorupa
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health)
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23
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Napier J, Zhou AY, Moore J. A service evaluation of an occupational health Covid-19 referral pathway. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:75-78. [PMID: 33420507 PMCID: PMC7928657 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A rapid management referral pathway was established by a private UK occupational health (OH) provider to offer assessments and advice on managing individual risk relating to Covid-19 in the workplace. Aims The aim of this service evaluation was to assess the utilization and effectiveness of the pathway in supporting referrers during a pandemic. Methods Referrals between March–August 2020 were analysed by date and industry to assess service utilization. A survey was sent to a convenience sample of referrers throughout this period, requesting feedback on whether the report led to a change in how the worker was managed, and whether it increased referrer confidence in managing the worker. Results Five hundred and seventy referrals were made, predominantly from wholesale and retail; professional, scientific and technical; and food and drink production. There was a small peak of referrals from manufacturing in April and a larger peak in July–August from wholesale and retail, and food and drink production. Of 166 surveys sent, 58 were completed (35% response rate). In 71% of cases, referrers indicated that the report led to change in how the worker was managed, and in 86% of cases, referrers reported being more confident in managing the worker. Conclusions The pathway was well-utilized. OH assessments and advice have an important role to play in a pandemic, with useful impact on how workers are managed and how confident managers feel in managing workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Napier
- RPS Group Ltd, Occupational Health, London, UK
| | - A Y Zhou
- RPS Group Ltd, Occupational Health, Ellesmere Port, UK
| | - J Moore
- RPS Group Ltd, Occupational Health, London, UK
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24
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Jain A, Hassard J, Leka S, Di Tecco C, Iavicoli S. The Role of Occupational Health Services in Psychosocial Risk Management and the Promotion of Mental Health and Well-Being at Work. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:3632. [PMID: 33807352 PMCID: PMC8036601 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The development and enhancement of occupational health services (OHS) at the national level is central to ensuring the sustainable health, well-being and work engagement of the working population. However, due to differences in national health, social security and occupational safety and health systems, the content, capacity, coverage and provisions of OHS vary considerably across national contexts. Obtaining a better understanding in terms of such similarities and variations internationally is essential as such comparative information can help inform evidenced-based decision-making on OHS at both policy and practice levels. This paper therefore reviews and analyses the key policies, standards and approaches in OH systems and services, using both academic and grey literature, across 12 industrialised countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom and the United States of America). It provides a detailed overview and categorization of OHS in these selected countries in terms of the legal and policy context, organisation and financing and coverage and staffing while specifically discussing variations aimed at psychosocial risk management and the promotion of mental health and well-being at work. It draws conclusions on key development needs of OHS internationally to ensure psychosocial risk management and mental health promotion are prioritised effectively in a preventive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Jain
- Nottingham University Business School, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK;
| | - Juliet Hassard
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK;
| | - Stavroula Leka
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG8 1BB, UK;
- Cork University Business School, University College Cork, T12 K8AF Cork, Ireland
| | - Cristina Di Tecco
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority INAIL), 00078 Rome, Italy; (C.D.T.); (S.I.)
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers’ Compensation Authority INAIL), 00078 Rome, Italy; (C.D.T.); (S.I.)
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25
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Wallace JB, Newman PM, McGarvey A, Osmotherly PG, Spratford W, Gabbett TJ. Factors associated with neck pain in fighter aircrew: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Occup Environ Med 2021; 78:900-912. [PMID: 33790029 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2020-107103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Neck pain is a common complaint among fighter aircrew, impacting workforce health and operational capability. This systematic review aimed to identify, evaluate and synthesise the current evidence for factors associated with the occurrence of neck pain among fighter aircrew. Six electronic databases were searched in June 2019 and updated in June 2020 utilising the maximum date ranges. Included studies were appraised for methodological quality, ranked according to level of evidence and relevant data extracted. Where methods were homogeneous and data availability allowed, meta-analyses were performed. A total of 20 studies (16 cross sectional, one case-control, one retrospective cohort and two prospective cohort) were eligible for inclusion. Of the 44 factors investigated, consistent evidence was reported for greater occurrence of neck pain among aircrew operating more advanced aircraft and those exposed to more desk/computer work, while another 12 factors reported consistent evidence for no association. Of the 20 factors where meta-analyses could be performed, greater occurrence of neck pain was indicated for aircrew: flying more advanced aircraft, undertaking warm-up stretching and not placing their head against the seat under greater +Gz. Despite many studies investigating factors associated with neck pain among fighter aircrew, methodological limitations limited the ability to identify those factors that are most important to future preventive programmes. High-quality prospective studies with consistent use of definitions are required before we can implement efficient and effective programmes to reduce the prevalence and impact of neck pain in fighter aircrew. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019128952.Neck pain is a common complaint among fighter aircrew, impacting workforce health and operational capability. This systematic review aimed to identify, evaluate and synthesise the current evidence for factors associated with the occurrence of neck pain among fighter aircrew.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B Wallace
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia .,Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Institute of Aviation Medicine, Edinburgh, South Australia, Australia
| | - Phil M Newman
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Aoife McGarvey
- Physio Living, Broadmeadow, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Calvary Mater Hospital, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter G Osmotherly
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wayne Spratford
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise (UCRISE), University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tim J Gabbett
