bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Well-being and self-assessed health among different groups of	female personnel in geriatric care
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Holmfridur K. , Tomasson Kristinn , Rafnsdottir Gudbjorg Linda
Published: December 2024

Educational qualifications are reliable predictors of women's self-assessed health.

Aims: To study possible inequalities in health among women with different educational backgrounds working in geriatric care and to find groups that might need special public health measures.

Methods: In this cross-sectional questionnaire reaching throughout Iceland, the participants were employees in 62 geriatric nursing homes and geriatric hospital wards with 10 or more employees. A total of 1,886 questionnaires were distributed. The 84-item questionnaire included questions on demographic and work-related factors, health and life style. Age-adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated for work-related psychosocial, physical and health factors, and confidence intervals were set at 95% (95% CI). Registered nurses were taken as a reference category.

Results: The response rate was 80%. Registered nurses accounted for 16%, practical nurses 21%, unskilled attendants 44%, cleaning personnel 8% and others 12%. The practical nurses, unskilled attendants and cleaning personnel assessed work as more physically difficult, and more monotonous both physically and mentally, than did the registered nurses, who enjoyed more physical and mental well-being than the others. However, the registered nurses visited doctors as often as the other groups did.

Conclusions: Personnel groups in geriatric care have different physical and psychosocial workloads. The results provide opportunities to guide public health measures for people employed in geriatric care and possibly in other settings, such as hospitals and health care institutions.
Mortality among female industrial workers in Iceland
Authors: Gunnarsdottir Holmfridur K. , Tomasson Kristinn
Published: December 2024

Aims: The aim was to describe the mortality pattern among unskilled female industrial workers with the hypothesis that they were disadvantaged compared to other women and that smoking-related causes of death were in excess among them.

Methods: The study group comprised 13,349 women who had contributed at any time to a pension fund for unskilled industrial workers in Reykjavik during the time period 1970–1995. The follow-up was from 1975 to 1995. The death rate of the study group was compared to that of women in the general population during the time period 1981–1995. The study group was studied with regard to selected causes of death, by age at first entrance into the pension fund, different lag-time, and by employment-time.

Results: Results showed an excess of external causes but a deficit of most other causes of death, among those smoking related diseases. The high mortality by external causes was consistent in all the analyses. Standardised mortality ratio (SMR) for external causes in the total group was 1.79 (95% CI 1.45–2.19), for lung cancer 1.04 (95% CI 0.80–1.34) and for ischemic heart disease 0.77 (95% CI 0.65–0.91). Mortality was highest among those who started to pay in the pension fund at younger ages.

Conclusions: The notable excess of external causes in the group needs further exploration. The results did not confirm the hypothesis that smoking-related causes of death were in excess in the group. Methodological problems related to studies on women workers are discussed.
A patient lifting intervention for preventing the work-related	injuries of nurses
Authors: Guthrie Patricia Finch , Westphal Linda , Dahlman Bruce , Berg Mark , Behnam Kathy , Ferrell Deborah
Published: December 2024

The average age of nurses is projected to be 50 years in 2010 [17]. Because nurses are older, a work injury prevention program should change how nurses lift patients. The purpose of this evidence-based practice improvement project was to examine a new lifting intervention.

Method: An evidence-based process was used to implement an effective lifting intervention, including a back school, a lift team, and mechanical lifting equipment, on the orthopedic and neurology units in a Minnesota hospital. A two-week pilot determined if enough work would be generated to justify hiring a permanent lift team. Then the entire lifting intervention was studied on the two units.

Results: The injuries for the two units decreased from 21 to 9 injuries, while the salary and work replacement costs were $48,220 and $2,560 in 2001 and 2002, respectively. The lift team averaged 80 lifts per day and 95% of the nursing staff attended the back school.

Conclusion: The lift team and new mechanical lifting equipment were successfully disseminated resulting in significant reductions in costs. Suggested improvements include additional supervision and lift team scheduling changes, regular staff meetings, and ongoing education.
Prediction of functional outcomes in patients with chronic	pain
Authors: Hankin Heather A. , Killian Clyde B.
Published: December 2024

This prospective study determined the extent to which demographic factors, pain levels, psychological factors, and readiness to change predicted functional outcomes in patients with chronic pain.

