Subject(s)
Education, Graduate , Mental Disorders , Mental Health , Occupational Stress , Research Personnel , Science , Students , Humans , Coping Skills , Faculty/psychology , Internationality , Mental Disorders/prevention & control , Mental Disorders/psychology , Mental Disorders/therapy , Mental Health/statistics & numerical data , Occupational Stress/prevention & control , Occupational Stress/psychology , Occupational Stress/therapy , Research Personnel/education , Research Personnel/psychology , Science/education , Students/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Working conditions in the age of digitalization harbor risks for chronic stress and burnout. However, real-world investigations into biological effects of technostress, that is stress in the context of digital technology use, are sparse. This study prospectively assessed associations between technostress, general work stress, burnout symptoms, hair cortisol, and chronic low-grade inflammation. METHODS: Hospital employees (N = 238, 182 females, Mage = 28.5 years) participated in a prospective cohort study with two follow-ups six months apart (T2, T3). Participants answered standardized questionnaires on general job strain (job demand-control ratio), technostressors (work interruptions, multitasking, information overload), burnout symptoms (exhaustion, mental distance), and relevant confounders. Moreover, they provided capillary blood samples for C-reactive protein (CRP) and hair strands for hair cortisol concentration (HCC) analysis. Structural equation modelling was performed. RESULTS: The factorial structure of survey measures was confirmed. Burnout symptoms (MT2 = 2.17, MT3 = 2.33) and HCC (MT2 = 4.79, MT3 = 9.56; pg/mg) increased over time, CRP did not (MT2 = 1.15, MT3 = 1.21; mg/L). Adjusted path models showed that technostress was negatively associated with HCC (ß = -0.16, p =.003), but not with burnout and CRP. General work stress in contrast, was not significantly associated with burnout, HCC or CRP. Furthermore, there were reciprocal effects of CRP on HCC (ß = 0.28, p =.001) and of HCC on CRP (ß = -0.10, p ≤.001). Associations were robust in additional analyses including further confounders. CONCLUSION: This is the first study on prospective effects of technostress on employees' endocrine and inflammatory systems. Results suggest differential effects of technostress on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis activity. Given its key role for long-term health, the findings have important implications for occupational health and safety in digitalized work environments.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Occupational Stress , Female , Humans , Adult , Hydrocortisone/analysis , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Prospective Studies , Burnout, Professional/metabolism , Burnout, Psychological , Occupational Stress/metabolism , Inflammation , Hair/chemistry , C-Reactive Protein/analysisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Evidence indicates that physical activity reduces stress and promote a myriad of health-enhancing effects through anti-inflammatory mechanisms. However, it is unknown whether these mechanisms interfere in the association between psychosocial job stress and headache disorders. OBJECTIVE: To test whether physical activity and its interplay with the systemic inflammation biomarkers high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and acute phase glycoproteins (GlycA) would mediate the associations between job stress and headache disorders. METHODS: We cross-sectionally evaluated the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) regarding job stress (higher demand and lower control and support subscales), migraine and tension-type headache (ICHD-2 criteria), self-reported leisure-time physical activity, and plasma hs-CRP and GlycA levels. Conditional process analyses with a sequential mediation approach were employed to compute path coefficients and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) around the indirect effects of physical activity and biomarkers on the job stress-headache relationship. Separate models were adjusted for sex, age, and depression and anxiety. Further adjustments added BMI smoking status, and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: In total, 7,644 people were included in the study. The 1-year prevalence of migraine and tension-type headache were 13.1 % and 49.4 %, respectively. In models adjusted for sex, age, anxiety, and depression, the association between job stress (lower job control) and migraine was mediated by physical activity [effect = -0.039 (95 %CI: -0.074, -0.010)] but not hs-CRP or GlycA. TTH was associated with higher job control and lower job demand, which was mediated by the inverse associations between physical activity and GlycA [Job Control: effect = 0.0005 (95 %CI: 0.0001, 0.0010); Job Demand: effect = 0.0003 (95 %CI: 0.0001, 0.0007]. Only the mediating effect of physical activity in the job stress-migraine link remained after further adjustments including socioeconomic factors, BMI, smoking, and the exclusion of major chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: In the ELSA-Brasil study, physical activity reversed the link between job stress and migraine independently of systemic inflammation, while the LTPA-mediated downregulation of GlycA was associated with lower job stress-related TTH.
