Work - Volume 69, issue 2

Authors: Meunier, Sophie | de Montigny, Francine | Zeghiche, Sabrina | Lalande, Dominique | Verdon, Chantal | Da Costa, Deborah | Feeley, Nancy

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Perinatal loss affects many parents in the workforce. Yet, current knowledge about their workplace experience while facing this difficult event is sparse. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to review and synthesize the extent of scientific literature on the specific experiences of workers coping with perinatal loss and the resulting bereavement. METHODS: A scoping review was carried out using eight different databases. A total of 15 references, all using a qualitative methodology, were identified. RESULTS: Most of the references focused on the experience of mothers and on late perinatal loss (from the …20th week of pregnancy). All references highlighted the taboo and the non-recognition of perinatal grief and bereavement in both organizational practices and interpersonal relationships with colleagues and immediate supervisors. They also emphasized the difficulties associated with returning to work after the loss and the significant changes in the meaning attributed to work. CONCLUSIONS: While the studies included in this review clearly indicate that perinatal loss can affect working life, larger, quantitative studies are needed to quantify this phenomenon and its impact on employees and their organizations. Show more

Keywords: Miscarriage, stillbirth, grief, bereavement, workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213487

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 411-421, 2021

Authors: Sundar, Vidya | Brucker, Debra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People’s work life and career can ultimately be deconstructed to the day-to-day job tasks they perform, the people they interact with, and the value and meaning attached to their jobs. Individuals with work limitations and disabilities consistently experience disparities in the workplace resulting in a less than optimal work experience in all three areas. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to conduct a pilot study to test the effectiveness of job crafting as an occupational therapy (OT) intervention strategy for workers with health conditions and impairments. Job crafting is a proactive, strengths-based, bottom-up approach where workers …renegotiate and redefine their job tasks in a personally meaningful way. METHODS: A mixed-methods study (n  = 11) was conducted with workers who experience work limitations and disabilities. OT graduate students conducted in-depth interviews and facilitated the use of job crafting to improve work-related outcomes. Pre-and post-intervention data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Qualitative data was transcribed, coded, and synthesized. RESULTS: The job crafting intervention improved work-related self-efficacy (p  < 0.05) and crafting behaviors (p  < 0.05) in the workplace. Participants accomplished goals to manage their work limitations, meet job demands, and other non-disability related challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Job crafting has the potential to be used as a holistic OT intervention strategy to improve work-related self-efficacy among workers with work limitations and disabilities Show more

Keywords: Employment, workplace, disabled persons, self-efficacy, work engagement, coaching

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213488

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 423-438, 2021

Authors: Lancman, Selma | Barroso, Bárbara Iansã de Lima

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The problem of illnesses, sick leave and the necessary return to work and permanence at work has been determining the development of different protocols and professional rehabilitation programs in different countries. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify articles that address programs for professional rehabilitation and the return to work of people laid off due to mental health problems, and to verify the results of professional rehabilitation programs and the follow-up processes for such return. METHOD: A systematic review was performed according to the criteria of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA). The …serial search of the articles was carried out in the electronic databases: Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed and Scopus. The variations in the descriptors served to find a greater range of significant results for the research. RESULTS: In total, 2,306 articles were found. Another two articles that met the inclusion criteria were located through manual searches, adding up to a total of 2,308. Applying the exclusion criteria resulted in a final data set of 47 peer-reviewed articles. CONCLUSIONS: The issues involving return to work and permanence in work were complex and multifaceted in the research articles studied. Recovery from Common Mental Disorders (CMDs) is a major cause of long-term sick leave and the granting of disability benefits. Many people with these diagnoses remain employed; however, further studies are needed with women, workers with fragile relationships, and immigrants. Show more

Keywords: Sick leave, work rehabilitation, sickness absence, work ability, PRISMA