Method: Participants were 26 patients referred for evaluation to a multidisciplinary pain management program. The Pain Disability Index (PDI), Pain Patient Profile® (P-3), and Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire (PSOCQ) measured function, psychological factors and readiness to change respectively. Patients completed the battery of tests upon initial evaluation and 3 months into treatment.

Results: A regression analysis using only initial assessment measures as predictors of functional outcome indicated a 2-variable prediction model (work status and contemplation) that accounted for 49% of the variance in 3-month functional outcome. Regression analysis using data at initial and follow-up assessment found that work status, contemplation, and best and worst pain at follow-up predicted 84.4% of the variance in 3-month functional outcome.

Conclusion: These findings provide good models for prediction of 3-month functional outcome based on demographic, psychological, and readiness to change indicators.
Union-management solutions for preventing workplace injury of	older workers
Authors: Freeman Everette J.
Published: December 2024

As the US workforce continues to age, organized labor and management will have to work creatively to redesign jobs, workflow, and work pace to accommodate older workers. Union-management cooperation in developing safety strategies have been largely unsuccessful because of mutual distrust, animosity left over from contract negotiations and administration, the absence of strong labor legislation that promotes shared governance, injury concealment, and world-wide competitive pressures to reduce labor costs at the expense of worker safety. If workplace injury prevention that focuses on cost-effective and efficient workplace modifications for older as well as for all workers is to become reality, then employers and their unions will need to develop solutions to forge new, more expansive approaches to accommodation.
Middle school children's participation in activities and the	effects of pain from backpack use on participation
Authors: Lockhart Renée Alison , Jacobs Karen , Orsmond Gael
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the activities in which middle school students participate most often. This research also determined whether students reported having difficulty participating in specific activities because of musculoskeletal pain from using their backpack, and whether the pain impacted the frequency with which they participated in activities.

Method: One hundred and twenty seven 7th grade students between the ages of 12 and 13 years old completed The Activity Participation Survey. This survey was used to determine the activities that students participated in most often and whether their participation was impacted by pain. Frequencies and independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the data.

Results: The results revealed that over 50% of students participated in work related activities such as completing homework, carrying books during school and completing household chores most often throughout the week. The results also indicated that 31.0% of the students reported having difficulty participating in activities as a result of pain. Nearly 25% of students reported having difficulty carrying their books during school because of pain, and 19% reported having difficulty playing sports. It is notable that among the students who reported having difficulty carrying their books, 12% reported carrying their books less frequently.

Conclusions: Future studies should be performed to verify that pain from backpack use causes middle school students' participation in activities to be difficult. Continued research may further reveal that students may decrease the frequency that they engage in activities because of difficulty and pain, and results may be used to educate others on the scope and pertinence of this issue to students' daily lives.
Workers' compensation for psychological injury: Personal and	environmental correlates
Authors: Haines Janet , Williams Christopher L. , Carson Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the personal and environmental factors that contribute to the lodging of a workers' compensation claim for psychological injury. Four groups were compared: individuals who had lodged a workers' compensation claim, people who had sought psychological assistance for the management of work-related stress reactions but who had not lodged a workers' compensation claim; people who had experienced stress symptoms but who had not lodged a claim or sought help; and people who experienced stressful work events but who had not developed symptoms. Examination was made of cognitive distortion, irrational beliefs and coping resources as individual factors, and stressful life events, daily hassles and work environment factors as environmental variables. The Compensation group was distinguished from other groups only on the basis of work environmental factors. The implications of these results in the understanding of the decision to lodge a workers' compensation claim are considered.
Eternal work place change: Chaplains' response
Authors: Damore Deborah R. , O'Connor John A. , Hammons Debby
Published: December 2024

A detailed chronology of a unique response to organizational change is explored and discussed through the example of the Chaplaincy Staff Support Service at Hamilton Health Sciences. Highlighted are the corporate and staff benefits of using chaplains' skills, training and existing roles in hospital life. A summary of the specific methodologies are provided to clarify the theoretical discussion. It is concluded that this is a fiscally efficient means of supporting staff to live out the highest organizational principles in difficult times.
Functional capacity evaluations as a post-offer employment: A case	study
Authors: Ratzon Navah Z.
Published: December 2024

