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Showing papers in "AAOHN Journal in 2019"


Journal ArticleDOI
Lin Lin1, Guoping He1, Jin Yan1, Can Gu1, Jianfei Xie1 
TL;DR: The modified MBSR program is an effective approach for nurses to decrease stress and negative affect and improve positive affect and resilience and has the potential to improve job satisfaction.
Abstract: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects of a modified mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on the levels of stress, affect, and resilience among nurses in general hospitals in mainland China. In addition, the study attempted to determine the impact of the program on job satisfaction. A total of 110 nurses were randomly assigned to the intervention versus control groups. The intervention group participated in a modified 8-week MBSR program. All participants were evaluated with questionnaires at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and 3 months later. The intervention group showed decreases in stress and negative affect and increases in positive affect and resilience after the intervention. No improvement in job satisfaction was observed, but the trends of the data were in the hypothesized direction that job satisfaction would improve. The modified MBSR program is an effective approach for nurses to decrease stress and negative affect and improve positive affect and resilience. In addition, the program has the potential to improve job satisfaction.

57 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
Shuai Yang1, Jingmei Lu1, Jiaqi Zeng1, Liqian Wang1, Yinglan Li1 
TL;DR: The findings underscore the need for nurses and managers to reinforce risk awareness, improve physical and psychosocial working conditions, and promote a safer work environment.
Abstract: This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among intensive care nurses in the Hunan Province of China. Nurses working in mixed intensive care units of 20 tertiary hospitals in this province participated in an online survey regarding work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The seven-part questionnaire included basic demographics; job and workplace characteristics; risk perception; physical, psychosocial, and workplace organizational factors; and musculoskeletal symptoms. The response rate was 70.7% (702 of 993 nurses). Approximately 97% of the respondents reported experiencing at least one work-related musculoskeletal disorder within the previous year. Low back pain was the most commonly reported musculoskeletal disorder (80.1%), followed by neck (78.6%) and shoulder pain (70.4%). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that work-related musculoskeletal disorders were significantly associated with female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 0.115), unmarried status (OR = 0.136), a greater perception of risk (OR = 2.352), and lack of a safe work environment (OR = 1.056). These findings underscore the need for nurses and managers to reinforce risk awareness, improve physical and psychosocial working conditions, and promote a safer work environment.

40 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Intervention and prevention programs should fully identify the determinants of skin cancer prevention in farmers; in addition, the identified effective factors must be taken into account when designing and implementing appropriate interventions.
Abstract: Farmers are among the most common work groups at risk of skin cancer. The protection motivation theory has been widely accepted as a framework for predicting health related behaviors. This study was conducted to determine the role of factors preventing skin cancer among farmers in Eslamabad-e Gharb district, Iran, using the protection motivation theory. In this descriptive study, 280 farmers living in this district were studied from May to June 2017. Using cluster random sampling methods, health houses where farmers received health care were selected. Each farmer within the selected health house was then enrolled into the study using simple random sampling. Data were collected by interview using an author-developed questionnaire. The questionnaire ascertained demographic information and constructs of the protection motivation theory. Almost half of the farmers had a history of sunburn (56.4%). With regard to prevention, a small proportion reported using sunscreen (8.6%), hats (3.2%), gloves 3.9%, sunglasses 4.6%, and protective clothing 15.4%. The results of regression analyses showed that with one unit of increase in the scores of self-efficacy to adopt prevention behavior and perceived protection motivation resulted in an increase in the mean score of the "protective" behavior by 0.26 and 0.20, respectively. Working conditions among farmers place them at great risk and skin cancer prevention is essential. Intervention and prevention programs should fully identify the determinants of skin cancer prevention in farmers; in addition, the identified effective factors must be taken into account when designing and implementing appropriate interventions.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Occupationally related SIRVA is a preventable adverse event that should be considered in workplace vaccine administration programs, and appropriate education and training provided to vaccine administrators to address this.
