Work - Volume 59, issue 1

Authors: Ongete, George | Duffy, Francis John Raymond

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Infection as a consequence of splash sharps and needlestick injuries (SSNIs) is a hazard faced by healthcare workers. Little is known about the impact this has on quality of life particularly in countries where the risk of infection is high. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the impact SSNIs have on the quality of life of healthcare workers in Kenya, where blood borne illness prevalence is high. METHODS: A hospital-wide survey of a facility in Nairobi was conducted. Data was collected online from at risk healthcare workers using Burckhardt and Anderson’s Quality of Life Scale …(QOLS) and a 10-item symptoms questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 416 participants, 192 (46.2%) had experienced SSNIs. Their mean QOLS scores were considerably lower than that predicted for a healthy population. The relationship between symptoms and QOLS scores showed a strong positive correlation (Pearson’s r  = 0.753). Tests of association between QOLS scores and SSNI type, anti-retroviral (ARV) drug use, educational level and staff cadre revealed significant association (p  < 0.05). However, on key demographic variables, the association was non-dependent, indicating that the impact was felt similarly by many staff. CONCLUSIONS: SSNIs clearly impact on healthcare workers quality of life. Hospital management should ensure measures are taken to reduce SSNIs and provide appropriate personal protection equipment. For staff experiencing an SSNI, psychological wellbeing should be assessed and appropriate expert help provided. Show more

Keywords: Bloodborne pathogens, HIV/AIDS, hospital acquired infections, staff health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172664

Citation: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 103-119, 2018

Authors: Bruschini, Marco | Carli, Antonella | Burla, Franco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are exposed to work related stresses that significantly increase their risk of burnout. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare burnout and work related stress levels in three categories of health professionals: physiotherapists, speech therapists and occupational therapists. METHODS: A convenience sample of 391 health professionals participated, including 210 physiotherapists, 101 speech therapists and 80 occupational therapists. We collected general socio-demographic information and administered the standardized Italian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Management Standards Indicator Tool. RESULTS: We found the proportion of professionals with …high-risk scores in the three dimensions of the MBI to be as follows: Emotional Exhaustion 32%, Depersonalisation 13% and Personal Accomplishment 9%. Overall, 14% of participants were at high risk of burnout. No significant differences were found between the three professional categories. Five subscales of the HSE were associated with burnout: Control (p  < 0.01), Management support (p  < 0.01), Relationship (p  < 0.05), Role (p  < 0.01), and Change (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Like all health care workers, rehabilitation professionals are at a high risk of burnout. There are common mechanisms underlying burnout in the different professional groups investigated. Further research in occupational health in rehabilitation settings is needed to prevent burnout. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, professional, occupational diseases, psychological, rehabilitation, stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172657

Citation: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 121-129, 2018

Authors: Branson, B.G. | Abnos, R.M. | Simmer-Beck, M.L. | King, G.W. | Siddicky, S.F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Motion analysis has great potential for quantitatively evaluating dental operator posture and the impact of interventions such as magnification loupes on posture and subsequent development of musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to determine the feasibility of motion capture technology for measurement of dental operator posture and examine the impact that different styles of magnification loupes had on dental operator posture. METHODS: Forward and lateral head flexion were measured for two different operators while completing a periodontal probing procedure. Each was measured while wearing magnification loupes (flip up-FL and through the lens-TTL) and basic safety …lenses. RESULTS: Operators both exhibited reduced forward flexion range of motion (ROM) when using loupes (TTL or FL) compared to a baseline lens (BL). In contrast to forward flexion, no consistent trends were observed for lateral flexion between subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The researchers can report that it is possible to measure dental operator posture using motion capture technology. More study is needed to determine which type of magnification loupes (FL or TTL) are superior in improving dental operator posture. Some evidence was found supporting that the quality of operator posture may more likely be related to the use of magnification loupes, rather than the specific type of lenses worn. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, kinematics, range of motion, biomechanics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172681

