Work - Volume 72, issue 1

Authors: Shin, Jeonghoon | You, Myoungsoon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The negative consequences of job loss on financial and psychological quality of life have been well documented. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the level of unemployed individuals’ embitterment and the mechanism by which negative life experiences increase embitterment by lowering the belief in a just world (BJW). METHODS: A survey was administered to 1,074 unemployed Korean adults who visited a regional Center for Employment and Welfare. Question items included the Korean version of posttraumatic embitterment disorder (PTED) self-rating scale, the BJW (personal and general) scale, negative life events, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Only 45.9% …of the participants were categorized as being in a ‘normal state,’ indicating that many of the unemployed were emotionally embittered. There was a positive direct effect of an increase in negative life events on embitterment. Negative life events also significantly and indirectly affected embitterment through personal BJW. CONCLUSIONS: Embitterment was prevalent among the unemployed participants and embitterment was a reactive emotion following personal downgrading, not so much related to conditions in the world at large. Thus, we recommend developing a screening program to detect extreme embitterment and an interventional program to help people better cope with emotional stress due to job loss. Efforts should be made to restore their violated expectation and trust that they would be treated in a just and fair way. Show more

Keywords: Job loss, embitterment, posttraumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), belief in a just world (BJW), multiple mediation model

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205228

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 211-220, 2022

Authors: Shin, Gee Won | Lee, Yura | Park, Taezoon | Cho, Insook | Yun, Myung Hwan | Bahn, Sangwoo | Lee, Jae-Ho

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the benefits of using electronic medical record (EMR) systems, existing studies show that many healthcare providers are uncertain regarding their usability. The usability issues of these systems decrease their efficiency, discourage clinicians, and cause dissatisfaction among patients, which may result in safety risks and harm. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to collect and analyze EMR system usability problems from actual users. Practical user interface guidelines were presented based on the medical practices of these users. METHODS: Employing an online questionnaire with a seven-point Likert scale, usability issues of EMR systems were collected …from 200 emergency department healthcare providers (103 physicians (medical doctors) and 97 nurses) from South Korea. RESULTS: The most common usability problem among the physicians and nurses was generating in-patient selection. This pertained to the difficulty in finding the required information on-screen because of poor visibility and a lack of distinctiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The major problems of EMR systems and their causes were identified. It is recommended that intensive visual enhancement of EMR system interfaces should be implemented to support user tasks. By providing a better understanding of the current usability problems among medical practitioners, the results of this study can be useful for developing EMR systems with increased effectiveness and efficiency. Show more

Keywords: EMR user interface, design guidelines, clinical workflow

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205262

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 221-238, 2022

Authors: Elvis, Chiboyiwa | France, Ncube | Patience, Erick

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Welding tasks involve the use of awkward working postures and repetitive movements and therefore pose a risk for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, severity and risk factors for WRMDs among welders in the informal sector. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 128 welders (33±10.5 years) were purposively selected from three urban centers in Zimbabwe. WRMDs were assessed using a Modified Cornell Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (MCMQ). The Quick Exposure Check (QEC) and the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) were used for postural risk analysis. P  < 0.05 was considered significant. …RESULTS: Analyses showed a high prevalence of pain in the lower back (78%), right shoulder (66%), left hand wrist (62%) and right hand wrist (61%). With regards to the severity of lower back pain, 4% reported low pain, 24% mild pain and 48% were severe cases of pain. Elevated grand REBA scores were significantly associated with self-reported in various body regions. Multinomial regression analyses showed that smoking, prolonged working hours and not engaging in physical activities were significant predictors for pain. High job satisfaction and taking adequate work-rest breaks were protective factors for WRMDs (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of WRMDs among welders due to individual and work-related risk factors. Ergonomics education is required to address the risk factors for and progression of WRMDs among welders. Show more

Keywords: Informal sector, QEC, REBA, welders, work-related musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205275

