Showing papers in "Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2011"
TL;DR: A heuristic conceptual framework of individual work performance was proposed and can serve as a theoretical basis for future research and practice.
Abstract: Objective: Individual work performance is differently conceptualized and operationalized in different disciplines. The aim of the current review was twofold: (1) identifying conceptual frameworks of individual work performance and (2) integrating these to reach a heuristic conceptual framework. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in medical, psychological, and management databases. Studies were selected independently by two researchers and included when they presented a conceptual framework of individual work performance. Results: A total of 17 generic frameworks (applying across occupations) and 18 job-specific frameworks (applying to specific occupations) were identified. Dimensions frequently used to describe individual work performance were task performance, contextual performance, counterproductive work behavior, and adaptive performance. Conclusion: On the basis of the literature, a heuristic conceptual framework of individual work performance was proposed. This framework can serve as a theoretical basis for future research and practice. Copyright © 2011 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
379 citations
TL;DR: Small-to-medium correlations were identified between sleep deprivation, depression, physical/mental well-being, and drinking behaviors that are prevalent in professional firefighters, which require environmental and individual-based health promotion interventions.
Abstract: Objective: Little attention has been given to factors contributing to firefighters’ psychosomatic well-being. The purpose of this descriptive study was to examine such contributing factors in a sample of professional firefighters. Methods: Measures assessing sleep, depression, substance use, social bonding, and quality of life were examined in 112 firefighters. Results: Overall, many firefighters reported sleep deprivation (59%), binge drinking behavior (58%), poor mental well-being (21%), current nicotine use (20%), hazardous drinking behavior (14%), depression (11%), poor physical well-being (8%), caffeine overuse (5%), or poor social bonding (4%). Conclusions: Small-to-medium correlations were identified between sleep deprivation, depression, physical/mental well-being, and drinking behaviors. High-risk behaviors that impact psychosomatic well-being are prevalent in professional firefighters, which require environmental and individual-based health promotion interventions. The inter-correlation relationships between such behaviors, therefore, need to be explored in further details.
249 citations
TL;DR: Emotions may drive people with overweight and obesity to overeat and sports activities may attenuate but do not solve the problem, indicating that strenuous physical activity can indeed attenuate the positive association between emotional eating and body weight gain.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the associations between the lifestyle factors—sports, alcohol, nutrition, overweight, and smoking, the eating styles of dietary restraint, external eating, and emotional eating on the one hand, and the change in body mass index (BMI) on the other hand.Methods:Using a Web-based
246 citations
TL;DR: Obesity was even more prevalent when assessed by BF% than by BMI, and misclassifying muscular firefighters as obese by using BMI occurred infrequently, contrary to common wisdom.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the prevalence of overweight and obesity in firefighters.Methods:Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and body fat percentage (BF%) were assessed in 478 career and 199 volunteer male firefighters from randomly selected departments.Results:High prevalence rates of overweig
234 citations
TL;DR: Health protection has usually been viewed as encompassing the activities that protect workers from occupational injury and illness ranging from basic safety training to the health promotion activities as discussed by the authors, and health protection and health promotion have operated independently of each other in the workplace.
Abstract: Traditionally, health protection and health promotion activities have operated independently of each other in the workplace. Health protection has usually been viewed as encompassing the activities that protect workers from occupational injury and illness ranging from basic safety training to the us
166 citations
TL;DR: Arthritis, back, and fibromyalgia pain were all associated with significantly lower levels of health-related quality of life, often at clinically meaningful levels, and all pain conditions were associated with higher levels of work productivity loss, even after adjusting for demographic and health characteristics.
Abstract: Objective:To investigate the impact of musculoskeletal pain on health-related quality of life and work productivity losses among US workers.Methods:Data from the 2008 US National Health and Wellness Survey were used. Among those currently employed aged 20 to 64 years (N = 30,868), workers with arthr
136 citations
TL;DR: Those employed in sedentary occupations were sedentary for approximately 11 hours per day, leaving little time to achieve recommended levels of physical activity for overall health.
Abstract: Objective:To determine time spent on the working day in sleep, work, sedentary behaviors, and light-, moderate-, and vigorous-intensity behaviors by occupation intensity.Methods:Data came from 30,758 working respondents to the 2003 to 2009 American Time Use Survey. Mean ± SEM time spent in work, sed
121 citations
TL;DR: Social or cultural effects related to occupation are important determinants of smoking and more aggressive promotion of smoking cessation programs and workplace rules prohibiting smoking could have a significant public health impact.