- Gabbett Performance Solutions, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Centre for Health Research, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
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Karppinen J, Simula AS, Holopainen R, Lausmaa M, Remes J, Paukkunen M, Ussing K, Booth N, Ryynänen K, Koski T, Abbott A, Öberg B, Linton SJ, Smith A, O'Sullivan P, Malmivaara A. Evaluation of training in guideline-oriented biopsychosocial management of low back pain in occupational health services: Protocol of a cluster randomized trial. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e251. [PMID: 33728382 PMCID: PMC7933561 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To prevent low back pain (LBP) from developing into a prolonged disabling condition, clinical guidelines advocate early stage assessment, risk-screening, and tailored interventions. Occupational health services recommend guideline-oriented biopsychosocial screening and individualized assessment and management. However, it is not known whether training a limited number of health care professionals improves the management process. The primary objective of this study is to investigate whether training in the biopsychosocial practice model is effective in reducing disability. Furthermore, we aim to evaluate health-economic impacts of the training intervention in comparison to usual medical care. METHODS The occupational health service units will be allocated into a training or control arm in a two-arm cluster randomized controlled design. The training of occupational physiotherapists and physicians will include the assessment of pain-related psychosocial factors using the STarT Back Tool and the short version of the Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire, the use of an evidence-based patient education booklet as part of the management of LBP, and tailored individualized management of LBP according to risk stratification. The control units will receive no training. The study population will include patients aged 18-65 with nonspecific LBP. The primary outcome is a patient-reported Oswestry Disability Index from baseline to 12 months. By estimating group differences over time, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the training intervention in comparison to usual medical care, and to undertake an economic evaluation using individual patients' health care records (participant-level data) and the participating units' registries (cluster-level data). In addition, through interviews and questionnaires, we will explore the health care professionals' conceptions of the adoption of, the barriers to, and the facilitators of the implementation of the practice model. DISCUSSION The evaluation of training in the guideline-oriented biopsychosocial management of LBP in occupational health services is justified because LBP represents an enormous burden in terms of work disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaro Karppinen
- Medical Research Center OuluOulu University Hospital and University of OuluOuluFinland
- Finnish Institute of Occupational HealthOuluFinland
| | - Anna Sofia Simula
- Medical Research Center OuluOulu University Hospital and University of OuluOuluFinland
- Department of General MedicineThe South Savo Social and Health Care AuthorityMikkeliFinland
| | - Riikka Holopainen
- Faculty of Sport and Health SciencesUniversity of JyväskyläJyväskyläFinland
| | - Mikko Lausmaa
- Medical Research Center OuluOulu University Hospital and University of OuluOuluFinland
| | - Jouko Remes
- Finnish Institute of Occupational HealthOuluFinland
| | - Maija Paukkunen
- Medical Research Center OuluOulu University Hospital and University of OuluOuluFinland
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Community Medicine, Unit of PhysiotherapyLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Kasper Ussing
- Spine and Mind FysioOdenseDenmark
- Spine Center of Southern DenmarkLillebaelt HospitalMiddelfartDenmark
| | - Neill Booth
- Faculty of Social Sciences (Health Sciences)Tampere UniversityTampereFinland
| | - Katja Ryynänen
- Medical Research Center OuluOulu University Hospital and University of OuluOuluFinland
- Mehiläinen CorporationOuluFinland
| | - Tomi Koski
- Medical Research Center OuluOulu University Hospital and University of OuluOuluFinland
- Työterveys Virta OyOuluFinland
| | - Allan Abbott
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Community Medicine, Unit of PhysiotherapyLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Birgitta Öberg
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Division of Prevention, Rehabilitation and Community Medicine, Unit of PhysiotherapyLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Steven J. Linton
- Department of Law, Psychology, and Social Work, Center for Health and Medical PsychologyÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
| | - Anne Smith
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise ScienceCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Peter O'Sullivan
- School of Physiotherapy and Exercise ScienceCurtin UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
- Body Logic PhysiotherapyPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Antti Malmivaara
- Centre for Health and Social EconomicsFinnish Institute for Health and WelfareHelsinkiFinland
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Loerbroks A, Scharf J, Angerer P, Spanier K, Bethge M. The Prevalence and Determinants of Being Offered and Accepting Operational Management Services-A Cohort Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph18042158. [PMID: 33672121 PMCID: PMC7927052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In Germany, employers are obliged to offer “operational integration management” (OIM) services to employees returning from long-term sick leave. OIM aims to improve employees’ workability and to prevent future sick leave or early retirement. This study examined (i) to what extent OIM services are offered to eligible employees, (ii) to what extent offers are accepted and (iii) the determinants of both outcomes. We used data from a cohort of employees eligible for OIM. Thirty-four potential determinants were assessed in 2013 (i.e., the baseline) using participant reports. In 2015 (i.e., the follow-up), participants were asked (a) whether they had ever been offered OIM services by their employer, and (b) whether they had accepted that offer (i.e., the outcomes). We estimated relative risks by multivariable binomial regression to identify predictors based on backward elimination. In total, 36.0% of the participants were offered OIM services and 77.2% of them accepted that offer. The likelihood of an OIM offer at follow-up was elevated in participants with mental impairment, cancer or long-term absenteeism and increased with organizational justice, neuroticism, and company size. The likelihood of accepting that OIM offer was positively associated with mental impairment and decreased with increasing company size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Loerbroks
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.S.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)-211-81-08032; Fax: +49-(0)-211-81-18586
| | - Jessica Scharf
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Peter Angerer
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany; (J.S.); (P.A.)
| | - Katja Spanier
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (K.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Matthias Bethge
- Institute for Social Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23562 Lübeck, Germany; (K.S.); (M.B.)
