bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Return to work experiences for veterans with severe mental illness	living in rural group home facilities
Authors: Flinn Sharon , Ventura Donna , Bonder Bette 
Published: December 2024

Objective: Independent living services were provided to fourteen veterans with severe mental illness who live together in a rural group home setting. The return to work efforts for three veterans who identified this as a personal goal are described. Method: Data were collected using The Satisfaction with Life Scale, The Independent Living Continuum, The Minnesota Follow-up Scale, The Recovery Assessment Scale, The Readiness to Change Scale, The Flinn Performance Screening Tool, observation, and informant interviews. Descriptive methods were used to compare and contrast residents who were working vs. those who were not. Results: Two of the three individuals who were working remained employed after eighteen months. The three consumers who ultimately returned to work expressed an initial desire to be employed and were more likely to participate in performance-based activities than other residents of the group home. The skills and barriers to employment were different for each person due to different interests, skills, and motivations. Likewise, their experiences of finding and attempting to maintain employment differed, both because of their personal attributes and because of situational factors. This suggests the need for individualized vocational rehabilitation programs. Conclusion: In spite of the limitations of the study, including a small and homogenous sample, the findings can assist caregivers, mental health professionals, and consumers with severe mental illness in recognizing those individuals who are work-ready and who live in this type of supportive environment.
Comparison of electromyographic (EMG) activity of selected forearm	muscles during low grade resistance therapeutic exercises in individuals	diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Landis Jamie , Keselman Inna , Murphy Catherine N. 
Published: December 2024

Background and purpose: This was a descriptive and exploratory study of electromyographic (EMG) activity of wrist extensor musculature specific to the extensor digitorum (ED), extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and flexor carpi radialis (FCR) in individuals with a medical diagnosis of the common work associated complaint of lateral epicondylitis (LE). The purpose was to evaluate and compare the EMG activity of the selected forearm muscles during three different types of resistive (strengthening) therapeutic exercises (rubber ball, theraputty, and "make-it-disappear" (MID) sponge) in participants with LE. Participants: Five individuals between the ages of 44 and 55 years of age diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis by a physician were recruited on a voluntary basis from a local outpatient clinic. Methods: The participants completed 1 min. of each of the resistive exercises, which were assigned randomly. Muscle activity was collected simultaneously by 3 surface electrodes (4/18/16 DE -2.3 silver surface EMG electrodes, Delsys Inc, Boston, MA) and recorded on an EMG Myomonitor-4 (Delsys Inc, Boston, MA) utilizing EmgCE software (Delsys Inc, Boston, MA). The raw EMG signal was converted to a root mean square (RMS) at each 0.0625 second interval during the full 60 second recording using EMGWorks, (Delsys, Inc, Boston, MA). The data were pooled, and the mean RMS was then determined as an overall measure of activity for each muscle during the 60 recording. Results: A 1-way ANOVA with Tukey's post-test was completed using Prizm Software (Graph Pad Software, Inc, San Diego, CA) for a comparison of the mean RMS values of each muscle during each activity. Statistically significant between group differences were noted for all muscles, among all exercises. Relative activity was noted to be greatest for ED and FCR during MID exercise, and for ECRB during putty exercise. Conclusion: All three exercises represent different patterns of muscle activity, for the muscles observed. The possible differences in the recorded activity may be consequent to the specific positioning and movement requirements involved in the performance of the distinct exercises. Practitioners may find the evidence of this study helpful in designing rehabilitation programs for those affected with lateral epicondylitis.
Time for change: Can empowerment be a solution to meet the perils	of modern day working life?
Authors: Millet Patrick , Sandberg Karl W. 
Published: December 2024

