Work - Volume 75, issue 1

Authors: Bosmans, Kim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous research demonstrated the negative consequences of precarious employment for the health and well-being of employees. However, the broader social consequences of precarious employment are under-examined. OBJECTIVE: This study explores the broader impact of precarious employment on the life course, family and social life of households. A multi-actor perspective is adopted, considering the perspectives of different household members. METHODS: For this aim, in-depth (household) interviews among temporary agency workers in Belgium are conducted. RESULTS: The results reveal that precarious employment influences the life course and family and social life in three ways: (1) …by hindering or facilitating life course events and transitions of household members, (2) by influencing the daily life and household planning, and (3) by influencing the mood of household members. CONCLUSION: The consequences of precarious employment reach further than the work environment; they impact the life course, and social and family life of workers. Moreover, precarious employment does not only influence the workers themselves, but also their household members, which is often forgotten in studies. Therefore, policy makers should consider the far-reaching consequences of precarious employment when developing (flexible) labour market policies. Show more

Keywords: Temporary agency work, life course, family life, interviews

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220095

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 113-127, 2023

Authors: Shin, Dong Seok | Jeong, Byung Yong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Truck driving is one of the occupations with high injury rates. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the relationships between age, work experience, workdays, monthly income, perceived job risk, satisfaction of working conditions, safety awareness, and job satisfaction of truck drivers. Also, this study analyzes the effects of satisfaction of working conditions and safety awareness on the job satisfaction of truck drivers. METHODS: This study interviewed 278 truck drivers and surveyed age, work experience, workdays, monthly income, perceived job risk, satisfaction of working conditions, safety awareness, and job satisfaction. A regression analysis was performed to determine leading …factors affecting safety and satisfaction and the relationships. RESULTS: The results showed that the number of workdays was related to monthly income, perceived job risk, and job satisfaction. The monthly income of truck drivers was increased according to workdays and age. Perceived job risk increased with number of days worked. Safety awareness decreased with the monthly income, and job satisfaction decreased with perceived job risk level, workdays, and work experience. Finally, job satisfaction was directly affected by satisfaction with working conditions and indirectly affected by safety awareness. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that an increase in satisfaction of working conditions can enhance safety awareness and job satisfaction. Show more

Keywords: Driver safety, truck industry, mediated model, driver’s income, regression analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205109

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 129-134, 2023

Authors: López-Goñi, José J. | Haro, Begoña | Fernández-Suárez, Iván

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cleaning is considered a female-dominant occupation. Women cleaning workers present a high risk of suffering impaired health probably as a result of performing low-skilled tasks. However, to date, no studies have been found that examine the health status of female cleaning workers in Spain. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to 1) determine the level of perceived health in a sample of female cleaning workers, 2) evaluate the main psychosocial risks they face, 3) explore the relationship between perceived health and psychosocial risk factors, and 4) compare the perceived health of those women who present some psychosocial risk factor …and those who do not. METHODS: This is a multi-centered cross-sectional study carried out in the service sector of a Spanish company. The final sample was composed of 455 female cleaning workers. Sociodemographic variables, perceived health status and psychosocial risk factors were assessed. RESULTS: Women presented a high perception of health status. The main psychosocial risk was lack of acknowledgement by their superiors, which affected 25.2% (n  = 111) of the sample. Moderate negative correlations (r =–.222 to –.442; p  < .01) were identified between perceived health and evident psychosocial risks. Those women who presented some psychosocial risk (n  = 174; 38.3%) had a worse state of perceived health in all variables studied. CONCLUSION: Presence of psychosocial risk had a relationship with a worse health perception. This article highlights the need to orient preventive actions in the psychosocial field. The COVID-19 pandemic represents a new situation to renew the health promotion between cleaning workers. Show more

Keywords: Perceived health, women, psychosocial risk factors, health promotion, cleaners

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205137

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 135-143, 2023

Authors: Oliver-Hernández, Coral | Li, Shimeng | Astudillo, Raúl Jiménez | Rodríguez, Inmaculada Mateo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are many musculoskeletal disorders in staff members at health centres, given the specific characteristics of their work. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to analyse the postural risk of patient handling tasks performed by nursing assistants and orderlies, as well as task factors, individual or organisational, that may be associated with increased postural risk. METHOD: This is a cross-sectional observational study. Analysis was done on 170 postures in five different tasks performed by 39 participants at three hospitals in Andalusia (Spain). The questionnaires collected sociodemographic variables, the task done, and REBA were used for assessment of …postural risk. RESULTS: Overall the average REBA score was 9.0±2.4. Moving the patient to the head of the bed was the task with the highest risk (9.8). Handling involving more than two participants at once increased postural risk. Using mechanical aids were associated with high risk in the legs. Logistic regression analyses showed that age, stature, and not having adjustable beds available were associated with postural risk (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Health centre staff perform many tasks with high musculoskeletal disorder risk. Age, stature of the participants, and adjustment of bed height were associated with postural risk. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal disorder, healthcare worker, Rapid Entire Body Assessment, nursing staff, patient handling

