Workplace sexual harassment: a qualitative study of the self-labelling process among employees in Denmark

PURPOSE

To explore how employees understand work-related sexual harassment and label their experience.

METHODS

This study is based on 13 semi-structured in-depth interviews with employees exposed to workplace sexual harassment. We analysed the data using a thematic approach drawing on frameworks of sensemaking in organizations.

RESULTS

We identified four major themes. The first two themes, distinguishing between sexual harassment and unwanted sexual attention and labelling real life sexual harassment, outline the interviewees' definitions of the two terms "sexual harassment" and "unwanted sexual harassment" and reveal the challenges of labelling sexually harassing behaviours at work. The last two themes; making the connection and negotiating boundaries and labels, explain the sensemaking process, i.e., how the interviewees come to understand and label their experience.

CONCLUSION

The analysis showed that the interviewees related sexual harassment with physical, coercive, and intentional behaviours, whereas unwanted sexual attention was seen as less severe and less intentional. The interviewees often doubted how to label their experience, and making sense of one´s experience could take years. Self-labelling is inherently a social process, and the validation and rejection of others play an important role. Finally, the #MeToo movement constituted a turning point for several interviewees' understandings of events.

Longitudinal determinants of employment status in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

Purpose

To investigate longitudinal relationships between employment status and disease-related, (neuro)psychological, and work-related factors in people with multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

170 employed people with MS underwent yearly neurological and neuropsychological examinations to assess MS-related disability and cognitive functioning. Additionally, they completed yearly questionnaires assessing depression, anxiety, fatigue, cognitive complaints, workplace support and coping. Multilevel models for change were fitted to examine progression of these factors over three years, and to assess possible relationships with change in employment status.

Results

People with a deteriorated employment status after three years reported more depression (p=0.009), a higher impact of fatigue (p<0.001), more cognitive complaints (p<0.001) and less workplace support (p=0.001) at baseline than people with a stable employment status. There were no differences in progression over time of the examined variables between people with a stable or deteriorated employment status.

Conclusion

More depression, a higher impact of fatigue, more cognitive complaints and less workplace support are predictive of a deteriorated employment status after three years in individuals with MS. How these factors progress over time is not different between those with a stable or deteriorated employment. MS-related disability, anxiety, objective cognition and coping were not related to a deterioration in employment status.

A seasonal comparison of a 14-day swing on cognitive function and psycho-physiological responses in mine service workers

This study assessed the effect of season on cognitive function and psycho-physiological responses during a 14-day swing in mine-service workers. Cognitive function, thermal sensation and comfort, rating of perceived exertion, fatigue, hydration, core temperature and heart rate were assessed throughout a shift, on three separate days over a swing. Working memory and processing efficiency did not differ between seasons (p > 0.05), however counting and recall latencies improved throughout the swing (p < 0.05). Participants reported greater fatigue post-shift compared to pre-shift (p < 0.05). Thermal sensation, thermal comfort, and hydration were significantly elevated in summer compared to winter (p < 0.05). Specifically, workers were significantly/minimally dehydrated in summer/winter (urinary specific gravity = 1.025 ± 0.007/1.018 ± 0.007). Although cognitive function and thermal strain were not impaired in summer compared to winter, it is essential to reinforce worker's knowledge regarding hydration requirements. Additional education and/or incorporating scheduled rest breaks for hydration should be considered to ensure the health and safety of mine workers.

Trends in severe functional limitations among working and non-working adults in Germany: Towards an (un)-healthy working life?

We examined trends in severe functional limitations among working and non-working adults in Germany (ages 40-65). Four population-based samples of 11,615 participants were used, spanning the time periods 2002-2021. The overall prevalence of severe limitations was found to be 12.8% in the sample, but also varied from 10 to 20% according to occupational group. Over time, severe limitations were found to have increased, from 10.6% in 2002 to 13.2% in 2021. Logistic regression analysis showed that severe limitations increased significantly in certain subgroups, including working women with a low skilled white collar occupational group, working men with a low skilled blue collar occupational group and, particularly, among the whole non-working population, whereas limitations remained largely the same in the other groups, including most of the working population. In terms of expectancies, overall working life expectancy increased. Along with this increase, healthy (non-severely limited) working life expectancy increased, but this trend was accompanied by a clear increase in unhealthy working life expectancy (severely limited). Thus, although severe limitations have increased in some groups in the working-age adults, people today can expect to work more years free from severe limitations than before. In the future, potentials to increase working life expectancy may come to an end, as severe limitations increased strongly in the non-working population, which could limit the prospects for a further increase in the proportion of the population in employment. Further studies are needed to investigate the potential impact of the increasing prevalence of severe limitations on the population's ability to work.

Bridging the knowledge gap! Health outcomes in informal e-waste workers

BACKGROUND

Although several studies analyzed the impact of e-waste recycling on human health, most publications did not differ between e-waste workers and bystanders, such as residents. This could lead to an underestimation of health effects in workers. In addition, frequently reported surrogate findings do not properly reflect clinical significant health outcomes. The aim of this review was to analyze the direct health effects of informal e-waste recycling in informal e-waste workers.

METHODS

According to PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched 3 databases (Embase®, PubMed®, Web of Science) for studies from low- and middle-income countries published in German or English between 1980 and 1 November 2021. Of the 2613 hits, 26 studies (cross-sectional, longitudinal and case-control studies) met the specified criteria and were included. We categorized the results into hormonal, respiratory, renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal health and general symptoms in informal e-waste workers.

RESULTS

Exposure to e-waste was associated with altered lipid metabolism, thyroid hormonal imbalances, impaired fertility, renal dysfunction, increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms, asthma, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension, musculoskeletal pain, injuries in up to 89% and skin disorders in up to 87.5-100% of e-waste workers.

CONCLUSION

Due to inconsistent findings, weak associations or poor study quality, it has rarely been possible to establish a causal relationship between informal e-waste work and health effects, except for injuries or skin conditions. Besides high-quality studies, a collective national and international political focus on e-waste disposal is needed.

Everybody's hurting": Grief, loss and the emotional impacts of overdose on harm reduction workers

BACKGROUND

The emotional impacts of witnessing and responding to overdose and overdose-related deaths have been largely overlooked during the drug toxicity overdose crisis in North America. Scarce research has analyzed these impacts on the health and well-being of harm reduction workers, and the broader determinants of harm reduction work. Our study investigates the experiences and impacts of witnessing and responding to frequent and escalating rates of overdose on harm reduction workers in Toronto, Canada.

METHODS

Using semi-structured interviews, 11 harm reduction workers recruited from harm reduction programs with supervised consumption services in Toronto, Canada, explored experiences with and reactions to overdose in both their professional and personal lives. They also provided insights on supports necessary to help people cope with overdose-related loss. We used thematic analysis to develop an initial coding framework, subsequent iterations of codes and emergent themes.

RESULTS

Results revealed that harm reductions workers experienced physical, emotional, and social effects from overdose-related loss and grief. While some effects were due to the toll of overdose response and grief from overdose-related losses, they were exacerbated by the lack of political response to the scale of the drug toxicity overdose crisis and the broader socio-economic-political environment of chronic underfunding for harm reduction services. Harm reduction workers described the lack of appropriate workplace supports for trauma from repeated overdose response and overdose-related loss, alongside non-standard work arrangements that resulted in a lack of adequate compensation or access to benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights opportunities for organizational practices that better support harm reduction workers, including formal emotional supports and community-based supportive care services. Improvement to the socio-economic-political determinants of work such as adequate compensation and access to full benefit packages are also needed in the harm reduction sector for all workers.

Age- and sex-related differences in trunk kinematics during walking in able-bodied adults

INTRODUCTION

Trunk motion during walking acts as a biomarker for decreased mobility and can differ between sexes. Knowing how age and sex affect trunk motion and energy conservation can help clinicians decide when and in whom to intervene with physiotherapy to prolong functional mobility.

