Work - Volume 76, issue 3

Authors: Rafiee, Mahsa | Mokhtarinia, Hamid Reza | Parsons, Dave | Hosseinpouri, Mahdi | Gabel, Charles Philip

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With progressing technology in the portable computing field, laptops are now integral for work, home and social settings. Different working postures adopted by laptop users impose different loads on the relevant muscles, which can be associated with musculoskeletal discomfort in the various body regions. Some Arabic and Asian cultures adopted postures are not well investigated, particularly for the 20–30 years age-group. OBJECTIVE: This study compared muscle activity in the cervical spine, arm, and wrist among different laptop workstation setups. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 23 healthy female university students (age = 24.2±2.28 years, range 20–26 years) performed …a standardized 10 minute typing task in four different laptop workstation setups: DESK, SOFA, GROUND sitting with back support, and laptop table (LAP-Tab). Differences between electromyography (EMG) muscle activity recorded in the trapezius (TR), cervical extensors (CE), deltoid (DEL), and wrist extensors (WE) were determined using one-way repeated ANOVA measures with a post-hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS: Significantly higher muscle activity was observed respectively in the workstations of DESK > LAP-Tab > SOFA > GROUND. Significant differences were found between WE muscle activity and the three other muscle groups (p  < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between workstations and muscle activity (F(9,264) = 3.81, p  < 0.001, = 0.11), where the WE and DEL muscles showed respectively higher and lower muscle activity in all setups. CONCLUSION: Muscles showed variable activity in different workstations such that the GROUND workstation provided the minimum load, while the DESK workstation showed the maximum load on the measured muscle groups. These findings require further investigation in different cultural and gender specific groups. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, ergonomics, workplace, posture, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220473

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1113-1123, 2023

Authors: Sabbagh, Heba Jafar | Shagagi, Asma M. | Basheer, Hanin M. | Mahmoud, Rawa A. | Arafah, Alaa Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dentistry is a profession that demands a high level of physical work and excessive repetitive movements in strained positions, both of which are risk factors for developing musculoskeletal pain (MS-P). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the awareness of ergonomics and physical activities in controlling MS-P among dental students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study conducted at a university dental hospital in Saudi Arabia, through a validated self-administered questionnaire, distributed to undergraduates and postgraduate’s dental students. RESULTS: Out of 402 students responded to the questionnaire, 337(83.8%) reported suffering from MS-P with 67.7% of participants did …not take any measures to alleviate their symptoms and the majority reported limited physical activity. Females reported significantly higher MS-P than males. Lower back (56.5%), neck (56.2%) and shoulder (50%) were the most frequently reported MS-P. Unexpectedly, undergraduate reporting significantly more pain than interns and postgraduate students (P  = 0.009). The dental students’ awareness of ergonomics and MSDs were insufficient. CONCLUSION: Physical activity, student’s awareness of MSD and ergonomics were the major factors for controlling MS-Ps. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of enhancing students’ knowledge of the importance of controlling work-related MS-P, especially during their university educational hours. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, dental students, musculoskeletal pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220601

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1125-1133, 2023

Authors: Grande-Alonso, Mónica | Castillo-Alcañiz, Beatriz | Paraíso-Iglesias, Pablo | Cuenca-Martínez, Ferran | La Touche, Roy | Vidal-Quevedo, Celia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome has been extensively studied in different health science professions. It has been less studied in physiotherapy than in professions such as medicine. Moreover, it is not known how the working condition influences this syndrome. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to compare the burnout index between contract and freelance physiotherapists in the private sector in the Community of Madrid, Spain. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 174 participants divided into 2 groups; one group was composed of contract physiotherapists (n  = 87) and the other group was composed of freelance physiotherapists …(n  = 87). A Mann–Whitney U test was performed for comparison between the groups. Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlations between the burnout syndrome index and the secondary variables. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences when comparing the groups, with a large effect size for the burnout index with a higher rate among contract physiotherapists (78 [71–84.75]) than in freelance physiotherapists (61.5 [55–72.75]).There were also significant differences in the type of patients treated, number of patients treated per day, time spent per patient, and the annual salary range between the contract and freelance physiotherapists. CONCLUSION: Contract physiotherapists who participated in this study had a significantly higher burnout syndrome index than freelance physiotherapists. Other socio-occupational variables were also found to be related to the burnout syndrome index in freelance physiotherapists and contract physiotherapists. The results of this study could be of interest for new occupational health strategies to reduce the burnout index in contract physiotherapists. Show more

