Work - Volume 72, issue 4

Authors: Henrotin, Jean-Bernard | Petit-Gelin, Véronique

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Oxford shoulder score (OSS) questionnaire for measuring patient perception of shoulder disability, has not tested specifically in a non-surgical population and no study has assessed the OSS with modern psychometrics based on Rasch model (RM). OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the OSS using RM among health-care workers with shoulder disorders and to verify its interest in a non-surgical population. METHODS: In an occupational health department of a French hospital center, a retrospective review was performed of the medical records from June 2019 to October 2020. Responses to 110 questionnaires were examined from …55 subjects (97% of women). A polytomous Rasch model based on the Partial Credit Model was used. RESULTS: Overall fit was satisfactory, the reliability coefficient was high and an ascending order was observed with the 5 categories of the scale. Analysis of the residuals supports unidimensionality and the local independence assumption. Item performance remained stable across the subgroup examined (DIF measures). Scale to-sample targeting indicated a substantial floor effect, and the mildest impairments were not well discriminated. CONCLUSIONS: OSS presents good psychometric qualities. However, it does not clearly discriminate subjects presenting the lowest levels of impairment. Its use in a non-surgical population is questionable. Show more

Keywords: Shoulder, patient health questionnaire, psychometrics, health personnel, hospitals, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205334

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1239-1248, 2022

Authors: Masci, Federica | Spatari, Giovanna | Giorgianni, Concetto Mario | Antonangeli, Laura Maria | D’Arrigo, Andrea | Biasina, Alberto Magenta | Priori, Alberto | Colosio, Claudio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the arboriculture sector, some activities are still manually performed by forestry workers, which result consequently exposed to a high risk of developing muscle skeletal disorders. The Italian Compensation Authority reported an increase of work-related tendinopathies and carpal tunnel syndrome in loggers, but screening protocols are not available yet. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were: a) to evaluate the prevalence of tendinopathies and carpal tunnel syndrome in a sample of loggers and b) identify a sound screening approach. METHODS: 41 loggers and 41 paired control workers were recruited for a total of 164 hands. The protocol included …1) demographic data; 2) medical history; 3) identification of CTS symptoms through a questionnaire and a hand-chart; 4) upper limbs clinical examination; 5) Raynaud’s diseases questionnaire; 6) wrists ultrasound; 7) NCS of the distal median nerve. RESULTS: The prevalence of tendinopathies was statistically significant only in the non-dominant hand (75, 5% in the exposed group and 53, 6% in the non-exposed group). The prevalence of CTS was 32, 2% in the exposed group and 15, 5% in the non-exposed group. The questionnaire had a sensitivity of 56, 7% and a specificity of 75%. The hand-chart had a sensitivity of 30% and a specificity of 92%. The clinical examination had sensitivity of 30% and specificity of 80%. The ultrasound had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 56%. CONCLUSIONS: Loggers are a population at risk of occupational hand and wrist disorders. The hand-chart could be considered, together with the questionnaire, as the best secondary prevention tool to diagnose CTS. Show more

Keywords: Wrist, musculoskeletal disorders, chainsaw operator, CTS, biomechanical overload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205034

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1249-1257, 2022

Authors: Peng, Lu | Li, Kai Way

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones are becoming popular in both commerce and private usage. Behaviors of novice drone operators are critical to UAV flight safety. OBJECTIVES: This study aims at discovering the perceived difficulty, flight information access frequency, and flight performance of novice drone operators. METHODS: Twenty adults without prior experience joined as human participants. After attending an onsite training, they operated a drone to perform three missions. The subjective rating of mission difficulty, frequency of flight information checked, and time to complete the mission were analysed. RESULTS: The results indicated significance …of gender effects on the difficulty experienced by the novices. Females reported significantly higher difficulty ratings than males initially. This gender difference diminished later in their last mission. Frequency of flight information access was negatively correlated with the difficulty experienced by the operators. Operators who checked flight information more often had less difficulty in performing the flight missions. CONCLUSIONS: There were gender effects in the perceived difficulty and flight information access in drone operations for novices. Such information is helpful in drone operator training and drone design considering drone operation safety. Show more

Keywords: Drone ergonomics, unmanned aerial vehicle, mission difficulty, gender effects

