scholarly journals A Survey of Shift Work and Work Ability Index among Nurses: A Case Study in Educational Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran

Author(s):  
LEILA IBRAHIMI GHAVAMABADI1 ◽  
BEHZAD FOULADI DEHAGHI ◽  
BEHNOUSH JAFARI

Shift work is a social phenomenon with adverse effects on the lives and health of people in various aspects. This adverse effect decreases shift workers’ ability over a time period. The aim of the present study was to survey disturbances due to shift work and some disorders associated with work ability index among nurses in educational hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 33 nurses at the Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The survey of shift workers questionnaire (SOS) and the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used as data collection tools. The related data was analyzed based on the descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and Spearman correlation test using IBM SPSS software version 19. The results showed that 97% of problems related to the effects of shift work on the individuals’ lives, families, and musculoskeletal disorders, 87.9% related to insomnia and social problems, and 75.8% related to mental disorders. Although it showed a significant relationship between the workability index with the variable of experience and mental disorders, it showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of insomnia and musculoskeletal disorders variables. The results of this study showed that shift working disrupts mental, social, and physical health that ultimately adversely affect the ability of shift workers. Therefore, it was recommended to adjust working hours and allocate the appropriate shifts to improve the workability of individuals.

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Danielsson ◽  
Margda Waern ◽  
Gunnel Hensing ◽  
Kristina Holmgren

Objective: To evaluate feasibility and potential effectiveness of work-directed rehabilitation in people with common mental disorders. Design: Pilot randomized controlled trial. Setting: Primary healthcare, Sweden. Subjects: Working adults ( n = 42) of mean age 46.2 ± 11.1 years with depression or anxiety disorder. Interventions: Eight weeks of work-directed rehabilitation ( n = 21) or physical activity ( n = 21). Work-directed rehabilitation included sessions with a physiotherapist and/or an occupational therapist, to develop strategies to cope better at work. Physical activity included a planning session and access to a local gym. Main measures: Feasibility: attendance, discontinuation and adverse events. Measurements were the Work Ability Index, the Global Assessment of Functioning, the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale, the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the World Health Organization—Five Well-Being Index. Results: Attendance to rehabilitation sessions was 88% ( n = 147/167) and discontinuation rate was 14% ( n = 3/21). No serious adverse events were reported. Within both groups, there was a significant improvement in Work Ability Index score (mean change: 3.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45, 6.7) in work-directed rehabilitation and 3.9 (95% CI: 0.9, 7.0) in physical activity) with no significant difference between groups. For the other outcomes, significant improvements were found within but not between groups. Per-protocol analysis showed a trend toward the antidepressant effect of work-directed rehabilitation compared to physical activity (mean difference in depression score −3.1 (95% CI: −6.8, 0.4), P = 0.075). Conclusion: Work-directed rehabilitation was feasible to persons with common mental disorders and improved their work ability and mental health. Comparable improvements were seen in the physical activity group. Suggested modifications for a larger trial include adding a treatment-as-usual control.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dalky F. Heyam ◽  
Gharaibeh Besher ◽  
Al-Khateeb Nesreen

Background:Despite the extensive literature on work ability, few studies have looked at variables associated with work ability of nurses working fixed versus rotating shifts.Objective:The study aims were to explore variables contributing to work ability and to examine the association of demographic, job satisfaction, and work shift to work ability.Method:A cross-sectional design was utilized to assess work ability level and job satisfaction among nurses working 8 or 12 hour rotating or fixed shifts in Jordanian hospitals. The data collection tools were the Work Ability Index and the Mueller/McCloskey Satisfaction Scale. Data were analyzed to determine the extent to which job satisfaction, shift work, and demographic variables were associated with work ability.Results:Work ability level was “moderate”, while job satisfaction level was “moderately dissatisfied”. A positive significant relationship was found between work ability and job satisfaction (r = 0.347, n = 349, p < 0.000). This relationship was higher for fixed-shift workers (r =.507) compared to rotating-shift workers (r = .299). Standard linear multiple regression analysis indicated that job satisfaction level predicted work ability level (β =.347, p = .000).Conclusion:The study confirmed that promoting job satisfaction leads to higher work ability, and thus, enhances the quality of care provided. The finding that job satisfaction is predictive of work ability has implications for training intervention.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahram Safari ◽  
Jafar Akbari ◽  
Meghdad Kazemi ◽  
Mohammad Amin Mououdi ◽  
Behzad Mahaki

