Correlates of Smoking, Work Stress, and Mindful Awareness among Private Hospital Workers in Istanbul.

Background: The recent increase in workload and stress experienced by healthcare workers (HCW) is a significant global concern. Mindfulness enables one to be aware of emotions, thoughts, and present moment experiences. Objectives: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the correlates between smoking, occupational stress, and mindful awareness levels, among HCWs within the private healthcare sector. This study was conducted at a tertiary-level university-affiliated hospital in Istanbul between January - February 2023. 208 HCW participated, yielding a response rate of 20%. The participants were requested to complete a 61-item questionnaire consisting of demographics, General Work Stress Scale(GWS), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) and Test to Assess the Psychological Dependence on Smoking (TAPDS). Results: Smokers had significantly higher levels of mean GWS scores than nonsmokers. The mean MAAS scores of smokers were the lowest in the group with the highest scores of psychological dependence; it was highest in the group with the lowest scores. A negative correlation was found between general work stress and mindful awareness levels and between psychological dependence on smoking and mindfulness levels. HCWs aged 45 and older had significantly lower general stress than others. Conclusion: This study showed that the general work stress levels of smoker HCWs were higher than those of nonsmokers. Mindful awareness level was the lowest in the group, with the highest scores in psychological dependence on smoking. There was a negative correlation between psychological dependence on smoking and both work stress and mindful awareness levels. This study demonstrated that high work stress and low mindful awareness levels are not only related to each other but also to high psychological dependence on smoking.

Addressing Pandemic Burnout Among Health Care Professionals: Beyond Intrapersonal Wellness Programming.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been distressing to health care professionals, causing significant burnout. Burnout has resulted in notable rates of mental health symptoms and job turnover. Hospitals have incorporated programming to meet the needs of health care professionals. A previously reported intervention at the study institution was a cognitive behavioral narrative writing program to target job-related stress. On the basis of participant feedback, psychoeducational seminars, psychotherapy drop-in sessions, and complementary interventions (mindfulness, yoga, and acupuncture) were also implemented to alleviate stress. This article is an update based on these year 2 augmentations. Participation in brief psychoeducational seminars and acupuncture was high, but engagement in other programming (individual psychotherapy and mindfulness) was poor. Hospitals should consider multimodal approaches to address pandemic-related stress and burnout. In addition to educational seminars, programs that address lasting distress should be offered to health care professionals. Targeting job-related burnout at organizational and systemic levels may ameliorate distress. This article discusses methods of integrating organizational programs into clinics.

What is the impact of integrated care on the job satisfaction of primary healthcare providers: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The integration of care influenced the job satisfaction of healthcare professionals, especially affecting primary healthcare providers (PCPs). This study aimed to perform a systematic review to explore the impact of integrated care on the job satisfaction of PCPs on the basis of Herzberg's two-factor theory. METHODS: This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. We searched 6 electronic databases, including CNKI, WANFANG, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Data were retrieved from inception to 19 March 2023. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 was used to assess the methodological quality of studies for inclusion in the review. RESULTS: A total of 805 articles were retrieved from databases, of which 29 were included in this review. 2 categories, 9 themes, and 14 sub-themes were derived from the data. 2 categories were identified as intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors included 4 themes: responsibilities, promotion opportunities, recognition, and a sense of personal achievements and growth. Extrinsic factors included 5 themes: salaries and benefits, organizational policy and administration, interpersonal relationships, working conditions, and work status. To specify some key information under certain themes, we also identify sub-themes, such as the sub-theme "workload", "work stress", and "burnout" under the theme "work status". CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggested that the integration of care had both negative and positive effects on the job satisfaction of PCPs and the effects were different depending on the types of integration. Since PCPs played a vital role in the successful integration of care, their job satisfaction was an important issue that should be carefully considered when implementing the integration of care.

The Effectiveness of a Neurofeedback-Assisted Mindfulness Training Program Using a Mobile App on Stress Reduction in Employees: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Mindfulness-based training programs have consistently shown efficacy in stress reduction. However, questions regarding the optimal duration and most effective delivery methods remain. OBJECTIVE: This research explores a 4-week neurofeedback-assisted mindfulness training for employees via a mobile app. The study's core query is whether incorporating neurofeedback can amplify the benefits on stress reduction and related metrics compared with conventional mindfulness training. METHODS: A total of 92 full-time employees were randomized into 3 groups: group 1 received mobile mindfulness training with neurofeedback assistance (n=29, mean age 39.72 years); group 2 received mobile mindfulness training without neurofeedback (n=32, mean age 37.66 years); and group 3 were given self-learning paper materials on stress management during their first visit (n=31, mean age 38.65 years). The primary outcomes were perceived stress and resilience scales. The secondary outcomes were mindfulness awareness, emotional labor, occupational stress, insomnia, and depression. Heart rate variability and electroencephalography were measured for physiological outcomes. These measurements were collected at 3 different times, namely, at baseline, immediately after training, and at a 4-week follow-up. The generalized estimating equation model was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The 4-week program showed significant stress reduction (Wald χ22=107.167, P<.001) and improvements in psychological indices including resilience, emotional labor, insomnia, and depression. A significant interaction was observed in resilience (time × group, Wald χ42=10.846, P=.02). The post hoc analysis showed a statistically significant difference between groups 1 (least squares mean [LSM] 21.62, SE 0.55) and 3 (LSM 19.90, SE 0.61) at the posttraining assessment (P=.008). Group 1 showed a significant improvement (P<.001) at the posttraining assessment, with continued improvements through the 1-month follow-up assessment period (LSM 21.55, SE 0.61). Physiological indices were analyzed only for data of 67 participants (22 in group 1, 22 in group 2, and 23 in group 3) due to the data quality. The relaxation index (ratio of alpha to high beta power) from the right electroencephalography channel showed a significant interaction (time × group, Wald χ22=6.947, P=.03), with group 1 revealing the highest improvement (LSM 0.43, SE 0.15) compared with groups 2 (LSM -0.11, SE 0.10) and 3 (LSM 0.12, SE 0.10) at the 1-month follow-up assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that the neurofeedback-assisted group achieved superior outcomes in resilience and relaxation during the 4-week mobile mindfulness program. Further research with larger samples and long-term follow-up is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03787407; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03787407.

