Work - Volume 71, issue 3

Authors: Lesch, Elmien | Grötzinger, Elsabe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Offshore working fathers’ extended absence from families influences families’ well-being, and fathers’ own psychological well-being and job satisfaction. Moreover, it impacts on job safety and performance. The paternal experiences and challenges of offshore working men, however, remains relatively unexplored with most research conducted with men from western or northern hemisphere contexts. OBJECTIVE: To explore the father ideas, experiences, practices, and challenges of Namibian and South African men of colour who work offshore the African coast; and if and how these are informed by traditional and “new” fatherhood ideas. METHODS: We used a qualitative method that …involved interviewing 15 fathers about their experiences and challenges. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the resulting data. RESULTS: Fathers viewed themselves as part-time fathers; They identified with contemporary notions of affectionate fathers who desire close connections with children but found it challenging to form and maintain close relationships with older children; They valued the fulfilment of traditional father roles of disciplinarian, provider and protector; and, They resorted to authoritarian practices when confronted with problematic child behaviour. Traditional gender notions seemed to underpin many of their father ideas, practices, and challenges. CONCLUSION: Both new and traditional father and gender ideas informed fathers’ experiences and challenges. Fathers need awareness about their taken-for-granted gender and father role assumptions, as well as knowledge and skills to enable close relationships with their children across children’s developmental stages. Show more

Keywords: Fathers working away from home, offshore paternal involvement, fathers of colour, African continent

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205124

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 585-599, 2022

Authors: Winkler, Eva

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In many European countries, entrepreneurs have to consider psychosocial factors in the workplace risk assessment. Little is known about psychosocial working conditions in micro- and small companies. Even less is known about the entrepreneur in these settings. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to develop and examine the job demands and resources of small business owners and managers, who serve as important designers of their businesses’ working characteristics. METHODS: N = 29 semi-structured interviews with a unique sample of owners and managers of the transportation sector were analysed via qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The data …suggest the presence of specific demands (time-, management-, and organisational demands) and resources (support and feedback). In particular, the variability and load of the demands indicate that the existing theoretical framework for employees is inadequate for evaluating the working characteristics of micro- and small business managers. CONCLUSION: Occupational health activities in small companies should include the working situation of the entrepreneur/manager. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial factors, micro- and small companies, entrepreneur, manager

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205167

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 601-613, 2022

Authors: d’Ettorre, Gabriele | Pellicani, Vincenza | Hasa, Ardi | Lo Cicero, Edoardo | Perrucci, Martina | Perez, Maria Camila | La Torre, Giuseppe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A growing body of literature has showed the need to minimize the impact of rotating shiftwork (RS) on health of shift-healthcare workers (HCWs). OBJECTIVE: The aims of the study were: 1) assessing the occupational risk associated with RS program in HCWs employed in 24 hours hospital wards 2) testing the feasibility of the questionnaire used. METHODS: The Rotating Shiftwork Questionnaire (RSQ) was implemented to assess the RS risk (RSR); the analysis was addressed to: 1) Sentinel events (SE) and 2) Risk factors (RF). The RSQ was administered to the specialist nursing coordinators in eighteen hospitals …in Italy with the aim to evaluate the RSR index among nurses in 24 hours hospital wards. RESULTS: Eighteen structures participated in the multicenter study, of which 12 (66.7%) were public. Concerning the Rotating Shiftwork Risk index, there are the 78.8% of observations in the intermediate zone, with RSR scores ranging from 14.1 and 16 and in the high score area (RSR > 26) in which there are 4 observations equal to the 21.2% of the total. The multivariate analysis showed that the only significant variable associated with RF score was the macro-area (for Northern regionsbeta = –0.651; p  = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: RSQ has been shown a feasible and applicable tool to analyze the RSR in healthcare sector through the detection of quantitative data involving indicators of the risk. The questionnaire allowed to identify improvement actions targeted at minimizing specific critical issues through strategic interventions focused on organizational environment. Show more

Keywords: Shift work, healthcare workers, risk assessment, questionnaire, sentinel events, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205169