Introduction.Two great changes in developed countries are taking place: populations are ageing and becoming increasingly overweight. Combination of these factors with shift work is a risk factor for work ability and mental workload that are dynamic processes which change greatly throughout an individual's work life. The aim of this study was to investigate mental workload and work ability in textile workers and to identify factors which affect work ability and mental workload.Methods.This cross-sectional study was carried out among 194 male workers in textile industry. Employees based on their job group and work conditions have been divided into 6 categories. They completed work ability index and mental workload questionnaires during three work shifts. Body mass index (BMI) and demographic details were recorded.Results.All of the participants rated their work ability as moderate with high mental workload. The mean WAI and mental workload in age group were significant. The mean BMI was 25.5 kg/m2(standard deviation 4.1) and the mean age was 40.22 years. There was a statistically significant correlation between work ability index and shift work.Conclusions.Unlike the previous study, a decrease point in WAI started in early age that may be due to life-style work and another psychological factor; on the other hand, NASA-TLX revealed high score in six subscales that can be another reason for low WAI.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (Suppl.1) ◽  
pp. 72-79
Author(s):  
G. Sandeva ◽  
V. Tsvetkova ◽  
G. Prakova

Demographic trends in the EU-27 show a gradual increase of the 55-64 age group (26% of the workforce). Natural aging is accompanied by complex age-related changes that lead to a progressive decrease in the body's adaptive capacity. The Work Ability Index (WAI) is a self-assessment tool for the physical and mental resources needed to perform various work activities. PURPOSE of this study was to determine WAI, musculoskeletal disorders and workplace risk factors for the employees of Trakia University, Stara Zagora. METHODS: A survey was performed using the WAI Questionnaire, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire, and a questionnaire on risk factors in the work environment. RESULTS: The total number of valid surveys was 513 (56.5% of all employees). Workers aged 55-64 had the highest share - 36.6%, followed by those aged 45-54 years (24.9%). The mean WAI score for all employees was good - 41.5. Clinical teaching staff had the highest mean WAI score (43.7), while preclinical tutors (40.9) and medical professionals (40.6) had the lowest. A significant negative correlation was found between WAI and age (r = -0.15; p <0.0005), as well as between WAI and work experience (r = -0.17; p <0.0003). Most common in the prevalence of reported diseases were musculoskeletal disorders (25.0%), followed by cardiovascular (14.69%) and gastrointestinal diseases (12.7%). Risk factor analysis showed that 55.9% of the respondents indicated using display screen equipment, 37.5% - frequent, repetitive hand movements, and 27.7% - working at a non-ergonomic workstation for at least half of the working time. CONCLUSION: The obtained results show good work ability of the employees at the university, but also the need for prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, which are mainly due to long work hours involving display screen equipment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 681-690
Author(s):  
Juleimar Soares Coelho de Amorim ◽  
Celita Salmaso Trelha

Abstract Introduction: The increase in numbers of older adults in the workplace and in the number of years they spend in work prior to retiring has challenged health professionals to provide enable health conditions such that they may undertake occupational activity. Objective: To analyze the variables for functional ability, associated with work ability, in older adults who were government employees at a university. Methods: A cross-sectional design, with older workers aged 60 years old or over, located in different university centers and departments. A structured sociodemographic questionnaire was used to characterize the sample, and the Work Ability Index was used as an outcome variable for the associations, using the Timed Up and Go test, the handgrip strength test, the walking speed test and the chair sit to stand test. The Chi-squared test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used in the statistical analysis. The association of the factors of functional capacity was based on the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval, calculated using the Logistic Regression Model, as part of the SPSS statistical package for Windows. Results: A total of 258 staff participated in the investigation, with men (57.7%) and a lower age range (60 to 62 years old) predominating. Women differed in relation to falls after the age of 60 (p = 0.007) and in the last 12 months (p = 0.017). The mean Work Ability Index was 39.70 ± 5.64 points and a statistical association was ascertained between performance in the chair sit to stand test (OR = 2.26; p = 0.043). Muscle strength (r = 0.72; p < 0.000) and the chair sit to stand test (r = 0.73; p < 0.000) showed excellent correlation with work ability. Conclusion: The variables for functional capacity were associated with work ability.