Subject(s)
Biomarkers , C-Reactive Protein , Exercise , Inflammation , Mediation Analysis , Occupational Stress , Humans , Male , Female , Brazil/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Inflammation/metabolism , Inflammation/blood , Adult , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , Cross-Sectional Studies , Exercise/physiology , Biomarkers/blood , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Longitudinal Studies , Stress, Psychological/metabolism , Tension-Type Headache/epidemiology , Tension-Type Headache/blood , Migraine Disorders/epidemiology , Headache/epidemiology , Headache/metabolism , AgedABSTRACT
Commercial pilots endure multiple stressors in their daily and occupational lives which are detrimental to psychological well-being and cognitive functioning. The Quick coherence technique (QCT) is an effective intervention tool to improve stress resilience and psychophysiological balance based on a five-minute paced breathing exercise with heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback. The current research reports on the application of QCT training within an international airline to improve commercial pilots' psychological health and support cognitive functions. Forty-four commercial pilots volunteered in a one-month training programme to practise self-regulated QCT in day-to-day life and flight operations. Pilots' stress index, HRV time-domain and frequency-domain parameters were collected to examine the influence of QCT practice on the stress resilience process. The results demonstrated that the QCT improved psychophysiological indicators associated with stress resilience and cognitive functions, in both day-to-day life and flight operation settings. HRV fluctuations, as measured through changes in RMSSD and LF/HF, revealed that the resilience processes were primarily controlled by the sympathetic nervous system activities that are important in promoting pilots' energy mobilization and cognitive functions, thus QCT has huge potential in facilitating flight performance and aviation safety. These findings provide scientific evidence for implementing QCT as an effective mental support programme and controlled rest strategy to improve pilots' psychological health, stress management, and operational performance.
Subject(s)
Breathing Exercises , Cognition , Heart Rate , Pilots , Humans , Heart Rate/physiology , Male , Adult , Cognition/physiology , Pilots/psychology , Breathing Exercises/methods , Occupational Stress/psychology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Stress, Psychological/physiopathology , Female , Biofeedback, Psychology , Middle Aged , Resilience, Psychological , Aerospace MedicineABSTRACT
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis hyperactivity measured by the combined dexamethasone-CRH test (DEX-CRH test) has been found in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), whereas hypoactivity has been found in patients with work-related stress. We aimed to investigate the DEX-CRH test as a biomarker to distinguish between MDD and work-related stress (exhaustion disorder - ED). We hypothesized that there would be lower cortisol and ACTH response in participants with ED compared to MDD and healthy controls (HC). Also, we explored if the cortisol response of those patients interacted with robust markers of oxidative stress. Thirty inpatients with MDD and 23 outpatients with ED were recruited. Plasma cortisol and ACTH were sampled during a DEX-CRH test. The main outcome measure, area under the curve (AUC) for cortisol and ACTH, was compa-red between MDD vs. ED participants and a historical HC group. Secondary markers of oxidative stress urinary 8-oxodG and 8-oxoGuo; quality of sleep and psychometrics were obtained. Cortisol concentrations were higher in MDD and ED participants compared to HC, and no differences in AUC cortisol and ACTH were found between ED vs. MDD. Compared to ED, MDD participants had higher stress symptom severity and a lower sense of well-being. No differences in oxidative stress markers or quality of sleep between the groups were found. The result indicates that the patients with ED, like patients with MDD, are non-suppressors in DEX-CRH test and not hypocortisolemic as suggested.