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O'Reilly A, McDonnell C. Management referral triaging process pilot study: a 'telephone first' approach. Occup Med (Lond) 2020; 70:656-664. [PMID: 33247299 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this Occupational Health Department (OHD), a 'telephone first' approach was introduced to triage management referrals with potential to convert to Telephone Independent Medical Assessment (TIMA). Telephone consultation has been widely used in the UK's NHS in the occupational health setting. AIMS To evaluate TIMA effectiveness and efficiency of OHD resources; comparing the outcome of a triage call compared to previous default allocation of next available appointment, percentage of telephone triage calls converted to TIMA and appointment waiting times. To assess use of OHD resources arising from TIMA. To evaluate service user satisfaction following TIMA. To examine service user characteristics. METHODS As management referrals were received, service users were given a telephone contact. Data were collected and anonymized regarding service users, who also consented to receive feedback questionnaire. Cross-sectional analysis of this management referral cohort was carried out. RESULTS Two hundred and sixty-one management referrals were received in the specified period. Eighty per cent had a TIMA carried out (n = 208); 64% of management referrals with TIMA had a report issued (n = 166). Response rate to feedback questionnaire was 38% (n = 70); 94% of survey participants found TIMA acceptable going forward for management referrals (n = 66). CONCLUSIONS Introduction of a 'telephone first' approach resulted in improved efficiency of this OHD, allowing maximum workforce planning, and positive service user feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- A O'Reilly
- University Hospital Limerick, Royal College of Physicians Ireland, Faculty of Occupational Medicine RCPI, Setanta House, Setanta Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C McDonnell
- University Hospital Limerick, Royal College of Physicians Ireland, Faculty of Occupational Medicine RCPI, Setanta House, Setanta Place, Dublin, Ireland
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Abstract
This article has investigated the considerations of healthcare facilities to utilize reusable respirators as an alternative to disposable respirators during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision to choose specific equipment should be based on the protection factors and also on the overall analysis of given conditions. International scientific databases, such as Web of Science, PubMed and MedLine, were searched on May 5, 2020, with the following key words: COVID-19, respiratory protection, surgical masks, filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) and disposable respirators. The differences between various respiratory protective equipment, i.e., surgical masks, respirators such as FFRs, elastomeric half-facepiece respirators, elastomeric full-facepiece respirators and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), were compared. Reusable elastomeric respirators (RERs) may provide a better adaptation to the face and may be more stable when used by healthcare providers (HCPs). Protection factors were found to be higher in FFRs compared to surgical masks. While FFRs provide a one-tenth decrease in the inhaled aerosol concentration, PAPRs diminish the inhaled aerosol up to one-twenty-fifth. Even with some full-face PAPRs and helmets, the protection factor assigned by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration can reach a value up to 1000. For HCPs, the evidence shown in this article provides an additional support for the utilization of RERs. Such equipment might be less prone to leakages, can provide a better fit, and indicates a better stability compared to disposable FFRs (N95 and similar). By providing higher protection factors, reusable elastomeric respirators are recommended to be used by HCPs under controlled cleaning and disinfection protocols. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2021;34(2):307-18.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarkis Sozkes
- Namik Kemal University, Tekirdag, Turkey (Corlu Faculty of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering Biomaterials Department)
| | - Serda Sozkes
- Saglik Bakanligi Catalca Ilyas Colak Public Hospital Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey (Intensive Care Unit and Reanimation Department)
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Abstract
BACKGROUND There is worldwide interest in the mental health of firefighters, since they are more prone to exposure to traumatic stress and psychiatric disorders. AIMS This study aimed to assess their mental health and provide individualized support to local firefighters through a mental health promotion program. METHOD Eighteen hundred and fifty-nine active Korean firefighters in 2015 and 2017 (502 and 1,357, respectively) participated in the 'Visiting Counselling Centre for Firefighters' program commissioned by the National Fire Agency. The program consisted of self-administered questionnaires, a group education session, an individual counseling session for every participant, four counseling sessions for certain participants and additional brief intensive counseling (BIC). We administered the Post-traumatic stress disorder Checklist (PCL), Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck's Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Scale for Suicidal ideation (BSS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Korean version of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT-K) and the abbreviated World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) before and after the program. Additional analysis was performed to determine whether BIC participation further improved the psychopathological outcome. RESULTS The participants showed meaningful improvement in all psychopathological scales; the PCL, BDI, BAI, BSS, ISI, AUDIT-K and WHOQOL-BREF scores all significantly improved. Meanwhile, BIC participation improved certain psychopathological symptoms at a higher degree; the BDI, BAI, BSS and AUDIT-K scores significantly improved. CONCLUSION The mental health promotion program improved the mental health of the participating active firefighters in Korea. Meanwhile, BIC participation improved certain psychopathological symptoms at a higher degree. A comprehensive approach for supporting the mental health of firefighters should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geun Hui Won
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Jin Hyeok Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Tae Young Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Seoyoung Yoon
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, South Korea
| | - So Yeun Kim
- Department of Counselling and Social Welfare, Kyungwoon University, Gumi, South Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Park
- Department of Nursing, Sorabol College, Gyeongju, South Korea
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Masekameni MD, Moyo D, Khoza N, Chamdimba C. Accessing Occupational Health Services in the Southern African Development Community Region. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E6767. [PMID: 32957436 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Only 15% of the global population has access to occupational safety and health services. In Africa, only 5% of employees working from major establishments have access to occupational health services (OHS). Access to primary health care (PHC) services is addressed in many settings and inclusion of OHS in these facilities might increase efficiency in preventing occupational diseases. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries aiming at assessing the availability of OHS at PHC facilities and the organization of OHS. We conducted a literature review to assess the provision and organization of OHS services. In addition to the review, a total of 23 doctors from Zambia were interviewed using questionnaires in order to determine the availability of OHS and training. Consultations with heads of ministries were done in four SADC countries. Results showed that in the SADC region, OHS are fragmented and lack a comprehensive approach. In addition, out of 23 PHC facilities, only two (13%) provided occupational health and PHC. However, OHS provided at PHC facilities were limited to TB screening and audiometric testing. Our study showed a huge inadequacy of trained occupational health practitioners. This study supports the World Health Organization’s advocacy to integrate OHS at the PHC level.