Abstract: Objective:Describe differences in smoking behaviors associated with occupation, workplace rules against smoking, and workplace smoking cessation programs.Methods:We analyzed data from the Current Population Survey—Tobacco Use Supplement surveys from 1992 through 2007.Results:After adjusting for demo
114 citations
TL;DR: Adult and childhood abuse histories have not been considered in previous large-scale investigations, but were significant risk factors along with other previously identified risk factors for WPV.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE:: Nurses face one of the highest rates of reported workplace violence (WPV). This research examined the prevalence of WPV and demographic, work-related, and adult and childhood abuse histories as risk factors for WPV among 2166 nurses/nursing personnel across four health care institutions in one US metropolitan area. METHODS:: Using data from an online cross-sectional survey, multivariate logistic regression was utilized to determine risk factors for physical and psychological WPV. RESULTS:: Almost one-third (30%) of nurses/nursing personnel experienced WPV (19.4% physical, 19.9% psychological). Risk factors included being a nurse, white, male, working in the emergency department, older age, longer employment, childhood abuse, and intimate partner violence. CONCLUSIONS:: Adult and childhood abuse histories have not been considered in previous large-scale investigations, but were significant risk factors along with other previously identified risk factors for WPV. Language: en
110 citations
TL;DR: Toenails appeared to be a valid measure of cumulative manganese exposure 7 to 12 months earlier and was significantly correlated with cumulative exposure in 7 to 9, 10 to 12, and 7 to12 months before toenail clipping date, but not 1 to 6 months.
Abstract: Objective:This study examined the correlation between manganese exposure and manganese concentrations in different biomarkers.Methods:Air measurement data and work histories were used to determine manganese exposure over a work shift and cumulative exposure. Toenail samples (n = 49), as well as bloo
107 citations
TL;DR: Support for the proposed two-factorial structure of the OLBI was found, including the dimensions of exhaustion and disengagement from work, and using burnout measures might be useful to identify those at risk for LTSA, and to enable preventive solutions in organizations.
Abstract: Objective:This study investigates the predictive validity of the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI), and of three health indicators (depression, anxiety, and self-rated health), for long-term sickness absence (LTSA).Methods:Questionnaires were sent to all employees in a Swedish County Council (N = 6
TL;DR: Current scheduling practices and high work demands negatively impact nurses' sleep and may be partially explained by exposure to work demands.
Abstract: Objective:To explore the relationship of work schedules to self-reported restless and inadequate sleep in a large population-based sample of registered nurses.Methods:Cross-sectional mailed survey (n = 2246). Work schedule measures included hours worked per day and per week, weekends per month, shif
TL;DR: Lower OP metabolite concentrations correlated with increasing distance from farmland, and overall, a 20% reduction in DMTP concentration was observed per mile increase indistance from farmland.
Abstract: Objectives:Residential proximity to pesticide-treated farmland is an important pesticide exposure pathway.Methods:In-person interviews and biological samples were collected from 100 farmworker and 100 non-farmworker adults and children living in Eastern Washington State. We examined the relationship
TL;DR: Depressive symptoms were high among officers, and work-to-family conflict was a critical factor contributing to psychological distress, and W-FC mediated the effects of SOC on depression.
Abstract: Objective:This article assessed work-to-family conflict (W-FC) and family-to-work conflict (F-WC) and their impact on depression among corrections officers in two correctional facilities in the United States.Methods:The sample consisted of 220 officers who completed questionnaires that included data
TL;DR: If certain nanoparticles induce adverse effects in vitro or in animal models, then occupational health surveillance and exposure control may be prudent steps in the protection of worker health.
Abstract: Objective Nanotechnology is the manipulation of matter on a near-atomic scale to produce nanoparticles with unique properties, allowing new commercial applications. Since nanoparticles exhibit unique physicochemical properties, they are likely to exhibit biological activity significantly different from fine-sized particles of the same chemical composition. Therefore, evaluation of the biological effects of nanoparticles is critical. Methods The article lists the major objectives of nanotoxicology and briefly reviews the literature concerning biological responses to pulmonary exposure. Results Interactions of nanoparticles with biological systems depend on particle size, shape, oxidant generation, surface functionalization, and rate of dissolution. Pulmonary, cardiovascular, and central nervous system responses to pulmonary exposure to nanotitanium dioxide and carbon nanotubes are described. Conclusions Significant biological responses occur in animal models after pulmonary exposure to certain nanoparticles. Control of exposure appears prudent to protect worker health. Clinical significance Nanotechnology is synthesizing a wide range of nanoparticles, which exhibit unique physicochemical properties. These unique properties make unique biological activity likely. If certain nanoparticles induce adverse effects in vitro or in animal models, then occupational health surveillance and exposure control may be prudent steps in the protection of worker health.