Citation: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 131-139, 2018

Authors: Andersen, Lars Peter | Hogh, Annie | Biering, Karin | Gadegaard, Charlotte Ann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Threats and violence at work are major concerns for employees in many human service sectors. The prevention of work-related violence is a major challenge for employees and management. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify prospective associations between psycho-social work environment and work-related threats and violence in four high risk human service sectors. METHODS: Questionnaire data was collected from 3011 employees working at psychiatric wards, in the elder sector, in the Prison and Probation Service and at Special Schools. Associations between psycho-social work environment and work-related violence and threats were then studied using …a one-year follow-up design and multilevel logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: The analyses showed that quantitative demands, high emotional demands, low level of influence over own work-situation, low predictability, low rewards at work, low role clarity, many role conflicts, many work-family conflicts and low organizational justice had statistically significant associations with high levels of work-related threats. Furthermore, high emotional demands, low predictability, low role clarity, many role conflicts, many work-family conflicts, low supervisor quality and low support from nearest supervisor had statistically significant associations with high levels of work-related violence. Finally, across the four sectors both similar and different associations between psycho-social work environment and work-related violence and threats were found. CONCLUSION: The results of the study underline the importance of including the psycho-social work environment as a supplement to existing violence prevention methods and interventions aimed at reducing work-related violence and threats. Show more

Keywords: Workplace violence, workplace threats, risk factors, structural level

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172654

Citation: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 141-154, 2018

Authors: Ejlertsson, Lina | Heijbel, Bodil | Ejlertsson, Göran | Andersson, Ingemar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a lack of information on positive work factors among health care workers. OBJECTIVE: To explore salutogenic work-related factors among primary health care employees. METHOD: Questionnaire to all employees (n  = 599) from different professions in public and private primary health care centers in one health care district in Sweden. The questionnaire, which had a salutogenic perspective, included information on self-rated health from the previously validated SHIS (Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale), psychosocial work environment and experiences, recovery, leadership, social climate, reflection and work-life balance. RESULTS: The response rate was 84%. A multivariable linear …regression model, with SHIS as the dependent variable, showed three significant predictors. Recovery had the highest relationship to SHIS (β = 0.34), followed by experience of work-life balance (β = 0.25) and work experiences (β = 0.20). Increased experience of recovery during working hours related to higher self-rated health independent of recovery outside work. CONCLUSION: Individual experiences of work, work-life balance and, most importantly, recovery seem to be essential areas for health promotion. Recovery outside the workplace has been studied previously, but since recovery during work was shown to be of great importance in relation to higher self-rated health, more research is needed to explore different recovery strategies in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Positive health, healthy work conditions, employee health, occupational health, health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172659

Citation: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 155-163, 2018

Authors: Alehashem, Maryam | Baniasadi, Shadi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A great number of antineoplastic drugs (ANPDs) are used globally in cancer treatment. Due to their adverse health effects, occupational exposure to ANPDs is considered a potential health risk to health care workers. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to evaluate safe-handling practices of ANPDs, exposure controls, and adverse health implications for health care providers exposed to ANDPs. METHODS: Prevention measures, including engineering, administrative, and work practice controls, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE), were recorded daily through a questionnaire for six weeks. Acute adverse health effects experienced by health care workers were also documented. …RESULTS: The implemented exposure controls for preparation, administration, cleaning, and waste disposal were not in accordance with the safe handling guidelines. Central nervous system disorders (26.33%) were the most frequent acute adverse effects reported by health care workers. A significant correlation was found between the number of experienced adverse effects and handling characteristics, including the number of preparations (r  = 0.38, p  < 0.05), dose, and the number of prepared drugs (r  = 0.46, p  < 0.01 and 0.39, p  < 0.05), and working hours in different locations of oncology setting for six weeks (preparation room: r  = 0.38, P  < 0.05, treatment room: r  = 0.46, P  < 0.01, patient room: r  = 0.63, P  < 0.01, and station: r  = 0.68, P  < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Due to inadequate control measures, oncology health care workers were in danger of exposure to ANPDs and experienced acute adverse health effects. Implementation of appropriate exposure controls is required to prevent occupational exposure to ANPDs. Show more

Keywords: Adverse health effects, cytotoxic drugs, safe handling, workplace contamination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172656

Citation: Work, vol. 59, no. 1, pp. 165-172, 2018