Work - Volume 58, issue 2

Authors: Guglielmi, Dina | Vignoli, Michela | Camellini, Lucia | Florini, Maria Cristina | Brunetti, Massimo | Depolo, Marco

Article Type: Case Report

Abstract: BACKGROUND: After two strong earthquakes in the Emilia region in Italy, many HCWs had to deal with the psychological consequences of the aftershocks. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this case study were a) to describe the psychosocial condition of the HCWs affected by the earthquake; b) to present an intervention immediately after the earthquake on HCWs in a post-disaster situation using a mixed-method approach. METHODS: A mixed-method study was conducted collecting qualitative data (during Group Counselling sessions) and quantitative data (through questionnaires). RESULTS: The results suggested that the impact of the earthquake was very strong, …as more than 80% perceived at least a severe impact event capable of altering their ability to function; most of the thoughts and feelings were related to death and fear. CONCLUSIONS: This study adds knowledge about how to plan interventions aiming to help those workers at both individual and organisational level. Show more

Keywords: Group counselling, mixed methods, post-traumatic, psychological debriefing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172616

Citation: Work, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 185-191, 2017

Authors: Mierswa, Tobias | Kellmann, Michael

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psychosocial work factors and general recovery experiences are hypothesised to influence the risk of low back pain (LBP) occurrence by influencing the acute recovery-stress state. So far, however, direct links between the acute recovery-stress state and LBP occurrence have not been investigated in detail. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in low back pain occurrence between four distinct recovery-stress groups over a period of 6 month. METHODS: A prospective cohort study with a 3-month and 6-month follow-up measurement was conducted in a sample of administrative employees (N  = 271). First, the sample …was divided into four distinct recovery-stress groups by cluster analysis. Subsequently, differences in LBP occurrence between these four groups and the Relative Risk (RR) were analysed. RESULTS: Overall, groups with higher stress than recovery scores showed a higher risk of LBP occurrence compared to those groups with lower stress than recovery scores. Furthermore, the group with the highest stress and lowest recovery scores showed a significant higher proportion of LBP occurrence after six months than the group with the lowest stress and highest recovery scores (RR = 7.29). CONCLUSION: The results indicate the relevance of the acute recovery-stress state for LBP occurrence. Show more

Keywords: Stressors, resources, musculoskeletal pain, cluster analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172618

Citation: Work, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 193-202, 2017

Authors: Parno, Ayub | Sayehmiri, Kourosh | Parno, Mohsen | Khandan, Mohammad | Poursadeghiyan, Mohsen | Maghsoudipour, Maryam | Ebrahimi, Mohammad Hossein

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) is crucial as they jeopardize the well-being of the workforce in workplaces and are prevalent in developed and developing countries. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among Iranian workers. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of WRMSDs in Iran was performed by searching relevant keywords in authentic databases and search engines such as SID, Google Scholar, Medlib and PubMed. Twenty-seven published articles in the field of WRMSDs from 2001 to 2010 were searched. Meta-analysis and random effects approach were used to analyze data. Heterogeneity investigation …of articles was done using I2 index. RESULTS: The total sample size was 6,090 workers with a mean of 225 samples per study. The upper and lower back had the highest prevalence rate of self-reported WRMSDs with 38.1% (95% CI: 29.9–46.4), and 50% (95% CI: 42.5–57.5), respectively. Also, knee had the highest prevalence among lower extremity disorders with 42.1% prevalence rate (95% CI:35.1–49.1). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of WRMSDs in upper and lower limbs was reported in Iran. Trainings with regard to occupational ergonomics and industrial hygiene programs were recommended for minimizing the work-related risks of musculoskeletal disorders. Show more

Keywords: Upper limbs, lower limbs, injuries, back pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172619

Citation: Work, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 203-214, 2017

Authors: Heitink, Eveline | Heerkens, Yvonne | Engels, Josephine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In The Netherlands, one out of six Dutch employees has informal care tasks; in the hospital and healthcare sector, this ratio is one out of four workers. Informal carers experience problems with the combination of work and informal care. In particular, they have problems with the burden of responsibility, a lack of independence and their health. These problems can reveal themselves in a variety of mental and physical symptoms that can result in absenteeism, reduction or loss of (work) participation, reduction of income, and even social isolation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to describe the …factors that informal carers who are employed in healthcare organizations identify as affecting their quality of life, labour participation and health. METHODS: We conducted an exploratory study in 2013-2014 that included desk research and a qualitative study. Sixteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with healthcare employees who combine work and informal care. Data were analyzed with Atlas-TI. RESULTS: We identified five themes: 1. Fear and responsibility; 2. Sense that one’s own needs are not being met; 3. Work as an escape from home; 4. Health: a lack of balance; and 5. The role of colleagues and managers: giving support and understanding. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents combine work and informal care because they have no other solution. The top three reasons for working are: income, escape from home and satisfaction. The biggest problems informal carers experience are a lack of time and energy. They are all tired and are often or always exhausted at the end of the day. They give up activities for themselves, their social networks become smaller and they have less interest in social activities. Their managers are usually aware of the situation, but informal care is not a topic of informal conversation or in performance appraisals. Respondents solve their problems with colleagues and expect little from the organization. Show more