Subject(s)
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone , Biomarkers , Depressive Disorder, Major , Dexamethasone , Hydrocortisone , Oxidative Stress , Humans , Depressive Disorder, Major/blood , Depressive Disorder, Major/physiopathology , Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnosis , Female , Male , Hydrocortisone/blood , Adult , Oxidative Stress/physiology , Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/blood , Biomarkers/blood , Dexamethasone/pharmacology , Middle Aged , Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone/blood , Occupational Stress/physiopathology , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiopathology , Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism , Pituitary-Adrenal System/physiopathologyABSTRACT
Objectives. To examine nurses' well-being and identify individual and workplace factors associated with adverse outcomes. Methods. We administered an e-mail survey to registered nurses in Michigan in March 2022. Outcomes included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory-Exhaustion scale, self-harm thoughts (yes/no), and overall wellness on a 0 to 10 visual analog scale. Covariates included practice environment, psychological safety, workplace abuse, staffing adequacy, stress coping strategies, and demographics. We examined associations between covariates and exhaustion, thoughts of self-harm (both via logistic regression), and overall wellness (via linear regression). Results. Among surveyed nurses, 93.63% reported significant exhaustion, 9.88% reported self-harm thoughts, and the mean (SD) overall wellness score was 6.2 (2.3). Factors associated with exhaustion included inadequate staffing, lower psychological safety, and younger age. Factors associated with self-harm thoughts included recent workplace physical abuse and younger age. Factors associated with higher wellness scores included employer support, favorable practice environments, higher job satisfaction, and positive coping strategies. Conclusions. Negative well-being outcomes were prevalent among registered nurses and were associated with correctable workplace deficits. Nurses' well-being is a national public health problem that warrants comprehensive interventions at individual, workplace, and community levels. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(S2):S180-S188. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307376).
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Nurses , Occupational Stress , Humans , Michigan/epidemiology , Occupational Stress/psychology , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Workplace/psychology , Job Satisfaction , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
Work-related stress complaints are a growing societal problem. Occupational health professionals often play a key role in its prevention. However, studies providing an overview of preventive interventions and their effectiveness are lacking. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to summarise the evidence on the effectiveness of interventions delivered by occupational health professionals to prevent work-related stress complaints.A systematic search in PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo and Medline was performed in May 2023 based on PICO (population, intervention, control and outcomes) elements. Inclusion criteria were: peer-reviewed papers with a randomised controlled trial design, quasi-experimental design and pre-post evaluations with a control group; working populations not on sick leave; interventions delivered by occupational health professionals; and stress outcomes. Data were extracted using a predefined extraction form, risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised trials (RoB-2) and Risk of Bias in non-randomised Studies-of Interventions tool, and a narrative analysis was performed to summarise data.Nine studies were included in this review and encompassed a diverse range of populations, interventions and professionals involved, outcome measures, and effects observed. Five studies found either mixed effects on stress outcomes, short-term positive effects, or positive effects in a subgroup of participants demonstrating high adherence to the intervention.As the results show mixed findings, a high risk of bias, and a limited number of studies was available, more research is needed to the effectiveness of the interventions and the factors underlying this.
Subject(s)
Occupational Stress , Humans , Occupational Stress/prevention & control , Occupational Health , Occupational Health Services/methodsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The Hospital Consultants' Job Stress Questionnaire (HCJSQ) has been widely used to assess sources and levels of job stress. However, its reliability and validity among Chinese dental workers have not been extensively studied. The objective of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the HCJSQ specifically in Chinese dental workers. METHODS: The HCJSQ was used to explore the sources and the global ratings of job stress among Chinese dental workers. To assess the reliability and validity of the HCJSQ, various statistical measures were employed, including Cronbach's alpha coefficient, Spearman-Brown coefficient, Spearman correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, convergent validity, and discriminant validity. RESULTS: Of the participants, 526 (17.4%) reported high levels of stress, while 1,246 (41.3%) and 1,248 (41.3%) reported moderate and low levels of stress, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the modified HCJSQ was 0.903, and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was 0.904. Spearman correlation coefficient between individuals' items and the total score ranged from 0.438 to 0.785 (p < 0.05). Exploratory factor analysis revealed that three factors accounted for 60.243% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated factor loadings between 0.624 and 0.834 on the specified items. The fit indices of the confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit, with a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation of 0.064, Normative Fit Index of 0.937, Comparative Fit Index of 0.952, Incremental Fit Index of 0.952, Tucker-Lewis index of 0.941, and Goodness of Fit Index of 0.944. Additionally, the convergent validity and discriminant validity showed a good fit for the three-factor model. