Work - Volume 51, issue 4

Authors: Agha, Adnan | Mordy, Ayedh | Anwar, Eram | Saleh, Noha | Rashid, Imran | Saeed, Mona

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout Syndrome is a mental condition caused by chronic exposure to work related stress and is identified by the presence of any of the three distinct elements of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and lack of personal accomplishment. Middle grade doctors are the backbone of any tertiary care hospital / medical institution, partaking in unscheduled and inpatient care. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the presence of burnout syndrome in the middle grade doctors in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted at the Armed Forces Hospital …Southern Region, Khamis Mushyt, from August to October 2012 in departments with at least fifty inpatient admissions per month and with at least five middle grade (Resident, Registrar and Senior Registrar) doctors. The departments were Obstetrics and Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency, General Surgery and Nephrology. METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive and analytical study using the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey and a self-reported stressor-identifying questionnaire to ascertain possible precursors of, or contributing factors to, Burnout Syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 96 proformas/questionnaires were collected anonymously to maintain confidentiality and burnout syndrome was identified in as high as 88.5% of the respondents with high emotional exhaustion in 68.8%, high depersonalization in 63.6% and low personal accomplishment in 38.5%. CONCLUSION: The authors concluded that burnout syndrome is high among the middle-grade doctors in this medical facility and that urgent steps are needed to address this problem to ensure that these physicians remain physically and mentally healthy. Show more

Keywords: Depersonalization, emotional exhaustion, personal accomplishment, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141898

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 839-847, 2015

Authors: Lilley, Rebbecca | Derrett, Sarah | Davie, Gabrielle

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little empirical examination of the relationship between work organisational factors and return to work following injury has been undertaken despite the growing recognition of examining broader multi-dimensional contexts for recovery following injury. OBJECTIVE: To explore relationships between pre-injury work organisational factors and work status (working/work absent) 3-month after injury among people employed prior to injury. METHODS: Cases (work absent) and controls (working), selected from a larger study of injury outcomes according to reported work status 3-month after injury, completed a postal questionnaire. Work organisational factors were compared between cases and controls using univariate …and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve participants completed the questionnaire (44 cases; 68 controls). Of 11 work organisation factors examined, organisational size was the only explanatory variable significantly associated with work status in the multivariable model. Higher odds of work absence were found in small (< 50 employees) (OR 5.6) and large (> 500 employees) (OR 7.2) workplaces, compared with medium-sized (50-500 employees) organisations. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in post-injury work patterns among those working pre-injury may be partly explained by organisation size. Future research examining work status following injury should examine the influence of work organisational factors in larger studies. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, organisation size, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141974

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 849-854, 2015

Authors: Drzaƚ-Grabiec, Justyna | Snela, Sƚawomir | Rykaƚa, Justyna | Podgórska, Justyna | Rachwal, Maciej

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nowadays, children spend increasingly more time in a seated position, both at school during class and at home in front of a computer or television. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare selected parameters describing body posture and scoliosis among children in sitting and standing positions. METHODS: It was an observational, cross-sectional study involving 91 primary school children aged 11-13 years. The children's backs were photographed in standing and sitting positions. The values of selected parameters were calculated using photogrammetric examination based on the Moire projection phenomenon. RESULTS: The …results show significant statistical differences for the parameters defining the anteroposterior curves of the spine. The sitting position resulted in a decreased angle of inclination of the thoracolumbar spine, reduced depths of thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis, and pelvic asymmetry. CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a sitting position for a long time results in advanced asymmetries of the trunk and scoliosis, and causes a decrease in lumbar lordosis and kyphosis of a child's entire spine. Therefore, we advocate the introduction of posture education programs for schoolchildren. Show more

Keywords: Spine, scoliosis, photogrammetric method, lordosis, kyphosis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141901

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 855-862, 2015

Authors: Aminian, Omid | Alemohammad, Zahra Banafsheh | Hosseini, Mohammad Hashem

