scholarly journals Relationships between Physical Activity, Work Ability, Absenteeism and Presenteeism in Australian and New Zealand Adults during COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12563
Author(s):  
Jayden R. Hunter ◽  
Rebecca M. Meiring ◽  
Ashley Cripps ◽  
Haresh T. Suppiah ◽  
Don Vicendese ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Job Performance ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
World Health ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Medical Conditions ◽  
Mental Work ◽  
Part Time

Public health movement and social restrictions imposed by the Australian and New Zealand governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the working environment and may have affected health behaviours, work ability, and job performance. The aim of this study was to determine the associations between health behaviours and work ability and performance during COVID-19 restrictions and if health behaviours were related to demographic or population factors. A cross-sectional survey was used to gather responses from 433 adult employees in Australia and New Zealand between June and August 2020. The survey requested demographic information and used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Work Ability Index, and the World Health Organisation’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire. Multivariate regression models were used to explore relationships between the identified variables while controlling for several possible confounders. Being sufficiently physically active was associated with higher reported physical (aOR = 2.1; p = 0.001) and mental work abilities (aOR = 1.8; p = 0.007) and self-reported job performance (i.e., lower presenteeism) (median +7.42%; p = 0.03). Part-time employees were 56% less likely (p = 0.002) to report a good or very good mental work ability. Those with existing medical conditions were 14% less likely (p = 0.008) to be sufficiently active and 80% less likely (p = 0.002) to report rather good or very good physical work ability. Being sufficiently active was associated with higher physical and mental work abilities and better job performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employers should support opportunities for regular physical activity and provide specific support to individuals with medical conditions or in part-time employment.

Physical-work ability and chronic musculoskeletal complaints are related to leisure-time physical activity: Cross-sectional study among manual workers aged 50–70 years

2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 375-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristoffer L. Norheim ◽  
Afshin Samani ◽  
Jakob Hjort Bønløkke ◽  
Øyvind Omland ◽  
Pascal Madeleine
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Musculoskeletal Complaints ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Intensity Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Work Ability

Aims: To investigate the associations between both high- and low-intensity leisure-time physical activity on physical-work ability and chronic musculoskeletal complaints among manual workers aged 50–70 years. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 1763 manual workers (mean age 57.1, SD ± 4.7 years) replied to questions about leisure-time physical activity, physical-work ability, chronic musculoskeletal complaints as well as health and lifestyle factors. Ordinal and binomial logistic regression models were constructed to assess the influence of the duration of both low- and high-intensity physical activity on physical-work ability and chronic musculoskeletal complaints, respectively. Models were adjusted for gender, age, smoking, alcohol intake, body mass index, physical-work demand, work experience, chronic disease and, regarding physical-work ability, also for chronic musculoskeletal complaints. Results: A statistically significant association between greater physical-work ability and high-intensity physical activity was found for workers engaged in 3–4 h/wk and ⩾ 5 h/wk (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.15–2.19 and OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.10–2.22, respectively). For both high- and low-intensity physical activity, a duration of 3–4 h/wk was associated with lower odds of reporting chronic musculoskeletal complaints in the knees (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.42–1.00 and OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.99, respectively). Conclusions: Engaging in ⩾ 3 h/wk of high-intensity leisure-time physical activity was associated with greater physical-work ability among manual workers aged 50–70 years. Both high- and low-intensity physical activity related to lower odds of having chronic musculoskeletal complaints in the knees.

scholarly journals Work Ability among Italian Bank Video Display Terminal Operators: Socio-Demographic, Lifestyle, and Occupational Correlates

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. 1653 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giacomo Garzaro ◽  
Ilaria Sottimano ◽  
Matteo Di Maso ◽  
Enrico Bergamaschi ◽  
Maurizio Coggiola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Educational Level ◽  
Video Display ◽  
Linear Regression Models ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Video Display Terminal ◽  
Part Time ◽  
Vdt Operators

Bank employees, especially video display terminal (VDT) operators, are constantly exposed to various occupational risks, such as the adoption of awkward postures, repetitive finger movements, and utilization of software with poor usability, which may lead to computer visual syndrome, tension headache, lower back pain, and/or stress, which compromises their overall health and work ability (WA). Thus, in this cross-sectional study, we aimed to establish that the determinants among socio-demographic, lifestyle, and occupational characteristics are associated with impaired WA in bank VDT operators. To this end, we administered a set of socio-demographic, lifestyle, occupational, and Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaires to 2077 Italian bank VDT operators. Univariate linear regression models reveal that their mean WAI score is inversely associated with gender, age, dependent family members, and a part-time job, whereas it is directly associated with the educational level and physical activity. In addition, multivariate analysis shows that their mean WAI score is inversely associated with age and a part-time job, but was directly associated with the educational level, the marital status, and physical activity. Overall, VDT operators working in Italian banks display high WA even though this latter tends to decline with aging. In light of the progressive aging of the workforce in Italy, our results provide the rationale for the design of interventions aimed to mitigate the detrimental effects of aging on WA of bank VDT operators.

