scholarly journals Association between long working hours and psychological distress: The effect of sick leave criteria in the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayako Hino ◽  
Akiomi Inoue ◽  
Kosuke Mafune ◽  
Mayumi Tsuji ◽  
Seiichiro Tateishi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Interaction Effect ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Overtime Work

Objective: This study investigated the effect of sick leave criteria on the association between long working hours and psychological distress. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in December 2020, and 27,032 workers completed the questionnaire. First, after testing the interaction effect of overtime work hours and sick leave criteria on psychological distress, we conducted stratified analyses using sick leave criteria. Results: A significant interaction effect was found. When we conducted stratified analyses, the odds ratios increased with longer working hours, both with and without sick leave criteria groups; however, the risk was greater in the without sick leave criteria group, compared with the criteria group. Conclusion: We revealed that working without sick leave criteria could strengthen the association between long working hours and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals Work Hours and Difficulty in Leaving Work on Time in Relation to Work-to-Family Conflict and Burnout Among Female Workers in Taiwan

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shu-Ling Huang ◽  
Ren-Hau Li ◽  
Shu-Yi Fang ◽  
Feng-Cheng Tang
Keyword(s):  
Family Conflict ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Female Workers ◽  
Female Employees ◽  
Voluntary Basis

The present study explores the relations between work hours and the difficulty in leaving work on time to both work-to-family conflict (WFC) and burnout among female workers in Taiwan. A cross-sectional research design and questionnaire were employed to obtain the research data. In total, 738 full-time female workers took part in the study. The results of regression analyses showed that when age, marital status, economic status, occupation, parental status, and housework responsibilities were controlled, more work hours were positively associated with WFC and burnout. When the difficulty in leaving work on time was also considered in the analysis, long working hours were still significantly associated with burnout; however, the significant relation with WFC disappeared. It is surmised that if female employees work overtime voluntarily, the perception of WFC diminishes; nevertheless, the adverse effect of long working hours on health remains unabated. This study concludes that female employees who work overtime on a voluntary basis are at risk of health problems, which should be a focus of concern.

Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 During the First Nationwide Lockdown in Vietnam: Web-Based, Cross-Sectional Survey Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khanh Ngoc Cong Duong ◽  
Tien Nguyen Le Bao ◽  
Phuong Thi Lan Nguyen ◽  
Thanh Vo Van ◽  
Toi Phung Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Population ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The first nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic was implemented in Vietnam from April 1 to 15, 2020. Nevertheless, there has been limited information on the impact of COVID-19 on the psychological health of the public. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of psychological issues and identify the factors associated with the psychological impact of COVID-19 during the first nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. METHODS We employed a cross-sectional study design with convenience sampling. A self-administered, online survey was used to collect data and assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants from April 10 to 15, 2020. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were utilized to assess psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and stress of participants during social distancing due to COVID-19. Associations across factors were explored using regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 1385 respondents completed the survey. Of this, 35.9% (n=497) experienced psychological distress, as well as depression (n=325, 23.5%), anxiety (n=195, 14.1%), and stress (n=309, 22.3%). Respondents who evaluated their physical health as average had a higher IES-R score (beta coefficient [B]=9.16, 95% CI 6.43 to 11.89), as well as higher depression (B=5.85, 95% CI 4.49 to 7.21), anxiety (B=3.64, 95% CI 2.64 to 4.63), and stress (B=5.19, 95% CI 3.83 to 6.56) scores for DASS-21 than those who rated their health as good or very good. Those who self-reported their health as bad or very bad experienced more severe depression (B=9.57, 95% CI 4.54 to 14.59), anxiety (B=7.24, 95% CI 3.55 to 10.9), and stress (B=10.60, 95% CI 5.56 to 15.65). Unemployment was more likely to be associated with depression (B=3.34, 95% CI 1.68 to 5.01) and stress (B=2.34, 95% CI 0.84 to 3.85). Regarding worries about COVID-19, more than half (n=755, 54.5%) expressed concern for their children aged <18 years, which increased their IES-R score (B=7.81, 95% CI 4.98 to 10.64) and DASS-21 stress score (B=1.75, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.24). The majority of respondents (n=1335, 96.4%) were confident about their doctor’s expertise in terms of COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment, which was positively associated with less distress caused by the outbreak (B=–7.84, 95% CI –14.58 to –1.11). CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on mental health during the nationwide lockdown among the general population in Vietnam. The study provides useful evidence for policy decision makers to develop and implement interventions to mitigate these impacts. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Cross-sectional association between long working hours and liver function: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. e041595
Author(s):  
Eunchan Mun ◽  
Woncheol Lee ◽  
Min-Woo Nam ◽  
Hyun-Il Kim ◽  
Hyeongcheol Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Liver Function ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Health Examination ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Long Working Hours

