Complementary Therapy as an Approach in Managing Occupational Stress

Occupational stress is caused by various reasons, such as, workload and long working hours. This leads to occurrence of trend in using wellness activities to treat physical and psychological illness that is known as complementary therapy, which is Yoga, Aromatherapy, Qi gong, and Islamic Medical Practices (Ruqyah). Therefore, this research offered a perspective on the use of complementary therapies as a tool in improving and maintaining mental health condition of employees located in Penang, Malaysia. Qualitative method was used where 5 complementary therapy practitioners were interviewed to identify the perceptions towards the use of complementary therapy and to identify the type of therapy that can be practiced to reduce stress, as well as, discuss the benefits of complementary therapies. It was found that complementary therapy is very beneficial as it acts as a holistic treatment, natural way of healing and more empowering, as it helps to improve employee’s mental, emotional and physical health.Keywords: occupational stress; complementary therapy; mental health; holistic; conventional

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Overtime working patterns and adverse events in work-related suicide cases: hierarchical cluster analysis of national compensation data in Japan (fiscal year 2015–2016)

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-021-01760-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Yuki Nishimura ◽

Takashi Yamauchi ◽

Takeshi Sasaki ◽

Toru Yoshikawa ◽

Masaya Takahashi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Disorders ◽

Adverse Events ◽

Mental Disorder ◽

Working Hours ◽

Hierarchical Cluster ◽

Fiscal Year ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Interpersonal Conflicts ◽

Work Related

Abstract Background Although various work-related adverse events affect workers’ mental health, the association between long working hours and mental disorders remains unclear. We investigated the characteristics of overtime work and work-related adverse events among all cases of compensated work-related suicide in Japan to empirically reveal the context of the serious consequences. Methods We analysed all 167 cases of mental disorders resulting in suicide that were compensated in fiscal year 2015–2016. Hierarchical clustering was applied to the overtime working history. Work-related adverse events were also evaluated as the qualitative aspects of their jobs. Results More than half of the cases committed suicide within a month of developing a mental disorder. The Administrative and professional or engineering workers had a higher suicide rate. The clustering analysis revealed chronic long working hours (19%), gradual increase (27%), or rapid increase (25%) in working hours before the onset of a mental disorder. A group of cases with less overwork experienced more interpersonal conflicts. Conclusion This is the first study to employ a clustering technique to objectively reveal the actual working patterns behind suicide. The patterns of working overtime before the onset of mental disorders varied considerably among the cases. Taking the transition of working overtime into account may provide clearer insight into the relationship between long working hours and workers’ mental health. These results highlight the need for countermeasures especially for causes of chronic overworking, drastic increases in working hours, and interpersonal conflicts to prevent work-related suicide.

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Shift Work and Occupational Stress in Hospital Nurses in Sofia

Acta Medica Bulgarica ◽

10.2478/amb-2021-0013 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 48 (1) ◽

pp. 81-87

Author(s):

K. Vangelova ◽

I. Dimitrova ◽

I. Cekova ◽

R. Stoyanova

Keyword(s):

Occupational Stress ◽

Shift Work ◽

Working Hours ◽

Night Work ◽

Hospital Nurses ◽

Work Related Stress ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Work Related ◽

Related Stress

Abstract Prevalence of shift work and occupational stress is one of the highest in nursing compared to other sectors. For years Bulgaria is facing nurses’ shortage, which contributes to their long working hours. The aim of the study was to follow the working time arrangements, stressors and health symptoms in hospital nurses in Sofia. Methods: The study is cross-sectional and comprised 1292 female nurses of average age 50.0 ± 10.2 years from 19 hospitals in Sofia. The anonymous questionnaire was filled, including demographic information, working hours and shift system, with special attention to night work and long working hours, stress and health symptoms. Statistical analysis was carried using SPSS. Results: The shift work, night work, including 5 and more night shifts per month and the extended shifts were common among the studied nurses with the greatest deal of the emergency and intensive care unit nurses, followed by department nurses. The high rates of overtime and second job contributed to long working hours of 51-60 hours per week in 16.9 % of the nurses and > 61 hours in 11.1 %. About 90 % of the nurses felt under strain and experienced emotional dissonance while working with patients. Work-related stress, night work and long working hours were related to self-rated emotional and physical exhaustion and poor health. Discussion: The work-related stress, night work and the long working hours raise health concerns for occupational health of hospital nurses. Urgent preventive measures are needed to control stress and reduce working hours and night work.

