Work - Volume 64, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193025

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 669-670, 2019

Authors: Petitta, Laura | Jiang, Lixin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The present study focuses on perpetrators of workplace incivility. OBJECTIVE: We set to answer two questions: 1) why the perpetrator instigates uncivil behaviors in the workplace, and 2) what are the consequences of workplace incivility on the perpetrator him/herself. METHODS: We examined the perpetrator burnout outcome of instigated incivility and infected emotional contagion as predictor of one’s uncivil behaviors towards others and tested the cross-country structural invariance of the hypothesized nomological network on data from the U.S. and Italy. RESULTS: Data from employees in the U.S. (N  = 350) and Italy (N  = 273) suggest …that contagion of joy infected into others and anger infected into others were related to instigated incivility, which, in turn, was positively related to emotional exhaustion and cynicism. Our results were structurally invariant across the two countries. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to the victims of incivility, the perpetrator of workplace incivility also suffers from heightened burnout. As such, an employee experiencing and infecting into other employees his/her own negative/positive emotions increases/decreases his/her own tendency to initiate rude behaviors toward others. Overall, our findings shed light on predictors and consequences of workplace instigated incivility. We hope our research can serve as a springboard to the understanding and prevention of incivility initiated by employees. Show more

Keywords: Instigated incivility, burnout, emotional contagion infected, cross-country

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193029

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 671-683, 2019

Authors: Lindholm, Maria | Väyrynen, Seppo | Reiman, Arto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Young employees have often poorer occupational safety and health (OSH) skills and knowledge than older employees. Efforts should be made at different educational levels to strengthen young employees’ OSH skills and knowledge. OBJECTIVE: To analyze OSH perceptions and attitudes among university students and to examine OSH professionals’ views on OSH teaching. METHODS: This explorative study employs an iterative multi-method approach, including a paired comparison questionnaire for university students (N = 104) and OSH professionals (N = 40), an OSH questionnaire for university students (N = 130) and a Delphi survey for OSH professionals (N = 26). RESULTS: OSH perceptions and attitudes …were found to vary widely among the students and some expressed somewhat stereotypical views about OSH. The results confirm the need to improve OSH education. To that end, the study reports concrete practical ideas from OSH professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The findings confirm the need to augment both the quality and quantity of OSH teaching at university level. Ideas are presented for future OSH teaching, along with recommendations for future studies. Show more

Keywords: OSH perceptions, attitudes, university students, working life, young employees

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193030

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 685-695, 2019

Authors: Wanke, Eileen M. | Schmidt, Mike | Bendels, Michael | Oremek, Gerhard | Groneberg, David A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dance teachers (DTs) give lessons on various professional and amateur genres. Up to the present, little has been known on health-related behavior regarding the consumption of substances such as inhalant and synthetic substances, cocaine, cannabis/marijuana (c/m), anabolic steroids and naturally occurring hallucinogens in dance teachers. RELEVANCE: To analyze the consumption of these substances as well as to determine influencing variables due to their role model function (educational level, prevalence of injuries, BMI and income). METHODS: N = 236 (m: n  = 53, f: n  = 183) professional DTs participated in the single cross-sectional cohort study. RESULTS: The …majority of DTs had a single or occasional use of the tested substances. This coincides with the results of the general population. C/m was the most frequently consumed substance with a prevalence of up to 40.1% (m). Only a few significant gender-specific differences were observed. There were weak gender-specific correlations between the consumption of substances and educational level (f) and income (m and f) or injuries (f). CONCLUSION: Due to the specific occupational stress DTs are exposed to, a use of substances would be conceivable. However, apart from cannabis/marijuana (c/m), the consumption of psychoactive substances in DTs seems to be negligible. However, attention should be paid to the significant proportion of dance teachers having tried out substances. Show more

Keywords: Physical education teacher, psychoactive substances, gender specific differences, prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193031