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210862

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1259-1268, 2022

Authors: Abareshi, Fatemeh | Salimi, Fatemeh | Farnia, Faezeh | Fallahi, Majid | Rastaghi, Sedigheh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job burnout syndrome is caused by prolonged exposure to difficult working conditions. Emergency medical services (EMS) staff are exposed to varying levels of mental workload (MWL) depending on the operation, so it is more likely that they experience burnout syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The main aim of the current research was to investigate the effect of MWL, work-related and socio-demographic factors on job burnout among Iranian EMS staff. METHODS: The current cross-sectional and descriptive-analytical research was carried out among 198 EMS. In doing so, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), The NASA task load index (NASA TLX), and …an author-developed work-related and socio-demographic factors were distributed among participants to collect data. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (t -test, ANOVA test, multiple linear regression, and Pearson correlation coefficient). RESULTS: The results showed a significant statistical relationship between burnout and MWL. A significant statistical relationship between overall workload and two dimensions of MBI, namely, emotional exhaustion and depersonalization were observed (P  < 0.05). Moreover, a significant statistical difference regarding the mean of burnout in the different groups of educational levels and occupational categories were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The EMS staff generally reported moderate levels of MWL and burnout. Findings showed that socio-demographic and occupational factors had little effect on burnout. MWL, education levels, and occupational categories are the main predictors of job burnout. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, emergency medical services, mental workload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210001

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1269-1277, 2022

Authors: Anund, Anna | Ihlström, Jonas

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Approximately 30% of Swedish urban bus drivers report having been exposed to threats or violence. As 50% of drivers have voiced concerns about the occurrences, threats and violence also represent contributing factors to driver stress and fatigue. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore bus drivers’ experience of threats and violence; how threats and violence manifests and how the problem is handled by drivers. Gaining understanding of the circumstances is important to reduce the number of threats and violent incidents to provide healthy and attractive working conditions for drivers. METHODS: This study is …based on in-depth interviews with 12 urban bus drivers in the City of Malmö in Sweden. RESULTS: Urban bus drivers experience threats daily from passengers, although physical violence occurs less often. The most common situations resulting in threats involve asking passengers to show valid tickets, denying child carriages onboard and running late to a bus stop. The drivers have not received clear guidelines as to strategic handling of the invalid ticket situation. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations include a clear policy and consensus with regard to handling invalid tickets, providing drivers with guidelines for appropriate procedures for passengers refusing to pay, improving reporting routines and establishing a strategy for the Public Transportation provider and operator to follow with regard to reports, in-vehicle surveillance cameras including informing passengers that they are being video recorded as well as harmonizing the location of alarm buttons on buses. Show more

Keywords: Bus passengers, urban bus drivers, conflicts, in-depth interviews, threats and violence.

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205277

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1279-1287, 2022

Authors: Zhang, Defa | Su, Tong | Lyu, Bei | Yang, Yanchao | Zhuo, Xiangzhi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The rapid development of science and technology and the swift improvement of people’s material living standards enabled smartphones to be indispensable of people’s daily lives. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper was to examine the influence of self-control in adolescents’ participation in physical activity on cell phone dependence. METHODS: The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Self-Control Scale, and the Cell Phone Dependence Scale were used to measure the influence of self-control in adolescents’ participation in physical activity on cell phone dependence among 649 adolescents. RESULTS: The results show: (1) There were significant …differences (p  < 0.01) in the physical activity levels of adolescents under different gender, birthplace, and education background. (2) Each dimensional variable of physical activity was negatively correlated with the cell phone dependence variable, and positively correlated with each variable of self-control, and the self-control variables were negatively correlated with cell phone dependence. (3) Self-control was partially mediating the effects of physical activity on cell phone dependence, with the mediating effect accounting for 39.68%. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents’ participation in physical exercise activities will improve self-control and ultimately reduce cell phone dependence. Curbing the negative and malignant events of cell phone addiction among adolescents, timely investigation of mobile phone and Internet addiction, pathological formation mechanisms and intervention measures are important measures to reshape the healthy lifestyle of adolescents and have great practical significance for the prosperity and development of families, society, nation and country. Show more

Keywords: Physical exercise, self-control, cell phone dependence, adolescents

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210702

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1289-1298, 2022

Authors: Popa, Adela Elena

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Important qualitative findings have accumulated on return to work after cancer from the perspective of various stakeholders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to critically appraise the evidence produced between 2008–2017 on several key stages of the return to work process against the key stakeholders identified in the articles included. METHODS: A systematic search was done on four databases to identify relevant papers. Papers were selected based on pre-defined selection criteria. A qualitative evidence synthesis was performed on the articles included. RESULTS: A total of 57 articles were included in the analysis. …Using the secondary thematic analysis, this study identified three categories of articles relative to the stakeholders included: articles focusing on patients’ experience (n  = 41); articles dealing with multiple stakeholders, including patients (n  = 12); and articles drawing on stakeholders other than patients (n  = 4). The analysis also revealed five key stages of the return to work process which follow a sequential order and provide a comprehensive image of the process. CONCLUSIONS: More research is required on how employers view and are able to facilitate the return to work process after cancer. New forms of support must be planned and delivered by health professionals for patients who return on the labour market. The five stages model proposed in this study can help employers and policymakers to plan and deliver tailored legislation and guidance for RTW facilitation. All stakeholders must be further trained to embrace the idea that return to work is a complex process which continues long after the survivor returns to work. Show more

