Work-A Journal of Prevention Assessment & Rehabilitation最新文献

BackgroundThe maritime industry, despite rigorous safety measures, remains a high-risk sector due to persistent human errors.ObjectiveThis study aims to assess mental workload, accuracy, and attention across various mental states and explore the relationships among key variables affecting cognitive performance through a Bayesian network (BN) analysis.MethodsData were collected from 51 officers at a maritime training center using demographic surveys and the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) mental workload index. Participants were then subjected to three different simulation scenarios, during which their physiological responses and brain waves were recorded.ResultsResults indicated that effort scored the highest and failure the lowest among the dimensions assessed. Notably, the average heart rate increased from 74.33 beats per minute at rest to 85.92 after the second scenario, signifying heightened physiological stress. Post-scenario analyses showed an increase in attention and alertness levels compared to the resting state, while meditation levels decreased. Physiological responses, including heart rate and blood pressure, were found to elevate after rest periods, correlating with decreased attention and increased mental workload, as evidenced by the BN findings.ConclusionsThese results underscore the intricate interplay between physiological responses and cognitive performance, highlighting the critical need for targeted strategies to mitigate human errors in maritime operations.

BackgroundHand dominance significantly influences motor skills, with the dominant hand excelling due to better neurological control. Limited knowledge of the non-dominant hand's role highlights the need for on its functional contributions.ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate how effectively non-dominant hand performance can predict dominant hand performance in healthy individuals using the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), offering valuable implications for vocational assessment, rehabilitation planning, and return-to-work (RTW) decision-making.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 307 healthy adults aged 18-65. Hand performance was evaluated using six JTHFT subtests, excluding sentence writing. Task completion times were recorded in seconds. Paired sample t-tests compared dominant and non-dominant hand performances, while multiple linear regression analyses assessed the predictive value of non-dominant hand performance.ResultsRegression analysis revealed that non-dominant hand performance was a significant predictor of dominant hand performance across all subtests (p < 0.001). Strong predictive relationships were identified in gross motor tasks, such as lifting large light objects (adjusted R² = 0.642) and heavy objects (adjusted R² = 0.674). Adjusted R² ranged from 0.268 (feeding) to 0.681 (lifting heavy objects). Non-dominant hand performance significantly predicted dominant hand performance across all subtests (β = 0.51-0.82; p < 0.001). Age, sex, and handedness showed task-specific effects, but non-dominant hand performance remained the strongest predictor.ConclusionsThe study highlights that non-dominant hand performance significantly predicts dominant hand performance across JTHFT tasks, particularly in gross motor activities requiring strength and coordination. These findings underscore the importance of evaluating non-dominant hand function in occupational assessments and return-to-work programs.

BackgroundHigh-quality healthcare relies on competent and prepared nursing professionals. Final-year nursing students play a key role in preventing medical errors, thus ensuring patient safety.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the professional competencies of final-year nursing students, medical error tendency, and the relationship between these variables.MethodsA descriptive-correlational design was used. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Medical Error Tendency Scale in Nursing, and Competency Inventory of Nursing Students. Higher competency scores indicate higher professional competence, while higher scores on the Medical Error Tendency Scale indicate a lower medical error tendency.ResultsStudents showed high professional competence (M = 6.22, SD = 0.63) and low medical error tendency (M = 4.52, SD = 0.39). The highest score on the Medical Error Tendency Scale sub-dimensions was in Medication and Transfusion Practices (M = 4.68, SD = 0.34), and the lowest in Patient Monitoring and Equipment Safety (M = 4.29, SD = 0.53). Students scored highest in ethics and accountability (M = 6.43, SD = 0.61) and lowest in clinical biomedical science (M = 5.83, SD = 0.93). A significant positive correlation was found between professional competence and medical error tendency (r = .713, p < .01). Since high scores indicate a lower medical error tendency, it was concluded that as nursing students' professional competence increases, their medical error tendency decreases. General clinical skills, critical thinking, and ethics significantly predicted medical error tendency.ConclusionsThe study highlights the importance of professional competence in reducing medical error tendencies among nursing students. Enhancing competencies, particularly in clinical skills, critical thinking, and ethics, through competency-based and simulation-supported education can contribute to improved patient safety outcomes.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), making it difficult to provide regular care to people with SCI.ObjectiveThis paper aims to present the perspectives of healthcare professionals from LMICs on the use of telehealth and/or telerehabilitation in SCI care during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting its scope, tools, barriers, facilitators and future implications.MethodsA qualitative approach was employed to gather insights from seven leading SCI healthcare professionals from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and South Africa through structured interviews and an online questionnaire. Secondary data from government reports, and peer-reviewed articles were also analyzed to contextualize the findings. This study focuses on narrative reporting without formal data analysis.ResultsHealthcare professionals utilized telehealth and/or telerehabilitation services for follow-ups, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing care and other rehabilitation services (home modifications, peer counseling, and yoga). Commonly tools included WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Skype, Zoom and other video conferencing softwares. Barriers included poor internet connectivity, lack of standardized teleassessments and tele protocols, reimbursement issues, legal and privacy concerns.ConclusionsTelehealth and/or Telerehabilitation services have demonstrated their critical role in SCI care during COVID-19 pandemic in LMICs, offering ways to connect and maintain continuity of care through commonly used social media tools. To integrate telehealth as a viable and long-term model for future health crises in SCI care, it is essential to develop supportive policies, improve infrastructure, provide professional training, and establish standardized assessment measures and guidelines.

