Work - Volume 52, issue 4

Authors: Lin, Lan-Ping | Wu, Tzu-Ying | Lin, Jin-Ding

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is little information about the burnout and wellbeing of institutional caregivers working for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; information is particularly limited in the understanding of experiences of direct care workers. OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were to provide a profile of self-perceived burnout and wellbeing of direct-care caregivers working in disability institutions, and to compare the difference between native- and foreign caregivers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. We recruited 46 female living assistants of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in two disability institutions in Taiwan. There were 23 subjects …who were local residents and 23 subjects who were foreign providers of labor. A self-administered questionnaire which included scale of the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), the Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were employed in the survey. RESULTS: Findings revealed the local caregivers were slightly higher than foreign caregivers in personal burnout score (PBS) and work-related burnout score (WBS), although there were no significant differences. Those caregivers from foreign countries seem to be slightly happier and have higher life satisfaction than native caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: In order to decrease the burnout and improve wellbeing of caregivers of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, service providers should understand the experiences which caregivers encounter in their workplaces. Caregivers can benefit if they receive appropriate support to improve positive health while working for their service clients. Show more

Keywords: Intellectual disability, developmental disability, burnout, wellbeing, quality of life, happiness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152117

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 803-809, 2015

Authors: Cichocki, Ben

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The therapeutic alliance is associated with outcomes for individuals in psychiatric rehabilitation programs. However, there are no known studies examining factors associated with the alliance in these programs. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether client characteristics associated with the alliance across multiple populations and program types were associated with the alliance for individuals enrolling in a supported employment program. METHODS: Previously collected data were available for 70 individuals served by the single employment specialist in the program. Potential independent variables and the strength of their relationship to the alliance were identified, then further explored using a forward …stepwise logistic regression model. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent of the sample had the highest possible alliance rating. Being older and having a smaller social network size were significantly correlated with a high alliance, but neither remained a predictor of the alliance, controlling for the effects of the other. CONCLUSIONS: Client age and social network size were associated with the initial alliance, though not in a model containing both variables. Low power may have hindered the ability to show additional relationships, and the uniqueness of the program structure limits the generalizability to other programs. Future research should investigate the variables examined further. Show more

Keywords: Serious mental illness, therapeutic relationship, Session Rating Scale

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152107

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 811-824, 2015

Authors: Van Niekerk, Lana | Coetzee, Zelda | Engelbrecht, Madri | Hajwani, Zerina | Terreblanche, Santie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This paper reports on the second phase of a two-phased study that was undertaken to determine the feasibility of supported employment (SE) as a strategy with which to facilitate the employment of persons with disability in competitive work contexts. The study population comprised people with mental disabilities receiving SE in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. OBJECTIVE: To describe the components of SE utilised by persons with mental disability (i.e. psychiatric or intellectual disability) in terms of type and time utilisation patterns over 12 months. METHODS: Criterion sampling, a form of purposive sampling, was used …to identify 29 study participants - 19 with intellectual disability and 10 with psychiatric disability. Data collection commenced for each participant when a work placement had been identified and preparation for such ensued. Data was collected prospectively for a period of 12 months. SE service components utilised by participants were captured using a data capture sheet that was developed for this purpose. RESULTS: Time utilisation indicated a steep downwards trend for both cohorts. The decrease in utilisation of SE service components over a period of one year was more pronounced in the psychiatric disability (PD) cohort, who utilized almost half the total SE services in the first month. CONCLUSIONS: SE services can be considered as a viable option for return to work in resource-constrained environments. Providers of SE services will need to modify approaches in order to meet contextual realities. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, return-to-work, disability, employment equity, reasonable accommodation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152149

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 825-833, 2015

Authors: Frost, D.M. | Beach, T.A.C. | Crosby, I. | McGill, S.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Linking firefighter injury reporting to general motion patterns may provide insight into potential injury mechanisms and the development of prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: To characterize the injuries sustained by members of a large Canadian metropolitan fire department over a 5-year span. METHODS: Data were taken from injury reports filed by career firefighters between 2007 and 2011. Injuries were described by job duty, type, body part affected, and the general motion pattern employed at the time of injury (e.g. lifting). RESULTS: Of the 1311 injuries reported, 64% were categorized as sprains and strains (musculoskeletal disorders …–MSDs), the most frequent of which affected the back (32%). Categorized by job duty, 65% of MSDs were sustained while working at the fire station or during physical training-related activities. Only 15% were attributed to fireground operations. Furthermore, the associated job duty could not differentiate the types of injuries sustained; back injuries occurred primarily while lifting, knee injuries while stepping, and shoulder injuries during pushing/pulling-related activities. CONCLUSIONS: Firefighter injuries are not just a fireground problem. Injury causation may be better understood by linking the injury location and type with motion patterns rather than job duties. This information could assist in developing general prevention strategies for the fire service. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, knee injury, lower-back injury, musculoskeletal disorders, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152111

