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

Background: An occupational hazard is any workplace condition that poses a risk to an employee's health. Occupational hazards are ubiquitous in the field of anesthesiology and often go underappreciated. These hazards warrant careful assessment and strategic preventative planning.

Objective: This narrative literature review examines the occupational hazards encountered by anesthesiologists and discusses evidence-based techniques to mitigate these risks. Facilitating the health and safety of anesthesia professionals protects not only the providers themselves but also enhances patient care by reducing the possibility of medical errors due to occupational fatigue, stress, and injuries.

Methods: A targeted search of PubMed and other databases (SCOPUS, Web of Science) was used to review the literature. Safety standard handbooks by the International Atomic Energy Agency, The Pan American Health Organization, The World Health Organization, and Food and Agriculture of the United Nations, were also consulted to provide the current guidelines for hazards discussed. Articles and information were included if they provided information about the occupational hazards of anesthesiologists or evidence-based prevention techniques for mitigating the hazards.

Results: The occupational hazards are classified into physical, chemical, and biological categories. Evidence-based preventive measures are proposed and examined for each category.

Conclusion: This paper examines the challenges faced by anesthesiologists by categorizing the physical, chemical, and biological occupational hazards. Each identified hazard is accompanied by evidence-based strategies to mitigate its impact. By illuminating these issues, increased awareness among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public can foster a collective effort to improve the safety of the work of anesthesia providers.

Background: Musicians are performing artists, and parameters such as strength and dexterity are required for their performance. In violinists, who the instrument group with a high prevalence of performance-related musculoskeletal pain (PRMP), the effects of performance on PRMP and these parameters, and the correlation between these parameters and PRMP are also intriguing.

Objective: To investigate the effects of performance on PRMP, finger grip strength, finger dexterity, and hand grip strength in violinists and also to provide perspective on parameters correlated with PRMP.

Methods: This study included 78 violinists (mean age: 22.50 ± 2.87, 55 Female-23 Male). Violinists were evaluated for PRMP with the Numeric Rating Scale, finger grip strength with the pinch meter, finger dexterity with the Purdue Pegboard Test, and hand grip strength with the hand dynamometer. Musicians were evaluated on two separate days: 1) during rest and one week later, 2) after playing the Concerto in B Minor (post-performance).

Results: Post-performance, there was an improvement in PRMP and finger grip strength and a decrease in finger dexterity. There was no change in hand grip strength. PRMP was only correlated with left-hand grip strength, and the explanatory power of left-hand grip strength was low.

Conclusions: Contrary to the literature, there was a decrease in PRMP post-performance in young violinists. It is noteworthy that finger grip strength increased while finger dexterity decreased. Left-hand grip strength may contribute to the reduction of PRMP. It is clear that more research is needed on musician health and that clear conclusions are still far off.

Background: Long Covid symptoms are known to have an impact on function, however, their effect on employment and the associated demographic and clinical factors are not well understood.

Objective: Our objectives were (1) To compare changes in employment status between those with Long Covid and those who recovered from their Covid-19 infection; and (2) To identify demographic factors, clinical factors, and occupational skill level associated with decreased employment status in those with Long Covid.

Methods: We conducted an electronic survey (≥12 weeks post infection) with adult residents in Laval, Quebec, Canada who tested positive for Covid-19 between March 2020 and January 2022, regarding Long Covid symptoms and their functional impact. This analysis focuses on employment status: pre-covid, prior to infection, and current, and was recorded as full-time, part-time, or not working due to illness or for other reasons. Change in employment status was categorized as no decrease or decreased.

Results: Among 2764 respondents, 15.6% (95% CI: 13.3-17.9) with Long Covid (versus 5.4% (95% CI: 4.2-6.5) who recovered) experienced a decrease in employment (p < 0.001). Clinical factors associated with a decrease in employment include having been hospitalized for Covid-19, having ≥1 comorbid condition prior to infection, >12 months since infection, moderate to severe decline in physical and psychological health, and decline in global health. Demographic factors and occupational skill level were not associated with a change in employment.

Conclusions: Persons with Long Covid are more likely to experience a decrease in employment. Research is needed to determine whether rehabilitation for people with Long Covid could improve employment levels.