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 239-252, 2022

Authors: Kwon, Il-Ho | Shin, Won-Seob

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disease is increasing despite automated manufacturing processes. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of a customized on-site exercise program on pain, posture, body function, body composition, and work-related health status of workers at an auto-parts factory. METHODS: Fifty-six participants were randomly divided into one of two groups: experimental (EG), which received a customized exercise program that included manual and exercise therapy from physiotherapy at the workplace; and control (CG), which received customized exercise sheets for a self-directed program at home. The program was performed 3 times per week for 12 weeks. …Assessments were performed according to numerical rating scale (NRS), Exbody, Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), InBody, Short-Form-12 version 2 (SF-12v2), and Work Ability Index (WAI), which were evaluated before and after the program. RESULTS: The EG exhibited significant within-group changes in NRS, Exbody, SFMA, SF-12v2, and WAI; the CG exhibited significant within-group changes only in NRS and SFMA (p  < 0.05). There were significant between-group differences in NRS, Exbody, SFMA, and WAI (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: An on-site program including manual and exercise therapy directed by a physiotherapist among workers at an auto-parts manufacturer was effective in improving pain levels, posture, body function, and work-related health status. Show more

Keywords: Work-related musculoskeletal disease, workers, exercise therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205287

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 253-261, 2022

Authors: Marks, Daniel | Merrigan, Justin J. | Martin, Joel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Law enforcement officers experience high stress levels and perform various physical tasks. Thus, law enforcement academies emphasize physical fitness training and assessment. OBJECTIVE: To examine fitness test-performances and determine which entry-level fitness components best predict likelihood of successful law enforcement academy graduation. METHODS: Recruits (151 males, 42 females) completed initial academy fitness testing: one-repetition maximum bench press, push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, sit-and-reach, 1.5-mile run, and work performance test. Chi-square and t -tests were used to examine gender differences. Correlation coefficients assessed relationships, while logistical regression determined the best fitness components for predicting graduation (p  < 0.05). …RESULTS: Males had greater fitness performances except pull-ups, sit-ups and sit and reach (p  < 0.05). Distributions of below average fitness performances were similar between genders with majority of recruits performing below average on all tests. Gender, age, push-ups, and pull-ups explained 18% of the variance in graduation rates (p  < 0.05). Males were 4.68 (p  < 0.05) times more likely to graduate, but other predictors were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: No single fitness test predicted the likelihood of graduation and majority of performances were below average, suggesting the importance for proficiency across multiple fitness components. Considering lower fitness performances and graduation rates, females may further benefit from training programs prior to academy entrance. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, police, fitness assessment, tactical fitness, recruit, strength, endurance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205310

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 263-269, 2022

Authors: Moody, Valerie | Brady, Elise | Callis, Isabella

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Smokejumpers are required to parachute from planes, carry gear weighing more than 50 kg, and hike on steep terrain. With a majority of injuries sustained to the lower extremity, it is imperative to understand the influence a weighted pack may have on functional performance. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of external load on functional movements in Smokejumpers. METHODS: Using repeated measures design, ten Smokejumpers completed two trials consisting of 3 movements in weighted (50 kg) and unweighted conditions. Nine males and one female (age of 40.1±8.4 years, mass 81.1±8.3 kg) performed overhead squat, hurdle step and anterior reach. …Movements were scored based on established guidelines. The mean of three trials was recorded for anterior reach on both limbs. RESULTS: Differences between weighted and unweighted scores in the overhead squat (p  = 0.001), ND hurdle step (p  = 0.005), D hurdle step (p  = 0.000) and overall composite scores (p  = 0.006) were found to be significantly different. Differences were also noted in D (p  = 0.035) and ND (p  = 0.045) anterior reach. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of a weighted pack negatively influences functional movements in Smokejumpers, which may lead to greater injury risk. Implementation of injury prevention strategies to reduce occupational injury risk should be explored. Show more

Keywords: Wildland firefighter, tactical athlete, injury prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205314

