scholarly journals Quality of life as a predictor of work ability of employees of Sarajevo Tobacco Factory

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enisa Sljivo ◽  
Aida Rudic ◽  
Fatima Jusupovic

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate quality of life (QOL) as a predictor of work abilities of employees in a tobacco factory.Methods: The study was performed in the period between 2011 and 2012. The sample comprised of 270 workers, males and females, aged from 20-65, with different educational backgrounds. The study was performed as cross-sectional research, on a voluntary basis, using two standardized and anonymous questionnaires: The World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Version questionnaire (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Work Ability Index questionnaire (WAI).Results: The participants subjectively perceived high values of QOL in general, with the highest values in the area of living environment. The lowest value was in the area of social interactions. Statistically significant differences were observed in the subjective assessments of QOL, especially in three defined areas (physical health, mental health, and social interactions).  Workers age 50-65 years and workers with basic (primary) level of education exhibited a suboptimal (<70%) values in total value and the values of individually defined areas of QOL.Conclusions: Strong predictors of exemplary work ability of employees are good physical and mental health, younger age, and higher level of education. A link was observed between suboptimal work ability and dissatisfaction with profession and working environment, frequent illness, absenteeism, and exposure to health risks at the workplace. 

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Izwan Mat Nazali ◽  
Salmi Razali ◽  
Suthahar Ariaratnam ◽  
Yuhaniz Ahmad ◽  
Hapizah Nawawi

Experiencing good quality of life (QOL) among university staff is extremely crucial to ensuring academic excellence; however, there are limited data on factors that contribute to QOL among university staff. This study aims to determine the level and the predictors for good QOL among university staff. The consenting participants were selected using a stratified sampling method. Participants who had fulfilled the selection criteria were provided with socio-demographic, medical illness, job factor, and family background questionnaires. QOL and psychological well-being (depression, anxiety, and stress) were assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life brief version (WHOQOL-BREF) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) questionnaires, respectively. A total of 278 staff (mean ± SD age: 38.84 ± 7.85 years, 44.2% males, 82.7% married) had participated in this study. This study found that participants had low QOL in the domains of physical health [P-QOL] (11.2%), psychological health [PSY-QOL] (9.7%), social relationships [SR-QOL] (19.1%), and environment [E-QOL] (14.4%). The predictors of P-QOL were depression, medical illness, and number of dependents, while those of PSY-QOL were work promotion, depression, medical illness, and number of dependents. Additionally, the predictors of SR-QOL were campus location, depression, and work promotion, while those of E-QOL were age, level of education, depression, work promotion, and medical illness. Depression significantly affected all domains of QOL. Younger participants without medical illness and those with tertiary level of education had increased odds of having good QOL. Participants having dependents without work promotion and employed in suburban areas had decreased odds of having good QOL. The relevant authority should be identified and then assist staff with difficulties to ensure the staff benefited from having a good QOL.


Author(s):  
Kelly da Silva ◽  
Raphaela Barroso Guedes-Granzotti ◽  
Vanessa Veis Ribeiro ◽  
Rodrigo Dornelas ◽  
Pablo Jordão Alcântara Cruz ◽  
...  

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify the factors that are related to the quality of life and sleep of Brazilian speech-language pathology students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method This study adopted a cross-sectional, descriptive observational design. A total of 161 undergraduate speech-language pathology students participated in this study. The relationship between quality of life and sleep, socioeconomic characteristics, and health problems was examined using correlational analysis. Participant data were collected using an online form, which included questions that assessed their socioeconomic and health characteristics during the pandemic; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and the first two questions of the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Brief Version. Results There were relationships between sleep dysfunction, a reduction in household income during the pandemic, membership to a risk group, living with at-risk individuals, time spent on the Internet (hours), and the purpose underlying Internet use. Satisfaction with health was related to membership to a risk group. Perceptions of the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health were related to sleep dysfunction and quality of life during the pandemic. Conclusion The present findings underscore the need for policies that promote health, prevent diseases, and address mental health problems during times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.