METHODS

A large sample of 138 able-bodied males and females in the age-categories 20-39 years, 40-59 years, 60-69 years, 70-79 years, and 80-89 years received a full-body 3D gait analysis. A two-factor ANOVA was performed to examine the effect of age and sex and their interaction on 3D trunk kinematics and positive mechanical work of the lower limbs, head-arms-trunk (HAT) segment and whole body.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in walking speed was only found in those above 80 years (~ .05 nm/s, p < .006), while changes in 3D trunk kinematics were observed earlier. From 60 years on, trunk rotations decreased (~ 2-3°, p < .05), from 70-year frontal pelvic motion (~ 4°, p < .001), and from the age of 80 years sagittal thorax motion (~ 1-6°, p < .05). There were only small aging effects for mechanical energy demands that were more pronounced in females, showing decreased of HAT contributions (p = .020). Furthermore, age-related differences in trunk kinematics are highly dependent on sex whereby age-related changes were observed sooner in females than males in all three planes of motion.

CONCLUSIONS

Age-related differences in 3D trunk kinematics are observed from 60 years onward and increase with age. Age-related stiffening of the trunk did not seem to affect the body's total mechanical work. Importantly, our data did show a stark contrast between males and females, indicating that training to prolong mobility should be tailored to sex. Future research should include sex-matched data when examining normal age and pathologic gait decline.

A qualitative study of work and early menopause: 'On-the job' experiences and career trajectories

OBJECTIVES

Early menopause or premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), menopause occurring before age 45 and 40 years respectively, occur at the age when most women are establishing or consolidating their careers. Studies of older postmenopausal women indicate an adverse bidirectional relationship between menopause and work. However, data are lacking regarding the work experiences of women with early menopause or POI. We explored the experiences of women with early menopause or POI in relation to work.

STUDY DESIGN

Using maximum variation sampling, 30 women (median age 44 years and 38 years at menopause diagnosis) of diverse backgrounds and menopause causes (16/30 iatrogenic) participated in qualitative interviews to explore experiences of early menopause/POI in the context of their overall lives, work and career. Dual thematic (themes identified across interviews) and thematic narrative (themes identified within individual interviews) analysis was done using NVivo 12 software.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Themes related to work experiences and influencing factors.

RESULTS

Two major themes were identified: 'on-the-job' experiences (work performance, bodily presentation and disclosure) and career trajectories (intact and altered). Factors impacting the interaction between work and early menopause/POI included: career (type of work, environment, working conditions), personal (age, socio-economic background, family arrangements, migration history) and menopause experience (spontaneous versus iatrogenic, treatment complexity).

CONCLUSIONS

Early menopause/POI has multiple impacts on women's work experiences and career trajectories. As with older postmenopausal women, career and personal factors influence younger women's work experience. However, this research highlights differences associated with menopause occurring at an earlier, often unexpected age compared with menopause at the usual age.

Perspectives on Employer-Initiated Terminations Among Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum

Job instability is high among autistic adults, with employer-initiated terminations a common reason for job loss. The current study used qualitative methods to code reasons that autistic adults identified for their employer-initiated termination. From 315 autistic individuals ages 18-35 who completed an online survey, 93 (29.5%) reported having been terminated from a job. These individuals were asked about the reasons for their termination and responses were coded into thematic categories. Common reasons included work performance, social difficulties, attendance, and mental health challenges. Adults were more likely to attribute terminations to internal causes (related to the individual) than to external causes (environment-related). A good fit between workplace, individual preferences, skills, and abilities is likely key to promoting job continuity for autistic adults.

Between- and Within-Couple Concordance for Health Behaviors Among Japanese Older Married Couples: Examining the Moderating Role of Working Time

BACKGROUND

Although previous studies report spousal concordance for health behaviors at between-couple levels, concordance at within-couple levels remains unconfirmed. To clarify the behavioral mechanisms of spousal concordance for health behaviors among older couples at both levels, it is necessary to examine the moderators (effect modifiers) of spousal concordance. This study examined (1) whether spousal concordance for dietary variety, exercise behavior, and TV viewing behavior was observed at both the between-couple and the within-couple levels and (2) whether this spousal concordance was moderated by working time among older Japanese couples.

METHOD

This study analyzed data obtained from a questionnaire-based, three-wave longitudinal survey (baseline, 1-year follow-up, 3-year follow-up) among 210 Japanese older couples. Each spouse's dietary variety, exercise time, TV viewing time, the couple's working time, and demographic factors were investigated by multi-level analyses.

RESULTS

One spouse's dietary variety and TV viewing time, but not exercise time, were significantly associated with the other spouse's corresponding behaviors at both levels. The regressions of the wife's TV viewing time on the husband's TV viewing time were moderated by working time at the within-couple level; the regressive effects of wife's TV viewing time on husband's TV viewing time were more relevant as working time was lower.

CONCLUSION

This study found that spousal concordance for dietary variety and TV viewing was observed at within-couple and between-couple levels among older Japanese couples. In addition, shorter working time partly moderates the wife's influence on the husband's TV viewing among older couples at the within-couple level.

Does the Impact of Episodic Memory Declines on Future Changes in Perceived Control Vary Based on Individuals' Experience With Cognitively Demanding Jobs?

OBJECTIVES

This study proposes and evaluates a scenario wherein cognitive demands experienced at work can amplify the positive cross-lagged association of a shift in control beliefs following changes in episodic memory.

METHODS

From the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2018) for 9,998 participants aged 50 or above, we used repeated observations of memory and control beliefs, assessed with the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-modified (TICS-m) and self-mastery and perceived constraints questionnaires. A dual-Latent Change Score Model estimated the cross-lagged effects between memory and control beliefs, separately for individuals with prior high cognitive job demands and those without.

RESULTS

A decline in memory led to decreased control beliefs in terms of perceived constraints, only among those with experiences in cognitively demanding jobs.

DISCUSSION

High cognitive job demands may lead to a more cognitively oriented awareness of aging, thus amplifying the impact of memory decline on control constraints.

Predictors of Quality of Work Life in Health Care Workers at Adult Critical Care Units: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim and background

Satisfaction with the quality of work life reflects the inadequate distribution of the workforce in critical care units and is not enough; on many occasions, they work in precarious conditions and with high levels of physical, emotional, spiritual, and social demands, impacting the quality of care.

Aim

To identify predictors of the quality of work life of healthcare workers in adult critical care units (ACCU).

Materials and methods

Quantitative study, cross-sectional analytical design with stratified two-stage sampling; three instruments were applied to 209 healthcare professionals in adult critical care units in different sites in a region of Colombia, concerning Quality of Life at Work-GOHISALO, Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire-COPSOQ and Professional Quality of Life-ProQoL V. Multiple ordinal logistic regression was performed with exposure variables from the COPSOQ and ProQoL domains; the outcome variables were the dimensions of the Quality of Work Life instrument. Ethical standards for research involving human subjects were ensured.

Results

According to the results of the multiple logistic models, quality of work life is predicted by job integration and predictability (OR = 6.93; 95% CI = 3.6-13.9), leisure time management and double presence (OR = 4.5; 95% CI = 1.22-8.79). Both job satisfaction and job security are related to leadership quality (OR=3.82; 95% CI = 2.27-6.55 and OR = 3.18; 95% CI = 1.22-8.79), respectively.

Conclusions

The quality of work life of healthcare workers in adult intensive care units is predicted by quantitative demands, double presence, emotional demands, work pace, predictability, vertical trust, and quality of leadership.

How to cite this article

Quinones-Rozo LP, Canaval-Erazo GE, Sandoval-Moreno LM. Predictors of Quality of Work Life in Health Care Workers at Adult Critical Care Units: A Cross-sectional Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2024;28(4):355-363.

Employment-related Education and Support for Cancer Survivors: a Content Analysis of Employment Resources Offered on National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Center Websites

High rates of employment changes and associated concerns among cancer survivors following diagnosis and treatment suggest a need to examine what employment-related educational resources and support are currently being offered to cancer survivors and what gaps exist in those resources. In 2023, we conducted a content analysis of employment resources described on the websites of the NCI-Designated Cancer Centers that provide clinical care (N = 64) through a systematic review procedure using predetermined search terms and a standardized process to examine the availability and accessibility of such resources. Descriptive analyses were conducted to characterize the employment resources identified. In total, 175 employment resources were identified across 49 cancer center websites; 102 (58%) provided patient-facing education/information, 58 (33%) offered a consultation, 14 (8%) offered support groups/classes, and 1 (1%) was classified as "Other." Most (76%) resources were provided internally by the cancer center, and often, more than one discipline was involved, most commonly social work and medicine. These findings are encouraging as they suggest that most (77%) NCI-Designated Cancer Centers recognize employment support as a component of survivorship care. The multidisciplinary nature of the resources identified is supported by moderate evidence that multidisciplinary interventions appear to have the greatest potential to foster a return to work for cancer survivors and align with suggestions made by recent expert groups and guidelines regarding employment support for cancer survivors. Ongoing work is needed to assess the utilization, impact, and equity of available employment resources to optimize work outcomes among cancer survivors.

