bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SS51-03 FROM RESEARCH TO PUBLIC POLICY: HOW THE HEAT-SHIELD PROJECT HAS INFLUENCED POLICY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
Authors: Flouris Andreas , Ioannou Leonidas G , Nybo Lars 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Heat-Shield was funded by the European Commission to mitigate the health and productivity effects of occupational heat stress on European workers.

Materials and Methods
The project involved 20 partners from 11 European countries working together during 2016-2022. Most of these partners still work together to address occupational heat stress in Europe and beyond.

Results
Heat-Shield research resulted in &gt;75 publications in high-impact journals (Lancet, BMJ, Nature Communications, etc.) that have been cited &gt;2500 times to date. We showed that &gt;100,000 full-time jobs in Europe will be lost by 2030 due to heat-induced health problems and productivity losses. We also showed that the annual cost of occupational heat stress for the EU surpasses €160 billion. Also, we developed and evaluated a series of biophysical solutions and mitigation strategies to address the problem, and we included these in a pan-European heat-health warning system. To disseminate our findings, we co-organized/supported many actions with widespread impact by policy makers and large workers’ unions. Currently, our results serve as the basis for discussions worldwide addressing climate change and occupational health and safety. Our outputs have been adopted by Labour Ministries in their guidance documents and Directives, and have been included in guidance material from international organizations, including the WHO, WHO-Europe, ILO, WMO, and UNFCCC.

Conclusions
As of September 2023, few EU countries have adopted dedicated policies to protect workers from heat stress. However, there is increasing momentum to adopt relevant EU-wide policies and Heat-Shield has played a key role in this.
SS63-01 THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGH, UPDATED AND HARMONIZED STANDARD OF SPECIALISTS MEDICAL PRACTICE IN EUROPE: THE EUROPEAN UNION OF MEDICAL SPECIALTIES (UEMS)
Authors: Papalois Vassilios , Grenho João 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
The UEMS represents medical specialists in Europe since 1958. We gather specialist doctors who share values of unity, equality, and comradeship and who work together volunteering to promote the highest quality of specialist medical practice.
Precisely, the UEMS has been supporting practitioners in occupational medicine for more than 25 years by developing and nurturing excellence in this specialty through a dedicated Specialist Section. The UEMS Section of Occupational Medicine participates in all UEMS flagship projects to foster the highest level of competence of practitioners in the field. Indeed, through the development of European Training Standards – standards in medical training that reflect modern medical practice and current scientific findings - we participate in the harmonisation of top-level postgraduate training of occupational physicians in Europe and beyond. With the same goal in mind, we organise every year a European examination which is recognised by professionals as a challenging opportunity to test and validate their expertise and experience.
Last but not least, the UEMS-European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education contributes in proficiency of postgraduate education of occupational physicians through accreditation with upper level criteria of educational events in the specialty.
Overall, improving healthcare for all also means people in their working environment and that's why, at the UEMS, we are, and we will continue, promoting the best possible practice of occupational medicine in Europe and beyond.
O-031 FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SICK LEAVE IN WORKERS WITH LONG COVID
Authors: Gouraud Clément , Pitron Victor , Ouazana-Vedrines Charles , Thoreux Patricia , Léger Damien , Lemogne Cédric , Ranque Brigitte 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
This study aimed to analyze factors associated with sick leave in workers affected with persistent symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods
Workers attended a multidisciplinary day-hospital program with a comprehensive assessment for persistent symptoms after COVID-19 that included medical evaluation and standardized questionnaires exploring fatigue (Pichot scale), physical activity (Ricci & Gagnon scale), health-related quality of life (Short-Form Health Survey SF-36), and associated psychological burden (Somatic-Symptom Disorder B criteria Scale). Regression models explored factors associated with sick leave (logistic regression) and sick leave duration (linear regression).

Results
Among 216 workers (median age: 45 years; 69.0 % women), 150 (69.4%) had had a sick leave because of COVID-19. Mean sick leave duration was 5 months (Inter-quartile range (IQR) 2-9). At the time of assessment, most frequent symptoms were fatigue (87.3%), breathlessness (62.0%), cognitive dysfunction (60.1%) and joint/muscular pain (58.8%), with a median duration of 418 days (IQR: 210-618). Factors associated with sick leave were a diagnosis of depressive disorder (OR=2.18; IC95% 1.03-4.60) and lower SF-36 physical component score (OR=0.97; IC95% 0.94-0.99). Factors associated with increased sick leave duration were breathlessness (beta=2.78; IC95% 0.56-5.00), lower SF-36 physical component score (beta=-0.17; IC95% -0.30; -0.05) and older age (beta=0.12; IC95% 0.01-0.23).