Functional capacity evaluations in the post-offer phase of employment has the capacity to minimize work related injuries and promote wellness on the worksite. This paper includes a discussion of the value of post-offer evaluations and possible assessment options. To investigate the feasibility of administering post-offer evaluations, a case study was initiated. The Physical Work Performance Evaluation (PWPE) was administered to a new employee, VA, who was employed for the task of kneading dough, at a major food company. When compared to detailed work demands, there was no match between the job demands, and the client's capability in two sub-tests: lift from waist to eye level and trunk rotation. Based upon findings, recommendations for an initial graded work schedule, basic strengthening exercises, and modifications of the job site and task were made to the employer. The project was initiated with the hope of raising employee's and employer's awareness of workers health issues in the post-offer phase as it express itself in post-offer evaluation that aims to prevent musculoskeletal problems. This article aims to expand occupational therapists' awareness to the potential benefits of such a process.
Upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and functional impairment	associated with computer use among college students
Authors: Hupert Nathaniel , Amick Benjamin C. , Fossel Anne H. , Coley Christopher M. , Robertson Michelle M. , Katz Jeffrey N.
Published: December 2024

Purpose: Occupational computer use has been associated with upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders among working-age adults, but little is known about computer-related musculoskeletal problems among college students. We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study of computer use-associated symptoms, functional limitations, and medication and health care utilization in this population.

Subjects and methods: Cross-sectional survey of 240 undergraduates in the second through fourth years at a residential dormitory at a four-year college with random housing assignments.

Results: 194 students returned useable surveys (81% response rate). 42% reported upper extremity pain or discomfort when using a computer in the preceding two weeks. 41% said this pain or discomfort caused functional limitation and 9% said that these symptoms hindered academic or extracurricular performance. 23% reported taking medications for upper extremity pain related to computing (4% regularly) and 16% had seen a health care provider for computer-related symptoms. Female students, students of racial/ethnic minority groups, and students who experienced symptoms with ≤ 1 hour of computer use were more likely to report symptom-related functional limitation than others.

Conclusion: College students report high rates of computer use-associated upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and symptom-related functional limitation. Future studies should more closely examine exposure, demographic, and ergonomic correlates of these symptoms and outcomes.Purpose:
The effectiveness of job specific training on the occupational	performance of student nurses
Authors: McCannon Robin , Miller Marilyn K. , Elfessi Abdulaziz
Published: December 2024

Body mechanic checklist scores during a one-person pivot transfer, and boosting up in bed were evaluated to determine the effectiveness of training on the work performance of female student nurses from a local college. Thirty subjects participated in the study and were divided into a control group, an experimental group that received basic body mechanic training, and an experimental group that received job specific training. A one-way ANCOVA was calculated to examine the effects of the experimental procedures on the subjects' performance. This revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups (patient transfer F = 10.11, p value < 0.001; boosting F = 38.62, p value < 0.001). A post hoc analysis (Bonferroni procedure) indicated that the job specific training group (mean 11.65, SD 0.66) demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in their performance compared to the other two groups (control group mean 7.5, SD 0.67; BBMT mean 9.66, SD 0.67).
Prediction of future low levels of sickness absence among young	persons sick listed with back, neck, or shoulder diagnoses
Authors: Borg Karin , Hensing Gunnel , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: December 2024

In recent years sickness absence has increased in most Western countries. Risk factors for sickness absence and disability pension have been emphasised in studies, while focus on factors predicting low sickness absence is very rare. This paper is an attempt to apply such a perspective in an 11-year prospective cohort study of young persons n = 213) who in 1985 were sick listed ≥ 28 days with back, neck, or shoulder diagnoses. Having had no sick-leave spells > 14 days in 1992–1996 was used as the outcome measure. Sixty-nine persons (34%) had no such spells, with an unexpected similar proportion of men and women. Data on prior sick leave and demographic variables were analysed using univariate and multiple logistic regression. Factors that predicted low sickness absence were having prior low sickness absence, being a white-collar worker, and being married. We concluded that individuals with a history of low sickness absence have an increased odds for remaining in the work force after a single long sick-leave spell, and might need less attention in rehabilitation compared to persons with a history of high sickness absence. Focusing on low sickness absence led to different results than those discussed in previous studies on risk factors for disability pension.
Ratings of health and quality of life by young working people: Are	there occupational or education-based differences?
Authors: Vaez M. , Ekberg K. , Laflamme L.
Published: December 2024

