Analysis of the Impact of Working Environment Factors on Employee’s Health and Wellbeing; Workplace Lighting Design Evaluation and Improvement

In modern society, humans spend most of their time in the indoor environment (home, work, school...). This indoor lifestyle constantly poses challenges to our physical and mental health by affecting our hormone levels and circadian rhythm. This article deals with the possible connection between human and working environment factors and the emergence of health problems in connection with work. Using statistical methods, the dependence between the six characteristics (age, length of employment, visual demand of the work task, satisfaction with lighting conditions, and shift work) and occurrence of health-related problems and discomfort (i.e., eye discomfort, headache, eye fatigue, and seasonal affective disorder symptoms) was examined. The paper also deals with the evaluation of lighting conditions in the workshop using the lighting design software DIALux evo 9.2. Using this software, two lighting variants were modeled. The first simulated variant included lighting parameters according to the currently used luminaries and the second variant contained more efficient LED luminaries.

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Physical, cognitive and mental health impacts of COVID-19 following hospitalisation: a multi-centre prospective cohort study

10.1101/2021.03.22.21254057 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Rachael Andrea Evans ◽

Hamish McAuley ◽

Ewen M Harrison ◽

Aarti Shikotra ◽

Amisha Singapuri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Acute Illness ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

White Ethnicity ◽

Reactive Protein ◽

Active Approach ◽

Health Related ◽

Biochemical Testing ◽

The Impact

Background The impact of COVID-19 on physical and mental health, and employment following hospitalisation is poorly understood. Methods PHOSP-COVID is a multi-centre, UK, observational study of adults discharged from hospital with a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 involving an assessment between two- and seven-months later including detailed symptom, physiological and biochemical testing. Multivariable logistic regression was performed for patient-perceived recovery with age, sex, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), co-morbidities, and severity of acute illness as co-variates. Cluster analysis was performed using outcomes for breathlessness, fatigue, mental health, cognition and physical function. Findings We report findings of 1077 patients discharged in 2020, from the assessment undertaken a median 5 [IQR4 to 6] months later: 36% female, mean age 58 [SD 13] years, 69% white ethnicity, 27% mechanical ventilation, and 50% had at least two co-morbidities. At follow-up only 29% felt fully recovered, 20% had a new disability, and 19% experienced a health-related change in occupation. Factors associated with failure to recover were female, middle-age, white ethnicity, two or more co-morbidities, and more severe acute illness. The magnitude of the persistent health burden was substantial and weakly related to acute severity. Four clusters were identified with different severities of mental and physical health impairment: 1) Very severe (17%), 2) Severe (21%), 3) Moderate with cognitive impairment (17%), 4) Mild (46%), with 3%, 7%, 36% and 43% feeling fully recovered, respectively. Persistent systemic inflammation determined by C-reactive protein was related to cluster severity, but not acute illness severity. Interpretation We identified factors related to recovery from a hospital admission with COVID-19 and four different phenotypes relating to the severity of physical, mental, and cognitive health five months later. The implications for clinical care include the potential to stratify care and the need for a pro-active approach with wide-access to COVID-19 holistic clinical services. Funding: UKRI and NIHR

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The use of digital storytelling of patients’ stories as an approach to translating knowledge: a scoping review

Research Involvement and Engagement ◽

10.1186/s40900-021-00305-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 7 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Elly Park ◽

Mary Forhan ◽

C. Allyson Jones

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Digital Storytelling ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Media Presentation ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Health Related ◽