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 271-277, 2022

Authors: Fidelis, Obinna P. | Ogunlade, Babatunde

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Classroom furniture designs have been implicated in musculoskeletal disorders among school age persons due to high level mismatches between the furniture dimensions and users’ anthropometrics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to analyze classroom furniture ergonomics at selected primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria and to understand if there are noticeable patterns in the match/mismatch. METHOD: Anthropometric measures relevant to furniture design were obtained from primary and secondary school children as well as from university undergraduates. The dimensions of classroom furniture available to the participants were also taken and an assessment of …the suitability of the furniture was completed. RESULT: The ergonomic evaluation of the classroom furniture available to the study participants revealed enormous discrepancies between the furniture dimensions and the anthropometric measures of the users. In addition, a pattern was observed in the way the matches/mismatches occurred. The furniture dimensions that matched majority of the users tend to match across the three categories and those that did not match majority of the students, also followed the same pattern. CONCLUSION: The study presents remarkably high levels of mismatches between classroom furniture and users’ anthropometrics and therefore calls for a review of the policies for classroom furniture design in Nigeria, if at all any policy exists. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometry, ergonomic design, mismatch, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205317

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 279-289, 2022

Authors: Li, Kai Way | Lu, Yong | Li, Nailiang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have created safety problems for the publics. Assessments of the mental workload for UAV operations are essential to realize the causes of UAV accidents. OBJECTIVE: To test the following hypotheses: i. mission difficulty in UAV operation affects both subjective and objective measures of mental workload; ii. mission difficulty affects number of failures in UAV operation. METHODS: Fourteen male adults participated as UAV operators after attending a UAV training course. They performed four flight missions of different difficulty levels. During their flight missions, their heart rate and inter-beat interval (IBI) were collected. …Upon completing each flight mission, the participants gave subjective ratings of mental workload using three commonly adopted assessment tools. The time of flight and number of failures in flight operations were also recorded. RESULTS: The results showed that mission difficulty affected the scores of all three assessment tools significantly. Mission difficulty also affected number of failures and IBI significantly. The scores of the three assessment tools were highly correlated (ρ = 0.7 to 0.83, p  < 0.001) with one another. The results of the three subjective ratings were also consistent with that of the IBI data. CONCLUSIONS: High mental workload in UAV operation could lead to poor flight performance. Show more

Keywords: Unmanned vehicle, mission difficulty, NASA TLX, heart rate variability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205318

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 291-301, 2022

Authors: De Dios Pérez, Blanca | Radford, Kate | das Nair, Roshan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Supporting people with multiple sclerosis (MS) at work can be challenging due to the unpredictable nature and myriad of disease-related symptoms, and issues related to the work environment. OBJECTIVE: To explore, amongst people with MS in employment, their experiences of and need for vocational rehabilitation (VR), and perceived barriers and facilitators to implementing VR. METHODS: We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with people with MS, employers, and healthcare professionals. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using the framework method. RESULTS: We identified nine themes reflecting the main MS symptoms (e.g. cognition, fatigue), and environmental …factors such as support provided at work (e.g. change of working hours) and workplace characteristics. Providing support tailored to the individual’s needs and early intervention were seen as important attributes for the intervention. The barriers identified referred to lack of resources and confidentiality issues; however, having flexibility in the content and delivery of the intervention were seen as facilitators. CONCLUSION: The impact of environmental factors (e.g. attitudes towards disability) on employment difficulties is equal to or greater than disease-related factors. Environmental changes in the attitudes of co-workers and workplace flexibility can enable people with MS to remain in work for longer. Show more

Keywords: MS, vocational rehabilitation, job retention, return to work, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210012

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 303-313, 2022

Authors: Tariah, Hashem Abu | Nafai, Said | Alanazi, Amal Aani | Alobathani, Hayouf | Alotaibi, Latifah Mutlaq | Almutairi, Shouq Sulaiman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job satisfaction is a critical factor that must be considered in every profession. It is important for both the employees and the institutions they work for. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the level of job satisfaction of occupational therapists working in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This is a cross sectional descriptive study. A validated job satisfaction questionnaire composed of 44 items was distributed and collected from licensed occupational therapists working in 4 hospitals in Saudi Arabia, with at least one year of experience in direct patient care. The sampling was a …non-probability purposive sampling. RESULTS: A total of 48 occupational therapists responded to the questionnaire, most of which reported high overall satisfaction level. Occupational therapists showed satisfaction with coworkers, care provided to clients, and autonomy. On the other hand, occupational therapists showed dissatisfaction with salary compared to the work efforts, lack of reimbursement for continuing education, and lack of opportunities for career advancement. CONCLUSION: The overall level of satisfaction of the occupational therapists was high. Efforts must be directed towards maintaining this level of satisfaction. Human resources are encouraged to support areas of satisfaction and find solutions to areas of dissatisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Job satisfaction, job dissatisfaction, occupational therapists, working conditions, occupational therapy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210034

