Work - Volume 73, issue 1

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223643

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 1-2, 2022

Authors: Ma, Kang | Liang, Luyao | Chutiyami, Muhammad | Nicoll, Sandy | Khaerudin, Teguh | Ha, Xuan Van

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As millions of teachers have been forced to rely upon remote teaching due to the closure of schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is particularly important to understand the extent to which teacher’s psychological wellbeing has been affected by this global health crisis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis was twofold: 1) ascertain the prevalence of stress, anxiety, depression among teachers during the COVID-19 outbreak; 2) identify the associated factors of these psychological wellbeing domains of the teachers. METHODS: Academic Search Premier, Eric, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched …for articles published from December 2019 and July 2021, using search terms including “COVID-19” “anxiety” “depression” “stress”, and “teachers”. RESULTS: This study included 54 studies synthesising data from 256,896 teachers across 22 countries. The meta-analysis showed higher prevalence of stress (62.6%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 46.1–76.6), compared to anxiety (36.3%, 95% CI: 28.5–44.9) and depression (59.9%, 95% CI: 43.4–74.4) among teachers. Teachers’ experiences of these psychological issues were associated with various socio-demographic and institutional factors, including gender, nature of online teaching, job satisfaction, teaching experience, and the volume of workload. Additionally, several protective factors, such as regular exercises and provision of technical support for online teaching, reduced teachers’ negative psychological experiences. CONCLUSION: There is a need for authorities to formulate educational policies to improve teachers’ wellbeing at the time of global crisis. Special attention should be paid to assist female teachers in overcoming physical and mental stressors. Show more

Keywords: Mental health, prevalence, risk factors, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220062

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 3-27, 2022

Authors: Carrera-Arce, Maria | Bartusevičienė, Inga | Divari, Paschalia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Seafarers’ mental health is seriously affected by COVID-19. The pandemic could act as a catalyst for change with respect to seafarers’ mental health protection and promotion. OBJECTIVE: The study explores the main factors contributing to the mental health and wellbeing of seafarers. Moreover, elements to help seafarers lessen the impact of the pandemic on their work and life onboard are analyzed, and their role in developing a positive psychosocial environment and promoting a healthy workplace onboard are discussed. METHODS: The study involved the use of an ad hoc questionnaire and the adoption of both …quantitative and qualitative methods. The sample included one hundred and five active seafarers. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of the sample stated that mental health is a very or extremely important part of their general health. Seafarers perceive that their mental health has been seriously impacted by COVID-19. Major factors contributing to seafarers’ mental health and wellbeing reveal three groups of factors: rest and spare time-related factors, communication/relationship with the external world, and interaction and social life on board factors. CONCLUSIONS: Strategies suggested by seafarers for coping with “inevitable” psychological stress produced by COVID-19 and promoting their wellbeing include managerial, emotional, facilities-related (including communication infrastructure), physical, and social elements to promote wellbeing. Economic, intellectual, and spiritual elements also have to be taken into consideration and require further investigation. Building on seafarers’ insights and experiences, a healthy environment onboard should cultivate holistically the four main spheres of a healthy workplace (physical work environment, psychosocial work environment, personal health resources, and enterprise community involvement) and the five features of a healthy psychosocial environment (social, emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual) under all circumstances, whether exceptional or ordinary. Show more