Poor work ability increases sickness absence over 10 years

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 359-365
Author(s):  
L Palmlöf ◽  
E Skillgate ◽  
M Talbäck ◽  
M Josephson ◽  
E Vingård ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sickness Absence ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Mental Work ◽  
The Public ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Physical Work Ability

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the predictive value of single items from the work ability index (WAI) on the risk of sickness absence over several years, and whether such risk varies across age groups.AimsThe aim of the study was to investigate whether poor self-perceived physical and mental work ability among employees in the public sector are associated with long-term sickness absence over a 10-year period.MethodsThe study was based on a prospective cohort of employees within the public sector in Sweden reporting ‘good health for working’. Baseline information was collected with questionnaires from 2000 to 2003. Poor physical and mental work ability in relation to work demands were assessed with two items from the WAI. The outcome was the number of years of long-term sickness absence between 2003 and 2012. Long-term sickness absence was defined as ≥28 days of sickness and this information was retrieved from Swedish National Registers. Crude and adjusted incidence rate ratios were calculated with analyses stratified by age.ResultsCompared with those reporting very good physical work ability, employees reporting any lower grade of physical work ability had a higher risk of long-term sickness absence across all age strata, with higher risk estimates in the highest age groups and 6-fold increased risk in the oldest age group. Similar results were found for mental work ability with an almost 4-fold increased risk in the highest age group.ConclusionsSelf-reported physical and mental poor work ability are associated with long-term sickness absence during the subsequent 10 years. The risk increases with age.

scholarly journals Safety climate as a predictor of work ability problems in blue-collar workers: prospective cohort study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e040885
Author(s):  
Mikkel Brandt ◽  
Emil Sundstrup ◽  
Lars L Andersen ◽  
Ninna Maria Wilstrup ◽  
Jeppe Z N Ajslev
Keyword(s):  
Work Ability ◽  
Safety Climate ◽  
Continuous Variable ◽  
Blue Collar ◽  
Health Study ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Trend Test ◽  
Mental Work ◽  
Blue Collar Workers ◽  
Environment And Health

ObjectivesTo evaluate whether safety climate items would be predictive of future physical and mental work ability among blue-collar workers.MethodsBlue-collar workers (n=3822) from the Danish Work Environment and Health study replied to questions on safety climate, physical and mental work ability, and health in 2012 and 2014. Using multivariate logistic regression, we estimated the association of number of safety climate items (0–5) in 2012 with physical and mental work ability in 2014. Potential confounders included sex, age, socioeconomic class, occupational group, lifestyle (smoking habits and body mass index) and previous accidents.ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, workers reporting two and three or more safety climate problems (reference: 0) had higher risk for reduced physical work ability at follow-up (OR 1.29 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.61] and OR 1.52 [95% CI 1.27 to 1.84], respectively). Similar outcomes were observed for mental work ability. Using number of safety climate items as a continuous variable, a doseresponse association existed both for physical and mental work ability (trend-test <0.0001).ConclusionA dose–response association between the number of safety climate items at baseline and lower physical and mental work ability was detected after 2 years. Safety climate items should be highly prioritised in blue-collar companies.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing during the First COVID-19 Containment in New Zealand: A Cross-Sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12036
Author(s):  
Wendy J. O’Brien ◽  
Claire E. Badenhorst ◽  
Nick Draper ◽  
Arindam Basu ◽  
Catherine A. Elliot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
High Activity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Study Results