BackgroundThe positive emotions brought about by high levels of job satisfaction are beneficial to the physical and mental health of workers. The Internet offers a variety of resources and is a valuable new tool for increasing job satisfaction.ObjectiveAnalyzing data of 29,315 respondents aged 16 years and older, this study aims to explore how Internet use affects workers' job satisfaction and heterogeneity in the digital age.MethodsUsing panel data during 2016-2020, we employ the Ologit model, Oprobit model, and other methods to examine the impact of Internet use on workers' job satisfaction, heterogeneity and the four channels through which this impact is transmitted.ResultsFirst, Internet use can increase workers' job satisfaction, and has significant positive effects on job income satisfaction, safety satisfaction, time satisfaction and environmental satisfaction. Second, the impact of Internet use on job satisfaction is mainly achieved through its impact on unblocking information channels, enhancing job ability, improving work efficiency and increasing income. Third, the effectiveness of Internet varies across industries and age groups. Internet use is positively correlated with job satisfaction of workers in secondary and tertiary industries, but negatively correlated with job satisfaction of workers in primary industries. Meanwhile, this positive impact is significant among young people aged 16-44, but when workers enter middle and old age, the Internet use has no significant impact on job satisfaction.ConclusionsThe results suggest that Internet use can increase workers' job satisfaction, and its effectiveness varies by age and industry. To improve workers' work enthusiasm and mental health, enterprises should take measures to encourage the use of the Internet.

BackgroundDue to the long hours spent in business life, the nature of the job can affect the physical activity and physical fitness level. Although some studies have been conducted showing that university employees have low levels of physical activity due to their jobs, there is no study comparing blue- and white-collar university employees whose job descriptions are more similar than in other fields.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the weekly physical activity levels and general physical fitness levels of blue-collar and white-collar employees working in a similar field in the university environment.MethodsThe study was a quantitative study with two groups. The study was carried out with the participation of academic, administrative and technical service personnel working throughout the university. White-collar employees consisted of academic and administrative staff (n:50) and blue-collar employees consisted of technical service personnel (n:50). In the study, physical activity and physical fitness levels were assessed.ResultsAs a result of the comparison of groups, statistically significant differences were found in favour of the blue-collar group for all physical activity and physical fitness parameters. Linear regression analysis showed that physical activity level was effective on dynamic balance and physical endurance,ConclusionBlue-collar university employees were better in terms of physical activity and physical fitness. White-collar university employees do not expend too much physical energy due to their job descriptions, while blue-collar employees are more physically active. Therefore, it seems that some regulations are needed to make white-collar university employees more active.