Multi Media ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Media Form ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background A growing interest has centered on digital storytelling in health research, described as a multi-media presentation of a story using technology. The use of digital storytelling in knowledge translation (KT) is emerging as technology advances in healthcare to address the challenging tasks of disseminating and transferring knowledge to key stakeholders. We conducted a scoping review of the literature available on the use of patient digital storytelling as a tool in KT interventions. Methods We followed by Arksey and O’Malley (Int J Soc Res Methodol 8(1):19–32, 2005), and Levac et al. (Implement Sci 5(1):69, 2010) recommended steps for scoping reviews. Search strategies were conducted for electronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQuest dissertations and theses global, Clinicaltrials.gov and Psychinfo). The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used to report the review process. Results Of 4656 citations retrieved, 114 full texts were reviewed, and twenty-one articles included in the review. Included studies were from nine countries and focused on an array of physical and mental health conditions. A broad range of interpretations of digital storytelling and a variety of KT interventions were identified. Digital storytelling was predominately defined as a story in multi-media form, presented as a video, for selective or public viewing and used as educational material for healthcare professionals, patients and families. Conclusion Using digital storytelling as a tool in KT interventions can contribute to shared decision-making in healthcare and increase awareness in patients’ health related experiences. Concerns centered on the accuracy and reliability of some of the information available online and the impact of digital storytelling on knowledge action and implementation.

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Health Risks in Disaster Responders: A Conceptual Framework

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x19000141 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 34 (02) ◽

pp. 209-216

Author(s):

Jyoti Khatri ◽

Gerard Fitzgerald ◽

Meen B. Poudyal Chhetri

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Conceptual Framework ◽

Health Risks ◽

Risk Mitigation ◽

Quantitative Relationship ◽

Mitigation Strategies ◽

Working Environment ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Response And Recovery ◽

The Impact

Introduction:Disasters cause severe disruption to socio-economic, infrastructural, and environmental aspects of community and nation. While the impact of disasters is strongly felt by those directly affected, they also have significant impacts on the mental and physical health of relief/recovery workers and volunteers. Variations in the nature and scale of disasters necessitate different approaches to risk management and hazard reduction during the response and recovery phases.Method:Published articles (2010-2017) on the quantitative and quantitative relationship between disasters and the physical and mental health of relief/recovery workers and volunteers were systematically collected and reviewed. A total of 162 relevant studies were identified. Physical injuries and mental health impacts were categorized into immediate, short-term, and chronic conditions. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to explore the health risks and injuries encountered by disaster relief workers and volunteers, and to identify the factors contributing to these and relating mitigation strategies.Results:There were relatively few studies into this issue. However, the majority of the scrutinized articles highlighted the dependence of nature and scope of injuries with the disaster type and the types of responders, while the living and working environment and socio-economic standing also had significant influence on health outcomes.Conclusion:A conceptual framework derived from the literature review clearly illustrated several critical elements that directly or indirectly cause damage to physical and mental health of disaster responders. Pre-disaster and post-disaster risk mitigation approaches may be employed to reduce the vulnerability of both volunteers and workers while understanding the identified stressors and their relationships.Khatri KC J, Fitzgerald G, Poudyal Chhetri MB. Health risks in disaster responders: a conceptual framework. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2019;34(2):209–216

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118 Innovating Pediatric Behavioural Assessments and Care Pathways: Community Consultation Phase

Paediatrics & Child Health ◽

10.1093/pch/pxaa068.117 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (Supplement_2) ◽

pp. e49-e49

Author(s):

Sarah Gander ◽

Sarah Campbell ◽

Kate Flood ◽

Bryn Robinson

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Service Providers ◽

Current System ◽

Community Services ◽

Working Environment ◽

Positive Interactions ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Care Community ◽