Abstract: Transient shoulder pain is a common complaint following intramuscular vaccine administration into the deltoid. More severe vaccination-associated shoulder complications comprising of weakness and decreased range of motion are categorized under the construct "shoulder injury related to vaccine administration" (SIRVA) that subsumes both subjective and objective findings consistent with injury. We describe the presentation and management of a case of SIRVA in a health care worker following seasonal influenza vaccine administration as part of a hospital-based employee health program and review the relevant biomedical literature. We present a case from a single medical center. All data were collected by professionals in occupational health by interviewing, performing physical examinations, and reviewing medical records associated with the injured worker. Severe pain and limited range of shoulder motion developed following an influenza vaccination that was administered using a poorly positioned, larger than recommended needle. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated moderate glenohumeral joint effusion and synovitis, with fluid accumulating in the subscapularis recess within 1 week of injury. At 8 months after initial injury, MRI showed persistent mild tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps tendon, interval accumulation of a large glenohumeral joint effusion, and infraspinatus tendinitis with subjacent reactive bone marrow edema. The affected worker experienced work restrictions but had no complete lost workdays to date due to the injury. Occupationally related SIRVA is a preventable adverse event that should be considered in workplace vaccine administration programs, and appropriate education and training provided to vaccine administrators to address this.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: One of the most consistent predictors of RTW found was stroke severity, and individuals who experienced a mild to moderate stroke, those of Caucasian ethnicity, and higher socioeconomic levels were more likely to RTW.
Abstract: Despite improvements in the treatment of stroke, many individuals still face cognitive, emotional, and physical impairments. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability and subsequent failure to return to work (RTW). The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize and discuss the literature relevant to factors affecting RTW for stroke survivors, summarize the identified gaps, and discuss steps occupational health nurses can take to facilitate RTW among stroke survivors. A literature search was conducted using the keywords: "stroke," "cerebrovascular disease," "return to work," and "employment." After excluding articles based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 19 quantitative research articles were reviewed. Consistent themes found in the literature affecting RTW following stroke included physical, social, and cognitive factors. One of the most consistent predictors of RTW found was stroke severity. Individuals who experienced a mild to moderate stroke, those of Caucasian ethnicity, and higher socioeconomic levels were more likely to RTW. Findings suggest the importance of future studies to examine factors among African American stroke survivors that predict RTW and the role of occupational health nurses.

24 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is highlighted that stress was associated with higher levels of job burnout, and that under a high stress condition, PA was negatively linked to cognitive weariness; and that intrinsic motivation for PA reinforced the positive moderating effect of PA on the stress–burnout relationship, especially when stress is high.
Abstract: Current research highlights the need to critically examine the factors that can reduce the relationship between work stress and burnout to improve employee health and well-being, as well as to create healthier workplaces. The objective of this study was to enhance insight into the association between stress and job burnout by testing the moderated moderating effect of off-job physical activity (PA) and intrinsic motivation for off-job PA on this association. A total of 369 university staff (70% females) completed a web survey comprising measures of perceived stress, job burnout, PA, and intrinsic motivation for PA. A three-way conditional process model revealed that the "Stress × PA" interaction was significant for cognitive weariness, and that the three-way interaction between "Stress × PA × Intrinsic Motivation for PA" was significantly related to job burnout, and to cognitive weariness. The results highlight (a) that stress was associated with higher levels of job burnout; (b) that under a high stress condition, PA was negatively linked to cognitive weariness; and (c) that intrinsic motivation for PA reinforced the positive moderating effect of PA on the stress-burnout relationship, especially when stress is high.

21 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Factors related to the overall work, safety, and health of newly licensed nurses that should be addressed in work environments to promote well-being and prevent burnout and attrition are examined.