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213489

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 439-448, 2021

Authors: McKinney, Ellen | Morris, Kristen | Wu, Yingying | Griffin, Linsey | Sokolowski, Susan | Carufel, Robin | Park, Juyeon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Inadequately fitting turnout coats and pants hamper mobility and safety of firewomen. Previous research has established that firewomen are dissatisfied with their turnout coats and pants. Yet, there has been minimal in-depth research into the specific fit problems and consequences of these problems on the workplace health of firewomen. OBJECTIVE: The researchers sought to uncover common fit problems firewomen have with turnout coats and pants, and their impact on mobility and safety while performing work. METHODS: The researchers performed a qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews of 35 firewomen. RESULTS: The study illuminated specific …fit problems firewomen have with their turnout coats and pants. These fit challenges include challenges with the overall proportions of the turnout coats and pants as well as issues of length and how the turnout coats and pants fit around their body (circumference), leading to concerns about mobility and safety. CONCLUSIONS: This study builds an understanding of specific fit problems on the ability of firewomen to do their challenging work in a safe and stress-free manner. Firewomen’s protective apparel should protect and empower all firewomen. To adequately protect firewomen, manufactures should prioritize the implementation of these findings to improve the safety and mobility that firewomen’s turnout coats and pants offer them. Show more

Keywords: Turnout gear, firefighter, protective equipment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213490

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 449-464, 2021

Authors: Sousa, Joana Pereira | Oliveira, Cláudia | Pais-Vieira, Miguel

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with heart failure often have difficulty recognizing signs and symptoms of the disease, which delays seeking help, and therefore interferes with patient engagement and self-care management. Early detection of these symptoms could lead to care-seeking and avoid hospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to design a complex intervention through a systematic literature review and qualitative study. METHODS: Our design followed the Medical Research Council’s recommendations. To design a complex intervention, we combined a systematic literature review on education, symptom recognition, and self-care management in patients with heart failure, and semi-structured interviews with …cardiology healthcare providers and patients with heart failure admitted to a cardiology ward. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified 582 studies published between 2005 and 2014, of which four were included in the final review. These suggested that patient education focused on symptom recognition, combined with reinforcements, led to better self-care behaviors. Additionally, content analysis of semi-structured interviews revealed three themes: health management, behavior management, and support received. CONCLUSIONS: Combining the findings of the literature review and the themes that emerged from the semi-structured interviews, we proposed the development and implementation of a complex intervention on symptom perception and fluid management. Show more

Keywords: Heart failure, self-management, symptom recognition, complex intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213491

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 465-473, 2021

Authors: Martins, Emília | Fernandes, Rosina | Mendes, Francisco | Magalhães, Cátia | Araújo, Patrícia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The health-related quality of life construct (QoL) implies a relationship with eating habits (EA) and physical activity (PA). Sociodemographic and anthropometric variables (gender, age and Body Mass Index - BMI) are highlighted in the definition of healthy lifestyle habits promotion strategies. OBJECTIVE: We aim to characterize and relate PA, EA and QoL in children/youth and explore gender, age and BMI influences. METHODS: It is a non-experimental study, with 337 children/youth, ages between 8 and 17 years (12.61±2.96), mostly from the rural inland of Portugal. In data collection we used a sociodemographic and anthropometric questionnaire, a …weekly register table of EA and Kid-Kindl (QoL). Statistical analysis (p  < 0.05) were performed in SPSS-IBM 25. RESULTS: Lower BMI was associated with better EA (p  < 0.001), PA (p  < 0.05) and self-esteem (p  < 0.01) and worse scores on family subscale of QoL. Female showed higher fruit intake (p  < 0.05). The older has shown better results. PA is positively correlated with QoL (p  < 0.01) and EA (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to explore other relevant social and family dimensions, to promote intervention programs with parents, school and community, as well as healthy practices policies. The intervention in these age groups is critical for a longer-term impact in improving healthy life habits. Show more

Keywords: Eating habits, exercise, general well-being, childhood/adolescence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213492