Strategies implemented worldwide to contain COVID-19 outbreaks varied in severity across different countries, and established a new normal for work and school life (i.e., from home) for many people, reducing opportunities for physical activity. Positive relationships of physical activity with both mental and physical health are well recognised, and therefore the aim was to ascertain how New Zealand’s lockdown restrictions impacted physical activity, mental health and wellbeing. Participants (n = 4007; mean ± SD: age 46.5 ± 14.7 years, 72% female, 80.7% New Zealand European) completed (10–26 April 2020) an online amalgamated survey (Qualtrics): International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Short Form; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-9; World Health Organisation-Five Well-Being Index; Stages of Change Scale. Positive dose–response relationships between physical activity levels and wellbeing scores were demonstrated for estimates that were unadjusted (moderate activity OR 3.79, CI 2.88–4.92; high activity OR 8.04, CI 6.07–10.7) and adjusted (confounding variables: age, gender, socioeconomic status, time sitting and co-morbidities) (moderate activity 1.57, CI 1.11–2.52; high activity 2.85, CI 1.97–4.14). The study results support previous research demonstrating beneficial effects of regular physical activity on mental health and wellbeing. Governments may use these results to promote meeting physical activity guidelines in order to protect mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Mental Health and Wellbeing During the first COVID-19 Containment in New Zealand: A Cross-sectional Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy J O’Brien ◽  
Claire E Badenhorst ◽  
Nick Draper ◽  
Arindam Basu ◽  
Catherine A Elliot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
High Activity ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Moderate Activity ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Study Results

Strategies implemented worldwide to contain COVID-19 outbreaks varied in severity across different countries, and established a new normal for work and school life (i.e. from home) for many people, reducing opportunities for physical activity. Positive relationships of physical activity with both mental and physical health are well recognised, therefore the aim was to ascertain how New Zealand&rsquo;s lockdown restrictions impacted physical activity and mental health and wellbeing. Participants (n=4007; mean&plusmn;SD: age 46.5&plusmn;14.7y, 72% female, 80.7% New Zealand European) completed (10&ndash;26 April 2020) an online amalgamated survey (Qualtrics): International Physical Activity Questionnaire: Short Form; Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-9; World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index; Stages of Change Scale. Positive dose response relationships between physical activity levels and wellbeing scores were demonstrated for estimates that were unadjusted (moderate activity OR 3.79, CI 2.88-4.92; high activity OR 8.04, CI 6.07-10.7) and adjusted (confounding variables: age, gender, socioeconomic status, time sitting, co-morbidities) (moderate activity 1.57, CI 1.11-2.52; high activity 2.85, CI 1.97-4.14). The study results support previous research demonstrating beneficial effects of regular physical activity on mental health and wellbeing. Governments may use such results to promote meeting physical activity guidelines in order to protect mental health and wellbeing during the ongoing COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Factors influencing healthy eating and physical activity amongst school staff

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-131 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Huse ◽  
Claire Palermo ◽  
Monica Evans ◽  
Anna Peeters
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Healthy Eating ◽  
School Context ◽  
Sampling Strategy ◽  
Health Behaviours ◽  
Support Staff ◽  
World Health ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Workplace Stressors

Summary Limited research has explored teachers’ perceptions of the role that schools can play in supporting staff members’ healthy eating and physical activity. We aimed to identify barriers to healthy eating and physical activity within the school context, and to conclude on potential strategies for supporting staff to pursue these healthier behaviours. A convenience sampling strategy was used to recruit eleven schools from across Victoria to participate in this study, through contacts known to the researchers. The researchers facilitated focus groups involving staff from schools. Focus groups ranged in size from 3 to 12 participants (total 82) and lasted between 40 and 75 min. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and sub-themes which were identified by staff as being important for healthy eating and physical activity. Schools that were perceived by staff to support healthy eating and physical activity offered opportunities, through initiatives and the physical environment, to support staff in accessing environments and facilities that supported them in being healthy. Further supportive elements were identified as a culture of health behaviours amongst staff members and leadership which supported health behaviours. Workplace stressors were reported to impact many aspects of staff health and wellbeing. Potential actions by schools to better support staff to pursue healthy eating and physical activity were identified from the themes emerging from this study. Alignment between these themes and elements of the World Health Organisation’s healthy workplace framework suggest it will be important for health promotion models to account for these themes.

scholarly journals Physical activity and ability to meet different work requirements among adult working men with or without current depressive symptoms

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ville Päivärinne ◽  
Marie Thodén ◽  
Hannu Kautiainen ◽  
Jari Arokoski ◽  
Hannu Koponen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Work Ability Index ◽  
Work Requirements ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Ability Index ◽  
Men Workers

