bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research data management in practice: Results from a cross-sectional survey of health and medical researchers from an academic institution in Australia
Authors: Krahe Michelle A , Toohey Julie , Wolski Malcolm , Scuffham Paul A , Reilly Sheena
Published: March 2019

Background:

Building or acquiring research data management (RDM) capacity is a major challenge for health and medical researchers and academic institutes alike. Considering that RDM practices influence the integrity and longevity of data, targeting RDM services and support in recognition of needs is especially valuable in health and medical research.

Objective:

This project sought to examine the current RDM practices of health and medical researchers from an academic institution in Australia.

Method:

A cross-sectional survey was used to collect information from a convenience sample of 81 members of a research institute (68 academic staff and 13 postgraduate students). A survey was constructed to assess selected data management tasks associated with the earlier stages of the research data life cycle.

Results:

Our study indicates that RDM tasks associated with creating, processing and analysis of data vary greatly among researchers and are likely influenced by their level of research experience and RDM practices within their immediate teams.

Conclusion:

Evaluating the data management practices of health and medical researchers, contextualised by tasks associated with the research data life cycle, is an effective way of shaping RDM services and support in this group.

Implications:

This study recognises that institutional strategies targeted at tasks associated with the creation, processing and analysis of data will strengthen researcher capacity, instil good research practice and, over time, improve health informatics and research data quality.
Navigating climate’s human geographies: Exploring the whereabouts of climate politics
Authors: Bulkeley Harriet
Published: March 2019

Just as global institutions and environmental assessment processes embark on the latest effort to integrate more social science into global environmental change research, it appears that the social sciences of climate change are unable or unwilling to address this challenge. In this article, I explore the nature of these dynamics within human geography and argue that climate change occupies a curiously ambiguous position within our discipline of both an explicit presence and an underlying absence. Framed predominantly in terms of a biophysical challenge requiring some form of social response, work on climate change retains an assumed socio-nature divide – a position which has yet to be substantively challenged by the different strands of political ecology, new materialism and environmental humanities that now pervade the discipline. To advance new geographies of climate change, the article argues that our understanding of climate change needs to shift from that of a problem that needs specific responses to a condition that is constituted through specific forms of socio-spatial relation and in turn constitutes the politics, ethics and meaning of particular socio-spatial orderings, from the citizen to the city, the community to the corporation.
Dialectics of dissociation
Authors: Bair Jennifer
Published: March 2019

In their discussion of ‘dissociation’, Ibert et al. ((2019) Geographies of dissociation: value creation, ‘dark’ places, and ‘missing’ links. Dialogues in Human Geography.) explore the negative side of branding—that is, the efforts companies take to avoid being identified with problems such as labor exploitation or environmental degradation. Because the introduction of unwanted associations into the semiotic circuit threatens the value of brands, brand owners engage in both proactive and reactive relational work to insulate brand assets from such threats. In this commentary, I explore the development of supply chain corporate social responsibility through the lens of dissociations. Civil society organizations, such as trade unions, student groups, faith-based organizations, and so on, that target brands by highlighting problems in their supply chains are engaged in a struggle over value. One way that brand owners try to counter this reputational threat is by accepting, albeit to varying degrees, the principle that they are responsible for maintaining labor or environmental standards along the supply chain. I ask whether this development signals a shift in the terrain of struggle between brands and their critics, and what such a shift might imply about the limits of dissociation as a corporate practice.
Eclipsed by the halo: ‘Helping’ brands through dissociation
Authors: Richey Lisa Ann
Published: March 2019

‘Helping’ distant others through ‘Brand Aid’ humanitarianism may be one of the most successful dissociational branding practices of all. In this short commentary, I argue that humanitarian ‘helping’ itself can become a branded commodity, as understood by Ibert et al. (2019). I draw on the dissociational framework to reconsider the concept of ‘brand aid’ as a link between ethical consumption, international development, and the commodification of humanitarianism. In brand aid, the ‘ethical’ action proposed by a consumption choice triggers the ‘helping’ of distant and disengaged Others. This results in reshaping the real or imagined ethical obligations across networks of solidarity, where dissociational symbolic value moves from consumption back to production and is deflected onto suffering Others. In these chains of value, the conditions of production become eclipsed by the halo of helping through consumption. Ethical consumption is becoming less possible, humanitarianism is increasingly commodified, and ‘partnerships’ meant to alleviate global suffering are becoming more complicated than ever before. Cultural economic geography can deepen our knowledge of how maintaining inequalities can produce surplus value through ‘helping’, and how this is embedded in strategic and habitual forms of dissociation from global ills.
Additional effects of psychological interventions on subjective and objective outcomes compared with exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation alone in patients with cardiovascular disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Albus Christian , Herrmann-Lingen Christoph , Jensen Katrin , Hackbusch Matthes , Münch Nina , Kuncewicz Catharina , Grilli Maurizio , Schwaab Bernhard , Rauch Bernhard ,   for the German Society of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation (DGPR)
Published: March 2019

Background

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) often includes various psychological interventions for lifestyle change or distress management. However, the additional benefit of specific psychological interventions on depression, anxiety, quality of life, cardiac morbidity and cardiovascular or total mortality is not well investigated.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials and controlled cohort trials published between January 1995 and October 2017 comparing ebCR with or without pre-specified psychosocial interventions were selected and evaluated on the basis of predefined inclusion and outcome criteria.

