Work - Volume 79, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-246020

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1601-1601, 2024

Authors: Rossetto, Gianluca | Sala, Emma | Albertelli, Ivan Ferdinando | Donatoni, Claudio | Mazzali, Marco | Merlino, Valeria | Paraggio, Emilio | De Palma, Giuseppe | Lopomo, Nicola Francesco

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The impact of work-related tasks with potential biomechanical overload on the musculoskeletal system represents an essential socio-economical challenge. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aimed to map the current literature to identify musculoskeletal disorders and diseases among healthcare professionals and define the approaches used to assess these problems. METHODS: The analysis was developed according to the JBI methodologies for scoping reviews and reported following the PRISMA-ScR framework. RESULTS: We conducted specific searches on online databases; of the 357 articles initially identified, only 118 met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some discrepancies in their …unambiguous identification, the presence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in healthcare professionals is unequivocal. On the other hand, using technology as a supporting evaluation tool still needs to be explored. Furthermore, several improvements are required to enhance the quality of work and simplify the analysis across studies. Show more

Keywords: Healthcare professionals, musculoskeletal disorders, questionnaire, assessment technologies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230577

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1603-1612, 2024

Authors: Bhupal, Nake | Bures, Laura | Peterson, Emika | Nicol, Spencer | Figeys, Mathieu | Cruz, Antonio Miguel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a crucial component within return-to-work decision making. However, clinician-based physical FCE interpretation may introduce variability and biases. The rise of technological applications such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, could ensure consistent and precise results. OBJECTIVE: This review investigates the application of information and communication technologies (ICT) in physical FCEs specific for return-to-work assessments. METHODS: Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted across five databases, extracting study specifics, populations, and technological tools employed, through dual independent reviews. RESULTS: Nine studies were identified that used ICT in …FCEs. These technologies included electromyography, heart rate monitors, cameras, motion detectors, and specific software. Notably, although some devices are commercially available, these technologies were at a technology readiness level of 5–6 within the field of FCE. A prevailing trend was the combined use of diverse technologies rather than a single, unified solution. Moreover, the primary emphasis was on the application of technology within study protocols, rather than a direct evaluation of the technology usability and feasibility. CONCLUSION: The literature underscores limited ICT integration in FCEs. The current landscape of FCEs, marked by a high dependence on clinician observations, presents challenges regarding consistency and cost-effectiveness. There is an evident need for a standardized technological approach that introduces objective metrics to streamline the FCE process and potentially enhance its outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Information technology, return to work, machine learning, rehabilitation, artificial intelligence, work, bio-mechanics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230560

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1613-1626, 2024

Authors: Loka, Suraj Reddy | Doshi, Dolar | Kulkarni, Suhas | Reddy, Loka Sudarshan | Baldava, Pavan | Dasari, Tejaswini

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lorry drivers work tirelessly behind the wheels, commuting from one place to another without regular and adequate food, rest and sleep. These people often have odd working hours, long work shifts with frequent changes to their work schedule. In addition, they work in unfavorable climate conditions and face variety of problems like traffic congestions, vehicle fumes, vibrations and poor conditions of roads. Due to this hectic schedule they commonly fall prey to unhealthy lifestyle habits in the form of alcohol consumption, smoking, tobacco chewing etc. mainly to relieve stress. Considering all these factors, lorry drivers form a potential high …risk group for oral problems. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to assess the oral health status among lorry drivers in Hyderabad city. METHODS: A total of 611 subjects constituted the study population. Data collection included demographic details and assessment of dentition status, periodontal status and presence of oro-mucosal lesions using modified World Health Organization (WHO) Oral Health Assessment form, 2013. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) package version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were carried out for the demographic variables. Chi square test, Mann Whitney U test, Analysis of Variance and regression analysis determined the association and compared the mean scores based on variables. p  < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean dental caries experience was significantly higher among subjects above 40 years (3.11±2.49; p  < 0.01* ), and those with high school education (3.91±2.75; p  < 0.005* ). Likewise, a significant difference in the mean number of teeth with bleeding and pockets was observed based on age (p  < 0.01* ) and education (p  < 0.01* ). Subjects above 40 years and those with primary school education had significantly higher mean scores for loss of attachment (p  < 0.001* ). Oral submucous fibrosis on the buccal mucosa was the most commonly seen oral lesion. Regression analysis revealed subjects above 40 years, with high school education and a history of tobacco and alcohol consumption to have higher odds for DMFT, poor periodontal health and oral mucosal lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that lorry drivers had a high prevalence of dental caries, poor periodontal status and oro-mucosal lesions. Therefore, it creates an alarming need to focus on these high risk groups with special emphasis on primary oral health care programs to prevent accumulation of health care demands among them. Show more