Sedentary time at school and work in Canada

OBJECTIVES

High levels of sedentary time (ST) are associated with poor physical and mental health. Given that Canadians spend a large portion of their days at school and work, they may be important targets for reducing ST. Our objectives are to estimate the daily amount of school and work ST among Canadians, examine differences by subgroups, and determine associations with health.

METHODS

Using the 2020 Canadian Community Health Survey Healthy Living Rapid Response module (N = 5242), the amount of time spent sitting while at school and work was estimated among youth (12-17 years) and adults (18-34 and 35-64 years). Differences by sociodemographics and 24-Hour Movement Guideline adherence were assessed with independent t-tests. Associations between school and work ST and health indicators were assessed using adjusted logistic regression.

RESULTS

Canadian youth aged 12-17 years and adults aged 18-34 years reported an average of 4.5 and 5.2 h/day of school ST, respectively. Adults 18-34 years and 35-64 years reported an average of 3.9 and 4.0 h/day of work ST, respectively. School and work ST differed within several subgroups. Among adults 18-34 years, higher school ST was associated with a reduced odds of 'excellent/very good' mental health, whereas higher work ST was associated with a greater likelihood of reporting 'excellent/very good' general health.

CONCLUSION

Canadian youth and working-age adults report an average of 4-5 h/day sedentary at school or work. This is the first study estimating school and work ST in a representative sample of Canadians and will aid in increasing awareness of setting-specific behaviours to better inform targeted interventions including addressing inequalities in ST.

Novel Internet Support for Neck-Specific Rehabilitation Improves Work-Related Outcomes to the Same Extent as Extensive Visits to a Physiotherapy Clinic in Individuals with Chronic Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Prospective Randomised Study

PURPOSE

To address the current lack of information about work-related factors for individuals with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) we investigated the effectiveness of 3 months of neck-specific rehabilitation with internet support in combination with four physiotherapy visits (NSEIT) compared to the same exercises performed twice a week (24 times) at a physiotherapy clinic (NSE).

METHODS

This is a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial regarding secondary outcomes of work-related factors in 140 individuals with chronic moderate/severe WAD with 3- and 15-month follow-up.

RESULTS

There were no group differences between NSE and NSEIT in the Work Ability Scale or work subscales of the Neck Disability Index, Whiplash Disability Questionnaire or Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ-work). Both groups improved in all work-related outcome measures, except for FABQ-work after the 3-month intervention and results were maintained at the 15-month follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite fewer physiotherapy visits for the NSEIT group, there were no group differences between NSEIT and NSE, with improvements in most work-related measures maintained at the 15-month follow-up. The results of the present study are promising for those with remaining work ability problems after a whiplash injury. Protocol registered before data collection started: clinicaltrials.gov NCT03022812.

Barriers and drivers of farmers to provide outdoor access in pig farming systems: a qualitative study

Part of the farmers have chosen to raise pigs with outdoor access. However, providing outdoor access to pigs is not a simple matter, and many farmers are hesitating or feel powerless to engage in this transition. A better understanding of their needs and challenges could facilitate the development of innovations that generate commitment. This survey aimed to identify the French pig farmers' barriers to and drivers for providing outdoor access to pigs. A total of 36 farmers, aged 25-60, who worked in all types of pig farming systems (from full indoor to free-range) participated in a semi-structured interview that lasted 1.25-2.25 h. The topics covered included a historical overview, a description of the farm and practices, as well as opinions about the impact of outdoor access on farmers, animals, production and economic performance, environment, and society. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Most of the participants agreed that rearing pigs indoors is a different job from that of rearing pigs with outdoor access and that it is above all a matter of choice, farmer work conception, and work comfort. Farmers generally agreed that working outdoors is particularly arduous, but this could be compensated by the satisfaction of being in contact with nature and seeing animals in a more complex environment. A large majority of farmers managing a system with outdoor access raised the issue of lack of support, highlighting the need for refinement and diffusion of guides of practices as well as day-to-day support. The impact of outdoor access on the health and welfare of pigs was discussed, especially regarding climatic hazards and the risk of zoonoses, and several outdoor farmers explained how their relationship with the animals changes when pigs are raised outside. Given that zootechnical performance may significantly decrease in farms with outdoor access, various strategies can be employed to maintain profitability, such as feed production, circularity, direct sales, or work diversification. They could be either motivating or demotivating factors depending on the individuals. Concerns about social criticism were prominent among many indoor farmers while farmers providing outdoor access generally felt more serene and proud. Overall, this study can serve as a basis to identify levers that could remove barriers, foster the adherence of more farmers, and facilitate the transition towards more pig farming systems with outdoor access, provided that those systems are viable and beneficial for the welfare and health of the animals and farmers.

History of mood and anxiety disorders affects return to work and return to sports after rotator cuff repair

INTRODUCTION

After rotator cuff repair (RCR), return to work and return to sports is affected by various psychosocial factors. The role of one of these factors - mood and anxiety disorders (MAD) - is still not clear. The primary objective of this study was to determine the influence of prior MAD on the return to work and return to sports after RCR. Our hypothesis was that patients with a history of MAD would take longer to return to work and to sports after RCR, and the rate of return would be lower, than for patients without MAD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective single-center study of patients who underwent arthroscopic RCR (distal supraspinatus tear). Patients who were employed and those who participated in sports before the surgery were included in the "working" and "sports" groups, respectively. The primary outcomes were the time to return to work and return to sports after surgery. The secondary outcomes were the ratio of patients returning to work and to sports at 3, 6 and 12 months; rate of return to same level of sports; need to change or stop working or sports. The effects of prior MAD on these various outcomes were determined using Bayesian multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The "working" group consisted of 158 patients (of which 16.5% had MAD) and the "sports" group consisted of 118 patients (of which 17.8% had MAD). In those with a history of MAD, return to work was 21±11 weeks later and the return to sports was 17±8 weeks later than in those without MAD. There was a 98% probability that return to work or return to sports was delayed by at least 4 weeks in patients with history of MAD. The likelihood that patients with prior MAD who undergo RCR will completely abandon their sport was 2.8 times higher (OR=2.8 [1; 7.8]).

CONCLUSION

We found a negative influence of prior MAD on the return to work and return to sports after RCR.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective case-control study.

Development and Initial Validation of a Questionnaire Measuring Self-management Strategies that Promote Psychological Health at Work

BACKGROUND

Self-management strategies have been identified as a promising avenue to promote mental health and functioning at work. However, the absence of a validated questionnaire to assess the use of strategies that can be adopted in the workplace has limited empirical research on this topic. This study seeks to develop and validate a questionnaire measuring mental health self-management strategies used by workers to promote their mental health and functioning at work: the Workplace Mental Health Self-Management Questionnaire (WMHSQ).

METHODS

An initial list of 72 self-management strategies was generated from the content of 25 interviews conducted with workers experiencing depressive or anxiety symptoms. Content experts on mental health at work identified the 47 most relevant items. To validate the WMHSQ, 365 workers completed the WMHSQ and criterion-related measures (depressive and anxiety symptoms, work functioning, self-management and coping). Two weeks later, 235 participants completed the WMHSQ once again.

RESULTS

Principal component analysis revealed a four-factor solution composed of 21 self-management strategies: Managing Thoughts and Emotions, Managing Recovery, Managing Relationships and Managing Tasks. The WMHSQ shows adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Correlational analyses support convergent and concurrent validity.

LIMITATIONS

Since this is an initial psychometric validation of the WMHSQ, only an exploratory factor analysis was performed. It will therefore be important to validate the structure of this new psychometric tool through confirmatory factor analysis in a subsequent study.

CONCLUSIONS

The strategies identified in the WMHSQ can form the basis for developing practical tools and interventions to promote mental health self-management at work.

