Work - Volume 77, issue 1

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246000

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2024

Authors: Niu, Long | Miraj, Muhammad | Chuntian, Lu | ur Rehman, Ramiz | Shereen, Saima

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Throughout history, the world has faced numerous health challenges and outbreaks, but through the dedication of medical professionals, solutions have been found. Despite this, the emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has presented a new and dangerous threat. Nevertheless, with unwavering commitment, health experts have triumphantly discovered a remedy. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine how religious workers worldwide could contribute positively to ensuring the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing vaccine hesitancy, encouraging people to get vaccinated, and preventing vaccine nationalism. METHOD: Our study employed a refined qualitative content analysis methodology to …categorize factual information and pave the way for subsequent policymakers. We meticulously curetted the most trustworthy secondary data sources and utilized them to analyze the study. RESULTS: The content analysis reveals that religious workers played an active role in the global coronavirus vaccination drive by working towards better vaccine distribution, encouraging people to get vaccinated and countering hesitation and nationalism. CONCLUSION: In light of the discoveries, it would be prudent for policymakers to engage religious workers in advancing the cause of public health, regardless of whether the health matters are localized, national, or global in scale. This strategy has the potential to be both alluring and convincing. Show more

Keywords: Vaccine dissemination, public awareness, vaccine denial, vaccine ethnocentricity, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230092

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 3-21, 2024

Authors: Kim, Hyojin | Kim, Se-Jin | Hwang, Sujin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ever since the start of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, students have been spending an increasingly longer time staring at electrical devices to take online courses. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the virtual class environment on eye and musculoskeletal problems in university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A total of 365 university students were enrolled in this study. They completed an online survey to examine the effects of online learning on eye and musculoskeletal health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaires consisted of four sections: demographic and general information, …environmental and work factors, device-related factors, and visual display terminal syndrome (VDTS). RESULTS: Participants have been taking online classes of 14.5 hours per week during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reported the mean daily usage of digital devices of 4.8±2.2 hours before the pandemic but this increased to 8.1±2.9 during the pandemic. Eye fatigue and neck, shoulder, and back pain have also been reported. The mean VDTS score was significantly influenced by gender, obesity, daily exercise, regular breaks, wear of blue light-blocking glasses, daily hours of electronic device use, and illumination of room. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that university students taking online classes suffered more from VDTS, especially in eye fatigue and neck, lower back, and shoulder pain during COVID-19 pandemic than prior. This study suggests that it is necessary to take breaks in online classes and regularly provide appropriate eye exercise and physical activity to prevent VDTS. Show more

Keywords: Eye fatigue, learning, lower back, musculoskeletal pain, neck, shoulder, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220265

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 23-36, 2024

Authors: Rossi, Luca | Zanetti, Margot | Pasca, Maria Giovina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In March 2020, with the scope to reduce the spread of COVID-19, most national governments around the world canceled in-person education and moved to online learning. Therefore, teachers and students had to adapt a new way of teaching. Most of Italian teachers never had such an experience before and encountered difficulties in effectively carrying out this process on their own. Difficulties that can naturally increase anxiety and stress, leading, in situations perceived as extreme, to burnout syndrome. OBJECTIVES: This paper endeavored to verify levels of job stress and burnout of Italian teachers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic …using the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory-General. This study aimed to measure the association among the three main dimensions of burnout and the variables of teachers’ personal and working lives that changed due to COVID-19. METHOD: The aim of this paper was to verify burnout state and to measure the association among the three dimensions of burnout and the personal and working lives of Italian teachers using structural equation model analysis. The analysis was conducted in December 2021 and considered the situation in which the Italian teachers (from primary to middle and upper school) are working since March 2020. RESULTS: The results showed that teachers were emotionally exhausted; they did not feel able to fully fulfill their task towards the students. This involved a high absenteeism, a lower quality of work performance and the impossibility of making an objective evaluation of the students with an inevitable flattening of the class level. In contrast, the study shows that teachers who experienced few problems had relatively low levels of burnout. CONCLUSION: The findings brought out some proposals to reduce the risk of burnout and increase the individual well-being of schoolwork organization with positive effects on the lives of students: to strengthen social identity, to avoid a full-time online connection, to promote a psychological support service and to promote resilience training. Show more

Keywords: Emotional stability, online learning, stress, burnout, COVID-19, well-being

