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Lulli LG, Baldassarre A, Chiarelli A, Mariniello A, Paolini D, Grazzini M, Mucci N, Arcangeli G. Physical Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Population of Italian Healthcare Workers. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:4506. [PMID: 36901516 PMCID: PMC10002388 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection often causes symptoms and illness that can last for months after the acute phase, i.e., so-called "Long COVID" or Post-acute COVID-19. Due to the high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Healthcare Workers (HCWs), post-COVID-19 symptoms can be common and threaten workers' occupational health and healthcare systems' functioning. The aim of this cross-sectional, observational study was to present data related to post-COVID-19 outcomes in a population of HCWs infected by COVID-19 from October 2020 to April 2021, and to identify possible factors associated with the persistence of illness, such as gender, age, previous medical conditions, and features of acute illness. A total of 318 HCWs who had become infected by COVID-19 were examined and interviewed approximately two months after their recovery from the infection. The clinical examinations were performed by Occupational Physicians in accordance with a specific protocol at the Occupational Medicine Unit of a tertiary hospital in Italy. The mean age of the participants was 45 years old, and 66.7% of the workers were women while 33.3% were men; the sample mainly consisted of nurses (44.7%). During the medical examination, more than half of the workers mentioned that they had experienced multiple residual bouts of illness after the acute phase of infection. Men and women were similarly affected. The most reported symptom was fatigue (32.1%), followed by musculoskeletal pain (13.6%) and dyspnea (13.2%). In the multivariate analysis, dyspnea (p < 0.001) and fatigue (p < 0.001) during the acute stage of illness and the presence of any limitation in working activities, in the context of fitness for a work evaluation performed while the occupational medicine surveillance program was being conducted (p = 0.025), were independently associated with any post-COVID-19 symptoms, which were considered final outcomes. The main post-COVID-19 symptoms-dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain-showed significant associations with dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain experienced during the acute stage of infection, with the presence of limitations in working activities, and pre-existing pneumological diseases. A normal weight according to body mass index was a protective factor. The identification of vulnerable workers as those with limitations in working activities, pneumological diseases, a high BMI, and of an older age and the implementation of preventive measures are key factors for preserving Occupational Health. Fitness-to-work evaluations performed by Occupational Physicians can be considered a complex index of overall health and functionality that can identify workers who may suffer from relevant post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Annarita Chiarelli
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Diana Paolini
- Health Direction, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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Arcangeli G, Lulli LG, Traversini V, De Sio S, Cannizzaro E, Galea RP, Mucci N. Neurobehavioral Alterations from Noise Exposure in Animals: A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 20:591. [PMID: 36612911 PMCID: PMC9819367 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystems are increasingly involved and influenced by human activities, which are ever-increasing. These activities are mainly due to vehicular, air and sea transportation, thus causing possible repercussions on the fauna that exists there. The aim of this systematic review is to investigate the possible consequences that these activities may have in the field of animal neurobehavior, with special emphasis on the species involved, the most common environment concerned, the noise source and the disturbance that is caused. This research includes articles published in the major databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Embase, Web of Sciences); the online search yielded 1901 references. After selection, 49 articles (14 reviews and 35 original articles) were finally scrutinized. The main problems that were reported were in relation to movement, reproduction, offspring care and foraging. In live experiments carried out, the repercussions on the marine environment mainly concerned altered swimming, shallower descents, less foraging and an escape reaction for fear of cetaceans and fish. In birds, alterations in foraging, vocalizations and nests were noted; laboratory studies, on the other hand, carried out on small mammals, highlighted spatio-temporal cognitive alterations and memory loss. In conclusion, it appears that greater attention to all ecosystems should be given as soon as possible so as to try to achieve a balance between human activity and the well-being of terrestrial fauna.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Traversini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Simone De Sio
- R.U. of Occupational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Raymond Paul Galea
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Malta, MSD 2080 Msida, Malta
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Baldassarre A, Lulli LG, Cavallo F, Fiorini L, Mariniello A, Mucci N, Arcangeli G. Industrial exoskeletons from bench to field: Human-machine interface and user experience in occupational settings and tasks. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1039680. [PMID: 36478728 PMCID: PMC9720272 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1039680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are considered nowadays the most serious issue in the Occupational Health and Safety field and industrial exoskeletons appear to be a new approach to addressing this medical burden. A systematic review has been carried out to analyze the real-life data of the application of exoskeletons in work settings considering the subjective responses of workers. Methods The review was registered on PROSPERO. The literature search and its report have been performed following the PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results Twenty-four original studies were included in the literature review; 42% of the papers retrieved included automobilist industry workers, 17% of the studies evaluated the use of exoskeletons in logistic facilities, and 17% of articles involved healthcare. The remaining six papers recruited farmers, plasterers, wasting collectors, construction workers, and other workmen. All the papers selected tested the use of passive exoskeletons, supporting upper arms or back. Usability, perceived comfort, perceived exertion and fatigue, acceptability and intention to use, occupational safety and health, and job performance and productivity were the main topic analyzed. Conclusion Exoskeletons are not a fix-all technology, neither for workers nor for job tasks; they tend to show more of their potential in static activities, while in dynamic tasks, they can obstacle regular job performance. Comfort and easiness of use are the key factors influencing the user's experience. More research is needed to determine the most effective and safe ways to implement exoskeleton use in occupational settings. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=275728, identifier CRD42021275728.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Filippo Cavallo
