Work - Volume 72, issue 2

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223636

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 385-386, 2022

Authors: Faison, Tomeico

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223634

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 387-389, 2022

Authors: Muschalla, Beate | Sondhof, Anke | Wrobel, Ulrike

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic brought about restrictions, additional workload, insecurity, or need for inventing new routines for professionals worldwide. The pandemic and its restrictions have been discussed as a career shock. OBJECTIVE: Adding knowledge to this, our study investigated the academic and family (care) situation of young scientists in a German technical university. METHODS: We conducted an online survey including young scientists from a technical university in Germany in April 2021. 346 participants (mean age 33 years, 37% women) gave self-ratings on academic and life situation during the pandemic year, care work, preferences for …scientific career and family life. RESULTS: Family and career were independent priorities (r  = 0.021, p  = 0.676). Two thirds (68%) of the young scientists reported no deterioration in scientific outcome during the pandefmic year. But, care times and number of children impacted negatively on scientific productivity in terms of publications. This was true for both women and men. CONCLUSIONS: Young scientists need individual support for their career perspective, according to their concrete career level and life situation. Show more

Keywords: Corona, pandemic, COVID-19, career, science, gender

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211230

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 391-397, 2022

Authors: Ganji, Kiran Kumar | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed | Siddiqui, Ammar A. | Munisekhar, Manay Srinivas | Alduraywish, Abdulrahman

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Individuals might suffer emotional, psychological, and even bodily challenges as a result of any pandemic. The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on Saudi Arabian University students and faculty members has received little attention. OBJECTIVE: To assess stress during the COVID-19 pandemic among university college students and faculty members of Jouf University, KSA and evaluate the impact of socio- demographic factors on anxiety and depression levels. METHODS: Two hundred and seventeen participants from Jouf University completed an anonymous web-based survey that includes questionnaires about anxiety and depression symptoms. Beck’s anxiety inventory (BAI) was used to assess …the anxiety levels, and Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) was used to determine the depression levels due to COVID 19 pandemic. The research was carried out between April 1, 2020, and June 30, 2020. An ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed to explain the odds of observing anxiety and depression. RESULTS: For “moderate anxiety” (22–35), the most frequently observed category of age, nationality, gender, duration spent in lockdown and profession was 20–30 years (n  = 15, 65%), Saudis (n  = 14, 61%), female (n  = 15, 65%),>3 months (n  = 17, 74%), and students (n  = 15, 65%) respectively. For “moderate depression” (21–30), the most frequently observed category of age, nationality, gender, duration spent in lockdown and profession was 20–30 years (n  = 10, 50%), Saudi (n  = 15, 65%), female (n  = 26, 65%).>3 months (n  = 13, 65%), and both students and faculty members, each with an observed frequency of 10 (50%) respectively. Ordinal logistic regression analysis suggested that the observed effects of nationality, gender, and duration spent in lockdown period influenced the anxiety levels among participants. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the lockdown duration was more significant in students than in faculty members and females than in males. Authors recommend the critical need for intervention and prevention strategies to address college students’ mental health. Show more

Keywords: Psychological factors, apprehension, sorrow, college students

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210346

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 399-407, 2022

Authors: Quiñones-Laveriano, Dante M. | Cervera-Ocaña, Martha Sofia | Porro-Diaz, Lucia Virginia | Reynel, Karla Josselin | De La Cruz-Vargas, Jhony A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress and unhealthy lifestyle are serious problems in public health and education, particularly due to their significant relevance in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVES: To determine the correlation between stress and lifestyle in teachers at some schools in Lima, Peru, during telework in 2020. METHODS: This observational, quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted in 217 school teachers from Lima. Lifestyle was measured using the FANTASTIC questionnaire; stress was measured using the Teaching Stress Scale (ED-6), comprised of the anxiety, depression, maladaptive beliefs, work pressure and poor coping dimensions. The Spearman correlation between numerical …variables, and the difference of the FANTASTIC score according to the categorical variables, were analyzed with the Mann–Whitney U test or Kruskal–Wallis test, as necessary. Multivariable analysis was done with a multiple linear regression model to find raw and adjusted β (βa). RESULTS: The median of the ED-6 scale was 81 (RI: 64–105). Sixty-four percent of the teachers had a good-excellent lifestyle; 27.2%, regular; and 8.49%, bad-dangerous. The FANTASTIC score had an inverse correlation with ED-6 (βa : –0.16, 95%; CI: –0.20 to –0.12) adjusted for age and cohabitation with children. Likewise, teachers between 40 and 49 years old (βa : 2.89, 95%; CI: 0.17 to 5.62) had a better lifestyle; and teachers who lived with children (βa: –5.48, 95%; CI: –7.89 to –3.06), a worse lifestyle. CONCLUSIONS: As stress increased, the lifestyle quality worsened in teachers at some schools in Lima, Peru, during telework in 2020. Show more

