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

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.

BackgroundThe construction industry is vital for employment, making productivity and safety improvements crucial.ObjectiveTo address the persistent lack of integrated spatial and quantitative construction risk assessments, this study introduces a novel hybrid approach that merges the Construction Safety Risk Index with Kernel Density Estimation. This methodology fills an essential research gap in proactive construction risk management.MethodThis study was conducted during the 2023-2024 period within a large construction project. The study employed the CSRI technique and the KDE method. To implement this study, an information plan related to each section, along with an item description table and a probability and severity index table, was provided to the experts. By completing the item description table, the CSRI number for each item was determined. Ultimately, the output from the Kernel tool produced accident risk maps for each floor.ResultsThe results indicate that most locations, including openings, electrical cables, electrical panels, gas lines, elevator shafts, and tower movement areas, were categorized within the yellow zones, which fall within the tolerable range. Approximately 62% of risk-prone zones were classified as yellow (tolerable). However, in certain areas, high-risk items interact with one another, resulting in some points on the map being marked in red. More than 85% of recorded incidents matched predicted red zones.ConclusionThis study successfully integrates the CSRI and KDE to spatially assess construction risks. Most hazards fall within tolerable zones, while high-risk interactions create critical hotspots. The hybrid approach enhances proactive risk management, enabling targeted safety interventions.

BackgroundA lack of attention to hand and food hygiene may result in food workers to absent themselves from their duties. In such a case, the probability of an outbreak can be mitigated by halting the contact of infected individuals with foodstuffs during the food processing phase.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to examine the regulatory role of job satisfaction in the effect of fear of disease transmission on hand and food hygiene attitudes among café workers.MethodsThe study sample comprises 677 café employees. The data collection tools employed in the study were the Disease Contagion/Transmission Scale, the Hand and Food Hygiene Attitude Scale, and the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale. Hayes's (2018) Process Macro was utilized to examine the regulatory effect, and Model 1 was selected. The relationships between the measurement tools utilized in the study were interpreted with the assistance of Pearson correlation analysis. For statistical significance, p < .05 was preferred.ResultsThe findings indicate that job satisfaction plays a regulatory role in the effect of fear of disease contagion/transmission on hand and food hygiene attitudes. Individuals with high levels of job satisfaction and fear of disease contagion/transmission demonstrate higher hand and food hygiene attitudes. Upon analysis of the regression results, it was determined that job satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on food hygiene attitudes.ConclusionsThe findings of this study indicate that enhancing job satisfaction is a key factor in fostering positive outcomes with regard to food hygiene attitudes.

BackgroundEffective workload management in education is crucial for student well-being with nature-based Virtual Reality (VR) interventions presenting a viable solution. Most publications primarily examined high-end VR devices with immersive Head-Mounted Displays (HMDs), leading to a study gap in areas with restricted access to advanced VR technology.ObjectivesThis study explores the impact of a low-cost non-immersive VR environment on students' workload and cognitive performance in an educational context.MethodsThe participants were divided into two groups: a control group using traditional screen-based tasks and an intervention group using low-cost VR tools. Subjective workload was assessed using NASA-TLX and the participants were further categorized based on their perceived workload levels. Objective physiological data, including heart rate variability (HRV) and galvanic skin response (GSR), were recorded, and cognitive performance was measured using the Pauli Test.ResultsThe results showed no significant differences in physiological, psychological, or performance outcomes between the control and intervention groups, implying that non-immersive VR did not significantly affect stress levels. Due to the limited sensory engagement, non-immersive VR did not activate the body or engage cognition effectively.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the non-immersive VR intervention not sufficient to produce measurable cognitive impact. Future research is encouraged to investigate the potential of immersive VR environments, which might provide a greater sensory experience. In addition, longer exposure durations should be examined to enhance understanding of the effects on cognitive load, relaxation, and overall well-being in nature-based VR applications. Even though differences were not statistically significant, non-immersive VR still reduced stress and enhanced engagement.

BackgroundBody awareness is a topic, which has been investigating by the scientists, recently.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine effects of low back health education (BHE) on physical function and body awareness in academicians.MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled study. 94 academicians (47 in intervention group and 47 controls) (mean age: 43.22 ± 10.924 years) participated. Participants were evaluated before and after 6-week BHE and exercise program. To evaluate physical functions, One Leg Standing Test, Half Squat, Curl-Up, and Sit and Reach Test were used. The Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) was used to assess body awareness (BA) of participants. Intervention group received BHE, including back school. After the education program, they participated in exercise program (six weeks; one day a week). Control group was only given an informative brochure about BHE.ResultsAll parameters in terms of physical function increased in both groups (p ≤ 0.05). However, when the groups were compared, difference was found to be significant in favor of intervention group (p ≤ 0.05). BA scores also increased at the end of six weeks in both groups (p ≤ 0.05). But no differences were found between the groups (p ≥ 0.05), except for body response estimation in BAQ (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsThe results showed that exercise program increased physical functions rather than BA.

