Work - Volume 75, issue 3

Authors: Mastorci, Francesca | Lazzeri, Maria Francesca Lodovica | Piaggi, Paolo | Doveri, Cristina | Trivellini, Gabriele | Casu, Anselmo | Marinaro, Irene | Bianchin, Elisa | Pozzi, Marta | Pingitore, Alessandro

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Teachers are a category at high risk for co-occurring mental diseases. OBJECTIVES: The purpose was to assess well-being of schoolteachers and psychological effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHOD: Data were collected in April 2021, during the partial re-opening of public schools in Italy, from 838 schoolteachers who complete a battery of psychological tests on a multimedia platform. RESULTS: In females, school closure increases anxiety (BAI, p  < 0.001), depression (BDI-II, p  < 0.05), stress-related insomnia (FIRST, p  < 0.001), and perceived stress (PSS, p  < 0.05). In males, on the contrary, rises perceived health (p  < 0.001) …and vitality (p  < 0.001), also in terms of total score (PWBI p  < 0.05). In addition, having a family member with COVID in the past month increased anxiety (BAI, p  < 0.05), reduced perceived physical health (PWBI, p  < 0.05) and vitality (PWBI, p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The main results of this pilot study showed that female teachers had a worse well-being perception with respect to men, in terms of health and vitality and an increase in negative emotional reactivity, that impaired when a family member was affected by COVID. The results emphasize the need to invest in prevention and wellness promotion programs in this professional category. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, teachers, well-being, health, mental disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220267

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 1-8, 2023

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-236006

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 741-741, 2023

Authors: Vundavalli, Sudhakar | Sujanamulk, Bhavana | Kotti, Ajay Benarji | Raghunath, Ravi Gummaraju | Manyam, Ravikanth | Doppalapudi, Radhika | Chalapathi Rao, D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed a new challenge not only to public health but also to the health care systems and dentists are one of the highly vulnerable health care professionals for COVID-19 infection. OBJECTIVE: To assess the COVID-19 prevalence, associated factors, and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, India. 21-item pretested questionnaire was used for data collection between January 30, 2021 and February 21, 2021. 3700 dentists from the Andhra Pradesh state were selected from …the Dentists Register of India through systematic random sampling method. RESULTS: Out of 3700 dentists invited to participate in this study, responses from 1876 dentists were received with response rate of 51%. Prevalence of 8 among the study population was 9%. Patients were the primary source of infection for 60.5% of the COVID-19 positive study participants. 65.8% of total respondents using full face shield and two-third of them using N95 or equivalent mask while providing dental care. CONCLUSION: This study found a high prevalence rate of COVID-19 among the dentists. Among the associated factors, being into active practice during the pandemic was found to be statistically significant. This study recommend for additional infection control protocols specific to the COVID-19 pandemic. Show more

Keywords: Cross infection, dental practice, personal protective equipment, dental aerosols, contaminated surfaces, disinfection

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210362

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 743-751, 2023

Authors: Yavuz, Kübra | Koçak, Orhan | Kul Parlak, Nurgün

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, most workers were forced to work remotely, although having no prior experience, and as a result, they were exposed to new job-related stressors. OBJECTIVES: To examine the mediating role of job stress, work-family conflict and job satisfaction between fear of COVID-19 and job performance. METHODS: An online questionnaire was conducted a survey of remote workers in Turkey. Responses were obtained from 351 subjects. Related scales were used to measure work-life balance, job stress, job satisfaction, and employee performance as well as fear of COVID-19. Because all hypothesis constructs can be analyzed …simultaneously, structural equation modeling was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that fear of COVID-19 affects job stress (p  = .001; β = .264). There was a significant relationship between job stress and job satisfaction (p  = .001; β = .619). Also, work-family conflict was affected employee job stress (p  = .001; β = .516). Job stress had a mediator role fear of COVID-19 on job satisfaction and work-family conflict on job satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide a useful measurement model that can be used to evaluate and improve job performance and job satisfaction through work stress and work-family conflict in times of crisis such as COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, job performance, job satisfaction, stress, work-family conflict