Keywords: Women’s health, combination work, feeling trapped, call on responsibility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172607

Citation: Work, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 215-231, 2017

Authors: Guo, Fu | Wang, Tianbo | Ning, Zuojiang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related fatigue is common among automobile factory employees. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess fatigue of employees at a Chinese automobile factory. METHODS: 238 employees (119 engineers and 119 workers) participated in this study. The following questionnaires were completed: demographic survey questionnaire, working condition questionnaire (WCQ), functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue (FACIT-F), subscales of multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI), and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI). RESULTS: Both engineers and workers experienced fatigue. The workers (35.6 years old, SD = 6.7) generally felt more fatigue than engineers (42.6 years old, SD = 6.4). The engineers …claimed to be more satisfied with the working conditions than workers. The WCQ showed good properties for assessing work-related factors, which were significantly correlated with fatigue (r  = 0.568 for engineers and r  = 0.639 for workers). For engineers, general fatigue was observed regularly and frequently, and for workers, physical fatigue usually had a long duration. CONCLUSIONS: The fatigue was significantly correlated with work-related factors, especially working environment and monotony. For workers, the duration of the work day also affected their fatigue. Some improvements to the working condition in this automobile factory should be considered. Show more

Keywords: Occupational fatigue, working conditions, engineers and workers, monotonous task

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172606

Citation: Work, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 233-240, 2017

Authors: Dhyani, Manish | Roll, Shawn C. | Gilbertson, Matthew W. | Orlowski, Melanie | Anvari, Arash | Li, Qian | Anthony, Brian | Samir, Anthony E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a significantly high rate of work-related musculsokeletal injuries in sonography professionals. To date, assessment of risk factors for work- related injuries in sonographers has been based primarily on surveys, subjective reports, and observational methods. There is a need to develop quantitative techniques to better understand risk factors and develop preventive interventions. OBJECTIVE: We pilot tested a high-resolution force-measuring probe capable of precisely measuring forces applied through the transducer by sonographers and used this novel direct measurement technique to evaluate forces during abdominal imaging. METHODS: Twelve sonographers with varied experience, ranging from 1–33 years, …performed routine abdominal scans on 10 healthy volunteers who had varied body mass indices (BMI). Imaging was conducted using the force-measuring probe, which provided real-time measurement of forces, and angles. Data were compared by sonographer years of experience and subject BMI. RESULTS: In total, 47 abdominal examinations were performed as part of this study, and all images met standards for clinical diagnostic quality. The mean contact force applied across all exams was 8.2±4.3 Newtons (N) (range: 1.2–36.5 N). For subjects in the high BMI group (BMI>25, n  = 4) the mean force was 10.5 N (range: 8.9–13.2 N) compared to 7.9 N (range: 5.9–10.9 N) for subjects with normal BMI (BMI = 18.5–25, n  = 6). Similarly, the mean maximum force applied for subjects with high BMI (25.3 N) was significantly higher than force applied for subjects with normal BMI (17.4 N). No significant difference was noted in the amount of force applied by sonographers with more than 5 years of experience (n  = 6) at 8.2 N (Range: 5.1–10.0 N) compared to less experienced sonographers (n  = 6), whose forces averaged 8.1 N (Range: 5.8–10.0 N). CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to directly measure forces applied by sonographers using a high-resolution force measurement system. Forces applied during abdominal imaging vary widely, are significantly higher when scanning subjects with high BMI, and are not related to sonographer years of experience. This force measurement system has the potential to provide an additional quantitative data point to explore the impact of applied forces on sonographer related musculoskeletal injury, particularly in conjunction with various body positions, exam types and force durations. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, ultrasound, sonographers, injury, force measurement, work-related injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172611

Citation: Work, vol. 58, no. 2, pp. 241-247, 2017