A Survey of Shift Work and Work Ability Index among Nurses: A Case Study in Educational Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran

Shift work is a social phenomenon with adverse effects on the lives and health of people in various aspects. This adverse effect decreases shift workers’ ability over a time period. The aim of the present study was to survey disturbances due to shift work and some disorders associated with work ability index among nurses in educational hospitals, Ahvaz, Iran. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 33 nurses at the Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. The survey of shift workers questionnaire (SOS) and the Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was used as data collection tools. The related data was analyzed based on the descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and Spearman correlation test using IBM SPSS software version 19. The results showed that 97% of problems related to the effects of shift work on the individuals’ lives, families, and musculoskeletal disorders, 87.9% related to insomnia and social problems, and 75.8% related to mental disorders. Although it showed a significant relationship between the workability index with the variable of experience and mental disorders, it showed no significant relationship between the prevalence of insomnia and musculoskeletal disorders variables. The results of this study showed that shift working disrupts mental, social, and physical health that ultimately adversely affect the ability of shift workers. Therefore, it was recommended to adjust working hours and allocate the appropriate shifts to improve the workability of individuals.

Work Ability Among Long-term Breast Cancer Survivors – Exploring the Role of Social Support in a Nation-wide Study

work ability (WA) is scarce. We aimed to identify factors, including social support, associated with excellent WA in a nation-wide population of long-term BCS. MethodsAll long-term BCSs (20-65 years) diagnosed with early-stage BC in 2011 or 2012 were identified by the Norwegian Cancer Registry in 2019 and invited to participate in a survey (n=2803). WA was assessed using the Work Ability Index. Factors associated with excellent WA were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, adjusted for sociodemographic-, health- and cancer related variables. ResultsThe final sample consisted of 926 BCSs with a mean age of 56 years at survey. WA was reduced from 8.9 (SD 2.3) at diagnosis to 6.3 (SD 3.1) eight years later. One in three BCSs reported poor WA, and seven out of ten reported that their physical WA was reduced due to cancer. Survivors with excellent WA reported high social support from supervisors and colleagues compared to BCSs with low WA. Additionally, cognitive impairment and fatigue were negatively associated with WA. ConclusionWA remains a significant challenge in long-term BC survivorship, with a substantial proportion of BCSs reporting poor WA eight years after diagnosis. Collegial support appears to be a protective factor for sustained WA, whilst survivors struggling with fatigue and cognitive impairments may represent a particularly vulnerable group for discontinued employment. Increased attention to WA in follow-up care is warranted.

Healthy lifestyle commitment and the workаbility index of industrial employees in the Sverdlovsk Region

Introduction. The gain in the morbidity rate and medical costs associated with the work environment and lifestyle stimulates employers to search for effective preventive measures to preserve health and longevity of workers. The study aimed to assess commitment to a healthy lifestyle (HLS) and the work ability index of employees of an industrial enterprise and to determine directions for developing effective corporate health promotion programs. Material and methods. We conducted a questionnaire-based survey of 1188 employees of a large copper smelter to assess their workability and healthy lifestyle commitment. Results. Two-thirds of the employees rated their quality of life as good; the same proportion of workers was satisfied with the psychological climate and working conditions. More than half of employees were overweight and 64.3 % of them did not adhere to a diet in an attempt to lose weight; only 34.4 % of the workers reported having regular meals in the works canteen; 51.6 % did not engage in physical training and sports, and the share of smokers in the main production workshops was 49.1 %. The average workability at the enterprise was assessed as suitable. We established an inverse relationship between chronic diseases and the workability index. A positive rating of the quality of life and working conditions correlated with satisfaction with the working conditions, the profession chosen, the quality of personal protective equipment, and the psychological climate at work. Discussion. Having a disease significantly affects the workability index, while every tenth worker has a discrepancy between the general health status and job requirements. The employees appreciate their health but fail to change their health-related behaviour, putting other life values above health and undermining it. Conclusion. Creating comfortable working conditions and motivation for a healthy lifestyle should be differentiated and aimed primarily at workers having a high risk of developing a disease and low motivation and specific behavioural patterns, depending on the initial data obtained. It is necessary to use adapted questionnaires and modern preventive, diagnostic techniques.