Informal Network Members' Perspectives and Experiences on Work for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Thematic Synthesis

PURPOSE

The level of participation of people with intellectual disabilities (ID) in various forms of work, including daytime activities, appears to be suboptimal. Informal networks of people with ID constitute crucial forms of support, as they can significantly influence occupational choices and opportunities. This review aims to synthesize existing research for the purpose of examining how informal network members perceive the meaning of employment or daytime activities for their relatives with ID.

METHODS

Following the PRISMA guideline, a systematic search of scientific literature published between 1990 and July 2022 was conducted. The qualitative results from twenty-seven studies (qualitative and mixed-method) were analyzed using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Four overarching themes and several subthemes were identified: (I) Ensuring customized work for my relative; (II) The ongoing need to collaborate and share care responsibilities with professionals; (III) The meaning of work for both my relative and myself; and (IV) Achieving full work participation for my relative is neither straightforward nor self-evident.

CONCLUSIONS

Informal networks place great value upon customized and sustainable work opportunities for their relatives with ID, particularly community-based work. While network members play an important role in creating these opportunities, they encounter obstacles resulting from both collaboration difficulties with professionals and employers and public and structural forms of stigma. Researchers, professionals, policy makers, and employers are encouraged to collaborate with individuals with ID as well as their networks to increase the meaningful work opportunities available to them.

Fostering Stay at Work After a Period of Disability: A Scoping Review of Occupational Rehabilitation Strategies to Support Workers in the Adoption of Preventive Behaviours

PURPOSE

Based on the theoretical framework of the Model of Preventive Behaviours at Work, the aim of this study was to describe the the occupational rehabilitation strategies the literature reports that support workers who have suffered an occupational injury in adopting preventive behaviours.

METHODS

To conduct this scoping review, we used a systematic methodology in 7 steps : (1) definition of the research question and inclusion/exclusion criteria; (2) scientific and gray literature search; (3) determination of manuscripts' eligibility; (4) extraction and charting of information; (5) quality assessment; (6) interpretation; and (7) knowledge synthesis.

RESULTS

We selected 46 manuscripts of various types (e.g. randomized trials, qualitative studies, governmental documents). Manuscripts were mainly of good or high quality according to our quality assessment. The strategies for coaching, engaging, educating and collaborating were mostly reported in the literature to support the development of the six preventive behaviours during occupational rehabilitation. The results also suggest that heterogeneity exists regarding the specificity of the strategies reported in the literature, which may have hindered our ability to provide rich and detailed descriptions. Literature also mainly describes individually oriented behaviours and reports strategies requiring a low level of worker involvement, which represent issues to adress in future researh projects.

CONCLUSION

The strategies described in this article reprensent concrete levers that occupational rehabilitation professionals can use to support workers in the adoption of preventive behaviours at work on return from having suffered an occupational injury.

Evaluation of Active Labor Market Policy Reform: Employment Outcomes of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the Estonian active labor market reform in 2016, which introduced a new policy concerning vocational rehabilitation services. As a research question, we investigate how such services may have affected the employment outcomes of people with mental and/or physical impairments.

METHODS

Our sample includes 9244 people from 2016 to 2020, with a mean age of 46 years. Due to multiple entries to the services, we have more than 11,000 cases with over 100,000 monthly observations. We use propensity score matching in combination with fixed effects panel regressions to analyze how the completion of the scheduled rehabilitation plan affected monthly employment duration.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that completing the rehabilitation service results on average in 2.6 months longer post-rehabilitation employment, compared to matched individuals who discontinued the service. This effect was larger when already employed and male participants entered the service, while weaker effects were observed in the case of individuals with only mental disabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, we conclude that while completing the scheduled rehabilitation plan has a positive effect on employment outcomes, still maintaining employment status seems to remain a challenge, based on the relatively modest effect sizes. Thus, we question the economic arguments behind the reform.

Prevalence, severity, and risk factors of cancer-related fatigue among working cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of cancer-related fatigue among currently working cancer survivors.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ICHUSHI databases. The risk of bias was evaluated independently using the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies (RoBANS). A meta-analysis was conducted to determine the prevalence, severity, and related factors associated with cancer-related fatigue among currently working cancer survivors.

RESULTS

Our meta-analysis included 18 studies and revealed that 42.2% of currently working cancer survivors experience cancer-related fatigue. The fatigue severity in this group was significantly higher than that in workers without cancer (absolute standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.67), but lower than that in cancer survivors who had previously worked and were not currently working (absolute SMD = 0.72). Distress was identified as a potential risk factor for cancer-related fatigue in working cancer survivors (partial correlation coefficient = 0.38).

CONCLUSIONS

The high prevalence of cancer-related fatigue among employed cancer survivors underscores the need for targeted workplace interventions and fatigue management strategies. While the severity of fatigue is less than that seen in non-working survivors, the comparison with the general working population highlights a significant health disparity. The association between distress and fatigue suggests the necessity for a holistic approach to fatigue management that considers both physical and mental factors in working cancer survivors.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

Our findings highlight the critical need for healthcare professionals and employers to monitor fatigue levels among working cancer survivors and offer appropriate support.

Development and validation of a questionnaire for measuring team cohesion: the Erlangen Team Cohesion at Work Scale (ETC)

BACKGROUND

Team cohesion is a crucial factor when it comes to job satisfaction and turnovers. However, in Germany, economic measures for team cohesion are scarce. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an economic self-report questionnaire for measuring team cohesion in a work setting in health care.

METHODS

The questionnaire was developed in a stepwise procedure. After item analysis, exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess factor structure. Reliability was tested via internal consistency. To assess convergent and divergent validity, we applied the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), the Perceived Cohesion Scale (PCS), the ENRICHD Social Support Inventory (ESSI), the Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale (ERI) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-4), respectively.

RESULTS

The pilot version was tested in a sample of n = 126 adult nurses. Item analysis resulted in a total of 13 items for the final version. Exploratory factor analysis indicated a two-factor structure. Internal consistency for the two subscales was good, with α = 0.88 and α = 0.84, respectively. Convergent validity with the subscales of COPSOQ and PCS was moderate to high (r =.26- r =.64). For divergent validity, correlations with the ESSI were low (r =.01- r = -.09). We further found significant correlations with depression symptoms (r=-.22- r=-.37), as well as reward (ERI) (r =.41 -r =.47) and effort (ERI) (r=-.20 - r = -.24).

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated the Erlangen Team Cohesion at Work Scale (ETC), a self-report measure for team cohesion with very good psychometric properties. Due to its economic deployment, it is suitable for measuring team cohesion in work settings, especially in health care.

Randomized Controlled Trials in the Shoulder Arthroplasty Literature Rarely Include Key Demographic and Socioeconomic Patient Data

BACKGROUND

It is well known that socioeconomic and demographic variables can greatly affect health outcomes. Previous studies across medical and surgical subspecialties have demonstrated that these variables are frequently under-reported in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). No such study currently exists that examines rates of reporting sociodemographic variables in shoulder arthroplasty RCTs. This study aims to present these rates and explore the impacting of failing to report socioeconomic variables in shoulder arthroplasty RCTs.

METHODS

The PubMed database was queried for the term "shoulder arthroplasty." 65 RCTs from the last ten years were identified for inclusion from five high-impact orthopedic surgery journals. Each RCT was analyzed for patient age and sex or gender as well as the following sociodemographic variables: race, ethnicity, insurance status, income, work status, and education. It was also noted whether each above variable was mentioned in the results section of the paper. Data was presented in a descriptive fashion as well as analyzed using Chi-squared and Fisher's exact test where appropriate.

RESULTS

From 2014-2023, 65 shoulder arthroplasty RCTs published reported age in 40/65 (61.5%) of results sections and 61/65 (93.8%) of any section. Sex or gender were reported in 27/65 (41.5%) of results sections and 61/65 (93.8%) of any section. No manuscripts included any sociodemographic variables in the results section. Reporting rates for sociodemographic variables in any section were: race 6/65 (9.2%), ethnicity 5/65 (7.7%), work status 4/65 (6.2%), and insurance status 1/65 (1.5%). No studies included income or education of the enrolled patients. There was no difference in reporting sociodemographic variables by journal (p = 0.45) or by year of publication (p = 0.57). However, no study prior to 2020 included any sociodemographic variable (0/27, 0%) whereas from 2020 onward six studies included at least one (6/38, 15.8%). Sociodemographic variables were reported significantly less frequently than age and sex or gender (p = 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Our study found sociodemographic variables are rarely reported in shoulder arthroplasty RCTs, whereas age and sex or gender are reported with great frequency. In order to understand the results of shoulder arthroplasty RCTs, apply their findings to the care of our patients and address health disparities we must ensure these studies include patient sociodemographic data.

