Work - Volume 69, issue 3

Authors: Pahlplatz, T.M.J. | Schafroth, M.U. | Krijger, C. | Hylkema, T.H. | van Dijk, C.N. | Frings-Dresen, M.H.W. | Kuijer, P.P.F.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) is an important outcome in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). At present, 70–80%of TKA patients return to work within three to six months. OBJECTIVE: What are patients’ perspectives regarding beneficial and limiting factors in RTW after TKA? METHODS: Focus groups were formed in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) checklist. Three major topics were explored: 1. What was beneficial for RTW after TKA; 2. What was limiting for RTW after TKA; and 3. What additional care would benefit RTW after TKA? RESULTS: Data saturation was reached …after four focus groups, comprising 17 participants—nine men and eight women (median age 58, range 52–65). The focus group study identified four main themes that contributed to a successful RTW namely rehabilitation (medical) like post-operative physical therapy, patient characteristics (personal), like motivation to RTW, occupational characteristics (work-related) like build-up in work tasks and medical support (medical) like availability of a walker or crutches. CONCLUSION: According to participants, factors within the following four themes can contribute to a successful return to work: occupational, patient, rehabilitation and medical care. Incorporating these factors into the integrated care pathway for the “young” TKA patients may increase the chances of a successful RTW. Show more

Keywords: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA), return to work (RTW), employment, patient preferences

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213522

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 895-902, 2021

Authors: Viljoen, Margaretha | Thomas (neé Negrao), Bianca Lee

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Psychosocial and physical stressors can elicit the stress response, co-ordinated by interactions between neuroendocrine and inflammatory processes. The central role of the immune system, specifically low-grade systemic inflammation, is sometimes overlooked in work-related stress research. OBJECTIVE: To review evidence that work-related psychosocial and physical stressors can stimulate a low-grade systemic inflammation which, through interactions with the neurohormonal systems, may impact on the well-being and productivity of workers. METHODS: Literature searches were performed by databases and by hand. Databases used included Interface - EBSCOhost Research Databases; PsycINFO; Academic Search Complete; Africa-Wide Information; CINAHL; E-Journals; MEDLINE and …PsycARTICLES. RESULTS: Psychosocial stressors, infections, poor indoor air quality, musculoskeletal injuries and chemicals can stimulate a low-grade systemic inflammation that may adversely affect workers’ mental and physical health, as well as productivity. The psychological and physical effects caused by infection-induced inflammation are generally referred to as sickness behaviour and those caused by poor indoor air quality as sick building syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Stressor-induced low-grade systemic inflammation can be a causal factor in the physical and behavioural symptoms of work-related stress. It is therefore important that those involved with the health of workers be cognisant of inappropriate or chronic low-grade inflammation as a potential health hazard. Show more

Keywords: Inflammatory, psychosocial stress, sickness behaviour, sick building syndrome, musculoskeletal injury, multiple chemical sensitivity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213523

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 903-915, 2021

Authors: Kadri Filho, Fauzi El | São-João, Tha&ıs Moreira | Alexandre, Neusa Maria Costa | de Lucca, Sergio Roberto | Gallasch, Cristiane Helena | Rodrigues, Roberta Cunha Matheus | Cornélio, Marilia Estevam

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The implementation of the electronic judicial process (PJe) in recent years is associated with an increase in workload and stricter control through productivity targets in the Brazilian labor judiciary. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relations between musculoskeletal symptoms, psychosocial factors and work ability in civil servants of a labor justice body in the context of the PJe. METHODS: A cross-sectional exploratory study with a quantitative approach involving 449 workers. Sociodemographic, occupational and related data were collected through questionnaires validated in the Brazilian context. Data analysis was conducted by descriptive and inferential statistics: Mann-Whitney test, Spearman’s correlation …coefficient and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: There was a correlation between musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors (p  < 0.05), as well as between both musculoskeletal symptoms and psychosocial factors with reduced work ability (p  < 0.05). The multiple linear regression model pointed to the female gender and the dimensions “demands”, “control” and “peer support” as related to the musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSION: We highlight the importance of a broader approach, involving psychosocial factors in preventive actions related to musculoskeletal disorders considering the important relationship with work ability. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, musculoskeletal pain, occupational stress, work performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213524

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 917-926, 2021

Authors: Mirpuri, Sheena | Traub, Kathryn | Romero, Sara | Hernandez, Marisol | Gany, Francesca

