Italian Adolescent Young Caregivers of Grandparents: Difficulties Experienced and Support Needed in Intergenerational Care-Giving: Qualitative Findings from a European Union Funded Project

The article aims to describe the experiences of 87 Italian adolescent young caregivers (AYCs) of grandparents (GrPs), with reference to the caregiving stress appraisal model (CSA) that provides a theoretical lens to explore the difficulties encountered and support needed in their caring role. Qualitative data were drawn from an online survey conducted within an EU Horizon 2020 funded project. An inductive thematic analysis was carried out, and the findings were critically interpreted within the conceptual framework of the CSA model. The analysis highlighted three categories of difficulties: material, communication and emotional/psychological. The most common material difficulty was the physical strain associated with moving “uncooperative” disabled older adults. The types of support needed concerned both emotional and material support. The study provides a deeper understanding of the under-studied experiences of AYCs of GrPs. Based on these findings, policies and support measures targeted at AYCs of GrPs should include early needs detection, emotional support and training on intergenerational caring in order to mitigate the stress drivers. Moreover, the study advances the conceptualisation of the CSA model by considering the above-mentioned aspects related to intergenerational caregiving.

Logistics Work, Ergonomics and Social Sustainability: Empirical Musculoskeletal System Strain Assessment in Retail Intralogistics

Background: A large proportion of logistics jobs still rely on manual labor and therefore place a physical strain on employees. This includes the handling of heavy goods and physiologically unfavorable postures. Such issues pose a risk for employee health and work capability. This article provides a detailed empirical analysis and a decision process structure for the allocation of ergonomic measures in warehousing and intralogistics processes. Methods: The methodological basis is a load assessment of the musculoskeletal system in retail intralogistics. Based on the established measurements systems CUELA and OWAS, the specific loads on employees are assessed for four typical logistics workplace settings. These are combined with standards for efficient decision rules regarding contracting and developing ergonomic improvements. Results: The results suggest an increased risk of long-term low back injury for the selected four standard work situations in warehousing and likely apply to similar work environments in logistics. Using measures, posture descriptions, and international standards, we show how already few threshold values serve as sufficient conditions to decide if ergonomic interventions are required. Conclusions: The specific contribution is characterized by the combination of literature review results, empirical results, and the identification and discussion of specific mitigation measures. These elements are focused on the highly relevant ergonomic situation of logistics workers and present a unique contribution towards the knowledge base in this field due to the multi-perspective approach.

Health-Related Parameters for Evaluation Methodologies of Human Operators in Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

Human factors have always been an important part of research in industry, but more recently the idea of sustainable development has attracted considerable interest for manufacturing companies and management practitioners. Incorporating human factors into a decision system is a difficult challenge for manufacturing companies because the data related to human factors are difficult to sense and integrate into the decision-making processes. Our objectives with this review are to propose an overview of the different methods to measure human factors, of the solutions to reduce the occupational strain for workers and of the technical solutions to integrate these measures and solutions into a complex industrial decision system. The Scopus database was systematically searched for works from 2014 to 2021 that describe some aspects of human factors in industry. We categorized these works into three different classes, representing the specificity of the studied human factor. This review aims to show the main differences between the approaches of short-term fatigue, long-term physical strain and psychosocial risks. Long-term physical strain is the subject that concentrates the most research efforts, mainly with physical and simulation techniques to highlight physical constraints at work. Short-term fatigue and psychosocial constraints have become a growing concern in industry due to new technologies that increase the requirements of cognitive activities of workers. Human factors are taking an important place in the sustainable development of industry, in order to ameliorate working conditions. However, vigilance is required because health-related data creation and exploitation are sensible for the integrity and privacy of workers.

Effects of Caregiver Interventions for Informal Caregivers of Older Adults With Cognitive Decline

Objectives To identify baseline factors and process factors, which indicate changes that are associated with caregiving confidence improvement attributed to caregiver support. Methods An intervention study using 35 informal caregivers (ICG) of older adults (≥65 years old) with cognitive decline. Recipients of ICGs belonged to the Programs of All Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Interventions were occupational therapy (OT) support or education about illness and effective caregiving methods, which took place in ICGs’ homes. OT interventions included training to reduce physical strain, and improve time and task organizations, and providing assistive devices). Caregiver confidence was measured using a Visual Analog Scale. Data were divided into two groups: improved confidence and decreased/no-change confidence. Eleven baseline data of care recipients (CRs) and ICGs as well as five process data were analyzed using logistic regression. Results Baseline factors that differentiated the two groups were ICG’s age, caregiving confidence level, and CR’s cognitive status, of which classification accuracy was 94.3%. Only Zarit Buren Interview (ZBI) score was associated with caregiving confidence change, of which classification accuracy was 74.3%. Younger ICGs, lower cognition, and lower caregiving confidence among baseline factors, and improved ZBI among the process factors were associated with improved confidence. Discussion Although our interventions prevented 65.7% of caregivers form declining their caregiving confidence, improving caregiving confidence was difficult while CRs’ cognition continued to decline. However, this positive change was possible even CRs had moderate dementia, on average. Personal interventions may be necessary to improve caregiving confidence and reduce ICG’s burden.