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Abstract
Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been essential for occupational health services (OHS) providers to react rapidly to increased demand and to utilize resources in novel ways. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being of staff is already identified as an area of high risk; therefore, providing timely access to psychological support may be vital, although limited evidence is available on how these risks are best managed. Aims To describe implementation and analysis of a psychology-led COVID-19 telephone support line in a National Health Service OHS. Methods Data from calls made to the support line were collected over the first 4 weeks of service implementation. Numerical data including frequency of calls and average waiting time were first considered. A content analysis was then conducted on call notes to identify prevalence of themes. Results Six hundred and fifty-five calls were received, and 362 notes included sufficient information for use within the content analysis. Frequency of calls peaked within the first week followed by a reduction in the number of calls received per day over time. Most calls included discussion around clarification of guidance (68%) with a smaller subset of calls offering support around anxiety (29%). Prevalence of themes did not appear to change over time. Conclusions Clear and timely information is vital to support the well-being of healthcare staff. A psychologically informed telephone support line was a good use of occupational health service resources in the interim while more tailored advice and services could be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Matthewson
- Occupational Health Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Regent Point, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A Tiplady
- Occupational Health Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Regent Point, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - F Gerakios
- Occupational Health Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Regent Point, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - A Foley
- Occupational Health Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Regent Point, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - E Murphy
- Occupational Health Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Regent Point, Gosforth, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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B Jensen I, Björk Brämberg E, Wåhlin C, Björklund C, Hermansson U, Lohela Karlson M, Schäfer Elinder L, Munck Af Rosenschöld P, Nevala T, Carter N, Mellblom B, Kwak L. Promoting Evidence-Based Practice for Improved Occupational Safety and Health at Workplaces in Sweden. Report on a Practice-Based Research Network Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E5283. [PMID: 32707983 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Despite the rapid growth in research and R&D expenditures, the translation of research into practice is limited. One approach to increase the translation and utilization of research is practice based research networks. With the aim of strengthening evidence-based practice (EBP) within occupational health services in Sweden (OH-Services), a practice-based research network (PBRN-OSH) was developed. The PBRN-OSH includes researchers and representatives from end-users. This paper reports on the development, outputs and lessons learned in the PBRN-OSH. The PBRN-OSH resulted in several practice-based research projects as well as different measures to ensure EBP in OSH such as the governmentally sanctioned national guidelines for the OH-services. Moreover, results show that the competence in EBP increased among practitioners at the OH-services. Conducting research in a PBRN is more resource demanding; however, this does not imply that it is less cost effective. To succeed in increasing the utility of research findings via PBRN, resources must be invested into an infrastructure that supports collaboration in the PBRN, including costs for a variety of means of dissemination. Further, translation activities need to be included in academic career paths and reward systems if a major improvement in the impact and return of investments from research is to be expected.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Disasters, crises and pandemics are emergencies which impact on businesses severely. The COVID-19 pandemic reached its peak in mid-April 2020 in the UK. During this period, NHS Occupational Health Services (OHS) were stretched to their limit along with other health services. OHS may have had to change their pattern of operation, operating times, services offered, etc. to cope with the pandemic. Data about business model modifications, services offered by the OHS businesses during the pandemic could help in better utilization of OHS resources in the future. AIMS To understand the behaviour of OHS in different parts of the country during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS An online survey link was sent to both accredited and unaccredited UK Occupational Health Physicians (OHPs). RESULTS Sixty-two OHPs responded to the survey. In the current pandemic, 51% of the OHS (95% CI 0.38-0.62) offered weekend or out-of-hours (OOH) services, 21% had to employ extra staff (95% CI 0.13-0.33) and 54% had to change their working hours (95% CI 0.41-0.65). Ninety per cent of the OHS (95% CI 0.78-0.94) continued to offer routine services; however, there was a decline in offering vaccination services. Fifty-six per cent of the OHS (95% CI 0.42-0.67) offered a dedicated telephone line and 46% of the OHS (95% CI 0.32-0.56) started a dedicated COVID-19 queries inbox. CONCLUSIONS There was a change in the behaviour of the OHS to cope with the pandemic. Having a dedicated helpline to manage the crisis situation seemed a logical step whilst offering routine services.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ranka
- Occupational Health, Healthwork Limited, Manchester, UK
| | - J Quigley
- Occupational Health, Healthwork Limited, Manchester, UK
| | - T Hussain
- Occupational Health, Healthwork Limited, Manchester, UK
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Holmes MM, Stanescu SC, Linaker C, Price C, Maguire N, Fraser S, Walker-Bone K. Individualised placement support as an employment intervention for individuals with chronic pain: a qualitative exploration of stakeholder views. BJGP Open 2020; 4:bjgpopen20X101036. [PMID: 32605914 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen20X101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individualised Placement and Support (IPS) is a tailored, client-centred employment intervention for people with chronic health conditions. It involves the integration of vocational advisers within health teams to optimise return-to-work strategies. The intervention aims to get clients into employment by complementing traditional job searching skills with placements, and one-to-one mentoring alongside a work-focused health intervention. Aim To explore the concept of IPS for individuals with chronic pain. Design & setting A multi-method qualitative study was designed to explore stakeholder views of IPS for individuals with chronic pain in southern England. Method Fourteen semi-structured interviews and three focus groups were conducted with current recipients of IPS (clients), employment support workers (ESWs), and healthcare professionals (HCPs). All data were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis. Results In total, 11 HCPs, five ESWs, and nine clients participated in the study. The analysis identified four themes. The situations of chronic pain patients were discussed, including their complex needs, multifaceted relationship with work, support from HCPs, and existing programmes that were failing to meet their needs. The intervention input was highlighted, including the recruitment procedures and role of ESWs. Programme activities and outcomes were also identified. Conclusion This study identified the complex needs and relationship with work of individuals with chronic pain. It showed that ESWs need to understand the unpredictability of symptoms for individuals with chronic pain and that clients may need additional support before a placement. The findings highlighted several activities for future IPS interventions and potential outcomes for future evaluation.
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Garrido MA, Encina V, Solis-Soto MT, Parra M, Bauleo MF, Meneses C, Radon K. Courses on Basic Occupational Safety and Health: A Train-the-Trainer Educational Program for Rural Areas of Latin America. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E1842. [PMID: 32178363 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Integrating basic occupational health services into primary care is encouraged by the Pan American Health Organization. However, concrete initiatives are still scarce. We aimed to develop a training program focusing on prevention of occupational risks for primary healthcare professionals. This train-the-trainer program was piloted at four universities in Chile and Peru. Occupational health or primary healthcare lecturers formed a team with representative(s) of one rural primary healthcare center connected to their university (Nparticipants = 15). Training started with a workshop on participatory diagnosis of working conditions. Once teams had conducted the participatory diagnosis in the rural communities, they designed in a second course an active teaching intervention. The intervention was targeted at the main occupational health problem of the community. After implementation of the intervention, teams evaluated the program. Evaluation results were very positive with an overall score of 9.7 out of 10. Teams reported that the methodology enabled them to visualize hazardous working conditions. They also stated that the training improved their abilities for problem analysis and preventive actions. Aspects like time constraints and difficult geographical access were mentioned as challenges. In summary, addressing occupational health in primary care through targeted training modules is feasible, but long-term health outcomes need to be evaluated.