Keywords: Cancer, survivorship, review, stakeholders, stages

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210554

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1299-1310, 2022

Authors: Khamaj, Abdulrahman M. | Ali, Abdulelah M. | Alam, Mohd Mukhtar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work-related injuries identified among caregivers in the health sector as a high-risk group. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the factors that influence musculoskeletal disorders among caregiver and to evaluate the relationship between work and non-work related factors with MSDs. METHODS: Data were collected from 104 caregivers using descriptive design and stratified cluster sampling. The survey included a demographic questionnaire and a Nordic Standardized Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with MSDs. The Odds ratio (OR) was calculated to define the influence …of each risk factors. In addition, we used forward logistic regression analysis to validate the predictive model. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional survey, the results showed that 70 (67.3%) participants reported MSDs. MSD was highest at the lower back (46%), then knee (15.4%) and shoulder (11.5%). The overall success of the prediction is 90.4% (94.6 for having MSDs). The most important risk factors were manual handling (p  < 0.001, odds ratio = 45.64) followed by bending (p  = 0.008, odds ratio = 39.4). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study reaffirmed the high prevalence of work-related MSD among caregiver’s primarily in the lower back. The most important risk factors were manual handling, followed by bending / twisting, and handling of an excessive number of patients. Therefore, it is necessary to consider appropriate policies for managing MSDs among caregivers. Show more

Keywords: Discomfort, lower back pain, risk factors, Nordic Standardized Musculoskeletal Questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210309

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1311-1320, 2022

Authors: Shiga, Kiko | Izumi, Keisuke | Minato, Kazumichi | Yoshimura, Michitaka | Kitazawa, Momoko | Hanashiro, Sayaka | Cortright, Kelley | Kurokawa, Shunya | Momota, Yuki | Sado, Mitsuhiro | Maeno, Takashi | Takebayashi, Toru | Mimura, Masaru | Kishimoto, Taishiro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a lack of studies that investigated the effect of a wide range of work environmental factors on stress and depression in Japan. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association of work environment factors with stress and depression among workers in Japan. METHODS: We conducted questionnaire surveys of workers that mainly engage in desk work in Japan. Stress was assessed through the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), depression through the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and work environment through physical and psychological workplace environment questionnaires. Workers were divided into low and high stress groups based on PSS score …(median split), and divided into non-depressed and depressed groups based on their PHQ-9 score (< 5, and ≥5); these groups were then compared with their working environment. In addition, a multiple regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Responses were obtained from 210 subjects. Multiple regression analysis showed that “Ability to work at one’s own pace” and “Ability to apply personal viewpoint to work,” etc., had effect on stress, while “Workplace harassment” and “Support from colleagues,” etc., had effect on depression. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that stress and depression in Japanese workers are related to factors such as job demands, control of work, workplace harassment, and psychological safety. Show more

Keywords: Psychological stress, depression, work environment, occupational mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210356

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1321-1335, 2022

Authors: Raghavan, Rahul | Panicker, Vinay V | Emmatty, Francis J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Plogging, an environment friendly trash workout is a combination of jogging with litter collection. People who are involved in the plogging carry a baggage for collecting the litter. Walking with a weight on one side causes the opposite side of the body to engage for stability and are also exposed to repetitive bending during the activity. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the postural and physiological aspects of plogging activity. METHODS: Thirty six subjects performed the litter collection in stoop, semi-squat, full squat and lunge postures respectively. Postures were analyzed using Rapid …Entire Body Assessment (REBA). Physiological aspects of plogging, as well as a comparison of physical activity assessment during jogging and plogging, were investigated using a Polar M430 optical heart rate monitor. Statistical analysis were performed using SPSS version 23. RESULTS: Mean±SD of full squat (5.13±0.59) and lunge (6.64±1.15) posture was found to have lesser risk score in comparison with the other two postures such as stoop (10.31±0.88) and semi-squat (8.11±1.40). Analysis from the Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc test showed that there is no significant interaction between the postures (p  < 0.05). Paired Sample t -test showed that the energy expenditure for plogging and jogging are found to be similar (p  > 0.05), but the fat percentages of calories burned is more in plogging (p  < 0.05). Howerver plogging can be considered as a strenous activity as the % Cardiovascular strain of the activity had a mean value of (99.261%). CONCLUSIONS: Ergonomic interventions are needed to play a vital role in minimizing the musculoskeletal related injuries and the physical strain of the task. Show more

Keywords: Plogging, postural assessment, physiological measures, rapid entire body assessment, cardiovascular strain, activity energy expenditure

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205210

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 4, pp. 1337-1348, 2022