Results

Out of 15,373 records, 20 studies were identified, including 4450 patients with coronary artery disease (88.5%) or congestive heart failure (11.5%), respectively. Studies were of low to moderate quality and methodological heterogeneity was high. As compared with ebCR alone, additional psychological interventions for lifestyle change or distress management showed a trend to reduce depressive symptoms (standardized mean difference –0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) –0.30; 0.05). Furthermore, during a follow-up of five years, distress management was associated with a trend to reduce cardiac morbidity (risk ratio 0.74, 95% CI 0.51; 1.07). There was no evidence for an additional impact of either psychological lifestyle change interventions or distress management on anxiety, quality of life, cardiovascular or total mortality.

Conclusions

Specific psychological interventions offered during ebCR may contribute to a reduction of depressive symptoms and cardiac morbidity, but there remains considerable uncertainty under which conditions these interventions exert their optimal effects. (CRD42015025920).
Treadmill exercise prevents reduction of bone mineral density after myocardial infarction in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice
Authors: Kanazawa Masanori , Matsumoto Yasuharu , Takahashi Kikuyo , Suzuki Hideaki , Uzuka Hironori , Nishimiya Kensuke , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: March 2019

Aims

Recent clinical studies demonstrated the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and osteoporotic fractures. We examined whether MI causes bone loss and the effects of exercise training on bone in mice after MI.

Methods

We created a MI model in 16-week-old male apolipoprotein E-deficient mice ( n = 42), which were randomly assigned to exercise group (MI-Ex) and sedentary group (MI-Sed). We also performed sham operations in other mice ( n = 10). Treadmill exercise training was performed from one week after operation to eight weeks. At eight weeks, the bone parameters of the femur were measured by quantitative computed tomography, followed by histological analysis ( n = 10–17).

Results

Bone mineral density (BMD) of the femur was significantly decreased in the MI-Sed group as compared with the sham group ( P < 0.001), whereas the BMD was significantly increased in the MI-Ex group as compared with the MI-Sed group ( P < 0.05). In histological analysis, Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 2 and tartrate-resistant acid phosphate positive (bone resorptive) area in distal femur were significantly increased in the MI-Sed group as compared with the sham group ( P < 0.05), whereas those parameters were significantly decreased in the MI-Ex group as compared with the MI-Sed group ( P < 0.05). In contrast, alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-positive (bone-forming) area was significantly decreased in the MI-Sed group as compared with the sham group ( P < 0.05), whereas ALP-positive area was significantly increased in the MI-Ex group as compared with the MI-Sed group ( P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that MI reduces BMD and treadmill exercise training prevents the reduction of BMD in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.
The metabolomic signatures of alcohol consumption in young adults
Authors: Du Duc , Bruno Raimondo , Blizzard Leigh , Venn Alison , Dwyer Terence , Smith Kylie J , Magnussen Costan G , Gall Seana
Published: March 2019

Background

Metabolomic analysis may help us to understand the association between alcohol consumption and cardio-metabolic health. We aimed to: (i) replicate a previous study of alcohol consumption and metabolic profiles, (ii) examine associations between types of alcoholic beverages and metabolites and (iii) include potential confounders not examined in previous studies.

Methods

Cross-sectional data of 1785 participants (age 26–36 years, 52% women) from the 2004–2006 Childhood Determinants of Adult Health study were used. Consumption of beer, wine and spirits was assessed by questionnaires. Metabolites were measured by a high-throughput nuclear magnetic resonance platform and multivariable linear regression examined their association with alcohol consumption (combined total and types) adjusted for covariates including socio-demographics, health behaviours and mental health.

Results

Alcohol consumption was associated with 23 out of 37 lipids, 12 out of 16 fatty acids and six out of 20 low-molecular-weight metabolites independent of confounders with similar associations for combined total alcohol consumption and different types of alcohol. Many metabolites (lipoprotein lipids in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subclasses, HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-1, phosphotriglycerides, total fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids) had positive linear associations with alcohol consumption but some showed negative linear (low-density lipoprotein particle size, omega-6 fatty acids ratio to total fatty acids, citrate) or U-shaped (lipoprotein lipids in very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) subclasses, VLDL triglycerides) associations.