ObjectivesAlthough the effects of long working hours on liver function remain unclear, in South Korea, there is a social perception that long working hours are associated with poor liver function. Thus, long working hours have recently become a major issue. This study aimed to determine the association between long working hours and liver function, as indicated by the alanine transaminase (ALT) levels.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingLarge university hospitals in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea.ParticipantsWorkers in formal employment who underwent a comprehensive health examination at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centre clinics in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea, between January 2011 and December 2018. Of the 386 488 participants, 212 421 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.Primary outcome measureALT elevation.ResultsThe participants were predominantly well-educated (86.1%), male (69.3%) and in their 30s (49.6%). In total, 13.4% of the participants presented ALT elevation (>40 IU/L). There was no significant association between working hours and ALT elevation in the general population and in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative group. Conversely, in the HBsAg-positive group, working >60 hours per week compared with 35–40 hours per week was significantly associated with ALT elevation. The association was more pronounced in those with ALT levels >80 IU/L (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.01) than in those with ALT levels >40 IU/L (OR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.75). The p values for trend were <0.05.ConclusionsLong working hours were associated with ALT elevation only in hepatitis B virus carriers and not in the general population. Provided that there is adherence to the legal working hours, there is no need to further restrict working hours for liver health, irrespective of HBsAg status.

WORK–LIFE BALANCE IN THE CURRENT JAPANESE CONTEXT

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 57-64
Author(s):  
Akizumi Tsutsumi
Keyword(s):  
Working Hours ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Work Life Balance ◽  
Life Balance ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Long Working Hours ◽  
Family Work ◽  
Overtime Work ◽  
Work Style

Background: Work style reform in Japan is under way in response to a predicted shortfall in the workforce owing to the country’s low birth rate and high longevity, health problems due to excessive working hours, and the need for diversification of employment. A legal limit for physicians’ overtime work will be introduced in 2024. Objectives: This study examines the work–life balance among Japan’s doctors in the context of ongoing work style reform. Methodology: The study applied included selective reviews of demographic shifts, legislation against long working hours, and trends in doctors’ participation in the labor force. Results: Japan’s doctors work long hours, which creates a conflict between their working and private lives. The proportion of female doctors in Japan is the lowest among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Employment trends among women doctors by age group show an M-curve: many quit their jobs upon marriage or childbirth. Gender role stereotyping has led male Japanese doctors to devote themselves entirely to their professions and working excessively long hours: they leave all family work to their female partners. This stereotyping obliges female doctors to undertake household chores in addition to their career tasks, which makes it difficult for them to re-enter their careers. Because of the harsh working conditions (including long working hours), there has been a decline in newly graduated doctors in some medical specialties. Conclusions: For sustainable, effective health care in Japan, it is necessary to improve the work conditions for Japan’s doctors towards achieving work–life harmony.

scholarly journals Risk perception and psychological state of healthcare workers in referral hospitals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, Uganda

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Migisha ◽  
Alex Riolexus Ario ◽  
Benon Kwesiga ◽  
Lilian Bulage ◽  
Daniel Kadobera ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
Risk Perception ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Referral Hospitals

Abstract Background Safeguarding the psychological well-being of healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial to ensuring sustainability and quality of healthcare services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs may be subject to excessive mental stress. We assessed the risk perception and immediate psychological state of HCWs early in the pandemic in referral hospitals involved in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey in five referral hospitals from April 20–May 22, 2020. During this time, we distributed paper-based, self-administered questionnaires to all consenting HCWs on day shifts. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, occupational behaviors, potential perceived risks, and psychological distress. We assessed risk perception towards COVID-19 using 27 concern statements with a four-point Likert scale. We defined psychological distress as a total score > 12 from the 12-item Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We used modified Poisson regression to identify factors associated with psychological distress. Results Among 335 HCWs who received questionnaires, 328 (98%) responded. Respondents’ mean age was 36 (range 18–59) years; 172 (52%) were male. The median duration of professional experience was eight (range 1–35) years; 208 (63%) worked more than 40 h per week; 116 (35%) were nurses, 52 (14%) doctors, 30 (9%) clinical officers, and 86 (26%) support staff. One hundred and forty-four (44%) had a GHQ-12 score > 12. The most common concerns reported included fear of infection at the workplace (81%), stigma from colleagues (79%), lack of workplace support (63%), and inadequate availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) (56%). In multivariable analysis, moderate (adjusted prevalence ratio, [aPR] = 2.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2–4.0) and high (aPR = 3.8, 95% CI 2.0–7.0) risk perception towards COVID-19 (compared with low-risk perception) were associated with psychological distress. Conclusions Forty-four percent of HCWs surveyed in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients during the early COVID-19 epidemic in Uganda reported psychological distress related to fear of infection, stigma, and inadequate PPE. Higher perceived personal risk towards COVID-19 was associated with increased psychological distress. To optimize patient care during the pandemic and future outbreaks, workplace management may consider identifying and addressing HCW concerns, ensuring sufficient PPE and training, and reducing infection-associated stigma.

scholarly journals The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Providers in Obstetrics: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lidia Del Piccolo ◽  
Valeria Donisi ◽  
Ricciarda Raffaelli ◽  
Simone Garzon ◽  
Cinzia Perlini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Distress ◽  
General Health Questionnaire ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Gynecology And Obstetrics ◽  
The Individual

