The Impact of Improper Body Posture on Office Workers' Health

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (05) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hani H. Al-Nakhli ◽  
Hussein G. Bakheet
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Muscular Pain ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Working Community ◽  
Therapy Interventions ◽  
The Impact

Recent data has shown increasing rates of musculoskeletal disorders among the working community. These health-related complications are considered to be amongst the leading causes of disability, and limitation of motion within modern office workers. Many of these disorders are commonly caused by improperly accommodated workplaces. The importance of this study surfaces around the challenges that will be faced during the implementation of Saudi vision's 2030; if this topic is not addressed adequately. The study aims to detect and prevent office related injuries by investigating their associations with improper workstation ergonomics. This was conducted within the framework of studying the current situation of office ergonomics with focus on sitting postures. Correlations between workers' musculoskeletal pains, and their habits were evaluated. For collecting the necessary data, a thirty-item questionnaire was distributed to more than one thousand randomly selected workers within Saudi Arabia. This questionnaire was developed to better study the personal demographics, medical information, muscular pain, physical therapy history, workstation ergonomics, and sitting practices. After filtering and analyzing the collected data, the results of the survey indicated that 78% of the total participants had experienced some sort of musculoskeletal pains, from which 84% of them stated that their sitting postures are awkward, during their working hours. Also, from the total number of musculoskeletal pain sufferers, approximately 32% visited a physical therapy clinic seeking relief for their pains. However, only 39% of them benefitted from the physical therapy interventions, whereas 61% did not. From the individuals whom did not respond to physical therapy, 80% of them identified that they were equipped with ergonomically inconvenient workstations or they were not aware of the correct way to occupy their workstations. To a greater extent, 74% of the total number of participants were supplied with ergonomically inconvenient workstations, which suggests that the employment of anthropometry and workstation ergonomics is not up to standards in Saudi Arabia, causing an extensive impact in escalating muscular pain. In conclusion, raising the awareness of the population regarding the importance of workplace ergonomics is critical; after highlighting the risks of awkward sitting postures. It is worth mentioning that the appropriate employment of office ergonomics requires the cooperation of both; employees and employers. Only by this alliance, ergonomics will contribute in increasing productivity, and decreasing time loss leading to the maintenance of healthy individuals.

scholarly journals The impact of diabetes mellitus on health-related quality of life in Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (12) ◽  
pp. 1514-1519
Author(s):  
Diena M. Almasri ◽  
Ahmad O. Noor ◽  
Ragia H. Ghoneim ◽  
Alaa A. Bagalagel ◽  
Mansour Almetwazi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Health Related Quality ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact

Effectiveness of two physical therapy interventions in masticatory muscular pain, mandibular range of motion and stress in individuals with bruxism

Physiotherapy ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 101 ◽  
pp. e1336-e1337
Author(s):  
C. Santos Miotto de Amorim ◽  
G. Fioranelli Vieira ◽  
E. Ferreira Osses Firsoff ◽  
J. Rosana Costa ◽  
A. Pasqual Marques
Keyword(s):  
Physical Therapy ◽  
Range Of Motion ◽  
Muscular Pain ◽  
Therapy Interventions

scholarly journals Working hours, work-life conflict and health in precarious and "permanent" employment

2004 ◽  
Vol 38 (suppl) ◽  
pp. 19-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Bohle ◽  
Michael Quinlan ◽  
David Kennedy ◽  
Ann Williamson
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Precarious Employment ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Permanent Employees ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Work Life Conflict

OBJECTIVE: The expansion of precarious employment in OECD countries has been widely associated with negative health and safety effects. Although many shiftworkers are precariously employed, shiftwork research has concentrated on full-time workers in continuing employment. This paper examines the impact of precarious employment on working hours, work-life conflict and health by comparing casual employees to full-time, "permanent" employees working in the same occupations and workplaces. METHODS: Thirty-nine convergent interviews were conducted in two five-star hotels. The participants included 26 full-time and 13 casual (temporary) employees. They ranged in age from 19 to 61 years and included 17 females and 22 males. Working hours ranged from zero to 73 hours per week. RESULTS: Marked differences emerged between the reports of casual and full-time employees about working hours, work-life conflict and health. Casuals were more likely to work highly irregular hours over which they had little control. Their daily and weekly working hours ranged from very long to very short according to organisational requirements. Long working hours, combined with low predictability and control, produced greater disruption to family and social lives and poorer work-life balance for casuals. Uncoordinated hours across multiple jobs exacerbated these problems in some cases. Health-related issues reported to arise from work-life conflict included sleep disturbance, fatigue and disrupted exercise and dietary regimes. CONCLUSIONS:This study identified significant disadvantages of casual employment. In the same hotels, and doing largely the same jobs, casual employees had less desirable and predictable work schedules, greater work-life conflict and more associated health complaints than "permanent" workers.