Conclusions

Our results were similar to those of the only previous study. Associations with metabolites were similar for total and types of alcohol. Alcohol consumption in young adults is related to a diverse range of metabolomic signatures associated with benefits and harms to health.
Reliability and validity of the Brief 2-Way Social Support Scale: an investigation of social support in promoting older adult well-being
Authors: Obst Patricia , Shakespeare-Finch Jane , Krosch Daniel J , Rogers Elizabeth J
Published: March 2019

Objectives:

This study aimed to explore the relationship between well-being and perceived stress, and the functional dimensions of social support in older adults.

Method:

Data from 306 older adults were obtained in a survey containing the two-way Social Support Scale (2-Way SSS). Also, a subset of the sample ( N = 165) was filled out with measures of well-being and perceived stress, and a follow-up survey was completed 3 months later ( N = 111).

Results:

Confirmatory factor analyses and reliability analyses provide evidence for a 12-item Brief 2-Way SSS as a reliable and valid measure of the four domains of Social Support. Correlations and regression analyses indicated the scale displayed good concurrent and predictive validity across time points, with receiving emotional support positively associated with well-being at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2), and Receiving Instrumental Support negatively associated with perceived stress at TI and T2.

Conclusions:

This study provides support for the importance of examining the influence of separable elements of social support on psychological outcomes in older adults. The Brief 2-Way SSS was found to have good psychometric properties in this sample of older adults.
Choosing the crook: A conjoint experiment on voting for corrupt politicians
Authors: Breitenstein Sofia
Published: March 2019

The coexistence of harsh disapproval of corruption and the limited electoral consequences of malfeasant behavior remains a conundrum in social sciences. While elections should be used to hold politicians accountable, evidence shows that voters only mildly punish corrupt politicians. This paper assesses the trade-off hypothesis, which suggests that voters forgive corrupt candidates when these candidates provide other valued outcomes. It distinguishes two possible factors against which integrity can be traded—partisanship and economic performance—and tests them in a multidimensional experiment. With the results of an original conjoint analysis, this paper provides compelling evidence for the relative importance of corruption when casting a vote and the mitigating effects of other valued candidate characteristics. Even when obtaining highly credible information, partisanship determines the vote to the same extent as corruption. Additionally, co-partisanship and a strong economic performance moderate the negative effect corruption has on the vote.
Pesticide Exposure and Self Reported Home Hygiene: Practices in Agricultural Families
Authors: McCauley Linda A. , Michaels Sarah , Rothlein Joan , Muniz Juan , Lasarev Michael , Ebbert Carin
Published: March 2019

Little is known about environmental exposure to pesticides and the extent to which exposure is affected by drift from agricultural applications and take home exposure from agricultural workers. The study focused on 24 agricultural families in the northwestern United States and measured levels of organophosphate pesticides (OP) in house dust. Pesticide residues were significantly associated with the number of individuals in the home whose work included high exposure pesticide activities. Mean levels of pesticides were higher in the homes of workers who reported waiting more than 2 hours before changing out of their work clothes compared with homes where workers change within 2 hours after returning from work (p < .01). The results of this study provide evidence that workers can inadvertently carry agricultural chemicals from their work into their homes, thereby increasing the risk of pesticide exposure to other family members inside the home.
Preventing Nursing Back Injuries: Redesigning Patient Handling Tasks
Authors: Nelson Audrey , Lloyd John D. , Menzel Nancy , Gross Clifford
Published: March 2019

The researchers identified nine patient handling tasks that place nursing staff at high risk for musculoskeletal injuries. An expert panel redesigned these tasks using new patient handling technologies and work practice controls. The key objective was to evaluate the biomechanical benefit of the redesigned tasks. Back and shoulder muscle activity, forces on the lumbar spine, shoulder joint moments, and perceived comfort were evaluated in a laboratory setting. Using objective and subjective data, 63 participants who performed the redesigned tasks were compared with 71 participants who used standard procedures. Objective data revealed significant improvement in five of the redesigned tasks, while staff subjectively rated four of the redesigned tasks as significantly improved. Nursing tasks can be redesigned to improve caregiver and patient safety using new patient handling technologies and work practice controls. Further study is needed to redesign other high risk tasks to promote safer work environments.
Nursing Staff Knowledge of the Hepatitis B Virus Including Attitudes and Acceptance of Hepatitis B Vaccination: Development of an Effective Program
Authors: Mcgrane Justine , Staines Anthony
Published: March 2019

