Work - Volume 60, issue 2

Authors: Chun, Jina | Pi, Sukyeong | Lee, Eun-Jeong | Park, Jinhee

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The limited amount of information available on Asian Americans with different types of disability in vocational rehabilitation (VR) system has been a major obstacle to developing appropriate policies and practices. OBJECTIVE: Using the Rehabilitation Service Administration data (RSA-911), this study investigated the associations between demographic characteristics, VR service patterns, and employment outcomes of Asian Americans. Whether the relationships differed by type of disabilities (i.e., sensory/communicative, physical, cognitive, and psychiatric disabilities) among Asian Americans was also examined. METHODS: A series of chi-squared tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were conducted to examine the …associations and differences among demographic characteristics, service patterns, and employment outcomes across four major disability groups. RESULTS: Each disability group showed different service patterns that indicate unique consumer needs, individualized services and supports to be delivered in a culturally sensitive manner. Along with the demographic profiles of Asian Americans, factors significantly associated with competitive employment in each group were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This explorative study’s finding implies VR practitioners’ need to understand individual needs by disability type as well as characteristics of Asian culture, and need to develop and implement effective strategies and services to assist this population. Show more

Keywords: Asian Americans with disabilities, competitive employment, rehabilitation, rehabilitation service administration, vocational outcome

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182729

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 281-294, 2018

Authors: Gurd, Brendon J. | Patel, Jugal | Edgett, Brittany A. | Scribbans, Trisha D. | Quadrilatero, Joe | Fischer, Steven L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Whole body sprint-interval training (WB-SIT) represents a mode of exercise training that is both time-efficient and does not require access to an exercise facility. OBJECTIVE: The current study examined the feasibility of implementing a WB-SIT intervention in a workplace setting. METHODS: A total of 747 employees from a large office building were invited to participate with 31 individuals being enrolled in the study. Anthropometrics, aerobic fitness, core and upper body strength, and lower body mobility were assessed before and after a 12-week exercise intervention consisting of 2–4 training sessions per week. Each training session required …participants to complete 8, 20-second intervals (separated by 10 seconds of rest) of whole body exercise. RESULTS: Proportion of participation was 4.2% while the response rate was 35% (11/31 participants completed post training testing). In responders, compliance to prescribed training was 83±17%, and significant (p  < 0.05) improvements were observed for aerobic fitness, push-up performance and lower body mobility. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the efficacy of WB-SIT for improving fitness and mobility in an office setting, but highlight the difficulties in achieving high rates of participation and response in this setting. Show more

Keywords: Aerobic capacity, exercise, physical activity, tabata, time-efficient, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182733

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 295-301, 2018

Authors: Theis, K.A. | Roblin, D. | Helmick, C.G. | Luo, R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Negative employment consequences of arthritis are known but not fully understood. Examining transitions in and out of work can provide valuable information. OBJECTIVE: To examine associations of arthritis with employment during the Great Recession and predictors of employment transitions. METHODS: Data were for 3,277 adults ages 30–62 years with and without arthritis from the 2007 National Health Interview Survey followed in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey 2008-2009. Employment (working vs. not working) was ascertained at baseline and five follow-ups. We estimated Kaplan Meier survival curves with 95% confidence intervals (CI) separately for time to stopping …work (working at baseline) and starting work (not working at baseline) using Cox proportional hazards regression models with hazard ratios (HR). RESULTS: Arthritis was significantly associated with greater risk of stopping work (HR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3–2.2; adjusted HR= 1.5, 95% CI = 1.1–2.0) and significantly associated with 40% lower chance of starting work (HR = 0.6, 95% CI = 0.4–0.8), which reversed on adjustment (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0–2.2). Employment predictors were mixed by outcome. CONCLUSIONS: During the Great Recession, adults with arthritis stopped work at higher rates and started work at lower rates than those without arthritis. Show more

Keywords: Rheumatic disease, work, economic impact, population-based, public health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182739