TL;DR: Participation in well-structured worksite wellness programs, such as the one evaluated in this study, may increase health and life satisfaction for employees.
Abstract: Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of a worksite wellness program at improving health behavior and personal health. Methods Analyses are based on 472 (71% men and 29% women) workers employed in 2009 through 2010. Results Participants showed significant improvement in frequency of exercise, consumption of whole grains, vegetables and fruits, restful sleep, and seat belt use. Life satisfaction and perceived health also significantly increased, but job satisfaction significantly decreased and there was no change in smoking or body mass index. In addition, the percentage with borderline/high blood pressure significantly decreased. Conclusions Participation in well-structured worksite wellness programs, such as the one evaluated in this study, may increase health and life satisfaction for employees. This type of wellness program appears to help employees develop and maintain healthy behaviors.
TL;DR: It is clear that as the lifting index (LI) increases, the risk of LBP increases and longitudinal studies are needed.
Abstract: Objective:To evaluate whether the Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation (RNLE) is a valid tool for assessing risk of low back pain (LBP) due to manual lifting by using combined data from two cross-sectional studies of 1-year prevalence.Methods:Results from a symptom and occupational history questionnaire a
TL;DR: Shift work is associated with higher risk of being overweight/obese among female nurses and midwives and longitudinal studies are being undertaken to better understand the causal relationship between shift work and unhealthy weight.
Abstract: Objective: To examine the association between shift work and unhealthy weight among female nurses and midwives. Methods: A crosssectional study. Measurement outcomes included shift work, unhealthy weight (underweight: body mass index [BMI] 30.0), diet quality, physical-activity level, alcohol consumption, and smoking status. Results: Among the 2494 participants (1259 day and 1235 shift workers), only 1% of the participants were underweight, 31.8% were overweight, and 26.9% were obese. After adjusting the selected confounders, shift workers were 1.15 times more likely to be overweight/obese than day workers (P =0.013, 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.28;P =0.02, 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 1.30, respectively). Conclusions: Shift work is associated with higher risk of being overweight/obese. Longitudinal studies are being undertaken to better understand the causal relationship between shift work and unhealthy weight.
TL;DR: To decrease chronic diseases among low–socioeconomic status workers, workplace health promotion programs on workers in low-wage industries and small workplaces need to focus on workers with household annual incomes under $35,000.
Abstract: Objective To help workplace health promotion practitioners reach low-socioeconomic status workers at high risk for chronic diseases. Methods We describe low-socioeconomic status workers' diseases, health status, demographics, risk behaviors, and workplaces, using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Results Workers with household annual incomes less than $35,000, or a high school education or less, report more chronic diseases and lower health status. They tend to be younger, nonwhite, and have much higher levels of smoking and missed cholesterol screening. They are concentrated in the smallest and largest workplaces and in three low-wage industries that employ one-quarter of the population. Conclusions To decrease chronic diseases among low-socioeconomic status workers, we need to focus workplace health promotion programs on workers in low-wage industries and small workplaces.
TL;DR: Targeted efforts on specific violence risk and protective factors are essential to improve educators' work environments in Minnesota.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES:: Identify the magnitude and risk factors for occupational physical assault (PA) and nonphysical violence (NPV) against Minnesota educators. METHODS:: Among 26,000 randomly selected licensed kindergarten to grade 12 educators, 6469 eligible educators reported whether they experienced PA or NPV during the prior year. Multiple logistic regression models were based on directed acyclic graphs. RESULTS:: Respective PA and NPV annual rates per 100 educators were 8.3 and 38.4. Work changes resulted among PA (13% to 20%) and NPV (22%) victims. Risks increased for master's prepared or education specialists who worked in public alternative schools and special education. Risks decreased for those working for more than 20 years, part time, and in private schools. Physical assault risk decreased when teaching grades 3 to 12 (vs kindergarten to grade 2), but NPV risk increased. CONCLUSIONS:: Targeted efforts on specific violence risk and protective factors are essential to improve educators' work environments. Language: en
TL;DR: In the occupational health setting, spirometry plays a critical role in the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of workplace-related lung disease as mentioned in this paper, since it depends on multiple factors for its results to be valid.
