bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
O-389 TECHNOSTRESS, PRIVACY, AND MAKING CONNECTIONS: WOMEN, WORK AND HEALTH CONDITIONS FOR ONLINE TEACHERS
Authors: MacEachen Ellen , Hopwood Pam , Sultana Ishrat , Whitson Jennifer , Aurini Janice , Premji Stephanie , Khan Tauhid , Brown Sarah , Ireland Tim , Zientarska-Kayko Agnes 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Although work and employment researchers have increasingly turned to the growing phenomenon of working and communicating digitally rather than face-to-face, we lack insight into the impact of this employment shift on specific professions. Our study examines the work organization and health impacts for elementary and high school teachers, who are mostly women and increasingly teaching online and from home.

Methods
This presentation describes an international scoping review of international English-language and Bengali literature published 2013 to 2023 on the health effects on teachers of online teaching, which is the first step of our larger Canada-Bangladesh study. Our systematic search of 4 databases includes empirical, peer-reviewed studies.

Results
Burnout was a key issue for teachers working online. Studies showed that work stress was associated with achieving an adequate social connection with students and with feelings of inadequate teaching due to the online medium. Further challenges for teachers working online include technostress (limited skills, connectivity hassle), privacy (home noise and background activity), digital surveillance (from both employers and parents), and ergonomics (workstation setup). Women teachers working from home also face competing expectations about housework and childcare.

Discussion
In the context of digital teaching, schoolteachers are a gendered profession facing new challenges related to home-work balance, privacy, and surveillance. These conditions require new approaches to training and occupational health and safety conditions.

Conclusion
Our recently funded study investigates the work and health of teachers in Canada and Bangladesh. Our scoping review results describe distinct health challenges of digital teaching related to social connection, technology, privacy and ergonomics.
P-583 STUDY OF THE WORKING CONDITIONS OF FISHMONGERS IN CONAKRY, GUINEA IN 2022
Authors: N’guessan Linda , Aka Irel , Kra Anny , CHerif Hawa , Ouattara Madina , Kouame Bhellys , Guiegui Chimene 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Artisanal fish smoking exposes workers to occupational accidents, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and carbon monoxide (CO) inhalation. The aim of this study was to describe the working conditions of women fish smokers in Conakry, Guinea.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from April 1 to June 30, 2022. Women from the Téminetaye and Bonfi sites who had been smoking fish for at least 3 months and who had agreed to participate voluntarily in the study were included. Measurements of CO in ambient air were carried out using portable CO detectors of the Testo 317-3 type.

Results
The average age of respondents was 47.12 ± 15.98 years, with extremes of 18 and 82 years. More than half of fish smokers (58.2%) did not attend school. They worked more than 8 hours a day and 7 days a week (79.6%). Wood (99.5%) was the main fuel used for smoking. Ovens were made of bricks, cut drums and sheet metal topped with metal grates. Fish smoking took place in the open air, close to dwellings. None of the smokers wore respirators. There was no organized medical follow-up for these women. Wounds (99%) and burns (17%) were the main injuries caused by occupational accidents. Low back pain (89%), sciatica (67.6%) and neck pain (57.7%) were described by the workers.

Discussion – Conclusion
These results highlight the precarious working conditions and health risks faced by women engaged in artisanal fish smoking in Conakry. Greater attention needs to be paid to occupational safety and health protection for these workers.
O-395 A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY DESCRIBING THE OUTCOMES OF A RTW REHABILITATION PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Scott Lindsay Kaiser 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
In South Africa (SA), an amendment to the Compensation of Occupational Injury and Disease Act (COIDA) was signed into law in 2023 to shift the focus from compensation to rehabilitation, re-integration and return to work (RTW). This study contributed to the dearth of rehabilitation and RTW research in SA, by investigating and reporting on the work disability outcomes of a comprehensive and coordinated RTW program for patients with musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods
A quantitative observational prospective study was conducted to describe and compare the pre- and post-intervention pain, functional and work-related outcomes of a stratification-based rehabilitation programme for patients with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in South Africa. Non-probability, consecutive sampling, was used to allow all participants that were referred to the centers, to be given the opportunity to participate in the study

Results
The 455 participants were stratified at initial assessment into high (n=140); medium (n=273) and low risk of disability (n=6). The majority of participants risk stratification reduced and were stratified as low risk (n=419) at discharge. There was a statistically significant reduction in pain, improvement in functional outcomes and work statuses.

Discussion
The findings of this study indicate that this tested RTW programme resulted in statistically significant and positive change of the health and work outcomes.