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 475-484, 2021

Authors: Mongeau, S. | Lightfoot, N. | MacEwan, L. | Eger, T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workers who suffered a workplace injury and submitted a claim with the compensation board in Ontario often faced economic and non-economic costs that provoked depressive feelings, family strain, financial strain, and feelings of diminished self-worth. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative descriptive study aimed to understand the perceived gaps and failures associated with the support systems (e.g., union, compensation and employer) that were in place to assist some male underground workers in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, who had suffered a workplace injury and had a compensation claim. METHODS: Twelve in-depth, in-person, individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were …transcribed verbatim and anonymized at the time of transcription. Data analysis followed Braun and Clarke’s guidelines for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Themes that emerged include: unfair and inadequate recognition of an injury; limited communication with stakeholders involved with their claim, including claim adjudicators, challenges when returning to work, and compensation claim system barriers. CONCLUSIONS: Cooperation, collaboration, knowledge transfer, and decreased power imbalances could help to reduce the economic and non-economic strain felt by a worker with an injury. Additionally, a government-funded third-party advocate who knows the medical system, union contracts, the workers’ compensation system, and employer policies and practices could act on behalf of an injured worker. Show more

Keywords: Occupational injury, underground workers, employer, qualitative descriptive, mining, return-to-work, Ontario

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213493

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 485-495, 2021

Authors: Kalemaki, Katerin

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213494

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 497-497, 2021

Authors: Liu, Zhe | King, Malizia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: For family caregivers, sudden stroke events and heavy caring works are stressful events. At present, controversies about the factors affecting caregivers’ stress response and their correlation with coping styles still exist. OBJECTIVE: To explore the influencing factors and coping styles of mental health stress responses of stroke caregivers and promote caregivers to adopt positive coping styles for diseases and caring works. METHODS: The convenience sampling method is used to select stroke caregivers as the research objects. The general information questionnaires, Relative Stress Scale (RSS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Social Support Rate Scale (SSRS), Positive and …Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ) are utilized for investigation. RESULTS: 205 valid questionnaires are returned. Analysis suggests that the influential factors of mental health stress responses of stroke caregivers include the course of the disease, the impact of the disease on economic conditions, obligation to take care of other family members, understanding of stroke-associated diseases, and whether the patient is at risk. Social support and self-efficacy are negatively correlated with stress responses, while negative coping style is significantly positively correlated with stress responses. CONCLUSIONS: By increasing social support and self-efficacy, medical workers can guide stroke caregivers to take positive coping styles, thereby reducing their mental health stress responses. Show more

Keywords: Stroke caregivers, mental health, stress response, social expense, coping style

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213495

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 499-513, 2021

Authors: Yu, Dongchao

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: College freshmen, as a special group who are far away from their parents and begin to study and live independently, will face psychological stress in adaption to the college life, which may affect their working and living conditions in the university and even after entering the society if not solved reasonably. Hence, it is necessary to explore how to relieve the psychological stress of freshmen. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the intervention effects of cognitive behavioral therapy on social psychological stress of freshmen under different demographic variables. METHODS: 108 freshmen of Northeast Agricultural University …were divided into the experimental group and control group. The correlation between psychological stress and impulse, self-esteem, and loneliness was analyzed using structural equation model and multiple regression. The experimental group received group training for one month, while the control group did not accept any intervention. The Fear of Negative Evaluation (FNE) Scale, Interaction Anxiousness Scale (IAS), and Interpersonal Efficacy Scale (IES) were used to score students before and after activities and three months after activities. The relevant information was collected for students’ self-evaluation and the evaluation results from group teachers. RESULTS: The subjects’ social psychological stress was positively correlated with loneliness and unplanned impulse, and negatively correlated with self-esteem (P  < 0.001); the IAS and FNE scores of the experimental group after test were greatly lower than those of the control group, while the scores of affinity efficacy, communication efficacy, and emotional control were greatly higher than those of the control group (P  < 0.05); the tracking IAS and FNE scores of the experimental group were greatly lower than those of the control group, while the scores of affinity efficacy, self-impression efficacy, communication efficacy, and emotional control were greatly higher than those of the control group (P  < 0.05). All students in the experimental group were satisfied with the cognitive behavioral group training. Under the positive guidance of the team teacher, the students’ psychological stress was released. CONCLUSIONS: The cognitive behavior group training based on impulse, self-esteem, and loneliness can effectively improve the affinity efficacy, self-impression efficacy, communication efficacy, and negative evaluation fear of freshmen, which is instrumental in easing the psychological stress of students and can maintain long-term effects. Show more

Keywords: Cognitive behaviour therapy, cognitive behaviour group training, social psychological stress, IAS, affinity efficacy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213496

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 515-529, 2021