Abstract: S pirometry, the most frequently performed pulmonary function test (PFT), is the cornerstone of occupational respiratory evaluation programs. In the occupational health setting, spirometry plays a critical role in the primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of workplace-related lung disease.1 Used for both screening and clinical evaluations, spirometry tests are performed in a variety of venues ranging from small clinical practices to large testing facilities and multiple plant medical departments within an industry. Physicians and other health care professionals may conduct spirometry tests themselves or supervise others conducting the tests, or they may be involved only in interpreting test results. Whatever their level of involvement in the actual testing, spirometry users need to be aware that spirometry differs from many other medical measurements, since it depends on multiple factors for its results to be valid. If any of these factors malfunctions, for example, if subject effort is flawed, equipment is not accurate, or technicians fail to elicit maximal cooperation and effort, results can be falsely elevated or reduced. These problems may profoundly impact conclusions that are drawn about a worker’s pulmonary function, and will likely render the interpretations incorrect. Recognizing the central role of spirometry in workplace respiratory programs, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) developed two spirometry position statements in the past decade which summarize advances of particular relevance to occupational health practice. However, since these statements were published, several important changes have occurred in the field of pulmonary function testing that significantly affect occupational spirometry testing. First, the American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS) issued a series of joint
TL;DR: Higher metabolic equivalents categories were significantly associated with lower diastolic blood pressure, body fat, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total/high-density cholesterol ratio, and higher high-density LDL cholesterol ratio.
Abstract: Objective Evaluate the association between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in firefighters. Methods Cross-sectional study of 968 male career firefighters. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by maximal exercise tolerance tests. Cardiovascular disease risk parameters included body composition, resting vital signs, and metabolic profiles. Group comparisons were performed using χ test, analysis of variance, and general linear regression with/without adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). Results Higher metabolic equivalents categories were significantly associated with lower diastolic blood pressure, body fat, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and total/high-density cholesterol ratio, and higher high-density lipoprotein (P ≤ 0.0272, age and BMI adjusted). Conclusions Increasing CRF has beneficial independent effects on CVD risk factor profiles among firefighters. Higher CRF was beneficial regardless of BMI; nevertheless, increasing BMI had strong independent unfavorable effects. Firefighters should be encouraged to increase their CRF to decrease their future risk of CVD.
TL;DR: The 3-minute PVT was able to predict performance on a simulated luggage-screening task and Fitness-for-duty feasibility should now be tested in professional screeners and operational environments.
Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the ability of a 3-minute Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT) to predict fatigue-related performance decrements on a simulated luggage-screening task (SLST). Methods: Thirty-six healthy nonprofessional subjects (mean age = 30.8 years, 20 women) participated in a 4-day laboratory protocol including a 34-hour period of total sleep deprivation with PVT and SLST testing every 2 hours. Results: Eleven and 20 lapses (355-ms threshold) on the PVT optimally divided SLST performance into high-, medium-, and low-performance bouts with significantly decreasing threat detection performance A′. Assignment to the different SLST performance groups replicated homeostatic and circadian patterns during total sleep deprivation. Conclusions: The 3-minute PVT was able to predict performance on a simulated luggage-screening task. Fitness-for-duty feasibility should now be tested in professional screeners and operational environments.
TL;DR: Working on the WTC debris pile was associated with an elevated risk of post-9/11 sarcoidosis and Occupationally exposed workers may be at increased risk.
Abstract: Objective: Explore relationships between World Trade Center (WTC) exposures and sarcoidosis.Methods: Sarcoidosis has been reported after exposure to the WTC disaster. We ascertained biopsy-proven post-9/11 sarcoidosis among WTC Health Registry enrollees. Cases diagnosed after Registry enrollment were included in a nested case–control study. Controls were matched to cases on age, sex, race or ethnicity, and eligibility group (eg, rescue or recovery worker). Results: We identified 43 cases of post-9/11 sarcoidosis. Twenty-eight incident cases and 109 controls were included in the case– control analysis. Working on the WTC debris pile was associated with sarcoidosis (odds ratio 9.1, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 74.0), but WTC dust cloud exposure was not (odds ratio 1.0, 95% confidence interval 0.4 to 2.8). Conclusions: Working on the WTC debris pile was associated with an elevated risk of post-9/11 sarcoidosis. Occupationally exposed workers may be at increased risk.