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 697-704, 2019

Authors: Niu, Jianwei | Zheng, Yanling | Liu, Haixiao | Chen, Xiao | Ran, Linghua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stumbles are common accidents that can result in falls and serious injuries, particularly in the workplace where back and forth movements are involved and in offices where high heels are imperative. Currently, the characteristics of plantar pressure during a stumble and the differences between stumbling and a normal gait remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: This paper is aimed at providing insights into the feasibility of the data mining technique for interventions in stumble-related occupational safety issues. METHODS: The characteristics of plantar pressure distribution during stumbling and normal gait were analyzed by using the power spectrum density (PSD) …and the Support Vector Machine (SVM). The PSD, a novel pattern recognition feature, was used to mathematically describe the image signal. The SVM, a powerful data mining technique, was used as the classifier to recognize a stumble. Dynamic plantar pressures were measured from twelve healthy participants as they walked. RESULTS: The plantar pressures of the stumbling gaits had significantly different patterns compared to the normal ones, from either a qualitative or quantitative perspective. The mean recognition accuracy of the proposed method reached 96.7%. CONCLUSIONS: This study helps better understand stumbles and provides a theoretical basis for stumble-related occupational injuries. In addition, the stumble is the precursor of a fall and the research on stumble recognition would be of value to predict and provide warnings of falls and to design anti-fall devices for potential victims. Show more

Keywords: Gait recognition, SVM, power spectrum density, artificial intelligence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193032

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 705-712, 2019

Authors: Ajidahun, Adedayo Tunde | Myezwa, Hellen | Mudzi, Witness | Wood, Wendy-Ann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musicians are at risk of developing playing-related injuries/musculoskeletal problems - to the extent that several injury-prevention strategies have been employed by them. In order to ensure compliance and improve implementation strategies, this study explores the opinions of musicians and music tutors on the barriers and facilitators in implementing an injury prevention program for string players, and the perceptions of the first mentioned as to the practicality of such an exercise-based injury prevention program. METHOD: This study employed a qualitative method (focus group discussion) to explore the opinions of musicians on exercise-based injury-prevention programs for string players and …their implementation strategies. Content thematic analysis was used to analyze and interpret the data. RESULTS: Two music schools, with 11 musicians, participated in the study. The mean age and the mean years of experience of the participants were 28.2±6 years and 12.4±3.8 years respectively. The results of this study showed willingness in the musicians to adopt an exercise-based injury prevention program. However, the major challenge proved to be the time constraint of including an exercise program in the participants’ normal practice and teaching routines. CONCLUSION: There is a willingness to explore possible exercise-based intervention programs to mitigate or prevent instrument-playing-related health problems. However, time constraints proved to be the major barrier to implementation. It was further concluded that consideration should be given to the duration of the intervention program and the mode to adopt in the implementation of the exercise program. Show more

Keywords: Musician, injury prevention, time constraints

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193033

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 713-720, 2019

Authors: Li, Chih-Ying | Arthur, Paul B. | Hong, Ickpyo | Velozo, Craig A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Social Security Administration has a thorough disability claims process, though one goal is to process claims more efficiently. This pilot described the creation and trial of a web-based tool to assist this process. OBJECTIVE: To empirically link the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) with a self-reported activity measure (physical domain). METHODS: ICF Activity domains and item difficulty calibrations were obtained from a self-reported ICF-Activity Measure. Three work/disability experts matched measurement constructs, job names, and item difficulties with job demands. Item difficulties were linked for …“Positioning and Transfer” with O*NET data values of “Stamina”; “Trunk Strength”, and “Walking and Moving” with O*NET data values of “Stamina.” The system was then pilot tested with 14 adults with more than one activity challenges. RESULTS: An average total of 613 jobs were generated per participant and each job was categorized into one of 16 job clusters. Person ability measures and constructs were significant predictors for numbers of job (R2  = 0.92, p  < 0.05). Participants demonstrated moderate satisfaction with program usability, and reported capability in performing jobs. CONCLUSIONS: The system provides a feasible means to assist disability examiners and claimants in identifying relevant job abilities and options. Show more

Keywords: Social security, self-report, disability evaluation, employment assessment, outcome assessment (healthcare)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193034