Keywords: Physiotherapy, psychosocial aspects, salary, workloads, healthcare quality

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220238

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1135-1144, 2023

Authors: Moorthy, Krishna | Juan, Lee Mei | Kamarudin, Aufa Amalina | Govindarajo, Normala S. | T’ing, Loh Chun

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the emotional intelligence of employees through the negative effects on their mental health, and led to poor workplace performance. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research is to examine the level of EI of Malaysian employees in various sectors affecting their job performance through the mediating influence of psychological capital by using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Test (SSEIT), 24-item Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-24) and Role-Based Performance Scale (RBPS) theories. METHOD: A quantitative study was conducted. 350 sets of questionnaires were given out to Malaysian employees, of which 311 were returned. Data …were analysed through regression analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that all emotional intelligence subscales, except for utilising emotions, have a significant relationship with job performance through the effect of psychological capital. CONCLUSION: This study offers valuable and insightful implications by combining the SSEIT, PCQ-24, and RBPS models to investigate the effect of emotional intelligence on job performance in Malaysia, which is an unusual combination model to analyse employees’ job performance. It helps Malaysian companies, managers, employers, and other related parties to recognise the processes and elements that influence employees’ work performance. This research also successfully developed an extended SSEIT model together with PCQ-24 and RBPS and verified their applicability on workplace performance. Show more

Keywords: Psychological distress, emotional disturbance, employee performance, emotional aspects

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220418

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1145-1156, 2023

Authors: Ortner, Jordi | Moya, Diego | Manzanera, Rafael | Torres, Marta | Vives, Albert | Farrus, Xavier | Grau, Norma | Mira, Jose Joaquin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patient safety is currently a main issue in healthcare practice. Adverse events (AEs) management is a key instrument for the application of strategies to prevent harm to patients. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the type, severity and preventability, according to validated scales, of AEs occurring annually in the healthcare practice of an Occupational Mutual Insurance Company in order to implement action plans to improve patient safety. METHODS: We analyzed the reported AEs in an Incident Reporting System and AEs detected in the Audit program of clinical records as a result of treating injured or ill workers in …our 88 ambulatory care centers. RESULTS: We detected 28 AEs in the clinical records (CR), representing 0.05 AE/CR, with maximum values in the COM sample (26 AEs, 0.11) and much lower in INT (1 AEs, 0.02) and MIN (1 AE, 0.02). The most frequent AE type was procedure-related, followed by infection and care. AEs of severity level D (11 cases) and E (9 cases) predominated, while level F was also detected (6 cases). Intermediate values in preventability (3 and 4) predominated, 61.5% were preventable. With the Incident Reporting System, 27 AEs were identified, predominated by procedural type. Most reported AE severities was in levels E (10 cases) and C (8 cases), 89% were preventable. CONCLUSION: Our company detects AEs via the Incident Reporting System and annual Audit program of clinical records, both of which are complementary, and may result in the implementation of more effective Patient Safety measures. Show more

Keywords: Safety patient, medical errors, occupational health services, healthcare quality