TL;DR: Among obese employee participants, significant improvements occurred in selected mental health and dietary variables and among those who lowered their BMI, significant decrease occurred in fat intake, and significant increase resulted in weekly aerobic exercise and feelings of calmness and peace.
Abstract: This study assessed the effectiveness of a worksite wellness program. A within-group study design was conducted. Assessment was based on 3737 continuously employed workers at a large agribusiness during 2007-2009. More than 80% of employees participated in the program, with a higher percentage of women participating. Clinically significant improvements occurred in those who were underweight, those with high systolic or diastolic blood pressure, high total cholesterol, high low-density lipoprotein, low high-density lipoprotein, high triglycerides, and high glucose. Among obese employee participants, significant improvements occurred in selected mental health and dietary variables. Among those who lowered their BMI, significant decrease occurred in fat intake, and significant increase resulted in weekly aerobic exercise and feelings of calmness and peace, happiness, ability to cope with stress, and more physical energy.
TL;DR: Focusing on improving both the psychosocial work environment and organizational efficiency might contribute to decreased employee stress, improved mental well-being, and organizational performance.
Abstract: Objective: To determine whether the relationship between organizational climate and employee mental health is consistent (ie, invariant) or differs across four large hospitals, and whether organizational efficiency mediates this relationship. Methods: Participants (total N = 5316) completed validated measures of organizational climate variables (social climate, participatory management, goal clarity, and performance feedback), organizational efficiency, occupational stress, and mental health. Results: Path analysis best supported a model in which organizational efficiency partially mediated relationships between organizational climate, occupational stress, and mental health. Conclusions: Focusing on improving both the psychosocial work environment and organizational efficiency might contribute to decreased employee stress, improved mental well-being, and organizational performance.
TL;DR: This initial psychometric evidence suggests that the WBA-P and its subscales are valid measures of presenteeism that capture actionable well-being–related performance barriers.
Abstract: Objective: To develop a presenteeism assessment, the Well-Being Assessment for Productivity (WBA-P), that provides an informative evaluation of job performance loss due to well-being related barriers Method: The WBAP was developed using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using survey data from 1827 employed individuals Evidence of criterion-related validity was established using multivariate analysis of variance across measures of health and well-being Results: Ah ierarchical, two-factor model demonstrated good fit and included factors capturing productivity loss from personal reasons (WBA-PP) and work environment (WBA-PW) Significant interactions existed between these and previously validated presenteeism measures with respect to physical and emotional health, risk factors, and life evaluation Conclusions: This initial psychometric evidence suggests that the WBA-P and its subscales are valid measures of presenteeism that capture actionable well-being‐related performance barriers
TL;DR: These findings point to shared pathways in the work environment that jointly influence multiple health and well-being outcomes.
Abstract: Objective:To examine the relationships among low back pain (LBP), inadequate physical activity, and sleep deficiency among patient care workers, and of these outcomes to work context.Methods:A cross-sectional survey of patient care workers (N = 1572, response rate = 79%).Results:A total of 53% repor
TL;DR: A reduction in work hours may be used for health promotion activities with sustained or improved production levels, suggesting an increased productivity since the same, or higher, production level can be achieved with lesser resources.
Abstract: Objective: To investigate how worksite health interventions involving a 2.5-hour reduction of weekly working hours with (PE) or without (RWH) mandatory physical exercise affects productivity. Methods: Six workplaces in dental health care were matched and randomized to three conditions (PE, RWH and referents). Employees' (N = 177) self-rated productivity and the workplaces' production levels (number of patients) were examined longitudinally. Results: Number of treated patients increased in all conditions during the intervention year. While RWH showed the largest increase in this measure, PE showed significant increases in self-rated productivity, that is, increased quantity of work and work-ability and decreased sickness absence. Conclusions: A reduction in work hours may be used for health promotion activities with sustained or improved production levels, suggesting an increased productivity since the same, or higher, production level can be achieved with lesser resources. (Less)
TL;DR: In symptomatic World Trade Center–exposed individuals, pathologic findings suggest a common exposure resulting in alveolar loss and a diverse response to injury.
Abstract: Objective:To describe pathologic findings in symptomatic World Trade Center–exposed local workers, residents, and cleanup workers enrolled in a treatment program.Methods:Twelve patients underwent surgical lung biopsy for suspected interstitial lung disease (group 1, n = 6) or abnormal pulmonary func