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 721-729, 2019

Authors: Restall, Gayle | Simms, Alexandria | Etcheverry, Emily | Roger, Kerstin | James, Dawn | Roddy, Pumulo | Porch, Wendy | Potts, Jeff | Skitch, Dave | Yates, Tammy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) often make highly personal decisions about whether or not to disclose their HIV status in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine current practices that support people living with HIV to make workplace disclosure decisions and to understand factors that affect disclosure decision-making. METHODS: Ninety-four people who provide health, social and peer-based services responded to an on-line survey about their experiences supporting workplace disclosure decisions of employees living with HIV. RESULTS: Respondents identified a range of strategies to support workplace disclosure decision-making. One-third of respondents were …only a little or not confident in their abilities to support people in making disclosure decisions and 32% expressed little or no confidence in the resources available. Respondents working at HIV-specific organizations, as compared to respondents not working at those organizations, were more confident supporting people with disclosure decisions and in available resources, p  < .05. Perceived barriers to disclosure decisions included stigma, lack of knowledge, and personal factors. Supports for decision-making resided within personal, workplace and societal contexts. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides important understanding about the complexity of disclosure decision-making and strategies that people living with HIV can use to address this complex issue. Show more

Keywords: Employment, service delivery, decision-making

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193035

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 731-741, 2019

Authors: Ottewell, Namino

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has shown that employers’ negative attitudes about hiring people with mental illness is due to stigma. While social contact has been proved to be effective for improving prejudicial attitudes, the influence of knowledge about mental illness on attitudes has been unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between employers’ mental health literacy and their experience or intention of hiring people with mental illness. METHODS: A web-based survey was conducted with Japanese employers. The survey included questions regarding participants’ knowledge about mental illness and whether they had hired those with mental illness. RESULTS: Seven …hundred employers participated in the survey. Among participants, while depression was widely recognized and understood according to medical criteria, schizophrenia was not well known. Thirty-five per cent of participants had hired people with mental illness. Those having experience of employing them were more knowledgeable about mental illness. Participants wanting to employ people with mental illness also possessed greater mental health literacy than those who did not want to do so. CONCLUSIONS: Employers’ better mental health literacy could lead to hiring people with mental illness. However, as the relationships between the literacy and employment attitudes are complex, further research is needed. Show more

Keywords: Employment, knowledge, mental disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193036

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 743-753, 2019

Authors: Monaco, Maria Grazia Lourdes | Uccello, Rossella | Muoio, Mariarosaria | Greco, Alessandro | Spada, Stefania | Coggiola, Maurizio | Pedata, Paola | Caputo, Francesco | Chiodini, Paolo | Miraglia, Nadia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To estimate the three-year cumulative risk of work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) in a cohort of automotive industry workers and to provide a first test of the ability of the European Assembly Worksheet (EAWS) methodology to predict WRULDs. METHODS: 292 workers were investigated by reviewing workers’ medical records during the period from 2012–2015 to determine their exposure to biomechanical overload according to EAWS risk scores (0–25, low risk, Green zone; 26–50, medium risk, Yellow zone; >50, High risk; Red zone). RESULTS: The risks were 0.83%, 5.71%, and 11.88% for the Control (unexposed), Green and Yellow …Groups, respectively. Only the comparison between the Yellow/Control Groups was significant (p  = 0.0014). In total, we observed 17 cases of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (14 symptomatic and 3 cases detected by physical examination). CONCLUSIONS: The EAWS is a useful tool for the preliminary risk assessments of biomechanical overload among automotive industry workers. The finding of mainly non-specific disorders highly suggests that health surveillance should aim to identify not only full-blown diseases but also symptomatic cases. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorders, biomechanical overload, EAWS (European Assembly Worksheet)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193037