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm that Chinese dental workers experience high levels of stress, and the three-factor model of the HCJSQ proves to be a suitable instrument for evaluating the sources and levels of job stress among Chinese dental workers. Therefore, it is imperative that relevant entities such as hospitals, medical associations, and government take appropriate measures to address the existing situation.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Occupational Stress , Humans , Reproducibility of Results , Consultants , Pandemics , Psychometrics , China , Occupational Stress/diagnosis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Factor Analysis, Statistical , HospitalsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to survey the prevalence of depression and its associated factors among psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees (physicians in psychiatric residency training). METHODS: This cross-sectional study surveyed Thai psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees from January to February 2023 using an online questionnaire. The questionnaires consisted of (1) the demographic and work-related information; (2) perceptions towards social support and work; (3) the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) Thai version; and (4) the 6-item Revised UCLA Loneliness Scale Thai version. All data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and the associated factors concerning depression were analyzed via multiple linear regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the 225 total participants, 52(23.1%) and 173 (76.9%) were psychiatry trainees and psychiatrists, respectively. Most of them were female (64.9%) with overall median age (interquatile) was 34 (30, 42) years. Regarding the PHQ-9 findings, the prevalence of depression among all participants was 12.4% (psychiatrists 13.9% and psychiatry trainees 7.7%). From regression analyses, depression was associated with loneliness and perceived levels of work satisfaction and work stress in psychiatrists, while in psychiatry trainees, depression was associated with loneliness and perceived level of ability to control work schedule. CONCLUSIONS: One-tenth of psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees had depression. Although the prevalence of depression in this study was not extremely high, key contributing factors related to depression, such as loneliness, work satisfaction, work stress, and ability to control the work schedule should be required to action to reduce the depression rate among mental health personnel.
Subject(s)
Occupational Stress , Psychiatry , Humans , Female , Male , Psychiatrists , Depression/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Loneliness , Psychiatry/education , Surveys and Questionnaires , Social SupportABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Emergency Medical Service (EMS) clinicians experience high levels of occupational stress due to long hours, short staffing, and patient deaths, among other factors. While gender has been partially examined, little is known regarding the role of empathy on occupational stress and mental health (MH) outcomes among EMS clinicians. Therefore, the current study examines the moderating role of empathy and, separately, gender on associations between occupational stress and mental health. METHODS: A cross-sectional examination of EMS clinician occupational and personal wellbeing was conducted via an anonymous, electronic survey. Information on clinician demographics, and validated measures of occupational stress, burnout, and MH outcomes were collected. Empathy was assessed using the Toronto Empathy Scale (TEQ). Descriptive/bivariate statistics were conducted for variables of interest. Separate multivariable regression models evaluated associations between occupational stress and mental health outcomes. Empathy and gender were examined as potential moderators using interactions. RESULTS: A total of 568 EMS clinicians completed the survey. High levels of mental health difficulties were reported (34.0% anxiety, 29.2% depression, 48.6% burnout). Increased occupational stress was associated with increased anxiety (OR =1.08, 95% CI 1.05-1.10), depression (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.06-1.10), and burnout (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.07-1.12). No moderation analyses were significant. Greater resilience was associated with lower depression, anxiety, and burnout. CONCLUSION: EMS clinicians, much like other first responders, experience considerable occupational stress, of which is associated with mental health difficulties and burnout. Findings underscore the need for intervention programs aimed at reducing the impact of occupational stress and the promotion of resilience. Continuing to understand the full scope of EMS mental health, including the role of resilience, is imperative, particularly in light of future public emergencies.