Work - Volume 70, issue 2

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213579

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 345-346, 2021

Authors: Ebrahimi, Hossein | Jafarjalal, Ezzat | Lotfolahzadeh, Asghar | Kharghani Moghadam, Seyedeh Melika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, the number of patients admitted to hospitals and the workload of nurses has increased. High workload can reduce efficiency and quality of life. In the meantime the percived social support may had a moderating role. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of workload and perceived social support on quality of life in nurses who work in COVID-19 inpatient wards. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study. 336 nurses who worked in inpatient wards with COVID-19 patients were randomly selected and …studied. NASA-TLX Workload Questionnaire, WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire and Multidimensional Social Support Perception Scale were used to data collection. Structural equation modelling in PLS software was used to modelling. RESULTS: The results showed that the average score of workload, perceived social support and quality of life were 80.87±20.17, 56.23±11.46 and 55.87±13.74, respectively. A significant inverse relationship was observed between workload and quality of life (P  < 0.05). Also, perceived social support had a moderator effect on relationship between workload and quality of life (P  < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High workload can upset the balance between work and life that leads to decrease the quality of life. Perceived social support as a moderator can reduce the negative impact of workload on quality of life. In the COVID-19 pandemic where nurses’ workload have increased, by increasing the perceived social support can manage the negative effect of workload. Show more

Keywords: Workload, quality of life, social support, nurses

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210559

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 347-354, 2021

Authors: de Oliveira e Silva, Ana Cristina | Nogueira, Wynne Pereira | Gir, Elucir | de Almeida, Sandra Aparecida | de Lima Barroso, Bárbara Iansã | Freire, Maria Eliane Moreira

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-COV2, a highly transmissible and pathogenic viral infection, and was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. Three months later, it became a severe pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To identify scientific evidence on the use of face shields by health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic period. METHOD: An integrative literature review of articles obtained from PubMed , Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) , and Web of Science databases was undertaken. For the search, controlled, non-controlled descriptors and specific keywords: “face shield,” “fluid …resistance procedure,” “respiratory infections,” “healthcare workers,” “COVID-19,” “aerosols,” and “personal protection infection” were used. RESULTS: The sample comprised seven studies. The available evidence has shown that face shields do not have a defined standard for their production—their effectiveness depends on the quality of the visor, structure, and fixation system. They must be used as adjuvants to other personal protective equipment (PPE), and their isolated use is not recommended due to the fragilities of peripheral face sealing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic period. CONCLUSION: Due to the shortage of this equipment, domestic face shields can be indicated if they meet production requirements, based on scientific evidence for their efficient use. Show more

Keywords: Coronavirus infections, occupational safety and health, infectious diseases, personal protective equipment, workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210542

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 355-363, 2021

Authors: Prasetyo, Yogi Tri | Maulanti, Titis | Persada, Satria Fadil | Perwira Redi, Anak Agung Ngurah | Young, Michael Nayat | Diaz, John Francis T.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dentistry is one of the highest risk occupations that face COVID-19, especially in countries that are severely affected by the pandemic, such as Indonesia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine factors influencing job satisfaction among dentists during the new normal of COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia by utilizing the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. METHODS: A total of 310 Indonesian dentists voluntary completed an online questionnaire, which contained 58 questions. Several latent variables such as perceived severity of COVID-19, staff cooperation and management commitment, personal protective equipment, job stress, working …hours, income, and overall job satisfaction were analyzed simultaneously. RESULTS: SEM revealed perceived severity of COVID-19 had significant effects on job stress (β:0.394, p  = 0.025) and the utilization of personal protective equipment (β:0.757, p  = 0.001). Subsequently, job stress (β:–0.286, p  = 0.001), working hours (β:0.278, p  = 0.018), income (β:0.273, p  = 0.003), personal protective equipment (β:0.145, p  = 0.038), and staff cooperation & management commitment (β:0.091, p  = 0.002) were found to have significant effects on overall job satisfaction. In addition, management & staff cooperation was found to have a significant association with job stress reduction (β:–0.319, p  = 0.003) which subsequently led to higher satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The current study is one of the first that analyzed job satisfaction among dentists in Indonesia during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The integrated latent variables can be applied and extended to evaluate job satisfaction among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in other countries. Finally, this study contributed as a theoretical foundation for policymakers to enhance the job satisfaction of dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic. Show more