Working life continues to undergo rapid change. This change creates greater demand and sophistication and causes employees to experience more pressure, professionally and personally. Thus, absences from work due to sickness and injuries increase. In Sweden, this problem has become serious. This article argues that psychological empowerment and individual control are two key factors that minimize the many perils faced by the modern worker and those seeking to return to the work force through the vocational rehabilitation process. The findings show that a shift in ideology is needed. Specifically, there must be a shift from scientific management and Weberian bureaucracy towards organizational structures, routines, and cultures that support and increase individual worker psychological empowerment and control.
Health perceptions of local community works: Network women	describe how flows of energy and space of action generate health and ill	health
Authors: Gustafsson-Larsson Susanne , Hammarström Anne 
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a theoretical model on how flows of energy and space of action generate health and ill health in a local community work. Local community work was assessed through a case study of women's networks in a peripheral region of northern Sweden. The aim of the study was to analyse what participation in women's networks can mean for the members health perceptions. A purposeful selection of women's networks was made for the purpose of carrying out a qualitative follow-up study. Grounded theory was used to analyse the data and to generate a theoretical model. The meaning of participation in networks proved to be plural, as both health-deteriorating and health-promotive mechanisms were found. Two core categories "flows of energy" and "a space of action" as well as the four ancillary categories: social relations within the network; increased awareness of gender and power; becoming visible; and material prerequisites for networking were grounded in the data. We suggest that under certain circumstances local community work can be of crucial importance for health promotion.
Do systematic multiprofessional rehabilitation group meetings	improve efficiency in vocational rehabilitation?
Authors: Jakobsson Björn , Bergroth Alf , Schüldt Kristina , Ekholm Jan 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to investigate differences in the effects on employment between clients whose rehabilitation was coordinated in systematic multiprofessional rehabilitation group meetings and clients whose rehabilitation was coordinated in the "conventional" way. Method: The study was based on a sample of 51 individuals who received systematic group meeting coordination. All individuals in the study group were unemployed before the rehabilitation intervention. Two different comparison groups were chosen: one at a local level and another at a national level. The groups were matched on an individual level based on records obtained from The National Labour Market Board (AMS) and The National Social Insurance Board (RFV). The data were analysed by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures for binary responses. Results: 68.6% in the study group and 49% in both the local comparison group and national group had some form of employment 24 months after rehabilitation. The ANOVA analyses (in terms of odds ratio) found that when all measurement points (6, 12 and 24 months after the rehabilitation) were included in the calculations that there was twice as high a chance of becoming employed after having received rehabilitation services through the multiprofessional group than for both comparison groups. The majority of employment in all the groups was associated with some form of subsidy or sheltered employment.
Outcome evaluation of work hardening program for manual workers	with work-related back injury
Authors: Sang Lau Shun , Eria Li Ping Ying 
Published: December 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a 12-week work hardening program designed for back injured workers. Study design: In this study, 32 subjects were recruited. Pre- and post-assessment results were used to measure the program effectiveness. The intensity of the work hardening program was based on the overloading training principle. Subjects were contacted by phone three months after the program completion for their work status. Result: The findings of this study suggested that there was a significant difference in the subjects' physical demand characteristic level before and after the work hardening program. Seventy-five percent of the subjects who completed the work hardening program were able to resume employment. Conclusion: The rate of returning to work for back injured workers in this study was comparable to that of other studies. Thus, this study suggests that the overloading principle should be used in designing a work hardening program to improve clients' physical function.
Use of Functional Capacity Evaluations by rehabilitation providers	in NSW
Authors: Cotton Adele , Schonstein Eva , Adams Roger 
Published: December 2024

Returning the disabled worker to maximum productivity is a shared responsibility between the treating health practitioners and employers, with the insurer as an overseer of the injury management plan. Allied health professionals have responded to the need for standardized tools to assess work capacity by developing Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs). Literature exists outlining the limitations of FCEs in injury management systems; however, little is known about their uses and perceived usefulness. Questionnaires were posted to managers and therapists of accredited rehabilitation providers. The questionnaires consisted of both open and closed format questions. The response rate for the managers' questionnaire was 53%, while the therapists' questionnaire was 27%. The majority of rehabilitation providers use an assessment of their Own Design. Eight commercial FCEs were identified as being used. The majority of therapists use only one type of FCE. Therapists rated FCEs highly on their flexibility with Own Design assessment rated as significantly more flexible than the most frequently used commercial FCEs. From the data collected, it appears that cost is the main factor influencing choice of assessment. Level of evidence supporting capabilities of particular assessments does not appear to influence use. It seems that, despite there being poor research evidence to support the use of many brands of FCEs, they are still commonly used by rehabilitation providers. To achieve optimal use of FCEs, further research is required on the types of adaptations therapists make to commercial assessments and properties of Own Design assessments, including reliability and validity studies.
The healthy worker survivor effect in a study of neck muscle	performance measures in call-centre operators
Authors: Osmotherly Peter , Attia John 
Published: December 2024