Background: Workplace loneliness is an escalating concern, affecting employee well-being and productivity. Understanding its impact on social interactions and decision-making within professional settings is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Objective: This study aims to explore how workplace-induced loneliness influences individuals' interactions with social groups, individuals, and computer programs, and to assess the behavioral, cognitive, and emotional outcomes of these interactions. To explain these observed phenomena, the Workplace Loneliness-Driven Social Response (WL-SR) model is proposed.

Methods: A dark factory decision-making experiment was designed and conducted, where participants underwent loneliness induction before engaging in tasks that required interactions with different social structures. The study measured changes in trust, emotional responses, neural activities, and decision-making processes to evaluate the impact of loneliness.

Results: The findings indicate that loneliness significantly increases distrust and dishonesty in interactions with social groups, leading to higher dissatisfaction and negative emotional responses. Conversely, interactions with a social individual were marked by increased reliability and more positive attributions, which mitigated feelings of loneliness. The WL-SR model, integrating stress-related fight-or-flight and tend-and-befriend responses, elucidates these outcomes.

Conclusions: This study reveals how workplace loneliness affects trust and social interactions in professional settings. It highlights the negative impact on group interactions and the potential for individual interactions to reduce loneliness. The findings contribute to the understanding of how human psychology interacts with digital communication in the workplace, emphasizing the role of computers in mediating responses to loneliness.

Background: Olive pickers confront ergonomic hazards when performing work activities that may lead to musculoskeletal pain (MSK) that must be adequately managed. The success of MSK pain prevention and treatment strategies is linked to olive pickers' state of empowerment, shaped by expectations and beliefs.

Objective: This study highlighted the prevalence of MSK pain among Italian olive pickers and explored their attitudes, expectations, and beliefs about MSK pain prevention and care.

Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey instrument was developed to collect data from an Italian olive pickers' cohort in the Liguria region. The survey investigated the sample on (1) MSK pain prevalence and characteristics, (2) preventive and treatment activities for MSK pain, (3) expectations about MSK pain treatments, and (4) beliefs about their job and MSK pain onset.

Results: From January to July 2021, we collected data from 127 participants (78% men); mean age 52 ± 13). Prevalence of MSK pain over one month, six months, and one year was 61.6%, 77.8%, and 84.8%, respectively. The most affected joints were the lumbar spine (61%), the shoulders (57%), and the cervical spine (46%). To prevent the onset of MSK pain, 44% of participants did nothing, and 94% of them never attended any preventive physical activity.

Conclusions: MSK pain strongly impacts Ligurian olive pickers, as three out of four experienced it during the last six months. Participants emphasised the need to be educated on working ergonomics and the perceived importance of physical activity for health.

Background: Asbestos was widely used as insulation material in Türkiye's construction. It poses severe health risks, including mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer that is often fatal.

Objective: This study aimed to determine and improve the knowledge about asbestos among employees of a building demolition workers in Elazığ.

Methods: Out of 82 employees in the demolition workers, 75 volunteered for the study after ethical approval was obtained. Training materials and survey forms were developed through a review of the literature. Surveys were conducted before and after the training sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0, and a p-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: The participants were exclusively male, with an average age of 39.06 years. Among them, 40% were current smokers. Most had not received prior training on asbestos. Before the training, nearly half of the respondents (49.4%) were unaware of the procedures for asbestos check and removal prior to demolition. knowledge across all surveyed areas. The knowledge of demolition workers increased significantly after training.

Conclusion: Training significantly improved asbestos-related knowledge which was low before among the demolition workers, a group at high risk for asbestos exposure.

Background: A high level of physical activity (PAL) is necessary for the safety performance of police officers.

Objective: To evaluate the PAL, quality of life (QoL), and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of Civil Police Officers (PO) of Brazil, in association with gender and career time.

Methods: We evaluated 55 PO (50.9% male), with a median age of 40 and a BMI of 25.7 kg/m². Descriptive analysis and associations with gender and career time (G1: longer/G2: shorter) were carried out. PAL was evaluated by the IPAQ-short version. QoL and CRF were estimated using the WHOQOL and Jackson questionnaires. The chi-square test was used for associations; the odds ratio was calculated with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI) to express the strength of the association.

Results: There was a proportion of 72.7% (95% CI:69.0-91.0%) of active PO, with a trend for a higher proportion among women and G2 (p = 0.07/0.08), respectively. Only 36.4% of PO (95% CI:24.0-49.0) achieved the minimum CRF required for career entry, with G1 showing a lower proportion than G2 (p < 0.01) and a lower chance of achieving the recommended CRF (OR: 0.03 / 95% CI:0.01-0.17). The median QoL was >70 points in three of the four evaluated domains, with G2 showing higher scores than G1 in the physical domain (p = 0.02).