Emotional labor as emotion regulation investigated with ecological momentary assessment - a scoping review

BACKGROUND

This scoping review's aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of ecological momentary assessment (EMA)- based research on emotional labor (EL) as emotion regulation (ER). This includes an examination of the theoretical foundation this research builds on, how the hypothesized relationships are investigated using EMA methods as well as the studies' findings themselves. We built on the work of Grandey and Melloy (J Occup Health Psychol 22:407-22, 2004), who broadly distinguished between the two regulatory strategies of deep acting (DA) and surface acting (SA), embedded in a hierarchical model of emotional labor, as a guiding theory for structuring this review.

METHODS

To be included, studies had to use EMA to measure SA or DA, with no restrictions regarding population and date of publication. The electronic databases CINAHL, PsycArticles, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched. Studies were included if they met the above criteria and were written in English or German. Out of 237 publications, 12 were chosen for this review.

RESULTS

All studies were based on emotional labor theories, with Arlie Hochschild's theory being the most popular, followed by Alicia Grandey's emotional labor theory and its modifications (Grandey AA. Emotion Regulation in the Workplace: A New Way to Conceptualize Emotional Labor; Grandey AA. When "the show must go on": Surface acting and deep acting as determinants of emotional exhaustion and peer-rated service delivery. 2003). The methodological quality of the studies varied greatly. The results of the studies indicate that SA is influenced by negative events, trait SA, service innovation and certain emotions, while DA is influenced by positive events and emotional intelligence. Emotional labor benefits the organization, e.g., by improving customer conflict handling, but also causes harm by increasing employee withdrawal behavior. For the employee, emotional labor results in more harm than benefits.

CONCLUSIONS

The research area is still in its early stages and the findings are mostly consistent, but the small number of studies needs to be replicated to increase the reliability of the results. The lack of evidence for ertain hypotheses highlights the presence of unresolved relationships that require further exploration. We are only at the beginning of investigating emotional labor using ecological momentary assessment, and conducting more high-quality studies will significantly enhance our comprehension of emotional labor.

Novel Symptom Subgroups in Individuals With Irritable Bowel Syndrome Predict Disease Impact and Burden

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Current classification systems based on bowel habit fail to capture the multidimensional nature of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We previously derived and validated a classification system, using latent class analysis, incorporating factors beyond bowel habit. We applied this in another cohort of people with IBS to assess its ability to capture the impact of IBS on the individual, the health care system, and society.

METHODS

We collected demographic, symptom, and psychological health data from adults in the community self-identifying as having IBS, and meeting Rome IV criteria. We applied our latent class analysis model to identify the 7 subgroups (clusters) described previously, based on overall gastrointestinal symptom severity and psychological burden. We assessed quality of life, health care costs (£1 = $1.20), employment status, annual income, work productivity, and ability to perform work duties in each cluster.

RESULTS

Of 1278 responders, 752 (58.8%) met Rome IV criteria. The 7-cluster model fit the data well. The patients in the 4 clusters with the highest psychological burden, and particularly those in cluster 6 with high overall gastrointestinal symptom severity and high psychological burden, showed lower educational levels, higher gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, were more likely to have consulted a gastroenterologist, and used more drugs for IBS. IBS-related and generic quality of life were impaired significantly in these 4 clusters and significantly fewer individuals reported earning ≥£30,000 per year. Productivity and the ability to work, manage at home, engage in social and private leisure activities, and maintain close relationships all were impacted significantly, and IBS-related health care costs over the previous 12 months were highest in these 4 clusters. In those in cluster 6, costs were more than £1000 per person per year.

CONCLUSIONS

Our clusters identify groups of individuals with significant impairments in quality of life, earning potential, and ability to work and function socially, who are high utilizers of health care.

Physical stress and musculoskeletal complaints of veterinarians - A narrative review

INTRODUCTION

Veterinarians have high physical workloads. The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate the literature on typical physical workloads, such as lifting/carrying and forced position (during surgery) and predictors of injuries. The health complaints of veterinarians were also examined.

METHODS

Diverse databases were used. Prevalence rates of total workloads (also including surgery), health complaints, musculoskeletal discomfort, and predictors of injury, musculoskeletal disorders, and precaution awareness were examined.

RESULTS

Thirteen studies were included. The most prevalent injury was animal attacks (9%-84%). Working in large and mixed practice types were predictors of injuries or musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., shoulder, lower back, head/neck) compared to other types of practice.

CONCLUSION

The study findings presented here clearly show a high need for intervention to minimize and prevent occupational risks. Ergonomic working conditions and occupational safety training can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

Symptoms and Engagement in Anti-social Behavior 10 Years After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Within a Community Civilian Sample: A Prospective Cohort Study With Age-Sex Matched Control Group

OBJECTIVE

To determine if there are longer-term effects on symptoms, health status, mood, and behavior 10 years after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Community-based, civilian sample.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults aged ≥16 years at follow-up who experienced an mTBI 10 years ago, and an age and sex-matched non-injured control group.

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

mTBI cases and controls were asked to complete self-report assessments of functioning (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule Version 2), symptoms (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire), health status (100-point scale), alcohol (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) and substance use (Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test), and whether they had engaged in any anti-social behaviors over the past 12 months.

RESULTS

Data were analyzed for 368 participants (184 mTBI cases and 184 age-sex matched controls). Just over a third of mTBI cases (64, 34.8%) reported that they were still affected by their index mTBI 10 years later. After adjusting for education and ethnicity, the mTBI group had statistically higher overall symptom burden (F=22.32, P<.001, ηp2=0.07) compared with controls. This difference remained after excluding those who experienced a recurrent TBI. The mTBI group were more than 3 times as likely to have engaged in anti-social behavior during the previous 12 months (F=5.89, P=.02). There were no group differences in health status, functioning, or problematic alcohol or substance use 10 years post-injury.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence of potential longer-term associations between mTBI, post-concussion symptoms, and anti-social behavior which warrants further evaluation. Future research should also examine if longer-term effects may be preventable with access to early rehabilitation post-injury.

Three out of four working-age patients have fulfilled expectations towards paid employment six months after total hip or knee arthroplasty: a multicentre cohort study

To investigate factors associated with fulfilment of expectations towards paid employment after total hip/knee arthroplasty (THA/TKA). Cohort study including preoperatively employed patients aged 18-64 scheduled for THA/TKA. Expectations were collected preoperatively, and 6 and 12 months postoperatively with the paid employment item of the Hospital-for-Special-Surgery Expectations Surveys (back-to-normal = 1; large improvement = 2; moderate improvement = 3; slight improvement = 4; not applicable = 5). Patients scoring not applicable were excluded. Fulfilment was calculated by subtracting preoperative from postoperative scores (< 0: unfulfilled; ≥ 0: fulfilled). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for THA/TKA at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Six months postoperatively, 75% of THA patients (n = 237/n = 316) and 72% of TKA patients (n = 211/n = 294) had fulfilled expectations. Older age (TKA:OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.01-1.15) and better postoperative physical functioning (THA:OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.06-1.14; TKA:OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01-1.06) increased the likelihood of fulfilment. Physical work tasks (THA:OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.03-0.44), preoperative sick leave (TKA:OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17-0.65), and difficulties at work (THA:OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.03-0.35; TKA:OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.17-0.98) decreased the likelihood of fulfilment. Twelve months postoperatively similar risk factors were found. Three out of four working-age THA/TKA patients had fulfilled expectations towards paid employment at 6 months postoperatively. Preoperative factors associated with fulfilment were older age, mental work tasks, no sick leave, postoperative factors were better physical functioning, and no perceived difficulties at work.

