Work - Volume 76, issue 3

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