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

BackgroundThe global population is aging rapidly, creating an urgent need to motivate older adults to engage with health interventions despite challenges such as low health literacy, physical and cognitive limitations, perceived stigma, limited resources, and low engagement with new technologies. Design Thinking (DT), a user-centered innovation approach, has been increasingly applied in public health to enhance intervention design and implementation. Systematic reviews on the application of DT in active aging interventions remain scarce.ObjectiveThis systematic review explores the academic landscape of DT in health interventions for active aging. It outlines research trends, identifies key research hotspots, and constructs a practice-oriented visual knowledge graph.MethodsA PICO-based search strategy was used, and the PRISMA process was applied to collect studies from the web of science Core Collection between 2014 and 2024. CiteSpace was employed for bibliometric analysis. Of the 850 papers initially retrieved, 60 met the final inclusion criteria.ResultsMost studies were conducted in Europe and the USA, focusing on physical activity, digital health, and assistive technology. Emerging frontiers include barriers to technology adoption, cognitive training, human-computer interaction, and digital technologies. The USA and China lead in publication frequency and influence. Based on bibliometric results, DT tools and methods were organized into the Active Aging Health Intervention Design Thinking Knowledge Graph (AAHIDTKG).ConclusionsThis review highlights the growth of DT strategies and identifying current research trends. Findings show how DT can address complex health issues in aging populations, promoting tailored interventions. The AAHIDTKG identifies research gaps, facilitates cross-disciplinary collaboration, and aids in designing effective interventions, enhancing older adults' health and quality of life.

BackgroundMaintaining the correct posture is very important for students who spend most of the day at desks and tables.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of ergonomics training given to university students on their musculoskeletal system, postural habits, and awareness, and ergonomic risk score evaluated by the REBA (rapid entire body assessment) method.MethodA total of 130 university students participated in the study. The students were divided into two homogenized groups: intervention (65) and control (65). Only the intervention group received ergonomics training. All students were administered a semi-structured sociodemographic questionnaire, Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and Postural Habits and Awareness Scale (PHAS) at the beginning of the study. The Rapid Whole Body Assessment (REBA) was used to assess ergonomic risk. Ergonomics training was given to the intervention group. In the evaluation of static endurance of the core muscles, the trunk flexor endurance test, the trunk extensor endurance test, and the time spent in the right-left lateral bridge test positions were calculated. The evaluations were repeated immediately after the training and 1 month after.ResultsFollowing the training, no statistically significant differences were found between the CMDQ, PHAS, and core muscle endurance measurement groups. Additionally, ergonomics training was effective in reducing regional musculoskeletal complaints, decreasing ergonomic risk scores, and enhancing positional awareness.ConclusionErgonomics training should be utilized to gain correct posture habits and reduce musculoskeletal disorders.

BackgroundHigh-risk industries such as construction, mining, and oil and gas consistently face significant safety challenges due to inherently hazardous operations. Traditional safety training methods prove inadequate as they cannot realistically simulate dangerous conditions.ObjectiveThis research aimed to conduct a comprehensive review of the application of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies as innovative solutions for safety training in high-risk environments.MethodsA narraative literature review was performed using valid scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) from 2012 to 2025. The search employed broad keywords related to VR/AR and safety training. Studies were selected based on strict criteria including focus on non-medical, non-military applications in high-risk industries, robust methodology, and sufficient sample size. The snowballing technique was additionally used to identify relevant literature.ResultsThe analysis demonstrated that VR/AR-based simulations significantly enhance safety training effectiveness across multiple applications including hazardous environment training, emergency response scenarios, and complex task training. These technologies improve learner engagement, practical skill retention, hazard identification capabilities, and reaction times while reducing human errors. VR-trained workers consistently outperformed traditionally-trained counterparts in practical assessments. Implementation challenges include high costs, need for specialized instructor training, and scenario localization requirements.ConclusionsVR and AR technologies represent a transformative approach to safety training in high-risk industries, with demonstrated effectiveness in improving learning outcomes and safety preparedness. Future development should focus on creating cost-effective, cloud-based platforms and integrating artificial intelligence to enhance accessibility and adaptability, potentially leading to significant reductions in occupational injuries and advanced safety standards.