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 303-318, 2018

Authors: Bai, Zhongfei | Song, Danyang | Deng, Huan | Li-Tsang, Cecilia W.P.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several studies have explored the factors influencing patients’ return to work (RTW) status. However, only few studies have tried to explore the predictors for RTW in subpopulations in terms of different levels of disability, particularly in the Chinese population. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the trends in patient’s RTW and explores the predictors associated with RTW for patients with work-related injury in Mainland China. METHODS: A total of 457 patients with different types of injury were followed up for one year. Patients were stratified into three groups according to the grade of disability as follows: mild, …moderate, and severe. Variables affecting RTW were then compared between the three groups, and multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors for RTW. RESULTS: The RTW rates during the study period were significantly different among the three groups. RTW tended to increase rapidly during the early stage, but the increase plateaued during the later stage. For the mild disability group, educational level, expectation to RTW, and other types of injury (e.g., spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and burn) were significant predictors for RTW. White-collar work and better employer satisfaction were positive predictors for RTW for the moderate group. Meanwhile, no significant predictor for RTW was determined for the severe disability group. CONCLUSIONS: RTW tended to increase rapidly during the early stage, but the increase plateaued during the later stage. The predictors for RTW also varied among the patients with different levels of disability. These predictors may help vocational rehabilitation service providers provide more accurate intervention. Show more

Keywords: Tendency, workers with physical injuries, disability, vocational rehabilitation, severity of disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182735

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 319-327, 2018

Authors: Biernat, Elżbieta | Piątkowska, Monika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this work is to estimate leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) of the professionally-active population as a factor in early preventive medicine and diagnosing threats of occupational diseases. It was the basis for an analysis of the realisation of a pro-health dose of physical activity recommended by WHO (depending on the profession). OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: A survey based on IPAQ-LV was realised in 2014-2015 on a representative sample of Poles (n = 2039). The work presents results for professionally-active people (n = 985). In order to verify statistically significant differences a Chi2 , U-Mann …Whitney and Kruskall-Wallis H tests were implemented. RESULTS: LTPA Index for the whole group was 895.6±1514.3 MET-minutes/week. No statistical relationship was found between the survey wave and the LTPA factor and particular activities: VPA, MPA and walking. The LTPA value was significantly related (Chi2 = 19.9; p < 0.001) to the profession. LTPA Index was highest among the higher social stratification groups (directors/managers/owners: 1492.7±2348.1, higher level office workers: 957.6±1268.3, other office workers: 973.0±1677.5 MET-minutes/week) and the lowest among skilled workers (744.8±1325.8 MET-minutes/week). As many as 61.1% of respondents did not meet WHO recommendations. During week days, the greatest time spent sitting (Chi2 = 0.000; p < 0.05) was stated for higher level office workers (6.4±4.2 hours/day) and directors/managers/owners (5.0±4.0 hours/day). Sitting time for weekends was not significantly different for these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Activities promoting LTPA should be addressed to all professional groups. It is essential to inform workers (especially physical workers) about the role of properly selected physical activity (in terms of time, frequency and type) to maintain a good state of health. A model-shaping influence of the high prestige groups may be helpful in changing lifestyle. Show more

Keywords: LTPA Index, WHO recommendations, sedentary behaviour, professional groups

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182727

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 329-338, 2018

Authors: Ferraro, Tânia | Moreira, João Manuel | dos Santos, Nuno Rebelo | Pais, Leonor | Sedmak, Clemens

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Decent Work (DW) concept, proposed by the International Labour Organization, can be enriched by the contributions of a Work, Organizational and Personnel Psychology (WOPP) perspective. Namely, it would be important to relate DW perceptions to the main concepts in the WOPP realm. Understanding these relations would expand our knowledge of the nomological network of the DW concept and of its practical implications. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationships between DW, work motivation and psychological capital among knowledge workers in Portugal and Brazil. METHODS: The Decent Work Questionnaire (DWQ), a previously validated measure of 7 dimensions …of DW from a WOPP perspective, the Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS), and the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ) were administered to 2912 knowledge workers. Relations among concepts were analyzed by canonical correlation analyses and linear regression. RESULTS: The DW dimension Fulfilling and Productive Work was positively associated with intrinsic and identified work motivation , and negatively with amotivation . A second significant canonical variate related (negatively) Social Protection (DW dimension) to extrinsic material work motivation . Results from regression analysis support the idea that DW promotes psychological capital. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that DW is an important predictor of work motivation and psychological capital. Practical implications for human resources management are presented. Show more

Keywords: Decent Work Questionnaire, knowledge workers, canonical correlation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-182732

Citation: Work, vol. 60, no. 2, pp. 339-354, 2018