Work - Volume 77, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246005

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1047-1048, 2024

Authors: Raei, Mehdi | Shahrbaf, Mohammad Amin | Salaree, Mohammad Mehdi | Yaghoubi, Maryam | Parandeh, Akram

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational burnout is one of the most important consequences of the coronavirus disease pandemic, associated with psychological well-being, quality of care, and intention to leave the nursing profession. This is a major health problem with serious adverse consequences not only for nurses but also for patients and healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE: To assess burnout and its associated factors in nurses who worked in teaching hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses of two COVID-19 referral hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Data were collected using the sociodemographic form and Maslach …burnout inventory-human service survey (MBI-HSS) questionnaire. Data were evaluated using SPSS software version 26. RESULTS: A total of 264 participants, 52.7% (n  = 139) were males and the mean of them age was 34.41±9.71 years. Almost 50% of nurses experienced burnout, in each dimension. Emotional exhaustion was associated significantly with job retention intention (P  = 0.01) and depersonalization was significantly associated with gender (P  = 0.02), age (P  = 0.01), educational level (P  = 0.004), work shifts (P  = 0.006), and job retention intention (P  = 0.02). In addition, personal accomplishment score was significantly associated with age (P  = 0.002), marital status (P  = 0.03), educational level (P  = 0.03), work shift (P  = 0.04) and job retention intention (P  = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The burnout rate in the COVID-19 era is high among nurses associated with improper care. Psychosocial support is needed to improve mental well-being among health care workers during unpredictable conditions like pandemics. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, psychological, professional, COVID-19, nurses, prevalence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220001

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1049-1057, 2024

Authors: Ma, Lijun | Wang, Huixue | Zhang, Mi | Zu, Zhenyue | Yang, Linxi | Chen, Fenglan | Wei , Wenzhuo | Li, Xiaoming

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, university students have been exposed to a heightened vulnerability towards developing psychological issues, such as psychological distress and shyness. Internet-based interventions offer a convenient avenue for scalability, thus prompting the development of a smartphone-based hypnotic intervention aimed at addressing shyness among university students. OBJECTIVE: We devised an innovative smartphone-based hypnotic intervention called mHypnosis to examine its impact on shyness among undergraduate students. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether the apprehension of negative evaluations before treatment could serve as a predictor for the effectiveness of the intervention on shyness. …METHODS: Eighty students with high shyness scores were randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group. Another 40 participants with low shyness score were selected as the baseline group. The Shyness Scale (SS), Fear of Negative evaluation scale (FNE), Self-Acceptance Questionnaire (SAQ), and Self-Esteem Scale (SES) were used to evaluate the effect of hypnotic intervention. RESULTS: Before the intervention, the scores of the experimental and control groups on the SS, FNE, SAQ, and SES were higher than those in the baseline group (p  < 0.05). There was no significant difference in scores between the experimental and control group (p  > 0.05 ). After the intervention, the scores of the SS, FNE, SAQ, and SES were significantly lower in the experimental group than those in the control group (p  < 0.05). The pretest score of FNE could predict the shyness score after hypnotic intervention (B  = 0.35, p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Smartphone-based hypnotic intervention had a significant effect on ameliorating shyness during the COVID-19 pandemic; fear of negative evaluation can be a target for treating shyness. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, hypnotherapy, randomized controlled trial, shyness mind, smartphone app, university student

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220686

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1059-1069, 2024

Authors: Gisour, Bita Bagheri | Ghayour Najafabadi, Mahboubeh | Zandi, Hassan Gharayagh | Shaw, Ina

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of teleconsultation platforms enabling health professionals to provide advice especially in the new normal post COVID-19 situation has increased in both developing and developed countries. This teleconsultation has also expanded beyond that of post COVID-19 application to other purposes such as in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this commentary is to focus on presenting a feasible guide related to physical as well as psychological aspects in relation to computer based workers that could be taught to the computer-based workers using teleconsultation platforms. METHODS: A multi-criteria search was performed among …available guidelines and approaches related to the physical and psychological aspects used for computer-based workers. RESULTS: A continuation of musculoskeletal pain creates a feedforward loop of pain and distress. Several conventional methods exist to manage musculoskeletal pain, however, the new normal situation following COVID-19 has rendered many of these moot, especially in computer based workers and with the increased reliance on teleconsultation platforms. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals were required to stay home due to varying levels of lockdown protocols and provide their usual services using online platforms both increasing sedentary behaviour in computer based workers and limiting the tools available to health professionals. Following in what is now the worldwide new normal post COVID-19 situation, individuals have adapted and accepted that they receive much of their necessary health advice using teleconsultation platforms as well. Show more