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The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16122102 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (12) ◽

pp. 2102 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Kapo Wong ◽

Alan H. S. Chan ◽

S. C. Ngan

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Health ◽

Confidence Interval ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Country Of Origin ◽

Health Behaviours ◽

Working Hours ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Cut Point

There has been no subsequent meta-analysis examining the effects of long working hours on health or occupational health since 1997. Therefore, this paper aims to conduct a meta-analysis covering studies after 1997 for a comparison. A total of 243 published records were extracted from electronic databases. The effects were measured by five conditions, namely, physiological health (PH), mental health (MH), health behaviours (HB), related health (RH), and nonspecified health (NH). The overall odds ratio between long working hours and occupational health was 1.245 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.195–1.298). The condition of related health constituted the highest odds ratio value (1.465, 95% CI: 1.332–1.611). The potential moderators were study method, cut-point for long weekly working hours, and country of origin. Long working hours were shown to adversely affect the occupational health of workers. The management on safeguarding the occupational health of workers working long hours should be reinforced.

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COVID-19 Pandemic and Mental Health of Nurses: Impact on International Health Security

10.5772/intechopen.96084 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Gonca Ustun

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Stress ◽

Compassion Fatigue ◽

Secondary Traumatic Stress ◽

International Health ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Working Hours ◽

Health Security ◽

Prevention Activities ◽

Insufficient Number

COVID-19 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and spread rapidly in many other countries. This situation, defined now as a pandemic, has turned into a worldwide public health problem that threatens health security, especially that of healthcare professionals. Nurses, particularly those at the forefront of healthcare and directly involved in COVID-19 patient care, have been affected not only physically but also mentally. Because nurses have longer communication and interaction times with patients, they are more concerned about becoming infected or infecting others. Nurses have the highest level of occupational stress compared to other groups and are accordingly subjected to anxiety and depression. For many reasons such as intense working hours, working in a shift system, an insufficient number of personnel, severe conditions of the unit, being in constant contact with patients and their relatives and showing intense empathy for them, nurses experience primary and secondary traumatic stress, job burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral injuries. For this reason, conducting appropriate prevention activities and planning prevention strategies for future pandemic situations is important to support nurses psychologically and to protect their mental health.

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Occupational Stress among Nigerian Orthodontists and Orthodontic Residents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Journal of Advances in Medicine and Medical Research ◽

10.9734/jammr/2021/v33i1631017 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 195-204

Author(s):

Elfleda A. Aikins ◽

Adaeze N. Anosike ◽

Tolulase Abosede Yemitan

Keyword(s):

Occupational Stress ◽

Time Management ◽

Response Rate ◽

Working Hours ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Negative Consequences ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Practice Characteristics ◽

Severity Scores

Background: The job of the orthodontist involves long working hours and interaction with each patient for many years before the conclusion of treatment thus orthodontists may experience peculiar levels of stress. Occupational stress has been proven to have negative consequences and can result in not only burnout but also hypertension and even suicide. The aim of this study was to assess the areas of orthodontic practice that cause stress among orthodontists and orthodontic residents practicing in Nigeria as well as to evaluate various personal and practice characteristics that affect these reports of occupational stress. Methods: Data was collected over a three-month period using an online self-administered modified version of the Occupational Stress Questionnaire which was sent through the Nigerian Association of Orthodontists WhatsApp group and to the personal emails of all members. Data was collated and analysed using SPSS version 21. Results: A total of 69 (71% response rate) responses were received. Males and older orthodontists experienced higher levels of stress. Seven items had mean severity scores equal to or greater than 3.75 and were considered the most concerning stressors in orthodontic practice. These included “Lack of patient compliance with treatment instructions is painful” and “Treating a case with an unfavorable prognosis is disturbing”. Conclusions: The most concerning stressors in orthodontic practice as perceived by Nigerian orthodontists and orthodontic residents are those related to time management and patient motivation.