Data for this study in a large tertiary referral teaching hospital in Dublin, Ireland were collected by anonymous self administered questionnaires. A total of 137 questionnaires were distributed to nurses working in five wards with a response rate of 88% (120). Objectives included identifying levels of awareness of the infectivity of the hepatitis B virus, ascertaining levels of knowledge of hepatitis B vaccination, and identifying attitudes resulting in acceptance of hepatitis B vaccine. Ninety seven respondents (82%) knew hepatitis B was 100 times more infective than HIV. Ninety eight respondents (83%) had completed a full course of hepatitis B immunizations. Ninety six respondents (93%) reported a hepatitis B antibody level on completion of the immunizations, 13 (14%) knew their actual titer, and 49 of 63 respondents (78%) reported immunity. Factors influencing decisions to accept vaccination included information related to the benefits of the vaccine from an occupational health physician or nurse and the vaccine being provided free of charge. Nurses in this study had an understanding of the hepatitis B infection. The number of nurses choosing to be vaccinated and having an antibody level test performed post-vaccination was high in this group. Most nurses in this study believed they were immune to hepatitis B even though a significant number did not know their hepatitis B antibody level.
Sharps Injuries in the Home Health Care Setting
Authors: Haiduven Donna , Ferrol Shalah
Published: March 2019

Home health care nurses are at risk of needle-sticks and blood exposures, yet few studies have been conducted related to such exposures in the home health care setting. This article describes a cross sectional prevalence pilot study of needle-sticks and blood exposures conducted among three home health care agencies in the San Francisco Bay area. Needlestick and blood exposure reports from 1993 to 1996 were submitted from three home health care agencies. The exposures were categorized using an existing categorization system and compiled into a composite report. A total of 52 exposures occurred; nurses sustained 92% of exposures. Twenty-three percent occurred before, during, or after needle disposal; 17% from manipulating intravenous/access ports; 15% from improper disposal; and 13.5% during or after blood draw. Needle safety devices need to be specifically designed for the unique home health care setting and for a standardized rate of calculating needlestick injuries in this setting.
Occupational Health and Infection Control Practices Related to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Health Care Worker Perceptions
Authors: Moore David M. , Gilbert Mark , Saunders Sharon , Bryce Elizabeth , Yassi Annalee
Published: March 2019

The spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 was largely driven by hospital-associated transmission where health care workers experienced the largest burden of disease. In attempting to improve occupational health and infection control procedures to prevent occupationally acquired infections in health care workers, it is important to examine the perceptions of those workers who are expected to adhere to specific policies. The authors conducted 15 focus groups of health care workers representing seven different job classifications in two Canadian provinces where SARS outbreaks occurred in 2003 using a theoretical framework which divided factors associated with self-protective behaviour at work into organizational, environmental, and individual factors. Content analysis of these discussions revealed that workers placed more importance on organizational factors than environmental and individual factors. The results are similar to those of a recently completed literature review of this subject, and should be considered when developing new occupational health initiatives to protect health care workers from existing or emerging respiratory tract infections.
Creation of a Safety Culture: Reducing Workplace Injuries in a Rural Hospital Setting
Authors: Hooper Jim , Charney William
Published: March 2019

A newly organized employee safety program, with an 11–step design, has been introduced at Valley General Hospital in Monroe, Washington, with the intention of changing the “culture of safety.” A 1–year report of the results indicates that the overall incidence of injury claims, lost-time injuries, and needlestick injuries were reduced after the program was implemented and timely reporting of claims within 24 hours was increased. The hypothesis, that by creating more visibility for the employee safety program a decrease in injury rates would occur, was confirmed.
Reporting Violence to a Health Care Employer: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Findorff Mary J. , McGovern Patricia M. , Wall Melanie M. , Gerberich Susan G.
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to identify individual and employment characteristics associated with reporting workplace violence to an employer and to assess the relationship between reporting and characteristics of the violent event. Current and former employees of a Midwest health care organization responded to a specially designed mailed questionnaire. The researchers also used secondary data from the employer. Of those who experienced physical and non-physical violence at work, 57% and 40%, respectively, reported the events to their employer. Most reports were oral (86%). Women experienced more adverse symptoms, and reported violence more often than men did. Multivariate analyses by type of reporting (to supervisors or human resources personnel) were conducted for non-physical violence. Reporting work-related violence among health care workers was low and most reports were oral. Reporting varied by gender of the victim, the perpetrator, and the level of violence experienced.
Animal Exposure Surveillance: A Model Program
Authors: Lang Yolanda C.
Published: March 2019

