Work - Volume 67, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203326

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 761-762, 2020

Authors: Hrehová, Laura | Mezian, Kamal | Özçakar, Levent

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, people volunteered for sewing hand-made face masks. However, sewing-machine operating might be associated with high ergonomic risk and a negative impact on musculoskeletal health. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: This paper describes an ultrasonographic diagnosis of a foot ganglion - after sewing 300 face masks within two months using a foot-operated sewing machine. RESULTS: The patient significantly improved after an ultrasound-guided aspiration and corticosteroid injection. CONCLUSION: In short, we highlight the importance of ultrasound examination in the management of work (overuse)-related disorders in occupational medicine practice.

Keywords: Coronavirus, mask, sewing machine, seamstress, ultrasound

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203328

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 763-765, 2020

Authors: Faraji, Sanaz | Ghayour Najafabadi, Mahboubeh | Rostad, Mitch | Anastasio, Albert Thomas

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: The potential ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic global shut down on physical education providers and youth sport coaches may be particularly severe due to substantial cutbacks on many of their normal activities. This population faces unique challenges in engaging in “virtual learning” given the physical nature of their job, potentially leading to sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and the development of depressive mood disorders. This commentary aims to explore options to mitigate worsening of stress, depression, physical inactivity, and social disconnection in youth sport coaches following the guidelines of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and to call attention to …this vulnerable demographic which has been substantially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Show more

Keywords: Depression, social activity, physical activity, lifestyle

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203329

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 767-769, 2020

Authors: Dehghani, Fatemeh | Omidi, Fariborz | Yousefinejad, Saeed | Taheri, Elnaz

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The high spread rate of coronaviruses, specifically severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has raised concerns about the spread of the disease in crowded occupational environments. The risk of occupational exposure to coronavirus depends on the type of industry and the nature of work. Currently, most countries are working for reactivating their economies and need to improve working conditions for a safe situation during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The present work aimed to investigate the current engineering and administrative control measures, which are necessary to protect workers against COVID-19 in workplaces. METHODS: The current …strategies, including engineering control, administrative control, personal protective equipment, and their efficiencies, were reviewed and discussed. RESULTS: Reviewing the literature indicated that a collection of control approaches should be implemented for an effective control of the virus. Control measures could be selected based on the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The results also revealed that relying solely on a specific control measure could not effectively control the outbreak. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, employers and health professionals must continually monitor international and local guidelines to identify changes in recommendations to make their workplaces safer. Establishment of an expert team in any workplace for the implementation of more effective control measures is warranted, as well. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, engineering controls, ventilation system, PPE, control measures

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203330

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 771-777, 2020

Authors: Prabhu, Namdeo | Issrani, Rakhi

Article Type: Article Commentary

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection a global pandemic due to the fast transmission of this disease worldwide. To prevent and slow the transmission of this contagious illness, the public health officials of many affected countries scrambled to introduce measures aimed at controlling its spread. As a result, unprecedented interventions/measures, including strict contact tracing, quarantine of entire towns/cities, closing of borders and travel restrictions, have been implemented by most of the affected countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to share health care professionals’ perspectives …who are experiencing COVID19 firsthand in a foreign land. In addition, the role of the Saudi governance to combat the current situation is also discussed. DISCUSSION: Personal and previous experiences as related to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) by the authors has been compared to the current situation and how it affected our thoughts and management. A review of the evidence-based literature was conducted to investigate the demographics of the region; and to understand the awareness of the various tools that are available and how they were utilized in the present situation of pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Saudi Arabia has been challenged during the pandemic as are other countries. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus, dental education, pandemic, Middle East, MERS-CoV

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203331

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 779-782, 2020

Authors: Ünal, Özgün

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As the pandemic process, COVID-19 has a serious occupational safety risk for healthcare professionals. Therefore, determining their health and safety perceptions and attitudes in the pandemic process is very important. This study aims to determine which is more effective in work accident prevention behavior: safety awareness and competencies of healthcare professionals or perception of fatalism. METHOD: For this purpose, a questionnaire was applied to 326 healthcare professionals. The questionnaire consists of four parts: (1) demographic information of the employees, (2) scale of preventing occupational accidents, (3) fatalism perception scale in occupational health and safety, and (4) security …awareness and competency scale. Descriptive statistical methods, multiple regression and correlation analysis were used in the analysis of the data. RESULTS: It was determined that the participants’ safety awareness and competencies were at the high level and their fatalism perceptions were at the low level. The average of the responses given by the participants to the scale of preventing work accidents was above the middle level. According to the study, the safety awareness and competencies of health workers were found to be about three times more effective on the behavior of preventing work accidents than the perception of fatalism. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, it is important to recommend managers to take the step to increase the safety awareness and competencies of those working in their institutions. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, fatalism perception, occupational safety and health, safety awareness and competencies, work accident prevention behavior

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203327

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 783-790, 2020

Authors: Sarfaraz, Shaur | Ahmed, Naseer | Abbasi, Maria S. | Sajjad, Batool | Vohra, Fahim | Al-Hamdan, Rana S. | Maawadh, Ahmed A. | Al-Hamoudi, Nawwaf | Mokeem, Sameer A. | Aldahiyan, Nada | Abduljabbar, Tariq