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220203

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1157-1165, 2023

Authors: Harmse, Suzanne | Buys, Tania Lee | Claassen, Nico

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The importance to be able to work is recognised as one of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. Occupational therapists working in vocational rehabilitation require cost effective, valid, and reliable tests that offer flexibility during the work evaluation process. The use of self-developed work samples standardized using Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards (MODAPTS) as an objective measure of work speed could meet this need. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the face, content, and criterion validity of MODAPTS work samples to assess work speed. METHODS: We conducted a quantitative cross-sectional, descriptive study. Occupational therapists completed electronic surveys to …evaluate face and content validity. We evaluated criterion validity during a multiphase process that involved a realist synthesis, online survey, and comparing MODAPTS to Methods Time Management (MTM) time standards using three work samples that measured work speed. RESULTS: MODAPTS had good face validity for measuring work speed. We also confirmed the content and criterion validity of codes used to analyse basic movement and handling of smaller and larger articles as well as other body actions. CONCLUSION: MODAPTS demonstrated adequate face, content and criterion validity of tasks involving basic movements, handling of articles and other body actions. Show more

Keywords: Instrument development, validity, assessment method, work assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220211

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1167-1176, 2023

Authors: Kao, Feng-Hsia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: How to help workers establish a safe and healthy working environment is the primary purpose of promoting workplace health psychology. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between interpersonal resources and job performance (work performance, organizational citizen behavior). Besides, this study tries to clarify the psychological mechanisms of vitality and emotional attachment, and further considers the moderating role of group harmony. METHODS: Questionnaires were used. Two samples included 267 and 285 questionnaires were collected in study 1. A total of 151 valid and matched surveys were collected in study 2. …RESULTS: Study 1 tested the psychometric properties of the interpersonal resources scale, and then, established three constructs of interpersonal resources: “interpersonal caring”, “interpersonal inclusion”, and “interpersonal connection”. Study 2 results showed positive correlations between interpersonal resources and job performance. Vitality has the mediating effect between interpersonal resources and work performance, and emotional attachment has the mediating effect between interpersonal resources and organizational citizen behaviors. In addition, the moderating effects of group harmony were supported. CONCLUSION: This research covered two studies to clarify the construct of interpersonal resources and develop an interpersonal resources scale with reliability and validity. Furthermore, this research further discussed the theoretical meaning and practical application and explained the future research direction. This research not only responds to experts’ calls but also considers the influence of cultural values to examine the model of interpersonal resources. Show more

Keywords: Attachment, job engagement, social skills, work performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220664

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1177-1191, 2023

Authors: Ben Said, Hanene | Hajjem, Lamia | Youssef, Imen | Brahim, Dorra | Mersni, Mariem | Youssfi, Imen | Bahri, Ghada | Mechergui, Najla | Ladhari, Nizar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Atypical working hours have raised serious concerns about health effects, such as sleep disorders and psychological repercussions. These schedules are frequent among health professionals having the obligation to ensure the permanence of health services. OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of atypical working hours on sleep, sleepiness, and mood among health personnel (HP). METHODS: Comparative descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among HP of a regional hospital in Southern Tunisia from December 2019 to May 2020. Two groups were defined according to their work schedule: group A had a fixed-day work and group B had atypical …working hours. The assessment of sleep, sleepiness, and mood was based respectively on the Spiegel questionnaire, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and the Hospital Anxiety and Disorder scale. RESULTS: A total of 101 HP in group A and 135 in group B were included. We found signs of pathological sleep in group B: greater delay in falling asleep (78.1% Vs 53.5%; p  = 0.002), altered sleep quality (88.1% Vs 56.4%; p  = 0.039), and more frequent occurrence of dreams (37% Vs 31.7%; p  = 0.033). The quality of sleep was associated with the professional seniority (p  = 0.01), the workplace (p  = 0.02), and having dependent children (p  = 0.04). The mean score of depression was higher in group B (p  = 0.02). Depression was associated with the workplace (p  = 0.04) and the quality of sleep (p  = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that atypical working hours generate both sleep and mood disorders in HP. It is vital to encourage the occupational physicians to estimate sleep and mood disorders in HP. Show more