Keywords: Healthy work environment, pandemic, mental health, seafaring

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210791

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 29-40, 2022

Authors: Chuenyindee, Thanatorn | Montenegro, Lorenzo Dones | Ong, Ardvin Kester S. | Prasetyo, Yogi Tri | Nadlifatin, Reny | Ayuwati, Irene Dyah | Sittiwatethanasiri, Thaninrat | Robas, Kirstien Paola E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The education system has shifted from traditional to online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, the Learning Management System (LMS) is one of the most important and comprehensive learning platforms that support and facilitate online learning during this pandemic. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the perceived system usability of LMS during the COVID-19 pandemic by utilizing Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Task-Technology Fit (TTF), and System Usability Scale (SUS). METHODS: An online survey was utilized to collect data from 502 Filipino students from different academic institutions and different areas of study. RESULTS: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) …indicated that students’ perceived ease of use of LMS had a significant effect on perceived usefulness which subsequently and positively led to students’ perceived satisfaction of LMS. In addition, LMS technology characteristics was found to have a significant effect on LMS task-technology fit which subsequently led to perceived usefulness and perceived satisfaction. Interestingly, perceived satisfaction was found to have a significant effect on students’ perceived system usability of LMS which was calculated using a System Usability Scale (SUS). CONCLUSION: The findings have implications within the education system globally, particularly in recognizing the relevance of LMS moving forward. Furthermore, since this is the first study that integrated SUS, TAM, and TTF, the conceptual framework can be utilized to evaluate the perceived usability of LMS worldwide. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, online learning, learning management system, system usability.

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220015

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 41-58, 2022

Authors: Pirdal, Betul Zehra | Toplu, Ferdane Seyma | Esen, Beril Kara | Aydin, Sumeyye Nur | Erginoz, Ethem | Can, Gunay

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare personnel are among the COVID-19 risk groups. For this reason, increased absence from work affects the loss of labor. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the workforce loss amongst health personnel working in our hospital due to COVID-19 in a one-year period. METHODS: Workforce loss of healthcare workers was assessed via absenteeism and life expectancy. Loss of workforce for COVID-19 PCR positive or PCR negative but CT findings compatible with COVID-19 and personnel with high-risk exposure for COVID-19 were determined with absenteeism. Healthcare personnel who passed away due to COVID-19 was determined with the …consideration of the retirement age and expected life years. RESULTS: Total lost time from work was 14635 days (excluding deaths). Loss of workforce rates resulting from COVID-19 positivity for male employees was greater in comparison to the results for females (p  = 0.018). High-risk exposure of healthcare personnel working in clinical sciences was higher than those in other departments (p  < 0.001). Total loss in workforce for 3 people passed away was 14 years 5 months, and total life expectancy was 64 years. Healthcare personnel under the age of 40 had less absenteeism than those over 40 years (p  < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was observed that all occupational groups working at the hospital were impacted by COVID-19. The two most important factors that influenced absenteeism were the reason for being affected (positivity and high risk) and age. Absenteeism and daily case tracing of healthcare personnel working on the frontlines will aid in both the pandemic control and management of workload for those left behind. Show more

Keywords: Absenteeism, occupational health, labor loss

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211308

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 59-67, 2022

Authors: Gir, Elucir | Silva, Ana Cristina de Oliveira e | Reis, Renata Karina | Rabeh, Soraia Assad Nasbine | Sorensen, William | Nogueira, Wynne Pereira | Marziale, Maria Helena Palucci | Menegueti, Mayra Gonçalves

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is one of the biggest health crises in the world and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is significant measures to prevent the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. However, PPE needs to be used properly by healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the use of PPE among Brazilian health professionals and associated factors during a period of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out from October to December 2020. For data collection, the respondent-driven sampling technique was used, adapted for social media, with a link to an online survey form. …RESULTS: The study considered 12,086 Brazilian health professionals. Most (69%) used PPE recommended for the care of patients with suspected or diagnosed COVID-19. Factors associated with the use of PPE were: working in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or in a field hospital, receiving training, being provided with sufficient, high-quality PPE by the workplace and being an odontologist compared to nursing professionals. For procedures that generate aerosols in the context of COVID-19, 54.1% of them used the recommended PPE, the associated factors were: being married or in a stable relationship compared to a single/divorced professional, working in an ICU, being offered training, providing sufficient, high-quality PPE, and being an odontologist compared to nursing professionals. CONCLUSIONS: For the care of patients with COVID-19, 69% of health professionals used PPE properly, and several factors interfered with the use of this equipment. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus infection, occupational safety and health, personal protective equipment, COVID-19, healthcare professionals

