scholarly journals The exploration of physical fatigue, sleep and depression in paramedics: a pilot study

2011 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Sofianopoulos ◽  
Brett Williams ◽  
Frank Archer ◽  
Bruce Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Shift Work ◽  
Emergency Services ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Berlin Questionnaire ◽  
Physical Fatigue ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Experienced Fatigue ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Unique Part

Introduction Ambulance paramedics are members of a discipline that forms a unique part of the emergency services. As pre-hospital providers they are constantly and increasing faced with heavy workloads that are physically, mentally and emotionally tiring. Fatigue and sleep disturbance are factors which can compromise the effectiveness of these workers, and as a result not only hamper patient safety but can have detrimental consequences on the paramedics‟ health and overall well-being. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact shift work on physical fatigue, sleep and psychological factors among paramedics in Australia. Methods A convenience sample of paramedics was asked to complete a number of self-reporting standardised questionnaires: The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) (8-items), Berlin Questionnaire (BQ) (10-items), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (19-items) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (21-items). Ethics approval was granted. Results The study recruited 60 participants, the majority of which were male 77% (n=46), > 45 years of age 31% (n=19), and having worked shift work between 5-10 years 35% (n=21). Nine out of ten (92%, n=55) of paramedics reported having experienced fatigue in the last 6 months, with 88% (n=53) believing it had affected their performance at work. The ESS reported 30% (n=18) of people had excessive daytime sleepiness, and 10% (n=6) being dangerously sleepy. Statistical significance was observed in the ESS items „chance of dozing while sitting and talking to someone‟ (p

PP12  A survey-based evaluation of the impact of menopause transition on female ambulance staff in one UK ambulance service

2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (10) ◽  
pp. e6.3-e7
Author(s):  
Theresa Foster ◽  
Larissa S Prothero ◽  
Debra Winterson
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Services ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Ambulance Service ◽  
Staff Support ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Night Sweats ◽  
Menopause Transition ◽  
The Impact

BackgroundMenopausal symptoms can have a significant impact on workplace attendance and performance, yet limited evidence regarding the menopause transition in the emergency services exists. The aim of this study was to explore work and personal impacts of the menopause on female staff in the ambulance setting.MethodsA purpose-designed, online 20-question survey, based on the British Menopause Society Survey (2016), was developed to understand menopausal symptoms and their impact on female staff in one UK ambulance service. Disseminated during July 2019, it resulted in a convenience sample of 522 responses (22% of female workforce), which were analysed using quantitative (descriptive) and qualitative (thematic) approaches.ResultsTypically, respondents were either pre-menopausal (33%; n=171) or peri-menopausal (24%; n=126). Approximately one third (31%; n=161) were menopausal or post-menopausal. Over half worked in operational emergency service delivery (58%; n=301), and typically worked shifts/unsocial hours (75%; n=391). For those who had experienced menopause symptoms (64%; n=336), wide-ranging symptoms were reported: tiredness/low energy levels, difficulty sleeping/insomnia, mood changes (including anxiety and depression), musculoskeletal problems, and hot flushes and/or night sweats were most common. The majority (61%; n=205) stated they had not expected the symptoms they experienced, which had impacted on their well-being (51%; n=171); work life (45%; n=151), some requiring time off work (21%; n=71); and home life (44%; n=148). Only 12% (n=40) of respondents felt supported at work. Of most concern to respondents was lack of awareness of menopause symptoms, and their impact throughout the service, in particular those in managerial roles and male staff.ConclusionsAll women will experience the menopause and will work through and beyond this life phase. For those who experience menopausal symptoms, the impact can be significant. Yet menopause awareness in the ambulance service is limited and there is clear scope for initiatives for improved staff support and well-being.