Keywords: Work schedule, sleep disorders, sleepiness, mood disorders, health personnel

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220616

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1193-1201, 2023

Authors: Jiao, Dian | Tang, Jian | Guo, Rui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of mental illnesses has a serious impact on productive life and there is an urgent need to intervene using a variety of active and effective measures. OBJECTIVE: The concept of playfulness in space is introduced into the design of work spaces oriented towards active health interventions, creating a close interaction between the body and the space through play, thus developing a positive effect on the promotion of the physical and mental health of the staff. METHODS: With the help of the spatial order theory, the analysis of the interaction between body and …space is attempted to explore the form, structure and scene of space in order to optimize the body’s perception, cognition and behavior in the space, thus creating an indoor workspace model with positive intervention effects on human health. RESULTS: Based on the idea of spatial playful participation in active health interventions, this study explores the interaction between the body and the architectural space to enhance the perception and cognitive guidance of the space for the individual and to have a pleasant spiritual experience in the interaction to relieve work stress and enhance mental health. CONCLUSION: This series of discussions on the relationship between architectural space and the human body is of great relevance in improving the public health of occupational groups. Show more

Keywords: Health promotion, proactive intervention, perceptual experience, perceptual guidance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220486

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1203-1217, 2023

Authors: Zhang, Huadong | Deng, Huaxin | Jia, Ning | Chen, Fengqiong | Li, Xiaoping | Cao, Lei | Wang, Zhongxu | Liang, Jing | Wang, Rugang | Liu, Jing

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The automotive industry is labor-intensive, and workers are involved in highly repetitive tasks, long hours, and medium to low workloads, resulting in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), which have become a major health concern for workers in this industry. China is a major automotive country with tens of thousands of auto repair workers, but their conditions of WMSDs have been poorly reported. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to analyze the current prevalence of WMSDs and their associated risk factors among automobile maintenance workers. METHODS: A total of 539 respondents from 50 automotive repair and maintenance companies in …China were selected to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs via the modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire. Chi-square test and logistic regression models were applied to analyze their associated risk factors. RESULTS: The total prevalence of WMSDs among 539 workers was 32.8%. The top three body parts for prevalence were the lower back (17.1%), neck (16.3%), and shoulders (14.5%). The highest prevalence of WMSDs was found in the neck (23.6%) and lower back (14.3%) for sheet metal workers and mechanics, respectively, whereas painters had the highest prevalence of WMSDs in the lower back and feet (both at 15.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that females were at higher risk of WMSDs than males (OR 5.027, [95% CI] [1.278–19.772], p  < 0.05). Workers subjected to uncomfortable positions were at increased risk of WMSDs (OR 1.79, [95% CI] [1.333–2.410], p  < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of WMSDs is high among automotive maintenance workers, with the highest prevalence in the lower back (17.1%). Uncomfortable working postures and frequent repetitive movements with lower limbs and ankles at work may be important risk factors. Show more

Keywords: WMSDs, automotive repair and maintenance operations, ergonomic factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220412

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1219-1231, 2023

Authors: Azadi, Narges | Afshari, Davood | Rami, Mohammad | Nourollahi-Darabad, Maryam | Shirali, Gholamabbas | Angali, Kambiz Ahmadi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Assessment of maximal oxygen consumption is important in both general community and occupational settings. Validity and reliability tests are needed to indicate the functionality of the cardiopulmonary system. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max) prediction model using anthropometric and demographic variables for young adults in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 64 healthy young men aged 19–29 years. Oxygen consumption was measured directly and the prediction models to estimate VO2 max were determined by multiple linear regression. The accuracy of the prediction models was considered using regression …coefficient (R), coefficient of determination (R2 ), and standard error of estimate (SEE). RESULTS: The average VO2 max was 44.02±4.31 ml/kg/min. Significant correlations were found between the measured VO2 max and the anthropometric and demographic variables (r = 0.16–0.86, P  < 0.05). Three significant regression models with acceptable accuracy were developed (R2  = 0.67–0.71, SEE = 3.19–3.21). CONCLUSION: The predictive models consisted of 3–5 variables as significant predictors of VO2 max and had acceptable accuracy for Iranian young adults. The proposed models are a simple and valid tool that can be used to estimate the VO2 max in the field and in laboratory settings. Show more

