Work - Volume 78, issue 3

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246012

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 545-546, 2024

Authors: Caterino, Mario | Mosaferchi, Saeedeh | Mortezapour, Alireza

Article Type: Editorial

Keywords: Occupational health, artificial intelligence, sustainable development, ergonomics, user-centered design, information technology, industrial development, international labor organization

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240138

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 547-549, 2024

Authors: Syed, Jammaluddin | Khan, Erum | Kayal, Rayyan A. | Al Amoudi, Ahmed | Nasir, Muhammad | Hassan, Nisreen Nabiel | Alsadi, Fahad Mohammad | Ali, Saqib

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Globally, educational institutes have been obliged to make a quick transition from traditional face-to-face teaching to e-learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has purportedly created various barriers to achieving desired learning outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding online and physical learning in Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. The study comprised dental students from 1st to 4th years who were above the age of 18 and of either gender. The Google Forms questionnaire was created …to evaluate the quality and efficiency of online and physical learning among dentistry undergraduates. RESULTS: In a survey of 246 students, 70.3% strongly agreed that they would prefer face-to-face instruction over e-learning. There was a statistically significant difference in the improvement of students’ technical skills (p  = 0.01), accessibility to instructors (p  = 0.01) and classmates (p  = 0.02), value of technology (p  = 0.03), improvement of oral communication skills (p  = 0.01), promotion of hybrid model learning after the pandemic (p  = 0.01), and utilization of tutorial services (p  = 0.04) between different year of study. CONCLUSION: Pakistani dental students indicated satisfaction with numerous aspects of e-learning, such as technical skills, accessibility to instructors and classmates, the value of technology, improvement of oral communication skills, promotion of hybrid model learning, and utilization of tutorial services compared to face-to-face education concerning the year of study. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, e-learning, face to face instruction, online education, physical classes, technology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220634

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 551-558, 2024

Authors: Leite, Carla Cesar Fontes | Coutinho, Milena Oliveira | Fernandes, Denise Vasconcelos | Souza, Luiz Humberto Rodrigues | Costa, Laura Emmanuela Lima | Santos, Klaus Araújo | dos Santos, Rafaela Gomes | das Mercês, Magno Conceição | Figueiredo, Maria Aparecida Araújo | Cavalcante Neto, Jorge Lopes

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sleep alterations are common in college students, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic factors may predict these alterations in this population. OBJECTIVE: To identify the sociodemographic factors and health characteristics associated with the number of hours of sleep of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out with 244 university students from a multicampi public university in the State of Bahia, Northeast Brazil. Data collection was performed online and participants answered a specific questionnaire to assess sleep hours, sociodemographic and health variables. RESULTS: Significant associations were observed …between hours of sleep and older students (odds ratio adjusted –ORaj: 3.75; 95% Confidence Interval –CI: 1.81–7.75; p  < 0.01), attending the final semesters (ORaj: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.05–3.25; p  < 0.03), and who reported having some disease (ORaj: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.05–4.50; p  < 0.03) with greater chances of getting less sleep. However, those who used tobacco (ORaj: 0.08; 95% CI: 0.01–0.45; p  < 0.001) were likely to have more hours of sleep per night. CONCLUSION: Sleep restriction was common among participating college students, which has likely intensified due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions. This encourages specific public health actions, contemplating the health and hours of sleep of this population. Show more

Keywords: Psychological stress, sleep quality, health promotion, young adults, student health services, pandemic, public health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220648

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 559-567, 2024

Authors: Claassen, Kevin | Wrede, Sammy J.S. | Kettschau, Jan P. | dos Anjos, Dominique Rodil | Broding, Horst C.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital working methods were increasingly implemented within the setting of German public administrations. Beyond the ostensible risk of infection, a high psychological burden arose for the employees. OBJECTIVE: A subsequent progression of mental strain is to be estimated as a residual effect (approximated by controlling other influencing factors) due to the impossibility of a counterfactual control group. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in 2020 and repeated in 2021 among a cohort of n  = 706 employees of 38 departments of three public administrations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Mental strain was assessed …by the Wuppertal Screening Instrument. Its temporal variation was operationalized as the intercept of a first-difference multiple regression model. Unit of analysis was the department level. RESULTS: The prevalence of suboptimal and dysfunctional strain increased from 71% to 73%. The multiple regression model showed a significant increase whilst controlling the influence of socio-demographic changes on the department level. Children, age and educational level were significant predictors. R2 indicated that about 40% of the variance in the temporal variation of mental strain could be explained. CONCLUSION: The observed factors explained a significant proportion of the increase in mental strain in German public administrations. Still, far more than half of the increase stemmed from external influences which were largely determined by pandemic conditions and latency effects remain still to be seen. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, psychological stress, mental health, occupational health, occupational medicine, public health, digital technology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230165

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 569-577, 2024

Authors: Koyuncu, Aynur | Elagöz, İslam | Yava, Ayla

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a significant increase in the use of latex gloves among nurses. However, concerns about the rise in latex allergies and related complaints due to this increase remain uncertain. OBJECTİVE: This study aims to assess the rates of latex glove usage and allergy-related complaints among nurses working in hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Between May 15 and June 15, 2021, ethical approvals were obtained for a cross-sectional study involving 448 volunteer nurses. Descriptive statistics were used to represent categorical values as counts (n) and percentages (%), while …continuous values were represented as mean±standard deviation. The normal distribution of the data was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Comparative analyses were conducted using paired sample t -test, Pearson’s chi-squared (x2 ) test, McNemar’s chi-squared (x2 ) test, and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: Before the pandemic, the average number of invasive procedures was 45.13±26.48, whereas during the pandemic, this rate increased to 50.23±29.14. The average glove usage duration went from 7.69±3.13 hours to 14.73±3.68 hours during the pandemic. Among nurses, the rate of allergic symptoms, which was previously at 31.5%, rose to 33.3% during the pandemic. CONCLUSİON: This study revealed a significant increase in daily invasive procedures and the use of latex gloves among nurses during the pandemic period. Simultaneously, the frequency of allergic symptoms also rose. These findings underscore the importance of awareness and preventive measures, particularly regarding latex allergies, in the healthcare field. Show more