The study examines differences in self-rated health and perceived quality of life (QoL) among young working people according to occupation and education level. Subjects were extracted from a cross-sectional data set, covering questionnaire responses of people aged 20–74 years from the Swedish region of Östergötland, and addressing individual environmental and health conditions. The emphasis was on males and females in paid employment aged 20–34 (n = 863). Differences in self-rated health items and in perceived QoL were subjected to a series of t-tests. Two measures of individual socioeconomic position were considered – occupation and education. No education-based differences were found, and there were few differences based on occupation. Among males, manual workers reported significantly higher scores with regard to pain and physical function than did non-manual workers. Male and female manual workers scored significantly lower on current perceived QoL than non-manual workers. In the case of females, the differences between manual and non-manual workers also applied to former perceived QoL. Yet, after applying the Bonferroni correction, none of the differences observed remained significant. In line with some earlier studies, it appears that – among young working adults – the manners in which health status and QoL are perceived are not strongly conditional on socioeconomic position.
Health behavior change among office workers: An exploratory study	to prevent repetitive strain injuries
Authors: Nieuwenhuijsen Els R.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this evidence-based study is to investigate the impact of a multi-component intervention on health behavior change among office/computer workers in preventing repetitive strain injuries. Forty office workers employed in an administrative office in Michigan participated in this project. The subjects completed a comprehensive questionnaire at three different times in 1994 and 1995. The intervention took place between time 2 and time 3 and included posters, e-mail tips, mini-workshops, and activities of a Wellness Ergonomic Team. A theoretical model was tested to identify factors influencing healthy behaviors. Study findings revealed positive behavior change for 62% of the participants. The factors most strongly related to health behavior change appear to be self-efficacy, the intention to change one's behavior, and perceived health status. Better understanding of health behavior change coupled with ergonomic modifications is a significant step toward the prevention of repetitive strain injuries resulting from computer use.
Worker perceptions of organizational support and return-to-work	policy: Associations with post-injury job satisfaction
Authors: Huang Yueng-Hsiang , Shaw William S. , Chen Peter Y.
Published: December 2024

This study evaluates the psychometric properties of an industry-based employee measure of employer responses to injuries (i.e., organizational support and return-to-work policies) and explores the relationship of these variables to post-injury job satisfaction. Survey data were collected from 1438 employees with work-related injuries in 13 construction companies and 13 transportation companies. Factor analyses supported the two-factor structure of the scale, and both organizational support and return-to-work policies were independently associated with post-injury job satisfaction. The results suggest a need for understanding organizational responses to injuries, employee perceptions of injury response, and the impact of both on organizational outcomes.
What do employers think about employing people with experience of	mental illness in New Zealand workplaces?
Authors: Tse Samson
Published: December 2024

The researchers investigated employers' experiences with individuals with a mental illness and in their workplaces. Seventy-two business owners or human resource managers were interviewed. Most knew the prospective employee's health background prior to deciding to employ them. The majority of the reported experiences with employed individuals were very positive. Key strategies the employers or managers reported using to support employees were: to create trustworthy relationships, to work through issues and to seek external support.
Construction managers' perceptions of construction safety	practices in small and large firms: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Gillen Marion , Kools Susan , McCall Cade , Sum Juliann , Moulden Kelli
Published: December 2024

Background and Goals: Despite the institution of explicit safety practices in construction, there continue to be exceedingly high rates of morbidity and mortality from work-related injury. This study's purpose was to identify, compare and contrast views of construction managers from large and small firms regarding construction safety practices. A complementary analysis was conducted with construction workers.

Methods: A semi-structured interview guide was used to elicit information from construction managers (n = 22) in a series of focus groups. Questions were designed to obtain information on direct safety practices and indirect practices such as communication style, attitude, expectations, and unspoken messages. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results: Managers identified a broad commitment to safety, worker training, a changing workplace culture, and uniform enforcement as key constructs in maintaining safe worksites. Findings indicate that successful managers need to be involved, principled, flexible, and innovative. Best practices, as well as unsuccessful injury prevention programs, were discussed in detail. Obstacles to consistent safety practice include poor training, production schedules and financial constraints.