Author(s):  
Hugo Machado Sanchez ◽  
Eliane Gouveia de Morais Sanchez ◽  
Maria Alves Barbosa ◽  
Celmo Celeno Porto ◽  
Mario Silva Approbato

Urban transport drivers, specifically taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers, are exposed to particular environmental, societal, and health situations related to their occupation. To compare work capacity and quality of life of taxi and motorcycle taxi drivers, and correlate quality of life and work ability, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 232 motorcycle taxi drivers and 60 male taxi drivers in urban cities of Brazil. Three instruments were used for evaluation: a questionnaire on sociodemographic and occupational issues, the Work Capacity Index (WCI), and the WHOQOL-bref (World Health Organization Quality of Life–Bref). Taxi drivers presented better evaluation scores in the physical and psychological domains and general quality of life (QOL) (p < 0.01), and better self-perceived work ability (lower physical and mental demands, fewer diagnosed diseases, less incapacity for professional practice, p < 0.001). In addition, there was a positive relationship between QOL and WCI (p = 0.001). Motorcycle taxi drivers had worse self-perceived QOL and of work ability, and there was a positive correlation between QOL and work ability.


Author(s):  
Galateja Jordakieva ◽  
Igor Grabovac ◽  
Margarete Steiner ◽  
Wolfgang Winnicki ◽  
Sabine Zitta ◽  
...  

Kidney transplantation (KTx) in end-stage renal disease is associated with a significant increase in quality of life (QoL) and self-perceived health, optimally leading to the maintenance of employment or return to work (RTW) in working-age patients. The aim of this study was to assess individual factors including the QoL and mental health of kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) associated with employment after transplantation. A cross-sectional study including working-age patients with a history of KTx after 2012 was conducted at two Austrian study centers (Vienna and Graz). Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI-18), World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-Bref) and Workability Index (WAI) were assessed along with detailed questionnaires on employment status. Out of n = 139 KTRs (43.2 ± 9.07 years; 57.6% male), 72 (51.8%) were employed. Employed patients were more frequently in a partnership (p = 0.018) and had higher education levels (p = 0.01) and QoL scores (<0.001). Unemployed KTRs reported fatigue and mental health issues more often (p < 0.001), and had significantly higher anxiety, depression and somatization scores (BSI-18). In unadjusted logistical regression, workability score (WAS; odds ratio (OR) = 3.39; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.97–5.82; p < 0.001), partnership (OR = 5.47; 95% CI 1.43–20.91; p = 0.013) and no psychological counseling after KTx (OR = 0.06; 95% CI = 0.003–0.969; p = 0.048) were independently associated with employment. Self-assessed mental health, workability and QoL were significantly associated with employment status after KTx. Thus, in order to facilitate RTW after KTx in Austria, vocational rehabilitation and RTW programs addressing KTRs should focus on increasing social support and care for their mental health.


Revista CEFAC ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-531 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mônica Carneiro Leão de Albuquerque Lopes ◽  
Sabrina Nathália Fagundes ◽  
Kristiana Cerqueira Mousinho ◽  
Mylena Guimarães Cabral Correia ◽  
Camila Maria Beder Ribeiro ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the association of self-reported vocal symptoms with personal, occupational and clinical aspects and relate them to the quality of life of teachers/professors of the federal network of vocational and technological education. Methods: study carried out with 157 teachers from a federal public institution of vocational and technological education, who answered the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-bref), Quality of Life in the Voice (V-RQOL) questionnaire and a data form (on social information, health conditions, vocal symptoms, habits, organization and working environment). Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. Results: 29% of the teachers presented vocal symptoms. The prevalent complaints were dry throat (38.2%), cough (37.6%) and hoarseness (30.6%). There was a higher prevalence of symptoms in females. For the WHOQOL-bref, the average was 71.3 points, which is considered regular. The domain with the highest score was the psychological one with 75.3. Regarding V-RQOL, the average score in the global domain was 92.5 points, and the physical score was the most compromised one. 90.5% of teachers showed low voice impact on quality of life. Conclusion: although these teachers present vocal complaints, they do not reflect in the limitation of the quality of life.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia K. Y. Lai ◽  
Justina Y. W. Liu ◽  
Daphne S. K. Cheung ◽  
Kenny C. W. Chin ◽  
Mimi M. Y. Tse

Abstract Background This prospective observational study examined changes in the mental health status of frail and pre-frail older adults over a 1-year period, a topic lacking in-depth exploration in the literature. Method Fried Frailty Index was used to differentiate frailty status in participants recruited from community centres and residential care facilities in Hong Kong. Demographic and clinical data were collected using face-to-face interview at baseline and repeated after 12 months. Results Physical functioning, comorbidities, and psychological and environment domains (World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument) impacted the cognitive functioning, depressive symptoms, and sense of loneliness in the sample (N=107). Functional health and vision had a significant impact on cognitive status; depression negatively associated with comorbidity, functional health, and quality of life domains (psychological and environment); loneliness was affected by both age and environment. Conclusion The findings showed that frail and pre-frail older adults have complex needs in relation to their mental health even just over a 1-year period. Intervention programs on frailty that focus on physical aspects will not suffice. Programs for frailty also need to incorporate mental health components to enhance health and wellbeing.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuka Kotozaki