BackgroundIntern nursing students are particularly vulnerable to workplace violence in clinical settings, which compromises patient safety and negatively impacts their mental health and professional development.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the prevalence of workplace bullying among intern nursing students and its association with coping styles, providing a foundation for developing targeted interventions.MethodsA total of 358 intern nursing students were selected from a Grade III Class A hospital in Hunan Province via convenience sampling. Data were collected using a general situation questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised and the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire. The study was grounded in Lazarus and Folkman's transactional stress theory. Data analysis was performed using SPSS. Skewed data were described using the interquartile range, whereas count data were described using composition ratio and rate. Group comparisons were conducted with non-parametric tests, and Spearman correlation was applied. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mean workplace bullying score was 27.00, and the prevalence of workplace bullying among intern nursing students was 29.3%. The total workplace bullying score was negatively correlated with the positive coping dimension score (p < 0.001) and positively correlated with the negative coping dimension score (p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that educational background, feelings towards the nursing major, positive coping dimension score and negative coping dimension score of the Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire were associated with workplace bullying among intern nursing students (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe incidence of workplace bullying is high among intern nursing students. Educational background, attitudes towards the nursing major and coping styles show significant associations with the likelihood of experiencing workplace bullying. Given the cross-sectional nature and single-center design, these findings should be considered preliminary and require validation in broader contexts.

BackgroundWorkplaces, including universities, are increasingly sedentary. While Exercise is Medicine®-On Campus (EIM-OC) programs promote campus-wide physical activity, employees are seldom targeted. Additionally, little information exists on their available health and wellness resources.Objectives1) To describe the extent to which universities digitally promote physical activity, health, and wellness to their employees, and 2) to compare differences in human resources (HR)-supported wellness programs and frequency of wellness and physical activity offerings between EIM-OC and non-EIM-OC universities, and between EIM-OC recognition statuses.MethodsA cross-sectional series of standardized website audits was conducted on all US-based public EIM-OC universities (n = 79) and matched universities without an EIM-OC program (n = 79) as of July 2024. Each university's HR, wellness, recreation, and EIM-OC (if applicable) websites were audited.ResultsThe presence of HR-supported wellness programs did not differ based on the presence of an EIM-OC program (p = 0.806) or by recognition status (p = 0.878). One HR website promoted its university's EIM-OC program. Most universities (79.1%) had a wellness initiative website. Social wellness was significantly promoted more (p = 0.004) at EIM-OC universities than at non-EIM-OC universities. Seven EIM-OC programs were promoted on these websites. Almost all universities (97.5%) offered employee recreational memberships, but only 47 offered employees reduced prices. Only 33 EIM-OC universities (41.8%) had websites for their program. Five (15.2%) mentioned targeted resources for employees.ConclusionEmployees receive fewer health and wellness resources compared to students, regardless of EIM-OC presence. Future studies should investigate how organizational factors affect the dissemination and coordination of university wellness resources, including EIM-OC programs.

BackgroundThe Vermont Retaining Employment and Talent After Injury and Illness Network (VT RETAIN) demonstration project was designed to evaluate an early stay-at-work/return-to-work (SAW/RTW) program model centered in primary care addressing the unmet needs of individuals facing work disability in Vermont with a focus on mental health barriers to work.ObjectiveTo describe the design of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the VT RETAIN project and summarizes the baseline characteristics of enrolled participants.MethodsThe target population was individuals with work-limiting, work-related or non-work-related, health conditions receiving care at participating primary care clinics. Participating clinics and patients received evidence-based SAW/RTW resources. Additionally, half the clinics were randomized to receive professional Work-Health Coaching, which included SAW/RTW coordination for patients enrolled from the participating clinics.ResultsVT RETAIN enrolled 120 primary care practices and 881 participants across the state. Participants (mean age 43 years ±13) were 62% female and 88% white, with 41% reporting a mental health disorder or substance use related disorder as the main condition limiting work, and 73% reporting depression as a comorbidity; 19% were from professional occupations and 18% from health care.ConclusionsThe VT RETAIN project successfully scaled evidence-based SAW/RTW strategies statewide; reached the target population with work-limiting mental health conditions; and integrated mental health and social determinants of health screenings for all participants. These results show that employment, healthcare, mental health, and social services can be coordinated to support work ability across a population. This information can inform other SAW/RTW programs or services.

BackgroundRecent prevalence estimates on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), such as the U.S. 2022 surveillance and the MENA 2025 synthesis, appear to suggest a rising demand for rehabilitation services for children with ASD. This increase may be associated with heavier caseloads and greater role complexity for ASD specialists. While the exact impacts remain under exploration, there is a growing need to understand the lived experiences of these specialists to help inform more effective support strategies in the future.ObjectiveThis qualitative study examined the lived experiences of ASD specialists to identify factors contributing to their job satisfaction and challenges.MethodsUsing a phenomenological approach, semi-structured interviews with nine purposively selected ASD specialists (representing speech therapy, behavioral intervention, and physical education) were conducted, audio-recorded (seven in-person, two via Skype), and transcribed verbatim, with thematic analysis via MAXQDA yielding 824 codes across four themes, achieving data saturation.ResultThematic analysis revealed four themes-Job Retention (26%), Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies (24%), Professional Competencies (29%), and Professional Challenges (21%)-with word frequency analysis of 4662 words (e.g., "Child" [1468 occurrences], "Interest" [240]) highlighting motivations, skills, and stressors.ConclusionsThis study highlights that robust self-care strategies and strong professional competencies notably enhance job retention and mitigate professional challenges for ASD specialists. Targeted interventions, including tailored self-care programs and competency-based training, are essential to bolster job satisfaction and care quality. Future research should develop validated tools to measure these factors and design support programs to address specialists' needs effectively.