Keywords: Oral health status, occupation, education, periodontal health, stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210849

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1627-1635, 2024

Authors: Jit, Param | Singh, Sumanjeet | Goel, Sonia | Gupta, Apoorva

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Education is crucial for empowering women in the labour market. However, the choice of occupation may not always necessarily be determined by their level of education. OBJECTIVE: The present study seeks to answer two important questions: (1) Does education help in determining occupational choices of women working in the informal sector? (2) How do factors like number of dependents in the family, woman staying with family, migration status of a woman and the use of networks in the job-search process, affect the occupational choices of women working in the informal sector? METHOD: The study utilised …the data collected from 476 women, working in the urban informal sector of three northern States of India. We have estimated multinomial Probit model to analyse the data. RESULTS: This paper argues that education level cannot be the sole premise for a woman to have a better occupational choice within the informal sector. Other factors play a relatively significant role in determining the choice of occupation by a woman. CONCLUSION: Working women in the urban informal sector have less autonomy in the choice of their occupation and the education levels alone cannot help in providing access to more hygienic, career enriching and well-paying options to them. Show more

Keywords: Education, unemployment, occupational choices, networks, informal sector, labour, migration, I26, J24, D89, J46

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220483

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1637-1652, 2024

Authors: Kumar, Guru Prakash | Thangavelu, Ramesh Babu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In India’s fast-growing economy, the construction sector offers significant developments with huge employment opportunities but poses risks due to poor working environments and uncomfortable postures. Traditional methods, such as manual material handling, can lead to health hazards and musculoskeletal disorders such as overexertion, low back pain, etc. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the working postures of unorganized employees engaged in residential buildings using Ergofellow software and to recommend changes in their unsafe working postures. METHODS: Participants’ working positions were video recorded and the postures were analyzed using Rapid Upper Limb Assessment …(RULA), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) and Ovako Working Posture Analysis (OWAS). Paired sample t -tests were used to analyze significant differences between the RULA and REBA scores after the ergonomic interventions were implemented. RESULTS: From the analysis of RULA, REBA and OWAS, the working postures showed a high risk of potential injury and required an immediate change in employees’ working postures. The RULA and REBA scores were subsequently lower after the ergonomic interventions, which were based on ergonomic and safety principles. The paired sample t -tests with p -values of less than 0.05 demonstrated decreased risks after ergonomic interventions. CONCLUSION: Working postures of the construction workers exposed to musculoskeletal disorders were examined and the ergonomic interventions were implemented. According to the recommendations, working positions were changed, and employee well-being was enhanced by reduced operational risks. Show more

Keywords: Working postures, ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders, overexertion, low back pain, unorganized sectors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220557

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1653-1664, 2024

Authors: Imeshtari, Valentin | Imeshtari, Anila | La Torre, Giuseppe

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the last years cardiovascular risk has decreased in grown adults and elderly while it seems to be rising among young adults. OBJECTIVE: to assess the 10-year cardiovascular risk (CVR) in young healthcare professionals at the teaching hospital in Rome, using two scores, and identify possible determinants in order to design and implement preventive strategies. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out between January 2019 and July 2020. Participants underwent medical history collection, physical examination, and blood tests. CVR was calculated using CUORE and Framingham Risk Scores. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted having …the scores as dependent variables. Diagnostic tests were used for checking model assumptions. RESULTS: The study was carried out including 525 participants, 58.5% physicians and 32.1% nurses. Multivariate analysis was carried out only for men, since the pp plot for the whole population and for females for the dependent variables showed some evidence of non-normality, and the residual plot shows variance of the residuals was not constant across the range of fitted values. CVR, using the Framingham equation, directly correlated with age (β = 0.260; p  < 0.001). Using the CUORE score, qualification as a physician (p  < 0.001) is associated with a lower risk of having a CVR, while age (p  < 0.001) is directly proportional to this risk. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing age consistently emerges as a prominent factor, positively influencing both the Framingham risk score and CUORE score, but this association was found only for men. Being a doctor is a protective factor for the CUORE score. Show more

Keywords: Framingham, CUORE score, healthcare workers, cardiovascular diseases, cardiac event