In 1996, the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources published guidelines for a mandatory occupational health program for personnel who work in animal facilities. This article details the development and implementation of an animal exposure surveillance program (AESP) at a large educational research institution. Prior to initiation of an AESP, the occupational health practitioner must develop a database and health inventory to allow collection, storage, and communication of pertinent employee and animal information; review the health inventory with each employee; administer necessary vaccinations; and investigate any stated sensitivities. Educating employees about precautions to take when working with animals and the need to notify the occupational health nurse immediately after exposure is vital. Animal-related injuries and diseases, with protocols for evaluation and treatment, are discussed.
Ergonomic Evaluation: Part of a Treatment Protocol for Musculoskeletal Injuries
Authors: Grayson Deborah , Dale Ann Marie , Bohr Paula , Wolf Laurie , Evanoff Bradley
Published: March 2019

Ergonomic analyses and interventions are used as primary prevention methods to reduce physical stressors in the workplace and to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These methods can also be used for the treatment of injured employees. In this study, 103 employees with WMSDs resulting in more than 5 days away from usual work received an ergonomic evaluation which consisted of observation of usual work tasks, recommendations to minimize identified stressors, and case coordination. The goal of the intervention was to make simple job changes that would assist employees to return safely to usual job duties. The process for implementing this protocol for health care, airline, and university employees is described. The results show that after ergonomic evaluations were performed, the majority of recommendations were fully or partially (89%) implemented. Behavior changes were more likely to occur than administrative and equipment changes (p < .001). Occupational health nurses can use a similar program to enhance treatment plans for clients with WMSDs.
Occupational Health Nursing
Authors: Strasser Patricia B. , Maher Helen K. , Knuth Georgia , Fabrey Lawrence J.
Published: March 2019

As a certifying body for occupational health nurses in the United States and Canada, the American Board for Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (ABOHN) must ensure its certification examinations validly reflect current occupational health nurse practice. This report presents information from the ABOHN 2004 practice analysis. The study's primary purpose was to analyze areas of knowledge, skill, and ability for occupational health nurses as reflected by the tasks they perform to guide refinement of ABOHN's certification examinations. A valid and reliable survey instrument, containing demographic and job-related questions and 172 task statements was developed. A total of 5,586 surveys (4,921 Web-based and 665 paper) were made available to occupational health nurses throughout the United States and Canada. The usable response rate was 23.5% ( N = 1,223). Decision rules were used to determine which survey tasks were appropriate for inclusion in Certified Occupational Health Nurse (COHN) and Certified Occupational Health Nurse Specialist (COHN-S) certification examination blueprints. The revised blueprints were used to develop new examinations. Study data also validated the existing ABOHN Case Management (CM) specialty examination blueprint, and verified occupational health nurse roles and responsibilities related to safety programs. Based on analysis of the safety-related items, ABOHN in collaboration with the Board of Certified Safety Professionals, has created a safety management credential (SM) and associated examination that certified occupational health nurses may use to verify their safety role proficiency.
Risk Profiles for Four Types of Work-Related Injury among Hospital Employees
Authors: Thomas Nancy I. , Brown Norman D. , Hodges Linda C. , Gandy Jay , Lawson Louanne , Lord Janet E. , Williams David K.
Published: March 2019

In this retrospective case-control study, researchers examined risk factors for four types of work-related injury (WRI) in hospital employees. Data were collected from employee health charts and computer databases ( N = 2050) and analyzed using logistic regression. Study results showed that strain injuries were related to increased age, increased body mass index (BMI), and maintenance, custodial, and direct-caregiver employment types. Repetitive motion injuries were related to increased BMI and clerical and custodial employment types. Exposure/reaction injuries were related to increased age, increased BMI, and maintenance, custodial, and direct-caregiver employment types. Contact/assault injuries were related to increased age, increased BMI, and maintenance, custodial, and direct-caregiver employment types. All injury types were most often related to female gender and full-time employment status. Reformulating policies to improve screening, prevention, and education for those at risk for certain injury types may limit WRI occurrences and costs.
Pertussis Update—An Occupational Health Perspective for the 21st Century
Authors: Childre Frances , Hood Joyce
Published: March 2019

Occupational health practitioners have a key role in the prevention and early detection of pertussis among health care workers.
Addressing Environmental Health Implications of Mold Exposure after Major Flooding
Authors: Metts Tricia A.
Published: March 2019

Extensive water damage resulting from major flooding is often associated with mold growth if materials are not quickly and thoroughly dried. Exposure to fungal contamination can lead to several infectious and noninfectious health effects impacting the respiratory system, skin, and eyes. Adverse health effects can be categorized as infections, allergic or hypersensitivity reactions, or toxic–irritant reactions. Workers and building occupants can minimize their exposure to mold by avoiding areas with excessive mold growth, using personal protective equipment, and implementing environmental controls. Occupational health professionals should encourage workers to seek health care if they experience any symptoms that may be linked to mold exposure.
Application of the Occupational Health Services Model in Thai Primary Care Units
Authors: Wittayapun Yuwadee , Lagampan Sunee , Kalampakorn Surintorn , Rogers Bonnie , Vorapongsathorn Thavatchai
Published: March 2019