scholarly journals The COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on Otolaryngology trainees: A comprehensive nationwide cross-sectional study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma S. Al Sharhan ◽  
Mohammed H. Al Bar ◽  
Abdulmalik S. AlSaied ◽  
Abdulaziz S. ALEnazi ◽  
Hussain J. Aljubran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Clinical Training ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
Training Activities ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: As a consequence of the COVID-19 global pandemic, otolaryngology residents are at high risk due to the nature of the specialty and long work hours. Moreover, COVID-19 could have a severe impact on residents from different frontline specialties, particularly otolaryngology. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first nationwide survey providing insights into the impact of COVID-19 on otolaryngology residents.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among all otolaryngology training centers of Saudi Arabia to investigate the extent of the impact of COVID-19 on otolaryngology residents and the learning process.Results: A total of 152 residents were contacted to participate in the study, and 101 participants were included after successfully completing the questionnaire. The mean age of the participants was 28.12 years (S.D. = 1.89, max = 36, min = 25). There has been a significant impact on outpatient clinics, elective operations, consultations, and working hours. Also, we evaluated the impact on academic training activities, the frequency of training activities per week, and the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on otolaryngology residents as well.Conclusion: COVID-19 has had a serious impact on residents both physically and mentally; otolaryngology residents have been hit especially hard by this emergency pandemic period. Trainees suffered from excessive worries regarding clinical training, specifically academic concerns for different training levels. Further studies need to be done here in Saudi Arabia to evaluate this impact in greater detail and to protect the residents.

The Impact of Medical or Health-Related Internet Searches on Patient Compliance

2022 ◽  
pp. 72-97
Author(s):  
Sara Wilcox ◽  
Olha Huzo ◽  
Annu Minhas ◽  
Nicole Walters ◽  
Joel Ehis Adada ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Patient Compliance ◽  
Medical Information ◽  
Ehealth Literacy ◽  
Physician Trust ◽  
Internet Information ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Internet Searches ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Physician Recommendations ◽  
The Impact

Health-related Internet searches have been associated with cyberchondria and can impact how patients receive and react to medical advice. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationships between patient compliance and the experiences of 191 Internet information seekers from >12 countries and 27 occupations, surveyed online between 2015 and 2016 using the ‘Dr. Net' questionnaire. After Internet search, 75% agreed with the diagnosis given by their doctor and 83% remained compliant with their doctor's orders. Statistical analysis using Kruskal-Wallis H test (“one-way ANOVA on ranks”) and Spearman correlation coefficient revealed strong positive correlations (p < 0.001) between compliance and each of the following: finding the search helpful (86%), being satisfied with Internet information (71%), becoming more cautious about health (60%), finding the information provided by their doctor comprehensible (71%), and agreement with physician. Recommendations are discussed for increasing ehealth literacy and patient-physician trust with improved online medical information.

scholarly journals Working hours and health behaviour among nurses at public hospitals

2013 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1104-1111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana da Costa Fernandes ◽  
Luciana Fernandes Portela ◽  
Lucia Rotenberg ◽  
Rosane Harter Griep
Keyword(s):  
Working Hours ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Female Group ◽  
Total Work ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Excessive Consumption ◽  
Health Related Behaviour ◽  
The Impact

OBJECTIVE: to analyse the differences between genders in the description in the professional, domestic and total work hours and assess its association with health-related behaviour among nurses. METHODS: this is a transversal study carried out in 18 different public hospitals in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The data collection procedure was based on questionnaires. All nurses working with assistance were considered eligible (n=2,279). RESULTS: men and women showed significant differences in relation to working hours. The female group showed longer domestic and total work hours when compared to the group of men. In contrast, the number of hours spent on professional work was higher among men. For the women, both the professional hours and total work hours were often associated with excessive consumption of fried food and also coffee, lack of physical exercise and also the greater occurrence of overweight and obesity. CONCLUSION: both the professional hours and the domestic work hours need to be taken into account in studies about health, self-care and also the care provided within the context of nursing workers, particularly among women. The results add weight to the need for actions for health promotion in this occupational group and the importance of assessing the impact of long working hours on the health of workers.

scholarly journals Daylight Saving Time Transitions: Impact on Total Mortality

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Poteser ◽  
Hanns Moshammer
Keyword(s):  
Optimal Solution ◽  
Total Mortality ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Daylight Saving Time ◽  
Daylight Saving ◽  
Average Temperature ◽  
Health Related ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Daily Total