COVID-19’s Impact on Burden and Nutrition for Family Caregivers of People With Parkinson’s Disease

The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms; however how COVID-19 has impacted family caregivers of people with PD (PwPD) is unknown. A 38-item open-and closed-ended online survey that explored caregiver burden and nutrition behaviors during COVID-19 was completed by 34 caregivers. Quantitative variables related to how COVID-19 has impacted caregiver burden are reported as percentages. Responses to open-ended questions related to COVID-19’s impact on caregiver burden and dietary behaviors were double-coded by two researchers, differences in codes were discussed until consensus was reached, and themes were finalized. The mean age of caregivers was 67.2±8.7 (47-82 years of age) and the majority were female (64.7%). Since the COVID-19 pandemic, 61.7% of caregivers felt their relationship with their PwPD stayed the same or slightly improved, 41% reported having to make a slight or increased number of adjustments to their schedules to provide care and experienced a slight or increased physical strain because of providing care. 58.8% reported a slight or increased number of times they felt sad/hopeless and 76.5% reported a slight or increased number of times they felt anxious/worried. Themes related to COVID-19’s impacts on caregiver burden included: fear, stress, and isolation; increased caregiver responsibilities; no change in caregiving. Themes highlighting COVID-19’s impact on dietary behaviors included: healthier dietary patterns; increase in snack foods and boredom eating; no change in dietary patterns. Results suggest COVID-19 has negatively impacted caregiver well-being and further exploration in changes in dietary intake are warranted.

Effects of an exercise and sport intervention among refugees living in a Greek refugee camp on mental health, physical fitness and cardiovascular risk markers: study protocol for the SALEEM pragmatic randomized controlled trial

Background Due to ongoing political and social conflicts, the number of international refugees has been increasing. Refugees are exposed to severe mental and physical strain, as well as traumatic experiences during their flight. Therefore, the risk of psychiatric disorders is markedly increased among international refugees. International organizations have criticized the lack of early interventions as a key problem, because untreated mental disorders are often difficult to cure at a later stage. Today, exercise and sport have been successfully employed to treat a wide range of psychiatric disorders. With patients with post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD), very limited empirical evidence exists, and studies carried out with international refugees are nearly non-existent. Methods We intend to implement a pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) with an exercise and sport intervention group (n = 68, 50% women) and a wait-list control group (n = 68, 50% women) in the Koutsochero refugee camp, located close to the city of Larissa (Greece). During the RCT, exercise and sport will be offered five times per week (60 min/session) for 10 weeks. Participants will be asked to participate in at least two sessions per week. The programme is developed according to the participants’ needs and preferences and they will be able to choose between a range of activities. PTSD symptoms will serve as primary outcome, and several secondary outcomes will be assessed. Qualitative data collection methods will be used to gain a more in-depth appraisal of the participants’ perception of the intervention programme. In the second year of study, the programme will be opened to all camp residents. A strategy will be developed how the programme can be continued after the end of the funding period, and how the programme can be scaled up beyond the borders of the Koutsochero camp. Discussion By moving towards the primary prevention of chronic physical conditions and psychiatric disorders, a relevant contribution can be done to enhance the quality and quantity of life of refugee camp residents in Greece. Our findings may also strengthen the evidence for exercise as medicine as a holistic care option in refugee camps, by helping camp residents to adopt and maintain a physically active lifestyle. Trial registration The study was registered prospectively on the 8 February 2021 with ISRCTN https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16291983

Understanding Clinician Perspectives and Actions to Address Caregiver Burden in Caregivers of Adults