This study explored the elements of the occupational health services model in Thai primary care units. Seven focus groups with nurses and public health professionals working in primary care units, employees, employers, and occupational health service-related authorities were conducted. Content analysis of the focus groups revealed 15 practical elements in five domains: system inputs, throughputs, services, outputs, and feedback. Examples of existing elements in the five domains were occupational health staff competencies (inputs), collaborative network building (throughputs), on-site occupational health services (services), number of activities performed as on-site occupational health services (outputs), and evaluation (feedback) of occupational health services delivery. The findings have implications for further development of the occupational health services model in Thai primary care units, such as training the staff of primary care units to become competent in delivering effective occupational health services.
Family History
Authors: McNeill Jeanette A. , Cook Jennifer , Mahon Marveen , Rauschhuber Maureen , Jones Mary Elaine , Estrada Rosanna
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to describe family health history profiles and objective indices of cardiac health among ethnically diverse working adults. Family history of disease is an important predictor of individual health, yet is underused by clinicians. Participants were staff in an elder-care facility and completed a web-enabled program capturing family history, objective cardiovascular measures (blood lipids, blood pressure, height, weight, and waist-to-hip ratio), and subjective measures (anxiety, spirituality, and health status appraisal). Of the 44 participants, 89% were unable to provide complete information about their family health and mortality for the three-generation genogram; 25% had one or more first-degree relatives with cardiac disease; and more than two thirds had first-degree relatives with diabetes. More than 80% of the sample exhibited objective indices of risk including body mass indexes in the overweight or obese categories. Family history information was incorporated into health screening and enabled more appropriate health counseling for these employees.
Mindfulness Meditation for Veterans—Implications for Occupational Health Providers
Authors: Strasser Patricia B. , Cuellar Norma G.
Published: March 2019

Mindfulness meditation (MfM) is a mind-body therapy identified by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Initially taught in a formal classroom setting, MfM is a sustainable intervention with minimal costs that can be used over time. For veterans, after mastery, this technique shows promise in improving health outcomes and quality of life. This article describes MfM, discusses the conceptual framework and evidence-based research for MfM, and identifies the implications of MfM use by health care providers who are caring for war veterans.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Emanuele Patricia
Published: March 2019

This article reviews the incidence, causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, complications, and prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Various employees, including long-distance drivers or travelers, sedentary office workers, females taking estrogen, those who are obese, those who have cancer, and those who are hospitalized, may be at risk for developing this condition. Genetic testing can determine some inherited factors predisposing workers to clotting. Low-molecular weight heparins can be used to manage DVT on an outpatient basis.
Health Care and Politics
Authors: Paranzino Grace , Lukes Eileen
Published: March 2019

The presidential candidates for the 2008 election have outlined health care proposals that will ultimately impact the health status of Americans. Highlights focus on access to health care coverage, cost containment, improvement of the quality of care, and financing. This article provides a glimpse into the inherent challenges faced and the impact that nurses can make by casting their vote in this election as consumers and providers of health care.
Occupational Health Nursing in the Driver's Seat for Health Promotion
Authors: Childre Frances , Lang Yolanda C.
Published: March 2019

Occupational health nurses must take the lead in developing, implementing, and evaluating appropriate health screening and promotion activities.
Response of Public Health Workers to Various Emergencies
Authors: DeSimone Cristi L.
Published: March 2019

In recent years, emergency preparedness has continued to be a major focus for many health care providers. This study measured public health workers' opinions on disaster preparedness, assessed workers' likelihood of reporting to various types of disasters, and evaluated conditions that will encourage workers to report to work. A focus group and literature search were conducted to inform a survey that would assess attitudes about disasters. Frequencies were calculated on survey responses. Most respondents believed other employees could perform their jobs during a disaster; however, fewer than two thirds thought their coworkers would report to work under such circumstances. Fewer than three fourths of respondents would report to work during an emergency involving a known chemical, an unknown biological, a radiological, a biological incurable, or an unknown chemical agent. These results indicate training gaps that should be addressed in future training sessions at the two health departments surveyed.
Cold Stress in the Work Environment
Authors: Chalupka Stephanie
Published: March 2019

Cold stress in the workplace can result in occupational illness and injury as well as lowered productivity.
How Can Case Managers Stay Abreast of Community Resources to Support Chronic Health Conditions?
Authors: Brown Norman DePaul , Haag Annette B. , Kalina Christine M.
Published: March 2019