Abstract: Transitioning into independent professional practice may be a difficult and trying process for newly licensed nurses, who may be at risk for burnout and quitting their jobs. Issues related to new nurses' well-being at work may also impact their personal lives. Using thematic analysis within the framework of Total Worker Health, this study examined factors related to the overall work, safety, and health of newly licensed nurses that should be addressed in work environments to promote well-being and prevent burnout and attrition. The main component of Total Worker Health is to find and understand the relevant issues that lead to safety and health risks in the workplace and affect workers' well-being at work and home. The overarching concept of Balance between Work and Life included three main themes: Health, Work Environment, and Learning to Be (a nurse). These themes with their subthemes described the difficulties participants had in balancing the complex interactions of work conditions and social life changes during the transition from student to professional nurse. Participants identified new physical health problems, mental health challenges, physical violence, lack of support structures at work, and alterations in family and friend relationships. However, they also developed protective factors from new connections with coworkers. These findings showed that new nurses are vulnerable to many factors at home and work that affect well-being and may lead to burnout and attrition. Implications include interventions at work that focus on health promotion, group support, and safety risk prevention through occupational nurse management.

20 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The purposes of this concept analysis were to obtain a clearer understanding of WPB, to differentiate the concept from other forms of workplace violence, and to describe a definition ofWPB consistently used in the literature.
Abstract: Workplace bullying (WPB) among nurses, especially newly licensed registered nurses (NLRNs), negatively affects nurse, patient, and organizational outcomes. Despite empirical evidence addressing the prevalence and impact of WPB, the behavior continues to persist within nursing work environments. Increased conceptual clarity of WPB is needed for interventions to be developed, executed, and evaluated. The purposes of this concept analysis, in which we used Rodgers' evolutionary method, were to obtain a clearer understanding of WPB, to differentiate the concept from other forms of workplace violence, and to describe a definition of WPB consistently used in the literature. Three attributes specific to WPB included negative behaviors directed toward an individual who perceives themselves to be a target, a time frame of experiencing these negative behaviors (e.g., daily or weekly) for a prolonged period (e.g., several weeks), and the inclusion of a power gradient or hierarchy between the bully and target. Antecedents identified for WPB included a scarcity of resources and poor leadership and management. Consequences associated with WPB included adverse nurse, patient, and health care organizational outcomes. WPB was conceptually defined as any negative behavior, exhibited by a nurse of either perceived or actual power, that was repeatedly (i.e., daily or weekly) and persistently directed toward NLRNs who have difficulty defending themselves against the behavior. Implications for researchers, health care organizations, nurse leaders, and nurses are included.

19 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A mixed-methods study using a cross-sectional survey among migrant and seasonal farmworkers about their experience with HRI symptoms and an intensive surveillance on a smaller group of workers in field trials using a chest-strapped multi-parameter monitoring wearable sensor found that those in the uncomfortable climate condition category had a higher mean heart rate and breathing rate than those working under mild and moderate field trials.
Abstract: Heat-related illness (HRI) is a largely undocumented phenomenon in Midwestern Hispanic migrant and seasonal farmworkers in the United States. Frequently, the physiological burden of crop production is overlooked while workers are in the fields. We completed a mixed-methods study using a cross-sectional survey among migrant and seasonal farmworkers about their experience with HRI symptoms ( N = 148) and conducted an intensive surveillance on a smaller group of workers ( N = 20) in field trials ( N = 57 trials) using a chest-strapped multi-parameter monitoring wearable sensor (MPMWS) that measured skin/body temperature, heart and breathing rate, kilocalories burned per hour, and provided a physiological intensity (PI) score. The field trials were conducted across three classes of climate conditions and three PI score categories. We found that those in the uncomfortable category (PI score > 4.0) had a statistically significant ( F ratio = 16.41, p 2.5-4 (99.84°F). We also found that those in the uncomfortable climate condition category had a higher mean heart rate and breathing rate than those working under mild and moderate field trials.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Lack of social networks outside the workplace and frequent use of self-blame, food, or substance use as coping strategies were associated with burnout, while social integration and use of religion and instrumental support to cope with stressors wereassociated with reduced burnout.