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 755-761, 2019

Authors: Kee, Dohyung | Haslam, Roger

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are estimated to be the most common and frequent of all occupational diseases in agriculture in Korea, but the full extent of the problem has yet to be surveyed. OBJECTIVE: This paper presents the results of a survey investigating the extent of WMSDs among self-employed farmers in Korea. It also describes ergonomics based preventive interventions initiated by the Korean government. METHOD: The prevalence of WMSDs was surveyed among 358 farmers using a questionnaire adapted from the Nordic questionnaires, employing three case definitions. RESULTS: The results showed that the overall …prevalence rates of WMSDs by case definition 1 (any symptoms), 2 (symptoms with a pain intensity of moderate or greater), and 3 (symptoms with a pain intensity of high or greater) were 97.2%, 83.2%, and 39.7% respectively and that the shoulder, knee and lower back disorder rates were higher than those of other body parts. Compared to the prevalence rates of WMSDs for workers in other industries in Korea as well as USA farmers, the overall rates for farmers in Korea were much higher. The interventions, which adopted a participatory approach involving government, farmers, ergonomics, technical and industrial hygiene experts, showed benefits in terms of work efficiency, safety and farmer satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The high WMSD symptom prevalence showed that agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in Korea, and the Korean government’s interventions were effective and successful. Show more

Keywords: Nordic questionnaire, WMSDs, ergonomics interventions, participatory ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193038

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 763-775, 2019

Authors: Rinaldi-Miles, Anna | Das, Bhibha M. | Kakar, Rumit Singh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pedometer-based worksite interventions have been found to be successful in increasing physical activity (PA) but adherence is challenging. OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of Implementation Intentions (II), a self-regulatory skill, with self-monitoring with a pedometer to initiate behavior change as well as post-intervention adherence in a worksite wellness intervention. METHODS: University employees (N  = 54) participated in an 8-week pedometer-based intervention. A 2-arm randomized trial was used to compare the effectiveness of 1) only pedometers (PED) (n  = 28) and 2) pedometers and II (PED+II) (n  = 26) on PA. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between …time points (p  < .0001) but not between groups. Post -hoc pairwise comparisons between the time points revealed difference between Baseline and Week 4 (mean difference: 2446.9 steps/ day; p  < 0.001), Week 4 and 12 (mean difference: 2956.3 steps/ day; p  < 0.001), and Week 8 and 12 (mean difference: 2228.8 steps/ day; p  = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The PED+II group had higher step increases during the intervention indicating that the behavioral strategy was effective. However, participants in both groups had a significant decrease in steps from the end of the intervention to the delayed-post assessment highlighting the challenge to maintain behavioral changes post-intervention. Show more

Keywords: Pedometry, physical activity, health behavior, intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193039

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 777-785, 2019

Authors: Mokarami, Hamidreza | Toderi, Stefano

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Given the wide variety of factors affecting work-related stress, a work system approach could be adopted in order to better identify factors that impact individual stress. OBJECTIVES: To provide a scoping review of the available work-related stress questionnaires and to reclassify their scales on the basis of the five elements included in the work system model using a content analysis method. METHODS: The main available work-related stress questionnaires used in previous studies in the time range of 1975 to 2017 were collected through a search in several indexing and citation databases. To reclassify the scales …of these questionnaires, a qualitative content analysis was used and then reclassified in accordance with the five components of work system model: job (tasks), organizational condition, individual characteristics, technology and tools, and physical environmental. RESULTS: In total, 22 questionnaires met the conditions required to be entered into the final stage of the study. Emphasis of these questionnaires was on measuring job-related factors and organizational condition-related factors. 22.7% of them had considered no scales to measure the individual characteristics-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the reclassification can help organizations select areas that encompass their own specific problems. Practical implications are also discussed. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, psychosocial factors, risk assessment, work system model, macroergonomic, questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193040

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 787-795, 2019

Authors: Smeets, Jard | Hoefsmit, Nicole | Houkes, Inge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dutch legislation stimulates active participation of employees in their own return-to-work (RTW). In addition, RTW professionals encourage sick-listed employees to self-direct RTW. It remains unclear, however, how employees give meaning to and shape their self-direction. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to conceptualize self-direction using the components of Self-Determination Theory (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) as a framework. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three long-term sick-listed employees. These results were combined with 14 existing transcripts of semi-structured interviews with long-term sick-listed employees and employees who experienced long-term sick leave during the previous calendar year. All interview transcripts …were analyzed thematically. RESULTS: Employees generally think of self-direction as making their own decision regarding RTW. They wish to decide by themselves how to shape their RTW-process. Several environmental factors play a role in employees’ self-direction. Proximal factors are satisfaction of the need for autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Distal factors are legislation regarding RTW, organizational culture and clarity regarding the roles of various stakeholders in the process of sickness absence and RTW. CONCLUSIONS: Exercising self-direction in RTW seems to contribute to a personalized RTW-process that takes into account individual needs and wishes. Preconditions for effective self-direction are a supportive environment and good cooperation between employee, employer, and occupational physician. Show more