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Samsuddin N, Razali A, Rahman NAA, Yusof MZ, Mahmood NAKN, Hair AFA. The Proposed Future Infrastructure Model for Basic Occupational Health Services in Malaysia. Malays J Med Sci 2019; 26:131-137. [PMID: 31447616 PMCID: PMC6687219 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2019.26.2.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of occupational health services (OHS) are to create a healthy and safe working environment, prevent work-related diseases, optimise employees’ functional capacity and promote health. According to the literature, global accessibility to OHS has not shown much improvement and even worsened in certain countries. The main challenges come from the small and medium enterprises (SMEs). To respond to these global challenges, the basic occupational health services (BOHS) guideline was published under the purview of the World Health Organization and the International Labour Organization. The guideline describes BOHS as part of the infrastructure called the occupational safety and health system, an essential element that ensures the high service coverage and sustainability of the programme. The BOHS guideline was introduced in Malaysia by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health with a focus on SMEs, but its accessibility is low. A gap analysis was conducted between the current BOHS in Malaysia and the published international guideline. The important challenges identified that contributes to the low BOHS accessibility in Malaysia is the weakness in the BOHS infrastructure and OHS system provision. The proposed BOHS infrastructure model is meant to increase accessibility and to provide fair and equitable health services for Malaysians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niza Samsuddin
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia.,Department of Occupational Safety, Health and Built Environment, Mahallah Maimunah Office, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Ailin Razali
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nor Azlina Ab Rahman
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Zubir Yusof
- Department of Community Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
| | - Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood
- Department of Civil Law, Ahmad Ibrahim Kulliyyah of Laws, International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Fitri Abdullah Hair
- Occupational Health Division, Department of Occupational Safety & Health, Level 4, Block D4, Complex D, Federal Government Administrative Centre, W. P. Putrajaya, Malaysia
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Arici C, Tamhid T, Porru S. Migration, Work, and Health: Lessons Learned from a Clinical Case Series in a Northern Italy Public Hospital. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019; 16:E3007. [PMID: 31438461 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: Migrant workers (MWs) generally perform dangerous jobs and have reduced access to occupational health (OH) care, therefore being prone to developing occupational diseases (OD). The aim of the work is to describe a case series of MWs and report on related outcomes for OH professionals. Methods: A case series of 724 MWs, sent from January 2001 to June 2013 to a public OH unit for OD or fitness-for-work (FFW) evaluation, was entered in a dedicated database and elaborated for descriptive statistics with Microsoft Excel. Results: MWs were mostly (75%) men, with a mean age of 40. They came mainly from Morocco, Senegal, Albania, Romania, and Pakistan. Main sectors of employment were manufacturing, metal industry, services, construction. OD were found in 210 cases, main diagnoses being: Lumbar disc and upper limb musculoskeletal disorders (51%), contact dermatitis (15%), allergic asthma (8%), noise-induced hearing loss (7%), tumors (3%), psychiatric disorders (2%). Moreover, 136 FFW judgements were formulated, with some limitations/restrictions expressed. Finally, a relevant prevalence of some chronic non-occupational diseases was found. Conclusions: MWs in Italy may suffer from OH inequalities. Qualified public OH professionals and occupational physicians in workplaces should have a proactive role to concretely meet MWs’ health needs.
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Gudzune KA, Alexander E, Tseng E, Durkin N, Jerome GJ, Dalcin A, Appel LJ, Clark JM. Influence of subsidies and promotional strategies on outcomes in a beneficiary-based commercial weight-loss programme. Clin Obes 2019; 9:e12307. [PMID: 30957415 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
To determine whether initial engagement, continued participation, and weight loss vary by subsidy and promotional strategies in a beneficiary-based, commercial weight-loss programme. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 2013 to 2016. Our dependent variables included initial engagement (≥1 calls; ≥2 weights), coach calls and weight change. Our independent variables were subsidy strategy (total subsidy (n = 9) vs cost sharing (n = 3)) and combination of promotional-subsidy strategies (mixed campaign + total subsidy (n = 6) vs mass media + total subsidy (n = 3)). We used logistic and linear regression analyses adjusted for beneficiary factors and clustering by organization. From 12 participating organizations, 26 068 beneficiaries registered of which 6215 initially engaged. Cost sharing was associated with significantly greater initial engagement as compared to total subsidy (OR 3.73, P < 0.001); however, no significant between-group differences existed in calls or weight change. Mass media + total subsidy group had significantly greater calls and weight loss at 12 months compared to mixed campaign + total subsidy (-2.6% vs -1.8%, P = 0.04). Cost sharing may promote greater initial engagement, although does not contribute to better participation or weight loss relative to total subsidy. If organizations elect total subsidy, then pairing this strategy with a mass media campaign may promote greater participation and weight loss among beneficiaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Gudzune
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eleanore Alexander
- Department of Health Policy and Management, The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Eva Tseng
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Nowella Durkin
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Gerald J Jerome
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Kinesiology, Towson University, Towson, Maryland
| | - Arlene Dalcin
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lawrence J Appel
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeanne M Clark
- Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Yuvaraj K, Eliyas SK, Gokul S, Manikandanesan S. Effectiveness of Workplace Intervention for Reducing Alcohol Consumption: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Alcohol Alcohol 2019; 54:264-271. [PMID: 30957142 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agz024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS To review the effectiveness of workplace interventions in reducing alcohol consumption among employees. METHODS Systematic search of science databases from inception till May 2018 for trials where an intervention was tested against a control and data presented as amount of alcohol consumed per week. Quality of trials was assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tool. Meta-analysis was performed with random-effects model and pooled mean difference (MD) was reported with 95% confidence interval. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's test. RESULTS Seven trials with 1291 participants could be included. No outcome assessments were blinded. There was positive effect of workplace intervention on reduction of alcohol consumption with pooled MD of -2.25 [95% CI: -4.20 to -0.30]. The effect was only seen where subjects had a baseline alcohol consumption of over 15 standard drinks per week. There was no heterogeneity across the trials (I2=0%). Funnel plot was symmetrical shaped and Egger's test confirmed that there was no publication bias. Two studies found no advantages to intervention on differences on the AUDIT test. CONCLUSION There is weak evidence for workplace interventions (varying modes) as a way of facilitating reduction in the consumption of alcohol among employees but only among the heavier consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Yuvaraj
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - Salin K Eliyas
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - S Gokul
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
| | - S Manikandanesan
- Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, India
