scholarly journals Work-relatedness of the presented health problem and sickness absence

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 360-366
Author(s):  
Cornelis A de Kock ◽  
Peter L Lucassen ◽  
Reinier P Akkermans ◽  
J André Knottnerus ◽  
Peter C Buijs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Perceived Work Ability ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Perception by workers of their health problems as work-related is possibly associated with sickness absence (SA). The aim of this study was to to study the relationship between perceived work-relatedness of health problems and SA among workers who visit their GP, taking the influence of other potential determinants into account and to study the influence of these determinants on SA. Design and setting prospective cohort study in 32 Dutch GP practices. Methods A secondary analysis of RCT data among workers, aged 18–63 years, who visited their GP. We measured self-reported SA days in 12 months and high SA (>20 days in 12 months) and compared workers who perceived work-relatedness (WR+) with workers who did not (WR−). With multivariable linear and logistic regression models, we analyzed the influence of age, gender, experienced health, chronic illness, prior SA, number of GP consultations and perceived work ability. Results We analyzed data of 209 workers, 31% perceived work-relatedness. Geometric mean of SA days was 1.6 (95% CI: 0.9–3.0) for WR+− workers and 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8–1.8) for WR− workers (P = 0.42). Incidence of high SA was 21.5 and 13.3%, respectively (odds ratio 1.79; 95% CI: 0.84–3.84). SA was positively associated with chronic illness, prior SA, low perceived work ability and age over 50. Conclusions Perceived work-relatedness was not associated with SA. SA was associated with chronic illness, prior SA, low perceived work ability and age over 50.

Rehabilitation and return to work

2019 ◽  
pp. 207-228
Author(s):  
Danny Wong
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Disability Benefits ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Assessment Programme ◽  
Models Of Disability ◽  
Returning To Work ◽  
The Relationship

Rehabilitation and return to work is not a straightforward clinical problem of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The chapter explores the concept of worklessness and its impact on life expectancy, what barriers there are in returning to work, why work is good for health, and the relationship between work and health. Common work-related health problems are explored along with disability benefits and most prominent health problems in this area. The chapter details the current UK government system of assessing fitness via the Employment and Support Allowance assessment programme. Models of disability are discussed, focusing on the biopsychosocial model and psychosocial flag system. Workplace management including current UK initiatives of the ‘fit note’ and ‘Fit for Work Scheme’ are further explored. Common workplace adjustments that may assist in a return to work are explored.

scholarly journals Work Ability and Quality of Life in Patients with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (9) ◽  
pp. 3310
Author(s):  
Yi-Fang Chang ◽  
Chang-Ming Yeh ◽  
Shu-Ling Huang ◽  
Chi-Chung Ho ◽  
Ren-Hau Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
The Relationship

This study aimed to investigate level of work ability and quality of life (QOL) as well as the relationship between them among patients suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in Taiwan. A cross-sectional study design with continuous sampling and a questionnaire were used to obtain the research data. Controlling for personal characteristics, pain, psychological distress, and social support, multiple linear regressions were adopted to explore the relationship between work ability and overall QOL. Further analyses were also made to clarify the relationships between work ability and each domain of QOL. In total, 165 patients with WMSDs were recruited. Compared with general workers, the participants reported a lower level of work ability and overall QOL. Work ability was significantly associated with overall QOL when covariates were controlled. Among the four domains of QOL, work ability was significantly associated with both the physical and psychological domains. The conclusion was that work ability is a definite factor of QOL for patients with WMSDs; the essence of work ability may be beyond economic function or social support. Strategies to help workers with WMSDs enhance their work ability to fit their new or temporary jobs would be beneficial to their QOL.

Neighborhood Cohesion and Oral Health Problems Among Older Chinese American Immigrants: Does Acculturation Make a Difference?

