Work - Volume 47, issue 2

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141833

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 143-143, 2014

Authors: Odek, W.O. | Glendinning, A. | Charalambous, S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) clinical markers and socio-demographic characteristics with long-term formal employment among people living with HIV (PLHIV). PARTICIPANTS: 554 adults, 55% females, on HIV treatment for at least two years at two public hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design, tracing changes in study participants' formal employment status since the first HIV-positive diagnosis. Data collection included historical medical records review and interviewer-administered …questionnaires. RESULTS: 44% of all study participants (39% and 49% among males and females, respectively) were formally employed at the time of the study, primarily in low-skilled jobs in the private sector. The majority (83%) of males and 60% of females remained in formal employment since being diagnosed as HIV-positive. Female gender, education to grade 12 or higher, a smaller household size and being married were significantly associated with current formal employment. Formal employment was unrelated to HIV treatment indicators (CD4 count, viral load and duration since diagnosis). Of those in formal employment, 68 (28%) were aware of HIV policies at their workplaces, which was also positively associated with the duration in their current employment. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: PLHIV in developing country contexts can enter into and maintain formal employment, especially when treatment and workplace support are available. Thus, employer organisations should implement effective workplace HIV policies to enhance employment experiences of their workforce living with HIV. Care and support services for people on HIV treatment should also address their career development needs. Show more

Keywords: Workplace HIV policies, employment continuation, chronic illness, stigma, South Africa

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1469

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 145-156, 2014

Authors: Bendixen, Hans Jørgen | Ellegård, Kajsa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate occupational therapists' job satisfaction under a changing regime by using a time-geographic approach focusing on the therapists' everyday working lives. PARTICIPANTS: Nine occupational therapists at the Copenhagen University Hospital, Gentofte, Denmark. METHOD: A mixed-method design was employed. Occupational therapists kept time-geographic diaries, and the results from them were grounded for individual, semi-structured in-depth interviews. Individual reflections on everyday working life were recorded. Transcribed statements from the interviews …were analysed to determine factors influencing job satisfaction. RESULTS: The nine therapists kept diaries for one day a month for a total of 70 preselected days over a period of nine months; six participated in individual interviews. Four factors constraining OT job satisfaction were revealed. Economic concerns, new professional paradigms and methods in combination with a new organisational structure for the occupational therapy service caused uncertainty. In addition, decreasing possibilities for supervision by colleagues influenced job satisfaction. Opportunities for experiencing autonomy in everyday working life were described as facilitators for job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The time-geographic and interview methods were useful in focusing on the job satisfaction of occupational therapists, who provided individual interpretations of the balance between autonomy and three types of constraints in everyday working life. The constraints related to organisation, power relations and – not least – how the organisational project of the department fitted in with OTs' individual projects. Matching of organisational and individual projects is of crucial importance, not only for OTs but for most workplaces where individuals are employed to serve patients in the healthcare sector. Show more

Keywords: Autonomy, constraints, diary, everyday work life, time-geography

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121572

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 159-171, 2014

Authors: , Ademola James | Adeyemi, | Rohani, Jafri Mohd. | Olusegun, Akanbi Gabriel | Rani, Mat Rebi Abdul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The unavailability of anthropometric data especially in developing countries has remained a limiting factor towards the design of learning facilities with sufficient ergonomic consideration. Attempts to use anthropometric data from developed countries have led to provision of school facilities unfit for the users. The purpose of this paper is to use factor analysis to investigate the suitability of the collected anthropometric data as a database for school design in Nigerian tertiary institutions. PARTICIPANTS: …Anthropometric data were collected from 288 male students in a Federal Polytechnic in North-West of Nigeria. Their age is between 18–25 years. METHODS: Nine vertical anthropometric dimensions related to heights were collected using the conventional traditional equipment. Exploratory factor analysis was used to categorize the variables into a model consisting of two factors. Thereafter, confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the fit of the data to the proposed model. RESULTS: A just identified model, made of two factors, each with three variables was developed. The variables within the model accounted for 81% of the total variation of the entire data. The model was found to demonstrate adequate validity and reliability. Various measuring indices were used to verify that the model fits the data properly. The final model reveals that stature height and eye height sitting were the most stable variables for designs that have to do with standing and sitting construct. CONCLUSION: The study has shown the application of factor analysis in anthropometric data analysis. The study highlighted the relevance of these statistical tools to investigate variability among anthropometric data involving diverse population, which has not been widely used for analyzing previous anthropometric data. The collected data is therefore suitable for use while designing for Nigerian students. Show more