In Europe and many countries worldwide, a half-yearly changing time scheme has been adopted with the aim of optimizing the use of natural daylight during working hours and saving energy. Because the expected net economic benefit was not achieved, the discussion about the optimal solution has been reopened with a shifted focus on social and health related consequences. We set out to produce evidence for this discussion and analysed the impact of daylight saving time on total mortality of a general population in a time series study on daily total mortality for the years 1970–2018 in the city of Vienna, Austria. Daily deaths were modelled by Poisson regression controlling for seasonal and long-term trend, same-day and 14-day average temperature, humidity, and day of week. During the week after the spring transition a significant increase in daily total mortality of about 3% per day was observed. This was not the case during the week after the fall transition. The increase in daily mortality as observed in the week after spring DST-transition is most likely causally linked to the change in time scheme.

scholarly journals Use of smartphone and perception towards the usefulness and practicality of its medical applications among healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mostafa A. Abolfotouh ◽  
Ala’a BaniMustafa ◽  
Mahmoud Salam ◽  
Mohammed Al-Assiri ◽  
Bader Aldebasi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Disease Diagnosis ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Medical Applications ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Healthcare Needs ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Smartphone Use ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background In Saudi Arabia, healthcare industry is undergoing major expansions to meet the demand of rapidly growing healthcare needs. The aims of this study were; (1) to assess the pattern of smartphone use in healthcare facilities, and (2) to determine perception towards its use among healthcare workers. Method A cross-sectional survey of 351 healthcare workers (HCWs) at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was conducted, from October to November 2016, using a previously validated perception domain to measure perception towards usefulness (5 statements) and practicality (5 statements) of smartphones in clinical settings. Pattern of use of smartphones and health-related applications in healthcare facilities was also investigated. Logestic regression models were applied to identify the predictors of smartphone use and installation of health-related applications for use in healthcare facilities. Significance was considered at p-value of < 0.05. Results Utilization rate of smartphone was 42.3%, and only 6.1% of all healthcare providers reported always using applications in their practice. Reasons for use were: as a source of drug information (69.8%), for disease diagnosis (56.4%), to access medical websites (42.5%), to review guidelines and protocols related to healthcare (34.1%), for procedure documentation (23.5%), and as a source of patients education materials (22.3%). Perceptions of HCWs towards smartphone use was less than satisfactory (Overall percentage mean score = 60.4 ± 18.7), with only 11.6% reporting positive perception. After adjusting for possible confounders, the total perception mean score was a significant predictor of both smartphone use (β = 0.033, p < 0.001) and medical applications installation (β = 0.033, p < 0.001). Installation of medical applications was also predicted by being a physician (β = 0.008, p = 0.024). Conclusion Smartphone utilization in healthcare facilities by HCWs in Saudi Arabia is low. This could be attributed to their less than satisfactory level of perception towards its use. Smartphone use and installation of medical applications for use in health facilities were predicted by perceived usefulness and practicality of its use. Intervention from higher health authorities is necessary to enforce the importance of smartphone use in clinical practice. Conduction of further studies on the impact of smart phone use on the healthcare quality in Saudi Arabia is recommended.

scholarly journals Work Intensity, Low-Grade Inflammation, and Oxidative Status: A Comparison between Office and Slaughterhouse Workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sieglinde Zelzer ◽  
Franz Tatzber ◽  
Markus Herrmann ◽  
Willibald Wonisch ◽  
Stefan Rinnerhofer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Office Workers ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Inflammatory Status ◽  
Physical Workloads ◽  
The Impact

Limited knowledge exists about the impact of physical workload on oxidative stress in different occupational categories. Thus, we aimed to investigate the oxidative and inflammatory status in employees with different physical workloads. We enrolled a total of 79 male subjects, 27 office workers (mean age 38.8 ± 9.1 years) and 52 heavy workers, in a slaughterhouse (mean age 40.8 ± 8.2 years). Fasting blood was drawn from an antecubital vein in the morning of the midweek before an 8-hour or 12-hour work shift. The antioxidative capacity was assessed measuring total antioxidant capacity (TAC), uric acid, total polyphenols (PPm), and endogenous peroxidase activity (EPA). Total peroxides (TOC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were analyzed as prooxidative biomarkers, and an oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. In addition, hsCRP, interleukin-6 (IL-6), MDA-LDL IgM antibodies, galectin-3, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were measured as biomarkers of chronic systemic inflammation and emotional stress. TOC (p=0.032), TAC (p<0.001), ACTH (p<0.001), OSI (p=0.011), and hsCRP (p=0.019) were significantly increased in the heavy workers group, while EPA, BDNF (p<0.001), and polyphenols (p=0.004) were significantly higher in office workers. Comparison between 8 and 12 h shifts showed a worse psychological condition in heavy workers with increased levels for hsCRP (p=0.001) and reduced concentration of BDNF (p=0.012) compared to office workers. Oxidative stress and inflammation are induced in heavy workers and are particularly pronounced during long working hours, that is, 12-hour versus 8-hour shifts.

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