Keywords: Dental macroergonomics, dentist income, job stress, personal protective equipment, health policy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210479

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 365-376, 2021

Authors: Jamshidnezhad, Amir | Hosseini, Seyed Ahmad | Ghavamabadi, Leila Ibrahimi | Marashi, Seyed Mahdi Hossaeini | Mousavi, Hediye | Zilae, Marzieh | Dehaghi, Behzad Fouladi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In recent years the relationship between ambient air temperature and the prevalence of viral infection has been under investigation. OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at providing the statistical and machine learning-based analysis to investigate the influence of climatic factors on frequency of COVID-19 confirmed cases in Iran. METHOD: The data of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and some climatic factors related to 31 provinces of Iran between 04/03/2020 and 05/05/2020 was gathered from official resources. In order to investigate the important climatic factors on the frequency of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in all …studied cities, a model based on an artificial neural network (ANN) was developed. RESULTS: The proposed ANN model showed accuracy rates of 87.25%and 86.4%in the training and testing stage, respectively, for classification of COVID-19 confirmed cases. The results showed that in the city of Ahvaz, despite the increase in temperature, the coefficient of determination R2 has been increasing. CONCLUSION: This study clearly showed that, with increasing outdoor temperature, the use of air conditioning systems to set a comfort zone temperature is unavoidable. Thus, the number of positive cases of COVID-19 increases. Also, this study shows the role of closed-air cycle condition in the indoor environment of tropical cities. Show more

Keywords: Artificial neural networks, environmental, temperature, relative humidity, coronavirus

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210463

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 377-385, 2021

Authors: Das, Gotam | Ahmed, Shaheen | Ahmed, Abdul Razzaq | Tirth, Vineet | Jamil, Soofia | Muhammad, Ammar Ali | Islam, Saiful | Tirth, Amit

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Medical professionals, especially dental professionals, have been adversely affected by the pandemic of COVID-19 due to an increased chance of exposure to patients because of close contact during treatments. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about the disease and assess ways of precautions to be taken during the pandemic. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed and registered at Google Forms. The study population included dental practitioners, working in hospitals and clinics. A total of 495 dental practitioners from 14 different countries across the world responded. Most dentists were aware of the required modifications in the …management of patients. The points allotted for each correct/best answer by participants for a group of questions regarding each component (Knowledge, Perceptions, and Practices) were added/summed to generate an overall score for each of the three components. RESULTS: Both univariate and multivariate analysis employed for the evaluation of results. Moreover, the total practice score was significantly associated with gender and sector of practice. Multivariable analysis model using multiple linear regressions was formulated by including those variables which were significant at the univariate stage. Hence, the practice sector was the only variable found to be significantly associated with the total knowledge score (p -value < 0.05). Conclusion: This study, based on our experience and relevant guidelines and research, introduces essential knowledge about COVID-19 and infection in dental settings. Show more

Keywords: Awareness, pandemic, hygiene practice, infection control, coronavirus

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213602

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 387-393, 2021

Authors: Dominic, Catherine | Gopal, Dipesh P | Sidhu, Amandip

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physicians are at higher risk for burnout than workers in other fields. Burnout negatively impacts physician health, care delivery and healthcare cost. Existing studies quantify the workforce affected by burnout whilst qualitative studies use specific specialty groups limiting generalisability of solutions. This is important given increased stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to understand the causes of work-related burnout, identify what supportive resources physicians utilise, and to propose solutions. METHODS: A questionnaire was circulated between March and May 2019 via the ‘Doctors’ Association UK’ website and social media. …RESULTS: 721 responses were received. 94%of respondents worked in the NHS, with over half being either general practitioners (GPs) or consultants. One in two (53%) respondents felt unable to raise workplace concerns regarding wellbeing, stress or workload. Almost all respondents (97%) felt the NHS has a culture of viewing excessive stress and workload as the norm. Three themes emerged from qualitative analysis: negative workplace culture; high workload and lack of resources; and generational change. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents described system-level factors which negatively impacted their wellbeing whilst organisations focused on physician-level factors. The research literature supports multi-level change beyond the individual tackling work unit and organisational factors. These include providing infrastructure to allow delegation of administrative work and physical space for relaxation and flexible work with time for leave. At a national level, there is greater urgency for an increase in healthcare funding and resourcing especially during increased clinician workloads during a pandemic where burnout rates will increase. Show more