Discussion
Physical and psychological factors participate in impairing the return-to-work of workers with long COVID.

Conclusion
Integrative biopsychosocial care is needed for workers with long COVID.
P-060 IMPROVING THE OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE PHYSICIAN TRAINING PIPELINE
Authors: Blumberg Max , Harrison Robert 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
There is a shortage of board-certified occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) physicians in the United States (US), and worldwide. In the US there is a recent decline in applicants to OEM training programs. This study aims to understand the training pipeline and develop recommendations to increase recruitment of qualified candidates to become excellent OEM physicians. This study has the support of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine President’s Taskforce.

Methods
Electronic surveys are distributed to the ~100 current US OEM residents and ~250 alumni who have graduated from OEM training programs in the last five years. The survey covers path to OEM, experience applying to programs, planned/current type of job, and views on various ways to expand the pipeline. The survey is anonymous and distributed via email to OEM training program directors, who distribute it to their current residents & alumni. Data collection and analysis use Qualtrics and STATA respectively.

Results
Data collection is still ongoing but will complete by the end of summer 2023. Analysis will be complete before ICOH in Morocco.

Discussion
There are extremely limited studies of current OEM residents in the US, with only one prior study surveying a single training program’s residents and alumni (University of Pennsylvania). This is the most comprehensive survey of current trainees and recent alumni to date.

Conclusion
This study will help better understand the pipeline and develop recommendations for expanding recruitment to increase the number of qualified candidates entering the field of OEM.
P-097 OSH RESEARCH NETWORKS IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: A STUDY TO ASSESS THEIR EFFECTIVENESS AND CONSISTENCY WITH THE CHANGING WORLD OF WORK
Authors: Russo Simone , Fortuna Grazia , Mirabile Marco , Vasselli Donatella , Valenti Antonio , Boccuni Valeria , Cannone Erika , Gagliardi Diana 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
The evolution of knowledge and the development of innovative technological solutions for managing traditional and emerging risks and protecting workers’ health has been promoted also through the efforts of European institutions in leveraging opportunities provided by European-level partnerships and by research framework programs funded by the European Commission and other European Agencies. However, the impact of network-based collaboration on European OSH research has never been specifically evaluated. This study aims to offer insights into the relevance of networking system’s contribution, as well as the barriers and opportunities to maximize its value in terms of accessing and developing knowledge and transferring research results.

Methods
to define models able to strengthen OSH research, we used the network analysis technique and systematically examined the collaborative network compositions, dynamics, as well as the capacity to address research question through knowledge acquisition, development and transfer. We searched the CORDIS database for the years 2000-2020 using keyword-based search strings.

Results
206 OSH research projects conducted by European research networks were mapped. The qualitative, quantitative and descriptive analyses of these projects highlighted characteristic trends for research topics and risk factors, funding amounts and network compositions over time. Discussion and

Discussion and conclusion
This study aims to enable the evaluation and enhancement of the impact of European research networks for the improvement of workers’ health and safety; it also allows comparing the results of research, development, and innovation activities against the social and technological changes in the world of work.
O-073 DIFFERENCES IN PSYCHOSOCIAL RISK EXPOSURE ACROSS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD CLASSIFICATION OF OCCUPATIONS GROUPS
Authors: Pauli Roman , Lang Jessica 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Psychosocial stressors at work are differentially associated with strain outcomes, depending on occupational sector, level of education, hierarchical level, and occupational status. The aim of this study is to derive risk profiles for employees’ exposure to psychosocial job stressors in different occupations across International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO)-groups. Knowledge of these exposure profiles is an important prerequisite for deriving occupational safety and health measures tailored to the specific requirements of different occupational groups.

Methods
We assessed psychosocial job stressors across eight job characteristics using data of n = 10162 employees from 48 companies in Germany. We used linear mixed effects modeling to determine the amount of variance in employees’ exposure to job stressors attributable to occupation and visualize psychosocial risk profiles across ISCO groups. For a subsample, we also model stressor-strain relationships across ISCO major groups.

Results
Interclass correlation coefficients (ICC1) indicate up to 31% of the variance in exposure to job stressors is attributable to clustering. ISCO major groups yield different patterns of exposure to job stressors and varying slopes for the association of job stress and employee wellbeing.