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220394

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 37-47, 2024

Authors: Fannin, Austin | Hooley, Cole | Reeves, Cody J. | Marçal, Katherine | Treglown, Rachel | Woerner, Rachel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: While mental illness (e.g., depression, anxiety) has been examined frequently in the workplace, the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the attention towards mental illness. Mental well-being views mental health as a continuum from ill health to thriving. Few studies have examined factors associated with mental well-being in the workplace. Public stigma for mental illness, the general population’s negative attitude towards mental illness, and occupational burnout are examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between burnout and public stigma on mental well-being in a sample of employees across industries in the United States. …METHODS: Employees surveyed from 16 companies from various industries were assessed. Room Here, a non-profit organization whose goal is to improve employee mental fitness, gathered data from these companies located in the western mountain region of the U.S. Data were collected during the pandemic. Across this portfolio of companies, 259 employees were included in the sample. Survey assesses respondents’ mental well-being, stigma towards mental illness, and occupational burnout. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression was used in this cross-sectional study on secondary data. RESULTS: Results suggested occupational burnout was associated with a decrease in mental well-being, while public stigma was associated with an improvement in mental well-being. CONCLUSION: This study sought to examine the relationship between mental well-being, burnout, and public stigma. Employee burnout and public stigma were related to mental well-being. Implications for burnout and stigma reduction programs are discussed as well as future research. Show more

Keywords: Company, wellness, mental health, COVID-19, stigma, burnout, employees, non-profit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220507

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 49-59, 2024

Authors: Kinsman, Natasha | Marris, Nicole | Oakman, Jodi

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Utilisation of coworking spaces (CWS) was rising sharply prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to new work arrangements which involve a hybrid, work and home model, is likely to involve the use of alternative workspaces. Understanding the impacts of CWS on employees is timely to examine the benefits of utilisation and how these might be incorporated into new ways of working. This scoping review aims to explore the relationship between CWS, mental and physical health, and workers’ performance, and provide insights into future considerations for design. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to map the current literature …on CWS, focusing on identification of relevant modifiable factors to improve worker’s mental and physical health, and performance. METHOD: Three databases, Embase, PsycInfo, and Proquest, were systematically reviewed, to identify studies from 2005 onwards. Data was extracted and analysed using diagrammatic mapping. Only studies published in English were included. RESULTS: Eleven relevant papers were included which covered the three outcomes of interest: worker’s performance (5), mental health (4) and physical health (2). Environmental factors influencing the three outcomes were categorised into physical environment (12 factors) and the psychosocial environment (6 factors). Overall, CWS environmental factors had a positive influence on workers (23 positive relationships and 11 negative relationships). CONCLUSION: Coworking spaces offer potential benefits for tele-workers, including opportunities for collaboration/networking and productivity gains. However, attention to the CWS physical design is important to optimise the experience for workers and mitigate risk of adverse mental and physical health effects. Show more

Keywords: Tele-working, productivity, workplace, physical, psychosocial, hybrid working

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220353

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 61-75, 2024

Authors: Prabhu, Namdeo | Issrani, Rakhi | Bader, Alzarea K. | Albulayhid, Amjad Abdulrahman S. | Alfayyadh, Afrah Yousef | Alruwaili, Khluod Khalifah | Alruwaili, Khalid Hussain Ali | Albalawi, Ahmed Saleh

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Local anaesthesia is the anaesthetic technique most frequently used in dentistry. Advanced anaesthetic treatments like conscious sedation and/or general anaesthesia are required for major dental surgical procedures. Although general dentists are capable of administering local anaesthesia, additional training is needed for advanced anaesthetic procedures. It is generally disputed whether advanced anaesthetic techniques should be related to one or two dental specialties or whether they should receive a separate degree. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims at introducing the field of ‘dental anaesthesiology’ in routine dental practice as applicable within laws laid down for dental and medical specialities. …METHODS: Publications, articles and mouthpieces relevant to the topic of dental anaesthesiology were identified using various search engines like MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, and Web of Science. The terms used for the search were ‘Dental anaesthesiology’, ‘General anaesthesia’, and ‘Dental care’. Articles about dental treatment done under anaesthesia were only considered describing various anaesthesia techniques. Additionally, the authors being regular caregivers of dentistry including oral and maxillofacial surgeon have shared their personal experiences and information on the said theme. RESULTS: In total, 127 articles were found of which 33 were available as full texts. Unrelated articles from the available full text were excluded. Finally, 17 studies were incorporated into the review. Majority of dental anaesthesiologist has a positive and favourable attitude towards the profession. Pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and special needs dentistry are the fields with the highest service demand. Also, the field is lucrative if the practitioner is refined and provides sophisticated services. It is easier and time saving to train the dentists, especially the ones with oral and maxillofacial surgery background. CONCLUSION: A degree of dental anaesthesiologist will open new doors to the budding dentist seeking for jobs or wanting to provide the best outcome. Show more

Keywords: Dentists, paediatrics, pain, pain management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211464