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Emergency Medical Technicians , Empathy , Occupational Stress , Humans , Male , Female , Cross-Sectional Studies , Adult , Occupational Stress/psychology , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Emergency Medical Technicians/psychology , Sex Factors , Emergency Medical Services/statistics & numerical data , Mental HealthABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In France, outpatient endovascular surgical procedures have been slowly implemented in hospitals since 2015. Their development has been heterogeneous across France and is not yet the standard of care despite their benefits concerning patients' outcomes and healthcare professionals' satisfaction. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for patient beds has been increasing, while human resources have been decreasing. This encouraged the surgery service reorganization and accelerated the shift from inpatient to outpatient surgery. Consequently, services had to adapt rapidly and this may have caused some strain on the hospital medical workforce. The objectives of this pilot study were to document and analyze the nursing staff (nurses and certified assistant nurses) well-being and workload as perceived by the vascular surgeons working with them. It also wanted to assess the link between the nursing staff's psychosocial stress and the surgeons' concentration and serenity in their workplace, based on the assumption that the well-being of both parties is inextricably linked. METHODS: An observational study was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to the senior members of the French society of vascular and endovascular surgery (n = 490) between October 10 and October 18, 2022. RESULTS: In total, 125 surgeons completed the questionnaire (25% response rate). The main finding was that according to 68% of vascular surgeons, the nursing staff's psychosocial stress significantly impaired their serenity and concentration at work and this frequently affected the surgical procedure safety. The main sources of psychosocial stress were the high work pace (64%), demand for flexibility (56%), lack of anticipation of schedule changes (82%), and difficulties encountered in relaying these concerns to hospital managers (44.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that concomitantly with the forced acceleration of outpatient activity implementation, the vascular surgeons' perceptions of their working environment are deteriorating, especially in conventional (inpatient) surgery wards where the workload is increasing and patients have more comorbidities. The worsened psychosocial stress of surgeons and staff affects the care provided.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Surgical Procedures , Attitude of Health Personnel , COVID-19 , Surgeons , Vascular Surgical Procedures , Workload , Workplace , Humans , Pilot Projects , Surgeons/psychology , Male , France , Female , Middle Aged , Adult , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Occupational Stress/psychology , Occupational Stress/diagnosis , Surveys and Questionnaires , Job Satisfaction , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , SARS-CoV-2 , Working ConditionsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Structural and behavioral interventions to manage work-related stress are effective in employees. Nonetheless, they have been implemented insufficiently, particularly in micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSE). Main barriers include a lack of knowledge and limited resources, which could potentially be overcome with simplified web-based alternatives for occupational stress prevention. However, there is a lack of implementation research about web-based prevention in realistic settings of MSE. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the implementation process and success of an integrated web-based platform for occupational stress prevention ("System P") and to identify potential barriers for its uptake and use in MSE in Germany. METHODS: This study with a mixed-methods approach investigates eight process-related outcomes in a quantitative part I (adoption, reach, penetration, fidelity/dose, costs, acceptability) and a qualitative part II (acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility). Part I has a pre-post design with two measurements (6 months apart) with 98 individual participants and part II consists of 12 semi-structured interviews with managers and intercorporate stakeholders. RESULTS: Part I revealed shortcomings in the implementation process. Adoption/Reach: Despite extensive marketing efforts, less than 1% of the contacted MSE responded to the offer of System P. A total of 40 MSE registered, 24 of which, characterized by good psychosocial safety climate, adopted System P. Penetration: Within these 24 MSE, 15% of the employees used the system. Fidelity/Dose: 11 MSE started a psychosocial risk-assessment (PRA), and no MSE finished it. The stress-management training (SMT) was started by 25 users and completed by 8. COSTS: The use of System P was free of charge, but the time required to engage with was an indirect cost. Part II added insights on the perception of the web-based intervention: Acceptance of System P by users and stakeholders was good and it was assessed as appropriate for MSE. Results for feasibility were mixed. CONCLUSIONS: Although System P was generally perceived as useful and appropriate, only a small number of contacted MSE implemented it as intended. Prior experience and sensitivity for occupational (stress) prevention were mentioned as key facilitators, while (perceived) indirect costs were a key barrier. Enabling MSE to independently manage stress prevention online did not result in successful implementation. Increasing external support could be a solution. ⺠FULL PROJECT NAME: "PragmatiKK - Pragmatische Lösungen für die Implementation von Maßnahmen zur Stressprävention in Kleinst- und Kleinbetrieben" (= Pragmatic solutions for the implementation of stress prevention interventions in micro and small-sized enterprises). TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Register of Clinical Studies (DRKS) DRKS00026154, date of registration 2021-09-16.