The impact of pain anxiety on chronic pain among elders

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 1006-1006 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Tsatali ◽  
M. Gouva
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Pain ◽  
Pain Intensity ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Linear Regression Method ◽  
Pain Anxiety ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Geriatric Pain ◽  
Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionPain is a complex and multifacial phenomenon, which interferes in almost every person's life, while in case it turns into chronic, can cause a significant disturbance in individual's physical, psychological and social sphere. That means the intense communication and interaction between ache biome, living conditions and state of health. Cognitive factors play a significant role on the recurrent dysphoria levels, while cognitive functions participate actively in pain intensity, sense of disability and medicine response.AimEstimate the possible significance between pain anxiety and pain intensity.Materials and methodsEighty six elders suffering from various types of chronic pain were examined by the Pass-20 (Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale) scale, and GPM (Geriatric Pain Measure), while the results were assessed by SPSS 14 and specifically the Linear Regression method.ResultsIt was found statistical significance between the four sub-scales and the presence and existence of chronic pain among participants. Specifically the first subcale (avoidance of pain) was linked with the intensity of pain (p = ,00), the second scale (fearfull thinking) was associated with the prevalence of pain and the gender (p = ,014), the third scale (cognitive anxiety) showed a statistic significance with GPM results and education levels (p = ,00) and the forth scale (psychological responses) was found to affect the pain sense, while it was depended by gender (p = ,0015).DiscussionAmong elders pain anxiety can deteriorate the pain sense affecting the general well-being. For that reason non-pharmacological interventions can be very helpful both for the patient and clinician.

scholarly journals Effect of maternal exercises on biophysical fetal and maternal parameters: a transversal study

2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 455-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Mombaque dos Santos ◽  
◽  
Wendel Mombaque dos Santos ◽  
Francisco Maximiliano Pancich Gallarreta ◽  
Camila Pigatto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Exercise Test ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Exercise Session ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Biophysical Profile ◽  
Placental Blood ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Transversal Study

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the acute effects of maternal and fetal hemodynamic responses in pregnant women submitted to fetal Doppler and an aerobic physical exercise test according to the degree of effort during the activity and the impact on the well-being. Methods Transversal study with low risk pregnant women, obtained by convenience sample with gestational age between 26 to 34 weeks. The participants carry out a progressive exercise test. Results After the exercise session, reduced resistance (p=0.02) and pulsatility indices (p=0.01) were identified in the umbilical artery; however, other Doppler parameters analyzed, in addition to cardiotocography and fetal biophysical profile did not achieve significant change. Maternal parameters obtained linear growth with activity, but it was not possible to establish a standard with the Borg scale, and oxygen saturation remained stable. Conclusion A short submaximal exercise had little effect on placental blood flow after exercise in pregnancies without complications, corroborating that healthy fetus maintains homeostasis even in situations that alter maternal hemodynamics.

scholarly journals The Long-Term Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Loneliness in People Living With Disability and Visual Impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki Heinze ◽  
Syeda F. Hussain ◽  
Claire L. Castle ◽  
Lauren R. Godier-McBard ◽  
Theofilos Kempapidis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Visual Impairment ◽  
State Anxiety ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Condition ◽  
Anxiety State ◽  
Longitudinal Impact ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Individuals With Disabilities ◽  
The Impact

Background: There has been growing concern about the impact of restrictions put in place to contain the coronavirus pandemic on loneliness, particularly in individuals with disabilities. This study explored the longitudinal impact of the pandemic on loneliness in these individuals, with a focus on those living with visual impairment (VI).Methods: An online survey was conducted in April-2020 and repeated in March 2021 to explore current life circumstances, health-related behaviours, sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and social well-being, including state anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Index) and loneliness (UCLA Loneliness scale). A convenience sample of 602 participants completed the first survey. Participants who agreed to be re-contacted were invited to take part in the follow-up survey.Results: Data is presented for the 160 participants who completed both timepoints. At both timepoints, median loneliness was significantly higher in participants with disabilities and those with VI than in participants with no disabilities. While there was no significant change in loneliness in any of the three subgroups, participants with VI experienced the largest increase in median loneliness. Loneliness was associated with having a mental health condition and higher levels of state anxiety at both timepoints.Conclusions: Individuals with disabilities such as VI experienced consistently higher levels of loneliness than those with no disabilities throughout the pandemic. While loneliness remained relatively stable in individuals with no disabilities, it increased, albeit to a non-significant level, in those with disabilities and particularly those with VI. Interventions designed to alleviate loneliness may benefit from addressing state anxiety.