Background: The healthy worker survival effect is a complex and poorly controlled bias affecting occupational studies. Little is known about its behaviour in samples of computer based workers. This descriptive study examined the healthy worker effect in relation to muscle performance and neck pain in call-centre operators. Methods: 28 call-centre workers were examined for postural muscle performance. Neck pain was measured using a validated questionnaire. Analysis was by multivariate regression of the cohort, stratified by years of employment. Results: Analysis using the entire sample failed to display any relationship between neck pain and muscle performance. Further examination revealed survival/secondary selection within the sample, with pain and poor muscle performance reduced after 6 years employment. Stratified analysis demonstrated that deep flexor muscle performance and posture were statistically significantly associated with neck pain. Each stratum explained a greater percentage of the variance in questionnaire scores, increasing from 42.3% for the entire sample to 95.1% for the 4 years employed subgroup. Conclusion: The healthy worker survival effect is demonstrable in occupations with lower physical demands. It should be considered in analysis since it may obscure causal associations. There is no single method for controlling this bias and greater understanding of its components is required.
Occupational identity, occupational competence and occupational	settings (environment): Influences on return to work in men living with	HIV/AIDS
Authors: Braveman Brent , Kielhofner Gary , Albrecht Gary , Helfrich Christine 
Published: December 2024

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine and describe the relationship between the efforts of twelve men living with AIDS to reestablish a worker role following completion of a vocational rehabilitation program and changes in their occupational identity, occupational competence and perception of occupational settings (environment). Methods: A series of in-depth interviews were conducted, transcribed and analyzed via categorical content analysis using sections of the text as the unit of analysis. Findings: Findings illustrate how constructs measured by the sub-scales of the OPHI-II may be helpful in understanding how persons frame past, present and anticipated experiences as they attempt to reestablish a life role lost after the onset of disability. The findings are supported by the quantitative item hierarchies of the occupational identity, occupational competence and occupational settings (environment) scales established in earlier quantitative research via Rasch analysis. Conclusion: The constructs of occupational identity, occupational competence and occupational settings (environment) are useful constructs to aid in understanding the experiences and narratives of persons attempting to reenter a major life role.
Work-related health factors for female immigrants in Sweden
Authors: Akhavan Sharareh , Bildt Carina , Wamala Sarah 
Published: December 2024

Work-related health has been a focus of research since the rate of sickness-related absences began to increase in Sweden. The incidence of sickness-related absences and early retirement is higher among female immigrants than among others in the total population. This study is based on a questionnaire survey which was conducted in a municipality in Sweden. The study population consisted of 2 429 native and immigrant female employees. The aim was to study work-related health factors for female immigrants. The results of this study show that about 20% of female immigrants who participate in the survey have temporary employment while the proportion is 8% for native women. The perception of ethnic discrimination among female immigrants was three times as much as among native females. The results also show that 69% of female immigrants report having received no opportunity to discuss their wages with managers, in comparison to 63% of native females. About 40% of female immigrants and 35% of native women report that they do not get opportunities to upgrade their skills. Female immigrants over the age of 50 experience gender and ethnic discrimination and lack of access to skills training programs more often than younger immigrants. They also participate in health-care activities more often.
Who is at risk for long-term sickness absence? A prospective	cohort study of Danish employees
Authors: Lund Thomas , Labriola Merete , Villadsen Ebbe 
Published: December 2024