Keywords: Occupational stress, quality of life, tele-education, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211224

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 409-419, 2022

Authors: Dibbern, Thais | Serafim, Milena Pavan | Rampasso, Izabela Simon | Silva, Dirceu | Atvars, Teresa Dib Zambon | Leal Filho, Walter | Anholon, Rosley

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Remote work was evidenced in the pandemic and studies in this area increased. Most studies focus on professionals of companies or professors/students in the academic environment. At the same time, non-academic staff, that provide all the support required for the core activities of the institutions (research/teaching/extension activities) have been neglected. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to exploratory analyse which variables (interruptions when working remotely (1), health concerns (2) and fear of contracting coronavirus (3), anxiety and concern about professional career (4), frustration to have cancelled plans and missed opportunities (5) and gender (6)) can impact feelings of sadness …and depression experienced by non-academic staff of a university working remotely. METHODS: Using a database on behaviour and feelings of non-academic staff from a Brazilian university working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, a binary logistic regression model was structured. In an exploratory manner, six independent variables (presented in the previous item) were analysed in terms of their ability to predict the dependent variable (feelings of sadness and depression). RESULTS: The results presented the prediction power of the independent variables for the dependent variable. The variables regarding concern with their health, increased anxiety and concern about their career presented Odds Ratios of 3.6 (1.4–8.5 –95% C.I.) and 3.3 (2.2–5.0 –95% C.I.), respectively, standing out from the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: These results focus on staff at one institution, but they can contribute to better understand feelings and behaviours experienced by professionals working remotely and provide information for debates on the field of COVID-19-related changes of work. Show more

Keywords: Remote work, COVID-19, pandemic, feelings and behaviours

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210846

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 421-429, 2022

Authors: Leite, Wilza Karla dos Santos | Araújo, Anísio José da Silva | da Silva, Luiz Bueno | de Souza, Erivaldo Lopes | Silva, Jonhatan Magno Norte da | Bolis, Ivan | Silva, Merlayne Pâmela de Oliveira e | Neves, Robson da Fonseca | Colaço, Geraldo Alves

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Studies on illness in the footwear industry have prioritized specific work sectors and diseases. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the main factors related to sickness absence and the indicators of illness in terms of recurrence and workdays lost among workers at a footwear company, ranging from storage of raw material to distribution of the final product. METHODS: A total of 9072 cases of absence from work were investigated in shoe production units from 2014 to 2017. Univariate models estimated the risk of bodily dysfunction (physiological and psychological) and the severity of recurrence and work days lost. …RESULTS: (1) Most production units and work sectors were related to one or more affected bodily functions; (2) Neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions and the work sectors of prefabrication; cutting, assembly and finishing; and quality inspection of the final product required a longer recovery time before return to work and had a greater recurrence of leave; and (3) Women seemed to be more affected than men in terms of the reappearance of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Illness differs according to occupational sectors. The production sectors present more serious situations due to physical overload, intense rhythm and concentration, monotony and low autonomy. Show more

Keywords: Absenteeism, shoe manufacturing, work organization, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205312

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 431-451, 2022

Authors: Hoosain, Munira | Bosa, Florence | Conolly, Naomi Beth | Janse van Rensburg, Hanri | Mayet, Naafi’ah | Titus, Tamlyn