scholarly journals Influence of Social Determinants, Lifestyle, Emotional Well-Being and the Use of Unconventional Therapies in Breast Cancer Progression in a Cohort of Women in Barcelona: Protocol for the DAMA Cohort (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosa Puigpinos-Riera ◽  
Xavier Continente ◽  
Gemma Serral ◽  
Xavi Bargalló ◽  
Montserrat Doménech ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Informed Consent Form ◽  
Clinical Records ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND Breast cancer continues to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women. Breast cancer survivors face numerous problems, especially after completing the first year of intense treatment. We present the protocol for an ongoing study to analyze the impact of a series of factors on breast cancer survival related to lifestyle, emotional well-being, and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). OBJECTIVE We aim to analyze the influence of social determinants, lifestyle changes, emotional well-being, and use of CAM in the progression of breast cancer in women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2003 and 2013 in Barcelona, Spain. METHODS We will perform a mixed cohort study (prospective and retrospective) of women diagnosed with breast cancer, created using a convenience sample in which we study the evolution of the disease (relapse, death, or remaining disease-free). Once identified, we sent the women information about the study and an informed consent form that they are required to sign in order to participate; a total of 2235 women were recruited. We obtained the following information from all participants: sociodemographic profile via a phone interview, and a self-administered survey of information about the study’s objectives (lifestyles, emotional well-being, health care services, and the use of CAM). Lastly, we examined clinical records to obtain data on the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the treatment received, the occurrence of relapses (if any), and the tumor typology. We present data on the women’s social profile based on descriptive data obtained from the telephone interview (welcome survey). RESULTS Based on the welcome survey, which was completed by 2712 women, 14.42% (391/2712) of respondents were <50 years of age, 45.50% (1234/2712) were between 50 and 65 years of age, and 40.08% (1087/2712) were >65 years of age. A total of 43.69% (1185/2712) belonged to the highest social classes (I and II), 31.27% (848/2712) to the middle class (III), and 23.49% (637/2712) to the working classes (IV and V). Approximately 22.71% (616/2712) lived alone, 38.31% (1039/2712) lived with one person, and 38.97% (1057/2712) lived with two or more people. CONCLUSIONS We obtained information from a large cohort of women, but this study has limitations related to the convenience sampling strategy, one of which is reduced representativeness. Conversely, being a self-administered survey, the study introduces biases, especially from respondents that answered on paper. However, the information that the study provides will serve as the basis for designing future interventions aimed at improving the knowledge gaps indicated for women with breast cancer.

Effects of In-Flight Countermeasures to Mitigate Fatigue Risks in Aviation

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-92
Author(s):  
Sebastian Sieberichs ◽  
Annette Kluge
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Shift Work ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Physical Fatigue ◽  
Cabin Crew ◽  
Time Zones ◽  
German Speaking ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Medium Correlation

Abstract. Fatigue is a frequent phenomenon for pilots doing shift work and working in changing time zones. Napping or increased cockpit lighting, so-called in-flight countermeasures, may help pilots mitigate the symptoms of acute fatigue. This study investigated the impact of napping on sleep quality and the effect of in-flight countermeasures on how often pilots notice fatigue symptoms when feeling tired. In total, 106 German-speaking pilots participated in an online survey. The results showed a medium correlation between napping and improved sleep quality (r = .32) and a low-to-medium correlation between a frequent usage of in-flight countermeasures and less acute physical fatigue symptoms (r = −.22). Officers indicate using napping more often than captains do (d = .70). Further research should investigate how cabin crew members can benefit from mitigating measures.