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 835-842, 2015

Authors: Wanyonyi, Nancy | Frantz, Jose | Saidi, Hassan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) and neck pain are part of the common work-related musculoskeletal disorders with a large impact on the affected person. Despite having a multifactorial aetiology, ergonomic factors play a major role thus necessitating workers’ education. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of ergonomic-related LBP and neck pain, and describe the effect of a knowledge-based ergonomic intervention amongst administrators in Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi. METHODS: This study applied a mixed method design utilizing a survey and two focus group discussions (FGD). A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 208 participants through systematic sampling. A …one hour knowledge-based ergonomic session founded on the survey results was thereafter administered to interested participants, followed by two FGDs a month later with purposive selection of eight participants to explore their experience of the ergonomic intervention. Quantitative data was captured and analyzed using SPSS by means of descriptive and inferential statistics, whereas thematic content analysis was used for qualitative data. RESULTS: Most participants were knowledgeable about ergonomic-related LBP and neck pain with a twelve month prevalence of 75.5% and 67.8% respectively. CONCLUSION: Continual ergonomic education is necessary for adherence to health-related behaviours that will preventwork-related LBP and neck pain. Show more

Keywords: Low back pain, neck pain, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs), posture, exercises

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152133

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 843-854, 2015

Authors: Menon, Balagopal G. | Praveensal, C.J. | Madhu, G.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job stress is one of the active research domains in industrial safety research. The job stress can result in accidents and health related issues in workers in chemical process industries. Hence it is important to measure the level of job stress in workers so as to mitigate the same to avoid the worker’s safety related problems in the industries. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the job stress factors in the chemical process industry in Kerala state, India. This study also aims to propose a comprehensive model and an instrument framework for measuring job …stress levels in the chemical process industries in Kerala, India. METHODS: The data is collected through a questionnaire survey conducted in chemical process industries in Kerala. The collected data out of 1197 surveys is subjected to principal component and confirmatory factor analysis to develop the job stress factor structure. RESULTS: The factor analysis revealed 8 factors that influence the job stress in process industries. It is also found that the job stress in employees is most influenced by role ambiguity and the least by work environment. CONCLUSIONS: The study has developed an instrument framework towards measuring job stress utilizing exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. Show more

Keywords: Role ambiguity, role conflict, physical work factors, working environment, structural equation modeling

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152119

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 855-864, 2015

Authors: Weidman, Justin | Dickerson, Deborah E. | Koebel, Charles T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prevention through Design (PtD), eliminating hazards at the design-stage of tools and systems, is the optimal method of mitigating occupational health and safety risks. A recent National Institute of Safety and Health initiative has established a goal to increase adoption of PtD innovation in industry. The construction industry has traditionally lagged behind other sectors in the adoption of innovation, in general; and of safety and health prevention innovation, in particular. Therefore, as a first step toward improving adoption trends in this sector, a conceptual model was developed to describe the parameters and causal relationships that influence and predict construction …stakeholder “adoption readiness” for PtD technology innovation. METHODS: This model was built upon three well-established theoretical frameworks: the Health Belief Model, the Diffusion of Innovation Model, and the Technology Acceptance Model. Earp and Ennett’s model development methodology was employed to build a depiction of the key constructs and directionality and magnitude of relationships among them. Key constructs were identified from the literature associated with the three theoretical frameworks, with special emphasis given to studies related to construction or OHS technology adoption. RESULTS: A conceptual model is presented. Recommendations for future research are described and include confirmatory structural equation modeling of model parameters and relationships, additional descriptive investigation of barriers to adoption in some trade sectors, and design and evaluation of an intervention strategy. Show more