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 77-83, 2024

Authors: Støren, Pernille G. | Grønningsæter, Hilde

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Worksite health promotion programs (WHPP) aiming to reduce presenteeism are rapidly increasing. However, program-efficacy seems impaired by lack of conceptual understanding and theoretical frameworks related to presenteeism. OBJECTIVES: To study (1) the concept of presenteeism, (2) the causes of the phenomenon and (3) which WHPP affect presenteeism. METHODS: We followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for mapping relevant literature in seven databases. The main search-terms were “worksite”, “WHPP”, “presenteeism”, “employee productivity” and “interventions”. Reviews and review of reviews were included and analysed according to research questions and ecological theory. RESULTS: Of 2196 studies identified, …14 reviews were included, comprising 1390 single studies. Conceptually, presenteeism was poorly defined, mostly related to productivity/performance limitations due to ill health. Factors causing presenteeism addressed individual health or lifestyle (78%), and, to a lesser extent work and organisational factors (management/job stress) (22%). Forty-five highly diverse WHPP were identified, about 90% focusing health outcomes. 22/45 WHPP affected presenteeism/productivity positively. Multi-component WHPP implemented at multi levels accounted for 55%. Single-component programs, implemented at individual level, were mostly targeting health-risk subgroups. No specific WHPP seems preferable. Methodological quality seems highly associated with worksite intervention-efficacy. CONCLUSION: Increased telework opportunities due to COVID-19 experiences has affected working conditions worldwide, for better and worse, requiring adaptions at employee, management, organisational and socio-cultural levels. Our results showed high program diversity, several adaptable to future needs (e.g., digital solutions), however hampered by narrow focus on individual health. Future research should focus on theory-based high quality multilevel WHPP comprising contextual, work, and organisational factors. Show more

Keywords: Worksite health, intervention, occupational programs, productivity loss, cost, sustainable, physical exercise, stress management

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220115

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 85-102, 2024

Authors: Hacay Chang, Alywin | Bolaños, Francisco | Sanchis-Almenara, Mercedes | Gómez-García, Antonio Ramón

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders constitute one of the major health problems of workers exposed to manual work throughout the world. Nevertheless, there is no study that maps its conceptual structure based on a systematic methodology. OBJECTIVE: To identify the conceptual structure of ergonomics, MSDs, treatment and return to work in manual jobs in the last 12 years by applying a systematic co-word network analysis methodology which describes the replicability of the search filters and emphasizes the rigor that has to be followed in the creation of the network. METHODS: The search filter was customized for each bibliographic …database, and followed the PRISMA 2020 flowchart for the screening process. For the creation of the network, the titles, abstracts, and keywords were used as the unit of analysis extracting the noun phrases of the first two units. In the normalization process, the terms of the search filter were deleted and their associated terms, and standardized the similar terms. Regarding the plotting of the network, Vosviewer was used applying the network settings based on content analysis. RESULTS: The co-word network shows three communities: Ergonomic assessment and workplace intervention tools, factors related to rehabilitation and return to work, and physical and mental overload management. For each community, there is a framework that explains the relationship within terms. CONCLUSION: This study is aligned with the replicability, robustness, and relevance recommendations in the implementation of rigorous scientometric studies. The occupational health community is encouraged to implement scientometric studies following a rigorous methodology and working in interdisciplinary team. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, conceptual structure, co-words analysis, science mapping, systematic review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220611

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 103-112, 2024

Authors: Ghanbari, Zahra | Abouee-Mehrizi, Amirreza | Rasoulzadeh, Yahya | Hokmabadi, Rajabali

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Job analysis is one of the most important and widely used processes to determine job duties, identify and reduce potential risks, and specify the skills and facilities required for each job at the highest level of occupational safety and health. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to perform psychometric analyses of the Persian version of the Fleishman Job Analysis Survey (FJAS). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 31 drivers. Participants were selected by random sampling. Ten occupational health and ergonomics experts confirmed the validity of the survey. First, we calculated the survey’s CVR and CVI. Then, …we used ICC and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients to evaluate the survey’s reliability. Data analysis utilized SPSS 21. RESULTS: 78% of the participants were male and 22% were female. The mean age±SD of the participants was 39.1±11.82 years. The reliability and validity of the short version survey showed that the value of ICC and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.96, and CVR was 0.75. Moreover, the values of CVI for simplicity, clarity, and relevance were 0.87, 1, and 0.73, respectively. The long version’s ICC and CVR were 0.96 and 0.97, respectively. Simplicity, clarity, and relevance CVI scores were 0.9, 0.94, and 0.95. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that the Persian version of the Fleischman Job Analysis Survey has the necessary validity and reliability for job analysis, so it can be used for driving professional or research purposes. Moreover, this survey is an effective tool for obtaining accurate and complete knowledge of job tasks and requirements. Show more

Keywords: Questionnaire, validity, reliability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220004

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 1, pp. 113-121, 2024