Keywords: Teleconsultation, telehealth, computer based workers, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230033

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1071-1074, 2024

Authors: Hassan, Imad Salah | Elamin, Mohammed Elfatih Mohammed | Awad, Ahmed Hani Mubarak | Abdelgadir, Mukhtar Mohamedsalih Mukhtar | Ahmed, Mustafa Awadalla Ibrahim | Ayyad, Fatima Abdalrahman Adam Ali | Salih, Khadija Bushra Salim | Ishag, Rayan Mohammed Abdullah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employee disengagement in healthcare and business is currently at unexceptionally high levels worldwide. Disengagement negatively impacts productivity, profitability, efficiency (waste reduction), innovation, quality, customer satisfaction and experience, staff well-being, safety, mortality, staff attendance, and turnover. Despite its serious detrimental impacts, no dedicated competency-based training curriculum exists for engagement as a competency. OBJECTIVE: To develop a competency-based educational curriculum for an Engagement Competency. METHODS: A curricular roadmap comprising the following steps was observed 1. Identifying the desired outcomes needed of trainees. These must help fulfill all the Q12 Gallup survey engagement items. 2. Explicitly defining the …required Competencies, Entrustable Professional Activities, and Milestones, 3. Selecting the educational activities, and instructional methods, 4. Selecting the tools to assess progress along the milestones, and finally, 5. Designing an evaluation system to assess the outcomes of the engagement competency program. RESULTS: We developed an Engagement Competency Framework with 7 Entrustable Professional activities “rationally and practically” arranged. These are: Envision E1, Embrace E2, Empower E3, Enlighten E4, Empathize E5, Energize E6, and Evaluate E7 (the 7Es). CONCLUSION: The unfortunate global issue of disengagement in healthcare and in the business arena may be practically tackled by introducing Engagement Competency and training. It should be compulsory for all in the “leadership role". Such training may lead to remarkable performance improvement and a happier, more prosperous, and safer world. Show more

Keywords: Competency-based education, organizational change management, leadership

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230215

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1075-1087, 2024

Authors: Mutlu, Caner | Birinci, Tansu | Senel, Aybike | Mustafaoglu, Rustem | Bulanık Koc, Esra | Karacetin, Gul | Kaya Mutlu, Ebru

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Internet gaming disorder (IGD) leads to social disturbances and isolation, neglect of daily responsibilities, behavioral disorders, and physical impairments. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the effect of IGD on spine biomechanics, range of motion in the neck and low back, and lung functions and respiratory muscle strength in children and adolescents. METHODS: Sixty-four children and adolescents with IGD (Group I) and 41 healthy controls (Group II) were included in the study. The outcomes were assessed with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Internet Addiction Scale, active range of motion (AROM) in the neck and lumbar …spine, posture and spinal alignment, lung function tests, and respiratory muscle strength. RESULTS: There is a significant difference in pain intensity at rest, during activity, and daily sitting time between groups (p  < 0.05). Craniovertebral angle, shoulder asymmetry, thoracic kyphosis angle, cervical extension and rotation, and right lumbar rotation significantly decreased in Group I than in Group II (p  < 0.05). Besides, the PEF, FEF 25–75%, and respiratory muscle strength were lower in Group I than in Group II (p  < 0.05). With a multiple linear regression model, MEP, FEV1, and weekly time spent playing online games were significant predictors of internet addiction intensity (R 2  = 0.28; p  = 0.02, p  = 0.01, and p  < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Postural misalignment and increased sedentary time cause physical health deterioration and negatively affect lung functions in children and adolescents with IGD. Consequently, considering both psychological and physical health is necessary to assess the problematic nature of internet gaming. A comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary team approach is essential to managing the IGD. Show more

Keywords: Biomechanics, posture, lung function tests, spine, internet addiction disorder, child psychiatry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220652

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1089-1099, 2024

Authors: Modise, Gofaone Lady | Uys, Kitty | Masenge, Andries | du Plooy, Eileen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Fund Botswana compensates claimants who lose their incomes due to road traffic accidents. In Botswana, road traffic accidents are becoming more frequent, and the MVA Fund is experiencing escalating claims. We describe the demographic characteristics of loss of income (LOI) claimants of the MVA Fund Botswana. We assess whether demographic characteristics are related to return to work (RTW). OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively reviewed records of MVA Fund claimants and extracted demographic information. We investigated the demographic profile and the relationship between demographic information and RTW. METHODS: We reviewed …432 LOI claims received by MVA Fund from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020. We descriptively analysed the demographic profiles of claimants. We used a univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between independent demographic variables and the dependent variable, RTW. RESULTS: MVA Fund claimants were on average 37-years-old. Claimants were mostly from low-income socio-economic backgrounds. RTW was significantly associated with injury severity, type of injury, and having a RTW plan offer. The final predictors of RTW, using logistic regression, were time away from work and severity of injury. CONCLUSION: In Botswana, claimants who had severe injuries and who stayed away from work for longer were less likely to RTW. The MVA Fund Botswana must recognise the demographic profiles of claimants which are likely to influence RTW. Show more