Subject(s)
Occupational Stress , Humans , Germany , Occupational Stress/prevention & control , Female , Male , Adult , Middle Aged , Small Business , Internet , Program Evaluation , Internet-Based Intervention , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is increasing globally and affecting all workplaces and countries' health professionals. Despite its significant impact on healthcare delivery, limited studies have actually compared the prevalence, causes, effects, and coping strategies of stress among nurses working in hospitals with variation in capacity and function in Ghana. We, therefore, examined and compared the prevalence, causes, effects and coping strategies of occupational stress among nurses working in a secondary care and tertiary hospital in Ghana. METHODS: We conducted a health facility-based cross-sectional study among 248 nurses from two hospitals (Volta Regional Hospital [VRH] and Ho Teaching Hospital [HTH]). The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Weiman Occupational Stress Scale (WOSS) were used to measure the nurses' stress levels and causes of occupational stress respectively. A self-reported checklist was used to measure both the effects of stress and strategies. Descriptive analyses and t-tests were performed, and statistical significance was measured at the 0.05 level. RESULTS: The majority of nurses 77.8% experienced a moderate level of perceived stress. The total individual mean scores of the nurses from the two hospitals (VRH = 3.02 and HTH = 3.09) were 34% and 37% respectively higher than the established WOSS individual average of 2.25. Nursing difficult patients (t=-1.1196, p = 0.037), Unfriendly relationships with superiors, colleagues, and subordinates (t=-2.3333, p = 0.020), working with incompetent staff (t=-1.3129, p = 0.037) were the statistically significant stressors among nurses in the HTH. Whereas, long work hours (t = 2.0841, p = 0.038) and needle-stick injuries (t = 2.6669, p = 0.008) were the statistically significant stressors among nurses from the VRH. Headache (VRH = 73.8% and HTH = 97.9%), Fatigue (VRH = 68.9% and HTH = 83.5%), Frustration VRH = 50.5% and HTH = 68.3%) and Lack of Concentration (VRH = 81.6% and HTH = 80.0%) were most common effects of occupational stress reported. CONCLUSION: The majority of nurses reported moderate levels of stress, with the two institutions' stressors differing. Key causes of stress were needle stick injuries, long hours, dealing with challenging patients and strained interpersonal relationships. Common side effects were headaches, exhaustion, irritability, and trouble focusing. To accelerate progress towards achieving the sustainable development goal (SDG) 3.4 of promoting mental health and well-being by 2030, the 2012 Mental Health Act of Ghana and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, should fully and effectively be implemented in health facilities across the country.
Subject(s)
Nursing Staff, Hospital , Occupational Stress , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Ghana/epidemiology , Female , Adult , Nursing Staff, Hospital/psychology , Nursing Staff, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Occupational Stress/psychology , Male , Hospitals, Public , Adaptation, Psychological , Middle Aged , Young Adult , PrevalenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Many work-related stresses are experienced by oncologists. Ukraine is currently undergoing numerous crises, including the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and military conflicts, which represent stressful situations. The aim of this study was to explore the personal resources that Ukrainian oncologists use to cope with work demands in a situation featuring manifold crises. This study identified the ways in which people deal with stressful situations and the roles that they play in shaping the challenging situations that they encounter (work-related behavior) as well as how they cope with stress (stress management). METHODS: Forty oncologists (18 men and 22 women) working in a clinic in Kharkiv (Ukraine) with an average age of 46.3 ± 13.37 years (ranging from 26 to 74 years) participated in this study. The occupational psychological survey consisted of the Work-Related Behavior and Experience Patterns (German: Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster, AVEM) questionnaire, which was developed by Schaarschmidt and Fischer, and the Differential Stress Inventory (DSI), which was developed by Léfevre and Kubinger. RESULTS: 65% of oncologists exhibited AVEM risk pattern A or B. No gender differences were observed with regard to the distribution of AVEM patterns. Women obtained significantly higher scores than did men on only one dimension: experience of social support (4.86 vs. 3.44; p = 0.045). When the DSI categories were differentiated by gender, no significant differences were observed. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a medium-sized correlation between perfection striving and palliative coping (ρ = 0.404). CONCLUSIONS: Few gender-based differences in work-related behaviors, experiences, and stress management strategies are evident among oncologists. AVEM risk patterns are more prevalent among Ukrainian oncologists than among comparable occupational groups, and interventions in the context of health management are recommended.