The panel approach provides a forum for sharing ideas, viewpoints, and perspectives. Panel members come with expertise from a variety of case management arenas and have agreed to share their opinions and perspectives in response to specific questions or scenarios. Opinions and perspectives are those of the panel members, and do not necessarily represent the views of AAOHN, the Editor, or the Publisher. We encourage readers to submit their questions or scenarios for the panel. This month's panel members include Norman DePaul Brown, Annette B. Haag, and Christine M. Kalina.
The Role of Occupational Health Nurses in Terrorist Attacks Employing Radiological Dispersal Devices
Authors: Cabrera Suzanne Lobaton , Beaton Randal D. , Berryman Phyllis , Lukes Eileen
Published: March 2019

The potential for biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear terrorism has been widely acknowledged since the events of September 11, 2001. Terrorists' use of a radiological dispersal device (RDD), or dirty bomb, is considered to be a threat for which Americans must prepare. Occupational health nurses must have the knowledge and skill set to plan for, respond to, and recover from a radiologic event potentially affecting significant numbers of first responders as well as businesses and their workers. This article describes the hazards related to RDDs and provides resources supporting occupational health nurses' roles in such events occurring near or at their workplaces. Occupational health nurses are prepared to assess and treat RDD causalities using current information to identify signs and symptoms of exposed and contaminated RDD victims. Decontamination, treatment, and recovery methods for workers and businesses affected by an RDD event are described.
Occupational Health Nurses—The Solution to Absence Management?
Authors: Wallace Myra A. , Strasser Patricia B.
Published: March 2019

Business and industry are currently focused on increasing employee productivity, reducing employee injuries and lost work time, and minimizing costs. Absence from work due to either injury or health-related leave negatively affects both direct and indirect costs. Absenteeism, regardless of reason, negatively impacts company profit. To decrease the multiple costs of unplanned absences, the occupational health nurse can collaborate with Human Resources professionals and management to create cost-saving short- and long-term disability programs, manage Family and Medical Leave Act programs, and case manage the care of all employees with workers' compensation claims.
Occupational Health and Safety Issues among Nurses in the Philippines
Authors: de Castro A. B. , Cabrera Suzanne L. , Gee Gilbert C. , Fujishiro Kaori , Tagalog Eularito A.
Published: March 2019

Nursing is a hazardous occupation in the United States, but little is Known about workplace health and safety issues facing the nursing work force in the Philippines. In this article, work-related problems among a sample of nurses in the Philippines are described. Cross-sectional data were collected through a self-administered survey during the Philippine Nurses Association 2007 convention. Measures included four categories: work-related demographics, occupational injury/illness, reporting behavior, and safety concerns. Approximately 40% of nurses had experienced at least one injury or illness in the past year, and 80% had experienced back pain. Most who had an injury did not report it. The top ranking concerns were stress and overwork. Filipino nurses encounter considerable health and safety concerns that are similar to those encountered by nurses in other countries. Future research should examine the work organization factors that contribute to these concerns and strengthen policies to promote health and safety.
Registered Nurses' Perceptions of Health and Safety Related to Their Intention to Leave
Authors: Palumbo Mary Val , Rambur Betty , McIntosh Barbara , Naud Shelly
Published: March 2019

This study examined perceptions of general and emotional health among a statewide sample of nurses, and their assessment of employers' workplace health and safety initiatives. These variables and demographic data were then used to model predictors of intention to leave their work positions. A survey was mailed to all registered nurses in one state. Fifty-three percent responded ( n = 3,955). Findings suggested marked differences in perception of emotional health by age, with younger nurses reporting less positive perceptions of their emotional health. Perceptions of employers' safety and health initiatives varied by age, setting, and work role. Predictors of intention to leave included lower perceived emotional health among younger nurses and employer safety initiatives for both age groups. This exploratory study suggests a relationship among employer health and safety practices, nurses' emotional health, and intention to leave. Implications for occupational health nurses are detailed.
Salary Negotiations and Occupational Health Nurses
Authors: Litchfield Sheila M.
Published: March 2019

The current recession has changed the financial situation of many occupational health nurses. Some occupational health nurses are delaying retirement because they need to maintain their income or health care benefits, or are postponing returning to school because of uncertainty in the job market. Occupational health nurses who have remained employed while coworkers have lost their jobs may be feeling lucky and may not be considering asking for a salary increase. When is the right time to lobby for a salary increase? What is currently considered an acceptable salary for an occupational health nurse? How does one prepare to ask for a salary increase? This article explores these questions and provides guidance for occupational health nurses as they determine their own appropriate salary.
Unrecognized Health Effects of Chemicals
Authors: Beitler Gloria V.
Published: March 2019