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are many studies discussed about musculoskeletal disorders in dentists, but most of them do not have a control group. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess neck and upper limb symptoms in male dentists in comparison with pharmacists. METHODS: In this cross-sectionalstudy, 252 male general dentists compared with 188 male general pharmacists with Standardized Nordic Questionnaire. Subjects were at least one year in clinical practice after becoming qualified. The data were analyzed using a series of univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Having at least one neck or upper …extremity symptom in the past 12 months (OR = 3.2, P< 0.001) was reported by 76.2% of the male dentists and 50.0% of the male pharmacists In logistic regression analyses, with adjustments for occupation, age, body mass index, smoking, working years and weekly work hours, there was a significant association between dentistry and 12-month period prevalence symptoms of neck (OR = 2.136), shoulder (OR = 2.059) and elbow (OR = 4.167). Second logistic regression model in male dentists indicated that working years was negatively related to self-reported symptoms of neck, shoulder and hand. CONCLUSIONS: Male dentists are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the neck and upper extremities more than male pharmacists. Show more

Keywords: Dentistry, musculoskeletal diseases, upper limb, Standardized Nordic Questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141969

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 863-868, 2015

Authors: Sellschop, Ingrid | Myezwa, Hellen | Mudzi, Witness | Mbambo-Kekana, Nonceba

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The interest in school ergonomic intervention programs and their effects on musculoskeletal pain is increasing around the world. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this longitudinal randomized control trial was to implement and measure the effects of a computer-related ergonomics intervention on grade eight learners in a school environment in Johannesburg South Africa (a developing country). METHODS: The sample comprised of a control group (n= 66) and an intervention group (n= 61). The outcome measures used were posture assessment using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tool (RULA) and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain using a …visual analogue scale (VAS). Measurements were done at baseline, three months and six months post intervention. RESULTS: The results showed that the posture of the intervention group changed significantly from an Action Level 4 to an Action level 2 and Action level 3, indicating a sustained improvement of learners' postural positions whilst using computers. The intervention group showed a significant reduction in the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain from 42.6% at baseline to 18% six months post intervention (p< 0.003). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the results indicated that a computer-related intervention program for grade eight learners in a school environment is effective and that behavioural changes can be made that are sustainable over a period of six months. Show more

Keywords: RULA, grade eight learners, musculoskeletal pain, posture, behaviour change

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141906

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 869-877, 2015

Authors: Vidal-Martí, Cristina | Pérez-Testor, Carles

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is a real phenomenon at nursing homes. This article studied this phenomenon in Barcelona. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether type II workplace violence takes place in senior citizen residences in Barcelona. METHODS: To conduct this exploratory, descriptive and transversal study, the ad hoc QViLab II Questionnaire (version 1) was administered to professionals at senior citizen residences in Barcelona. The sample system used was the randomly stratified conglomerate system, using the size of the residence as the stratum to ensure the representativeness of the sample. Sixty-seven professionals …from residences in Barcelona participated in the study. RESULTS: The results show that 61.2% (IC 95%: 58-65%) of the professionals believed that they have been assaulted by the residents they cared for in the previous year. With regard to the participant variables, we noticed a significant relationship between stress and the belief of having been assaulted. The professionals stated that male residents assaulted them more than females and that verbal aggression was the most common form of aggression from both males and females, followed by physical aggression. With regard to frequency, verbal demands were the kind most often expressed on a daily basis. CONCLUSIONS: Professionals from nursing homes in Barcelona perceived workplace violence. Show more

Keywords: Workplace violence, aggression, risks factors, staff

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141948

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 879-886, 2015

Authors: Katz, Noomi | Dejak, Ifat | Gal, Eynat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HFASD) are reliant on others for support in functioning in everyday life and employment. OBJECTIVES: This study followed a work placement program for people with HFASD over a nine months period. It aimed to measure the trajectory of their work performance and Quality of life on jobs in the open market. METHODS: Twenty-six participants with HFASD ages 18-40 underwent extensive evaluation and based on it were placed in various jobs on the open market. Participants were followed for nine months at their work …place at four different time points. QoL was self-assessed in addition to work performance (WPE) which was assessed both by first-hand and team member's accounts. Team members are health professional who accompany and support the participants in the transition to their jobs. RESULTS: All 26 participants were able to maintain their jobs during the nine months of follow-up. WPE was perceived as high to start with, and its scores slightly improved by both people with HFASD and team members. Self-report suggests a significant change in the quality of life of the participants, specifically in their evaluations of self-competency. CONCLUSIONS: This study enhances the importance of providing people with HFASD with work placing programs and following up during actual work performance. Show more

Keywords: ASD, quality of life, well-being, open market jobs, work evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152001

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 887-892, 2015

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 893-898, 2015

Article Type: Research Article

Citation: Work, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 899-902, 2015