Abstract Purpose To examine the relationship between leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and ability to meet different work requirements among adult working men with or without current depressive symptoms. Methods We measured LTPA with the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The Work Ability Index (WAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used to assess the work ability and depression of 921 Finnish employed male volunteers. Participants were divided into three groups according to the WAI for their work requirements: mental (MENT), physical (PHYS), and an equal amount of mental and physical work (BTH). Results When adjusted for age, BMI and employment years, there was a significant difference in weekly LTPA between WAI groups {p = 0.003, [F (2902) = 5.58]}, but not for depression. It appeared that participants with depressive symptoms scored lower WAI in each group regardless of LTPA. In addition, a linear relationship was found between higher LTPA and WAI in nondepressed workers in the PHYS [p = 0.011, β = 0.10 (95% CI 0.03–0.18)] and BTH [p = 0.027, β = 0.19 (95% CI 0.03–0.34)] groups. Among workers with depressive symptoms, similar linearity was found in BTH [p = 0.003, β = 0.20 (95% CI 0.03–0.55)]. In group-wise comparison, work requirements {p = 0.001, [F (2902) = 11.2]} and depressive symptoms {p < 0.001, [F (1902) = 177.0]} related with lower WAI. Conclusion Depressive symptoms were associated with lower work ability regardless of the job description. Therefore, higher levels of weekly LTPA was linked with better work ability among nondepressed working men. Workers with depressive symptoms in jobs that require extensive mental or physical work might need more than exercise to improve work ability.

Secular trends 2013–2017 in overweight and visible dental decay in New Zealand preschool children: influence of ethnicity, deprivation and the Under-5-Energize nutrition and physical activity programme

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 345-352
Author(s):  
Elaine Rush ◽  
Madeline Kirk ◽  
Priya Parmar ◽  
Leanne Young ◽  
Vladimir Obolonkin
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Early Life ◽  
Overweight And Obesity ◽  
World Health ◽  
Dental Decay ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Prevalence Of Obesity ◽  
Nutrition And Physical Activity ◽  
The Impact

AbstractEarly-life intervention to reduce obesity and poor dental health through early-life nutrition will improve health outcomes in later life. This study examined the prevalence of overweight and obesity and visual dental decay in 4-year old children in New Zealand between 2013 and 2017, and the impact of a nutrition and physical activity intervention programme, Under-5-Energize (U5E), on prevalence of these conditions within ethnic groups and by deprivation. The data set included 277,963 4-year-old children, including 25,140 from the Waikato region children of whom 8067 attended one of the 121 early childhood centres (ECC) receiving the U5E programme from 2014. Purposively the U5E-ECC selected were attended by higher proportions of indigenous Māori children and children living in higher deprivation areas than non-U5E-ECC. From 2013 to 2017, the overall prevalence of obesity, as defined by World Health Organisation criteria, declined slightly but rates of dental decay did not change. In the Waikato region, the prevalence of obesity declined in non-Māori children from 2015 to 2017 and children attending U5E-ECC had lower rates of dental decay than non-U5E children. Binary logistic regression showed that between 2015 and 2017 visible dental decay was more likely in children who were Māori (3.06×3.17), living in high deprivation (1.54×1.66) and male (1.10) but less likely if attending an U5E-ECC (0.83×0.79). Early-life intervention had efficacy at reducing dental decay, and demonstrated that the origins of disparities in health such as ethnicity and deprivation need to be addressed further to break the intergenerational cycles of poor health.

scholarly journals The Impact of Organised Sport, Physical Education and Active Commuting on Physical Activity in a Sample of New Zealand Adolescent Females

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8077
Author(s):  
Jennifer T. Gale ◽  
Jillian J. Haszard ◽  
Tessa Scott ◽  
Meredith C. Peddie
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Physical Education ◽  
Sport Participation ◽  
Adolescent Females ◽  
World Health ◽  
Active Commuting ◽  
Light Physical Activity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact

Background: The majority of adolescents do less physical activity than is recommended by the World Health Organization. Active commuting and participation in organised sport and/or physical education individually have been shown to increase physical activity in adolescents. However, how these domains impact physical activity both individually and in combination has yet to be investigated in a sample of New Zealand female adolescents from around the country. Methods: Adolescent females aged 15–18 y (n = 111) were recruited from 13 schools across eight locations throughout New Zealand to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed questions about active commuting, and participation in organised sport and physical education, before wearing an Actigraph GT3X (Actigraph, Pensacola, FL, USA) +24 h a day for seven consecutive days to determine time spent in total, MVPA and light physical activity. Results: Active commuters accumulated 17 min/d (95% CI 8 to 26 min/d) more MVPA compared to those who did not. Those who participated in sport accumulated 45 min/d (95% CI 20 to 71 min/d) more light physical activity and 14 min/d (95% CI 5 to 23 min/d) more MVPA compared to those who did not. Participation in physical education did not seem to have a large impact on any component of physical activity. Participation in multiple domains of activity, e.g., active commuting and organised sport, was associated with higher accumulation of MVPA but not light activity. Conclusion Active commuting and sport both contribute a meaningful amount of daily MVPA. Sport participation has the potential to increase overall activity and displace sedentary behaviour. A combination of physical activity domains may be an important consideration when targeting ways to increase physical activity in adolescent females.

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