Work - Volume 70, issue 4

Authors: Munir, Fehmidah | Yarker, Joanna | Duckworth, Jennifer | Chen, Yu-Ling | Brinkley, Andrew | Varela-Mato, Veronica | Lewis, Rachel | Clemes, Stacy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is increasing focus on designing workspaces that promote less sitting, more movement and interaction to improve physical and mental health. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates a natural intervention of a new workplace with active design features and its relocation to a greener and open space. METHODS: An ecological model was used to understand how organisations implement change. Pre and post survey data from 221 matched cases of workers and accelerometery data (n  = 50) were analysed. RESULTS: Results show a decrease in occupational sitting (-20.65 mins/workday, p  = 0.001) and an …increase in workplace walking (+5.61 mins/workday, p  = 0.001) using survey data, and accelerometery data (occupational sitting time: –31.0 mins/workday, p  = 0.035, standing time: +22.0 mins/workday, p  = 0.022, stepping time: +11.0 mins/workday, p  = 0.001). Improvements in interaction, musculoskeletal pain and mental health were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the ecological model shows that the organisation understands how to target the built environment and social/cultural environment but not how to target behaviour change at the individual level. Show more

Keywords: Building design, workplace, physical activity, social interactions, ecological model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205180

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1229-1241, 2021

Authors: Paltrinieri, Sara | Ricchi, Elena | Mazzini, Elisa | Cervi, Elena | Sandri, Elisa | Fugazzaro, Stefania | Costi, Stefania

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) is a major goal to promote cancer survivors’ social participation. OBJECTIVE: This study describes the multidisciplinary social-healthcare pathway called UNAMANO, conceived to support RTW in this population. METHODS: UNAMANO was developed by the Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, in partnership with the local branch of the Italian Medical Association, nonprofit associations, vocational training institutions, social cooperatives, a labour union, and a chartered accounting firm. RESULTS: UNAMANO is directed towards employed individuals diagnosed with cancer living in the province of RE. It was developed through four …actions: A) training healthcare professionals on work-related occupational rehabilitation; B) dissemination among community and stakeholders; C) recruitment and training of volunteers; D) cancer survivor engagement and provision of a personalized comprehensive intervention. This consists in providing information and either occupational therapy to overcome barriers and facilitate RTW or social support through re-training and tailored job search strategies based on individual risk of job loss. CONCLUSIONS: UNAMANO is the first Italian multidisciplinary social-healthcare pathway supporting RTW of cancer survivors. Addressing a wide area of cancer survivors’ needs, it provides personalized intervention to resolve work-related issues. We propose this patient-centred RTW model to promote an easier transition from hospital to community. Show more

Keywords: Neoplasms, occupational therapy, comprehensive health care

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205249

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1243-1253, 2021

Authors: Hota, Smrutilipi | Mishra, J.N. | Mohanty, S.K. | Khadatkar, Abhijit | Chandel, A.K.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ragi (Eleusine Coracana ) is a major food crop for the tribal population of India. OBJECTIVE: This study emphasizes the need to consider ergonomics aspects in the design and development of a pedal operated ragi thresher (PORT) for tribal people, and assesses the drudgery as well as ergonomic evaluation of a developed thresher against the conventional practice. METHODS: Thirty subjects (male = 15 and female = 15) from the tribal region were evaluated ergonomically. The physiological responses of the subjects were studied and their performance was compared. RESULTS: The results revealed that the …working heart rate, oxygen consumption rate and overall discomfort rating were significantly higher in case of traditional threshing as compared to those in case of PORT. Postural analysis identified the traditional method as the most fatigue one as the person has to lift the hand above shoulder level repeatedly and has to sit in a squatting posture for long period. CONCLUSION: The drudgery and occupational hazards to public health involved in the traditional method of threshing was reduced by using the PORT. Furthermore, the traditional method involved continuous stressed actions across the entire body, whereas the PORT involved only the lower limbs. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, threshing, working heart rate, oxygen consumption rate, energy expenditure rate, occupational hazards, public health, traditional