Worker populations continue to be at risk for exposure to chemicals, many of which are toxic, while completing work tasks. Although some of the health effects of chemicals are known, many have not yet been identified or recognized. Chemical products used during industrial work processes require thorough evaluation, testing, and long-term monitoring for potential health hazards, and protections are needed prior to their being used by workers. Current precautions and limitations regarding regulations and published materials must be considered. A collaborative effort is required to protect workers from potential harms resulting from use of chemicals in the workplace.
Health Coaching
Authors: Huffman Melinda H.
Published: March 2019

Health coaching is a fresh approach for occupational health nurses that improves health outcomes and reduces costs by engaging individuals to change unhealthy behaviors. This article explores how health coaching works, how it affects compliance, and why traditional approaches have fallen short.
Nurses' Ratings of Their Health and Professional Work Environments
Authors: Tucker Sharon J. , Harris Marcelline R. , Pipe Teri B. , Stevens Susanna R.
Published: March 2019

Interactions between nursing work environments and nurses' health are of growing significance, given the aging work force, nursing shortage, and workplace health risks. This study examined relationships among nurses' ratings of health behaviors, health status, and professional work environments. Registered nurses ( N = 3,132) from five multi-state settings completed an electronic survey. Participants' general health ratings were good, yet stress levels remained the one consistent predictor of poorer health ratings and work environment ratings in regression models. Additionally, more than half of the participants reported being overweight, only 50% met physical activity standards, more than two thirds reported a history of back or needlestick injuries, and 44% and 62% reported experiencing verbal abuse by colleagues and patients, respectively. Contrary to other studies, professional work environment as measured in this study did not predict nurses' health ratings. Further study of the impact of stress on long-term health outcomes and work force retention, as well as on worksite health strategies, is needed.
Overtime Work—Related to Increased Risk of Incident Coronary Heart Disease?
Authors: Brisbois Maryellen , Chalupka Stephanie
Published: March 2019

The Whitehall II Study finds overtime work is related to increased risk of incident coronary heart disease independent of conventional risk factors.
Long-Term Risk of Repeat Occupational Injury or Illness Incidents among Veterans Health Administration Nursing Employees
Authors: Welch Charles E.
Published: March 2019

This retrospective population-based study assessed the long-term risk of repeat reported occupational injury or illness incidents among Veterans Health Administration (VHA) nursing employees. Using fiscal year (FY) 2002 as the start date for the longitudinal surveillance of incidents, descriptive analyses included all VHA nursing employees ( N = 25,697) who reported an initial (index) incident that occurred between FY 2002 and FY 2005. Adjusted for total administrative loss rates (e.g., attrition, disability, retirements), approximately half of the “surviving” index cases reported repeat incidents during an ensuing 3-year period. This total increased to approximately two thirds during a 6-year period. Compared to their nurse counterparts, practical nurses and nursing assistants had higher cumulative probabilities of multiple reported repeat occupational injury or illness incidents. Study findings suggest that reported levels of repeat occupational injury or illness incidents represent a complex interplay between environmental factors (e.g., location) and nursing staff demographics (e.g., level of education).
The Prevalence of Seatbelt Use among Pediatric Hospital Workers
Authors: Gillespie Gordon Lee , Al-Natour Ahlam , Marcum Michelle , Sheehan Heather
Published: March 2019

Eighteen percent of drivers do not consistently wear their seatbelts when driving. The purpose of this article is to report the problem of noncompliance with seatbelt use among health care workers at a Level I pediatric trauma center in the midwest United States with evidence from a non-experimental, observational study. Results showed that 84% ( n = 3,641) of drivers and 73% ( n = 113) of passengers wore their seatbelts. A significant correlation was found between driver seatbelt use and passenger seatbelt use ( p = .272, p < .001). Drivers from primary seatbelt legislation states wore their seatbelts significantly more often than drivers from the secondary seatbelt legislation state, x(1) = 0.913, p = .012. Non-compliance with seatbelt use among pediatric health care workers is a problem equal to that of the general population. It may be necessary to adopt and enforce mandatory seatbelt use policies at the organizational level to increase seatbelt use in this population of hospital workers.
Hospital Staff Nurses' Work Hours, Meal Periods, and Rest Breaks
Authors: Witkoski Amy , Dickson Victoria Vaughan
Published: March 2019

Registered nurses are the largest group of health care providers in the United States. To provide 24-hour care, hospital staff nurses often work long hours and consecutive shifts, without adequate meal or rest breaks. Serious declines in functioning related to provider fatigue can lead to safety issues for patients and nurses alike. The occupational health nurse can assess the effects of nurses' work hours and break periods on employee health, educate staff on the importance of sleep and deleterious effects of fatigue, and implement programs to improve the work environment. This article examines nurses' work hours, break and meal period laws and regulations, and the role of the occupational health nurse in caring for this group of employees. Overall findings suggest that the expertise of an occupational health nurse in the hospital setting could significantly improve the health and safety of staff nurses.