Work - Volume 70, issue 1

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213556

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2021

Authors: Almhdawi, Khader A. | Alazrai, Alza | Obeidat, Donia | Altarifi, Ahmad A. | Oteir, Alaa O. | Aljammal, Ashraf H. | Arabiat, Alaa A. | Alrabbaie, Hassan | Jaber, Hanan | Almousa, Khaled M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The sudden shift into distance learning during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown might have impacted university students’ well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate undergraduate healthcare university students’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and its predictors during COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional study used an online self-administered questionnaire. The study targeted undergraduate medical, dental, pharmacy, and nursing students at Jordanian universities. Data collected included demographics,12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12), students’ evaluation of distance learning, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize …primary outcome measures data. Predictors of HRQoL were determined using a multiple variable regression analysis. RESULTS: In total, 485 university students successfully completed this study with a mean age of 20.6 (±2.0). Participants’ HRQoL level measured by SF-12 mean scores were 66.5 (±20.2) for physical health component and 44.8 (±21.2) for mental health component. The regression model explained 65.5% of the variation (r2 = 0.655, F  = 127.8, P  < 0.001) in participants’ HRQoL. Factors significantly associated with HRQoL included depression, neck disability index score, stress, health self-evaluation, average of satisfaction with distance learning, IPAQ score, and weekly studying hours. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that healthcare students had a relatively low level of HRQoL during COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan. Academic and non-academic factors associated with HRQoL were identified and should be considered by healthcare educational institutions for better academic planning in future similar pandemics. Show more

Keywords: Health-related quality of life, mental health, stress, healthcare students, online teaching

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205309

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 3-10, 2021

Authors: Issrani, Rakhi | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to an unavailability of a vaccine, one of the efficient methods to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is by applying self-isolation (SI). Hence there is an urgent need to investigate the factors leading to an individuals’ willingness to choose to self-isolate. OBJECTIVES: The current study utilized the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual model and aimed to investigate the extent to which subjective norms, personal attitudes and perceived control influences an individual’s willingness to self-isolate during COVID-19 risk. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed on 800 Saudi respondents aged≥18 …years by using a validated self-administered questionnaire about factors related to willingness to self-isolate during COVID-19 pandemic risk based on the TPB. The effects of different variables on SI were analyzed by using ordinal logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 756 (94.5%) were completed and analyzed. Subjective norms and perceived control over the behavior significantly (p  < 0.05) influenced the intention of willingness to self-isolate, while attitude was found to be insignificant. The odds of letting others to know about self COVID status were 2.40 times higher than not telling the neighbors or colleagues. A statistically significant difference (p ≤0.001) existed between males and females regarding the willingness to self-isolate. Similarly the odds of willingness to self-isolate with a presence of disabled person in family were 2.88 times higher than the absence of a disability in the family. Few recommendations for the policymakers that are needed to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection are also proposed. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of study might be considered as an initial understanding of the factors that significantly influences an individual’s willingness to SI when facing an unprecedented pandemic risk. Additionally, these factors provide a plan for policymakers to encourage citizens for self-isolation during pandemic infections. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, behavior, illness, risk, self-isolation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205322

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 11-20, 2021

Authors: Dogru-Huzmeli, Esra | Cam, Yagmur | Urfali, Senem | Gokcek, Ozden | Bezgin, Sabiha | Urfali, Boran | Uysal, Hakan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has affected many countries in the world and has been known as one of the fast-spreading viruses in recent history. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to reveal the level of anxiety and burnout, attitudes, thoughts, and behaviors of healthcare professionals about COVID-19 in Turkey. METHODS: The individuals included in the study answered seven questions containing demographic information, 27 questions determining their views and perspectives on COVID-19. Anxiety level was measured by Beck Anxiety Scale (BAI), and State Anxiety Inventory (SAI); burnout was measured by Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). RESULTS: We included 66 health …staff (50 female, 16 male) whose mean age was 31.71±5.18 years (22–46 ranged). Twenty-two (33.3%) of the participants worked on the COVID-19 frontline while 44 (66.6%) of them worked on usual wards. We found that participants’ anxiety was at a moderate level in BAI (mean: 14.00±12.66). The mean of the SAI was 49.93±13.06. MBI subscales were low. We found that there was a significant difference in BAI between COVID-19 frontline healthcare professionals and those who worked on the usual wards (p  = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is important to consider the level of anxiety and burnout in all healthcare professionals and to help them to protect their mental health. Show more