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the self-perceived competency (FSPC) of medical faculty in E-Teaching and support received during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online well-structured and validated faculty self-perceived competency questionnaire was used to collect responses from medical faculty. The questionnaire consisted of four purposely build sections on competence in student engagement, instructional strategy, technical communication and time management. The responses were recorded using a Likert ordinal scale (1–9). The Questionnaire was uploaded at www.surveys.google.com and the link was distributed through social media outlets and e-mails. Descriptive statistics and Independent paired t -test were …used for analysis and comparison of quantitative and qualitative variables. A p -value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 738 responses were assessed. Nearly 54% (397) participants had less than 5 years of teaching experience, 24.7% (182) had 6–10 years and 11.7% (86) had 11–15 years teaching expertise. 75.6% (558) respondents have delivered online lectures during the pandemic. Asynchronous methods were used by 61% (450) and synchronous by 39% (288) of participants. Moreover, 22.4% (165) participants revealed that their online lectures were evaluated by a structured feedback from experts, while 38.3% participants chose that their lectures were not evaluated. A significant difference (p  < 0.01) was found between FSPC scores and online teaching evaluation by experts. The mean score of FSPC scale was 5.62±1.15. The mean score for student’s engagement, instructional strategies, technical communication and time management were of 5.18±1.60, 5.67±1.61, 5.49±1.71 and 6.12±1.67 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medical faculty members were found somewhat competent in E-teaching for student engagement, instructional strategy, technical communication and time management skills. Faculty receiving feedback was more competent in comparison to peers teaching without feedback. Show more

Keywords: Teaching staff, competency, SARS-CoV 2 virus, online teaching, health sciences

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203332

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 791-798, 2020

Authors: Slišković, Ana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The public health strategies for prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection have included closing the national borders and cancelling international flights, which has severely affected free crew changes. This caused prolonged stay on board or at home for seafarers, who should be recognized as ‘key’ workers regarding their essential role in maintaining the flow of vital goods. OBJECTIVE: Using a general inductive approach, this qualitative study aims to describe how the COVID-19 pandemic reflects on seafarers’ well-being. The study focused on obtaining personal experiences from seafarers on board, and seafarers at home, relating to the current world pandemic. …METHODS: A convenience sample consisting of 752 seafarers from the international seafarers’ population participated in an online study in spring 2020. The questionnaire used included questions relating to basic sociodemographic and work characteristics, and one open question which addressed seafarers’ personal experiences. The data obtained was analysed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: The emerged themes included mental , physical , social and economic well-being . Most of the answers of seafarers located on board related to threatened mental, physical and social well-being, while seafarers at home reported mostly on threats to their economic well-being. CONCLUSION: Seafarers’ well-being is seriously threatened by preventive measures relating to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results are discussed in relation to earlier findings in the area of occupational stress in seafaring. Overall, the data obtained portrays existing underlying occupational structures in the seafaring sector, which are rendered more visible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In short, seafarers describe their reality as far away from the concept of ‘key’ or ‘essential’ workers. Show more

Keywords: Qualitative descriptive study, mental, physical, social and economic well-being, occupational stress, seafaring

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203333

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 799-809, 2020

Authors: Shih, Yi-Nuo | Hsu, Jia-Lien | Wu, Chia-Chun | Hsiao, Jia-Hui

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years, the elderly population has increasingly worked in various workplaces. Hence, measurements to assess the work attention of the elderly has become an important need. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this research project are to develop an iPad-based attention assessment tool, “Shih-Hsu Test of Attention” (SHTA) for work attention, that adopts touchscreen as the medium interface, and to explore criterion-related validity and test-retest reliability of this new attention assessment tool for elders. METHODS: Thirty-one participants aged between 65–85 years were recruited in this study on a voluntary basis. Each participant was assessed two times. …The participants completed both the SHTA and Chu’s Attention Test (CAT), and the SHTA was used to test participants after three weeks. RESULTS: The analytical results demonstrate that the SHTA has acceptable criterion-related validity (γ= 0.400, p  < 0.05* ) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.920, p  < 0.01** ). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary findings show that the iPad-based auditory attention assessment tool, SHTA, has satisfactory criterion-related validity and test-retest reliability, which supports the use of SHTA as an attention assessment tool for older employees. Show more

Keywords: Work attention, criterion-related validity, test-retest reliability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203325

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 811-815, 2020

Authors: Yousef, Huda A. | Khalil, Hanan W. | Nazzal, Mohammad S. | El-Salem, Khalid I. | Hawamdeh, Ziad M. | Almeida, Patrícia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Returning to work (RTW) is an essential goal for many stroke survivors. Currently, the prevalence of RTW post stroke in developing countries such as Jordan is unknown. Additionally, more research is required to identify factors that contribute to RTW post stroke. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to (1) determine the prevalence of RTW among stroke survivors in Jordan, and (2) determine the predictors of RTW from a holistic perspective using the Occupational Therapy Practice Framework (OTPF) 3rd edition. METHODS: Recruitment was carried out from different Jordanian hospitals and rehabilitation centers. A complete battery of outcome measures …was used to reflect OTPF domains. These included outcome measures of occupations, client factors, performance skills, and context and environment. Logistic regression was used to determine factors that predicted RTW. RESULTS: 69 participants were enrolled; 45 Males, 24 females; mean age±SD, 52.2±11.07 years. Only 29% succeeded in RTW during the first year after stroke onset. The highest percentage of RTW was among craft workers (40% ), and those who were self-employed (60% ). Of those who resumed work, 35% returned to their previous work, while 65% needed to make work modifications, or change positions or jobs. Factors that predicted higher rates of RTW were walking speed (Odds ratio (OR)=0.004, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.00–0.55, P  < 0.02), as well as absence of environmental restrictions (OR = 21.16, 95% CI = 1.91–233.5, P  < 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The alarming low prevalence of RTW among stroke survivors in Jordan emphasizes the essential need to develop vocational rehabilitation programs. Clinicians should pay attention to enhancing walking abilities and reducing environmental restrictions post stroke, in order to improve the occurrence of RTW. Show more

Keywords: Work, stroke, prevalence, predictors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-203334

Citation: Work, vol. 67, no. 4, pp. 817-827, 2020