Keywords: Exploratory factor analysis, measurement model, school ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121530

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 173-181, 2014

Authors: Snorradóttir, Ásta | Rafnsdottir, Gudbjörg Linda | Tómasson, Kristinn | Vilhjálmsson, Rúnar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To analyze gender differences in levels of psychological distress, financial strain, lay off experiences and job search activity among unemployed and re-employed individuals who were laid-off due to the collapse of the financial sector in Iceland in 2008. PARTICIPANTS: The study is based on questionnaires distributed to 759 former financial sector employees; 426 responses were received giving a 62.6% response rate. METHODS: The groups of unemployed and re-employed woman and men are compared using …separate multivariate binary models to control for mediating factors. RESULTS: The analysis reveals gender differences in demographic factors and jobs held prior to lay-off. More women than men were psychologically or finically distressed and claimed being shocked by the lay-off. A higher proportion of men than women were re-employed at the time of this study. The main difference between those re-employed and unemployed was lower financial strain among those re-employed for both men and women in this sample. CONCLUSION: The study does not support the traditional view of men having more difficulties in the lay-off process than women. This calls for a rethinking regarding gender in lay-off and unemployment. A gender-based analysis is needed when considering the ramifications of losing a job and job search activity in the lay-off process. Show more

Keywords: Downsizing, gender, unemployment, {psychological} distress, re-employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121485

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 183-191, 2014

Authors: Stoetzer, Ulrich | Bergman, Peter | Åborg, Carl | Johansson, Gun | Ahlberg, Gunnel | Parmsund, Marianne | Svartengren, Magnus

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this qualitative study was to identify manageable organizational factors that could explain why some companies have low levels of sickness absence. There may be factors at company level that can be managed to influence levels of sickness absence, and promote health and a prosperous organization. PARTICIPANTS: 38 representative Swedish companies. METHODS: The study included a total of 204 semi-structured interviews at 38 representative Swedish companies. Qualitative thematic analysis …was applied to the interviews, primarily with managers, to indicate the organizational factors that characterize companies with low levels of sickness absence. RESULTS: The factors that were found to characterize companies with low levels of sickness absence concerned strategies and procedures for managing leadership, employee development, communication, employee participation and involvement, corporate values and visions, and employee health. CONCLUSIONS: The results may be useful in finding strategies and procedures to reduce levels of sickness absence and promote health. There is research at individual level on the reasons for sickness absence. This study tries to elevate the issue to an organizational level. The findings suggest that explicit strategies for managing certain organizational factors can reduce sickness absence and help companies to develop more health-promoting strategies. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, health promotion, organizational factors, sickness absence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1472

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 193-205, 2014

Authors: Albin, Thomas J. | McLoone, Hugh E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Tablets and other mobile devices can be tilted during use. This study examined the effect of tablet tilt angles on reading performance, target-tapping performance, wrist and forearm posture, user comfort and users' tilt angle preferences. METHOD: Ten participants used tablets alternating among four different tilt angles: 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and a user selected angle. Head, neck, wrist and forearm postural data were collected, along with reading and target-tapping performance. Subjective, perceived impressions …were gathered via Likert scale questions. RESULTS: Neck flexion decreased significantly as tilt angle increased. The extreme tilt angles, 0° and 60°, were least preferred while the self-chosen tilt angle, averaging about 34°, was most preferred. Tapping performance was significantly better for the self-chosen tilt angle; however, this may be a practice effect. No effect of tilt was observed on reading performance or for forearm and wrist posture. CONCLUSIONS: Tablet tilt angles should include a range of 20° to 50° at minimum. Show more

Keywords: Tablet, tilt, slate computing, mobile computing, head neck posture

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131670

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 207-211, 2014

Authors: Ekbladh, Elin | Fan, Chia-Wei | Sandqvist, Jan | Hemmingsson, Helena | Taylor, Renée