2008 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 108-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel A P Walsh ◽  
Jorge Oishi ◽  
Helenice J C Gil Coury

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate musculoskeletal disorders among active industrial workers. METHODS: The study was carried out in São Carlos, Southeastern Brazil, in 2005. One hundred and thirty-four female workers were physically evaluated and answered questions about their physical symptoms, filled out a pain scale and gave responses in the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index questionnaire. The data were analyzed descriptively, and in correlation tests and through applying logistic regression. The outcome was evaluated in relation to the perceptions of pain, symptoms, physical assessment, ability to work and disability. RESULTS: Clinical evaluations and sick leave presented positive correlations with the subjective variables. The Work Ability Index presented a negative correlation with the physical disability index (r=-0.69). Symptoms reported at the time of the assessment presented a good correlation with the results from the pain scale and the clinical findings. Previous sick leave showed an association with disability (OR=1.13; 95% CI:1.08;1.18). CONCLUSION: Symptom reports and pain scales may be useful for assessing current conditions at the time of evaluating individuals with work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as they are easier to apply. In more severe cases of such injuries, clinical and functional evaluations and questionnaires such as those relating to ability to work and disability are preferable. Precise and specific evaluations of these disorders may contribute towards fairer legal and administrative decisions.


Author(s):  
Mahnaz Saremi ◽  
Rohollah Fallah Madvari ◽  
Amirhossein Khoshakhlagh ◽  
Fereydoon Laal

The article's abstract is not available.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 117957272093666
Author(s):  
Louise Danielsson ◽  
Robin Fornazar ◽  
Kristina Holmgren ◽  
Åsa Lundgren Nilsson ◽  
Gunnel Hensing

Background: Sick leave due to common mental disorders, encompassing depression and anxiety disorders, is high. Capturing early signs of reduced function could aid adjustments of work tasks and environment and, thus, endorse a pro-active approach to occupational and health care interventions to prevent long-term sick-leave spells. However, few measurements exist to identify early signs of imbalance, and none that is illness-specific. The aim of this study was to develop a work instability scale for people with common mental disorders and to test the fundamental psychometric properties of the scale. Methods: Participants were working adults 18-65 years old with depression or anxiety. The scale development started with qualitative interviews (n = 27) which informed the drafting of a dichotomous, self-report questionnaire. Cognitive debriefing (n = 12) was used to check face validity and modify the draft. Internal construct validity of the draft was tested using Rasch analysis (n = 128). The work ability index was used as a comparator measure. Results: The initial 63-item draft showed poor fit to Rasch model expectations. Items displaying poor fit or local response dependency were stepwise removed, resulting in a unidimensional 34-item scale fitting the model expectations, and with no differential item functioning. Person-item threshold distribution showed that the scale is better suited to measure low to moderate work instability, than to measure high instability. Correlations between the newly developed scale and the work ability index showed a significant, moderately strong correlation. Conclusions: In the initial target sample, the 34-item scale showed acceptable fundamental properties and internal construct validity. Further validation of the scale in a larger sample, including tests for external validity, is warranted.


2021 ◽  
pp. 095745652110526
Author(s):  
Mohammad R Monazzam Esmaielpour ◽  
Seyed A Zakerian ◽  
Milad Abbasi ◽  
Faezeh Ábbasi Balochkhaneh ◽  
Seyed Hojat Mousavi Kordmiri

Noise as one of the most common hazardous physical agents in the work environment causes physical and psychological problems in occupied workers. This study aims to investigate the relationship of demographic variables and noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in automotive industry workers. This study aims to investigate the effect of noise exposure on mental disorder and work ability index among industry workers. In this descriptive-analytic study, 325 individuals working in auto parts supplier industry who were exposed to different level of noises were investigated. Personnel’s daily exposure to noise for each group was measured based on ISO-9612 standards using calibrated sound level meter model SVANTEK-971. Workers’ mental disorder and work ability index were determined using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaire and shortened form of work ability index, respectively. Then, collected data were analyzed using SPSS-22. The mean and standard deviation of mental disorder and work ability index for all employees was 23.46 ± 3.45 and 37.43 ± 6.14, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant association between noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in term of age groups, working groups, and work experience ( p-value < .05). Regardless the effect of other variables, it can be stated that for each dB increase in noise exposure cause mental disorder increase by 0.32 and work ability index decrease by 0.157. And among the demographic variables, age was the most influential parameter on mental health and work ability index. According to the results of this study, noise exposure could lead to increased psychological distress and decreased work ability index in workers. The ability to work directly and indirectly through mental disorders can be affected by exposure to industrial noise. Considering severe exposure to noise in some units and the negative impact of noise exposure on mental health and work ability index, it is necessary to improve of controlling and protective measures against noise.


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