Work - Volume 67, issue 3

Authors: Coledam, Diogo Henrique Constantino | da Silva, Yara Machado

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The health risks that usually affect teachers are already known; however, the predictors of health related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave have not yet been fully described. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictors of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave among elementary school teachers. METHODS: This study involved a probabilistic sample of 519 Brazilian elementary school teachers. The outcomes were days of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave in the previous 12 months. Work-place and individual factors were the independent variables analyzed. RESULTS: Inadequate infrastructure of schools, disability, and medical consultations were positively associated …with all outcomes. Teachers who reported having a chronic disease, common mental disorders, and voice disorders presented higher absenteeism and presenteeism days. Musculoskeletal pain and low job support were associated with higher presenteeism and sick leave days. Teachers who performed strength and flexibility activities presented less presenteeism, those who reported physical violence at school were more frequently absent, and teachers with depersonalization presented a higher likelihood of sick leave. CONCLUSIONS: The prevention of health-related absenteeism, presenteeism, and sick leave among elementary teachers should ensure adequate work conditions and prevention and monitoring of health risks. Show more

Keywords: Chronic disease, health behavior, mental health, school health, sick days

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203320

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 709-719, 2020

Authors: de Araújo, Diná Herdi Medeiros | de Carvalho, Elaine Alves | Jatoba, Alessandro | de Carvalho, Paulo Victor Rodrigues | Gomes, José Orlando

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health crises occur both regionally and globally. Online social networks are widely used technical resources that allow users to share large amounts of information with increasing reach and velocity. Thus, the capacity of spreading information about epidemics through social media allows members of a population and health professionals or agencies to collaborate. METHOD: This study presents results obtained in an integrative review, including examples of how social media enabled collaboration in health surveillance to treat the epidemies of Dengue, Zika, and H1N1. The literature review covers studies published between 2009 and 2017. RESULTS: The studies …reviewed indicate that social media interactions are tools for the rapid dissemination of information. These networks operate at low cost and allow information to reach audiences in need of information and who otherwise would not receive it. Social media allowed researchers to monitor evolving epidemics and obtain epidemiological data useful for decision-making in health surveillance. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the widespread use of social networks, there are opportunities for improvement, especially in technology for treatment. Show more

Keywords: Social media, collaboration in health, Dengue, Zika, H1N1

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203321

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 721-732, 2020

Authors: Cimarras-Otal, Cristina | Marcen-Cinca, Noel | Rabal-Pelay, Juan | Lacrcel-Tejero, Beln | Alczar-Crevilln, Andrs | Villalba-Ruete, JosAntonio | Bataller-Cervero, Ana Vanessa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exercise has been demonstrated as effective for the treatment of low back pain (LBP) in workers. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether an exercise program adapted to the characteristics of the workplace is a useful supplement to general exercise recommendations in assembly line workers with chronic LBP. METHODS: Workers were randomly assigned to intervention group-adapted exercises plus general exercise recommendations (n  = 10), and control group-general exercise recommendations (n  = 8). Both received 8-week exercise program through a mobile application (APP) to manage the intervention. Outcome was based on lumbar disability (Oswestry Disability …Index), interference and lumbar pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory), and kinematic parameters. RESULTS: Significant differences were obtained for the intervention group in the “pain interference” variable, in the “mood” and “enjoyment” sub-variables, as well as in “flexion angle” variable. For the control group, significant differences occurred in the “pain intensity” variable. Adapted exercise plus general recommendations seems more effective than the general recommendations for the improvement of lumbar flexion. CONCLUSIONS: An adapted exercise program for assembly line workers with chronic LBP could be an effective treatment. Future studies with a larger sample size and with an exhaustive control of the exercise adherence are required to confirm the findings of this pilot study. Show more

Keywords: Assembly line, mobile application, occupational health, physical activity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203322

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 733-740, 2020

Authors: Sampson, Amanda K. | Hassani-Mahmooei, Behrooz | Collie, Alex

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Migrant workers have been identified in Europe, North America, Asia and Australia as a particularly vulnerable working population with a higher risk of work-related injury and mortality compared to non-migrant workers. Lack of English language proficiency is associated with an increased risk of work-related injury. Whether lack of English proficiency influences post-injury recovery or return to work outcomes remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Using administrative data from a population based workers’ compensation dataset in the state of Victoria, Australia, we aimed to examine work-related injury rates, worker characteristics and compensation outcomes in workers who were not proficient in English. …We hypothesized that the use of an interpreter service would be associated with a poorer post-injury recovery profile and worse return to work outcomes. METHODS: WorkSafe Victoria accepted non-fatal claims for injuries and illnesses reported between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2012 by workers aged 15 to 74 (n  = 402, 828 claims) were analysed. Consistent with prior research, we selected “use of an interpreter service” as the indicator of English language proficiency. The total and categorical compensable cost of recovery was used as recovery outcomes. RESULTS: Of these claims, 16,286 (4%) involved the use of an interpreter service (LOTE workers). Our analysis revealed that Victorian injured LOTE workers have significantly different demographic, occupational and injury characteristics compared to non-LOTE injured workers. Furthermore, we present novel evidence that LOTE status was associated with poorer long-term injury outcomes, observed as a greater healthcare utilisation and larger paid income benefits, after controlling for occupation, employment status and injury type compared to non-LOTE injured workers. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that English language proficiency is associated not only with the risk of work-related injury but also to the long-term recovery outcomes. We conclude that despite access to language interpreter services, injured LOTE workers experience English language proficiency dependent, and injury severity independent, recovery barriers which need to be overcome to improve long term recovery outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Migrant workers, OHS, compensation, recovery, English proficiency

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203323

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 741-752, 2020

Authors: Guner, Umit | Guner, Neslihan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several studies have been performed on the relationship between working conditions and health. Numerous parameters still require further study, including working hours and obesity among different groups, specifically older workers in national, regional, and international levels. OBJECTIVE: Working hours have considerable effects on the socio-cultural, psychological, and economic aspects of people’s lives and health. While long working hours increases income level and raises living standards, it increases the risk of certain health problems. This study investigated whether working hours are associated with obesity in upper-middle-aged workers. METHODS: The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in …Europe (SHARE) dataset was used for the analyses. Analyses were carried out by means of a Cox regression of the panel dataset created with the data in question, surveyed by European Commission to 12,000 participants. RESULTS: The survey was performed in Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Spain, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Ireland. We found that in most countries, especially Sweden and the Netherlands, upper-middle-aged employees working > 59 hours per week are more likely to gain weight than their counterparts working < 59 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings raise awareness of obesity in older workers, and highlight the need to regulate working conditions and hours in the European Union and other countries. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, older workforce, public health, nutrition, overemployment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203324

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 3, pp. 753-759, 2020