Exploring the working conditions of disabled employees: a scoping review

PURPOSE

Disabled people are often overlooked in considerations about work design, which contributes to their exclusion from the labor market. This issue also reflects within research, as the body of knowledge on the working conditions of disabled employees remains relatively limited.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted to assess the research landscape concerning the working conditions of disabled employees. Five databases have been searched, focusing on relevant studies published between 2017 and 2022.

RESULTS

One hundred fourteen studies were included in the review. It was found that social aspects of work appeared within a substantial portion of the examined studies. Furthermore, it became evident that the interplay of accessibility and flexibility provides an important dynamic to make work design both inclusive and feasible.

CONCLUSION

The recurrent prominence of social aspects, accessibility, and flexibility across the studies shows common challenges and potentials within the work situation of disabled employees. This suggests avenues for future research and inclusive work design.

Comprehensive evaluation of the impact of workplace exposures on physician-certified sick leave in the general working population

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to quantify the prospective associations between work factors across chemical, physical, mechanical, and psychosocial domains and the onset of medically certified sick leave.

METHODS

Eligible respondents were interviewed in 2009, 2013, or 2016 and were registered in the national sick leave register with an employee relationship lasting more than 50 working days during the year of the survey interviews and the following year (n = 15,294 observations). To focus on the onset of high-level sick leave (HLSL; >16 days a year), we excluded individuals with HLSL during the survey year (baseline). We then used mixed-effect logistic regression models to assess prospective associations between self-reported work conditions and the occurrence of doctor-certified HLSL in the following year.

RESULTS

The average occurrence of HLSL was 13.1%. After adjusting for sex, age, level of education, chronic health problems, and smoking, we observed an exposure-response relationship between cumulative exposure to work factors within all domains and the occurrence of HLSL. When evaluating the impact of combined exposures, predicted odds ratios (OR) for employees exposed to 1, 2, and 3 or more work factors within all domains were 1.60 (95%CI 1.32 - 1.94), 2.56 (95%CI 1.73 - 3.74) and 4.09 (95%CI 2.28 - 7.25), compared to those not exposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the notion that exposure to multiple work factors in various domains, including psychosocial, mechanical, chemical, and physical work conditions, is associated with an increased risk of high-level sick leave. Employers and occupational health professionals should consider the joint impact of these domains when designing interventions.

Can an educational intervention in the context of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation improve asthma self-management at work? A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Asthma self-management (e.g., trigger avoidance or correct medication use) is a cornerstone of therapy. Its successful implementation in everyday working life is determined by psychosocial working conditions, in particular by support from superiors and colleagues and the job decision latitude (i.e., when and how to carry out which tasks). To empower individuals with asthma to modify their working conditions, employees need to use certain communication skills and acquire specific knowledge. Both could be taught as part of patient education during pulmonary rehabilitation. Therefore, the aim of the planned study is the development and multicentre implementation of an education module for individuals with asthma during their rehabilitation and to generate evidence on its effectiveness.

METHODS

Participants (n ≥ 180) will be recruited, randomized into an intervention and a control group, trained and surveyed in two rehabilitation clinics. The intervention group will receive the supplementary patient education module "Asthma and Work" while the control group will participate in a program on " Eating behaviour" (both 2 × 50 min). The effectiveness of the intervention will be examined based on pre-post measurements (T1 and T2) and a 3-month follow-up (T3). We will consider behavioural intention (T2) and asthma self-management at work (T3) as primary outcomes. Secondary outcomes will include self-management-related knowledge, self-efficacy, number of sick days, number of exacerbations, asthma control (Asthma Control Test), asthma-related quality of life (Marks Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire), and subjective employment prognosis (Brief Scale Measuring the Subjective Prognosis of Gainful Employment). The pre-post comparisons are to be evaluated using univariate analyses of covariance.

DISCUSSION

Improving asthma self-management at work could increase the work ability and social participation of employees with asthma. This could reduce costs, e.g. in terms of asthma-related sick leave.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (ID: DRKS00031843).

Facilitators and Barriers to Implementing Interventions to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders in Blue-Collar Workers: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE

Blue-collar workers generally have less healthy lifestyles, poorer health, and a lower life expectancy than white-collar workers. At least in part this may be attributed to their work and working conditions. Employers increasingly provide interventions to improve health and wellbeing and prevent musculoskeletal disorders. However, they often do not reach blue-collar workers. The aim of this scoping review was to identify the facilitators for and barriers to implementing such interventions among blue-collar workers.

METHODS

A scoping review in which the study population of the selected studies consists of blue-collar workers (≥ 18 years old) in paid employment. Furthermore, included studies should report facilitators and barriers to implementing interventions to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. The literature search was conducted in six databases. The resulting studies were extracted with the help of the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research.

RESULTS

15 articles were included; these were reviews, intervention studies, qualitative studies and process evaluations. A main facilitator was a participatory approach, which involves the blue-collar worker in the entire process of defining, developing, and implementing a multidimensional preventive intervention. The main barriers on the worker level were unfavorable worker characteristics and unsupportive behavior/attitudes. The main barriers on the organization level were a culture with a high production standard, a hierarchical culture, inflexible work, and an unsupportive attitude from the employer.

CONCLUSION

This review showed the multifaceted nature of implementation. A tailored implementation plan that involves the stakeholders (including workers) is important.

Development and validation of a quality of healthy work environment instrument for shift nurses

BACKGROUND

As the importance of a healthy work environment for nurses' good practice and patient safety has been recognized, there is a need to assess nurses' perceptions of the quality of a healthy work environment.

METHODS

A conceptual framework and construct components were extracted through a literature review and in-depth interviews with shift nurses. The initial items of the instrument were developed according to the conceptual attributes, and the items were selected through content validity by ten experts. Two hundred and forty-seven shift nurses participated in this study through face-to-face surveys to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. The evaluation was used for item and confirmatory factor analyses to assess the criterion-related validity and internal consistency of the instrument. Test-retest reliability was analyzed using data from thirty-two nurses.

RESULTS

The final instrument consisted of 23 items with five components identified through confirmatory factor analysis. Criterion-related validity was established using the K-PES-NWI (r = .54). Cronbach's alpha for the total items was 0.85, and test-retest reliability was 0.73.

CONCLUSION

The quality of the healthy work environment instrument developed in this study was considered reliable and valid. The instrument developed in this study can be used to measure the quality of a healthy work environment as perceived by shift nurses and to identify preventive measures needed to improve the quality of the work environment.

Quantification of daily workload, energy expenditure, and sleep of US Marine recruits throughout a 10-week boot camp

BACKGROUND

During periods of high-volume vigorous exercise, United States Marine Corps recruits often experience musculoskeletal injuries. While the program of instruction (POI) for basic training is a defined training volume, the total workload of boot camp, including movements around the base, is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to quantify the daily total workload, energy expenditure, and sleep during basic recruit training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego.

METHODS

Eighty-four male recruits from MCRD San Diego wore wrist wearable physiological monitors to capture their complete workload (mileage from steps), energy expenditure, and sleep throughout the 10-week boot camp.

RESULTS

Marine recruits traveled an average of 11.5±3.4 miles per day (M±SD), expended 4105±823 kcal per day, and slept an average of 5 : 48±1 : 06 hours and minutes per night. While the POI designates a total of 46.3 miles of running and hiking, the actual daily average miles yielded approximately 657.6±107.2 miles over the 10-week boot camp.

CONCLUSION

Recruit training requires high physical demand and time under tension due to the cumulative volume of movements around base in addition to the POI planned physical training.

Scoping review of women with disabilities' livelihood occupation experiences: An equity perspective

BACKGROUND

Globally, persons with disabilities are faced with unemployment and reduced income opportunities. Barriers to employment tend to be severe for women with disabilities who occupy marginalized positions in labor markets. 'Livelihood occupations' are conceptualized for this review to denote everyday activities that are done for subsistence and survival, and to broaden presentations of activities normally termed 'work', 'employment', 'job' or 'productivity' that people do to earn money and non-monetary gain.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review, undertaken as part of a broader interpretive phenomenological analysis of livelihood occupations of women with disabilities, maps research on the subject of livelihood occupations for women with disabilities.