Aim: The aim of this study was to identify who is at risk for long-term sickness absence according to occupation, gender, education, age, business sector, agency size and ownership. Methods: The study is based on a sample of 5357 employees aged 18–69, interviewed in 2000. The cohort was followed up in a national register from January 1{st} 2001 to June 30{th} 2003, to identify cases with sickness absences that exceeded 8 weeks. Results: During follow-up 486 persons (9.1%) experienced one or more periods of absence that exceeded 8 weeks. Higher risk of long-term sickness absence was associated with gender, age, educational level, and the municipal employment sector. Kindergarten teachers and people employed in day care, health care, janitorial work, food preparation, and unskilled workers were at greatest risk. Managers, computer professionals, technicians and designers, and professionals had lower risks. The health care and social service sectors were also in the high risk category, whereas the private administration sector had a lower risk. Conclusions: The study identifies specific occupational target populations and documents the need to perform job-specific research and tailor interventions if the intended policy of decreasing long-term sickness absence within the Danish labour market is to be realized.
The views of sick-listed employees' immediate superiors on	co-operation in vocational rehabilitation
Authors: Kärrholm Jenny , Jakobsson Björn , Håård Ulrika Schüldt , Ekholm Jan , Bergroth Alf , Ekholm Kristina Schüldt 
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to investigate the views of sick-listed employees' immediate superiors on co-operation in vocational rehabilitation before and during a systematic, multi-professional, client-centred, solution-oriented co-operation project in vocational rehabilitation (SMVR intervention). Method: A same-subject study with a questionnaire was used, with 95 immediate superiors giving their views on co-operation both before and during the SMVR intervention. Results and conclusions: The immediate superiors felt that the SMVR intervention was successful in promoting co-operation, and reported a significant decrease in referrals of employees from one organisation to another without the problem being resolved. Hence SMVR co-operation was experienced positively by the immediate superiors and in fact led to a joint responsibility in finding solutions. The immediate superiors saw greater possibilities than before for employees to resume regular or other jobs during the SMVR intervention. A more elaborate co-operation model such as the SMVR intervention increased the immediate superiors' experience of successful vocational rehabilitation. Organizations seeking to increase efficiency in vocational rehabilitation might well analyse their work methods and improve their forms of co-operation.
The effect of demographic and social factors on return to work of	injured workers with musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Xu Yanwen , Ouyang Yatao , Luo Xiaoyuan , Lu Xunwen , Yang Xiaoshan 
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This paper aims to explore the effects of demographic and social factors for those suffering from work-related injuries with musculoskeletal disorders and their employment status after discharge within three months. Method: The employment status and compensation-related information was caught by adopting telephone follow up with the designated data collection questionnaire; other demographic characteristic and social factors were obtained by reviewing injured workers' original admission records. Results: In total sixty-eight injured workers were involved with a 67.6% return to work rate. Time of hospitalization (t=2.34, p=0.02) and area of registered residence (x $^{2}$ =8.37, p=0.02) significant differences were found between the return to work group and non-return to work group. The only predictor found by using Logistic Regression analysis was the length of hospitalization (OR=0.978, 95%CI: 0.959–0.998). Conclusions: The shorter the length of hospitalization during the rehabilitation process, the greater the rate of return to work for those workers suffering from work-related injuries with musculoskeletal disorders.
Organisational change, job strain and increased risk of stroke? A	pilot study
Authors: Medin Jennie , Ekberg Kerstin , Nordlund Anders , Eklund Jörgen 
Published: December 2024

Aims: The objective of this pilot study was to explore whether organisational change and work-related stress, as measured by the Job Content Questionnaire, were associated with first-ever stroke among working people aged 30–65. Methods: In a case-control study a total of 65 consecutive cases, aged 30–65 years of age, with first-ever stroke were recruited from four hospitals in Sweden during 2000–2002. During the same period, 103 random population controls in the same age interval were recruited. Data on job-related stress and traditional medical risk factors were collected by a questionnaire. Results: In the multivariate analyses, organisational change (OR 3.38) increased the likelihood of stroke, while experiencing an active job (OR 0.37) decreased the likelihood of stroke. Regarding risk factors outside work, age (OR 1.11), low physical activity (OR 5.21), low education (OR 2.48) and family history of stroke (OR 2.59) were associated with increased likelihood of stroke. Conclusion: This study suggests an association between organisational change, work-related stress and stroke. The likelihood of stroke was lower for people in active job situations.
Outcome of work rehabilitation for people with various	disabilities and stability at a one-year follow-up
Authors: Wallstedt-Paulsson Eva , Eklund Mona 
Published: December 2024

The main purpose of this study was to investigate whether the outcome obtained at the end of a work rehabilitation programme for people with various disabilities were stable in a one-year perspective. An additional aim was to explore which factors influenced the outcome upon completion of work rehabilitation and at the one-year follow-up. The study used information from a database and comprised 291 clients who had completed rehabilitation at least one year ago. Variables such as sociodemographic data, parameters describing the work rehabilitation period and work capacity upon completion of the programme and at the one-year follow-up were recorded. At the one-year follow-up, the clients also performed self-ratings that comprised three questions: perception of the ability to influence their own situation, the social support available from friends and family, and the need for support from society. The younger clients were more likely to be working after the rehabilitation, but this was not the case at the follow-up. Gender, ethnic origin was not related to outcome directly after rehabilitation, but at the follow-up fewer women than expected were working and more clients than expected of a Scandinavian origin were working. Women rated their need of social support higher than men, and clients from outside Scandinavia perceived a lower ability to influence their own situation. Gender, duration of sick leave, time spent in rehabilitation, and ethnic origin were variables that were of no importance for the outcome of rehabilitation but were of significance for the outcome at the one-year follow-up. These results demonstrate the necessity of not only studying the outcome directly after rehabilitation, but also the stability of results at in a follow-up perspective, since the individual's situation changes over time.