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Work Environment Impact Scale (WEIS) is an assessment that focuses on the fit between a person and his or her work environment. It is based on Kielhofner's Model of Human Occupation and designed to gather information on how clients experience their work environment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the WEIS assessment instrument. METHOD: In total, 95 ratings on the 17-item WEIS were obtained from …a sample of clients with experience of sick leave due to different medical conditions. Rasch analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Overall, the WEIS items together cohered to form a single construct of increasingly challenging work environmental factors. The hierarchical ordering of the items along the continuum followed a logical and expected pattern, and the participants were validly measured by the scale. The three occupational therapists serving as raters validly used the scale, but demonstrated a relatively high rater separation index, indicating differences in rater severity. CONCLUSION: The findings provide evidence that the Swedish version of the WEIS is a psychometrically sound assessment across diagnoses and occupations, which can provide valuable information about experiences of work environment challenges. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, assessment, model of human occupation (MOHO), occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121574

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 213-219, 2014

Authors: Beach, Tyson A.C. | Frost, David M. | Clark, Jessica M. | Maly, Monica R. | Callaghan, Jack P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Theoretical and empirical data support the notion that distal lower extremity joint dysfunction could influence the low-back injury potential of workers, but the impact of unilateral ankle immobilization on low-back loading during lifting has yet to be examined. OBJECTIVE: To examine the influence of unilateral ankle immobilization on the kinematics and kinetics of lifting. METHODS: With and without their right ankle immobilized, 10 men performed laboratory-simulated occupational lifting tasks. Together with force …platform data, three-dimensional kinematics of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and lower extremities were collected, and a dynamic biomechanical model was used to calculate peak compressive and shear loads imposed on the L4/L5 intervertebral joint. RESULTS: In comparison to the unaffected conditions, ankle immobilization generally resulted in less knee (0.001 ⩽ p ⩽ 0.07) and greater lumbar spine (0.001 ⩽ p ⩽ 0.35) sagittal motion when lifting. Associated with this compensatory movement strategy were greater L4/L5 anterior/posterior reaction shear forces (0.001 ⩽ p ⩽ 0.25). However, there were cases when individual compensatory movement strategies differed from the "group" response (i.e., subjects increased their sagittal knee motion on the affected side about 8% of the time); this resulted in increased peak L4/L5 joint compression forces without changing the peak L4/L5 anterior-posterior shear forces. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle dysfunction can alter the way in which individuals move and load their low-backs when lifting. The different ways in which individuals compensate for personal movement constraints could alter the potential site and mechanism of occupational low-back injury. Show more

Keywords: Secondary injury, movement compensation, motion constraint, kinetic chain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121573

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 221-234, 2014

Authors: Avi-Itzhak, Tamara | Krauss, Andrea

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of Occupational Therapy (OT) educational programs is to graduate effective clinicians who join the job market with competencies consistent with the expected entry-level practice. To attain an effective process of clinical competence development, OT educational programs design competence-based curricula to instill pre-licensure readiness in their graduating students for entry-level work-related practice. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to perform a retrospective outcome competence assessment for evaluating OT students participating in …the first three consecutive offerings of a graduate seminar intended to assess and increase pre-licensure skills and knowledge required for entry-level evidence-based work-related practice. The assessment examined differences in post vs. pre-seminar National Board Certificate Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) practice test score caused by (a) main time of test-taking effect; (b) main class effect; and (c) tine and class interaction effect. PARTICIPANTS: 62 students. METHODS: A total of 62 students who graduated from the program during the three academic years 2008, 2009 and 2010 participated in the study. RESULTS: Post vs. pre-seminar NBCOT practice test score was significantly higher across the three-year period and increased significantly in each of the three classes. Interaction effect did not alter the pattern of post vs. pre-seminar score increase in each class. CONCLUSIONS: The significant time and class main effects validated the effectiveness of the seminars in increasing post vs. pre-seminar practice test score in each of the three classes. The significant time x class interaction effect validated the pattern of post vs. pre-seminar score increase regardless of the class sequence. Show more

Keywords: Outcome assessment, entry-level skills, clinical competence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121571

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 235-241, 2014