Work - Volume 69, issue 2

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213481

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 323-323, 2021

Authors: Tifa, Ivory

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213482

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 325-326, 2021

Authors: Malekpour, Fatemeh | Ebrahimi, Hossein | Yarahmadi, Rasoul | Mohammadin, Yousef | Kharghani Moghadam, Seyed Melika | Soltanpour, Zahra

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exposure to the coronavirus (COVID-19) in industrial workplaces has caused concerns all over the world. Implementation of prevention measures is the best solution for protection of workers’ health. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated prevention measures and risk factors for the COVID-19 infection in Iranian small, medium, and large industries. METHODS: This study was conducted on 349 occupational health, safety, and environment professionals working in different industries. Data was collected using a checklist of prevention measures for COVID-19 and a questionnaire of risk factors for the infection. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that 32.60% of …industries reported positive cases of COVID-19. The mean of prevention measures in all the dimensions, except use of personal protective equipment (PPE), was in favorable status. Among prevention measures against COVID-19, the dimensions of education, engineering controls, use of PPE, use of hand washing soap and disinfectant, and physical distance were not significantly different among small, medium, and large industries. However, administrative controls were statistically lower in small and medium industries compared to the large industries. Moreover, screening was statistically lower in small industries than in large industries. The mean risk factors of ventilation, use of common tools and equipment, and physical distance as well as total risk factors were not statistically different among different industries. CONCLUSION: Workers are at risk of COVID-19 infection. The risk factors of ventilation, sharing tools and equipment, and physical distance are critical in classification of risk of infection with COVID-19 in industrial settings. Show more

Keywords: Control, industry, infection, risk, coronavirus

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205045

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 327-330, 2021

Authors: Wadhen, Vipin | Cartwright, Tina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID-19 and its associated measures has resulted in a sizeable working population transitioning to working from home (WFH), bringing additional challenges, and increasing work-related stress. Research has indicated that yoga has promising potential in reducing stress in the workplace. However, there are very few studies exploring the impact of online streamed yoga on stress management for people-WFH. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and outcome of an online streamed yoga intervention on stress and wellbeing of people-WFH during COVID-19. METHODS: A six-week pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) yoga intervention was designed with yoga …(n  = 26) and a wait-list control group (n  = 26). A mixed two-way ANOVA was used to assess changes in standardised outcome measures at baseline and post-intervention. Likert and open-ended questions assessed enjoyment, acceptability and perceived benefits of the program, which were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Compared with the control, the yoga group reported significant improvements in perceived stress, mental wellbeing, depression and coping self-efficacy, but not stress and anxiety. Participants experienced physical and mental health benefits and reported high acceptability and enjoyment of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: An online yoga intervention can help people WFH manage stress and enhance wellbeing and coping abilities. Show more

Keywords: Web-based, mind-body, mental-health, pandemic, remote-working

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205325

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 331-349, 2021

Authors: Al Attar, Wesam Saleh A. | Husain, Mohamed A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists are required to recognize their role in managing patients with Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), and to adopt preventive measures to limit transmission of the disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the perception, knowledge, and application of the preventive measures taken by physiotherapists in managing issues with confirmed or suspected patients suffering from COVID-19. METHODS: A self-administered survey comprising 15 questions was divided into four sections related to precautions when interacting with patients with COVID-19: (1) knowledge of the physiotherapy role, (2) knowledge of preventive measures to limit transmission of the virus, …(3) practicing these measures, and (4) managing patients with COVID-19. RESULTS: A total of 456 physiotherapists from 139 countries participated in the study. Most physiotherapists were knowledgeable regarding their role in the management of COVID-19 patients (M  = 94.3%; SD = 15.4) and the management of potential COVID-19 patients (M  = 84.5%; SD = 20.1). The rating of knowledge and practices of preventive measures to limit transmission of COVID-19 were lower (M  = 74.3%; SD = 25.7, and M  = 62.5%; SD = 31.3, respectively). Participants from the European region (M  = 83; SD = 15.8) had a higher score than participants from the Asia Western Pacific region (M  = 78; SD = 18.49; P  = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Physiotherapists are highly knowledgeable about their role in managing COVID-19 patients. Most of them are adopting preventive measures to limit the transmission of the disease. Yet, physiotherapists are required to enroll in medical education, training and infection control workshops and courses to remain updated with the recent advances in such fields. Show more

Keywords: Health risk, viral transmission, disease control, infectious disease, SARS-CoV-2

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210049

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 351-358, 2021

Authors: Ali, Saqib | Alam, Beenish Fatima | Noreen, Sara | Anwar, Madiha | Qazi, Sabeen Hashmat | Hussain, Talib

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has affected economies all over the world. The ability of an organization to grow is heavily influenced by job satisfaction and employee motivation. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the factors affecting employee motivation and job satisfaction among medical and dental college faculty members in Pakistan, both in the private and public sector, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Medical and dental college faculty in Pakistan comprised the sample for this multi-centric cross-sectional study. A questionnaire, which was modified from an existing study, was distributed electronically. A student’s independent t -test was applied to …compare the mean scores of the responses from public and private sector employees. RESULTS: Of the 466 total respondents, 55 %were female and 45 %male. Public sector faculty reported receiving adequate resources and preferred online teaching. Both public and private sector faculty reported being satisfied with regular workshops and training. Private sector employees demonstrated more satisfaction with workplace safety measures. Public sector faculty highlighted the positive influence of job security and timely salary payments on productivity. CONCLUSION: Faculty members from both the public and private sector find working from home to be easier and better for handling one’s workload. Public sector faculty noted job security, timely salary payments, and an individual’s sense of achievement as sources of motivation. Private institutes are more lacking in ensuring their faculty feel content and satisfied. Measures should be undertaken to improve the level of motivation felt by faculty members, especially in the private sector. Show more