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210651

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 145-155, 2023

Authors: Quan, Liming | Wu, Lingyu | Zhang, Yang | Chen, Ting | Lan, Yajia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ-22) has been translated into numerous languages and applied in various countries, its cultural applicability in China remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To adjust the JCQ-22 for cross-cultural use and optimize the scoring method for suitability for Chinese working populations. METHODS: We first used the original JCQ-22 questionnaire to measure occupational stress. Cross-cultural adjustment involved reorganization of scale items (adjusted-I scale) and deletion of inefficient redundant items during reorganization of scale items (adjusted-II scale). Structural validity and the relationship between stress and health outcomes (insomnia and self-conscious symptoms) before and after adjustment …were compared. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis revealed that the two-factor cumulative variance contribution rate of job demand and control of the adjusted-II scale was 52.47%, compared with 48.44% and 48.44% in the original version and adjusted-I scale, respectively. Among the 16 fitness indicators in confirmatory factor analysis, 9 items of the adjusted-II scale met the standard, compared with 4 items of the original and adjusted-I scales. The Pearson’s correlation coefficients between occupational stress and insomnia as well as self-conscious symptoms from the adjusted-II scale were 0.15 and 0.32, respectively, which were higher than those of the original scale (0.10 and 0.20). Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the adjusted-II scale exhibited a better area under the curve and Youden index values than the original scale. CONCLUSION: The adjusted-II scale exhibited superior structural validity with more reasonable health outcome predictions and fewer items, making it more suitable for measuring occupational stress in Chinese populations. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, cultural applicability, health outcome, prediction efficiency

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210852

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 157-168, 2023

Authors: Kokas, Maria S. | Passalacqua, Karla D. | Mortimore, Anastasia | Hoffert, Mara M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research has explored the problems that women encounter during a medical career; however, the advice that experienced women physicians would give to women who have not yet entered the field is needed to reveal how the medical work landscape is evolving and to provide real-world narratives to help career seekers make informed choices. OBJECTIVE: By eliciting women’s perspectives on their medical careers by asking them what advice they would give to aspiring women physicians, we aimed to reveal areas for improving career satisfaction of women physicians and to inform those who advise women considering a medical career. …METHODS: In this qualitative study, we used a phenomenological approach to conduct semi-structured one-on-one interviews with 24 women physicians to query the advice they would give to women contemplating a career in medicine. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of interview transcriptions revealed 10 themes that women physicians communicated as being important to consider before deciding to become a physician. Although some advice had a cautionary tone, encouraging and practical advice was also conveyed. The most abundant themes concerned the centrality of patient care, a passion for practicing medicine, and the importance of planning. Other key topics included family and friends, self-reflection, life balance, finances, ethics, maintaining presence, and two overt cautionary statements. CONCLUSION: Interviews revealed that meaning and purpose derived from a medical career and maintaining work-life balance are valued by some women physicians. Participants were encouraging in recommending medicine as a career choice for women, while highlighting some challenges. Show more

Keywords: Organizational culture, women in medicine, career in medicine, women physicians

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211217

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 169-180, 2023

Authors: Li, Kai Way | Peng, Lu | Zhao, Caijun | Khaday, Samsiya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mental workload is one of the important variables in understanding human performance in drone operation. OBJECTIVE: To test the effects of gender, age group, flight route, and altitude on the flight performance and mental workload of the novice drone operators. METHODS: Ten male and ten female participants without prior drone operating experience joined. They were split into two age groups. After attending a training, the participants operated a drone to perform photo taking missions under flight route and altitude conditions. The weighted NASA Task Load Index (TLX), Modified Cooper-Harper (MCH) scale, heart rate, and interbeat …interval were measured to assess the mental workload of the participants. Flight time to complete the mission was adopted to indicate flight performance. RESULTS: The effect of age group was significant (p  < 0.05) on flight time, weighted TLX score, and MCH score. Flight route and altitude were not significant on the two subjective ratings and two cardiac measures. CONCLUSION: The flight performance of younger participants was significantly better than that of their older counterpart. The effects of both the flight route and altitude on the perceived mental workload of the drone operators were insignificant. Both the weighted NASA TLX and MCH scales were appropriate in measuring the mental workload of the novice drone operators. Show more