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiyu Mao ◽  
Bei Wu ◽  
Iris Chi ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
Xinqi Dong
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Chinese American ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Stepwise Logistic Regression ◽  
Ethnic Enclaves ◽  
Neighborhood Cohesion ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Older Chinese ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Chinese American Immigrants

Abstract Background and Objectives Despite an increasing, yet still limited amount of research on social determinants of oral health, the influences of neighborhood characteristics remain understudied, especially within the context of immigration. Acculturation is multidimensional, and its influences on the oral health of immigrants vary across age and ethnic groups. This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems among older Chinese American immigrants, and whether and to what extent acculturation indicators moderate the relationship between such cohesion and oral health. Methods The research design and working sample included 3,157 older Chinese American immigrants aged 60 years or older from the baseline of the Population Study of Chinese Elderly in Chicago. Neighborhood cohesion was measured by a six-item scale. Oral health problems were measured by the presence or absence of such problems. Acculturation included residence in ethnic enclaves, length of stay, and behavioral acculturation. Stepwise logistic regression models with interaction terms (Neighborhood cohesion × Acculturation) were conducted to examine the association between neighborhood cohesion and oral health problems, accounting for sociodemographics, health conditions, and health behaviors. Results Individuals experiencing higher levels of neighborhood cohesion reported a lower likelihood of having oral health problems. The protective effect of neighborhood cohesion against having oral health problems was stronger when individuals resided in ethnic enclaves such as Chinatown. Discussion and Implications To promote optimal oral health, interventions need to account for individuals’ perceptions and levels of integration into their neighborhoods and communities.

scholarly journals A Sustainable Career Perspective of Work Ability: The Importance of Resources across the Lifespan

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (14) ◽  
pp. 2572 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Stuer ◽  
Ans De Vos ◽  
Beatrice I.J.M. Van der Heijden ◽  
Jos Akkermans
Keyword(s):  
Work Ability ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Strengths Use ◽  
Equation Modelling ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Perceived Work Ability ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Moderating Role

In this study, we examine employees’ perceptions of their work ability from a sustainable career perspective. Specifically, we investigate the role of a person’s perceived current fit (i.e., autonomy, strengths use and needs-supply fit), and future fit with their job as resources that affect perceived work ability, defined as the extent to which employees feel capable of continuing their current work over a longer time period. In addition, we test whether meaningfulness of one’s work mediates this relationship, and we address the moderating role of age. Our hypotheses were tested using a sample of 5205 employees working in diverse sectors in Belgium. The results of multi-group Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) provide mixed evidence for our hypotheses. While all four resources were significantly and positively related to perceived meaningfulness, only needs-supply fit was positively related to perceived work ability. Strengths use, on the other hand, was also significantly related to perceived work ability, yet in a negative way. These findings underscore the importance of distinguishing between several types of resources to understand their impact upon perceived work ability. Interestingly, the relationship between future-orientedness of the job and perceived work ability was moderated by age, with the relationship only being significant and positive for middle-aged and senior workers. This suggests an increasingly important role of having a perspective of future fit with one’s job as employees grow older. Contrary to our expectations, meaningfulness did not mediate the relationships between resources and perceived work ability. We discuss these findings and their implications from the perspective of sustainable career development.

Managing Diabetes in the Workplace

2020 ◽  
pp. 216507992096553
Author(s):  
Margaret McCarthy ◽  
Allison Vorderstrasse ◽  
Joeyee Yan ◽  
Angie Portillo ◽  
Victoria Vaughan Dickson
Keyword(s):  
Work Ability ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Coworker Support ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Excellent Work ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Although many adults with diabetes are productive members of the workforce, loss of work productivity has been associated with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the interrelationship between work-related factors and current work ability in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: This study used a convergent mixed-method design. We assessed the relationship between work-related factors and work ability using bivariate statistics and logistic regression. Work ability was measured using the Work Ability Index and Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) was employed to measure job demands. Qualitative interviews ( n = 30) explored the relationship between diabetes and work. Findings: The sample ( n =101) was mostly female (65%) and White (74%). Most worked full-time (65%), had T2D (87%), an elevated glycated hemoglobin A1c ≥ 7% (56%), and were overweight (22%) or obese (68%). Only 33% of subjects self-reported their work ability as excellent. Four of the JCQ subscales (skill discretion, psychological demands, supervisor support, and coworker support), and work–life balance were significantly associated with work ability (all p < .05). In adjusted models, better coworker support (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = [1.04, 1.9]) and better work–life balance (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = [1.1, 1.5]) were associated with excellent work ability. Many stated their diabetes impacted them at work and spoke of the effects of stress. Few engaged in workplace wellness programs. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Social support and work–life balance were associated with excellent work ability. Engaging workers with diabetes in workplace educational programs may take strategic efforts by occupational health staff.