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Reho TTM, Atkins SA, Talola N, Sumanen MPT, Viljamaa M, Uitti J. Frequent attenders at risk of disability pension: a longitudinal study combining routine and register data. Scand J Public Health 2019; 48:181-189. [PMID: 30973068 PMCID: PMC7042497 DOI: 10.1177/1403494819838663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims: Frequent attendance in healthcare services is associated with ill-health and chronic illnesses. More information is needed about the phenomenon's connection with disability pensions (DPs). Methods: The study group comprised 59,676 patients divided into occasional- (1yFAs) and persistent frequent attenders (pFAs) and non-frequent attenders (non-FAs). Odds ratios for DP were analysed for these groups taking into account preceding sickness absence days. The awarded DPs were obtained from the Finnish Centre for Pensions and data on primary care visits were obtained from Pihlajalinna, a nationwide occupational healthcare provider. Results: 1yFAs and pFAs have more DPs than non-FAs. During follow-up, 14.9% of pFAs, 9.6% of 1yFAs and 1.6% of non-FAs had a DP decision of any kind. pFAs receive more partial and fixed-term decisions than the other groups and most permanent DPs are granted to 1yFAs. Musculoskeletal disorders are the most common reason for illness-based retirement in all groups but 1yFAs and pFAs have proportionally more mental disorders leading to DP. The group of non-FAs, on the other hand, has more DPs granted based on neoplasms. Both 1yFAs and pFAs have an increased risk of DP but the effect is diluted after taking into account preceding sick-leave. Conclusions: Frequent attendance of healthcare services, both occasional and persistent, is associated with increased risk of future DP. The association is linked to increased sickness absences. Frequent attenders should be identified and their rehabilitative needs evaluated. Frequency of consultation could be used in selecting candidates for early rehabilitation before sickness absences develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia T M Reho
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere, Finland.,Pihlajalinna Työterveys, Tampere, Finland
| | - Salla A Atkins
- Tampere University, New Social Research and Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere, Finland.,Karolinska Institutet, Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nina Talola
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | - Markku P T Sumanen
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere, Finland
| | | | - Jukka Uitti
- Tampere University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere, Finland.,Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Tampere, Finland.,Clinic of Occupational Medicine, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
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Juszczyk G, Czerw AI, Religioni U, Olejniczak D, Walusiak-Skorupa J, Banas T, Mikos M, Staniszewska A. Work Ability Index (WAI) values in a sample of the working population in Poland. Ann Agric Environ Med 2019; 26:78-84. [PMID: 30922034 DOI: 10.26444/aaem/91471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ability to work is most often defined as a relationship between a person's resources and requirements specific to a particular type of work. It is the result of interaction between job requirements in terms of physical and mental strain, capabilities and skills of the employee, as well as his/her health condition and own evaluation of functioning in a given organizational and social situation. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the current value of the Work Ability Index (WAI) in a sample of employees in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study sample was selected purposefully from 422,000 employees covered by the largest occupational health provider in Poland. The standard WAI questionnaire provided by CAWI (Computer-Assisted Web Interview) methodology was voluntary and completed anonymously by 688 employees within 12 months (0.16% response rate). The results were statistically analyzed using the Pearson's chi-squared test and correlation coefficient, independent-sample T test and one-way analysis of variance (p<0.05). RESULTS It was found that the average value of WAI was 37.5 ± 7.7, and 37% of the participants represented low to moderate ability to work. The results showed no significant correlation between the WAI value and its 7 compounds and demographic variables. Nonetheless, a dependency between WAI level and industrial branch was observed. CONCLUSIONS Subjects with moderate and low WAI (1/3 of the study population) had particular indications to implement prophylactic actions, especially for the health care employees and civil servants, whose ability to work may be subject to accelerated deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Juszczyk
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Urszula Religioni
- Collegium od Business Administration, Warsaw School of Economics, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Dominik Olejniczak
- Department of Public Health, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Jolanta Walusiak-Skorupa
- Department of Occupational Diseases and Toxicology Clinic, Institute of Occupational Medicine, Lodz, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Banas
- Department of Gynaecology and Oncology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Marcin Mikos
- Institute of Public Health, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Anna Staniszewska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Warsaw, Poland.
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Côté D, Dubé J, Gravel S, Gratton D, White BW. Cumulative stigma among injured immigrant workers: a qualitative exploratory study in Montreal (Quebec, Canada). Disabil Rehabil 2019; 42:1153-1166. [PMID: 30686038 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1517281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: This paper presents the phenomenon of stigmatisation among injured immigrant and ethnocultural minority workers experiencing a long-standing disability. Stigmatisation was one of the main findings of our study, the aim of which was to gain insight into the work rehabilitation process in the context of intercultural relations in Quebec. Various categories of stakeholders took part in the study, which sought to describe their experiences and perspectives and to identify the constraints, barriers, facilitators, and specific needs they encounter in terms of intercultural competencies.Methods: A purposive sample of 40 individuals was selected and divided into four groups: workers (N = 9), clinicians (N = 15), workers' compensation board rehabilitation experts (N = 14), and workplace representatives (N = 2). Semi-structured interviews were conducted using the critical incident technique, combined with an "explicitation" interviewing technique. Data collection and analysis procedures were based on grounded theory.Results: This study shows that immigrant and ethnocultural minority workers may experience stigmatisation as a cumulative process involving different concomitant parts of their "identity": age, gender, social class, ethnicity, mental health, and occupational injuries. Cumulative stigma may aggravate personal distress and feelings of shame, rejection, and disqualification from full social acceptance. Negative anticipatory judgements made by practitioners may undermine the therapeutic relationship and breach mutual trust and confidence.Conclusions: The phenomenon of stigmatisation is well documented in the sociological and health literature, but studies tend to focus on only one type of stigma at a time. Future research should focus on the cumulative process of stigmatisation specifically affecting immigrant and ethnocultural minority workers and its potentially damaging impact on self-concept, healthcare delivery, rehabilitation interventions, and the return to work.Implications for rehabilitationThe repetition of certain clinical situations with people from certain groups should not lead practitioners to undue generalizations, even if they may sometimes be accurate; these generalizations must always be verified on a case by case basis.Ethnicity and culture, along with other social attributions, should serve as working hypotheses or support tools in health communication, not as hindrances to clinical reasoning.Practitioners should deepen their understanding of the patient's treatment expectations and the support available for rehabilitation in his family and community.Stigma in the context of care is linked to the idea of conforming to the proposed institutional models of care (including expected beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours). Therefore, practitioners should be aware that alleged differences, misunderstanding or disagreements can highlight an asymmetry in practitioner-patient power relationships.Organisations should also promote exchange and reflection on how to adapt their institutional models to avoid asymmetrical power relations.Intercultural training should be promoted at the various organisational levels so that managers, decision-makers, and practitioners share a common knowledge of the challenges of intervention in multi-ethnic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Côté