Conclusion: More than two-thirds of the PO assessed achieved the PA recommendations for health, but the majority had a CRF below the recommended. The median QoL was good in 3 of the four WHOQOL domains. Women and those with less carrier time had higher QoL, PAL, and CRF.

Background: The conventional Work Triangle principle has long been a guiding concept in kitchen design, aiming to optimize workflow and minimize workload. However, with the advent of modern appliances and evolving lifestyles, the effectiveness of the Work Triangle in addressing the diverse activities and needs of contemporary kitchens is increasingly limited.

Objective: This study aims to verify the validity of the Work Triangle in modern kitchen design and propose a kitchen modeling algorithm that facilitates customization based on layout and the area size from a user-centered perspective.

Methods: The research was conducted in two parts. In the first part, the validity of the Work Triangle was verified through the analysis of 38 actual apartment kitchen floor plans in Korea. Then the second part, a kitchen layout optimization model was developed using 0-1 integer programming to minimize the distance between kitchen appliances, incorporating the placement of modern appliances not included in the traditional Work Triangle.

Results: The statistical analysis of kitchen floor plans data showed that the impact of Work Triangle compliance on movement efficiency was limited, suggesting the need for customized kitchen design that reflects user behavior patterns and the placement of modern appliances and storage spaces. The model was evaluated through simulation, demonstrating its effectiveness in optimizing kitchen appliances layout.

Conclusions: The study emphasizes the need to consider actual usage patterns and the limitations of the Work Triangle in modern kitchen design, proposing a user-centered optimization model that enables customization based on individual cooking scenarios and lifestyles.

Background: As the prevalence of non-traumatic neck pain (NTNP) increases, particularly among computer workers, identifying contributing factors is essential for developing preventative strategies.

Objective: This study investigates the association between c7-to-wall distance and chronic NTNP in software developers, a population characterized by prolonged sedentary behavior and high computer usage.

Methods: The study employed the C7-to-wall distance (C7WD) test, recognized for its reliability and ease of use, to measure the kyphotic curve as an indicator of spinal posture. Ninety software developers (age = 35.3 ± 5.4 yrs; male = 56, female = 34;) with an average working experience of 9.2 ± 4.5 yrs as a full-time software developer (40.7 ± 1.8 h/week) were examined for postural pathologies and allocated to two groups based on presence of neck pain.

Results: The key finding was a significant correlation between increased C7WD and the presence of moderate chronic NTNP in software developers, revealing that those with neck pain tended to have a greater C7WD. It was observed that all participants exhibited mild kyphotic posture irrespective of pain presence.

Conclusion: The results suggest that although a relationship exists, the clinical significance of the difference in C7WD between those with and without chronic NTNP is debatable. The findings emphasize the need for further comprehensive research that encapsulates biomechanical, functional, and psychosocial factors to holistically understand and manage NTNP in the software developer population.

Background: Over the last twenty years, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have become essential for businesses aiming to enhance efficiency and gain a competitive advantage in the fierce business landscape of today. ERP systems offer substantial benefits for quality, cost-efficiency, and timely services in healthcare globally, but many organizations in underdeveloped and remote areas lack adequate IT infrastructure.

Objective: This paper aims to provide an overview of the status of the ERP environment in Bangladesh's healthcare business and highlight the demands for IT-enabled health infrastructure and challenges to ERP-based health structure adoption.

Method: The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis extension for systematic reviews using the PRISMA method. Two digital libraries including Scopus and WoS were used in this study for systematic literature review.

Results: The study found no papers conducted on ERP in Bangladesh healthcare, including advantages and disadvantages. Some findings revealed that the adoption of ERP systems in the healthcare industry in Bangladesh remains challenging but not beyond overcome.

Conclusions: ERP systems would encourage substantial changes in finances, human resources and capacity, revenue, workforce scheduling, and customer satisfaction if they were successfully adopted in healthcare enterprises in Bangladesh. Further improvement is needed in various disciplines based on the existing situation and difficulties with ERP adoption in the healthcare industry. The results of this study will assist the stakeholders in making wise choices regarding the implementation of ERP and upcoming investments in Bangladesh's healthcare industry.