Keywords: Pandemic, health staff, mental health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210028

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 21-29, 2021

Authors: Farias Bezerra, Hélen Kaline | Passos, Kamilla Karla Maurício | Leonel, Augusto César Leal da Silva | Ferreti Bonan, Paulo Rogério | Martelli-Júnior, Hercílio | Machado, Renato Assis | Ramos-Perez, Flávia Maria de Moraes | Perez, Danyel Elias da Cruz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has raised challenges in adapting to teaching and learning methods in dental education. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the academic activities of undergraduate (UDG) and graduate (GD) dental students in Brazil. Additionally, students’ perceptions and attitudes toward teaching activities during this period were analyzed. METHODS: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of Brazilian UDG and GD dentistry students. Data were collected in 2020 through an online, self-administered, and anonymous questionnaire, which comprised 26 questions related to demographic data, activities of the …college, family and individual student income, and attitudes and perceptions about e-learning during the pandemic. The data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The sample included 1,166 students (779 UDG and 387 GD). Among these, 425 (54.6%) UDG and 270 (69.8%) GD students remotely participated in teaching activities, of which 42.6% of the UDG considered their performance in e-learning to be bad or very bad and 49.8% of the GD regarded it as good or excellent. The survey also showed that 354 (45.4%) UDG and 102 (26.4%) GD expressed a desire to discontinue the course following the outbreak of the pandemic. Among the GD, 225 (58.4%) said that their experiments were completely interrupted. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the poor perception and performance of dental students regarding e-learning. Additionally, the findings suggest a negative impact of the pandemic on dental education in Brazil. Effective measures should be taken to mitigate these significant consequences. Show more

Keywords: Dental education, e-learning, online education

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210071

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 31-39, 2021

Authors: Şentürk, Erman | Sağaltıcı, Eser | Geniş, Bahadır | Günday Toker, Ömür

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a massive impact on work and home life, changing all daily routines of remote workers. It is extremely important to figure out some changes in home and work life that may affect the mental health of remote workers more. OBJECTIVES: The first aim of the study was to investigate the predictors of depression, anxiety, and stress among first-time remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The second aim was to explore sex differences regarding work and home life during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: The sample consisted of 459 participants who have …been working from home for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey used included questions relating to sociodemographic characteristics, changes in work and home life, Depression Anxiety Stress Questionnaire-Short Form, Jenkins Sleep Scale, and Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was 17.9%, 19.6%, and 19.6% of the participants, respectively. Poor sleep quality, trouble focusing at work, being female, workplace loneliness, low levels of control over working hours, and low levels of physical activity were predictors of depression. Poor sleep quality, increased workload, and being female were predictors of anxiety. Poor sleep quality, trouble focusing at work, being female, financial concern, and workplace loneliness were predictors of stress. It was observed a higher increase in both housework and working hours during the COVID-19 pandemic in women. CONCLUSION: Determining the variables that can affect the mental health of remote workers is highly important for timely psychological intervention. Show more

Keywords: Working from home, remote working, teleworking, Mental health, gender inequality

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210082

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 41-51, 2021

Authors: Restrepo, Julia | Lemos, Mariantonia

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related stress can be defined as an individual’s reactions to work characteristics and indicates a poor relationship between coping abilities and work environment. If unmanaged, stress can impact mental and physical health (e.g., causing depression and cardiovascular disease). Many individuals use maladaptive stress-coping strategies, such as sedentary activities, unhealthy eating behaviors, and alcohol consumption, which do not contribute to long-term stress management. In contrast, stress reduction programs can help people manage and effectively reduce stress in the long term. OBJECTIVE: To gather the state of the art of work-related stress interventions, their efficacy and applications. …METHOD: The PsycINFO and EBSCOHost databases were used. The search was carried out between January 28 and March 30, 2019. Inclusion criteria were full text available, text in English or Spanish and a study population comprising workers. RESULTS: Twenty-nine articles that included interventions involving aromatherapy, bibliotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise, alternative medicine, mindfulness, technology, stress management and sensory intervention were analyzed. The interventions showed significant reductions in stress, anxiety, depression and burnout; however, most of the studies were not based on specific stress models, and control groups often received no intervention whatsoever. As a result, it is challenging to draw conclusions regarding the success of the interventions, especially if they are novel. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that there is a broad portfolio of successful interventions regarding work-related stress. Most of the successful interventions were based on mindfulness; however, aerobic exercise and bibliotherapy may also be successful. The structure and level of evidence appear to be very relevant to the development of a successful intervention. Show more