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Montreal, Canada.,Département d'anthropologie, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jessica Dubé
- Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail (IRSST), Montreal, Canada.,École des sciences de la gestion, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvie Gravel
- Département d'anthropologie, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Danielle Gratton
- Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de Laval, Laval, Canada
| | - Bob W White
- Département d'anthropologie, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, Canada
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Obiebi IP, Oyibo PG. A cross-sectional analysis of respiratory ill-health among charcoal workers and its implications for strengthening occupational health services in southern Nigeria. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e022361. [PMID: 30679287 PMCID: PMC6347919 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to assess the concentration of air pollutants at charcoal sites, the dose-response relationship between site-based exposure levels to air pollutants and prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers, and the measures these workers employ to safeguard their health. DESIGN Cross-sectional but comparative design SETTING: Charcoal production kiln sites in Sapele, Delta State, Nigeria. PARTICIPANTS Overall 296 charcoal workers and age-matched, sex-matched and height-matched non-exposed traders (comparison group). PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers while secondary outcomes included lung function indices as well as hazard control practices among charcoal workers. RESULTS Majority (83.3%) of the sites had PM10 and PM2.5 values five times higher than the WHO standard. Charcoal workers were more likely to have respiratory symptoms; wheeze was statistically significant after adjusting for confounders, (OR 4.22; CI 1.37 to 12.99). The dose-response relationship between site-based exposure levels to air pollutants and the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among charcoal workers was statistically significant for all symptoms except chest tightness (p=0.167). Mean forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were considerably lower among workers with differences of -0.22 (-0.42 to -0.05) L and -0.52 (-0.76 to -0.29) L, respectively, whereas FEV1/FVC ratio and peak expiratory flow rate were higher among workers with mean differences of 5.68 (3.59-8.82)% and 0.31 (-23.70 to 24.43) L/min, respectively; but the mean difference was significant only for the FEV1/FVC ratio. Charcoal workers had poor hazard control practices; only 3.4% reportedly used personal protective equipment. CONCLUSION Air pollutants at kiln sites were higher than WHO standards. Despite the significantly higher prevalence of wheeze, chest tightness and chronic cough among charcoal workers, their hazard control practices were inadequate. Charcoal workers should adopt appropriate hazard control practices, and use improved devices which emit minimal pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irikefe Paul Obiebi
- Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Patrick Gold Oyibo
- Department of Community Medicine, Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Oghara, Delta State, Nigeria
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Workplace smoking cessation programs can effectively assist employees to quit smoking. However, little is known about employees' attitudes towards engagement in workplace smoking cessation programs. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to address the limited understanding of the interaction between employee characteristics and their health beliefs toward engaging in a workplace smoking cessation program. METHODS Self-report data was collected from 897 employees of a mining company operating in two remote towns in Australia. The majority of participants were male (73%), the mean age was 36.9 years (SD = 11.5). Chi square tests of independence were used to analyze relationships between employee characteristics and smoking cessation engagement attitudes. Engagement attitudes included: A desire to cease smoking; desire for assistance with the smoking cessation process; and intention to participate in a workplace smoking intervention. RESULTS The findings from this study indicated that attitudes towards engagement in smoking cessation programs varied for mining employees according to gender, age, perceived severity, perceived self-efficacy, and stage of readiness to change. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide insights that health promotion practitioners may apply to inform the design and marketing of effective workplace smoking cessation programs for similar employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara D Street
- Wesley Medical Research, Toowong, QLD, Australia.,Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the contemporary Western culture, working population health issues, stressed in various publications, have been perceived as a crucial part of public health. To deal with occupational health issues properly, occupational health services (OHS), aiming at the protection of the workers' health, are organized in many countries. The survey was to find the differences in occupational health systems that the European Economic Area countries use in order to execute prophylactic activities focused on diseases of affluence and how the OHS are used for health promotion actions. MATERIAL AND METHODS The survey was conducted with the use of an on-line expert questionnaire. No deep statistical analysis was performed as for the designed aims of the study simple statistics were sufficient. RESULTS All the reviewed countries have organized OHS. The funding mechanisms are based mainly on the financial involvement of employers. In the majority of countries, the main goal of the OHS is certification of the ability to work. Workplace surveillance aiming at the occupational risk assessment and health promotion activities that focus on work-related and/or occupational diseases are the most popular services provided within national systems. CONCLUSIONS Occupational health professionals are well placed to perform actions directed at health promotion and prophylactics of a wide range of diseases - not only occupational/work-related, but also non-communicable, particularly life-style-related diseases of affluence. The engagement of the occupational medical services (OMS) in prevention of the non-work-related health issues would be valuable. However, it would be inevitable for employers to finance a wider range of services to a greater extent. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(3):353-61.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Sakowski
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health).
| | - Andrzej Marcinkiewicz
- Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland (Department of Occupational Diseases and Environmental Health).
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Telles S, Gupta RK, Bhardwaj AK, Singh N, Mishra P, Pal DK, Balkrishna A. Increased Mental Well-Being and Reduced State Anxiety in Teachers After Participation in a Residential Yoga Program. Med Sci Monit Basic Res 2018; 24:105-112. [PMID: 30061552 PMCID: PMC6083945 DOI: 10.12659/msmbr.909200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing stress in the workplace improves mental health. Teaching is of social importance, but it may receive inadequate recognition and rewards. The present study compared mental well-being and state anxiety in primary school teachers who practiced 15 days of yoga in a residential setting with those who continued their usual routine. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 236 primary school teachers to participate in the study. We assigned 118 primary school teachers (group mean ±S.D., age 41.5±6.0 years, 74 females) to the experimental group; they underwent 15 days of yoga training for 6 hours/day) in a residential yoga center. The non-yoga control group (group mean ±S.D., age 42.3±6.0 years, 79 females) consisted of 118 teachers who continued with their normal teaching routine. RESULTS After 15 days in the residential yoga program, there was an increase in overall mental well-being (p<.001) and lower state anxiety (p<.01) (repeated-measures ANOVA, followed by post hoc multiple comparison tests). At baseline, the non-yoga control group had higher levels of state anxiety, presumably related to their remaining in the workplace. CONCLUSIONS The study was a 15-day, comparative, controlled trial. The results show that after 15 days of participation in the residential yoga program, primary school teachers increased all aspects of mental well-being and had reduced state anxiety.