Keywords: VO2max, cardiopulmonary, maximal aerobic capacity, physical workload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220435

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1233-1238, 2023

Authors: Ali, Abdulelah M. | Alam, Mohd Mukhtar | Sufyaan, Mohd | Ahmad, Israr | Zarrin, Saima

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Professional rickshaw driving is a seemingly sedentary occupation and involves many risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and its associated risk factors among professional rickshaw drivers. METHODS: 263 rickshaw drivers were voluntarily recruited from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. MSD symptoms in the past 12 months and last 7 days were assessed using a self-modified musculoskeletal questionnaire (Nordic Questionnaire). Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were performed to analyze associations of MSD symptoms between study variables. RESULTS: 155 (58.9%) study participants reported MSD symptoms …in past 12 months, in lower back (n  = 126, 81.3%), leg (n  = 122, 78.7%), neck (n  = 106, 68.4%) and knee (n  = 105, 67.7%); and 121 (46.1%) in last 7 days, in leg (n  = 107, 88.4%), lower back (n  = 102, 84.3%), neck (n  = 89, 73.6%), upper back and knees (n  = 87, 71.9%). Binary logistic regression showed relationship between working hours, seat and road condition, average load per ride, rickshaw ride duration, and standing driving with MSD symptoms among rickshaw drivers, especially in the lower back, leg/calf muscles, neck and knees. CONCLUSION: The results showed a high prevalence of MSD among all rickshaw drivers, with the neck, lower back, leg/calf muscles and knees being the most affected body parts. In order to avoid adverse effects on the occupational health of rickshaw drivers, ergonomic intervention training is necessary. Show more

Keywords: Pain measurement, posture, Body Mass Index, risk factors, surveys and questionnaires

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220621

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1239-1253, 2023

Authors: Varytis, Athanasios | Giannouli, Vaitsa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: High levels of mobbing are reported in Greek nurses, but the intraindividual and perceived group emotional correlates are little investigated. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between workplace mobbing (specifically in the nursing sector of a public rural hospital in Greece) and emotional correlates. METHODS: Questionnaires measuring emotional aspects such as Negative Act Questionnaire – Revised (NAQ-R) for measuring perceived exposure to bullying and victimization at work, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), Overall Job Satisfaction Scale (OJS), Job Affect Scale (JAS: positive and negative subscales), Perceived Cohesion Scale (PCS), Ethical Climate Questionnaire (ECQ), and Short General Health …Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were administered. For the analysis of the data, descriptive and parametric tests were performed through the Pearson correlations and regression for the relationship between variables. RESULTS: High mobbing levels were reported (M  = 45.93) compared to already established cutoff scores. Statistically significant positive correlations were found for NAQ-R and MBI (Exhaustion subscale) (r  = .569, p  < .001), NAQ-R and JAS-negative affect (r  = .610, p  < .001), NAQ-R and GHQ-12 (r  = .280, p  = .002), and NAQ-R andeducational level (r  = .196, p  = .033). Statistically significant negative correlations were found for NAQ-R and ECQ (r  = –.323, p  < .001), NAQ-R and JAS-positive affect (r  = –.556, p  < .001), and NAQ-R and PCS (r  = –.586, p  < .001). Only burnout,negative affect, and perceived group cohesion predicted mobbing measured by NAQ- R. CONCLUSION: As mobbing and its consequences are related to specific emotional variables, these perceived individual and group indices, could be targeted in future prevention initiatives. Show more

Keywords: Bullying, victimization, workplace violence, health personnel, burnout

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220607

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 3, pp. 1255-1261, 2023