Keywords: Incentive, contentment, employees, pandemic, teaching

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213483

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 359-366, 2021

Authors: Sy, Michael P. | Martinez, Pauline Gail V. | Twinley, Rebecca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The desire to be physically beautiful is inherent among human beings. In particular, some women who participate in modern-day beauty pageants tend to spend more time, energy, money and emotional resources to alter their natural body and looks to fit socially and culturally constructed standards of beauty. OBJECTIVE: The authors frame beauty pageants as the context where diverse occupations are at play with the purpose of becoming a ‘beauty queen’. This commentary aims to discuss the origins and culture of beauty pageants, the different perspectives on pageantry work, and essential and hidden occupations performed within the context …of this form of performing art. APPROACH: Using the conceptual lens of the dark side of occupation, hidden occupations are characterised by the doings of pageant hopefuls that are less explored and acknowledged because they are perceived as health-compromising, risky, dishonest, illicit, and socially or personally undesirable. CONCLUSION: Furthermore, this commentary calls for the exploration of occupations beyond the conventional scope of its understanding and the acknowledgment of hidden occupations intertwined into people’s everyday doings specifically in the context of desiring to be ‘beautiful’. Show more

Keywords: Performing arts, occupational science, hidden, health compromising, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205055

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 367-377, 2021

Authors: Dekker, Marijke C. | van Egmond, René | Molenbroek, Johan F.M. | Vink, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Former studies on work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) within university education report substantial prevalence rates. In this study, developments in WRULD amongst students in the period 2004–2014 were investigated. Our findings can be a benchmark for future studies, in particular when there are major societal changes as in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: Differences in time (academic year), how long students have been studying (year of studying), relations with computer time and societal changes were points of interest. METHODS: 2254 students (average age 20.0 years) responded to a questionnaire on WRULD. Students experiencing …complaints were further questioned about the severity of complaints and associated body locations. RESULTS: The average percentage of students experiencing complaints was 57%. The highest prevalence rates and severity scores were found in the first and last recorded academic years. The neck, shoulder, back and wrist were most often indicated. The prevalence of complaints raised from the 1st (49%) to the 4th (75%) year of studying. Two seriousness measures showed highest scores in the 5th/6th/7th year of studying. Relations were found between both the prevalence and seriousness of complaints with reported computer time. CONCLUSIONS: After an initial decreasing trend from the academic year 2006/2007 to 2010/2011 there was an increase in WRULD amongst students from 2010/2011 to 2013/2014. Limiting financial and study time factors may have played a role. Structural attention for WRULD prevention and risk factors seems to be effective in reducing prevalence and severity of WRULD. This seems to be even more necessary due to recent COVID-related changes in the students’ lives. Show more

Keywords: RSI, MSD, prevalence, seriousness, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213484

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 379-394, 2021

Authors: Steeves, Darren

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many employers are turning to training programs to help them cope or flourish in life. Many programs on the market have not been validated. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the effect building awareness and skill development can have on sustaining high resilience within a group of employees. METHODS: 524 participants completed the 44 itemed Q-Life assessment. A CFA model was conducted to determine whether the Q-Life score, adequately describes the data. 116 employees signed up to the Q-Life experience with 64 completing all requirements. RESULTS: The RMSEA index was less than 0.08, …RMSEA = 0.07, 90%CI = [0.07, 0.07], which is indicative of a good model fit. The mean of score for resilience on the first test (M  = 249.91) was significantly lower than the mean of post-test (M  = 264.91). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that the model demonstrated acceptable fit to the data and can be used as an assessment tool for the Q-Life. The Q-Life experience showed significant improvement in resilience. Show more

Keywords: Flourishing, thriving, wellbeing, stress-management, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213485

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 395-401, 2021

Authors: O’Connell, Dennis G. | Cooper, Kimberly A. | Richeson, Shelby M. | Moeller, Mathilde B. | Stephens, Jason W. | Key, DeAndre J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Novice nurses, occupational and physical therapist’s injury rates are alarming. OBJECTIVE: To test for differences in peak elbow flexion forces (PEFF) by profession using different forearm positions. METHODS: Entry-level RN, OT, and PT students performed 3-repetitions of standing PEFF in forearm supination, pronation, and neutral. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA determined the forearm position with the greatest PEFF. A one-way ANOVA assessed differences in PEFF between professions. The alpha level was set at p ≤0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS: Thirty 30 RN, 25 OT, and 30 PT students (x  = 23.27 + /–3.29 yrs.) were studied. …A one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant difference in PEFF between positions (F (2,168) = 144.3, p  < 0.0001). A significant (p  < 0.0001) pairwise comparison revealed neutral produced the greatest (28.15 + /–12.64 kg) and pronation the least PEFF (17.27 + /–7.40). PEFF was significantly different between position by profession (supination: F (2,82) = 10.14, p  < 0.0001; pronation: F (2,82) = 10.33, p  < 0.0001; neutral: F (2,82) = 13.39, p  < 0.0001). PTs were significantly stronger than OTs and RN students in all forearm positions (p  < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Neutral PEFF was greatest and PT students demonstrated greater PEFF than OT and RN students. Show more

Keywords: Health professional, lift, functional strength

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213486

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 2, pp. 403-409, 2021