Conclusions: Construction managers play a pivotal role in the definition and implementation of safety practices in the workplace. In order to succeed in this role, they require a wide variety of management skills, upper management support, and tools that will help them instill and maintain a positive safety culture. Developing and expanding management skills of construction managers may assist them in dealing with the complexity of the construction work environment, as well as providing them with the tools necessary to decrease work-related injuries.
Positive encounters with rehabilitation professionals reported by	persons with experience of sickness absence
Authors: Klanghed Ulrika , Svensson Tommy , Alexanderson Kristina
Published: December 2024

More knowledge is needed on different factors that can promote return to work among sick-listed persons. One such factor might be by their interactions with the rehabilitation professionals they encounter. The aim of the present study was to identify and analyze statements about positive encounters with rehabilitation staff, reported by persons who had been absent from work with back, neck, or shoulder diagnoses. A descriptive and explorative qualitative approach was used to analyze data from five focus-group interviews. There were few statements on positive encounters, and they were frequently attributed to sheer luck. Experiences of positive encounters were assigned to two major categories: respectful treatment and supportive treatment. Receiving adequate medical examination or treatment was also mentioned as being positive. Further efforts are needed to study and develop methods for investigating interactions with rehabilitation professionals that laypersons experience as positive and that may contribute to empowerment and influence return to work when sickness absent.
Exploring the development of meaningful work for children and	youth in Western contexts
Authors: Bazyk Susan
Published: December 2024

Through a literature review, this paper explores current issues influencing the transition to meaningful adult work for youth living in Western contexts. Historical and contemporary perspectives of children's work are discussed. With the current emphasis on finding meaningful work, youth face greater challenges because the transition to adult work is more complex, offering additional options without structured pathways. Today's youth are required to invest more energy into developing the skills and self-knowledge needed to make meaningful decisions about future work. Given this challenge, a number of key factors associated with the successful transition to adult work are identified and discussed including social origin, time orientation, parental influence, work experience, and participation in structured leisure pursuits. For each key factor, implications for practice are offered to help parents, teachers, youth workers, and other significant adults foster interactions and experiences that may assist today's youth in successfully transitioning to meaningful adult work.
Comparison of the Rapid Entire Body Assessment and the New Zealand	Manual Handling 'Hazard Control Record', for assessment of manual handling	hazards in the supermarket industry
Authors: Coyle Alison
Published: December 2024

This is a case study comparing the use of two different assessment tools (Rapid Entire Body Assessment versus New Zealand Manual Handling Hazard Control Record) to assess, plan and implement changes in manual handling practices in the supermarket industry. Existing manual handling practices being used within these supermarkets were assessed using each of these tools. The most hazardous tasks were revised to improve work methods and reviewed again using both tools, to determine the usefulness and effectiveness of these tools. The process generated considerable discussion regarding the benefits and drawbacks of each tool. The usefulness of each tool appears dependant on the reason for assessment and the anticipated outcome. REBA may be more useful if specific ergonomic or biomechanical changes are being implemented to decrease risk of work-related injury (particularly if an objective numeric score is required for re-assessment following modifications, to determine their effectiveness). The New Zealand Code of Practice for Manual Handling 'Hazard Control Record' Risk Score analysis process lacks specificity and objectivity, however it is less reductionistic and takes into account many factors other than biomechanics and ergonomics. It directs the user toward implementing controls, which are thorough, multi-factorial and useful to control hazards relating to several other areas, including task, load, environment, people and management factors.
Item validity of the physical demands from the Dictionary of	Occupational Titles for functional capacity evaluation of clients with chronic	back pain
Authors: Kersnovske Sara , Gibson Libby , Strong Jenny
Published: December 2024

This study assessed the item validity of 15 of the physical demands from the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), as evaluated in a new approach to functional capacity evaluation (FCE) for clients with chronic back pain, the Gibson Approach to FCE (GAPP FCE). Fifty-two occupational therapists were sent the specifications of the items in the GAPP FCE procedures and were asked to rate the items in terms of item-objective congruence, relevance and difficulty. A response rate of 59.2% was obtained. The majority of the therapists agreed that most of the items were congruent with the objectives based on the definition of the physical demands from the DOT. The items evaluating Balancing and Pushing and Pulling had the lowest item-objective congruence. The evaluation of Balancing and the Lifting, Carrying and Pushing and Pulling of loads greater than light-medium weight (10–16 kg) were not considered significantly relevant. Concerns were raised about the difficulty and safety of the evaluation of Lifting, Carrying and Pushing and Pulling with clients with chronic back pain, particularly if the therapist evaluates the manual handling of medium to heavy loads. These results may have implications for other FCEs, particularly those which are based on the DOT, or when assessing clients with chronic back pain.
Sexual harassment: Relation to other forms of discrimination and	to health among women and men
Authors: Bildt Carina
Published: December 2024