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 315-322, 2022

Authors: Anzar, Wajiha | Qureshi, Ambrina | Afaq, Ashar | Alkahtany, Mazen F. | Almadi, Khalid H. | Ben Gassem, Afnan A. | AlRefeai, Mohammad H. | Naseem, Mustafa | Vohra, Fahim | Abduljabbar, Tariq

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dental practitioners can be prone to stress because of the long working hours, high patient expectations, and work environment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate dimensions of occupational stress among dental practitioners leading to burnout and to model its causality with job satisfaction. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted for five months. A sample of 302 practicing dental practitioners was selected using the consecutive sample technique. This sample included dental practitioners working in clinical and non-clinical departments of public and private sector universities as well as those doing private general practice. A self-administered structured questionnaire based on …the Work Stress Questionnaire was sent using Survey Monkey. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Spearman correlation was applied between stress scores and job satisfaction. A Chi-square test was applied to look into the association between stress levels and different categories. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed. RESULT: The prevalence of overall occupational stress was high among dental practitioners (83.4%). Occupational stress was greatest in females (55.8%), dental practitioners in the private sector (55.7%), and general dental practitioners (GDPs) (47%). The overall prevalence of job satisfaction among dental professionals was 30%. Occupational stress was significantly associated with burnout and job dissatisfaction in dentistry. Stress levels and working hours were statistically and positively associated, whereas the association between stress levels and job satisfaction was inversely and significantly associated. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of occupational stress among dental practitioners was high and the level of job satisfaction was moderate. The model between these variables was well-fitted. Show more

Keywords: Employee workload, dentists, professional burnout, job satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210555

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 323-331, 2022

Authors: Özdinç, Sevgi | Pekçetin, Serkan | Can, Hilal | Ata, Hilal | Süslü, Buket | Birtane, Murat

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Screening Questionnaire (ÖMPSQ) is one of the most recognized and widely used instruments for identifying the risk of pain chronicity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to provide the reliability and validity of the Turkish ÖMPSQ-Short Form (ÖMPSQ-SF). METHODS: Fifty-seven acute and subacute low back pain patients were included in the study. ÖMPSQ short form and long form, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaires were applied simultaneously for validation. The ÖMPSQ-SF was re-applied after 7–10 days to determine test-retest reliability. The data were analyzed by …the paired-samples t test, correlation analysis, Cronbach’s alpha, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and confirmatory factor analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 39.05±15.68 years. Cronbach’s alpha was 0.723, and the ICC was 0.84. There were moderate to strong correlation among the ÖMPSQ-SF and the ODI, CSI, ÖMPSQ-long form, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work subscale (r  = 0.72, r  = 0.353, r  = 0.648, r  = 0.457 respectively). CONCLUSION: The results show that the Turkish version of the ÖMPSQ–SF is a valid and reliable questionnaire and could be used in clinical and scientific studies. Show more

Keywords: Pain, musculoskeletal disorders, psychosocial factors, yellow flags, chronicity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213632

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 333-341, 2022

Authors: Nivon, Charlotte | Fontana, Luc | Trombert-Paviot, Béatrice | Bally, Jean Noel | Pelissier, Carole

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mental distress at work is a complex multifactorial phenomenon liable to impact health and personal life. OBJECTIVE: To assess the proportion of general practice consultations for mental distress at work and determine how general practitioners (GPs) manage these patients and the factors leading to consultation. METHODS: The frequency of consultations for mental distress at work was assessed on a self-administered questionnaire sent to the general practitioners (GPs) of the Loire administrative Département (France). Information on factors leading to consultation on management was obtained by a self-administered questionnaire in a sample of GPs and patients. …RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included by 16 GPs. 27% of patients were referred to an occupational physician. The frequency of consultations for mental distress at work was about 2%. Patients may wait several weeks or months before consulting, although a majority reported an impact on family life and health. A triggering event was often present, but no work accident procedure was undertaken. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of better identifying adverse experience of working conditions and impaired mental health and reporting this to an occupational physician who can undertake preventive measures. Communication between occupational physician, employee and GP needs to be improved. Show more

