Work - Volume 76, issue 4

Authors: Vafaee-Najar, Ali | Delshad, Mohammad Hossein | Pourhaji, Roya | Tabesh, Hamed | Pourhaji, Fatemeh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout is not only related to mental health but also to efficiency. Thus, recognizing effective coping strategies has a significant role in improving mental health, the efficiency and productivity of human resources, and making better the level of quality of service. OBJECTIVE: To determine burnout syndrome and examine related factors among the employees of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 600 employees at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. They were selected by a stratified sampling method. The data collection tool was the demographic information and the Burnout Self-Test Maslach …Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire. Data were analyzed through SPSS software version 20, using descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson and Spearman regression. RESULTS: The findings showed that emotional exhaustion (EE) and depersonalization (DP) in the majority of employees were high and personal accomplishment (PA) was low at 88.33% of cases. All participants presented burnout. However, participants aged 35-40 years, those with professional and Ph.D. degrees, and research staff reported higher burnout levels. CONCLUSION: Job burnout and its subscale levels among the employees were high. Job burnout is associated with socioeconomic status that can be affected by individual, organizational, management, and environmental factors. Therefore, this study suggests that employees need to get out of EE and DP conditions for higher job performance. Additionally, further research is required to examine the long-term effects of workplace burnout. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, psychological, emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220485

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1493-1499, 2023

Authors: Rujiret, Upiriyasakul | Keerin, Mekhora | Julaporn, Pooliam | Petcharatana, Bhuanantanondh | Wattana, Jalayondeja | Chutima, Jalayondeja

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early self-assessment for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) is crucial in preventing severe symptoms and long-term consequences. Accessible tools are necessary for proactive management. OBJECTIVE: To validate the OfficeCheck web application as a screening tool to classify office workers as capable of self-management for specific symptoms of WMSDs or requiring professional consultation. METHODS: This study was conducted to determine the criterion-related validity of OfficeCheck using physical therapy assessment as the reference standard. In total, 223 office workers who work with a computer more than two hours a day with or without symptoms of WMSDs participated in …this study. All of them were classified by self-assessment on the OfficeCheck process flow (Kappa = 0.841) and physical therapy assessment, respectively. For statistical analysis, classification numbers were calculated for sensitivity, specificity, false positive rate (FPR), false negative rate (FNR), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV). RESULTS: A total of 223 workers with a mean age of 38.9±9.0 years and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.3±5.2 kg/m2 were illustrated. The most common areas of complaint were neck/upper back and lower back/hip. The results indicated that OfficeCheck had high sensitivity (95.1%), low specificity (42.0%), low PPV (38.0%), and high NPV (95.8%). The FPR was 58.0% and the FNR was 4.9%. CONCLUSION: OfficeCheck was found to have high sensitivity to classify office workers as capable of self-management for specific symptoms of WMSDs or requiring professional consultation. The use of OfficeCheck is thus recommended for self-detection and management to stop the consequences of WMSDs. Show more

Keywords: Self-assessment, software, cumulative trauma disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220491

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1501-1508, 2023

Authors: Kılıç, Halil | Vledder, Gerbera | Yao, Xinhe | Elkhuizen, Willemijn S. | Song, Yu | Vink, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A valid distribution of key anthropometric parameters among participants is often a perquisite of ergonomics research. OBJECTIVE: In this paper, we investigated the accuracy of self-reported stature and body mass of the population in the Netherlands. METHODS: Data from 4 experiments was synthesized where in each experiment, participants self-reported their stature and body mass prior to being measured, of which they were not notified before. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of 249 records indicated that on average, participants overreported their stature by 1.31 cm and underreported their mass by 1.45 kg. This is especially true for people …with a BMI≥25. CONCLUSION: Two models were proposed to adjust the self-reported stature and body mass for ergonomic researchers in a survey or recruitment. Limitations in using the models are highlighted as well. Show more

Keywords: Anthropometrics, body mass index, participatory research

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220565

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1509-1517, 2023

Authors: Tiedtke, Corine M. | Blonk, Roland W.B. | Van Rhenen, Willem | Van Egmond, Martine P. | Joosen, Margot C.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A considerable number of cancer survivors face difficulties in returning to work (RTW). More insight is needed on how to support employees shortly after cancer treatment and help them make the transition back to work. OBJECTIVE: To gain an in-depth understanding of how and under what circumstances a Cancer & Work Support (CWS) program, which assists sick-listed employees with cancer in preparing their RTW, works. METHODS: A qualitative design was used, inspired by Grounded Theory and Realist Evaluation components. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with RTW professionals (N  = 8) and employees with cancer (N  = 14). Interview …themes covered experiences with CWS, active elements, and impeding and facilitating factors. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed by multiple researchers for contextual factors, active mechanisms, and the outcomes experienced. RESULTS: Respondents experienced the support as human centered, identifying two characteristics: ‘Involvement’ (‘how’ the support was offered), and ‘Approach’ (‘what’ was offered). Four themes were perceived as important active elements: 1) open connection and communication, 2) recognition and attention, 3) guiding awareness and reflection, and 4) providing strategies for coping with the situation. Variation in the experiences and RTW outcomes, appeared to be related to the personal, medical and environmental context. CONCLUSION: Both professionals and employees really appreciated the CWS because it contributed to RTW after cancer. This research shows that not only ‘what’ RTW professionals do, but also ‘how’ they do it, is important for meaningful RTW support. A good relationship in an open and understanding atmosphere can contribute to the receptiveness (of employees) for cancer support. Show more