Abstract: Occupational burnout has been linked to the delivery of lower quality of care in some health care professions, including with turnover intentions and absenteeism in emergency medical services (EMS) workers. Thus, studies that identify factors associated with burnout may be integral to optimizing quality and workforce engagement among EMS professionals. A survey was conducted to assess social support outside the workplace, coping styles, and occupational burnout in a cohort of EMS providers from Minnesota. Surveys were returned by 217 providers (54% response), of which 167 had provided data on burnout, social support, and coping styles and were included in the analysis. The mean age was 41 years, 62% were male, and the prevalence of burnout was 17%. After adjustment for age and EMS tenure, the odds of burnout was higher among those characterized as socially isolated as compared with providers who were integrated socially or moderately integrated (odds ratio = 3.52; 95% confidence interval = [1.13, 10.98]). Common coping responses included planning, positive reframing, and active coping, while behavioral disengagement and denial were rarely used. Lack of social networks outside the workplace and frequent use of self-blame, food, or substance use as coping strategies were associated with burnout. Conversely, social integration and use of religion and instrumental support to cope with stressors were associated with reduced burnout.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The present study suggests that PCG provides an affordable way of alleviating the discomfort and physiological strain caused by environmental heat exposure.
Abstract: Construction workers are at high risk of heat-related illnesses during summer months in India. The personal cooling garment (PCG) is a microclimate assistive device that provides protection from heat stress. The applicability and efficacy of wearing PCG for the physiological and subjective responses were tested on 29 healthy construction workers at actual field worksites. During the test, the climatic conditions were 103.64 ± 38.3°F dry bulb temperature, 41.2 ± 13.4% relative humidity, and wet bulb globe temperature 91.43 ± 39.92°F. Mean weighted skin temperature was significantly lowered by 38.66 ± 33.98°F when wearing PCG as compared with wearing habitual clothing (HC), 32.36 ± 33.44°F ( p < .05). Mean sweat loss was also significantly lower when wearing PCG: 0.365 ± 0.257 kg as compared with wearing HC: 0.658 ± 0.342 kg ( p < .05). Heart rate, along with back and chest skin temperatures were significantly reduced with wearing PCG. The present study suggests that PCG provides an affordable way of alleviating the discomfort and physiological strain caused by environmental heat exposure.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The purpose of this work was to analyze the concept of fatigue in long-haul truck drivers using the Rodgers’ evolutionary method, and the physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions of fatigue are presented.
Abstract: The majority of long-haul truck drivers are affected by fatigue. Notably, fatigue impacts not only quality of life, but the risk for human error, thus impacting the safety of our nation's roads. In 2015, 400,000 trucking accidents occurred with the top driver impairment identified as being "asleep or fatigued." Yet, the current scientific literature reflects different understandings of the concept of fatigue, hindering synchronized measurement and efforts toward its alleviation. The purpose of this work was to analyze the concept of fatigue in long-haul truck drivers using the Rodgers' evolutionary method. The physical, cognitive, and emotional dimensions of fatigue are presented.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Sleep-related impairment was highly correlated with greater emotional distress, greater fatigue, and worse memory and concentration during both time points of assessment.
Abstract: The impact of shift work on sleep and health has been examined in the past, but most studies utilized cross-sectional designs relying on between-subject differences. The purpose this study was to e...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The results of an in-person survey of 2,086 informally employed nannies, housecleaners, and caregivers in 14 U.S. cities show that substandard workplace health and safety conditions are shaped by three aspects of domestic work: long-standing exclusions from federal employment protections, the common disregard of the home as a workplace, and the complexity of care work and the bonds of intimacy that often form through caregiving.
Abstract: Informally employed domestic workers encounter a range of workplace hazards, though these have been poorly documented and are typically left unacknowledged. Safety concerns include exposure to toxic cleaning products, a high prevalence of ergonomic injuries, and inadequate access to medical care. Presenting the results of an in-person survey of 2,086 informally employed nannies, housecleaners, and caregivers in 14 U.S. cities, this article documents the range of common health and safety hazards faced by domestic workers and suggests some interventions that could improve their working conditions. The survey was conducted in nine languages and data were collected from workers from 71 countries, including a substantial proportion with irregular immigration status. We observed that substandard workplace health and safety conditions are shaped by three aspects of domestic work: long-standing exclusions from federal employment protections, the common disregard of the home as a workplace, and the complexity of care work and the bonds of intimacy that often form through caregiving. Together these factors have served to perpetuate substandard working conditions. Regulatory reforms, as well as worker and employer education, are necessary to improve health outcomes for domestic workers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Call centers in Korea have been found to be operated mainly by women, and they experience high levels of job-related stress, and occupational stress was negatively associated with health-promoting behaviors in nonsmokers, but not in smokers.