Keywords: Sickness absence, sick leave, work resumption, cooperation, self-determination theory

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193041

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 797-807, 2019

Authors: Bejer, Agnieszka | Domka-Jopek, Elżbieta | Probachta, Mirosław | Lenart-Domka, Ewa | Wojnar, Jolanta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout is most often referred to as a syndrome of characteristic mental and somatic symptoms, which are the result of chronic stress most often associated with professional work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of burnout syndrome among physiotherapists and its determinants related to sex, age, education, workplace, occupational activity, work experience and financial situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-six professionally active full-time physiotherapists participated in the study. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) was used to measure burnout. RESULTS: In the examined group of physiotherapists, we observed a low …level of Emotional Exhaustion ( x ¯ = 15.99) and Depersonalization level ( x ¯ = 4.31), while Personal Accomplishment was moderate but approaching high level ( x ¯ = 31.63). A significant relationship between sex, education, work experience, place of work, scope of professional activities, financial situation, and individual dimensions of burnout syndrome were observed. CONCLUSION: A significantly reduced sense of personal accomplishment occurred commonly in a studied group of physiotherapists. Professional burnout is most likely to occur in men, in people with higher education, in those working in hospital departments with more work experience, and those in a poor financial situation. Employers should take care of their employees’ mental health as a part of burnout prophylaxis. Show more

Keywords: Maslach Burnout Inventory, emotional exhaustion, psychophysical exhaustion, depersonalization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193042

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 809-815, 2019

Authors: Chander, Harish | Turner, Alana J. | Swain, Jonathan C. | Sutton, Phillip E. | McWhirter, Katherine L. | Morris, Cody E. | Knight, Adam C. | Carruth, Daniel W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The impact of occupational footwear and workload on postural stability has been studied previously to prevent fall-related workplace injuries. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of two types of occupational footwear [steel-toed (SB) and tactical (TB) work boots] on human balance, when exposed to physical workload. METHODS: Postural stability was evaluated in eighteen male participants in the following conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes closed (EC), eyes open unstable surface (EOU) and eyes closed unstable surface (ECU). Postural sway parameters were analyzed using a 2×3 repeated measures analysis of variance design …[prior to (PRE) and twice post-workload (POST1 & POST2) separated by 10 minutes of rest]. RESULTS: Findings revealed that the use of SB resulted in greater postural stability, which could be attributed to the design characteristics of these footwear and that postural stability was negatively impacted immediately after the workload which could be attributed to the physical exertions during the workload. However, significant differences were limited to ECU with no visual and altered somatosensory feedback. CONCLUSION: Design features on occupational footwear can aid postural stability while physical exertional tasks can be detrimental. Findings can offer design and work-rest scheduling suggestions to improve work safety. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, fall prevention, balance, human factor, personal protective equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193043

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 817-824, 2019

Authors: Adje, Misheal | Odebiyi, Daniel O. | Okafor, Udoka A. | Kalu, Michael E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are advocates of workplace health and safety. Despite the high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), there is limited knowledge of ergonomic principles have been successfully applied in the workplace by Nigerian physiotherapists. OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles in patient handling among physiotherapists in Nigeria. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey design was used to sample 360 physiotherapists practicing in Nigeria. Participants responded to a three-part structured questionnaire that had a reliability coefficient of 0.77. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square. RESULTS: The majority (95.9%) of …the participants had good knowledge of the ergonomic principles in patient handling while only 48.6% reported practicing them. Poor practice was mainly due to a lack of patient handling equipment. There was no significant association between knowledge and practice of ergonomic principles among study participants. Specific areas of physiotherapy practice showed a significant association with ergonomic knowledge and practice. Years of physiotherapy practice and highest educational qualifications showed a significant association with the levels of practice and knowledge respectively. CONCLUSION: Physiotherapists in Nigeria reported a good level of knowledge of ergonomic principles, but a poor practice level. Perhaps this non-adherence contributed to the high prevalence of WMSDs among physiotherapists in Nigeria. Show more