Conclusion
The tested RTW rehabilitation programme has important implications for supporting the COIDA amendments. A well-coordinated care with involvement of both physiotherapists and occupational therapists and with strategic stakeholder engagement can reduce the burden of work disability for employees with work-related musculoskeletal disorders in SA.
O-398 ASSESSING THE PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT OF STAMMERING (STUTTERING) ON WORK
Authors: Parsons Vaughan , Ntani Georgia , Bricker-Katz Geraldine , Muiry Rupert , Madan Ira 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Stammering (stuttering) is a speech disorder with high heterogeneity, characterised by involuntary disrupted speech (dysfluency). We assessed the impact of stammering on work, occupational health (OH) usual care, and assessed the demand for a workplace support intervention.

Methods
Mixed methods.

Results
470 healthcare workers who stammer took part. Majority of respondents rated their stammer as mild-to-moderate, with 86% perceiving job performance to be adversely impacted. Situational and anticipatory anxiety at work was commonplace, and over two thirds of participants expressed concern that stammering made them appear unprofessional or incompetent, with over half engaging in avoidant behaviors. Career inspirations were adversely influenced. Very few sought OH advice. Thirty-two OH professionals completed the usual care survey. The most common referral reasons were increased anxiety and stress at work. Wide variation in OH advice and support offered was identified, with 44% of OH providers considering their OH clinical staff possess insufficient clinical knowledge of speech disorders and their impact on work.

Discussion
We identified practical challenges workers who stammer experience at work and provided new knowledge of the role of OH in the management of workers who experience work difficulties due to stammering. There is a need to improve OH clinicians’ clinical knowledge of speech disorders and their impact on work.

Conclusion
This research further emphasizes the need for more OH research into hidden conditions and disability, and their impact on the experience of work and work functioning. Findings informed a new workplace intervention to improve the workplace experience of NHS staff who stammer.
P-603 RETURN TO WORK PRACTICES IN ONTARIO POLICE SERVICES
Authors: Van Eerd Dwayne , Le Pouésard Morgane , Irvin Emma , Yanar Basak , Jetha Arif , Tompa Emile , Gignac Monique , Morose Tanya 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Occupational injuries are common for police service members. The challenging physical demands of police work along with operational stress, are barriers to return to work (RTW) for police service members. Our objective was to examine RTW practices in Ontario, Canada police services.

Methods
In-depth interviews with members of Ontario police services (sworn and civilian) who have experience with work absence and RTW were conducted. A thematic analysis was used for the qualitative interview data. A stakeholder committee, including chiefs of police, police association members and occupational health and safety representatives, assisted with recruitment, interview terminology, and creation of messages from the results.

Results
Five themes emerged describing key aspects of the RTW process: Accommodation, Communication, Trust-building, as well as Context and Culture. The themes of context and culture revealed RTW challenges related to psychological injuries, stoicism, and hierarchical organizations. The RTW process themes captured aspects of accommodation (e.g. meaningful work), communication (e.g. timeliness and clarity), and trust-building issues (e.g. confidentiality and malingering). Details and illustrative quotes provide practical information about how programs can be implemented to improve the RTW process in policing.

Conclusions/Implications
The interview data yielded rich descriptions of the RTW processes in Ontario police services. Suggested policy and practice improvements include: accommodation flexibility; increased clarity of RTW process and expectations; genuine and timely communication; protection of confidentiality; and eliminating the use of stigmatizing language. Future RTW research in policing should focus on determining optimal communication approaches and better understanding the link between trust and RTW in policing.
P-608 MAKING MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING MORE ACCESSIBLE IN WORK REHABILITATION
Authors: Coutu Marie-France , Durand Marie-Jose , Green Rachel , Labreceque Marie-Elise , Pettigrew Sara 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a person-centered communication approach. To promote its implementation, a feasible and plausible adaptation for work rehabilitation is needed.

Objective
To adapt a MI intervention for work rehabilitation.

Method
A consensus approach was used with 9 clinician experts (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists), including one MI expert psychologist. The expert clinicians had more than 2 years of experience in work rehabilitation for musculoskeletal disorders and more than 6 hours of MI training. Based on our review of the MI literature, a draft MI intervention outlined in a logic model was created and submitted to the experts, along with a questionnaire to assess agreement on the feasibility and plausibility of the logic model. Where there was disagreement, improvements were suggested. Subsequently, group meetings with the experts helped to reach consensus on the final version of the model.

Results
In total, 17 statements (51.5%) in the questionnaire reached consensus (agreement score ≥85%). The 16 statements that did not reach consensus (48.5%) generated 96 proposals (1 to 6 per statement) that were discussed in three 2-hour sessions. The experts agreed on the resources/tools required to carry out the 18 activities to achieve the five outcomes necessary to support workers’ self-determination in their work rehabilitation. Training recommendations were made to support implementation.