METHODS

The Arksey and O'Malley framework and PRISMA extension for scoping reviews were utilized to guide the five stage scoping strategy used to screen and select sources. Data from selected sources were synthesized using deductive qualitative content analysis to fit experiential components into equity categories determined a-priori from the Equitable Total Rewards model, to determine if these experiences connote equity or lack thereof.

RESULTS

Nineteen sources, mainly from high income countries, are identified. Aspects of benefit and career inequity were largely evident in the experiences of the women across all sources.

CONCLUSION

There is considerable lack of research on experiences of livelihood occupations in low and middle income countries contexts justifying further research. Women with disabilities report experiencing inability to realize career goals and occupational choice.

Life satisfaction and time-use among full-time and part-time working mothers in Brazil

BACKGROUND

Working part-time or full-time is a persistent dilemma for women, especially mothers, as they strive to manage their time across various roles. However, the existing literature remains unclear on whether part-time work contributes more to life satisfaction than full-time work.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe and compare time-use patterns in different occupational roles and levels of life satisfaction among 795 mothers in Brazil who are employed either part-time or full-time.

METHODS

Data was collected through an online survey and the snowball technique. Regression and correlation analyses were performed on the data obtained from the following instruments: the Role Checklist for assessing time-use within occupational roles, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and demographic information.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed no significant differences in life satisfaction between mothers working full-time and those working part-time (t (793)=1.160, p = 0.24). However, life satisfaction scores were positively correlated with the number of occupational roles performed (r = 0.222, p < 0.01), higher family income (P < 0.001), and engagement in social roles such as Friend (r = 0.106, p = 0.003), Hobbyist/Amateur (r = 0.08, p = 0.018), and Caregiver (r = 0.07, p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

While our society places significant emphasis on time spent at work, our findings highlight that life satisfaction extends far beyond the dichotomy of working part-time or full-time. There are deeper dimensions to consider, including the number of occupational roles, family income, and engagement in social roles, which have a more substantial impact on overall life satisfaction.

Multiple myeloma in people of working age in Czechia, Germany, and Poland: findings from a qualitative interview study

PURPOSE

The study sought to understand the experiences of working age adults with myeloma and their partner/family members, living in Czechia, Germany, and Poland.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with 36 working age adults living with myeloma, and three family members. Data were collected from May to October 2022. Thematic analysis was applied to the data.

RESULTS

Healthcare and state support within each country are described. The degree of work engagement was informed by patients' symptom burden, treatment needs, state financial aid, and family/financial obligations. Many did not conceptualise their status as involving 'return to work' as they had continued to be engaged with their jobs throughout. For some, remote working enabled them to manage treatments/side-effects and their job, while avoiding infection. In some cases, patients did not tell their employer or colleagues about their illness, for fear of discrimination.

CONCLUSION

While experiences varied between countries, common across accounts was a struggle to balance ongoing treatments with employment, at a time when participants were expected to finance their own households and maintain their income and roles. Implications for Cancer Survivors To improve quality of life, clinical discussions around treatment decision-making should take into account patients' attitudes/approach to work, type of work engaged in, and other activities considered important to them. European Union and national cancer plans should set out optimum standards for employers, to ensure an equitable benchmark for how employees are supported. Such approaches would improve legal protections and better enforcement of employer policies to accommodate patients' limitations in the workplace.

Impact of employment status and work setting on body weight and health behaviors among people with obesity

BACKGROUND

The impact of employment and the work-from-home (WFH) setting on body weight among people with obesity is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the relationship between employment status, WFH setting, and change in body weight among adults with obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Patients from an obesity medicine clinic completed an online survey in 2022 to assess health, work, and lifestyle behaviors. Multiple regression models examined the association between WFH status and change in body weight.

RESULTS

The analytical sample included 380 patients (81.9% female, mean age 52.5 years, mean body mass index 43.25, 50.0% non-Hispanic White, 25.7% non-Hispanic Black, 18.7% Hispanic, 5.7% other ethnicity). During the pandemic, 28.7% were employed in a WFH setting (73.4% of this subgroup were in a WFH setting only), 36.1% were employed but not in a WFH setting, 11.8% were unemployed, and 23.4% were retired. Mean body weight change for participants who partially WFH during the pandemic was +5.4 (±7.2) % compared to those completely WFH -0.3 (±9.8) % (P = 0.006). After adjusting for key demographics, participants who were partially WFH gained 7.8% more weight compared to those completely WFH (β= 7.28, SE = 1.91, p <  0.001). The most significant predictors for weight gain after adjusting for WFH frequency (partially vs. completely) included overeating (aOR 11.07, 95% CI 3.33-36.77), more consumption of fast food (aOR 7.59, 95% 2.41-23.91), and depression (aOR 6.07, 95% CI 1.97-18.68).

CONCLUSION

These results show that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WFH hybrid (combination of office and WFH) setting is associated with greater weight gain compared to those who completely WFH in people with obesity. Risk factors include overeating, higher fast food consumption, and depression.

The Efficacy of Disability Employment Service (DES) Providers Working with Autistic Clients

The efficacy of the Australian Disability Employment Services (DES) for autistic jobseekers has not been examined and is currently undergoing Government reform. To help inform the new DES strategy, we sought the views of: 24 autistic individuals; seven family members of autistic individuals, and; 46 DES employees. Data were collected using surveys and interviews. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney tests plus deductive thematic analysis based on Nicholas and colleagues' ecosystems model. Participants highlighted a need to adapt existing policies to enhance flexibility of the DES model. There was participant consensus that DES staff require specific education and training to meet the needs of autistic people. Suggestions to inform the new model of DES for autistic people are made.

The Impact of Maternity and Working Demands in Women's Sleep Pattern

This literature review seeks to understand how motherhood and profession affect women's sleep. After the birth of a child, there is an increase in dissatisfaction with the quantity and quality of sleep. Awakenings and sleep disturbances are more frequent and can lead to increased fatigue and stress to reconcile household activities and work demands. These changes in sleep can lead to physical and/or psychological health problems. Sleep hygiene and social support become fundamental for the performance of the maternal tasks, reducing risks and increasing prevention of future problems, both for women and children.

Learning how to recover from stress: Results from an internet-based randomized controlled pilot trial

•One of the first trials examining the efficacy of a brief preventive recovery training program in a sample of distressed employees.•Preliminary results suggest that employees across a wide range of professions could learn to recover, reduce stress, and improve quality-of-life.•This type of accessible and brief recovery intervention might shape the future of workplace stress prevention, however, more research is needed.

Effort-based decision-making as a determinant of supported employment outcomes in psychotic disorders

Schizophrenia is associated with a heavy economic burden in the United States that is partly due to the high rates of chronic unemployment. Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an evidenced-based type of supported employment that can improve job obtainment and work outcomes in psychotic disorders. Outcomes vary widely and a persistent challenge for IPS is low levels of engagement in the initial job search phase. Past studies have focused on interview-based motivation deficits as a key determinant of poor treatment engagement and work outcomes in schizophrenia. New validated performance-based measures of motivation, including effort-based decision-making (EBDM) tasks, may explain supported employment outcomes and provide insights into individual differences in IPS outcomes. This study investigated the degree to which IPS engagement (i.e., number of sessions attended during the first four months of service delivery) was related to baseline interview-based motivation deficits and performance on three EBDM tasks - two tasks of physical effort and one of cognitive effort (i.e., Balloon Task, Effort Expenditure for Rewards Task, Deck Choice Effort Task) - in a sample (N = 47) of people with a psychotic disorder. Results indicated that the level of EBDM performance, specifically on the Balloon Task, predicted IPS engagement, accounting for an additional 17 % of the variance above and beyond interview-based motivation deficits (total R2 = 24 %). Overall, these findings suggest that addressing motivational deficits in effort-based decision-making may be beneficial to IPS engagement, which in turn may improve the trajectory of work outcomes.

Job quality and precarious employment among lesbian, gay, and bisexual workers: A national study

Background

Employment outcomes among sexual minority (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual) workers are poorly understood, and previous research on this topic has focused almost exclusively on inequities in earnings, neglecting other important dimensions of job quality. We address this gap by describing and comparing the job quality of straight and sexual minority workers in Canada.