BackgroundWorkplace harassment and negative behaviors exert a substantial impact on employees' psycho-emotional health and job satisfaction. Although extensive research has been conducted on clinical healthcare staff, administrative personnel, who are integral to healthcare operations, remain insufficiently studied.ObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the prevalence and effects of negative workplace behaviors, including bullying and harassment, on the psycho-emotional health and quality of life of administrative staff at the General Hospital of Corinthos, Greece.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from January to April 2023, involving 97 administrative employees. Participants completed self-administered questionnaires, including the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) to assess workplace bullying and the WHOQOL-BREF to evaluate quality of life. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 25.ResultsThe findings indicated that 24.1% of participants experienced severe workplace bullying, while 40% reported moral harassment. Negative workplace behaviors were significantly correlated with diminished quality of life, particularly in physical health (r = -0.299, p = 0.003) and psychological well-being. Female employees and those with lower education levels were more susceptible to bullying. Strong social support emerged as a protective factor.ConclusionsWorkplace bullying is prevalent among healthcare administrative staff and adversely affects their psycho-emotional health. The study highlights the necessity for targeted interventions, such as anti-bullying policies and psychosocial support programs, to promote a healthier work environment.

BackgroundSafety shoes are crucial for worker protection; however, their design and ergonomics aspects have been largely overlooked.ObjectiveThis study aimed to develop and validate a questionnaire to evaluate safety shoe design issues systematically.MethodsA 35-item questionnaire was developed in this cross-sectional study. Twenty-four experts in ergonomics, HSE, and shoe production fields evaluated the questionnaire for face and content validity. The reliability of data collected from 225 participants was examined using Cronbach's alpha, the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and test-retest methods. Varimax-rotated principal component analysis was employed to assess construct validity through exploratory factor analysis.ResultsThe experts provided feedback during face validity, which led to changes in specific questions, yielding an average Impact Score of 4.72. The CVR was 0.91. The mean CVI for relevance, clarity, simplicity, and overall content was 0.98, 0.96, and 0.98, respectively, resulting in an overall CVI of 0.97. Factor analysis revealed Cronbach's alpha values of 0.828 for satisfaction, 0.565 for quality, 0.898 for comfort, and 0.70 for fit. The ICCs were 0.85 for fit, 0.85 for satisfaction, 0.86 for comfort and 0.759 for quality. After revisions, researchers finalized the questionnaire with 35 items.ConclusionsThe developed questionnaire demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability. This tool can identify and address design deficiencies in safety shoes (e.g., fit, comfort, quality, and satisfaction), thereby contributing to improved worker comfort and foot health. Furthermore, the instrument provides a standardized framework for future research on various types of footwear.

BackgroundAgricultural laborers, particularly women in rural India, are exposed to prolonged postural strain due to repetitive and ergonomically hazardous tasks. These conditions contribute significantly to the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).ObjectiveThe present study assessed the efficacy of Postural Management Guidelines (PMG) designed to enhance ergonomic awareness among female farm workers.MethodsA field-based intervention study involving 30 purposively selected farm women was conducted in Girwa Panchayat Samiti, Udaipur, Rajasthan. The participants received training based on a researcher-developed PMG that covered body mechanics, lifting techniques and optimal postures. A 25-item structured knowledge checklist was administered before and after. Statistical analysis included Descriptive statistics, paired-sample t-tests and effect size (Cohen's d) were computed to determine the significance of the knowledge gain.ResultsPostural knowledge scores improved significantly from a pre-test mean of 7.8 (SD = 1.81) to a post-test mean of 22.83 (SD = 1.63), with a t-value of 4.77 (p < 0.001), Cohen's d = 9.05. The coefficient of variation decreased from 21.67% to 8.13%, which indicates an improved consistency. Thus, the findings affirm the impact of ergonomic education on awareness enhancement.ConclusionThe PMG proved effective in increasing ergonomic knowledge among rural female agricultural workers. These guidelines offer a practical and scalable intervention for reducing occupational health risks related to posture. The integration of this kind of training into agricultural extension programs may yield long-term health benefits in rural areas.