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211360

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 753-766, 2023

Authors: Kasapoğlu, Elçin Sebahat | Yıldız, Yasemin Şahin | Saldamlı, Aslı | Karaçetin, Figen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for Interprofessional Education (IPE) and collaborative practices have gained even more importance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of IPE on COVID-19 on students’ knowledge, perceptions, behaviors and readiness for care regarding COVID-19. METHODS: The study followed a single-group pre-/post-test semi-experimental research design. The sample consisted of 435 students studying Elderly Care/Home Patient Care/First and Emergency Aid programs. The students’ perception of interdisciplinary education was evaluated at the beginning of the study. RESULTS: The students were given an online COVID-19 Patient Care …and Emergency Response IPE that lasted five hours and was split into two parts. The perception of interdisciplinary education was significantly higher among female students and first and emergency students before receiving IPE. Before and after IPE, the knowledge level scores of the students who did not receive IPE were found to be higher than those who did. After the training, the students’ knowledge levels, readiness for care and their perceptions of control towards the COVID-19 pandemic increased statistically significantly (p  < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The students’ knowledge levels and perceptions of control surrounding the pandemic may grow as a result of the IPE given about COVID-19 during the pandemic, when IPE became more important, and students may feel more prepared to care. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals, interprofessional communication, interprofessional education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220227

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 767-778, 2023

Authors: Jafari, Karim | Hekmatfar, Somayeh | Vahid, Dara Lotfi | Sadri Damirchi, Esmaeil | Zandian, Hamed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had several mental effects on medical staff. OBJECTIVE: This study intended to evaluate deviations in Frontline Dental Staff (FDS) depression, perceived stress and hypochondria during the COVID-19 outbreak, and to assess whether the existence of potential risk-factors influenced these symptoms over time. METHODS: This prospective cohort study surveyed FDS three periods from February 1, 2021 to April 8, 2022. FDSs’ mental health was assessed through Beck Depression Inventory, Cohen Perceived Stress and the Evans Self-Illness Questionnaires; multivariate linear regression were used to identify potential factors associated with changes on each …outcome (depression, perceived stress and hypochondria) over time. All analyses were performed in STATA ver. 14. RESULTS: In a total of 635 FDS, about 69%, 83%, and 71% reported relative depression, 77%, 87%, and 64% reported moderate to high stress level, and 60%, 76% and 74% reported moderate hypochondriac from first, second, and third survives, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of the variables increased dramatically at second survive (July 17 to October 21, 2021) and decreased again at third survive significantly. Being female, working in public sector, and low socioeconomic level were main predictors of higher levels of depression (p  < 0.001) and perceived stress (p  < 0.001). Perceived stress was a strong predictor of high-level depression (t  =  7.79, p  < 0.001). CONCLUSION: FDSs’ depression, stress and hypochondria were high and positively associated with being female, working in public-sector, and low socioeconomic level. To increase the effectiveness and decrease work burnout, psychological support should be provided. Show more

Keywords: Depression, perceived stress, hypochondria, COVID-19, frontline dental staff

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220370

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 787-797, 2023

Authors: Dong, Shengli | Eto, Olivia | Liu, Lu | Villaquiran, Alanis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: People with disabilities experience challenges in obtaining workplace support including job accommodations. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the impacts of psychosocial factors affecting the likelihood of an employee with disability receiving an accommodation and subsequent effects on job satisfaction and job performance. METHODS: This study recruited 596 participants from multiple national and state agencies serving persons with disabilities in U.S. A mediation model was conducted to examine the impacts of psychosocial factors (i.e., self-efficacy, positive affect, negative affect, workplace support, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) knowledge, accommodation knowledge, and work goal) on receiving accommodation, and the …impacts of receiving accommodations on job satisfaction and job performance. The indirect effects of the psychosocial factors on job satisfaction and job performance via receiving accommodations were examined using the Delta method. RESULTS: Among all the examined direct effects, only the effect from workplace support to receiving accommodations and the effect from receiving accommodations to job satisfaction were significant. Nevertheless, indirect effects were non-significant, indicating that all the psychosocial factors had no indirect effect (via receiving accommodation) on job satisfaction and job performance. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal the significance of workplace support on employees’ likelihood of receiving accommodations, and subsequent association between accommodation receipt and job satisfaction. Rehabilitation professionals need to provide adequate training to employers to facilitate inclusive and supportive workplace environments. Show more

Keywords: Accommodation receiving, psychosocial factors, employees with disabilities, job satisfaction, workplace support