BackgroundDespite continual efforts globally in preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), they remain one of the most common occupational injuries with individual, organisational and societal impacts.ObjectiveThis scoping review analysed 265 studies on WMSDs published between January 2013 and December 2024, aiming to assess the quality of evidence, identify risk factors, and examine risk assessment tools used.MethodsA systematic search in Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Scopus, including subscription-based and open-access journals identified relevant studies. Inclusion criteria focused on WMSD risk assessment in occupational settings. Data extraction covered study characteristics, risk factors, assessment tools, and methodological quality.ResultsThe review revealed a significant increase in WMSD research in recent years, particularly from 2021 to 2024, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on work tasks and conditions. Lower back, neck, and shoulder pain were the most prevalent WMSDs reported. The review identified 79 risk factors across five categories. Physical task factors were most frequently investigated, while psychosocial and environmental factors were underrepresented. Self-report tools, particularly the Nordic Questionnaire, were the most commonly used assessment methods. Our review also highlights the need for more comprehensive risk assessment approaches that consider the interconnected nature of WMSD risk factors. Additionally, about 28% of the reviewed studies did not meet adequate quality of evidence criteria, indicating a need for improved research methodologies.ConclusionsThis review provides valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in occupational health and safety, emphasising the importance of holistic approaches to WMSD risk assessment and management.

BackgroundHealthcare workers are constantly affected by stress due to their work specificities. The damages of this disorder are not limited to the worker, but extend to the entire society. In this sense, intervention actions are necessary for stress control.ObjectiveTo identify the non-pharmacological therapies used for stress management in healthcare workers and their effects on self-reported and physiological stress.MethodsIntegrative review with article search in the databases Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), and PubMed. The descriptors "cortisol"; "stress", "worker" and their combination with the connector "AND" were used.ResultsA total of 14 articles were selected. The tested non-pharmacological therapies were meditation, yoga, interaction with dogs, self-care and relaxation techniques, physical activity associated with mindfulness, art therapy, auriculotherapy, forest therapy, and sensory body moisturizing. The results were satisfactory in reducing subjective and/or objective stress.ConclusionsTherapies that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and self-care seem to be effective for stress management in healthcare workers.

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers, including housekeeping staff, who experience elevated levels of anxiety. This group has been under-addressed in mental health interventions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) and relaxation techniques in reducing anxiety among hospital housekeeping workers during the pandemic.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with two groups: Group A received tVNS, while Group B underwent a combination of Bhramari Pranayama and Jacobson Relaxation Technique. Outcome tool used-GAD-7 scale, and salivary cortisol levels. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for within-group comparisons and Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Test for between-group comparisons.ResultsThe tVNS group showed a significant reduction in GAD-7 scores (pre-test median: 17.0, post-test median: 13.0) and salivary cortisol levels (pre-test mean: 2.35, post-test mean: 1.72), with statistical significance (p < 0.001). The relaxation techniques group also demonstrated a decrease in GAD-7 scores (pre-test median: 17.0, post-test median: 15.5) and cortisol levels (pre-test mean: 2.42, post-test mean: 2.13), though with less pronounced effects compared to the tVNS group. Between-group comparisons revealed that the tVNS group had significantly lower post-test GAD-7 scores and cortisol levels than the relaxation techniques group.ConclusionThe study concludes the effectiveness of taVNS in reducing anxiety and physiological stress among hospital housekeeping workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. While relaxation techniques also contributed to reducing anxiety, taVNS provided a more substantial impact.

BackgroundMany U.S. adults with arthritis experience limited physical activity, especially in the workplace, which increases their risk of inactivity. Further research is needed to address this gap.ObjectiveTo examine work-related moderate-intensity daily activity minutes among U.S. adults with arthritis compared to those without arthritis during 2017-2018.MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed data from 5552 participants in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted across all U.S. regions. Participants aged 18 and older were included and divided into groups with (n = 1695) and without arthritis (n = 3857). The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire measured work-related moderate-intensity daily activity minutes.ResultsThe study found that 30.5% of participants had arthritis, reporting 28.7 fewer minutes of work-related moderate-intensity daily activity (t = 17.9, p < 0.001) than individuals without arthritis. The fully adjusted multivariate regression model showed that the odds of fewer work-related moderate-intensity daily activity minutes were 1.25 times higher (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04-1.51, p = 0.018) in adults with arthritis. Notably, the odds of fewer work-related activity minutes were higher among males (OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.04-1.45), non-Hispanic Blacks (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04-1.69), college graduates (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.92-3.36), and individuals with morbid obesity (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.01-1.79).ConclusionU.S. adults with arthritis-especially males, non-Hispanic Blacks, college graduates, and those with obesity-reported fewer work-related moderate-intensity daily activity minutes during 2017-2018.