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220701

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1665-1672, 2024

Authors: Wong, Jasin | Su, Han | Kudla, Angelika | Munsell, Elizabeth G.S. | Ezeife, Nnaemezie | Crown, Deborah | Trierweiler, Robert | Capraro, Pamela | Tomazin, Stephanie | Park, Mirang | Heinemann, Allen W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence that employment, or the lack thereof, affects an individual’s health. Consequently, employment provides people with physical disabilities (PWPD) with financial independence, enhances their well-being and self-worth, and facilitates a sense of purpose. People with physical disabilities often retain job skills and motivation to return to work after acquiring a disability. Their vocational rehabilitation and job accommodation needs likely differ from people with disabilities resulting from developmental, sensory, cognitive, and mental health conditions. To better target the needs of PWPD and improve vocational rehabilitation services, it is crucial to identify the modifiable factors that influence their …employment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to examine systematically the client-, employer-, and context-related facilitators and barriers to employment experienced by PWPD. METHODS: We recruited to this cross-sectional study, PWPD from the Midwestern United States who returned to work after injury or illness. An online survey collected data on demographic characteristics and educational history; disability and functional status; supports, facilitators and barriers to employment; and job information and accommodations. RESULTS: 347 working-age PWPD completed the survey; at the time of survey completion, 270 were working and 77 were not. People with physical disabilities who reported social support and encouragement at work were more likely to be working than respondents who did not. Negative attitudes of supervisors and colleagues, inaccessible work environments, and inflexible work schedules were barriers to employment. Important reasons for working included financial needs, a sense of purpose, and self-worth. CONCLUSIONS: Results provide insights into the importance of social supports in the work environment. Novel approaches are needed to develop supportive relationships with supervisors and coworkers. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, vocational, return to work, work, employment, supported, unemployment, disabled persons

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220721

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1673-1684, 2024

Authors: Türkmen, Ceyhun | Kayabınar, Erdi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hands execute intricate tasks vital for everyday life and professions such as cooking, tailoring, and craftsmanship. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish reference data for hand grip and palmar pinch force sense in young adults, accounting for gender differences, and to determine the correlation between these data and school-entry ages. METHODS: The cross-sectional observational study comprised 284 participants (156 females and 128 males). Demographic details, including age, gender, weight, and height, were recorded. Participant ages ranged from 18 to 29, representing the youth workforce population as defined by the International Labour Organization. Factors like hand …dominance and school-entry age were ascertained based on participants’ self-reports. Hand grip and palmar pinch force senses were separately assessed in the dominant and non-dominant hands of 130 randomly chosen participants to evaluate test-retest reliability. RESULTS: Hand grip (dominant: p  < 0.001, non-dominant: p  = 0.002) and palmar pinch force sense errors were significantly lower in male participants compared to females. Palmar pinch force sense error for the dominant hand was reduced in males (p  = 0.002), but no significant disparity existed between genders for the non-dominant hand (p  = 0.222). Healthy adults who began school at age five or earlier exhibited a decreased force sense error rate (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Force sense error reference values vary based on gender and school-entry age. This reference data will aid rehabilitation specialists working with young adults in physiotherapy and occupational therapy fields in identifying potential impairments. Show more

Keywords: Functional performance, healthy volunteers, motor skills, muscle strength dynamometer, proprioception, reference values.

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230046

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1685-1695, 2024

Authors: Yağar, Fedayi | Gerçek, Emine | Dökme Yağar, Sema | Tunç, Ahmet

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Social capital is an important resource that enables employees to build trust-based relationships with other individuals and groups in the workplace. Although the evidence reveals the effect of employee empowerment on burnout, the moderator role of social capital in this relationship is still unexplored. However, considering the health employees who have mental health problems and increased dissatisfaction with the COVID-19 epidemic, the importance of determining the antecedent factors that may affect burnout plays an even more critical role. OBJECTIVE: The effect of the epidemic process on the burnout level of health employees was examined. In addition, the …effect of employee empowerment on burnout was examined and the moderate role of social capital was evaluated. METHODS: A total of 492 health employee completed the measures of social capital, perceived empowerment, and burnout. Structural equation modelling was used to evaluate the moderate variable. Dawson slope were used to visualize the results. RESULTS: The burnout levels of health employees were low (2.00±1.34). Social capital had a moderating effect on the negative effect of employee empowerment on burnout (β = 0.191). Apart from that, employee empowerment (β = –0.192) and social capital (β = –0.508) were negatively associated with burnout level (p  < 0.05). CONLUSION: These results are expected to provide useful recommendations to management in the health sector to reduce burnout among health employees by focusing on social capital and employee empowerment. Show more

Keywords: Social relations, employee productivity, psychological problems, pandemic, hospitals, Turkey

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230049

Citation: Work, vol. 79, no. 4, pp. 1697-1704, 2024