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perceive and address caregiver burden. Method: A 29-question survey was distributed virtually via relevant Facebook pages and professional associations. Ninety-three responses from English-speaking SLPs working with adults in the United States or Canada were analyzed descriptively. Other analyses included one-way analysis of variance and chi-square tests to assess relationships between years of experiences, primary work setting, and other relevant variables, as well as a thematic analysis of one free-text response detailing how respondents defined caregiver burden. Results: Respondents associated caregiver burden with physical, psychological, financial, and social strain, loss of personal time, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The most described theme (80%) was physical strain. Almost all respondents (92%) believed that caregiver burden is a prominent issue and reported using strategies such as education and training to reduce burden. Most respondents (86%) would consider adopting a standardized tool to identify caregiver burden. Common barriers to addressing caregiver burden were lack of tools, time, and expertise. Additionally, less than half of respondents reported being confident in their ability to appropriately refer caregivers for support (45%). Conclusions: Most SLPs interacted with caregivers and used strategies such as education and training within their areas of expertise to try and address caregiver burden. Further research into the resources SLPs need to address caregiver burden is required. This study provides a preliminary understanding of current SLP perspectives and the strategies currently used to address caregiver burden in the United States and Canada.

Application of Brillouin scattering in optic-fiber sensors

The article analyses possible applications for Brillouin scattering in optic-fiber sensors. They make it possible to do temperature and physical strain measurements with high accuracy for long line sections. The functional dependences of the output signals characteristics on parameters measured by the sensors are studied. Of particular interest are the results of the analysis of the spectral component shifts in the Brillouin light scattering depending on the fiber elongation and temperature. After a brief review of the basic theoretical principles the results of some researches aimed to expand the dynamic range and to increase spatial resolution. The results of simulation in professional design software environment OptiSystem 17.1. are described. The results are obtained by experimental research based on Brillouin reflectometer AQ8603 manufactured by “ANDO” (Japan). They show that it is possible to implement optic-fiber sensors based on Brillouin scattering in telecommunication systems, oil and gas industry, in electric-power industry, construction, aviation and space industry. The objectives for further research are to perform metrological analysis at all stages of the method implementation, to complete the base of Brillouin spectrograms for optical fiber of various types and to improve algorithms for automated processing spectra in order to expand functionality of the systems.

P147 REHABILITATION AFTER VENTRAL HERNIA SURGERY IN THE NETHERLANDS: A SURVEY

Aim After any type of musculoskeletal surgery, post-operative rehabilitation with advices on weight baring and physical therapy is normal practice. Rehabilitation protocols lead to early mobilization and shorter hospitalization. Although ventral hernia repair (VHR) is musculotendinous surgery with tremendous impact on muscle strength and coordination, standardized and evidenced rehabilitation protocols for VHR are lacking. This survey aims to provide insight into the rehabilitation protocols after VHR, commonly used in the Netherlands. Material and Methods Hernia-surgeons in all Dutch hospitals were addressed in May 2021 by an electronic survey. Three cases were presented; non-complex (2 cm, primary umbilical repair), moderate-complex (8 cm, Rives-Stoppa) and complex (13 cm, myofascial release). Use of abdominal binders, advice on physical strain and referral for physical therapy were surveyed. Results 75 of 75 (100%) Dutch hospitals responded. In order of increasing hernia complexity an abdominal binder was prescribed in respectively 10%, 74% and 92% with various duration. Reduced physical strain was advised in 73%, 90% and 91%, mainly with a duration of 4-6 weeks (40%, 58% and 70%). Patients were referred for physical therapy after discharge in 4%, 15% and 41%. Conclusions This study describes the practice of rehabilitation after VHR in the Netherlands. Although abdominal binder prescription and physical strain advices increases with hernia complexity, there is no uniformity in duration. Physical therapy was advised only in a minority of the VHR patients, even after complex reconstructions. Lack of standardized rehabilitation protocols after VHR underlines the need for guidelines.

LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES FOR MANAGERS LEADING THE INDIAN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SECTOR

In today’s global economic turmoil, organizations are challenged every day to stay not only in competition but also ahead, for the sake of its stakeholders. It is the leaders of an organization who spearhead the changes and handle contingent situations. After the leaders, the employees are the core strength of an organization. The top management invest a lot to ensure a contented workforce. Employees in all levels, give importance to the way they are being treated- with respect and dignity. They demand that the compensation and remuneration they receive are justified and deserving. If there is a conflict of these situations, then an employee is under undue stress to perform better, even when not satisfied with the workplace- leading to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, feeling unaccomplished and physical strain. In short, the employee experiences burnout. In this research study, two leadership styles- authentic leadership and transformational leadership are analyzed with respect to their influence on an employee’s perception about organizational justice and the burnout experienced. The impact of these leadership styles in ensuring a positive perception of organizational justice in employees is studied along with their influence in reducing employee burnout. The role of organizational justice is studied in a mediating capacity.