Keywords: Allergy, latex, latex gloves, rubber latex allergies, coronavirus, nursing

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230235

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 579-589, 2024

Authors: Gümüşsoy, Süreyya | Keskin, Gülseren | Öztürk, Ruşen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the physical, mental, and social well-being of humans worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between the fear of COVID-19 and mental state of female employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 726 participants. Data was collected using the Personal Information Form, fear of COVID-19 scale, and brief symptom inventory. RESULTS: The fear experienced by women during the social isolation and quarantine period was associated with depression, anxiety, somatization, obsessive-compulsive disorder, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, phobic anxiety and …paranoid experiences. CONCLUSION: Women, young people, the elderly and single individuals were most likely affected psychologically during the pandemic. Thus, interventions and psychological evaluations are recommended at an early stage to minimize this effect. Such interventions must be implemented considering the strategic planning and coordination of risk groups. Show more

Keywords: Fear, coronavirus, psychology, female, employees

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230306

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 591-600, 2024

Authors: Zand, Sepideh | Motlagh, Masoud Shafiee | Golmohammadi, Rostam | Aliabadi, Mohsen | Tapak, Leili | Babamiri, Mohammad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Using medical gowns with high protection against COVID-19 among healthcare workers (HCWs) may limit heat exchange, resulting in physiological challenges. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the physiological and neurophysiological responses of female HCWs when using two typical medical gowns at different temperatures during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Twenty healthy female HCWs participated in this study. Participants wore two types of medical gowns: Spunbond gown (SG) and laminate gown (LG). They walked on a treadmill in a controlled climate chamber for 30 minutes at three different temperatures (24, 28, and 32°C). Heart rate (HR), skin …surface temperature (ST), clothing surface temperature (CT), ear temperature (ET), blood oxygen percentage (SaO2), galvanic skin response (GSR), and blood pressure were measured before and after walking on a treadmill. The study’s results were analyzed using SPSS26. RESULTS: The study found that LG led to an average increase of 0.575°C in CT compared to SG at the same temperatures (P  < 0.03). The average HR increased by 6.5 bpm in LG at 28°C compared to SG at a comfortable temperature (P  = 0.01). The average ET in SG and GSR in LG at 32°C increased by 0.39°C and 0.25μS, respectively, compared to the comfortable temperature (P  < 0.02). CONCLUSION The study recommends maintaining a comfortable temperature range in hospitals to prevent physiological challenges among HCWs wearing medical gowns with high protection against COVID-19. This is important because using LG, compared to SG, at high temperatures can increase HR, ET, CT, and GSR. Show more

Keywords: Heat stress, strain, comfort, health personnel, personal protective equipment, hospitals

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230360

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 601-612, 2024

Authors: Rikos, Nikos | Mema, Erion | Triantafyllou, Christos | Kleftonikolou, Hellen | Mazaraki, Emmanouella | Gounelas, Giorgos | Kourlaba, Georgia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mental health of healthcare professionals has emerged as an issue of great concern. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement among healthcare professionals in two Greek hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2021 in two public hospitals in Greece. To assess the levels of professional quality of life, psychological well-being, and work engagement, respondents completed the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5 (ProQOL-V), the Psychological Well-being (PWB) scale, and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale …(UWES-17). RESULTS: A total of 150 questionnaires were distributed, and 102 were returned (response rate: 68%). It was found that as burnout levels increased, the levels of work engagement decreased (rho = –0.36, p -value < 0.01). Higher levels of compassion satisfaction were associated with higher work engagement (rho = 0.48, p -value < 0.01). Multivariable analysis revealed that healthcare personnel’s contact with patients or service users exposed to or who have experienced traumatic events was associated with less positive relationships with others (and, consequently, lower levels of psychological well-being) (p -value = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare professionals in the two public hospitals in Greece, experienced moderate levels of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their psychological well-being was also found to be moderate, and their levels of work engagement were moderate to high. Supporting the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare professionals is essential for their ability to provide high-quality care in times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, healthcare professionals, Greece, professional quality of life, psychological well-being, work engagement

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230386

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 613-624, 2024

Authors: Chellappa, Vigneshkumar | Mésároš, Peter | Spišáková, Marcela | Kaleja, Pavol | Špak, Matej

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digital technologies (DTs) have gained recognition for educating and training individuals, covering multiple areas in construction sector to enhance safety performance. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) focusing on DTs utilized for safety education and training in the construction sector since 2000 and explore their various application areas. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to conduct SLR and fifty-nine articles were identified. This study describes the research trends through bibliometric analysis, encompassing aspects such as annual publication counts, document sources, …influential authors and documents, countries of origin, and prevalent research areas. RESULTS: The results revealed that immersive virtual reality (VR) technology has seen extensive utilization in educating and training individuals. In the context of application areas, most DTs concentrated on augmenting individuals’ proficiency in recognizing hazards. CONCLUSION: The findings summarized the primary research domains, deliberated upon prevailing research gaps, and proposed forthcoming directions for applying DTs in safety training. The suggested future directions can potentially enhance safety training effectiveness within the construction firm. Show more

Keywords: Safety education, construction firm, extended reality, workplace safety, digital technologies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220698

Citation: Work, vol. 78, no. 3, pp. 625-639, 2024