Abstract: Call centers in Korea have been found to be operated mainly by women, and they experience high levels of job-related stress. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of smoking among wo...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Significant associations were found between stress, depression, and anxiety among this group of workers and lower education levels were significantly related to higher perceived stress and more depressive symptomatology.
Abstract: Prolonged sitting time has been reported among university workers which can have adverse health effects. The aim of this study was to examine the sitting time, physical activity, and psychological well-being reported by older university office workers. An online self-reported survey was distributed to all office workers 55 years and older at one university in Australia. Sixty-six office workers were recruited. They reported an average sitting time of 7.5 hours per day on weekdays. In all, 72.7% of the sample reported both moderate and high physical activity levels. A high percentage of the office workers reported depression (25.8%) and anxiety (12.1%). Lower education levels were significantly related to higher perceived stress and more depressive symptomatology ( p = .03 and .02, respectively). Significant associations were found between stress, depression, and anxiety ( p < .001) among this group of workers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The prevalence of pain among dental workers could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.
Abstract: Work-related musculoskeletal (MS) disorders are considered one of the most frequent occupational diseases among dental workers. Dental work consists of static, demanding tasks that involve repeated gripping of small-sized instruments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MS pain, the areas of pain, and the risk factors for MS pain in dental workers. A self-administrated questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument for dental workers who voluntarily responded to the invitation. To determine the prevalence and severity location of MS pain, the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire was administered among 87 dental workers, with a total of 79.8%, who reported at least one MS complaint. MS pain occurred in 82.6% of general dentists, 75.0% of dental specialists, 66.7% of dental assistants, and 33.3% of dental technicians. Pain most frequently occurred in the neck (60.7%), upper back (52.4%), right shoulder (44.0%), lower back (41.7%), hips/buttocks (29.8%), and the right wrist (23.8%). The prevalence of pain among dental workers could be reduced by ergonomic working environment, regular breaks, maintenance of health, and performing specific exercises designed to dental workers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study findings suggest that relationships between workplace exercise interventions and job stress reduction have not been sufficiently evaluated in the literature and future intervention research should focus on randomized controlled trials of interventions incorporating both exercise and multidimensional strategies to reduce job stress.
Abstract: Background: High job stress is positively associated with reduced quality of life in workers, detrimental effects on worker health, and increased worker absenteeism and lower productivity. Exercise is a proven approach for coping with psychological stress in general. However, relatively few research studies have examined the effects of workplace exercise interventions on job stress reduction. The purpose of this systematic review was to identify associations between workplace exercise interventions and job stress reduction among employees. Methods: A literature search was performed using five databases (i.e., CINAHL, Medline via PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Embase), and eligible studies were written in English, and were published between January 1990 and October 2018. Studies were included if worker participants were subjected to a workplace exercise intervention, and their job stress was measured before and after the intervention. To assess the quality of these studies, van Tulder's risk of bias assessment tool was applied. Findings: Eight studies were identified, and six of those (75%) were found to be of relatively good quality. In only two of the studies (25%) was the workplace exercise program associated with a statistically significant reduction in job stress. The study findings suggest that relationships between workplace exercise interventions and job stress reduction have not been sufficiently evaluated in the literature. Conclusion and Application to Practice: Based on the limited data available, future intervention research should focus on randomized controlled trials of interventions incorporating both exercise and multidimensional strategies to reduce job stress.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Occupational health nurses should be aware of the detrimental effects of limited HL and modify their OHS training where needed for purposes of increasing the successful adoption of safe work practices.