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Taxi/for-hire vehicle (FHV) drivers are a predominantly immigrant, male, and growing population in large, metropolitan cities in the U.S. at risk for cardiovascular conditions. OBJECTIVE: This review sought to systematically investigate the literature given mounting evidence of poor taxi/FHV driver health. METHODS: A systematic search of peer-reviewed journal articles that included a range of cardiovascular risks and conditions among taxi/FHV drivers in the U.S. was conducted. RESULTS: 8800 journal articles were initially found. 14 eligible articles were included: 3 mixed methods articles, 1 qualitative article, and 10 quantitative articles. Articles spanned 13 cardiovascular risks …and conditions, including tobacco, nutrition, physical activity, stress, depression, body mass index/waist circumference, cholesterol, blood glucose/diabetes, air pollution, sleep, blood pressure/hypertension, heart disease, and stroke. The majority of studies were cross-sectional and utilized convenience samples. CONCLUSIONS: Rigorous and high quality research is needed to further investigate rates of cardiovascular health in this population. The complexity of data collection in this group presents challenges to this endeavor. The high prevalence of poor nutrition, limited physical activity, diabetes, and blood pressure across studies indicates an urgent need to address low rates of health care access at a policy level and to design targeted workplace interventions. Show more

Keywords: Tobacco, physical activity, stress, BMI, hypertension

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213525

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 927-944, 2021

Authors: Ko, Dong Hwan | Park, Myoung Hwan | Jeong, Byung Yong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Educational support staff (educational staff) in schools perform widely distinctive activities according to their occupation and work process. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the possible incidents for each occupation and work process, and suggests a risk matrix prioritizing the risks of educational staff’s work. METHODS: A total of 1,566 injuries of educational staff, registered for occupational injuries and illnesses between 2015 and 2016, were used to develop the risk matrix considering injuries, sick leave days, and disabilities. RESULTS: Among the 1,566 injuries, ‘Cook-cooking/serving: Burn’ (8.5%) was the most frequent incident. ‘Cook-manual materials handling (MMH): …musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)’ (241.6 sick leave days) was the most severe incident, and the number of disabilities was high in the forms of ‘Cook-cooking/serving: MSDs.’ According to risk assessment results, possible incidents predicted as ‘High’ level of risk management were in the forms of ‘Cook-cooking/serving: MSDs,’ ‘Cook-MMH: Slip and trip,’ ‘Cook-cleaning/repairing: Fall from a height,’ ‘Cook-walking: Slip and trip,’ ‘Cook-MMH: MSDs,’ ‘Cook-cooking/serving: Burn,’ ‘Cook-cleaning/repairing: Slip and trip,’ ‘Custodian-cleaning/repairing: Fall from a height,’ and ‘Instructor-walking: Slip and trip.’ CONCLUSIONS: The results can be used to develop an effective injury prevention policy, and to allocate resources for risk management in ensuring school safety. Show more

Keywords: Occupational injury, accident analysis, school safety, safety management, risk matrix

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213526

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 945-955, 2021

Authors: Zamorano González, Benito | Peña Cárdenas, Fabiola | Pinto-Cortez, Cristián | Narváez, Yolanda Velázquez | Martínez, José Ignacio Vargas | Ramos, Luc&a Ruíz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The constant changes in the global economy generate instability in the markets, favoring the closing of companies, dismissals of personnel, job losses. Unemployment has been associated with adverse psychological effects, serving as a predictor of poor mental health. OBJECTIVE: The main goal was to analyze the relation between work status and mental health. METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with a sample of community population, inhabitants of the urban area of a Mexican city. The sample consisted of 1351 participants, being 577 men (43%) and 774 women (57%) with an average age of …41.46 (SD = 17.00). The participants were selected by a quota sampling, in 13 representative points of Matamoros’ city urban area. Home surveys were applied; the Spanish version of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used for mental health assessment. RESULTS: The model explaining the relation between work status and mental health (GFI) was significant (p  < 0.01). Unemployment was related to higher scores in all sub-scales of psychopathologies evaluated by the SCL-90, in comparison with the rest of work status categories. CONCLUSIONS: The unemployed, followed by housewives, presented indicators of poorer mental health, while the retired and those in strikes or lockouts showed the best mental health indexes. Show more

Keywords: Work status, mexican, SCL-90, psychopathology, non-clinical, economical crisis, latin america

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213527

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 957-967, 2021

Authors: Ibikunle, Peter. O. | Rhoda, Anthea | Smith, Mario

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) after injury or illness is a behavior influenced by physical, psychological and social factors. This study aims to determine the structural validity and reliability of a return to work assessment scale using internal consistency and factor analysis. METHOD: A cross sectional survey research design was adopted for this study involving 101 Post stroke survivors. The return to work assessment scale, which was developed by Ibikunle et al. in 2019, was subjected to structural validity and reliability. RESULT: The results reveal that 58 (57.4%) were males and 43 (42.2%) females with mean …ages of 53.88±10.68 years. Internal consistency was high with a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.81 for Domain 1, 0.93 for Domain 2 and 0.76 for Domain 3.Test-retest reliability analysis gave an ICC of 0.85(p  = 0.001) for Domain 1, Domain 2 an ICC of 0.91 (p  = 0.001) and Domain 3 an ICC of 0.99 (p  = 0.001). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (KMO) value for Domain 1 was X2  = 0.63 and that of Bartlett’s test of sphericity value was significant (P  = 0.000), Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy for Domain 2 was 0.84 and the Bartlett’s test of sphericity value was significant (P  = 0.000), the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy for Domain 3 was 0.66 while the Barlett’s test of sphericity was significant (p  = 0.001). Therefore the factor analysis was appropriate. CONCLUSION: The return to work assessment scale is a good, internally consistent and reliable tool that has demonstrated good group and structural validity. Show more