Methods

Data are from the 2016 General Social Survey: Canadians at Work and Home, the only national survey providing both a measure of sexual orientation and a multidimensional view of job quality in Canada. We identified 25 unique job quality indicators (e.g., temporary employment; job insecurity; health benefits; low income; job satisfaction; job control; discrimination). Latent class cluster analysis was used to establish a typology of job quality describing standard, flexible, and precarious employment types. We used multivariable regression methods to examine the association between sexual orientation and job quality.

Results

Sexual minorities reported lower job quality than their straight counterparts along many dimensions, with bisexual people reporting the lowest job quality. While inequities were generally observed among both sexual minority men and women, they sometimes differed in magnitude by gender. The prevalence of precarious employment was nearly three times higher among lesbian, gay, and bisexual workers (PR: 2.94, CI: 1.89-4.58 among all sexual minorities; PR: 3.04, CI: 1.71-5.43 among gay/lesbian workers; and PR: 2.81, CI: 1.45-5.47 among bisexual workers) compared to their straight counterparts.

Conclusion

Inequities in job quality among sexual minorities persist despite comprehensive human rights protections in Canada. These inequities are pervasive, extending well beyond conventional indicators such as dollars earned and hours worked. Multi-pronged interventions are needed that move beyond simply ensuring that sexual minority workers are employed. Sexual minority workers deserve access to secure, well-paid work with benefits where they can foster connection and be free from discrimination.

Experiences of Working with Lower Limb Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

Pain and disability associated with lower limb osteoarthritis (OA) may contribute to difficulties at work. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of workers with lower limb OA on difficulties, concerns, and coping strategies used at work.

METHODS

Twenty-two individuals with lower limb OA who were working in paid employment participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were qualitatively analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Codes were identified and refined through review of interview transcripts and discussion with the research team.

RESULTS

Six themes were identified in relation to experiences working with lower limb OA. Themes were as follows: weight-bearing physical demands are challenging; lower limb OA can affect work performance; emotional consequences of pain; concerns about work in the future; positive experiences of supportive colleagues and managers; and minimal effects on sedentary work. Three themes were identified relating to strategies to manage at work: adjustments at work help manage pain and avoid exacerbations; regular strategies to manage pain; and healthcare professionals are consulted, but usually not specifically for work.

CONCLUSIONS

Workers with lower limb OA experience physical and emotional difficulties at work that can impact work performance. Workers are concerned about longevity and job security and use a range of strategies to manage symptoms and remain at work. Employers, employees, and healthcare professionals may need to work together to create workplace accommodations to help workers with lower limb OA confidently remain in work.

Quantifying the Contribution of Work Characteristics to Educational Disparities in Health-Induced Work Limitations

OBJECTIVES

To quantify how poor health and inhospitable working conditions each contribute to educational disparities in work disability in midlife and old age.

METHODS

We used the Health and Retirement Study (2006-2016) to examine educational disparities in reporting "any impairment or health problem that limits the kind or amount of paid work" in ages 51-80.

RESULTS

We found disparities to be profound and persistent over time. Blinder-Oaxaca threefold decomposition revealed that distributions of income and employer insurance made the largest contribution to explaining different rates of work limitations among respondents with versus without high school degrees, followed by work characteristics (physical job demands, insufficient hours) and health conditions (diabetes, lung disease). Comparing respondents with high school versus college degrees, distributions of health conditions mattered most (high blood pressure, lung disease, heart disease, stroke), followed by health behaviors (smoking, drinking). Health-induced work limitations are often used as a measure of health, but we found that work characteristics explained 57% of the disadvantage of those without a high school degree and 44% of the disadvantage of high school compared to college graduates.

DISCUSSION

Work environments appear to play an important role in educational disparities in mid- to late-life disability.

The concurrent validity of the Lund University Checklist for Incipient Exhaustion and the Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale: a replication study

OBJECTIVE

As part of our research on Swedish school principals, we examined the concurrent validity between the Karolinska Exhaustion Disorder Scale (KEDS) and the Lund University Checklist for Incipient Exhaustion (LUCIE) in a cross-sectional study sample (N = 2670). Specifically, we examined: (a) to what extent LUCIE and KEDS identified the same individuals and their level of agreement, and (b) to what extent the present observations among school-principals agreed with previous observations made in a highly educated and healthy study sample drawn from the general population.

RESULTS

Depending on established cut-points on LUCIE, the Kappa agreement (K) between LUCIE and KEDS varied between fair (K = 0.34 [95% Confidence Interval = 0.30-0.38]) and moderate (K = 0.54 [95% Confidence Interval = 0.51-0.58]). While the instruments did not always identify the same individuals, the most reasonable comparison between KEDS and LUCIE was achieved when the cut-off on LUCIE was made between step two and step three. The results essentially replicated our previous results observed in a highly educated and healthy study sample drawn from the general population. The level of agreement suggests that KEDS and LUCIE scores are supplementary rather than interchangeable. Thus, individual result from KEDS and LUCIE are probably best understood in dialogue with the person screened.

An evaluation of demographic characteristics and workplace experiences of UK employees using an employer-provided menopause application

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to determine the demographic characteristics and workplace experiences of users of a menopause application in the UK.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective observational study of data extracted from the information submitted by 21,555 users of the Peppy Health menopause application during registration.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

Menopause symptoms were measured using the Menopause Rating Scale. The other questionnaire items assessed workplace impairment, work absence, thoughts about reducing hours or leaving work, feelings of support and disclosure confidence.

RESULTS

Users were predominately peri- and postmenopausal women between the ages of 40 and 60. The users reported menopause symptoms that were more severe than in the general population. Symptom severity was associated with work impairment and wanting to reduce hours worked or leave employment, and feeling supported was associated with less impairment.

CONCLUSIONS

The menopause application is reaching women in the workplace who are experiencing severe symptoms and who are likely to benefit from targeted support. Among the users of a menopause application, the presence of severe menopause symptoms can have a significantly negative effect on work and future participation in paid employment. The results also indicate the potential role of support to mitigate some of the negative impact.

Social Skills and Cognitive Training to Support Work-Related Skills and Job Placement in a Group of Autistic Adults : Effectiveness of a Neuropsychological and Social Skills Intervention: A Case Series Study on a Pilot Program

Autistic people may have difficulties in finding and keeping a job. Studies highlight that only 34% of autistic people are employed compared to 54% of people with disability. 58% of people with ASD have never had a job. Social cognition and cognitive strains may also have a significant impact on working life. The primary goal of our project is supporting autistic people through a training program focused on neuropsychological and social skills training to improve participant' job skills. Through an Individual Placement and Support model the project involved various Partners to guide, identify skills and interests, provide cognitive and psychological support for autistic people. Results highlighted neuropsychological training efficacy, especially in inhibitory control and good rate of employment status at the end of the project. Findings are encouraging and underline the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to support autistic people in their work life considering their expectations, needs and inclinations.

Sick leave length and the costs of operatively and conservatively treated distal radius fractures in the working age population: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Among the working population, a transient loss of working ability due to distal radius fracture (DRF) has a societal impact in terms of sick leave. Non-operative cast immobilization is the most common treatment option for DRF. However, these fractures are increasingly treated operatively. This retrospective cohort study of patients aged 20-64 with DRF compares the effects of different treatment strategies on sick leave length and overall cost of treatment.

METHODS

Multivariable regression analysis was used with treatment modality as an exposure and sick leave length as an outcome. Sick leave data were obtained from a national register. Costs were evaluated by adding the direct cost of the treatment modality to the mean cost of sick leave per patient in different treatment groups.

RESULTS

Of 614 working-age patients with a DRF who were treated at a tertiary hospital in Finland between January 2013 and December 2014, 521 were primarily treated non-operatively with cast immobilization and 93 were primarily operated. Of the primarily non-operatively treated patients, 48 were operated during follow-up. The mean follow-up was 5 years. The median time lost from work after DRF was 55 days (7.9 weeks), and the separated medians by treatment modality were 49 (7 weeks) and 70 days (10 weeks) for conservative and operative treatment, respectively. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed for those patients who had sick leave (n = 292). Regression analysis also showed that operative treatment correlates with longer sick leave.

CONCLUSIONS

Operative treatment of distal radius fracture led more often to longer time lost from work than conservative treatment. Moreover, due to longer sick leave and the costs of the operation itself, operative treatment is over two times more expensive than conservative treatment.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

retrospectively registered.