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 615-624, 2022

Authors: Mercan, Murat A. | Barlin, Hande | Begen, Nazire

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Population aging, caused by an increase in life expectancy and decrease in fertility rates, has created changes and challenges in various spheres, including the labor market. Though health deteriorates with age, more and more older adults choose to stay in the labor force and work into late life. OBJECTIVE: Understanding the effects of various work conditions on the health of older workers is crucial for designing policies and interventions to ensure healthy late life and maintain a productive workforce. To contribute to this endeavor, this study investigates the relationship between long working hours (LWH) and mortality among …older populations. METHODS: The study uses the Cox proportional hazards regression model to investigate data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) between the years 1992–2016, a longitudinal nationally representative dataset from the United States. RESULTS: The results indicate that working 50 hours or more per week is not associated with an increased risk of mortality, for the full sample (1.45 [95% CI: 0.86, 2.45]), for both genders (females 0.51 [95% CI: 0.06, 4.28], males 1.45 [95% CI: 0.81, 2.61]), and for immigrants (female immigrants 0.55 [95% CI: 0.06, 4.75], male immigrants 1.44 [95% CI: 0.79, 2.62]). CONCLUSIONS: This analysis confirms and extends the findings of earlier studies by taking into consideration the potential impact of many demographic, socioeconomic, work-related and health-related factors. Show more

Keywords: Immigrants, population aging, work conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205175

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 625-639, 2022

Authors: Al Ali, Sara | Pihl-Thingvad, Jesper | Elklit, Ask

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Since psychiatric staff experience a high occurrence of workplace violence and subsequent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it is important to assess the behavioral and cognitive risk factors of PTSD in this population. OBJECTIVE: The current study assesses the incidence of PTSD 12 months after the occurrence of WV. Furthermore, it examines possible prospective associations between coping strategies and cognitive appraisals, respectively, and PTSD. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted with staff from 18 psychiatric wards in Denmark (n  = 183) who had reported an incidence of workplace violence. Most subjects were women (83.3%). …RESULTS: The incidence of PTSD was 9.8%. The main analysis showed a significant relationship between negative cognitive appraisals about the self and PTSD (OR = 2.87, p  < .05), and a coping strategy of self-blame and PTSD (OR = 2.21, p  < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Certain dysfunctional coping strategies and negative cognitive appraisals seems to predict posttraumatic stress in an occupational context. Information about these processes could be important for preventive strategies in the workplace. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, psychiatry, PTSD, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205177

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 641-649, 2022

Authors: Khoshakhlagh, Amir Hossein | Majdabadi, Masoud Askari | Yazdanirad, Saeid

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders can cause increased absenteeism, costs, and injuries. OBJECTIVE: The present study was aimed to investigate the impact of ergonomic-educational interventions on the reduction of musculoskeletal symptoms among employees of oil and gas installations. METHODS: This interventional study was conducted on 1243 male workers of oil and gas installations in the south of Iran. The Nordic questionnaire and quick exposure check (QEC) method were used to evaluate the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders in the participants. Then, the educational interventions via training sessions, designed educational booklets and leaflets, and prepared educational film were performed. …Data were collected at the times of two months before and six months after the interventions. RESULTS: The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, at least in one of the body areas, was equal to 71.28%. The results showed that the prevalence of these symptoms significantly decreased in all body areas after the educational interventions (P <0.028). The highest reduction rate occurred in the regions of wrists and hands (52.77%), knees (47.17%), and waist (47.13%), respectively. Moreover, the results indicated that the mean value of the total score of quick exposure check (QEC) had a meaningful decrease from 0.92 to 0.54 after the educational interventions (P <0.0001). CONCLUSION: The planned educational interventions efficiently reduced the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the ergonomic risk levels estimated by QEC in the research population. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal symptoms, Nordic questionnaire, QEC method, ergonomics, educational intervention, oil and gas industries

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205231

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 651-660, 2022

Authors: Lüders, Débora | Lopes, Flávia Conceição | Gonçalves, Cláudia Giglio de Oliveira | de Lacerda, Adriana Bender Moreira | José, Maria Renata | Marques, Jair Mendes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hearing problems can have adverse effects on an individual’s job performance, as well as on unemployment or underemployment and increased risk of stress-related sick leave. OBJECTIVE: To investigate hearing impairment among workers and satisfaction with the use of hearing aids. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with workers who are hearing aid users. Subjects underwent pure tone audiometry and answered the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults and the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaires . RESULTS: Participants were 36 workers between 36 and 75 years old, with an average age …of 53.47 years, 52.7% male and 47.3% female. There was a mild to moderate hearing handicap perception, with worse results for women in the emotional domain. As hearing loss increased, workers’ frustration increased when talking to coworkers. Everyone was satisfied with the use of their hearing aids. Satisfaction increased with increasing age and decreased with increasing hearing loss. The greater the frustration when talking to co-workers, the lower the overall satisfaction with hearing aid use; the lower the satisfaction with the competence of the professional who assisted in adapting the hearing aid; the lower the satisfaction in environments with background noise and overall worse personal image. The worse the attitudes and emotional responses of workers regarding their hearing impairment, the lower the overall satisfaction with the hearing aid. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the use of hearing aids, workers perceive having a hearing impairment, especially women. As hearing loss and frustration in talking with co-workers increased, satisfaction decreased. Show more