Keywords: Stress management, occupational health, job stress, workplace intervention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213577

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 53-62, 2021

Authors: Almhdawi, Khader A. | Kanaan, Saddam F. | Khader, Yousef | Al-Hourani, Zeid | Al-Jarrah, Muhammed D. | Almomani, Fidaa | Alqhazo, Mazin T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare students are subjected to critical levels of mental and physical stress that might hinder their quality of life. OBJECTIVES: This study comprehensively investigated physical and mental Health-related Quality of Life (HR-QoL) and their associated factors among Allied Health (AH) students of nine academic majors. METHODS: Participants completed anonymous questionnaire included demographics and life style, HR-QoL measured by the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS21), and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. SF-12 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Components Summary scores were compared between gender and between academic majors. Multiple linear regressions were conducted …to examine factor associated with PCS and MCS scores. RESULTS: A total of 838 students (77.4% females) participated in the study. The overall PCS was 45.64±7.93 and statistically different between majors (P  < 0.001). The Overall MCS score was 39.45±10.86 and statistically greater in males (P  < 0.001). PCS scores were significantly associated with anxiety score, GPA, diet self-evaluation, and upper back and hip musculoskeletal pain. MCS scores were significantly associated with weekly clinical training hours, stress score, depression score, gender, university year, GPA, sleep self-evaluation, diet self-evaluation, and neck musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of mental and physical HR-QoL were observed among AH students and were associated with academic-related, health-related, and lifestyle-related factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess effective approaches to improve HR-QoL among AH students. Show more

Keywords: Quality of life, occupational stress, mental health, education, Allied Health Students

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205226

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 63-73, 2021

Authors: de Almeida, Larissa Brentini | Camarotto, João Alberto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work organization not only comprises the formal structure but also social interactions, which are developed according to its own rules based on variabilities and professional competences. During real work, there are regulatory processes that result in the development of strategies to meet the requirements of the work organization and maintain health status. OBJECTIVE: To understand the regulatory processes involved in work activities and analyze the extent to which the developed strategies are sufficient to protect employees’ integrity and guarantee performance. METHODS: This study was carried out in an agricultural implement manufacturing company, whose qualitative …procedures were analyzed by combining activity observations, interviews, and self-confrontation. RESULTS: In view of the interaction of logic, operators comply with some rules to the detriment of others, based on the decision processes of their individual and collective experience. The availability of resources compatible with activity demands increases the possibility of action and competence development. The cost of regulations for less experienced operators is higher, taking into consideration the level of uncertainty resulting from contradictions and variabilities. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to discuss the contradictions manifested in operators’ work routines through interactions between heterogeneous rationalities. From this, it is possible to construct a common reference about the activity and increase the possibilities of action during real work. Show more

Keywords: Work organization, prescribed and real work, regulation, operational strategy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205243

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 75-84, 2021

Authors: Tenkate, Thomas | Kramer, Desré M. | Strahlendorf, Peter | Szymanski, Terri

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) training is obligatory for Ontario workplaces. The purpose of this training is to help workers understand the health and safety issues associated with using chemicals, including how to understand the information contained in the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) that come with all chemicals. However, many workers still do not know how hazardous workplace chemicals can be and they find it difficult to objectively determine the level of hazard posed by the chemicals they use. OBJECTIVE: A team of researchers, unions, and health and safety associations created a tool for Joint Health …and Safety Committees (JHSC) of small and medium-sized businesses to help them identify, assess and prioritize the health hazards posed by workplace chemicals using SDSs as the primary source of information. METHODS: The team recruited the JHSCs of six workplaces to pilot the usefulness of the Chemical Hazard Assessment and Prioritization (CHAP) tool. The CHAP tool helps workplaces rank their chemicals within one of five hazard levels using information contained in SDSs. RESULTS: Despite a difficult recruitment process, the participating JHSCs thought the CHAP process of assessing and prioritizing their workplace chemicals was useful. It raised their awareness of chemical hazards, increased their understanding of SDSs, and helped them prioritize their chemicals for improved control measures. CONCLUSIONS: Small and medium-sized businesses found the tool to be useful, but suggested that an electronic version would be easier to use. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, safety data sheets, chemical hazard assessment, hazard banding, diffusion of innovation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205270

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 1, pp. 85-98, 2021