Keywords: Health care professionals, manual handling, musculoskeletal disorders, workplace ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193044

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 825-832, 2019

Authors: Teraoka, Mutsumi | Kyougoku, Makoto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Occupational dysfunction is frequent among healthcare workers, but little is known about factors related to occupational participation and stress coping behavior among healthcare workers. This cross-sectional study aimed to analyze structural relationships among occupational dysfunction, stress coping, and occupational participation in healthcare workers. METHODS: Participants were 601 healthcare workers in 13 facilities. Data were collected with participant profile, Classification and Assessment of Occupational Dysfunction (CAOD), Coping Scale (CS), and Self-completed Occupational Performance Index (SOPI). Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, item response theory (IRT), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), correlation analysis, and path analysis. …RESULTS: CFAs of CAOD, CS, and SOPI indicated good fit to the predicted models. In IRT, CAOD and SOPI showed conformity, but two items of CS showed nonconformity. The correlation between CAOD-SOPI was high to moderate (–0.486 to –0.246; p  < 0.001), whereas that between CAOD and emotion-focused coping was weakly negative. SOPI and CS were negatively associated with occupational dysfunction (p  < 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: This model demonstrated that SOPI and CS had a negative structural relationship with occupational dysfunction. Therefore, it seems important to encourage occupational participation (in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure) to reduce occupational dysfunction in healthcare workers. Show more

Keywords: Structural equation modeling, preventive occupational therapy, stress, coping, healthcare workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193045

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 833-841, 2019

Authors: McElhiney, Martin C. | Rabkin, Judith G. | Daughters, Stacey B. | Timperlake, Erin C. | Wainberg, Milton L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment rates for people with HIV/AIDS are low, compared to the general population. One widespread barrier is fatigue, accompanied by daytime sleepiness and a lack of stamina. Previous pharmacological studies have demonstrated improvement of fatigue-related symptoms without affecting work-related goal attainment OBJECTIVE: In this pilot study, we sought to determine whether a pharmacologic-behavioral two-phase combined approach could facilitate returning to work. METHODS: HIV+ participants with fatigue were treated with armodafinil. If energy improved, 8 sessions of biweekly manualized Behavioral Activation (BA) counseling were added to medication maintenance. Outcome was assessed on a 3-point scale along …with clinician and self-ratings. RESULTS: Of the 46 participants enrolled in BA, 15 (33%) did not complete all 8 sessions: 6 got jobs so they no longer needed counseling; 4 did not like BA, and 5 dropped out for reasons such as moving away or substance use relapse. Of the 46, 29 (63%) attained their vocational goal and showed significant changes on self-report scales. CONCLUSIONS: Our integrated treatment including armodafinil plus BA counseling significantly increased the success of achieving work-related goals. The two-phase medication plus counseling program was well-tolerated by participants and the manualized BA counseling was readily applied by counselors without advanced mental health training, making the method potentially feasible in community settings. Show more

Keywords: Employment, armodafinil, behavioral activation, goal attainment, HIV+

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193046

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 843-852, 2019

Authors: Augner, Christoph | Kaiser, Gerlinde

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) are a major health problem in health professionals. However, there is very little evidence about predictors of MSS in the group of radiology technologists. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify prevalence and predictors of MSS in radiology technologists working in Austrian Hospitals. METHODS: 272 radiology technologists completed a self-report questionnaire including MSS, work demands, work strain and well-being (WHO-5 questionnaire). RESULTS: Lower back pain and upper back pain are the most frequent MSS in radiology technologists. A high proportion of participants experience these symptoms every day (20.1% …and 19.8%, respectively). Work strain, age and well-being were the best predictors for MSS in a regression model. CONCLUSIONS: MSS is a major health issue for radiology technologist working in hospitals. Our results provide evidence for the assumption that psychological factors play an important role in development of MSS. Thus, beside physical health promotion programs (e.g. safe patient handling), psychological intervention may have positive effects on MSS. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, health professionals, low back pain, work conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193047