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211309

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 69-78, 2022

Authors: Jones, Heather | Young, Megan | Guyton, Kyndel | Idemoto, Emily | Ferraro, Alicia | AlHeresh, Rawan

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the leading causes of work disability in the United States. Ergonomic interventions offer an individualized treatment approach, and when used in conjunction with pharmacological treatment interventions, may improve work outcomes and improve the overall quality of life for individuals with RA. OBJECTIVE: To identify the current body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions in reducing work activity limitations in adults with RA. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to identify articles of ergonomic interventions targeting working adults with RA. The CONsolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist …and Non-Pharmacological Treatment (NPT) Extension evaluated the reporting quality of each randomized controlled trial (RCT), and the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evaluated the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: Six studies were identified and reviewed for the quality of their reporting on evidence related to work activity limitations. Sixty-six percent of the items on the CONSORT checklist were fully reported by all studies and analysis through the GRADE framework demonstrated moderate confidence that the reported effects of ergonomic interventions on work activity limitations in the studies are accurate. This review revealed varied results for the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions on work activity limitations and at-work productivity. CONCLUSION: The results of this review indicate a need for further investigation. Future studies should focus on reviewing specific ergonomic interventions to determine the dosage needed to see results in reducing work activity limitations for working adults with RA. Show more

Keywords: Rheumatology, disability, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210016

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 79-91, 2022

Authors: Gerg, Michael J. | Hazak, Kristin M. | Carrie, Brittany R. | Melendez, Naomi | Jewell, Vanessa D.

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Upper extremity injuries may prevent adults from returning to work, impacting productivity, and engagement in meaningful employment. OBJECTIVE: The scoping review identified various non-physical factors that impact return to work (RTW) after an upper extremity injury. METHODS: Database searches included: CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The authors further hand searched the journals Work and The Journal of Hand Therapy. Inclusion criteria included articles published in English, published from 2000–2020, and addressed the following topics: upper extremity injury, the client’s psychosocial perceptions of the injury, and return to work. …RESULTS: After title and abstract review, 9 studies were identified for full-text review that examined various patterns related to non-physical factors that impact RTW. Three themes emerged from the full-text reviews including client self-efficacy, social determinants of health, and the need for holistic intervention approaches. CONCLUSIONS: Practitioners involved in the rehabilitation of working age clients with upper extremity injuries should remain cognizant of the non-physical factors that can impact return to work and incorporate holistic approaches like monitoring and addressing self-efficacy, psychosocial well-being, and social determinants of health into clinical practice. Show more

Keywords: Hand therapy, occupational therapy, psychosocial rehabilitation, employment, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211059

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 93-106, 2022

Authors: Chirico, Francesco | Leiter, Michael

Article Type: Article Commentary

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220072

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 107-108, 2022

Authors: Bregenzer, Anita | Jiménez, Paulino | Milfelner, Borut

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Presenteeism, which means attending work while feeling unhealthy or ill, is a serious risk behavior that reduces the employees’ productivity and performance. Employees who are treated appreciatively by their work environment show less presenteeism. Investigating the mechanisms behind the relationship between appreciation and presenteeism can help to understand how presenteeism can be reduced even more in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the impact of two forms of appreciation (supervisor appreciation and general appreciation from the work environment), on presenteeism and includes the moderating effects of resources and stress. This will help to answer the …questions a) which form of appreciation is more beneficial for employees and b) whether appreciation counteracts presenteeism by building up resources. METHOD: 1077 Austrian workers were invited to fill-in an online survey about work-related issues. The data was analyzed with structural equation modelling (SEM). RESULTS: The results showed that both forms of appreciation increase the resources of the employees. Through this increase of resources employees experience less stress, which consequently lowers presenteeism. Additionally, general appreciation is more beneficial than supervisor appreciation. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that appreciative behavior builds resources at the workplace which are essential for showing less presenteeism at work. Show more

Keywords: Effort-reward imbalance, leadership, stress, resources

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210766

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 1, pp. 109-120, 2022