Relationships Between Cardiovascular Autonomic Profile and Work Ability in Patients With Pure Autonomic Failure

Pure autonomic failure (PAF) is a rare disorder belonging to the group of synucleinopathies, characterized by autonomic nervous system degeneration. Severe orthostatic intolerance with recurrent syncope while standing are the two most disabling manifestations. Symptoms may start at middle age, thus affecting people at their working age. The aims of this study were to evaluate the autonomic and work ability impairment of a group of PAF patients and assess the relationships between cardiovascular autonomic control and work ability in these patients. Eleven PAF patients (age 57.3 ± 6.7 years), engaged in work activity, participated in the study. They completed the Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31, range 0 no symptom-100 maximum symptom intensity) and Work Ability questionnaires (Work Ability Index, WAI, range 7–49; higher values indicate better work ability and lower values indicating unsatisfactory or jeopardized work ability). Electrocardiogram, blood pressure and respiratory activity were continuously recorded for 10 min while supine and during 75° head-up tilt (HUT). Autoregressive spectral analysis of cardiac cycle length approximated as the time distance between two consecutive R-wave peaks (RR) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) variabilities provided the power in the high frequency (HF, 0.15–0.40 Hz) and low frequency (LF, 0.04–0.15 Hz) bands of RR and SAP variabilities. Cardiac sympatho-vagal interaction was assessed by LF to HF ratio (LF/HF), while the LF power of SAP (LFSAP) quantified the vascular sympathetic modulation. Changes in cardiovascular autonomic indexes induced by HUT were calculated as the delta (Δ) between HUT and supine resting positions. Spearman correlation analysis was applied. PAF patients were characterized by a moderate autonomic dysfunction (COMPASS-31 total score 47.08 ± 20.2) and by a reduction of work ability (WAI 26.88 ± 10.72). Direct significant correlations were found between WAI and ΔLFRR (r = 0.66, p = 0.03) and ΔLF/HFRR (r = 0.70, p = 0.02). Results indicate that patients who were better able to modulate heart rate, as revealed by a greater cardiac sympathetic increase and/or vagal withdrawal during the orthostatic stimulus, were those who reported higher values of WAI. This finding could be relevant to propose new strategies in the occupational environment to prevent early retirement or to extend the working life of these patients.

Title Psychometric Properties of the Work Ability Index in Health Centre Workers in Spain

The aim of the present study is to analyse the psychometric properties of the work ability index (WAI) within a sample of Spanish health centre workers. The WAI was translated into Spanish using transcultural and forward–backward translation processes and administered to 1184 Spanish health centre workers. Internal consistency, predictive validity, and discriminative ability were examined. Exploratory factor analysis, via principal components analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, determined the most appropriate questionnaire structure. All indices in relation to predictive validity and reliability were acceptable. Exploratory factor analysis supported validity of the one-factor structure, however, confirmatory factor analysis suggested better properties in relation to a two-factor structure (χ2 = 59.52; CFI = 0.98; TLI = 0.96; RMSEA = 0.06). Items 3, 4, and 5 loaded onto factor one, and items 1, 2, 6, and 7 loaded onto factor two. The two factors could be broadly described as “subjectively estimated work ability” and “ill-health-related ability”. The WAI is valid and reliable when administered to health centre workers in Spain. In contrast to that suggested by studies conducted in other countries, future research and practical application with similar respondents and settings should proceed using the two-factor structure.

Perceived work situation and work ability among persons who are working one year after stroke

Objective: To explore how persons who have returned to work perceive their work situation and work ability one year after stroke. Design: Cross-sectional design. Subjects: A total of 88 persons of working age (mean age 52 (standard deviation; SD 8) years, 36% women), with mild to moderate disabilities following stroke, who had returned to work after one year [AQ14] participated in the study. Methods: A survey including a questionnaire regarding psychological and social factors at work (QPS Nordic) and 4 questions from the Work Ability Index (WAI) was posted to the participants. Results: According to the QPS Nordic survey, 69–94% of respondents perceived their work duties as well defined, and were content with their work performance. Most participants had good social support at work and at home. Between 51% and 64% of respondents reported that they seldom felt stressed at work, seldom had to work overtime, or that work demands interfered [AQ15] with family life. According to the WAI ≥75% of respondents perceived their work ability as sufficient, and they were rather [AQ3] sure that they would still be working 2 years hence. Conclusion: Persons who have returned to [AQ4] work one year after stroke appear to be content with their work situation and work ability. Appreciation at work, well-defined and meaningful work duties and support seem to be important for a sustainable work situation.