Subject(s)
Military Personnel , Occupational Stress , Oncologists , Male , Humans , Female , Adult , Middle Aged , Adaptation, Psychological , Stress, Psychological/epidemiology , Stress, Psychological/psychology , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is becoming a common phenomenon around the world. Being in a high occupational stress state for a long time may destroy the metabolic balance of the body, thereby increasing the risk of metabolic diseases. There is limited evidence regarding the correlation between occupational stress and metabolic syndrome (MetS), particularly in the petrochemical workers. METHODS: A total of 1683 workers of a petrochemical enterprise in China were included in the survey by cluster sampling method. The occupational stress assessment was carried out by the Job Content Questionnaire and the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire, and the general demographic characteristics, work characteristics, occupational hazards, lifestyle and health examination data of the participants were collected. Logistic regression and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the correlations and influencing factors between occupational stress and its dimensions with MetS and its components. RESULTS: A total of 1683 questionnaires were sent out, and 1608 were effectively collected, with an effective recovery rate of 95.54%. The detection rates of occupational stress in Job Demand-Control (JDC) and Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) models were 28.4% and 27.2%, respectively. In this study, 257 participants (16.0%) were diagnosed with MetS. Compared with the non-MetS group, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), triglycerides (TG) and fasting blood-glucose (FBG) levels were significantly higher in the MetS group, and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were significantly lower (P < 0.001). The results of multiple linear regression showed that after adjusting for nation, marital status, education, work system, smoking and drinking, and further adjusting for occupational hazards, the D/C ratio was significantly negatively correlated with SBP in the JDC model. Social support was negatively correlated with WC. In the ERI model, there was a significant positive correlation between over-commitment and FBG. CONCLUSIONS: The detection rates of occupational stress and MetS were high in workers of a petrochemical enterprise. In the JDC model, occupational stress was negatively correlated with SBP, and social support was negatively correlated with WC. In the ERI model, there was a significantly positive correlation between over-commitment and FBG.
Subject(s)
Metabolic Syndrome , Occupational Stress , Humans , Metabolic Syndrome/diagnosis , Metabolic Syndrome/epidemiology , Cross-Sectional Studies , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Blood PressureABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Medical assistants (MA) constitute one of the largest professions in outpatient health care in Germany. The psychosocial working conditions of health care staff are generally believed to be challenging and to thereby increase the risk of poor mental health. A review of MA's psychosocial working conditions and mental health is lacking, however. We aimed to systematically identify and summarize existing research on psychosocial working conditions and mental health of MA by addressing (1) Which methods, concepts, and instruments have been used to capture the psychosocial working conditions and mental health among MA in Germany? (2) What findings are available? and (3) What are the research gaps? METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, CCMed and Google Scholar. Using the Population Concept Context (PCC)-framework, we applied the following eligibility criteria: (a) Language: English or German, (b) publication between 2002-2022, (c) original study, (d) study population: mainly MA (i.e., ≥ 50% of the study population), (e) concept: psychosocial working conditions and/or mental health, and (f) context: Germany. Two reviewers extracted data independently, results were compared for accuracy and completeness. RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty-seven sources were identified. We included 30 publications (19 quantitative, 10 qualitative, and one mixed methods study). Quantitative studies consistently reported high job satisfaction among MA. Quantitative and mixed methods studies frequently reported aspects related to job control as favorable working conditions, and aspects related to job rewards as moderate to unfavorable. Qualitative studies reported low job control in specific work areas, high demands in terms of workload, time pressure and job intensity, and a desire for greater recognition. Social interactions seemed to be important resources for MA. Few studies (n = 8) captured mental health, these reported inconspicuous mean values but high prevalences of anxiety, burnout, depression, and stress among MA. Studies suggested poorer psychosocial working conditions and mental health among MA during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative studies tend to suggest more favorable psychosocial working conditions among MA than qualitative studies. We suggest mixed methods to reconcile this alleged inconsistency. Future research should examine discrepancies between job satisfaction and unfavorable working conditions and if psychosocial working conditions and mental health remain changed after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Subject(s)
Allied Health Personnel , Mental Health , Occupational Stress , Humans , COVID-19 , Germany/epidemiology , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Pandemics , Allied Health Personnel/psychologyABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Healthcare professionals are at increased risk of experiencing occupational stress and its detrimental stress-sequalae. Relevant theories that contribute to the subjective experience of occupational stress have been identified, such as the model of effort-reward imbalance (ERI) and the concept of leader-member exchange (LMX). The aim of this study was to examine how the perceived importance of social relationships at work moderates the relationship between LMX and imbalance ERI. METHODS: A survey was conducted among N = 1,137 healthcare professionals from diverse occupational categories in a tertiary hospital in Germany. ERI was gauged using the German version of the Effort-Reward Imbalance Questionnaire (ERI-S 10). The quality of leader-employee dyadic relationships was assessed using the German version of the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX-7). The importance of social relationships was assessed on the basis of a previously validated polarity profile. RESULTS: More than 75% of healthcare professionals reported high levels of ERI, with those involved in direct patient care particularly affected. On average, leaders rated relationship quality higher than their respective followers. Subjectively higher LMX was associated with lower ERI. This association was moderated by the perceived importance of social relationships at work. Higher subjective ratings of their importance led to a stronger association. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the particular challenges faced in the healthcare sector. The results emphasize that the perceived importance of social relationships at work can play a key role in healthcare professionals' job stress and underline the need for stress prevention programs that engage both leaders and followers.