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Fiorini
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Mucci N, Tommasi E, Chiarelli A, Lulli LG, Traversini V, Galea RP, Arcangeli G. Correction: Mucci et al. WORKbiota: A Systematic Review about the Effects of Occupational Exposure on Microbiota and Workers' Health. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19, 1043. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:13678. [PMID: 36294297 PMCID: PMC9602773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Eleonora Tommasi was not included as an author in the original publication [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Tommasi
- Postgraduate Medical Training Programme in Cardiology, University of Perugia, 1 Piazza dell’Università, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Annarita Chiarelli
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Veronica Traversini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Raymond Paul Galea
- Faculty of Medicine & Surgery, University of Malta, MSD 2090 Msida, Malta
- The Malta Postgraduate Medical Training Programme, Mater Dei Hospital Msida, MSD 2090 Msida, Malta
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Finstad GL, Giorgi G, Lulli LG, Pandolfi C, Foti G, León-Perez JM, Cantero-Sánchez FJ, Mucci N. Resilience, Coping Strategies and Posttraumatic Growth in the Workplace Following COVID-19: A Narrative Review on the Positive Aspects of Trauma. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:9453. [PMID: 34574378 PMCID: PMC8468098 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a traumatic event that has profoundly changed working conditions with detrimental consequences for workers' health, in particular for the healthcare population directly involved in addressing the emergency. Nevertheless, previous research has demonstrated that traumatic experiences can also lead to positive reactions, stimulating resilience and feelings of growth. The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the positive aspects associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and the possible health prevention and promotion strategies by analyzing the available scientific evidence. In particular, we focus on the constructs of resilience, coping strategies and posttraumatic growth (PTG). A literature search was performed on the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and Psycinfo databases. Forty-six articles were included in the literature synthesis. Psychological resilience is a fundamental variable for reducing and preventing the negative psychological effects of the pandemic and is associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety and burnout. At the individual and organizational level, resilience plays a crucial role in enhancing wellbeing in healthcare and non-healthcare workers. Connected to resilience, adaptive coping strategies are essential for managing the emergency and work-related stress. Several positive factors influencing resilience have been highlighted in the development of PTG. At the same time, high levels of resilience and positive coping strategies can enhance personal growth. Considering the possible long-term coexistence and consequences of COVID-19, organizational interventions should aim to improve workers' adaptive coping skills, resilience and PTG in order to promote wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Libera Finstad
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
- Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy;
| | | | - Caterina Pandolfi
- Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.F.)
| | - Giulia Foti
- Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (G.F.)
| | - José M. León-Perez
- Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41004 Sevilla, Spain; (J.M.L.-P.); (F.J.C.-S.)
| | | | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy;
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Giorgi G, Lecca LI, Alessio F, Finstad GL, Bondanini G, Lulli LG, Arcangeli G, Mucci N. COVID-19-Related Mental Health Effects in the Workplace: A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:E7857. [PMID: 33120930 PMCID: PMC7663773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17217857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 82.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has deeply altered social and working environments in several ways. Social distancing policies, mandatory lockdowns, isolation periods, and anxiety of getting sick, along with the suspension of productive activity, loss of income, and fear of the future, jointly influence the mental health of citizens and workers. Workplace aspects can play a crucial role on moderating or worsening mental health of people facing this pandemic scenario. The purpose of this literature review is to deepen the psychological aspects linked to workplace factors, following the epidemic rise of COVID-19, in order to address upcoming psychological critical issues in the workplaces. We performed a literature search using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus, selecting papers focusing on workers' psychological problems that can be related to the workplace during the pandemic. Thirty-five articles were included. Mental issues related to the health emergency, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleep disorders are more likely to affect healthcare workers, especially those on the frontline, migrant workers, and workers in contact with the public. Job insecurity, long periods of isolation, and uncertainty of the future worsen the psychological condition, especially in younger people and in those with a higher educational background. Multiple organizational and work-related interventions can mitigate this scenario, such as the improvement of workplace infrastructures, the adoption of correct and shared anti-contagion measures, including regular personal protective equipment (PPE) supply, and the implementation of resilience training programs. This review sets the basis for a better understanding of the psychological conditions of workers during the pandemic, integrating individual and social perspectives, and providing insight into possible individual, social, and occupational approaches to this "psychological pandemic".
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy;
| | - Luigi Isaia Lecca
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.I.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Federico Alessio
- Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Georgia Libera Finstad
- Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Giorgia Bondanini
- Business @ Health Laboratory, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (F.A.); (G.L.F.); (G.B.)
| | - Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli
- School of Occupational Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.I.L.); (N.M.)
| | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy; (L.I.L.); (N.M.)
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