Discussion and conclusion
Our results add to prior research findings on varying stressor-strain association across occupations by shedding light on how different occupations are exposed to different psychosocial risks. These findings provide practical information for professionals in charge of deriving occupational health and safety measures tailored to the specific exposure profiles of occupational groups.
P-125 TELOMERE SHORTENING AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO BENZENE: A MULTICENTER STUDY
Authors: Carugno Michele , Ferrari Luca , Hoxha Mirjam , Boniardi Luca , Merlo Domenico Franco , Panev Teodor , Georgieva Tzveta , Campo Laura , Pesatori Angela Cecilia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
A recent study (doi:10.1016/j.envint.2021.106871) examined markers of biological aging among subjects occupationally exposed to benzene and found increased age acceleration and reduced telomere length (TL), especially in workers exposed to levels &gt;10 ppm. We verified the same hypothesis on a larger study population characterized by a broader range of (lower) exposure levels.

Methods
We measured TL by real-time PCR in blood DNA from 373 individuals from occupational groups with heterogeneous benzene exposure and 102 referents from two Italian (Genoa, Milan) and one Bulgarian (Burgas) cities. Airborne benzene was measured using personal passive samplers. We used multivariate linear regression models to assess the association between benzene and TL and obtain adjusted TL geometric means (GM) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI).

Results
Study participants were mostly males (86%) with a mean age of 38.8 years. Benzene levels were 0.0009-0.02ppm in Genoa, 0.0006-0.15ppm in Milan, 0.01-20.8ppm in Burgas, where 48 subjects had levels &gt;0.5ppm, and only four &gt;10ppm. Adjusted TL GM was 0.84 (95%CI: 0.80; 0.88) in subjects with benzene levels ≤0.005ppm, 0.83 (0.79; 0.86) in exposure category 0.005-0.01ppm, 0.80 (0.76; 0.84) in exposure category 0.01-0.05ppm, and 0.76 (0.72; 0.80) in those with levels &gt;0.05ppm (p-trend=0.007). For a tenfold increase in benzene concentration, we estimated a decrease in TL (percent change) of -4.3 (-6.9; -1.6, p=0.002).

Discussion
Our results, although preliminary, are coherent with the available body of evidence and suggest that benzene might accelerate biological aging even at low exposure levels.

Conclusion
We will implement our analysis estimating biological age also through epigenetic clocks.
P-136 THE VALUE OF TEACHING EPIDEMIOLOGY IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Authors: Tahri Loubna , Wifaq Kamal , Soltani Sara , El Kholti Abdeljalil 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
during the covid19 health crisis, we witnessed a growing public interest in epidemiological studies, as the general population was able to follow the trend and distribution of the disease worldwide. As a result, occupational physicians were widely called upon to conduct studies, collect data, analyze and transmit statistical data.

Methods
The aim of this study was to demonstrate the value of teaching epidemiology to occupational health physicians, so that they can master research methods, conduct company-wide epidemiological studies and disseminate data to enrich the database of occupational health and safety statistics.

Results and discussion
In Morocco, teaching of the epidemiology and statistics module applied to occupational health is an integral part of the training of occupational physicians, but the quantity of scientific production in the field of occupational health remains low. We recommend an introduction to research by proposing end-of-study dissertations based on field studies, as well as the establishment of cohorts of exposed workers in order to monitor the epidemiological profile, and the setting up of occupational cancer registers and employment-exposure matrices are excellent tools to be developed by occupational physicians.

Conclusion
epidemiology applied to occupational health is an excellent way of highlighting the causal link between exposure and the onset of occupational pathologies.
P-178 JOB DEMANDS, JOB RESOURCES, MEANINGFUL WORK AND WORK ENGAGEMENT OF NURSES
Authors: Patience Mercia , De Braine Roslyn , Dhanpat Nelesh 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Nursing is one of the most trusted professions in society and it is often referred to as the backbone of any healthcare system. However, nursing is also one of the most stressful occupations in the field of healthcare. Factors that influence the work environment include socio-political changes, technological advances and healthcare reforms, all of which affect the way nurses remain engaged in their work. Nurses are expected to deliver quality healthcare amidst a rapidly changing work environment and are therefore required to be resilient and agile.

Methods
Quantitative, survey study.

Results
This study investigated ‘job demands’ (emotional demands, role ambiguity and workplace violence) and ‘job resources’ (autonomy, career advancement opportunities, leader-member exchange and meaningful work) which may impact the work engagement levels of nurses in both public and private hospitals. The sample consisted of 420 nurses working in both public and private hospitals in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Discussion
The findings confirmed that the predictors for work engagement differed between the public and private sector nurses. Emotional demands was the only job demand that predicted work engagement for the public sector nurses. None of the job demands (emotional demands, role ambiguity and workplace violence) influenced the work engagement levels of the private sector nurses.

Conclusion
In the public sector, meaningful work and career advancement as job resources predicted work engagement, whereas in the private sector, meaningful work, career advancement and leader-member exchange predicted work engagement.
O-129 NON-INVASIVE BIOMARKERS FOR EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF WORK-RELATED SKIN DISEASES
Authors: Kezic Sanja , De Boer Florentine L , Van der Molen Henk F 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Skin diseases, such as contact dermatitis and skin cancer are common in the workplace and can significantly impact both work and personal life.