Morbidity profile of workers and workplace assessment in selected soap industries in Puducherry

Background: The high risk, fast-paced industrial expansion reflects unique health and safety challenges for occupational health and safety resulting in increasing incidence of various injuries and health morbidities. This warrants the assessment of morbidity profile and workplace assessment of the workers.Methods: A facility based cross sectional descriptive study was carried out among 305 workers of selected soap industries in Puducherry for a period of four months from September to December 2018. Workers were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire for their morbidity profile and work ability along with skin patch test and spirometry. Finally, workplace assessment was done.Results: Of 305 workers interviewed, eczema was reported in two workers and generalized pruritus in 4.9% of the workers. In patch test, 9 (34.6%) workers were sensitive to Paraphenylenediamine among 26 workers tested. Upper respiratory tract infection was reported in 17.3% and breathlessness in 4.6% of the employees. Spirometer was abnormal in 5.9% of the workers. Hypertension was diagnosed for the first time in 10.3% of the workers. Work ability index was good in 99.0% of the workers. The most common illness in the past six months was febrile illness. Workers who availed treatment from the private facility were 35.9%. Working environment was better in large-scale industries as compared to the small-scale industries.Conclusions: The morbidity of workers in selected soap industries were very less as majority of the workers was from the organized sectors with regular periodic examination. Hence further studies concentrating only on the unorganized small-scale industries are recommended.

Employment Status and Work Ability in Adults with Cystic Fibrosis

Improvements in the survival and clinical outcomes of cystic fibrosis (CF) patients raised questions about their workforce participation and capacity to work. One hundred and ninety-six outpatients, attending the Adult CF Center of an Italian University Hospital, were enrolled between May 2020 and March 2021. The patients’ personal and clinical characteristics, employment status, and profession were assessed. The Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire—Revised and the work ability index (WAI) were employed to assess CF health-related quality of life and the employee’s perception of their ability to work, respectively. Among the enrolled patients, 98 (50%) were employed. The non-working subjects were significantly younger (mean age ± standard deviation: 30 ± 10 vs. 37 ± 10 years) and were diagnosed with CF significantly earlier (9 ± 13 vs. 17 ± 18 years) than the employed subjects. The vast majority of CF workers (82.6%) were employed in tertiary professions. A general good work ability perception was determined in the employed population. Aging and being employed for >15 years could significantly predict a reduction in work ability, while a better quality of life was a positive predictor for its enhancement. Although further research is necessary, these results may introduce interdisciplinary CF healthcare management that includes a work function assessment, formal career counseling, and job guidance to support the personal, social and professional lives of CF patients.

Investigating the effect of noise exposure on mental disorders and the work ability index among industrial workers

Noise as one of the most common hazardous physical agents in the work environment causes physical and psychological problems in occupied workers. This study aims to investigate the relationship of demographic variables and noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in automotive industry workers. This study aims to investigate the effect of noise exposure on mental disorder and work ability index among industry workers. In this descriptive-analytic study, 325 individuals working in auto parts supplier industry who were exposed to different level of noises were investigated. Personnel’s daily exposure to noise for each group was measured based on ISO-9612 standards using calibrated sound level meter model SVANTEK-971. Workers’ mental disorder and work ability index were determined using Kessler Psychological Distress Scale questionnaire and shortened form of work ability index, respectively. Then, collected data were analyzed using SPSS-22. The mean and standard deviation of mental disorder and work ability index for all employees was 23.46 ± 3.45 and 37.43 ± 6.14, respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA and linear regression analysis showed that there is a significant association between noise exposure with mental disorder and work ability index in term of age groups, working groups, and work experience ( p-value < .05). Regardless the effect of other variables, it can be stated that for each dB increase in noise exposure cause mental disorder increase by 0.32 and work ability index decrease by 0.157. And among the demographic variables, age was the most influential parameter on mental health and work ability index. According to the results of this study, noise exposure could lead to increased psychological distress and decreased work ability index in workers. The ability to work directly and indirectly through mental disorders can be affected by exposure to industrial noise. Considering severe exposure to noise in some units and the negative impact of noise exposure on mental health and work ability index, it is necessary to improve of controlling and protective measures against noise.

The Relationship between Work Ability Index (WAI), Mental Workload and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) of Firefighters in Tehran, Iran

The article's abstract is not available.