BackgroundHeat stress has a detrimental impact on workers' health, resulting in reduced workplace productivity and an increase in heat-related illnesses and fatalities. Manual paddy transplantation in Northeast India (NEI), performed under high heat and humidity, requires significant physical effort, leading to fatigue. Implementing work-rest schedules is a practical approach to minimize heat stress.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the efficacy of work-rest schedules for agricultural workers in Northeast India for manual paddy transplanting at various Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) settings.MethodFourteen participants were selected to assess thermal and physiological stress during rice transplanting (summer crop) under WBGT conditions of 27-32 °C. Participants were given rest from work once their oral body temperature increased by 0.5 °C. Work time was defined as the period leading to this increase, while rest time was the duration needed for oral temperature to normalize, based on ISO 7933 thresholds.ResultsOral temperature increased by 0.5 °C after 65 min of work, requiring 15 min to normalize at 27-28 °C. Recommended work-rest durations were 65 min and 15 min, respectively. At 29-30 °C and 31-32 °C, work-rest durations were 50 and 20 min, and 35 and 22 min, respectively. These findings provide a critical foundation for future research on climate-resilient occupational health strategies, particularly in regions vulnerable to rising temperatures due to global warming.ConclusionsAgricultural workers in Northeast India face heat stress during manual paddy transplantation. It is recommended that customized work-rest schedules be implemented based on WBGT conditions to enhance safety and productivity. Regular monitoring of oral temperature and heart rate is essential to prevent heat-related health issues.

BackgroundEvery year, many people around the world lose their lives due to occupational diseases and injuries. This has led industries to focus on controlling risks and preventing accidents and illnesses.ObjectiveThis research aligns with the zero-harm approach at Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company, aiming to compare, update, and prioritize occupational health performance indicators.MethodsA longitudinal study was conducted at Mobarakeh Steel Company in Isfahan in 2022. Initially, occupational health indicators used by the company were collected, and the trends of 10 existing indicators from 2016 to 2021 were compared. Subsequently, these indicators were updated and categorized into 12 specialized areas. Finally, prioritization and weighting of the indicators were performed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)ResultsThe analysis of the trends in the 10 occupational health performance indicators indicated a favorable performance level at Isfahan Mobarakeh Steel Company. Among the 86 updated indicators across12 areas, measuring and evaluating harmful factors had the largest representation with 17 indicators, followed by education with 16 indicators. The prioritization results revealed that controlling harmful factors held the highest weight at 0.184, followed by the budget area at 0.137ConclusionsThe findings suggest that utilizing occupational health indicators, particularly leading indicators, serves as an effective tool for evaluating organizational performance in occupational health aimed at achieving zero-harm. However, it is essential to recognize that complete elimination of workplace injuries remains an ideal rather than a guaranteed outcome.

BackgroundAn increasing number of studies have demonstrated that the new generation of construction workers is more susceptible to work stress, which can lead to unsafe behaviors. While stress significantly influences unsafe behaviors, the interplay of various stress sources within the organizational system is equally critical.ObjectiveTo clarify the mechanisms and impact pathways of challenge-hindrance stressors in relation to the unsafe behaviors of the new generation of construction workers. This study is the first to explore the issue in China's construction industry.MethodsA hypothesis model is established based on the "stressors-strain-outcomes (SSO)" framework, examining the relationships among challenge stressors, hindrance stressors, perceived organizational support, organizational commitment, and unsafe behaviors. Data were collected from 312 new-generation construction workers, and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for hypothesis testing and empirical analysis.ResultsThe results showed that challenge stressors negatively affected unsafe behaviors, hindrance stressors positively affected unsafe behaviors, and the connection between challenge-hindrance stressors and unsafe behaviors is mediated by organizational commitment. Perceived organizational support positively moderated the connection between challenge stressors and unsafe behaviors.ConclusionThe results can provide theoretical support for managing the stressors experienced by the new generation of construction workers.

BackgroundAs the most common cancer among women, returning to work has become a problem for breast cancer patients in the rehabilitation period.ObjectiveTo explore in-depth the psychological changes that breast cancer patients undergo and the factors that hinder or facilitate their return to work after cancer treatment.MethodsThe study used a phenomenological approach and involved a sample of ten breast cancer patients who had returned to work or planned to return to work while on endocrine therapy or after completing all curative treatments.ResultsTwo themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the mental journey of breast cancer patients when they returned to work, which involved three stages: avoiding returning to work, embracing reality and setting sail again, and grasping today and harvesting the future; (2) factors that affected breast cancer patients' return to work, including economic pressure, work stress, the patient's mindset towards their illness, pursuit of social values, and social support.ConclusionsBased on these influencing factors, interventions should be developed to enable patients to maintain a positive and optimistic attitude during their rehabilitation process.