Subject(s)
Health Personnel , Leadership , Occupational Stress , Reward , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Health Personnel/psychology , Occupational Stress/psychology , Middle Aged , Germany , Surveys and Questionnaires , Interpersonal RelationsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: To explore the relationship between occupational stress, burnout and depressive symptoms among railroad workers in Fuzhou, and to analyze the interaction of burnout and occupational stress on depressive symptoms. METHODS: In this study, 861 railway employees of Fuzhou railway bureau were randomly selected from January to April, 2022. Occupational stress inventory revised edition (OSI-R), China job burnout inventory (CMBI) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used to investigate the occupational stress, job burnout and depressive symptoms of railway workers. Interactions associated with depressive symptoms were assessed by linear hierarchical regression analysis and SPSS macros (PROCESS). RESULTS: Occupational stress, job burnout and depressive symptoms accounted for 50.58%, 93.47%, and 11.19% of the study population, respectively. There were intergroup differences between age, marriage status, and length of service (P < 0.05). Occupational stress and job burnout are the main risk factors for depressive symptoms (OR: 2.01, 95% CI: 1.17-3.45; 1.94, 1.69-2.23, respectively). More importantly, further analysis of the interaction between occupational stress and job burnout showed that those with high levels of job burnout had a high-risk effect on depressive symptoms at high levels of occupational stress. CONCLUSION: Occupational stress and job burnout are risk factors for depressive symptoms among railroad workers in Fuzhou City. The interaction of job burnout and occupational stress increases the risk of depressive symptoms.
Subject(s)
Burnout, Professional , Depression , Occupational Stress , Railroads , Humans , China/epidemiology , Male , Burnout, Professional/epidemiology , Burnout, Professional/psychology , Depression/epidemiology , Depression/psychology , Adult , Female , Occupational Stress/psychology , Occupational Stress/epidemiology , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Young Adult , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Job stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and negative psychological outcomes in firefighters can be caused, or aggravated, by their work. These mental disorders can impart musculoskeletal symptoms. This study aimed to investigate relationships between musculoskeletal and psychological disorders in a population of firefighters using a Bayesian network model. METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted in 2022, included 2339 firefighters who completed questionnaires during their rest periods. The questionnaires comprised of demographical information, the Occupational Stress Questionnaire-HSE, the PTSD Checklist, Maslach Burnout Inventory, Center for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression scale (CES-D), and Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. GeNIe academic software was used to analyze the Bayesian network. RESULTS: High job stress and high PTSD each increased the probability of musculoskeletal symptoms by 34%. When combined, high job stress and high PTSD increased the probability of musculoskeletal symptoms by 37%. Among the mediator's burnout and depression, depression had the highest association with musculoskeletal symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Job stress and PTSD can increase musculoskeletal symptoms and are influenced by psychological mediators (like burnout and depression). Adopting preventive and therapeutic measures to mitigate job stress and PTSD, mitigate and rehabilitate WMSD, and manage associated mediators are critical for the mental and physical health of firefighters.