Keywords: Drone, human machine interface, remote control, aerial photography, NASA TLX

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211222

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 181-193, 2023

Authors: Barut Tusun, Ruken | Emiroğlu, Oya Nuran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Taxi drivers are prone to musculoskeletal problems and can suffer from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and psychosocial problems. For occupational health and safety it is crucial to know the risk factors and initiatives to be taken for protection. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate the opinions of taxi drivers regarding occupational risks and prevention strategies. METHODS: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study including 524 taxi drivers. A questionnaire was developed to determine the opinions of taxi drivers regarding occupational risks and intervention strategies. For the analysis of data, Mann-Whitney U (Z-table value), …descriptive statistics (number, percentage) and Chi-square (χ 2) test between dependent and independent variables were used. RESULTS: Among the taxi drivers, the occupation was reported to be risky for musculoskeletal system disorders by 67%, for cardiovascular diseases by 68.3%, for respiratory diseases by 46.9% and for psychosocial problems by 63.3%. When the opinions of taxi drivers regarding prevention from these risks were examined, 30.2% of them stated prevention from musculoskeletal system disorders, 34.0% from cardiovascular diseases, 31.3% from respiratory diseases and 40.1% from psychosocial problems. It was a prominent finding to see a decrease in the number of drivers who stated to show prevention behavior towards these risks compared to their states of recognizing them. CONCLUSIONS: Drivers were insufficient both in recognizing health risks of their jobs and implementing intervention strategies. Education concerning health risks of their jobs and prevention from these risks is required. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, opinion, public health nursing, taxi drivers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211235

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 195-209, 2023

Authors: Drolet, Lauriane | Caron, Pier-Olivier | Forget, Jacques | Turcotte, Jean-Robert | Guimond, Claude

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disability for which family physicians are often required to complete sickness certificates. Yet, little is known about family physicians’ sick-listing practices in Quebec. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe their practices, difficulties and needs. METHODS: Twenty-three family physicians completed a comprehensive questionnaire on sickness certification practices. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: Despite being completed on a weekly basis, sickness certifications were deemed problematic by all participants. While they rarely refused to sick-list a patient, 43.5% reported suggesting accommodations as an alternative to sick leave. Waiting-time …to access psychotherapy and delays to set-up workplace accommodations are responsible for many unnecessary sick-leave prolongations. Lack of time, long duration absences, situations where the physician held a different opinion than the patient/healthcare provider and assessing an individual’s capacity to work are the most common reported problems. More than half of participants indicated medical schools do not greatly prepare them to carry out these tasks. CONCLUSION: Sickness certifications are deemed problematic, and more training might be key. Our results can be used by medical schools or bodies responsible for continuous education to improve training. Show more

Keywords: General practice, sick leave, disability, certificates, training needs

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211301

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 211-221, 2023

Authors: Alwahaibi, Nasar | Al Sadairi, Mallak | Al Abri, Ibrahim | Al Rawahi, Samira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Laboratory– related musculoskeletal disorders (LMSDs) are injuries resulting from working in the laboratory. Biomedical scientists (BMSs) play an important role in any health care system. However, they are at high risk of exposure to the LMSDs. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and the associated risk factors of LMSDs among this group of healthcare professionals. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to estimate the prevalence of the LMSDs among the BMSs. BMSs with occupational or non-occupational accidents that affected their musculoskeletal system were excluded from the study. A …Chi-square test was performed to measure the significant association between different risk factors (age, gender, weight, height, nationality, specialty, educational level, nature of the job, and the number of experience years) and the prevalence of the LMSDs among the BMSs. RESULTS: The study included 83 BMSs. Females represented 63.9% and 36.1% were in the age group of 35– 44. The overall prevalence of the LMSDs was 77.1%. The most prevalent LMSDs were neck, shoulders, and lower back with 50.6%, 49.4%, and 43.4%, respectively. A total of 65.57% of BMSs had irregular symptoms of LMSDs. CONCLUSION: The study found that the prevalence of LMSDs among the BMSs was high. Good practice and training in ergonomics may minimize the prevalence of LMSDs among the BMSs. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, medical laboratories, risk factors, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211402

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 1, pp. 223-232, 2023