During the last years, harassment experiences have more often than earlier been included in the framework of work stress, thereby being seen more as a result of how the work organisation function rather than being a result of poor characteristics among individuals. The aim of the present study was to examine the relation between sexual harassment, gender discrimination, bullying, conflicts and informal decision structures. The study took place at a large university in the northern part of Sweden, and data was collected by a questionnaire. Lack of equality and conflicts were significantly related to sexual harassment among women, but none of the studied factors to sexual harassment among men. Common among both women and men were that gender discrimination, bullying, conflicts, being negatively affected by informal decision structures, that women are given preferential treatment and lack of information were related to poor health. To summarise, the results in the present study support earlier studies in their conclusions that work organisation is closely related to the occurrence of harassment. This is especially important to point out when planning for interventions against for example sexual harassment, which very often focuses on the harassed individual, rather than the organisation.
Women and work: A ten year retrospective
Authors: MacRae Nancy
Published: December 2024

A look back, after a decade, at the issues surrounding women and work. Work options, childcare and family concerns, the glass ceiling, sexual harassment, women entrepreneurs, race and poverty, unpaid work, and women with disabilities are discussed.
Women, work and childcare: Where have we been? Where are we	going?
Authors: Maynard Sharon A. , Blain Lisa G.
Published: December 2024

Working mothers who simultaneously manage a job, raise children, and maintain a home may find the endeavor to be physically and emotionally challenging. By means of a case study, this paper explores the impact of work-related injury on one mother's ability to meet the physical demands of childcare and homemaking tasks without jeopardizing her physical recovery or job security. Following a musculoskeletal injury at work, the subject received traditional occupational therapy intervention as well as specific education regarding ergonomic childcare techniques. Her ability to perform routine homemaking and childcare tasks was assessed prior to and following treatment using the ErgoMomics® MOMS (Measure of Musculoskeletal Symptoms) survey. The case study suggests that educating mothers in ergonomic techniques related to vocational as well as avocational tasks may be beneficial in helping them manage the dual demands of family life and career. Additional informal interviews were conducted with twelve mothers, ages thirty-five to sixty-eight, in order to frame the case study within a wider historical perspective concerning the role of work in women's lives.
The meaning of workplace discrimination for women with	disabilities
Authors: Randolph Diane Smith
Published: December 2024

Studies have found that persons with disabilities who are also members of other minority groups or women encounter dual discrimination [5]. This paper describes how women with disabilities who are in the workplace experience discrimination. In order to determine whether discrimination was a viable issue, theoretical contexts of feminist theory, disability theory, and attribution theory were examined as well as literature examining employment of women with disabilities. For this study, three women with various disabilities were interviewed regarding the effect of their disability on their typical workday, their employment and job seeking history, and employment opportunities. Qualitative data were also provided through mapping by the participants and pictorial data of worksites. Data were grouped into themes of pre-conceived notions of others, attitudes of others, accommodation issues, inclusion issues and exploitation issues. From these themes definitions of discrimination, nondiscrimination in the workplace were developed. Conclusions include the need for more research on workplace experiences of other or more specific populations that experience discrimination as well as the need for ethical reflection on the part of the researcher regarding vulnerable populations.
The prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in	female college students
Authors: Hamilton Audra G. , Jacobs Karen , Orsmond Gael
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in female college students. This research also explored whether the number of hours per day spent using a computer, type of computer used (laptop vs. desktop), or academic major was related to the presence of musculoskeletal complaints. Additionally, "job strain", a measure of job stress which can affect the physical health of an individual, was measured to determine whether students feel stress from the job of "student" and if so, whether it contributed to these complaints.

Methods: Two surveys, The Boston University Computer and Health Survey and the Job Content Questionnaire [9], were distributed to 111 female college students to measure musculoskeletal complaints and job strain. Seventy-two surveys were returned. Chi-square and logistical regression were used to analyze the data.

Results: The results indicated that 80.6% of the participants reported computer-related musculoskeletal complaints in the two weeks prior to completing the survey, although none of the examined factors were associated with the complaints. It is notable, however, that 82% of the students reported spending 0–6 hours/day using a computer, with almost 28% reporting 4–6 hours/day of usage. Eleven percent of the participants reported using the computer more than 8 hours/day. Of those students who use a laptop computer for all computer use, 90.1% reported musculoskeletal complaints. The students reported that they did not experience job strain. Further studies should be performed using a survey specifically intended for college students.