Objective: To assess the psychological distress of healthcare providers (HCPs) working in the field of obstetrics during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to identify factors associated with psychological distress at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational level.Design: Cross-sectional survey study.Setting: Four University hospitals in Italy.Participants: HCPs working in obstetrics, including gynecologists, residents in gynecology and obstetrics, and midwives.Methods: The 104-item survey Impatto PSIcologico COVID-19 in Ostetricia (IPSICO) was created by a multidisciplinary expert panel and administered to HCPs in obstetrics in May 2020 via a web-based platform.Main Outcome Measures: Psychological distress assessed by the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) included in the IPSICO survey.Results: The response rate to the IPSICO survey was 88.2% (503/570), and that for GHQ-12 was 84.4% (481/570). Just over half (51.1%; 246/481) of the GHQ-12 respondents reported a clinically significant level of psychological distress (GHQ-12 ≥3). Psychological distress was associated with either individual (i.e., female gender, stressful experience related to COVID-19, exhaustion, and the use of dysfunctional coping strategies), interpersonal (i.e., lower family support, limitations in interactions with colleagues), and organizational (i.e., reduced perception of protection by personal protective equipment, perceived delays on updates and gaps in information on the pandemic) factors in dealing with the pandemic.Conclusions: Results confirm the need for monitoring and assessing the psychological distress for HCPs in obstetrics. Interventions at the individual, interpersonal, and organizational level may relieve the psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic and foster resilience skills in facing emotional distress.

scholarly journals Antecedents and Moderation Effects of Maladaptive Coping Behaviors Among German University Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lina Marie Mülder ◽  
Nicole Deci ◽  
Antonia Maria Werner ◽  
Jennifer L. Reichel ◽  
Ana Nanette Tibubos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Regulation ◽  
University Students ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Coping Behaviors ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Moderation Effects ◽  
The Relationship

Prolonging working hours and presenteeism have been conceptualized as self-endangering coping behaviors in employees, which are related to health impairment. Drawing upon the self-regulation of behavior model, the goal achievement process, and Warr's vitamin model, we examined the antecedents and moderation effects regarding quantitative demands, autonomy, emotion regulation, and self-motivation competence of university students' self-endangering coping behaviors (showing prolonging working hours and presenteeism). Results from a cross-sectional survey of 3,546 German university students indicate that quantitative demands are positively related and autonomy has a u-shape connection with self-endangering coping. Emotion regulation was shown to be a protective factor for prolonging working hours. Moreover, self-motivation moderated the relationship between quantitative demands and prolonging of working hours, but not in the assumed direction. Self-motivation showed a systematic positive relationship with prolonging of working hours, but no relationship with presenteeism. Autonomy moderated the relationship of quantitative demands with both self-endangering behaviors. We found no moderating effects for emotion regulation of quantitative demands or autonomy and self-endangering behaviors. Besides further practical implications, the results suggest that lecturers should design their courses accordingly with less time pressure and university students should be trained in the use of autonomy.

scholarly journals Physician’s use of sickness certification guidelines: a nationwide survey of 13 750 physicians in different types of clinics in Sweden

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e051555
Author(s):  
Veronica Svärd ◽  
Kristina Alexanderson
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Sick Leave ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Work Capacity ◽  
Occupational Health Services ◽  
Sickness Certification ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Different Types

ObjectivesTo explore physicians’ experiences of using the national sickness certification guidelines introduced in 2007 and the types of information they used, in general and in different types of clinics.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingMost physicians working in Sweden in 2017.ParticipantsA questionnaire was sent to 34 718 physicians; 54% responded. Analyses were based on answers from the 13 750 physicians who had sick leave cases.Outcome measuresTo what extent the guidelines were used and what type of information from them that was used.ResultsTen years after the sickness certification guidelines were introduced in Sweden, half of the physicians used them at least once a month. About 40% of physicians in primary healthcare and occupational health services used the guidelines every week. The type of information used varied; 53% used recommendations about duration and 29% about degree of sick leave. Using information about function and activity/work capacity, respectively, was more common within primary healthcare (37% and 38%), psychiatry (42% and 42%), and occupational health services (35% and 41%), and less common in surgery and orthopaedic clinics (12% and 12%) who more often used information about duration (48% and 53%). Moreover, 10% stated that the guidelines were very, and 24% fairly problematic to apply. Half (47%) stated that the guidelines facilitated their contacts with patients and 29% that they improved quality in their management of sick leave cases. More non-specialists, compared with specialists, found that the guidelines facilitated contacts with patients (OR 3.28, 95% CI 3.04 to 3.55).ConclusionsThe majority of the physicians used the sickness certification guidelines, although this varied with type of clinic. Half stated that the guidelines facilitated patient contacts. Yet, some found it problematic to apply the guidelines. Further development of the guidelines is warranted as well as more knowledge about them among physicians.

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