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220230

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 799-811, 2023

Authors: Arnout, Boshra A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Arab region has witnessed different biological hazards, including cholera, yellow fever, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, changes in rainfall and increased vegetation cover led to locust outbreaks in Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. This problem still exists and affects more than 20 countries and concerns indicate food shortages and food insecurity for more than 20 million people. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect mental health problems related to climate change in the Arab world. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was applied to determine the prevalence of mental health problems related to climate …change (MHPCC). A random sample consisted of 1080 participants (523 male and 557 female), residents in 18 Arab countries; their ages ranged from 25 to 60 years. The Mental Health Problems related to Climate Change Questionnaire (MHPCCQ) was completed online. RESULTS: The results indicated average levels of MHPCC prevalence. The results also revealed no significant statistical differences in the MHPCC due to gender, educational class, and marital status except in climate anxiety; there were statistical differences in favor of married subgroup individuals. At the same time, there are statistically significant differences in the MHPCC due to the residing country variable in favor of Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Libya, and Oman regarding fears, anxiety, alienation, and somatic symptoms. In addition, Tunisia, Bahrain, Sudan, and Iraq were higher in climate depression than the other countries. CONCLUSION: The findings shed light on the prevalence of MHPCC in the Arab world and oblige mental health system workers, including policymakers, mental health providers, and departments of psychology in Arab universities, to take urgent action to assess and develop the system for mental health to manage the risks of extreme climate change on the human mental health. Show more

Keywords: Climate change, MHPCC, climate psychology, epidemiological study, procedural framework

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220040

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 813-835, 2023

Authors: Hsiao, Victor | Stoltzfus, Nicole | Withers, Mellissa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Universities could positively impact the health and well-being of employees through workplace wellness programs (WWP). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of WWP among Asia-Pacific universities, identify gaps and challenges, and solutions to challenges. METHODS: An online survey was sent to members of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities to assess programs on physical fitness, nutrition/weight, mental health/stress, family support, chronic disease prevention, and safety. RESULTS: Employees at 28 universities in 13 economies completed the survey on behalf of their university. Most common WWP were paid maternity/paternity leave (89.3% /85.7%), disaster preparedness training (85.7%), …fitness challenges (78.6%), written policies regarding discrimination/hate speech (75.0%), and quiet rest areas (71.4%). However, few addressed childcare, breastfeeding support, workplace sexual harassment, tobacco use, or mental health. Programs rarely aligned with the reported goal of increasing employee morale, but instead resulted from government mandates. Many universities offered sporadic, one-off programs but lacked comprehensive, coordinated programming and adequate evaluation procedures. Key challenges were low employee participation, limited budget, and lack of leadership support. This study highlights the need for improved program administration, information dissemination, data collection to evaluate impact, and leadership support. CONCLUSION: WWP could benefit universities and employees but should be implemented and evaluated as part of a comprehensive campus wellness culture. Show more

Keywords: Employee, work, campus, well-being

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205068

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 837-847, 2023

Authors: Ghasemi, Fakhradin | Pourbakhshi, Yasaman | Mosaferchi, Saeedeh | Yahyaei, Elham | Heidarimoghadam, Rashid | Ghaffari, Mohammad-Ebrahim | Rahmanipoor, Sajjad | Nabati, Azar | Babamiri, Mohammad | Mortezapour, Alireza

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace inspections are applied to facilitate the adherence to the occupational health and safety regulations. The Iranian Ministry of Health introduced a new software system for tablets to inspect workplaces. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to take measurements of the usability, mental workload, and mood of inspectors. METHODS: Inspectors used both pen-and-paper and tablet methods to inspect the automotive industry in a mixed-method procedure. The NASA-TLX score, QUIS score, I-PANAS (SF) situation, inspection time, and number of errors were collected throughout the procedure. The differences were investigated using a paired sample and the …Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS: In terms of efficacy, using the tablet resulted in lower error rates, but it took longer to complete the inspection task (P  < 0.001). Participants perceived a lower workload when inspecting with a tablet rather than the traditional method. (Mental Demand: p  < 0.002, Performance: p  < 0.009, Effort: p  < 0.012, TLX: p  < 0.002 based on various subcomponents of NASA-TLX). The newly introduced system’s usability was insufficient. CONCLUSION: Although the use of tablets has improved safety inspections, ergonomic redesign of the system and consideration of a user-centered approach, as well as inspector training, can make the system more likely to succeed. Show more

Keywords: Safety inspection, usability, mental workload, human computer interaction, positive and negative mood

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210035

Citation: Work, vol. 75, no. 3, pp. 849-857, 2023