Keywords: Burnout, stress, healthcare, resilience

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205337

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 395-403, 2021

Authors: Hanumegowda, Pradeep Kumar | Gnanasekaran, Sakthivel | Subramaniam, Shankar | Honnappa, Adarsh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The majority of handicraft workers in India falls under the informal sector, which plays a prominent role in the employment generation. Artisans in handicraft sectors encounter various hazards and risks causing occupational diseases. OBJECTIVE: The key objective of the study is to identify the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and occupational risk factors among the artisans involved in making traditional lacquerware toys in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, South India. METHODS: The subjects considered in this study are 177 artisans who work in mechanized lathes at Channapatna of Karnataka and Etikoppaka of Andhra Pradesh, …South India. The information regarding the reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) symptoms from 7 days to 12 months are collected through modified Standardized Nordic Questionnaire and by direct observations. Moreover, the intervention of WMSD in their day-to-day life and the overall comfort of their body are also determined. The questionnaire survey is conducted through face-to-face interviews and by direct field study. RESULTS: From the statistical analysis, it is found that about 76.83%of the study population (77.4%male and 74.28%female) has self-reported WMSDs. The prevalence of WMSD is most common in the age group of 30–40 years. Physical factors like workplace adaptability, stress at work, body postures, health status, body mass index, active and enough breaks during work and body condition at the end of work have a significant association with WMSD. CONCLUSION: In this study, many of the work-related and lifestyle/health-related factors show a significant association with WMSD in artisans. The sub-standard working environment and the nature of work expose artisans to many occupational risks in their day-to-day life. To mitigate the occupational risks and musculoskeletal disorders, the workspace needs to be redesigned ergonomically. Show more

Keywords: WMSD, toys, artisans, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213580

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 405-418, 2021

Authors: Nikolić, Vesna | Taradi, Josip | Petković, Aleksandra Ilić

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that work often causes stress in employees and even in occupational safety experts. Occupational stress can lead to serious health consequences for employees. As the job of occupational safety experts is very responsible, they are more exposed to workplace stress and more vulnerable to its consequences. This study resulted with expertise on the work related stress of safety experts in Croatia and Serbia. OBJECTIVE: This study examined workplace stress of occupational safety experts in Croatia and Serbia. METHODS: Surveys were used to collect original data and statistical methods …were used for data processing and analysis. RESULTS: There was a correlation between the level of stress on safety expert’s jobs and stress levels related to the status of safety experts as dependent variables and the organization profile related with safety experts’ employment as independent variables. Stress of safety experts related to activities and the status of safety experts were of medium level. CONCLUSION: There is a need for preventive protection from stress in this profession. Continuous education of safety experts plays a key role in stress prevention, not only for the safety experts but it also plays a key role in stress management throughout the organization. Show more

Keywords: Expert, job, stress level, prevention, reduction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213581

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 419-431, 2021

Authors: Pérez-Alonso, Aránzazu | González-Domínguez, María Eugenia | Novalbos-Ruiz, José Pedro | León-Jiménez, Antonio | Córdoba-Doña, Juan Antonio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Exposure to artificial stone machining, under the conditions in which marble workers work with this new product, can cause silicosis. OBJECTIVE: To examine the experiences of marble workers affected, both in workshop and during home installation of countertops, before diagnosis of silicosis. METHODS: Qualitative study in which 10 open-ended semistructured interviews were conducted with marble workers diagnosed with silicosis after machining artificial stone countertops in Cádiz, Spain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using a directed content analysis. Codes were organized into themes. RESULTS: Interviews up to 120 minutes …and transcript analysis revealed three themes: 1) Heavy exposure for piecework: construction boom in an environment of labor deregulation and high demand for the novel product; 2) Poor working conditions: dry machining of artificial stone without proper protection in the workshop and greater exposure during home installation of countertops; 3) Concatenated legal transgressions: deficiencies in prevention and health surveillance without safety conditions for the correct handling of artificial stone. CONCLUSIONS: The fight against an emerging occupational disease—artificial stone silicosis—should focus on detecting affected workers and avoiding new cases, forcing joint efforts to achieve rigorous compliance with health surveillance and protecting marble workers to achieve healthy and safe workplaces. Show more

Keywords: Engineered stone, countertops, hazardousness, prevention, safe workplaces

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213582

Citation: Work, vol. 70, no. 2, pp. 433-442, 2021