Keywords: Return to work, insurance claims, administrative claims, case management, traumatic injuries, absenteeism

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220712

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1101-1114, 2024

Authors: Alwadeai, Khalid S.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Although several studies have found a link between parental or workplace smoking and asthma risk, particularly in children and adolescents, only a few studies have found this link in adults. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the associations of sociodemographic factors, health behavior, and parental or workplace smoking with adult asthma risk in the United States (US). METHODS: A secondary data analysis on 874 participants aged 25–45 was performed using data from the 2011–2014 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States Refresher. Participants were divided into smokers and nonsmokers. Participants were further divided …into groups A (a father or mother with a smoking history) and B (others in the house or colleagues in the workplace who had a smoking history). RESULTS: Findings from the FREQ procedure revealed that sociodemographic (female, black, school or college education, unmarried/divorced, and employed) and lifestyle (no alcohol intake, physically inactive, and obese) and clinical (diabetes and joint disease) factors were significantly associated with one- or more-fold odds of asthma among adult smokers than nonsmokers. Adult smokers in group A, particularly females, those with a high school or college education, physically inactive, and overweight or obese, had a higher risk of asthma than those in group B. CONCLUSION: Adult smokers’ risk of developing asthma is increased in the US by having smoked with their parents, being a woman, being black, having a school or college education, being single or divorced, working, not drinking alcohol, being physically inactive, being obese, having diabetes, and having a joint disease. Show more

Keywords: Asthma, parental smoking, workplace smoking, sociodemographic, health behavior, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230026

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1115-1124, 2024

Authors: Udin, Udin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Transformational leadership and organizational learning culture have become exciting topics to be explored over the last few decades. However, several previous studies have shown certain inconclusive findings regarding the link between transformational leadership and organizational learning culture. OBJECTIVE: This study fills this gap by developing a clear model and aims to examine the extent of the impact of (1) transformational leadership on organizational learning culture and intrinsic work motivation, (2) intrinsic work motivation on organizational learning culture, (3) intrinsic work motivation in mediating and moderating the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational learning culture. METHODS: …The data of this study are collected from employees working at the community health center in Indonesia. A partial least squares (PLS) based structural equation modeling (SEM) technique is used to analyze the data by utilizing the SmartPLS 3.0 software package. RESULTS: First, the results concluded that transformational leadership has a significant impact on organizational learning culture and intrinsic work motivation. Second, intrinsic work motivation has a significant impact on organizational learning culture. Third, intrinsic work motivation fully mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational learning culture. Also, intrinsic work motivation moderates these variables’ relationships. CONCLUSION: The theoretical model of previous research on the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational learning culture with intrinsic work motivation as a mediator and moderator variable has yet to be fully developed both in public and private organizations, particularly in the health sector. Show more

Keywords: Transformational leadership, employee, community health center, PLS-SEM

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230047

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1125-1134, 2024

Authors: Hrehová, Laura | Bušková, Jitka | Seifert, Bohumil | Mezian, Kamal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sleep hygiene habits and self-reported sleep quality of those who work from home have yet to be fully understood. As working from home was widely implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, the period might be a convenient model for studying the measures, as mentioned earlier. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess sleep hygiene habits and self-reported sleep quality in people working from home in March 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began. METHOD: This study was designed as a cross-sectional web-based survey. An anonymous questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic variables and questions about personal habits, e.g., exercise activities …and caffeine consumption. The outcome measures to assess sleep hygiene and sleep quality were the Sleep Hygiene Index (SHI) before and after the home office (HO) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: A total of 204 responses were received. The prevalence of significant sleep disturbance (PSQI > 5) was 51 %. The mean PSQI and SHI scores were 6.15±3.385 and 17.67±7.836, respectively. PSQI and SHI showed a significant mutual positive correlation at the level of significance p  < 0.001. The total score for SHI was similar before and after working from home (p  = 0.982). However, differences were observed in its components. CONCLUSION: The total score on SHI did not change when compared before and during HO. However, working from home was associated with sleep hygiene malpractice in some individual components of SHI. On the other hand, some aspects of sleep hygiene behavior improved during HO. Show more

Keywords: Insomnia, home office, sleep hygiene index, PSQI, Pittsburgh sleep quality index

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230074

Citation: Work, vol. 77, no. 4, pp. 1135-1142, 2024