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Garment workers are at risk of developing work-related upper limb disorders (WRULD) due to the highly repetitive nature of their work. Workplace-based rehabilitation (WBR) facilitates improvement in work performance by providing intervention at the worker’s place of work. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the documented outcomes of workplace-based occupational therapy rehabilitation of garment workers with upper limb conditions. METHODS: A multiple case study design was used through a retrospective record review. All garment workers with upper limb conditions who were treated at a student occupational therapy practice in Cape Town, South Africa, …with pre- and post-intervention outcome assessment, were included in the study (n  = 7). Data were extracted from occupational therapy and medical files. RESULTS: 70% of the cases (n  = 5) improved after WBR while 30% of cases showed no improvement or deterioration. Participants received 3– 5 individual WBR sessions of approximately 30 minutes each, over a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Interventions included workstation adaptations, job rotation, psychoeducation, work task modification, assistive technology and exercise programmes. Outcome measures most commonly used were the RULA, DASH, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and pain intensity using the VAS. CONCLUSION: Workplace-based occupational therapy can be effective at improving upper limb function, pain and ergonomic risk amongst garment workers with upper limb conditions. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, return to work, sewing machine operators, textile workers, upper limb

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210540

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 453-462, 2022

Authors: Jacobs-Nzuzi Khuabi, Lee-Ann Juliana | Swart, Estelle | Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Background: This article describes the model components of a study that applied a two-phased approach towards the development of an occupational resilience model. OBJECTIVE: The occupational therapy practice model that is proposed seeks to facilitate high school re-entry and school participation post traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study’s first phase generated results on participants’ experiences of high school re-entry and school participation post TBI. These findings contributed to the second phase of developing a practice model to improve upon school transition practice for learners post TBI. METHODS: The study’s first phase comprised a qualitative multi-case study …of eight cases. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, participant and contextual observation, and document analysis. Data analysis was performed via an inductive process combined with cross-case synthesis. Phase 2 employed theory generation, suggesting an occupational therapy practice model for facilitating high school participation post TBI. RESULTS: Participant responses revealed, following the onset of the TBI, a need for adolescents to display resilience in order to re-participate in school. This was displayed by adolescents adapting through drawing upon personal and environmental resources as well as preparing for and engaging in occupation. CONCLUSION: A deeper understanding of the experiences of key role players involved in the school transition post TBI, combined with theory generation, formed the basis of developing the proposed model of occupational resilience. Occupational resilience, through a series of resilience-promoting tasks, is offered as a mechanism to increase learners’ capacity to adapt to occupational challenges and meaningfully participate in school post TBI. Show more

Keywords: Theory generation, occupational adaptation, adversity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205200

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 463-482, 2022

Authors: Verdonk, Petra | Bendien, Elena | Appelman, Yolande

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Menopause is part of working women’s lives. In Western countries, labour market patterns are changing rapidly: women’s labour participation has increased, the percentage of full-time working women is rising, and retirement age is increasing. OBJECTIVE: This narrative literature study aims to provide an insight in the state of the art in the literature about the relationship between menopause, work and health and to identify knowledge gaps as input for further research. METHODS: The search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE and ScienceDirect. The final set includes 36 academic articles, 27 additional articles related to the …topic and 6 additional sources. RESULTS: Research on menopause, work and health is scarce. Results are grouped thematically as follows: Menopause and (1) a lack of recognising; (2) sickness absence and costs; (3) work ability; (4) job characteristics; (5) psychosocial and cultural factors; (6) health; (7) mental health, and (8) coping and interventions. Work ability of women with severe menopausal complaints may be negatively affected. CONCLUSIONS: Due to taboo, menopause remains unrecognised and unaddressed within an organisational context. New theoretical and methodological approaches towards research on menopause, work and health are required in order to match the variety of the work contexts world-wide. Show more

Keywords: Menopause, work ability, taboo, coping, health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205214

Citation: Work, vol. 72, no. 2, pp. 483-496, 2022