Conclusion: The majority of female college students in this study reported musculoskeletal discomfort during or after computer use. Although a statistical correlation could not be made, students using laptop computers reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms than those using desktop computers. Additionally, female college students did not seem to experience job strain. Future research should continue on larger, more diverse samples of students to better understand the prevalence and contributors of musculoskeletal complaints, how college students experience job strain (stress), and whether these two factors are related.
Intersections of care: An analysis of culturally competent care,	client centered care, and the feminist ethic of care
Authors: Black Roxie M.
Published: December 2024

Many of us work within a health carefield, but do we think about the meaning of the care that we provide? This paper examines three approaches to practices in the caring professions; culturally competent care, client centered care, and the feminist ethic of care, in an effort to discover if and where the three intersect. Although philosophically similar, the essence of caring practice discovered in this examination resulted in the simple equation:

Provider knowledge and skills + client respect = client empowerment

An examination of the meaning of this formula and its implication for practice is included.
Speech recognition software as an assistive device: A pilot study	of user satisfaction and psychosocial impact
Authors: DeRosier Robert , Farber Ruth S.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study was to gather data concerning the psychosocial (quality of life) impact of speech recognition software on individuals with physical disabilities and to identify how satisfied these individuals were with this software as a computer access method. Two standardized questionnaires, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS) and the Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology (QUEST) were administered to ten participants with physical disabilities who received speech recognition software following an assistive technology evaluation. The results of this study indicated that 90% of the participants were quite satisfied with speech recognition software as an assistive device and that the software had a somewhat positive psychosocial impact on their lives. Four themes emerged concerning what the participants liked most about the software: 1) the software provided a method of access when they were not previously accessing a computer, 2) the software increased independence, 3) the software made computer use more efficient, and 4) the software provided a choice or flexibility in computer access. Although this study demonstrated that these speech recognition software users are generally satisfied with the software and it has had a positive impact on their life, it also suggests that there is a need to examine the role of training on satisfaction and successful use of the software.
Back to work: Vocational issues and strategies for Canadians	living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: McGinn Fred , Gahagan Jacqueline , Gibson Elaine
Published: December 2024

Much has been written since the first appearance of HIV/AIDS in 1981 about its effects on the Canadian health care and social services systems. However, researchers have given limited attention to issues of entry or re-entry to the competitive job market for HIV positive individuals. The emergence of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART) has allowed a significant number of persons who are HIV positive to experience a major recovery in health and energy. This increase in physical health has in turn led to a re-examination of the possibility of returning to former types and levels of activity, including the prospect of going back to work or entering the competitive workforce for the first time. The purpose of this paper is to outline some of the issues and concerns that impact HIV positive individuals' attempts to return to or enter the competitive workforce, particularly those relating to disability policies and public insurance. Data from in-depth interviews with a sample of people living with HIV/AIDS (PHAs) are used to help illustrate the disconnect between these policies and the lived experiences of PHAs. Also discussed are the opportunities for Canadian policies and practices to employ a functional definition of disability and a philosophy of early intervention in vocational rehabilitation.
The effectiveness of using two different types of anti-vibration	gloves compared to bare hand condition at dampening the frequencies associated	with hand-arm vibration syndrome
Authors: Jack Robert J.
Published: December 2024

The ability of a foam-padded and air-bladder glove to significantly attenuate hand-arm vibration compared to an individual's bare hands (after the effect of adipose content of the distal upper extremity had been removed) was studied. Subjects consisted of 3 male and 8 female university students' aged 20 to 22 years. After the effect of adipose content of the distal upper extremity was removed, the effect of the gloves on transmissibility was significant with F $_{2,959}$ = 5.27, p<0.000. The effect of the frequencies was significant with F $_{31,959}$ = 8.80, p<0.000. There was no significant interaction between the gloves and frequencies on transmissibility with F $_{62,959}$ = 0.22, p = 1.000. Post-hoc analysis revealed that there was a significant difference was between bare hand and foam-padded glove conditions, F $_{1,1052}$ = 8.13, p = 0.004, where foam-padded gloves had significantly greater transmissibility. Post-hoc analysis of the frequencies indicated that there were significant differences between frequencies at with the highest transmissibility occurring at 100 Hz.
Evaluation of ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal	disorders of dentists in the Netherlands
Authors: Droeze Ester Haver , Jonsson Hans
Published: December 2024

Objectives: An ergonomic intervention program was implemented in the Netherlands to reduce musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) in dental clinics.