Methods and Results
Early detection of disease symptoms, accurate diagnostics, and identification of individual and environmental risk factors are critical for developing effective prevention strategies in the workplace and disease management. Non-invasive biomarkers may aid in objective assessment and detection of early changes in the skin as well as monitoring the effectiveness of interventions. One such approach involves the collection of the samples of the uppermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum (SC), through a simple and non-invasive procedure, known as tape stripping.

Discussion and Conclusion
Recent research has demonstrated that SC biomarkers can serve as a valuable tool in detecting changes in the skin barrier and immune response caused by exposure to skin irritants and UV-radiation. Moreover, these biomarkers have shown potential in distinguishing different types of hand eczema, addressing a major challenge faced in clinical settings. This presentation will provide an overview of the latest advancements in biomarker research related to occupational skin diseases, based on own research and literature review. Furthermore, potential and challenges of biomarkers in occupational settings will be discussed.
P-246 PROMOTE HEALTHY LIFESTYLES IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS WITH COMBINED AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY INTERVENTION: RESULTS AT 6 AND 12 MONTHS - STI-VI STUDY
Authors: Scapellato Maria Luisa , Comiati Vera , Buttignol Giulia , Valentini Romina , La Serra Lucia , Maccà Isabella , Mason Paola , Volpin Anna , Spinella Paolo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Workplace health promotion programs can help prevent the onset of chronic and work-related diseases. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the short- and medium-term efficay of a combined intervention aimed to improve lifestyles in healthcare workers (HCWs) with at least one cardiovascular risk factor.

Methods
A tailored counseling intervention, focusing on dietary habits and physical activity (PA), was administered to 121 HCWs. BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose levels were measured before and after the intervention [0 (T0), 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2)].

Results
The 12-month data, compared to T0, showed a marked effect on lifestyle: PA improved (+194 MET, p&lt;0.05) and diets became more similar to the Mediterranean model (+0.8, p &lt; 0.001). BMI and waist circumference (-0.2 kg/cm2 and -2.1 cm, p&lt;0.05), LDL (-9.7 mg/dL, p&lt;0.05) and HDL cholesterol (-2.7 mg/dL, p&lt;0.05), blood glucose (-1.7 mg/dL, p&lt;0.05), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (-4.8 mmHg and -1.3 mmHg, p&lt;0.05) mantained the results at T1. Total cholesterol (-18.5 mg/dL, p&lt;0.05) and triglycerides (-13.6 mg/dL) improved over T1. The analysis of food diaries showed a reduction of total kcal intake, an increase of total proteins (animal and vegetable proteins), and a decrease of the lipids.

Discussion
The maintenance of the positive results over time, confirms -according to the literature- that the application of combined and multi-professional interventions as the most effective approach.

Conclusion
Health promotion programs are important to maintain the work ability of HCWs.
P-259 THE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS TWO YEARS INTO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Machghoul Samia , Merchaoui Irtyah , Hayouni Marouen , Hayouni Marouen , Chaari Neila , Amri Charfeddine , Akrout Mohamed , Hanchi Adnene , Rassas Ines 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Health care workers (HCW) may respond to individual, national, and even international crises. This might influence their professional quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate the professional quality of life of HCW in a tertiary hospital in Monastir Tunisia and to assess its determinants.

Methods
a cross-sectional study conducted in December 2022 using an online survey. We used the professional quality of life scale, which evaluates compassion satisfaction (CS), secondary traumatic stress (STS) and Burnout (BO).

Results
230 HCW responded to the survey. Moderate to high levels of CS, BO and STS were noted in 94.11%, 80.71% and 62.38% of the participants respectively. The emergency department was the most concerned with BO (92.3%) and STS (85.7%). Determinants of BO were depression (OR= 3.09; CI95% [1.15-8.29]) and having any medical history (OR= 7.1; CI95% [1.5-33.8]) while high levels of CS were a protective factor (OR= 0.27; CI95% [0.12-0.58]). Presenting symptoms of anxiety multiplied the risk of STS three times (OR= 3.5; CI95% [1.8-6.5]).

Discussion
this study shows the poor professional quality of life of HCW. This might affect not only their wellbeing, but also their efficiency and patient’s security. These results prompted us to set up multidisciplinary working groups in order to determine risk factors of poor quality of life and design specific strategies to enhance HCW’s quality of life.

Conclusion
Occupational physicians should focus on establishing programs that foster skills like self-efficacy, coping strategies and resilience in HCW. Future studies to evaluate the effectiveness of our strategy are needed.