Abstract Objective There is a need for safer and more effective programs to address postpartum women's mental health dysfunction. The objective of this study was to clarify the effects on mental health, including postpartum depression, by implementing Japanese postpartum women with gardening activities by a pilot single-arm trial. Results 15 women about a year after giving birth, recruited through newspaper advertisements, took part in this pilot study. I used the Japanese version of Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) score as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were parenting stress, anxiety, and quality of life (QOL). Data collected at pre and post-test were analyzed using a paired t test. The EPDS, stress regarding parents, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)-state, and STAI-trait of post-test were significant decreased than pre-test (p < 0.05). Also, physical health and psychological health of the World Health Organization Quality of life 26 (WHOQOL-26) of post-test were significantly increased than pre-test (p < 0.05). The gardening activity might be promising for mitigating depressive mood in postpartum women.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherphard Chidarikire ◽  
Merylin Cross ◽  
Isabelle Skinner ◽  
Michelle Cleary

Abstract Background Schizophrenia is a complex and severe mental disorder affecting more than 20 million people worldwide. Although understanding peoples’ experiences of living with an illness is core to assessment, planning and delivering culture specific health care, little is known about the experiences of people living with schizophrenia in resource-poor countries. This article reports on a study that explored the everyday lives of eighteen people living with schizophrenia in Zimbabwe and its impact on their quality of life. Methods This focused ethnography was conducted over a three-month period in 2015. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, non-participant observational fieldwork, and the short form of the World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire. Interview data were digitally recorded, transcribed and translated from Shona (local language) to English. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were used to analyse questionnaire data. Qualitative data were analysed thematically using an established framework. Results Survey data indicate internal consistency in the psychological and social relationships domains and poor quality of life for people aged 20-40. The major factors related to quality of life were: age, gender, family dislocation: living with stigma and discrimination; and limited and variable access to treatment and support. Obtaining and paying for antipsychotic medications were challenging and female participants recounted experiencing gender-based stigma. Conclusions Findings from our study suggest that age, gender, family dislocation, stigma, discrimination, and variable limited access to affordable medications and support undermine quality of life by disrupting participants’ ability to function in socially acceptable ways, their sense of belonging and self-worth, and family, work and social relations. Strengthening access to mental health services, addressing the affordability and availability of medications and initiatives to alleviate stigma and promote a sense of belonging, especially for younger adults and women should be a priority for government and health service providers. Further research on managing mental health issues such as schizophrenia in Zimbabwe, should focus on initiatives to strengthen quality of life.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa J. Rowthorn ◽  
D. Rex Billington ◽  
Christian U. Krägeloh ◽  
Jason Landon ◽  
Oleg N. Medvedev

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0247970
Author(s):  
Kang-Hyun Park ◽  
Ah-Ram Kim ◽  
Min-Ah Yang ◽  
Seung-Ju Lim ◽  
Ji-Hyuk Park

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose significant challenges to nations. The Korean government aimed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 through stay-at-home strategies and maintaining social distance, which are likely to result in major changes in the lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life of citizens. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on these factors in Koreans over 20 years old. Methods The study sample consisted of 104 adults in South Korea aged over 20 years. An online survey was conducted between August and October 2020, in which participants were asked to complete the Yonsei Lifestyle Profile to assess lifestyle changes, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale abbreviated version. To investigate the changes in people’s lifestyles, depression, and quality of life post COVID-19, descriptive statistics were calculated for these indicators before and after the onset of the pandemic. The p-value was two-sided, and values <0.05, were regarded as statistically significant. Results There was a significant decline in physical and other meaningful activities, including activities of daily living, leisure, social activity, and education. However, there were no significant changes in nutrition, except in the consumption of carbohydrates and minerals. Participants reported that their quality of life and mental health had decreased after the pandemic struck. Conclusions We obtained novel data on the changes in the lifestyle, mental health, and quality of life of South Korean adults before and after the onset of the pandemic. The results of our study may assist health policymakers and practitioners in the development of health education or relevant interventions to deal with the pandemic situation as well as future crises.


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