Social Pediatrics ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background It is well-documented that children facing social disparities, trauma and toxic stress will experience a disproportionate number of negative physical and mental health outcomes across their lifespan. A common manifestation of this is the increasing prevalence of behaviour-related diagnoses in school-aged children. Regardless of whether a child suffers from a true behaviour disorder, or if they are displaying symptoms that relate to complex and challenging social conditions, they require a thoughtful, collaborative and inclusive approach to their care. Community Social Pediatrics adopts such an approach. Objectives The objective of the current study is to examine and understand the experiences of children and their families during the referral and treatment process for pediatric behavioural referrals in our local region. We will also explore the perspective of service providers on the challenges and strengths of the current system. Design/Methods A focus group (n=8) using semi-structured group interviews was conducted with caregivers whose children were in various stages of care/treatment regarding behavorial issues in the region surrounding Saint John, NB. Questions focused on: experiences in the system; efficacy of services; the child’s experience; wait times; and system cohesion. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Through a strategic planning exercise (n=26), we were able to engage service providers and experts in this area to delineate the challenges and strengths that they perceive in the current system, and to provide insights they have into working with families. Results The major themes identified by families were defined by positive interactions, negative interactions, barriers, their own behavioural responses to the system and the impact on the child. Families’ positive experiences were associated with respectful and effective communication, integrated wrap-around services, assistance with navigation, and a child-centred approach. Negative experiences were rooted in feeling stigmatized by service providers, lack of communication between service providers, and inadequate mental health services for children. A number of system and personal barriers were identified. The service providers echoed these issues: provide equitable and efficient access to services; understand the needs of the family; strengthen relationships with partners and clients; and create a supportive working environment. Conclusion Consultation with families and service providers identified a number of issues in how children access and engage with community services. Community Social Pediatrics seeks to impact health at the community level and addresses the needs of children in a way that reflects the social context of their lives, community and society. Assessment and care procedures that are delivered through this model aim to remove barriers, reduce fragmentation and increase collaboration and communication across the entire care team.

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Time Trends and Seasonal Patterns of Health-Related Quality of Life among U.S. Adults

Public Health Reports ◽

10.1177/003335490912400511 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 124 (5) ◽

pp. 692-701 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

Haomiao Jia ◽

Erica I. Lubetkin

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Mental Health ◽

Physical Health ◽

Seasonal Effect ◽

Health Related Quality ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Related Quality ◽

Health Related ◽

The Impact

Objectives. Although numerous studies have examined health-related quality of life (HRQOL) longitudinally, little is known about the impact of seasonality on HRQOL. We examined trend and seasonal variations of population HRQOL. Methods. We used data from the monthly Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). We examined monthly observed mean physically and mentally unhealthy days from January 1993 to December 2006, using the structural time-series model to estimate the trend and seasonality of HRQOL. Results. We found overall worsening physical and mental health during the time period and a significant and regular seasonal pattern in both physical and mental health. The worst physical health was during the winter and the best physical health was during the summer. The mean number of physically unhealthy days in January was 0.63 days higher than in July. The worst mental health occurred during the spring and fall, but the magnitude of the seasonal effect was much smaller. The difference between the best and worst months of mentally unhealthy days was approximately 0.23 days. We found significant differences in unadjusted and season-adjusted unhealthy days in many counties. Conclusions. Our findings can be used to examine time-varying causal factors and the impact of interventions, such as policies designed to improve population health. Our findings also demonstrated the need for calculating season-adjusted HRQOL scores when examining cross-sectional factors on the population HRQOL measures for continuous surveys or longitudinal data.

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The use of digital storytelling as an approach to translating research knowledge: A scoping review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.21129 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Elly Park ◽

Catherine Allyson Jones ◽

Mary Forhan

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Digital Storytelling ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Research Knowledge ◽

Media Presentation ◽

Scoping Reviews ◽

Full Text Review ◽

Health Related ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

The Impact

BACKGROUND A growing interest has centred on digital storytelling in health research, a multi-media presentation of a story using technology. The use of digital storytelling in knowledge translation (KT) is emerging as technology and healthcare address approaches of disseminating and transferring knowledge to key stakeholders. OBJECTIVE We conducted a scoping review of the literature available on the use of digital storytelling as a tool in KT interventions. METHODS Six electronic databases were searched and screened for 4656 citations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used to guide the review process. Two reviewers screened all citations and completed the full text review. RESULTS One hundred fourteen full texts were reviewed and twenty-one publications were analyzed. The publications were from nine countries and focused on an array of physical and mental health conditions. A broad range of interpretations of digital storytelling and a variety of KT interventions were identified with educational material for healthcare professionals (HCP) and other patients being the most predominant form of digital storytelling. CONCLUSIONS Using digital storytelling for KT can contribute to shared decision-making in healthcare and increase awareness in patients’ health related experiences. Concerns centred on the accuracy and reliability of some of the information available online and the impact of digital storytelling on knowledge action and implementation.