Keywords: Disability, psychometrics, screeplot, cerebrovascular accident

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213528

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 969-979, 2021

Authors: McElhiney, Martin C. | Rabkin, Judith G. | Wainberg, Milton L. | Finkel, Madeline R. | Scodes, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite improved health and during a strong job market (pre-COVID-19), a substantial proportion of HIV+ adults remained unemployed. This study sought to provide time-limited counseling to promote employment goals. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether behavioral activation (BA) or supportive counseling (SC), would be more effective in promoting vocational goals (full or part-time, paid or volunteer). METHODS: The study included two groups: those with clinically significant fatigue, who were first treated with armodafinil. Once their fatigue diminished, they were enrolled in the counseling program. Those without fatigue were enrolled directly. Both BA and SC interventions were manualized, …consisting of eight individual sessions plus a follow-up. RESULTS: 116 participants entered counseling, including 87 assigned to BA and 29 to SC. Of these, 79 completed counseling or found a job by session eight. By follow-up, 51%of BA versus 41%of SC participants had found jobs, a non-significant difference either clinically or statistically. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple issues contributed to difficulty in employment, including gaps in resumes, loss of contact with former colleagues, and uncertainty about career direction. Ongoing barriers included substance use, housing instability, ambivalence about forfeiting government benefits, as well as inadequately treated depression. Success in employment for about half of participants is, in this context, a reasonable outcome. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, behavioral activation, HIV/AIDS

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213529

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 981-995, 2021

Authors: Jeong, Byung Yong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The shipbuilding industry has various risks such as slipping, falling, mechanical, chemical, and confined space work. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the characteristics of the occupational accidents between novice and skilled workers in the shipbuilding industry and to analyze factors affecting death and disability accidents. METHODS: From the national work-related compensation data of South Korea, an experimental design was established to analyze a population of occupational injuries related to workers working in the shipbuilding industry. This study compares accident characteristics of 2,069 injuries registered as work-related accidents. Also, logistic regression analysis …is performed to identify the factors affecting death and disability accidents. RESULTS: The prevalence of occupational accidents caused by novices was high in older workers, female workers, foreign workers, irregular workers, or companies with less than 100 employees. The proportion of source of accident by novices was high in ‘manhole,’‘ladder,’ and ‘scaffold,’ while the prevalence of accident type was high in ‘fall,’ ‘cut/bruise,’ and ‘struck by.’ According to logistic regression analysis, if the face was injured, the possibility of being death or disability was higher than that of other parts of the body. Also, if the rupture caused the injury, the possibility of being death or disability was higher than the different types of injury. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are expected to be useful as basic data for the prevention of accidents of novice and death/disabilities in the shipbuilding industry. Show more

Keywords: Shipyard work, work experience, work-related injury, logistic regression analysis, injury prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213530

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 997-1005, 2021

Authors: Karani, Anushree | Jayswal, Mitesh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Information Technology and Information Technology Enabled Services (IT and ITES) industry has been the backbone of the Indian economy. The sector is characterized by long working hours, strict deadlines, night shift, constant usage of computers, etc. Hence, the industry and nature of the job are influencing the psychological risk factors of the employees. PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to explore the psychological risk factors (job stressors) of technocrat millennials and critically analyze them from the socio-demographic perspective. METHODS: A single cross-sectional study with snowball sampling was collected from 300 technocrat millennials in …Ahmedabad city (India). Job stressors are examined as psychological risk factors. MANOVA and independent-sample t -test has been put to use for establishing the relationship between psychological risk factors and socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: The study highlighted that the experience, current position, size of family, number of children, gender, and family type had an impact on psychological risk factors of technocrat millennials. CONCLUSIONS: The study contributes to the literature on the psychological risk factors and its association with demographic variables, and specifically in Ahmedabad city (India). Income did not have an impact on psychological risk factor; whereas education was the only demographic variable affecting the responsibility for persons. The experience influenced the role overload, role ambiguity, poor peer relations, and intrinsic impoverishment. The study explained each socio-demographic variable’s impact on 12 psychological risk factors separately. The result of the paper will give insight to HR managers in the recruitment and selection of employees. Show more

Keywords: Information technology & information technology enabled services industry, stressors, Indian context, descriptive research

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213531

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1007-1017, 2021