Abstract: Health literacy (HL) is a stronger predictor of an individual's health status than income, employment status, education level, and race or ethnicity. Lower levels of HL may contribute to low uptake or less adherence to occupational health and safety (OHS) training. This study was conducted among casting factory workers who received OHS training routinely. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, OHS training, and scores of the Health Literacy Survey-European Union (HLS-EU) were collected. Of the 282 of the 600 (47%) workers surveyed, 13.5% had inadequate, 47.5% problematic, 30.9% sufficient, and 8.2% excellent HL scores. There were no statistically significant differences between workers with limited and proficient HL with respect to age group or educational level. Workers with limited HL were less satisfied with OHS training content and were less likely to identify one-on-one health and safety training sessions as training. Limited HL is a universal problem both in the general and working populations, and it may be restricting the workers understanding of OHS training. Occupational health nurses should be aware of the detrimental effects of limited HL and modify their OHS training where needed for purposes of increasing the successful adoption of safe work practices.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The aim of this literature review was to describe the potential risk factors of CKDu in Mesoamerica and implications for the U.S. agricultural worker population.
Abstract: For the past two decades, agricultural workers in regions of Central America have reported an epidemic of chronic kidney disease of undetermined etiology (CKDu) that is not associated with establis...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The concept, barriers to reentry into nurse anesthesia practice, was explored and defined for purposes of identifying their impact on the recovering certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and places the CRNA one step closer to successful re entry into anesthesia practice.
Abstract: Nursing knowledge surrounding anesthesia providers’ maintaining or obtaining employment after treatment of substance use disorder (SUD) is notably absent in the literature. An alternative method, d...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is observed that one of the four humor subscales, Humor Appreciation, did affect perceptions of bullying in the workplace, and transformational leadership was associated with 22% of the variance in reports of decreased bullying activity.
Abstract: Workplace bullying is associated with a host of negative outcomes for the worker who is the target of bullying, as well as for the organization where the bullying occurs. Moreover, we know that rates of bullying are particularly high in health care settings; however, we are less familiar with the factors that may reduce workplace bullying in hospitals. Thus, this study was conducted to determine whether the humor orientation styles of individuals, including nurses working in hospitals, as well as their managers' leadership styles, can influence perceptions of bullying in the workplace. Using data from 459 workers employed in a large hospital in the Southern United States, we examined associations between the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale, which has four dimensions, as well as the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire, with three leadership substyles, and their associations with the risk of being bullied. We observed that one of the four humor subscales, Humor Appreciation, did affect perceptions of bullying in the workplace. The other three, Humor Recognition, Humor Production, and Humor for Coping, did not. However, the leadership styles of managers did affect reports of negative acts. In fact, transformational leadership was associated with 22% of the variance in reports of decreased bullying activity. This work is consistent with previous work on the importance of leadership styles for creating positive work environments, particularly in hospital settings. Given these findings, we offer suggestions for leaders to further improve nursing communication.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Positive safety climate was significantly associated with a decreased risk of work-related MS symptoms and injuries, and this relationship was greater among U.S.-educated nurses than among foreign-educated nurses.
Abstract: Immigrants account for a significant proportion of the nursing workforce in the United States (U.S.). Although different cultural backgrounds may affect immigrant nurses' perceptions of work and occupational health risks, little research has been conducted. Defining immigrant nurses as those who received initial nursing education in foreign countries, this study examined the differences in work-related perceptions and experiences of musculoskeletal (MS) symptoms and injuries between U.S.-educated and foreign-educated nurses. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional study using a statewide random sample of 419 California registered nurses. Foreign-educated nurses reported a more positive safety climate (p = .017) and perceived their jobs as less demanding (p = .008) than did U.S.-educated nurses. The prevalence of work-related MS symptoms was significantly lower in foreign-educated nurses than in U.S.-educated nurses (p = .044), but the difference was not significant in the multivariable analyses. Positive safety climate was significantly associated with a decreased risk of work-related MS symptoms and injuries, and this relationship was greater among U.S.-educated nurses than among foreign-educated nurses. Our findings suggest that immigrant nurses may have different perceptions about safety climate and job demand, which may modify their occupational health risks.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Evidence is provided of the feasibility of the short version of the Turkish ERI questionnaire by pointing to a strong association of stressful work with depressive symptoms in this group of academic workers.
