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

Authors: Ikuma, Laura H. | Nahmens, Isabelina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare faces major challenges with provider safety and rising costs, and many organizations are using Lean to instigate change. One Lean tool, 5S, is becoming popular for improving efficiency of physical work environments, and it can also improve safety. OBJECTIVE: This paper demonstrates that safety is an integral part of 5S by examining five specific 5S events in acute care facilities. We provide two arguments for how safety is linked to 5S:1. Safety is affected by 5S …events, regardless of whether safety is a specific goal and 2. Safety can and should permeate all five S's as part of a comprehensive plan for system improvement. METHODS: Reports of 5S events from five departments in one health system were used to evaluate how changes made at each step of the 5S impacted safety. RESULTS: Safety was affected positively in each step of the 5S through initial safety goals and side effects of other changes. CONCLUSIONS: The case studies show that 5S can be a mechanism for improving safety. Practitioners may reap additional safety benefits by incorporating safety into 5S events through a safety analysis before the 5S, safety goals and considerations during the 5S, and follow-up safety analysis. Show more

Keywords: Lean, healthcare provider safety, quality, process improvement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121576

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 243-251, 2014

Authors: Roll, Shawn C. | Selhorst, Lauren | Evans, Kevin D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort due to work exposure is experienced by 90% of sonographers. Survey research has provided a wealth of information to document this problem, but few studies have attempted to directly measure and identify the source of these disorders. OBJECTIVE: This pilot observational study was conducted to obtain direct measures of the relationship of sonographers to their environment during the completion of sonographic examinations. METHODS: The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment …(RULA) was used to evaluate the positions of five sonographers during 24 sonographic examinations. The observed positions were compared among the various examinations and the association of these observed postures to discomfort, sonographer height, and exam table height was evaluated. RESULTS: All participants reported an increase in musculoskeletal discomfort at the end of the workday. Overall RULA scores ranged from 3.11 to 5.00 with upper extremity venous Doppler and transvaginal pelvic examinations averaging the highest. Increasingly poor upper extremity positioning was positively associated with increased musculoskeletal discomfort (r=0.53, p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the examination being performed, sonographers are working in positions that require further evaluation and intervention. Longitudinal studies are needed that evaluate the inter-relationship of biopsychosocial risk factors of musculoskeletal injuries. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, injury prevention, rapid upper limb assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121579

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 253-260, 2014

Authors: Shin, Seung-Je | Yoo, Won-Gyu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The static posture in visual display terminal (VDT) workers results in increased forward neck flexion and increased static muscle tension in the neck and shoulder regions. However, few studies have objectively quantified the change in head posture induced shoulder pain during VDT work. OBJECTIVE: This study elucidated changes in pressure pain in the upper trapezius muscles, cervical ROM, and the cervical flexion--relaxation ratio after continuous long-term VDT work. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve young VDT workers were recruited. …METHODS: The pressure pain of the upper trapezius muscles, active CROM, and cervical flexion--relaxation ratio were measured in all subjects once before and once after VDT work. RESULTS: The pressure pain threshold of the right upper trapezius muscle was 6.9 ± 1.6 lb before VDT work and 6.1 ± 1.0 lb after VDT work, revealing a significant increase with VDT work. The cervical extension, left and right lateral flexion, and left rotation measurers decreased significantly with VDT work. CONCLUSIONS: We postulate that even short-term VDT work has the potential to cause problems. It is necessary to develop a CROM self-measuring device and to monitor patients' musculoskeletal changes frequently. Show more

Keywords: Cervical pain, CROM, FR ratio, shoulder pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121580

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 261-265, 2014

Authors: Arango-Lasprilla, Juan Carlos | Ketchum, Jessica M. | Hurley, Jessica | Getachew, Almaz. M. | Gary, Kelli Williams

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Approximately 25% of working-aged Americans with disabilities work full or part time, yet still face discrimination despite the passing of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA) over 20 years ago. OBJECTIVES: To determine if the proportion of allegations of ADA Title I workplace discrimination with merit closed at any year between 1993 and 2008 differs among Whites, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians; to determine if there was a change over time from 1993 to 2008 in merit closure …rate within each race/ethnicity group; and to determine whether changes over time between 1993 and 2008 in the merit closure rate differ among the race/ethnicity groups. METHODS: Logistic regression was used for this cross-sectional panel study to model the merit closure rate for each ethnic group from 1993 to 2008 using 318,587 charging parties from the EEOC database. RESULTS: All ethnic groups exhibited significant changes over time in the merit closure rate. There were significant differences in the closure rates among the race/ethnicity groups specifically at closure years 1995–2000, 2002, 2003, and 2006. Finally, there was evidence that the trends in merit closure rates over time differed significantly among the race/ethnicity groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant evidence that the proportion of claims closed with merit was significantly different among the racial/ethnicity groups. Show more

Keywords: Disability, employment, discrimination, minorities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121583

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 267-279, 2014

Authors: Rutanen, Reetta | Nygård, Clas-Håkan | Moilanen, Jaana | Mikkola, Tomi | Raitanen, Jani | Tomas, Eija | Luoto, Riitta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Menopause related symptoms modify quality of life and may also have an impact on work ability. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of physical exercise on work ability and daily strain among women with menopausal symptoms. METHODS: Occupationally active symptomatic menopausal women (n=123) were randomized into 24-week aerobic exercise intervention and control groups. Mobile phone questionnaires were used to collect daily data on perceived physical and …mental strain in a randomised and controlled setting. Work ability was measured with the Work Ability Index (WAI) and with questions about work strain. PARTICIPANTS: In all 123 women aged 44–62 (mean age 53.8 ± 3.4) years who worked full- or part-time participated in the study. Women were randomized into a control (n=60) and intervention group (n=63). The subjects were mostly working in mentally demanding jobs (e.g. office worker), but also in physical (e.g. cleaner) and mixed (physical and mental) jobs (e.g. nurse). RESULTS: The increase in mental resources and decrease in physical strain from baseline to end were statistically significantly greater among the intervention group than among the control group. Between-group differences in the change in WAI were, however, statistically non-significant. CONCLUSION: A 6-month physical exercise intervention among symptomatic menopausal women seems not to be enough to increase perceived work ability but the physical exercise may increase perceived mental resources and decrease perceived daily physical strain.} Show more

Keywords: Work ability, work strain, physical exercise, menopause, randomized controlled trial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-121586

Citation: Work, vol. 47, no. 2, pp. 281-286, 2014