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205252

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1255-1265, 2021

Authors: Xiaolong, Tao | Gull, Nida | Asghar, Muhammad | Jianmin, Zhang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the increasing body of research on workplace incivility, the relationship between co-worker/supervisor incivilities and job-affective well-being have received relatively little consideration from the scholars. This study investigates the impact of polychronicity on nurses’ psychological well-being in the healthcare sector. OBJECTIVE: According to COR theory, this study’s main objective is to investigate the impact of two aspects of incivilities, co-worker, and supervisor incivilities, as the moderating effect on the relationship between polychronicity and job-affective psychological well-being. METHODS: The sample data was collected from 260 nurse’s staff who were working in hospitals. The proposed model hypothesis …was tested through SPSS-Amos-structural equation modeling. RESULTS: The result shows that polychronic nurses show high job engagement and job performance in a hospital environment. This study’s findings revealed that co-workers and supervisors’ higher incivility weakens the positive relationship between polychronicity and job-affective well-being. CONCLUSION: Today, retained the employees are a perilous issue in every organization, especially in hospital sectors, where nurses are working in stressful working environments, facing bullying, harassment, and uncivil behavior from patients’ side, co-workers, and supervisor. These types of behaviors are not only affecting employees’ well-being, commitment, and job performance but also their mental health and intent to leave. Similarly, the effect on organizational goals, shareholders’ value, and progress makes an effective mechanism to control the negative behaviors that would be an apparent advantage for administration and managers to efficiently attain organizational goals. Show more

Keywords: Polychronicity, co-worker incivility, supervisor incivility, job-related affective psychological well-being, healthcare staff

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205286

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1267-1277, 2021

Authors: Adnan, Samira | Tabassum, Sadia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The perceptions and trends of magnification use in dentistry need to be determined since magnification significantly enhances clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess perception and practices of Operative and Endodontic specialists currently working in Pakistan, regarding use of magnification. METHODS: A structured questionnaire administered for this analytical cross-sectional study recorded demographics, trends of magnification devices used in practice and their perceived advantages and disadvantages by the specialists with close-ended questions and three-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Out of 91 forms, 77 responses were received (response rate of 84%). Most participants had …1–4 years of practical experience, were employed at both faculty and clinical positions, were more interested in operative/restorative procedures and used TLL (through the lens loupes) at low magnification. Use of magnification devices was learnt mostly during post-graduate training and was used daily or weekly for complicated cases. Noteworthy perceptions included improved treatment quality and standard of care. However, they were also perceived as irritating, increasing treatment time, with adverse effect on eyesight with prolonged use. No statistically significant correlation was found between the variables recorded (p  > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most specialists used magnification devices in some form and were abreast with their advantages. Proper training and continued dental education courses can help dispel any observed misapprehensions. Show more

Keywords: Magnification devices, dental operating microscope, loupes, perception, endodontist, operative specialist, dentistry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210045

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1279-1287, 2021

Authors: Fallah, Hossein | Nazari, Jalil | Choobineh, Alireza | Morowatisharifabad, Mohammad Ali | Jafarabadi, Mohamad Asghari

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The main purpose of ergonomics is environment adaptation to humans, and the root cause of the barriers and problems of the older adults is the mismatch between the home environment and their limitations. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to identify and explain physical environment barriers and problems among older adults’ homes in Yazd, Iran. METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted as conventional content analysis. In total, 53 participants including 36 older adults and 17 caregivers were enrolled in the study. The participants were selected using convenience and purposive sampling methods, while the …data collection method was a semi-structured interview. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, and then analyzed using MAXQDA11 software. RESULTS: Following data analysis, 268 initial codes were extracted. They were classified into three major categories and 31 sub categories. The main categories are “barriers and problems associated with older adults’ sensory limitations,” “barriers and problems associated with older adults’ motor limitations,” and “barriers and problems associated with older adults’ cognitive limitations.” CONCLUSIONS: Although the data collected from the older adults and their caregivers are in many cases similar, caregivers can provide reasons for the barriers and problems as well as solutions better than the older adults. The data also indicate that most of the problems and barriers are related to motor limitations. Show more

Keywords: Qualitative study, older adults, barriers, home environment, ergonomic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210765

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 4, pp. 1289-1303, 2021