Abstract: The body of research pertaining to work-related stress and health among Turkish workers is sparse. It was the aim of this study to test the feasibility of two work stress scales of the Turkish short version of the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI-SV) questionnaire among staff and faculty in an academic university setting. We also assessed and examined if work stress was associated with depressive symptoms, using Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale. The two ERI-SV scales and the CES-D scale were distributed to 170 study subjects employed at a southern university in Turkey, in which 67% ( n = 114/170) responded. We examined Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the internal consistency of the two main work stress scales of the ERI-SV, and scale structural validity was assessed using exploratory factor analysis. Logistic regression was performed to test the hypothesis of associations of work stress with depressive symptoms. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were .75 and .76 for the scales "Effort" and "Reward," respectively. Two separate factors were extracted according to the theoretical assumption of the ERI model. Associations between ERI and depressive symptoms were significant (odds ratio [OR] = 3.80 for Effort-Reward [E-R] ratio with an increase per SD, and 7.39 for the high work stress group as defined by an E-R ratio > 1.0). This study provides evidence of the feasibility of the short version of the Turkish ERI questionnaire by pointing to a strong association of stressful work with depressive symptoms in this group of academic workers. Further psychometric properties of the ERI questionnaire are required before its wider application in research and practice.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Treadmill exercise caused aLean mass gain and fat mass loss and significantly increased their 24-hour physical activity and walking workstation use had favorable effects on physical well-being and mental focus and did not adversely affect productivity.
Abstract: Increased prevalence of obesity may be due to an increase of being sedentary at work. Increasing non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) using walking workstations may increase total physical activity and promote a leaner physical body composition (or phenotype). The purpose of this study was to test whether walking slowly during work was sufficient to promote a leaner phenotype by increasing physical activity in sedentary desk workers without inducing compensation or a decrease in activity or energy expenditure during the nonworking hours. We conducted a prospective cohort study using a within-subjects crossover design. The design involved two phases each lasting 2 weeks: a treadmill exercise phase in which subjects used a walking workstation for 2.5 hours a day 5 days/week and a control phase in which subjects maintained their normal work activity. Twenty-five sedentary adults working at the Minneapolis VA Health Care System. We measured body weight, body composition, food intake, 24-hour physical activity, and self-reported physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Treadmill exercise caused a leaner phenotype (lean mass gain and fat mass loss) and significantly increased their 24-hour physical activity. Walking workstation use had favorable effects on physical well-being and mental focus and did not adversely affect productivity. Light treadmill exercise during work can increase physical activity and result in a leaner body composition. This is a potentially useful intervention to increase NEAT in the modern sedentary work environment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Nurses overall did not do any better than the general population in participating in a healthy lifestyle, patient stakeholders feel strongly that nurses should role model healthy behaviors and employers need to be better prepared to support nurses to participate in ahealthy lifestyle.
Abstract: Nurses often struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. While nurses are often assumed to have the knowledge to participate in health-promoting behaviors, this knowledge may not translate into sustainable change in behavior. The purpose of this descriptive study was to compare nurses' health behaviors with residents in the community where the nurses were employed. Participants (N = 166) completed the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II survey (HPLP-II) along with a demographic survey. The HPLP-II consists of six dimensions of a health-promoting lifestyle: (a) spiritual growth, (b) health responsibility, (c) physical activity, (d) nutrition, (e) interpersonal relations, and (f) stress management. Both groups scored the highest in spirituality followed by interpersonal relations. However, scores for the other HPLP-II dimensions ranked differently between the two groups. Nurses scored higher in health responsibility while the community participants scored higher on nutrition. Both groups scored the lowest on stress management and physical activity. Significant differences between groups were found only on the health responsibility dimension of the HPLP-II survey with nurses scoring higher. While nurses overall did not do any better than the general population in participating in a healthy lifestyle, patient stakeholders feel strongly that nurses should role model healthy behaviors. Employers need to be better prepared to support nurses to participate in a healthy lifestyle. Success can come from even small incremental changes (e.g., walking groups, team challenges, taking stairs) within the work environment. Furthermore, evidence-based practice teams that include administration, management, and staff are positioned to contribute through education and development of innovative workplace wellness programs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: An overview of the opioid epidemic and its impact on health, the challenges for the workplace, and recommended strategies for the occupational health nurse to impact the problem are provided.