Keywords: Oncology, work participation, human-centered approach

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220566

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1519-1533, 2023

Authors: Fang, Fei | Huo, Faren | Feng, Yiran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Larger dual screens have been widely used during office work and their biomechanical exposure should be explored. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the biomechanical effect of two dual screen layouts on neck-shoulder muscle activity and the variability of head-neck posture in computer users. METHODS: A preliminary study of the user-preferred dual screen angles was carried out in V-shaped and L-shaped layouts. Twenty healthy participants aged 19 to 26 years were recruited and assigned to perform reading, typing, and searching tasks for 30 minutes in both workstation layouts. Electromyography was measured at bilateral cervical erector spinae (CES), sternocleidomastoid …(SCM), and upper trapezius (UT). The head-neck lateral bending, rotation, and flexion angles were recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate visual strain. RESULTS: The muscle activity at the left UT and right CES sites when using the V-shaped layout was significantly higher than the L-shaped. There were significant differences in head-neck rotation and flexion angles between the two layouts in reading and typing tasks. In the searching task, there was no significant difference in the head-neck rotation and flexion angles between the two layouts. The visual strain score was significantly higher in the V-shaped layout. CONCLUSION: The CES and UT muscles displayed higher levels of activation while using the V-shaped layout in comparison to the L-shaped layout. The head-neck rotation and flexion angles differed due to varied types of work when using V-shaped and L-shaped layouts. Show more

Keywords: Electromyography, muscle fatigue, kinematics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220585

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1535-1546, 2023

Authors: Bolis, Ivan | Eickhoff, Maud | Leite, Wilza Karla dos Santos | Sznelwar, Laerte Idal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There are companies that can be considered financially successful while creating negative externalities for their workers. This is the case of contact centers. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to investigate the challenges for a service company (such as a contact center) in reconciling its economic and financial objectives with the promotion of the work dimension, guaranteeing workers the possibility of professional, collective, and human development. METHODS: This research has a qualitative ethnographic approach. An activity-centered work analysis method, also known as “Ergonomic Work Analysis” (EWA), was carried out in one of the largest …companies in the Brazilian contact center market. RESULTS: The case shows that the achievement of economic-financial objectives of the analyzed company is mainly done by harming the well-being of its workers. In particular, the work of the attendants did not bring any development perspective for them. The prevalence of instrumental rationality in decision-making processes and the asymmetry of power relations between stakeholders are the main reasons why workers’ well-being is not considered. CONCLUSION: The discussion proposes that work-related sciences, such as ergonomics and psychodynamics of work, can bring another type of rationality to the decision-making processes of companies. The work also needs to be sustainable enough to allow the construction and development of professionals, and the health of working population, while improving the company’s performance. Show more

Keywords: Call center, ergonomic work analysis, rationalities in decision-making process, psychodynamic of work, power-relations

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220598

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1547-1563, 2023

Authors: Dong, Shengli | Meros, Theodore | Seenath, Sarika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite the protections afforded by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), workers who are deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) face workplace challenges that may require the aid of workplace resources and accommodations. Limited research has been conducted to understand the process of accommodation requests among DHH workers. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study examined barriers and facilitators to requesting accommodations among DHH workers. METHODS: Fifty-nine DHH workers, recruited from organizations serving DHH workers across U.S., participated in the study. Participants’ open-ended survey responses were analyzed and coded into themes representing barriers or facilitators to participants’ decisions to request …or withhold requests for accommodations. RESULTS: Facilitators to accommodation request include an employee’s effective use of self-efficacy and self-advocacy; supportive work environments; and the presence of peers with disabilities. Barriers to accommodation requests include the anticipation of negative perception of stigmatization in the workplace; lack of knowledge related to accommodations and ADA; absence of workplace support; ineffectual workplace structure, policies, or procedures; concerns surrounding costs; and physical and access barriers in the workplace. CONCLUSION: To fulfill the workers’ rights as guaranteed by the ADA, and to best serve the interests of the workplace, strategies are highlighted on how to assist DHH employees to take advantage of workplace accommodations with aims to promote job retention and success. Show more