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Morato ADS, Brandão SCS, Vianna MT, da Silva TDS, Velozo AG. Benefits granted due to cardiovascular disease in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, 2011-2015. Rev Bras Med Trab 2018; 16:185-191. [PMID: 32270083 PMCID: PMC7104839 DOI: 10.5327/z1679443520180198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social security benefits reflect the socioeconomic impact of work incapacity by disease. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of mortality and mortality worldwide. OBJECTIVE To evaluate benefits granted due to CVD in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, from 2011 to 2015, from the clinical and economic perspective. METHODS Cross-sectional and descriptive study which collected and analyzed data on benefits granted for disability caused by CVD by the executive management of the National Social Security Institute in Recife, via the Unified System of Information on Benefits. RESULTS 186,058 benefits were granted from 2011 to 2015, 8,968 (4.8%) corresponded to CVD, of which 6,049 (67.5%) were selected for analysis because they corresponded to the most frequent diseases. About 78% of the beneficiaries were male and 63.8% were within age range 45 to 59 years old. Stroke and heart failure (HF) accounted for the longest sick leaves (133 to 138 days) and highest benefit amounts (about BRL 3,900.00 per month). CONCLUSION While hypertension does not result in as long leaves and costs, it should be prevented for being a significant cause of stroke and HF, both of which account for longer sick leaves and higher social security costs. Improving the quality of life of the population seeks to reduce their impacts on the social security system, the world of work and society at large.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adilson da Silva Morato
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) - Recife (PE), Brazil.
| | | | - Marcelo Tavares Vianna
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) - Recife (PE), Brazil.
| | | | - Adriana Gonçalves Velozo
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) - Recife (PE), Brazil.
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Reveiz L, Pinzón-Flórez C, Glujovsky D, Elias V, Ordunez P. [Establishing research priorities for chronic kidney disease of non-traditional causes in Central AmericaDeterminação de prioridades em pesquisa da doença renal crônica associada a causas não tradicionais na América Central]. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2018; 42:e13. [PMID: 31093042 PMCID: PMC6385632 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2018.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Introducción En 2013, los Estados Miembros de la OPS reconocieron la epidemia de enfermedad renal crónica de causas no tradicionales (ERCnT) como un grave problema de salud pública. Este artículo describe el establecimiento de prioridades de investigación para abordar de manera integral la ERCnT en Centroamérica. Métodos Se estructuró una encuesta virtual utilizando la metodología Delphi mediante una búsqueda de estudios de investigación efectuados en Centroamérica y de agendas de investigación previas sobre la ERC. Los encuestados se identificaron en diversas fuentes. La primera ronda buscó refinar y añadir tópicos de investigación y priorizar los más relevantes. La segunda ronda priorizó los tópicos más relevantes. Se realizó un análisis por fuzzy sets para estimar umbrales de decisión y puntajes por tópico. Resultados La encuesta se envió a 83 personas de habla hispana y 38 de habla inglesa y respondió 46,2%. Para la segunda ronda, se envió la encuesta a 56 personas en español y 16 en inglés que habían contestado a la la primera. Se priorizaron 18 tópicos de investigación enmarcados en 10 áreas: políticas públicas, determinantes, etiología, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la ERC, prevención primaria, prestación de servicios, recursos humanos, sistemas de información y financiamiento. Se comprobó que la investigación en ERCnT es escasa y está restringida a ciertos tópicos. Conclusiones Además de los factores etiológicos, se dio gran relevancia a aspectos relacionados con la respuesta de los sistemas de salud, incluidos el abordaje de la prestación de servicios, los recursos humanos, el financiamiento y aspectos ocupacionales y ambientales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovic Reveiz
- Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Washington, DC, Estados Unidos de América
| | - Carlos Pinzón-Flórez
- Grupo de Investigación en Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de La Sabana, Chía, Colombia
| | - Demián Glujovsky
- Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanessa Elias
- Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Washington, DC, Estados Unidos de América
| | - Pedro Ordunez
- Organización Panamericana de la Salud, Washington, DC, Estados Unidos de América
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Rodríguez-Jareño MC, Molinero E, de Montserrat J, Vallès A, Aymerich M. Do workers' health surveillance examinations fulfill their occupational preventive objective? Analysis of the medical practice of occupational physicians in Catalonia, Spain. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017; 30:823-848. [PMID: 29019349 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.00911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although routine workers' health examinations are extensively performed worldwide with important resource allocation, few studies have analyzed their quality. The objective of this study has been to analyze the medical practice of workers' health examinations in Catalonia (Spain) in terms of its occupational preventive aim. MATERIAL AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out by means of an online survey addressed to occupational physicians who were members of the Catalan Society of Safety and Occupational Medicine. The questionnaire included factual questions on how they performed health examinations in their usual practice. The bivariate analysis of the answers was performed by type of occupational health service (external/internal). RESULTS The response rate was 57.9% (N = 168), representing 40.3% of the reference population. A high percentage of occupational physicians had important limitations in their current medical practice, including availability of clinical and exposure information, job-specificity of tests, and early detection and appropriate management of suspected occupational diseases. The situation in external occupational health services - that covered the great majority of Catalan employees - was worse remarkably in regard to knowledge of occupational and nonoccupational sickness absence data, participation in the investigation of occupational injuries and diseases, and accessibility for workers to the occupational health service. CONCLUSIONS This study raises serious concerns about the occupational preventive usefulness of these health examinations, and subsequently about our health surveillance system, based primarily on them. Professionals alongside health and safety institutions and stakeholders should promote the rationalization of this system, following the technical criteria of need, relevance, scientific validity and effectiveness, whilst ensuring that its ultimate goal of improving the health and safety of workers in relation to work is fulfilled. Other countries with similar surveillance systems might be encouraged by our results to assess how their practices fit the intended purpose. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2017;30(6):823-848.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emilia Molinero
- Ministry of Enterprise and Labour, Government of Catalonia, Spain (Occupational Health and Safety Institute).
| | - Jaume de Montserrat
- Ministry of Enterprise and Labour, Government of Catalonia, Spain (Occupational Health and Safety Institute).
| | - Antoni Vallès
- University of Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain (School of Medicine, Department of Public Health).
| | - Marta Aymerich
- University of Girona, Catalonia, Spain (School of Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, TransLab Research Group).
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