Keywords: Prevention through Design (PtD), technology adoption, construction, engineering controls

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152109

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 865-876, 2015

Authors: Björn, Catrine | Josephson, Malin | Wadensten, Barbro | Rissén, Dag

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The shortage of nurses in operating room departments (ORs) in Sweden and other countries can lead to reduced capacity and quality in healthcare, as well as more intense work for those on the job. Little is known about what nurses in ORs perceive as crucial for their workplace to be attractive. OBJECTIVE: To capture attractive qualities of nurses’ work in Swedish ORs and take a first step in the process of adapting the Attractive Work Questionnaire for use in a health care context. METHODS: The Attractive Work Questionnaire was completed by 147 (67% ) nurses …in four Swedish ORs. Principal Component Analyses (PCA) were performed to determine the underlying structure of the data. RESULTS: Factors contributing to job attractiveness identified in the area “work conditions” were: relations, leadership, equipment, salary, organisation, physical work environment, location, and working hours ; in the area “work content”: mental work, autonomy and work rate ; and in the area “job satisfaction”: status and acknowledgement . The PCA showed consistency with the original Attractive Work Questionnaire, Cronbach’s alpha varied between 0.57–0.90. CONCLUSIONS: Prominent attractive qualities for nurses’ work in Swedish ORs were possible to identify through the Attractive Work Questionnaire and the results suggest that the questionnaire can be useful in a health care context. Show more

Keywords: Attractive work, employment, health manpower, job satisfaction, nurse retention, nurse shortage, personnel turnover

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152135

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 877-889, 2015

Authors: Vinberg, Stig | Romild, Ulla | Landstad, Bodil J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Leaders and co-workers in Swedish public sector organizations are exposed to demanding psychosocial working conditions; more knowledge about workplace-based interventions in this sector of working life is needed. OBJECTIVE: To compare co-workers’ and leaders’ self-ratings of health and psychosocial working conditions, and investigate how prevention and rehabilitation in Swedish public sector workplaces affects these ratings. METHOD: The longitudinal panel data consisted of 311 individuals (20 leaders, 291 co-workers) at 19 workplaces. Based on questionnaire data, statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U-Test, pair-wise Spearman correlations, a mixed between-within subjects ANOVA and Friedman’s test. …RESULTS: Results indicate differences in how the leaders and the co-workers judge their health and psychosocial working conditions. Leaders report work content that is more varied and interesting as well as more possibilities for personal development through work, yet they also report more tiredness, concern over managing their work situation and time pressure at work. Comparisons of mean values for used indicators show some improvements after one year, but also several non-significant or negative time trends two years after the interventions were initiated. CONCLUSION: The study provides some support for experienced differences between co-workers’ and leaders’ health and psychosocial working conditions in public sector workplaces, indicating the importance of different workplace-oriented prevention and rehabilitation interventions for these two categories of employees. Show more

Keywords: Female-dominated workplaces, interventions, self-rated health, longitudinal design

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152132

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 891-900, 2015

Authors: Woodhall-Melnik, Julia | Cooke, Martin | Bigelow, Philip L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obesity is a public health concern in North America. Consumption of food prepared outside of the home is often discussed as a contributing factor. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether or not Canadian food service workers are more likely to have high Body Mass Indices (BMIs) as compared with the general population, and to examine factors that contribute to BMI in this population. METHODS: Analyses of secondary survey data from Cycle 5.1 of the Canadian Community Health Survey were performed. Descriptive statistics were generated to examine food service workers’ risk of having above normal BMI compared to …other Canadians. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors contributing to variation in BMI among food service workers. Analyses were stratified by age. RESULTS: Canadian food service workers are less likely to have BMIs in the overweight and obese ranges than the general population. Stratification by age demonstrated that this decreased risk can be attributed to the fact that food service workers tend to be younger than the general population. As age increases among food service workers, the odds of having a BMI in the overweight and obese ranges increases. CONCLUSIONS: Food service workers in general were not at higher risk for high BMI, but those between the ages of 41 and 64 are at higher risk of having a BMI in the overweight or obese ranges. The findings suggest that proximity to food service outlets may not be the most salient factor in explaining BMI. Show more

Keywords: Food service work, overweight, obesity, Body Mass Index, social determinants of health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152101

Citation: Work, vol. 52, no. 4, pp. 901-909, 2015