Keywords: Audiology, occupational health, surveys and questionnaires, hearing loss

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205263

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 661-669, 2022

Authors: Khorsandi, Mahboobeh | Dehghan, Somayeh Farhang | Pirposhteh, Elham Akhlaghi | Abbasinia, Marzieh | Afshari, Maryam | Ghanadzadeh, Mohammadjavad | Asghari, Mehdi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Improving the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of workers exposed to heat stress using a suitable tool can be a cheap and effective method. This requires the consideration of personal, environmental and social factors, which, the PRECEDE model is highly applicable for. Thus, the aim of the present study is the development of a tool assessment for measuring the knowledge, attitude and practices of workers in outdoor occupations regarding heat stress exposure using the PRECEDE model. METHODS: In the present study, a tool was designed and constructed using the PRECEDE model by analyzing the …relevant literature and expert opinion. The face validity of the tool was determined based on the opinion of ten experts with experience in the field of occupational weather conditions. The content validity of the tool was determined using the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and the Content Validity Index (CVI). Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the tool’s internal consistency. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A PRECEDE based questionnaire was designed with a total of 55 questions consisting of predisposing factors (28 questions for knowledge and 14 questions for attitude), enabling factors (5 questions), reinforcing factors (3 questions) and preventive behaviors (5 questions). The Content Validity Index (CVI) of all questions was above 0.79. The Content Validity Ratio (CVR) of all questions was above 0.62 (Lawshe method). The Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficient of all PRECEDE domains were above the 0.7 acceptable value. Based on the results obtained, all 55 questions were approved and thus the content validity and reliability of this tool was deemed acceptable. CONCLUSION: Considering the reliability and validity of this tool, its application is recommended in all health and safety inspections within various industries for measuring the heat stress knowledge, attitude and practices of workers engaged in outdoor occupations and also for presenting suitable solutions or preventive measures. Show more

Keywords: Questionnaire, PRECEDE, knowledge, attitude, practice, heat stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205297

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 671-680, 2022

Authors: Paltrinieri, Sara | Vicentini, Massimo | Mancuso, Pamela | Mazzini, Elisa | Fugazzaro, Stefania | Rossi, Paolo Giorgi | Costi, Stefania

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) enhances the general well-being and social participation of cancer survivors (CSs). OBJECTIVE: To describe the predictive value of work-related factors on the RTW process of CSs. The work accommodations, the perceived workload, and the barriers and facilitations of RTW are also reported. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Province of Reggio Emilia from July 2016 to July 2017. CSs who were 20–59 years old, first diagnosed with cancer, and employed at diagnosis were recruited. RESULTS: The majority of CSs (140/266, 53%) returned …to work without difficulties, 42% reported difficulties, and 5% did not RTW. CSs who were shift workers (sex and age-adjusted Relative Risk [adj-RR] 1.30; 95% CI 0.94 –1.78) and who worked at night (adj-RR 1.36 95% CI 0.99 –1.86), in the evening (adj-RR 1.23; 95% CI 0.95 –1.57) and on Sundays (adj-RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.81 –1.63) perceived more difficulties. Physically demanding work and a long commute seemed to negatively impact RTW. Accommodations in work tasks (37%) or schedule (26%) were implemented. Workload was not acceptable for 18% of CSs. The main barriers concerned energy and drive functions, whereas remunerative employment was the foremost facilitation. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals should address work-related factors that might influence RTW with personalized interventions of vocational rehabilitation. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, epidemiology, international classification of functioning disability and health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210008

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 681-691, 2022

Authors: Emetumah, Faisal C. | Okoye, Chinedu O.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Concerns have been raised about compliance with environmental and safety regulations during mining activities. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed miners’ experiences and perceptions of environmental and safety regulations, in addition to comparing their experiences and regulatory perceptions. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was adopted for data collection from field miners in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. RESULTS: Findings show that miners still experience environmental pollution and serious injuries during mining activities, notwithstanding regulatory visits. Miners’ perceptions of environmental regulatory requirements and their perceptions of safety regulatory requirements had more non-significant correlations, while miners’ environmental and safety …experiences had significant relationships with their perceptions of environmental and safety regulatory requirements. Nonetheless, environmental and safety regulations were perceived in different ways by miners based on important regulatory requirements. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrates the importance of using a practical approach in managing environmental and safety issues during mining activities in a developing country like Nigeria. Show more

Keywords: Miners’ experiences, regulatory perceptions, Ebonyi, environmental perceptions, safety perceptions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210265

Citation: Work, vol. 71, no. 3, pp. 693-708, 2022