scholarly journals The relationship between readiness to change pain-related exercise participation and perceived work ability: a cross-sectional study of factory workers

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Shawcross ◽  
Melinda Lyons ◽  
Victoria Filingeri
Keyword(s):  
Work Ability ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Readiness To Change ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Factory Workers ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exercise Participation ◽  
Perceived Work Ability ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Background Healthy lifestyle behaviours are associated with protection against health disorders and pain. Exercise participation is one such behaviour, associated with improved outcomes in those experiencing pain. Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent in the workplace, particularly in factory workers and associated loss of work function is recognised as having a great impact on individuals, society and the economy. A worker’s ‘readiness to change pain behaviour’ is an important factor to consider in achieving a healthy lifestyle behaviour and potentially improved function. This study aimed to examine the relationship between a cohort of factory workers ‘readiness to change pain behaviour’ such as exercise and their ‘perceived work ability’. Methods A cross-sectional study design was used to establish the relationship between ‘readiness to change pain behaviours’ and ‘perceived work ability’. The Multidimensional Pain Related Change Questionnaire 2 (MPRCQ2) was used to measure readiness to change various pain behaviours including exercise. The Work Ability Index (WAI) was used to assess ‘perceived work ability’. Seventy-five factory workers, aged over 18 (66 male, 9 female) were recruited using convenience sampling between September–November 2019. Correlation and multiple regression were used for statistical analysis. Results Mean WAI, MPRCQ2 and MPRCQ2 exercise component were 41.89 (SD 5.28), 4.26 (SD 1.01) and 4.40 (SD 1.69). MPRCQ2 and MPRCQ2 exercise component were not significant predictors of WAI in factory workers (F (2, 72) = 2.17, p > 0.001). There was no significant relationship between MPRCQ2 and WAI (rs = .09, p > .05). However, there was a significant positive relationship between MPRCQ2 exercise component and WAI (rs = .23, p < .05). Conclusions This study suggests that readiness to change pain-related exercise participation has a positive association with ‘perceived work ability’. Further research should explore the causal relationship and consider strength training as a specific type of exercise.

scholarly journals Associations of sustained smoking and smoking cessation with work-related outcomes: a longitudinal analysis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sigrid A. Troelstra ◽  
Cécile R. L. Boot ◽  
Janneke Harting ◽  
Goedele A. Geuskens ◽  
Anton E. Kunst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Older Employees ◽  
Multivariable Regression ◽  
Multivariable Regression Models

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the association between sustained smoking and quitting with work-related outcomes among older workers. Methods We categorized a sample of older employees into non-smokers, sustained smokers and quitters. Multivariable regression models were used to test longitudinal associations of sustained smoking and smoking cessation with sickness absence, productivity loss and work ability. Results We included 3612 non-smokers, 673 sustained smokers and 246 quitters. Comparing sustained smokers to non-smokers, we found higher (but not statistically significant) sickness absence for sustained smokers [1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) − 0.16–2.17]. We did not find differences in productivity loss (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.60–1.13) and work ability (0.05, 95% CI −0.05–0.15). For employees with a relatively high physical health at baseline, comparing quitters to sustained smokers, we found higher (but not statistically significant) productivity loss for quitters (OR 2.23, 95% CI 0.94–5.31), and no difference in sickness absence (0.10, 95% CI − 2.67–2.87), and work ability (− 0.10, 95% CI −  0.36–0.16). For employees with a relatively low physical health at baseline, comparing quitters to sustained smokers, we found a statistically significant lower work ability (− 0.31, 95% CI − 0.57–0.05), and no difference in sickness absence (2.53, 95% CI − 1.29–6.34) and productivity loss (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.66–2.39). Conclusions We found no evidence that sustained smokers have less favorable work-related outcomes than non-smokers or that quitters have more favorable work-related outcomes than sustained smokers. The benefits of smoking cessation for employers might take a longer time to develop.

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