The aim of this study was to improve preventional methods by evaluating the secondary prevention programme from the dentists' point of view; investigating the dentists ability to implement the recommendations; identifying barriers and facilitators for implementation; ascertaining whether implementation of these recommendations led to a perceived reduction of their MSD.

Method: A questionnaire survey was conducted. The questionnaire, specially developed for this research was mailed to 57 dentists who went through the intervention program. They all returned the questionnaire.

Results: Over 50% of the dentists implemented the recommendations given during the intervention fully or nearly fully, and 40% implemented the recommendations partially. Barriers that made change difficult included changing old routines and financial aspects. Important facilitators were motivation, pain and individualized recommendations. The dentists saw a clear relation between their implementation of recommendations and a reduction in MSD.; 72% of the dentists reported a reduction or disappearance of the main complaint.

Conclusions: The study shows that even in a highly motivated group recommendations to reduce MSD will often be only partially implemented. This obviously influences the effectiveness of intervention programmes. Improving our understanding of barriers and facilitators to the implementation of ergonomic measures may result in a class of guidelines dealing with implementation issues.
Supported employment and job outcomes. Typicalness and other	related variables
Authors: de Urríes F.B. Jordán , Verdugo M.A. , Jenaro C. , Crespo M. , Caballo C.
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to improve supported employment programs analyzing the relationships between different variables involved in its development on job outcomes. One important variable is typicalness (understood as the degree to which the job of the person with a disability is similar in its different characteristics to that of co-workers without a disability). It also compares sheltered employment and supported employment in employment outcomes. The results showed more length of service in the job and salary for supported employment workers. As regards the developmental variables, time of external support, type of support, and adaptations are critical to get better outcomes. Finally, the need to finely balance the typicalness of the job and the characteristics of the worker involved is stressed.
Project Employ: Engineering hope and breaking down barriers to	homelessness
Authors: Phillip Muñoz Jaime , Reichenbach Diana , Hansen Anne Marie Witchger
Published: December 2024

The homeless population in the US has dramatically increased in the past two decades. People who are homeless often lack skills sets such as stress management and social skills, independent living skills, and skills for vocational and leisure engagement. Best practice vocational education and training programs for individuals who are homeless recognize that success in the worker role often hinges on a person's capacity to manage day-to-day living. Life skills and pre-employment training are essential components of vocational programs but no more important than interpersonal skill development including anger management, developing self esteem and motivation, building goal setting capacity, and skills for money management, personal budgeting and self-advocacy. These areas of performance have all been traditionally included in occupational therapy's domain of practice. This article describes Project Employ, a grant funded supportive employment program that has grown out of collaboration between Duquesne University's Department of Occupational Therapy and Bethlehem Haven, an emergency shelter and residential recovery program and primary service provider for homeless people in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The purpose of this article is to describe the history, structure and outcomes of Project Employ.
Workplace safety assessment and injury prevention in hospital	settings
Authors: Peled Keren
Published: December 2024

Work-related injuries are becoming increasingly prevalent in hospital settings. These injuries are impacting all professionals providing services in the health care arena including nurses, physicians, and household cleaning employees. In order to reduce the number of worksite injuries, the hospital setting may benefit from ergonomic assessments, as well as safety education and prevention strategies. This paper describes the incidence and type of injuries as well as the related risks encountered by hospital personnel. Employers and employees may benefit from participating in the recommended ergonomic process in order to identify potential at-risk situations and prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Quantitative alternatives to narrative reviews for understanding	existing research literature
Authors: Fitzgerald Shawn M. , Rumrill, Jr. Phillip D.
Published: December 2024

This article is the second in a series that examine the role of literature reviews in rehabilitation research. Methods of generating new knowledge from existing literature are categorized into three approaches: synthetic literature reviews which interpret previous findings in narrative fashion, quantitative literature reviews which summarize findings from primary research studies using a variety "counting" approaches, and meta-analyses which aggregate effect sizes from primary research studies and allow for a more complex analysis of trends in the empirical research literature. This articles examines the role that quantitative literature reviews can play in better understanding the status of knowledge in rehabilitation research, thereby shaping field practices as well as future scientific investigations. Examples of quantitative reviews from contemporary rehabilitation and related health sciences literature are provided throughout the article.