Keywords: Hearing impairment, accommodation request, challenges, supports

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220632

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1565-1578, 2023

Authors: Al’Saani, Syed Muhammad Ashraf Jahangeer | Raza, Lubna | Fatima, Khunsha | Khan, Sehar | Fatima, Mudebbera | Ali, Syeda Nimrah | Amin, Mehreen | Siddiqui, Maheen | Liaquat, Amna | Siddiqui, Fatima | Naveed, Wajeeha | Naqvi, Tahira | Bibi, Zainab

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cell phone usage is highly prevalent among young adults. They are used for multiple purposes including communication, studies, social networking and entertainment. However, its excessive usage has been associated with adverse health outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to find the association of cell phone usage with musculoskeletal discomfort (MSD) and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on young adult students from a low-middle income country over a period of 3 months from December 2018 to February 2019. A structured questionnaire based on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH scoring) …was used to record the musculoskeletal discomfort. RESULTS: Out of 803 questionnaires, data of 754 (94%) were entered and the remaining questionnaires (n  = 49) were discarded due to incomplete answers. The mean age was 20.83 (1.62) years. In our study, there were 194 (25.7%) males and 560 (74.3%) female participants. Neck and shoulder were the most frequently affected regions. A significant difference in QuickDASH score was observed between genders (p -value p  ≤ 0.001). Left-handed individuals scored significantly higher on QuickDASH score compared to right-handed individuals (p  < 0.05). Increased musculoskeletal discomfort was reported by individuals with daily cell phone use of more than four hours (p  < 0.05). A positive significant correlation was found between continuous one hour cell-phone use and higher mean QuickDASH scores (correlation coefficient 0.124, p value 0.001). Shorter eye-to-screen distance was significantly associated with MSD (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal discomfort is associated with the female gender, duration of cell phone use and a small eye-to-screen distance. Show more

Keywords: Ergonomics, neck pain, head posture, smartphone, adolescent

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220661

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1579-1588, 2023

Authors: Toczko, Michael | Fyock-Martin, Marcie | McCrory, Stuart | Martin, Joel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work-related stress experienced by firefighters is associated with numerous health issues. In the general population, improving physical fitness is associated with improvements in both mental and physical quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to examine whether fitter professional firefighters report greater physical and mental quality of life. METHODS: Twenty-three professional firefighters (males = 21, females = 2; age: 36.78±7.12yrs; height: 176.96±5.67 cm; weight: 88.20±16.02 kg; years of service: 8.70±6.62years) volunteered for the study. Participants completed a fitness protocol that included the wall sit and reach, Y-balance test, vertical jump, 1 repetition maximum bench press, pull-ups to …failure, push-ups to failure, a plank hold and 1-mile run. The short form 36 questionnaire was used to assess overall quality of life. Firefighters were divided into “high” and “low” groups for physical and mental quality of life. Group differences in fitness parameters were assessed using a multivariate analysis of covariance with gender, age, years of service, height, and body mass as co-variates. RESULTS: Firefighters with lower mental quality of life had lower body fat percentages (p  = 0.003), fat mass (p  = 0.036), greater fat free mass (p  = 0.015), vertical jump height (p  = 0.024) and performed more pull-ups (p  = 0.003). There were no significant differences in any of the fitness measures between high and low physical quality of life groups. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that physical fitness of firefighters is not indicative of overall health. Firefighters might use exercise to cope for psychological stress and a holistic approach to improve firefighter quality of life is recommended. Show more

Keywords: Body composition, mental health, physical health, wellbeing, emergency responders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220673

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1589-1596, 2023

Authors: Liu, Yanjia | Han, Yanhong | Xiong, Lijuan | Ma, Qianyun | Mei, Lulu | Chong, Mei Chan | Che, Chong Chin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adaption to clinical work during the internship can induce several stressors among medical students, especially in the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Particularly, job stress could be linked to the development of psychological traits and the formation of the professional identity of medical interns. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the relationship between job stress, psychological capital, and professional identity through a mediation analysis of Chinese medical interns. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 hospitals and clinics in China from June 2021 to March 2022. A total of 665 …medical interns filled out questionnaires related to demographic questions, psychological capital, job stress, and professional identity. Data analysis was executed using the IBM SPSS version 22.0 software and its add-in PROCESS Windows version 4.0. RESULTS: The findings indicated a statistically significant mediating effect of psychological capital between job stress and professional identity. Job stress and job stress combined with psychological capital accounted for 5.3% and 37.9%, respectively, of the variance in professional identity. The bootstrapping method corroborated the significance of the indirect effect of job stress through psychological capital (95% bootstrap CI  = –4.7921, –2.4345). CONCLUSION: The current findings underscore the need for increased attention on improving the psychological capital of medical interns. Show more

Keywords: Mediation analysis, medical students, professional role, psychological resilience, occupational stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230022

Citation: Work, vol. 76, no. 4, pp. 1597-1604, 2023