Conclusions
An operationalized MI intervention for work rehabilitation is now available for integration into existing programs. The next step will be to evaluate the usability of MI training in work rehabilitation.
O-402 ERGONOMIC SAFETY AND REHABILITATION: KEYS FOR THE ELIMINATION OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISABILITIES IN AFRICA
Authors: Phiri Cellina 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Musculoskeletal conditions can either be sudden and short lived or lifelong conditions associated with ongoing functioning limitations and disability. Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDS) caused by sedentary, labor intensive or repetitive work schedules are experienced across the entire workforce globally, from office to industrial workers, to the informal sector. Available research data on interventions and management of WRMDS in Africa indicates fewer findings. This prompted the need for this research.

Methods
The research was based on literature review of evidence based clinical guidelines on WRMDS, Community level interventions on WRMDS, the WHO Rehabilitation needs Estimator, and Occupational Health and Safety Journals and Texts.

Results
Safety and Health interventions targeting the elimination of WRMDS include: •Job Mechanization, • Job design, • Job rotation, • Job enlargement and enrichment, and most recently Rehabilitation. “

Discussion
Well managed victims of WRMDS can adapt to their situation and remain as independent and active as possible however, most health care systems are not equipped to respond to their existing needs due to the ever-increasing disease burden and rising populations. In most low and middle income countries the need for rehabilitation is not prioritized. Institutions and governments must strategically position themselves to take full advantage of available initiatives in order to eliminate WRMDS.

Conclusion
A number of effective interventions are being implemented within the workplace and across the health sector globally as a way of addressing musculoskeletal disorders. Good interventions focus on improving the functioning of the workforce and reducing the experience of disability.
O-405 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT ON BACK PAIN AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG INDUSTRIAL ELECTRONIC WORKERS
Authors: Chaiklieng Sunisa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Persistent back pain is common among industrial workers whose work involves materials handling and repetitive work. Some electronic workers perform sedentary and eye focusing work which might increase health risk. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the occupational health risk and identify the risk factors correlated with back pain among electronic workers.

Methods
Data were collected on 354 workers with musculoskeletal disorders through a severity and frequency questionnaire (MSFQ), upper limb assessment of ergonomic risk and the measurement of lighting intensity at workstations. The occupational health risk matrix of back pain was applied by considering levels of back discomfort and ergonomic risk. Risk factors were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results
Most workers were female and had less than 5 years’ work experience. The lighting intensity at most inspected workstations with a microscope was lower than the standard requirement (76.52%). Ergonomic risk was high to very high for 57.63% of workers, with implementation needed. The occupational health risk matrix indicated that most workers had a moderate to very high risk of back pain (62.44%).

Discussion
Workers who performed eye focusing tasks in poor lighting intensity had high health risks. The significant risk factors of occupational back pain were the ergonomic conditions of workers performing manual lifting and shift work, and inappropriate workstation area.

Conclusion
These results suggest the ergonomic risk factors found to be associated with back pain should be improved and the occupational health risk matrix is useful for the surveillance of back pain and implementing preventive measures in industrial electronic workers.
O-406 LONGITUDINAL STUDY OF KNEE PAIN AMONGST WORKERS IN THE CULTURAL AND PSYCHOSOCIAL INFLUENCES ON DISABILITY (CUPID) STUDY
Authors: Ntani Georgia , D’Angelo Stefani , Walker-Bone Karen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Knee pain (KP) is common often leading to disability and early workforce exit. In a large group of workers, we examined the prevalence of KP longitudinally, its relationship with pain elsewhere, and personal and occupational effects on pain at follow-up.

Methods
Data from the CUPID study, comprising office workers, nurses and manual workers (ages 20-59) from 18 countries, collected baseline information on KP, other pain sites, occupational characteristics, and general health. Follow-up information about KP was obtained a year later. Descriptive statistics were used to describe KP prevalence, characteristics and persistence. Logistic regression examined baseline factors in relation to follow-up KP, and disabling KP.

Results
Among 9161 workers, 28% reported KP in the past year and 21% KP in the past month. 79% of workers with KP reported disability. The prevalence increased with age and was higher among women. Only 8% of workers with KP had single-site pain. Prevalence rates varied widely even amongst workers doing broadly similar work. Psychosocial and physically-demanding work factors predicted KP at follow-up, as did poorer mental health and somatisation. Yet, the highest effect size was that of number of painful sites at baseline (IRR:2.06, 95%CI:1.78-2.39).

Discussion
In our cohort, KP was prevalent, even at younger ages and frequently persistent and disabling. Pain at other sites had the strongest predictive effect, surpassing other known impacts of KP.

Conclusion
The results emphasize a biopsychosocial approach for KP management, similar to that suggested for low back and non-specific arm pain. Solely focusing on knee structural damage may not be universally effective.
O-410 MANAGEMENT OF WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS IN REMOTE IT PROFESSIONALS
Authors: Sharan Deepak 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic, most Information Technology (IT) professionals have been working remotely or in hybrid mode, often with suboptimal workstations.