‘Menopause affects us all . . .’: menopause transition experiences of female ambulance staff from a UK ambulance service

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Larissa Stella Prothero ◽  
Theresa Foster ◽  
Debra Winterson
Keyword(s):  
Rating Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Menopausal Symptoms ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Ambulance Service ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Personal Impact ◽  
Menopause Transition ◽  
The Impact

Background: There is limited research regarding the menopause transition in the emergency services; however, all women will experience this life phase, which can have a significant impact on personal well-being, workplace attendance and performance. The aim of this survey was to explore personal and work impacts of the menopause for all female staff in the ambulance setting.Methods: A purpose-designed, 20-question survey, based on the Menopause Rating Scale and British Menopause Survey, was developed to understand menopausal symptoms and their impact on female staff in one UK ambulance service. Disseminated during 1‐31 July 2019, it resulted in a convenience sample of 522 responses, which were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic approaches.Results: Typically, respondents were either pre-menopausal or peri-menopausal, with approximately a third being menopausal or post-menopausal. Over half worked in emergency operational delivery, and typically worked shifts or unsocial hours. For those who had experienced menopause symptoms, the most commonly reported were tiredness or low energy levels, difficulty sleeping (including insomnia) and mood changes (including anxiety or depression). Symptoms impacted respondents’ well-being, work and home life. Most had not expected the symptoms they experienced. The majority of respondents did not feel supported at work, with lack of menopausal symptom awareness and personal impact, working times and patterns, and sense of embarrassment of most concern. Other issues included lack of managerial and peer support, inadequate working environment and uniform, lack of dignity and choice, and no dedicated menopause policy.Conclusions: It is understood that this is the first survey to explore female ambulance staff menopause experiences. The impact of menopausal symptoms can be significant. Menopause awareness in this ambulance service is lacking and there is clear scope for initiatives for improved staff support and well-being. Further research is warranted to explore how best to support ambulance staff with the menopause transition.

Tourism intensity impact on satisfaction with life of German residents

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 1315-1331 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oksana Tokarchuk ◽  
Roberto Gabriele ◽  
Oswin Maurer
Keyword(s):  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Tourism Impact ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Spillover Theory ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect

Tourism researchers as well as policy makers are interested in knowing the impact of tourism on residents’ life. Recent studies address this issue by looking at residents’ quality of life measures. These studies, however, are based on convenience sample with investigation that is usually limited to one single destination at a given point of time. Socioeconomic characteristics of individuals have strong effect on the perception of tourism impact. In the present study, we investigate the impact of tourism intensity on residents’ satisfaction with life using the theoretical framework of the bottom-up spillover theory. The analysis is based on a representative socioeconomic panel of German households over a period from 2000 to 2011. The analysis conducted involves the whole country distinguishing tourism destinations at administrative districts level. The empirical models suggest that tourism intensity and well-being of employed and unemployed residents present nonlinear U-shaped relationship. For low tourism intensities, residents’ well-being is weakly affected while for higher intensities, the positive effect is stronger.

Psychological Effects of Working Night Shifts on Mental Health

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S609-S609
Author(s):  
A. Kchaou ◽  
M. Hajjaji ◽  
R. Masmoudi ◽  
I. Sellami ◽  
M.L. Masmoudi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shift Work ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Hospital Staff ◽  
Night Work ◽  
Clear Correlation ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
Working And Living Conditions ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionThe medical and scientific communities are continually reporting that night work can increase the risk of certain disorders and have a negative impact on the overall well-being of employees.ObjectivesThis study wanted to examine the impact of night work on physical and psychological well-being of hospital staff.MethodsWe carried out a cross-sectional study about a representative sample of hospital staff. We used validated self-reporting instruments: the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and the Subjective Well-being Scale (SWS). Data were analyzed using SPSS-20.ResultsOur study concerned 519 hospital staffs. More than half were male (53%) and 83.1% had worked in the same position for more than two years. More than half of the participants (51. 3%) considered themselves in very good health. Also 41.5% of participants had a well-being index reduced and 26% of personal had high perceived stress. Correlation analysis had shown that more than one guard at week was associated with high levels of perceived stress (P = 0.004) and well-being index reduced (P = 0.000). After adjusting for categories, more than one shift work at week was associated to well-being index reduced with odds ratios of 1.57 (confidence interval 95% [1.07 to 2.30]).ConclusionThere is a clear correlation between night work, perceived stress and subjective well-being of different categories of hospital staff. Shift work interferences on health and well-being are complex and multifaceted in their origins and time manifestations, dealing with several aspects of personal characteristics, and working and living conditions.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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