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 853-858, 2019

Authors: Long, Jennifer | Edwin, Marion | Albolino, Sara | Toccafondi, Giulio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The International Ergonomics Association is a professional association for human factors and ergonomics (HFE) professionals. Australia and New Zealand are two of 52 Federated Societies within the IEA. OBJECTIVE: This paper describes an Ergonomics and the Future World (EFW) workshop held at the IEA Triennial Congress in 2018 (IEA2018), and reports the findings of the Australia / New Zealand (Southern Cross) Cluster (SCC). METHODS: Four questions were developed by the IEA EFW committee to evaluate the ergonomics state-of-play in various world regions. Southern Cross delegates (N  = 17) participated in a 90-minute workshop discussion at IEA2018 …(45% participation rate for SCC delegates). A summary was presented during the IEA2018 closing ceremony and as a written report for the IEA. RESULTS: Three themes emerged from the SCC discussions: (i) the impact of technology advances on HFE professional practice;(ii) communication with internal and external stakeholders; and (iii) HFE education. CONCLUSIONS: The workshop findings are similar to issues raised at local discussions in Australia and New Zealand over past decades and mirror comments and opinions published by authors in the HFE profession. They provide a benchmark for current SCC opinion and may provide direction for future discussion of these recurring issues. Show more

Keywords: IEA, professional association, marketing, communication, education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193026

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 859-868, 2019

Authors: Carneiro, Paula | Braga, Ana C. | Cabuço, Roberto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health professionals could be at risk of having work-related accidents or health problems. The operating room (OR) is a place where physical, ergonomic, biological, and chemical risks may be present. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the OR of a hospital regarding occupational risks, particularly biological and chemical. It was also sought to verify if professionals’ training about occupational risks has some influence on their safety behaviors. METHODS: The research method was based on a Questionnaire applied to the 214 professionals working at the operating rooms of a hospital in northern Portugal. RESULTS: …The results revealed the occurrence of 39% (95% CI [29.3%, 50.7%]) of accidents involving biological material, and 12% (95% CI [6.1%, 21.0%]) of accidents involving chemical material. Not all professionals have had training in occupational risks (64% and 47% reported having had training in biological risks and chemical risks, respectively). A non-statistically significant association was found between having had training in biological/chemical risks and having had an accident involving biological/chemical material (Fisher’s exact test, p  > 0.05). A statistically significant association (X2  = 25.978, df = 3, p  < 0.05) was found between the occurrence of accidents involving biological material and the professional category. CONCLUSIONS: This study allows to characterize the main biological and chemical risks in operating rooms according to the perceptions of professional. Show more

Keywords: Chemical risk, biological risk, healthcare professionals, hospital

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193027

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 869-876, 2019

Authors: van Duijnhoven, J. | Aarts, M.P.J. | Kort, H.S.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Light and alertness studies have applied different measurement methodologies to determine lighting conditions. However, it has been demonstrated that researchers rarely measure or describe the lighting conditions of their studies in sufficient detail to generalize conclusions or derive universal guidelines. OBJECTIVE: Part I of this paper summarizes the current measurement methodologies used in light and alertness studies to potentially identify methodological issues. Part II determines the differences in lighting conditions for different viewing directions within an office environment. METHODS: A literature review (part I) and both experimental studies and an observational study (part II) were …undertaken in this study. RESULTS: Part I demonstrates that most light and alertness studies include photometric quantities; however, it is recommended that one should measure radiometric quantities as well. Further, the light measurements should be performed at the individual level. Part II demonstrates large differences in lighting conditions between viewing directions. For example, when looking toward the window, vertical illuminances were at least 12 times higher when compared to looking in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that when analysing or designing an office environment, office workers’ positions and viewing direction should be included in the determination of personal lighting conditions. Show more

Keywords: Light measurements, personal lighting conditions, non-image-forming effects, alertness, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-193028

Citation: Work, vol. 64, no. 4, pp. 877-895, 2019