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Analysis of teacher working environment: factors that influence the voice

Audiology - Communication Research ◽

10.1590/s2317-64312014000400001337 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 19 (4) ◽

pp. 399-405 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Melissa Rincón Cediel ◽

Javier Alfonso Reyes Neira

Keyword(s):

Elementary School ◽

Elementary School Teachers ◽

Work Environment ◽

Teaching Method ◽

Working Environment ◽

Teaching Methodology ◽

School Teachers ◽

Environment Factors ◽

Work Environment Factors ◽

The Impact

Purpose Determine the work environment factors related to hazards in voice production for elementary school teachers, as well as the impact of vocal rest and teaching methodology. Methods This research features a quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental, correlational study, which applies an instrument consisting of a fill-out form and a questionnaire performed by the evaluator to 90 elementary school teachers. The following variables were taken into account: classroom size, acoustics, noise, amount of students in the classroom, chemical substances, temperature, subject taught, teaching method and classroom vocal use time. The statistical analysis was performed using the PASW statistical software, version 20. Results Regarding the external acoustic insulation, the windows are made of glass or structures with metal bars, and no elements covering the surface of the window, zinc sheets or cement in ceilings and aluminum doors. The average noise measurement in the classroom is 77 dB, and the temperature and humidity measurements show a warm humid weather tendency. The most frequent teaching method is the lecture-type class. Elementary teachers must teach all of the subjects, and have an average voice rest period of 30 minutes. The inferential analysis using the chi-square test found no correlation between work environment factors of the teacher and the presence of dysphonia. Conclusion The elements of the teaching environment and the intrinsic factors of the teaching practice are not directly related to the presence of dysphonia, but they are associated elements that do not generate vocal disorders by themselves.

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Impact of Displaced Cultural Traditions and Social Integration on Health-Related Behaviour among Migrant Women Living in Slovenia

Filosofija Sociologija ◽

10.6001/fil-soc.v30i2.4021 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 30 (2) ◽

Author(s):

Mirko Prosen ◽

Urška Bogataj ◽

Igor Karnjuš ◽

Doroteja Rebec ◽

Sabina Ličen

Keyword(s):

Social Integration ◽

Cultural Values ◽

Cultural Influences ◽

Male Dominance ◽

Gender Inequalities ◽

Migrant Women ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Health Related ◽

Health Related Behaviour ◽

The Impact

Today’s male dominance means migrant women are often overlooked in studies on migration. Cultural influences, socio-economic status and gender inequalities are strong predictors of health and health-related behaviour among migrant women; however, the existing models of women’s health and care often overlook these predictors. The purpose of this study was to explore migrant women’s experiences and perceptions about the impact of culture and social integration on their health and health-related behaviour in the host country. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted among ten hospital-admitted migrant women in Slovenia. The data were collected using semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Two themes emerged from the analysis: (1) cultural values, beliefs and practices; and (2) social integration. For the majority of women in the study, migration has had a positive effect on their perceived physical and mental health. Some women have clearly become more empowered, moving them away from traditional norms and roles defined by patriarchy. Language barriers and social isolation increase the likelihood of health disparities, requiring these issues to be addressed in the future.

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Women, work and health / Ženske, delo in zdravje

Slovenian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.2478/sjph-2013-0015 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 52 (2) ◽

pp. 137-147 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Aleksandra Kanjuo Mrčela ◽

Miroljub Ignjatović

Keyword(s):

Gender Differences ◽

Working Conditions ◽

Mental Health Problems ◽

Work Conditions ◽

Working Environment ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

European Working ◽

Mental Problems ◽

European Working Conditions Survey ◽

Health Related

Abstract Background: This paper discusses gender differences in working conditions and related psychological and health risks in Slovenia. Methods: The analysis is based on the 5th European Working Conditions Survey and data from a special Module on working conditions and psychological and health risks in the working environment in Slovenia obtained in 2010. Results: Gender differences exist in the reported work conditions and work satisfaction of the employed population, and the reported physical and mental health problems in Slovenia. Analysis of the correlation between health-related problems under different work conditions also show gender differences. Conclusion: Women are more overburdened with paid and unpaid work, they report less autonomy at the workplace, are less satisfied with working conditions and they report more physical and mental problems that are associated with work.

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