Keywords: Medical consultations, psychosocial risk factors, work-related common mental disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213633

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 343-350, 2022

Authors: Lee, Yushin | Kim, Yong Min | Pyo, Sujin | Yun, Myung Hwan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Today, sedentary lifestyles are very common for children. Therefore, maintaining a good posture while sitting is very important to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. To maintain a good posture, the formation of good postural habit must be encouraged through posture correction. However, long-term observation is required for effective posture correction. Additionally, posture correction is more effective when it is performed in real time. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to classify nine representative sitting postures of children by applying a machine learning technique using pressure distribution data according to the sitting postures. METHODS: In this study, …a customized film-type pressure sensor was developed and pressure distribution data from nine sitting postures was collected from seven to twelve year-old children. A convolutional neural network (CNN) was applied to classify the sitting postures and three experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the model in three applicable usage scenarios: usage by familiar identifiable users, usage by familiar, but unidentifiable users, and usage by unfamiliar users. RESULTS: The results of our experiments revealed model accuracies of 99.66%, 99.40%, and 77.35%, respectively. When comparing the recall values for each posture, leaning left and leaning right postures had high recall values, but good posture, leaning forward, and crossed-legs postures had low recall values. CONCLUSION: The results of experiments indicated that CNN is an excellent classification method to classify the posture when the pressure distribution data is used as input data. This study is expected to contribute a development of system to aid in observing the natural sitting behavior of children and correcting poor posture in real time. Show more

Keywords: Classification, pressure distribution, machine learning, sensing cushion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213634

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 351-366, 2022

Authors: Chakradeo, Anant | Mishra, Wricha | Rai, Sunil

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rowing requires synchronized, forceful and repetitive muscular movement to propel the boat towards the finish point. This makes rowers prone to musculoskeletal discomfort. The etiology of such musculoskeletal discomfort is multifactorial in nature. Therefore, risk assessment is essential for encouraging enhanced performances. OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to decipher the prevalent areas of discomfort, identify risk factors contributing to discomforts among young Indian rowers and propose a model for the causative factors of discomfort to monitor their performances. METHODS: A self-constructed questionnaire was framed and administered at state level competition. To identify the likely …commonalities, the response matrix was subjected to Factor Analysis (FA). Subsequently, Principal Component Regression (PCR) was carried out to identify the influence of ergonomic risk factors with rowing performance parameters. RESULTS: The study identified three major factors: Imprecision Related Factors’ (ImRF), ‘Occupation Related Factors’ (ORF) and ‘Individual Related Factors’ (IRF). The study suggests changes to the training strategies for reducing discomforts from ergonomics risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The study quantifies major risk factors with the highest loading and proposes an interpretive model. This will be beneficial for formulating the training frameworks and to prepare guidelines for rowers to refrain from discomforts consequently, enhancing performance. Show more

Keywords: Occupational discomfort, training, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213635

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 367-372, 2022

Authors: Dimou, Vasiliki | Basilios, Molis | Kitikidou, Kyriaki

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) associated with forestry operations is an alarming issue. OBJECTIVE: In the present paper, an attempt was made to assess the location and the prevalence of the MSDs in timber harvesting tasks. METHODS: The analysis of logging-related risk factors was carried out by observing working postures with the use of the assessment tool RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) during harvesting jobs. In addition, the standardised Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used in order to record self-reported MSDs symptoms. RESULTS: Results revealed that, in all work stages, risk levels …were extremely high. According to the results of the RULA analysis, 77.5% of the working postures adopted by the left side of the body and 61.25% of postures involving the right side belong to the very high-risk level. According to the results of the questionnaire, a high percentage of loggers (34%) reported that they were facing problems in their backs and knees. CONCLUSIONS: Training and informing operators about the correct positions and the manual movement techniques, as well as increasing the mechanisation level of harvesting operations could reduce physiological work hardship. Show more

Keywords: RULA, NMQ, musculoskeletal disorders, postures’ assessment, logger

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213640

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 1, pp. 373-393, 2022