Abstract: The opioid epidemic is a national public health crisis. It began with the misuse of commonly used prescription opioid pain relievers and has led to the increased use of heroin and illicit fentanyl. Large-scale initiatives have begun on the federal and state level and place an emphasis on improved opioid prescribing, which have important implications for the workplace. Treatment of work injury may initiate the use of prescription opioids and result in misuse and possible overdose. Prescription drug abuse affects all aspects of society so potentially any workplace could be affected. A multifaceted approach is needed to reduce opioid morbidity and mortality and the occupational health nurse should be actively involved. The intent of this article is to provide an overview of the epidemic and its impact on health, the challenges for the workplace, and recommended strategies for the occupational health nurse to impact the problem.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The VOC levels in the proximity of workers in nail salons through simulating the application process of some popular nail polishes in a laboratory chamber are estimated to increase awareness of workers’ potential exposure to high levels of VOCs and recommend practical measures to reduce potential exposures.
Abstract: In the United States, there are more than 120,000 nail salons in which workers could be potentially exposed to a number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in various procedures. Measuring workers exposure in the field is time-consuming and could be very expensive. The purpose of this study was to estimate the VOC levels in the proximity of workers in nail salons through simulating the application process of some popular nail polishes in a laboratory chamber. The worst-case scenario was defined as a worker's exposure during nail polish application to one set of fingernails every 15 minutes for an 8-hour shift (total nail sets = 32). Nail polish was applied on paper plates in a flow-controlled test chamber. Air was sampled during the application of five different nail polishes for 8 hours using passive air samplers and the experiment was triplicated. Passive samplers were used for VOCs and formaldehyde. In this worst-case scenario setting, a total of 17 VOCs were detected, with eight that were found in all the samples. The mean concentration of butyl acetate (161-330 ppm, parts per million) and ethyl acetate (440 ppm) exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 150 ppm and 400 ppm, respectively. Formaldehyde was analyzed separately and the mean concentrations exceeded the TLV of 0.10 ppm in all types of nail polish, ranging from 0.12 ppm to 0.22 ppm. Occupational safety and health professionals could use these data to increase awareness of workers' potential exposure to high levels of VOCs in nail salons and recommend practical measures to reduce potential exposures.

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TL;DR: Evidence of elevated Tc in Florida fernery workers is provided, indicating an increased risk of occupational HRI, and the need for policy and interventions to address this health risk is indicated.
Abstract: With expected increases in extreme weather, there may be a greater risk of injury from extreme heat in outdoor worker populations. To plan for future adaptation measures, studies are needed that can characterize workers' physiologic responses to heat in outdoor settings such as agriculture. The objective of this study was to characterize occupational heat exposure, key vulnerability factors (e.g., gender, energy expenditure), and physiologic heat stress response in a sample of fernery workers. Forty-three fernery workers over 86 workdays were examined regarding heat-related illness (HRI) during the summer months of 2012 and 2013. The key outcome measure was whether a participant's body core temperature (Tc) reached or exceeded 38.0°C (100.4oF; Tc38). Participants' Tc exceeded 38.0°C on 49 (57%) of the workdays, with 30 of 40 participants reaching or exceeding Tc38 on at least one workday. Adjusting for sex, there was a 12% increase in the odds of Tc38 for every 100 kilocalories of energy expended (OR: 1.12; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: [1.03, 1.21]). Adjusting for energy expenditure, females had 5 times greater odds of Tc38 compared with males (OR: 5.38; 95% CI: [1.03, 18.30]). These findings provide evidence of elevated Tc in Florida fernery workers, indicating an increased risk of occupational HRI, and the need for policy and interventions to address this health risk.

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TL;DR: Firefighters demonstrated an increase in knowledge post training, in that they were able to identify cardiovascular risk factors and personal determinants of cardiovascular disease.
Abstract: Cardiac events are strongly associated with line of duty deaths among firefighters. Among a convenience sample (N = 14) of volunteer firefighters, a questionnaire assessed their knowledge of cardio...