Methods
7200 computer professionals (out of a total employee count of 20000) from a single multinational IT company were studied for 40 months. 58% were aged between 20-30 years, and 76% were male. The job designations included software engineers (56%), managers (30%) and technical support executives (10%).

Results
The most common body regions affected were the neck (74%), upper back (66%), lower back (62%), shoulders (36%), wrists and hands (18%), knees (18%), ankles and feet (12%). 20% reported widespread pain. The onset of symptoms was after starting remote work in 84%. 33% had another medical co-morbidity, and 12% had post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. The intervention included occupational teleconsultation, telerehabilitation, virtual ergonomic workplace analysis (EWA) using a customized app incorporating the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Rapid Office Strain Assessment, monthly ergonomics and occupational health webinars, and follow-up. The rehabilitation included lifestyle modifications, exercises, self-management, psychological/behavioural and graded physical reactivation approaches, and furniture and ergonomics equipment recommendations based on the results of the EWA.

Discussion and conclusion
Positive correlations were found between symptoms, extended working hours, higher BMI, elevated desk height, limited leg room, improper wrist placement, low screen positioning, and non-adjustable chairs without proper back support. 94% of workers reported complete or near-complete resolution of symptoms, and 6% reported a partial recovery. 95% reported a significant improvement in work productivity and quality of life. No worker had to stop working due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
P-609 RISK FACTORS OF MULTISITE MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS IN A SHOE AND LEATHER FACTORY
Authors: RMADI Nehla , Sellami Imen , Hammami Kaouthar Jmal , Masmoudi Mohamed Larbi , Hajjaji Mounira 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Work in the leather and footwear sector exposes workers to multiple biomechanical constraints known to be risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms (MS). These latter affect generally more than one body region leading to talk about multisite MS (MMS).

Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional and exhaustive study among 337 workers in a shoe and leather factory over a period of one year. Data collection was performed through Computer Assisted Mobile Interview (CAMI) technology. We used a structured questionnaire which consisted of demographic questions, the Modified Nordic for MS assessment, Quick Exposure Check (QEC) method for ergonomic assessment and Job Content Questionnaire for the assessment of psychosocial environment at work. Variables associated with the number of symptomatic sites were derived from multiple linear regression using R software.

Results
Of all the participants (337), 310 employees had MMS and were thus covered by the present study. Respondents’ mean age was 34.02 years (SD = 10.25). QEC assessment showed that MS risk level exposure was high among 77.2% of the study population. In multivariate analysis, MMS were associated with professional seniority, body mass index, sewing machine operators, high psychological demand, exposure to heat, perceived stress and intensive cadence at the workplace.

Discussion
MMS are recurrent in the leather and footwear sector. Different risk factors were incriminated in their occurrence and included individual and professional factors. The latter have been found to be strongly associated with these disorders.

Conclusion
MMS are multifactorial pathologies requiring the implementation of an effective preventive strategy along with ergonomic awareness and health promotion.
P-616 MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS OF THE UPPER LIMB RECOGNIZED BY REGIONAL RECOGNITION COMMITTEE OF TUNIS, IN TUNISIA
Authors: Dallagi Amani , Maiz Nesrine Ben , Ismail Saloua , Baraketi Emna , Khouja Nihel , Hamdouni Mongi , Hsinet Jihen , Benzarti Aida 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Musculoskeletal disorders of the upper limb (MSD-UL) are a major occupational health problem. The aim of this study was to describe the socioprofessional, clinical and para-clinical characteristics of recognized MSD-UL and to identify the occupational risk factors.

Methods
This is a cross-sectionaland retrospective study based on all MSD-UL reporting records and recognized as occupational disease by the National Health Insurance Fund of Tunis during 2005 to 2015.

Results
we were collected 440 records of MSD-UL recognized as occupational disease.The mean frequency over the 11 years was 40 cases/year. The average age was 43.13 witha sex ratio of 0.12. The supplying sectors of MSD-UL were textile industry (39.8%) and the electronics industry (16.4%). The study of the workplace revealed the presence of repetitive movements (95.45%) and static movements (87.27%). Psychosocial risk factors were the high job accuracy (70.9%) and the high concentration at the workplace (69.3%). The were71.82% hand and wrist musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) especially the carpal tunnel syndrome (CST). The shoulder tendinopathy was associated to sex (p=0.005) and to professional seniority (p=0.002). Absenteeism was noted among 62.7% of our patients.

Discussion
MSD-ULoccupy the first rank of occupational diseases (OD) declared and recognized by the National Health Insurance Fund in Tunisia.Due of their socio-economic impact, MSD remains a major concern of the occupational physician.

Conclusion
It is essential to target the sectors most affected and put in place an ergonomic and organizational prevention strategy in order to reduce this scourge.