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The provision of hanbang herbal medicine in the Korean community in Australia: entrepreneurial or caring for fellow Koreans?

Australian Health Review ◽

10.1071/ah010146 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 24 (4) ◽

pp. 146 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Gil-Soo Han

Keyword(s):

Health Care ◽

Herbal Medicine ◽

Complementary Therapies ◽

Working Hours ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Korean Immigrants ◽

Care Practice ◽

Health Care Practice ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

English Speaking

This study explores the underlying factors that sustain the practice of herbal medicine in a non-English speaking background (Korean) community in Australia. Qualitative study was undertaken of 8 herbal doctors' practice of herbal medicine, their understanding of Korean immigrants' life and work involvement, and the use of herbal medicine, using semi-structured interview schedules. The demand for herbal medicine is linked to Korean immigrants' involvement in manual work or long working hours irrespective of their qualifications. Hanbang tonic medicine is a way to maintain their health - that is, a capacity to work. Although hanbang doctors claim that hanbang medicine differs from biomedicine, they share more similarities than differences under the current economic environment. The increasing interest in complementary therapies has ramifications on people's health and health care industry. Government and professional regulations on complementary therapies could be developed in close consultation with relevant stakeholders. Health care practice in the migrant community is an area to be approached with caution.

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Mental Health at Work Place

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health ◽

10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.5915 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 2-6

Author(s):

Susmita Halder ◽

Akash Kumar Mahato

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Occupational Safety ◽

Working Hours ◽

Well Being ◽

Work Place ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Workplace Mental Health ◽

Long Run ◽

Safety And Health ◽

Mental And Physical Health

Mental health denotes a symptom free mind and fair level of emotional well being. Be it home or workplace; mental health of an individual is subjected to environmental stressors that may reduce one’s state of well being. The workplace in particular can be a very tiring environment for anyone. The stress of long working hours, ever increasing targets, managing coworkers and subordinates can take a toll on a persons mind and prove very toxic to one's mental and physical health in long run. It is difficult for persons with full blown mental illness to continue at work; but it generally takes a gradual course, before an individual shows full blown symptoms of a particular illness. Thus it becomes necessary to constantly check mental health and stress level of workers. The article discusses mental health, particularly in work place occupational stress and the related issues.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.5915 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012) 2-6

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Exploring Health Workers’ Experiences of Mental Health Challenges During Care of Patients with COVID-19 in Uganda: A Qualitative Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-645994/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Choolwe Muzyamba ◽

Ogylive Makova ◽

Geofrey Mushibi

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Health Workers ◽

Working Hours ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Social Fabric ◽

Local Responses ◽

High Death Rate ◽

High Death ◽

Lack Of Sleep ◽

The Government

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study is to qualitatively investigate the lived experiences of mental health among frontline health workers providing COVID-19-realted care in Uganda. This study will provide insights into the contextual realities of the mental health of health workers facing greater challenges given the weak healthcare systemResults All in all, our findings suggest that healthcare workers are under enormous stress during this pandemic, however, in order to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda, it is important to understand their challenges and sources of these challenges. The government thus has the reasonability to address most of the sources that were highlighted (long working hours, lack of proper equipment, lack of sleep, exhaustion, and experiencing high death rate under their care). Further, the Ugandan social fabric presents an opportunity for coping through its strong communal links and networks. Scaling these forms of local responses is cheap but contextually useful for a country with limited resources like Uganda.

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Focus on the Mental Health of Pediatric Medical Workers in China After the COVID-19 Epidemic

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.657814 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Hui Liu ◽

Li Wang

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Intervention Program ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Working Hours ◽

Chinese Government ◽

Long Working Hours ◽

Psychological Pressure ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

As was previously known, pediatric medical staff in China faced several hurdles including high occupational risk, multiple contradictions, heavy workload, and long working hours. After the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus, facing the overload of work and the potential risk of infection, pediatric medical workers may be under great psychological pressure. The purpose of this article was to call attention to the impact of the epidemic on the mental health of Chinese pediatric workers, and developing psychological intervention program that are tailored to them. The experiences from this public health emergency should inform the efficiency and quality of future crisis intervention of the Chinese government and authorities around the world.

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