Art therapy-based interventions to address burnout and psychosocial distress in healthcare workers-a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Burnout and psychosocial distress are serious and growing issues for healthcare workers (HCWs) and healthcare systems across the globe. Exacerbated by changes in healthcare delivery during and following the Covid-19 pandemic, these issues negatively affect HCW wellbeing, clinical outcomes and patient safety. Art Therapy has demonstrated promise as a suitable but under researched intervention, warranting further investigation. This systematic review aims to ascertain what art therapy-based interventions used to address burnout and / or psychosocial distress in HCWs have been reported in the health and social care literature and how these have been evaluated. METHODS: Six databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ProQuest Central), Google Scholar and three clinical trial registries (CENTRAL, ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched for studies using art therapy-based methods to engage with burnout risk or psychosocial distress in HCWs. Following screening for eligibility study characteristics and outcomes were extracted by two reviewers independently. Studies were evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Tools. Outcomes were grouped for analysis. Quantitative and qualitative results were synthesised and integrated using narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies, drawn from thirteen countries, spanning five continents were selected for inclusion. Fifty percent were published in the last five years, indicating growing global research in the field. Fourteen studies used quantitative research methods and thirteen used qualitative methods. A total of 1580 participants took part in the studies, with nurses most broadly represented (59%). Interventions were mostly delivered in groups (95%) and by an art therapist (70%). Heterogeneity and insufficient randomised controlled trials precluded the possibility of meta-analysis. However, a review of available data showed evidence of medium to large effects for emotional exhaustion (burnout), work-related stress and common mental health issues. A content analysis of qualitative data of perceived effect complemented quantitative findings. CONCLUSION: Global research into the use of art therapy-based methods to address burnout and psychosocial distress in HCWs is growing. Whilst further high-quality evidence such as randomised controlled trials would be beneficial, findings suggest that art therapy-based methods should be strongly considered as an acceptable and effective treatment for symptoms of emotional exhaustion (burnout) and psychosocial distress in HCWs.

Influence of Job Burnout on Decision-Making and Coping With Stress Among Nurses.

Job burnout is highly prevalent among health care workers. This study determined the effect of job burnout on decision-making and coping with stress among nurses. Two hundred seventy-seven nurses in Xijing Hospital were investigated using the Job Burnout Scale, Decision Scale, and Simple Stress Coping Style Scale. The total score of job burnout was 107.8 ± 16.479 (severe burnout) and clinical decision-making consciousness was 123.75 ± 16.094 (moderate decision-making consciousness). No statistical differences existed in different gender samples (P > .05). Burnout and clinical decision-making awareness of clinical nurses were stronger than nursing interns and regular trainee nurses, but the occupational pressure of nursing interns was the highest (P < .05). Marital status also showed significant differences in job burnout; unmarried nurses were more prone to burnout (P < .05). In conclusions, burnout is a serious issue among nurses, which is closely related with clinical decision-making awareness, negative coping, and occupational stress. Nurse identity and marital status had significant effects on burnout.

The effect of workplace bullying on fatigue in school teachers: the moderating roles of gender and spirituality.

Workplace bullying is quite prevalent and has been linked to many health complaints. The relationship between workplace bullying and fatigue was documented in previous studies. However, knowledge on how this relationship develops with the interplaying factors of spirituality and gender was not investigated before especially among schoolteachers. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between workplace bullying and fatigue as moderated by spirituality and gender among schoolteachers in Lebanon. This is a cross-sectional study, where 215 schoolteachers aged 18 till 64 and employed for a minimum of 6 months were recruited through systematic sampling. Six private and six public schools in Beirut participated in the study. Online questionnaires using validated scales were used. Both simple and multiple ordinal logistic regression were performed for the statistical analysis. Results showed that workplace bullying is a predictor of fatigue with an odds ratio of 2.74 and p-value 0.008. Gender was found to be an effect modifier for this relationship, mainly among females (OR 2.66, p-value 0.047) but not among males. Anxiety and depression also predicted higher levels of fatigue (OR 5.75, p-value 0.017). Spirituality did not moderate this relationship.

Reliability of a Newly Developed Tool to Assess and Classify Work-related Stress (TAWS-16) for Indian Workforce.

OBJECTIVES: Work stress is associated with non-communicable diseases, increased healthcare costs, and decreased work productivity among employees in the information technology sector. There is a need for regular work-stress screening among employees using valid and reliable tools. The Tool to Assess and Classify Work Stress (TAWS-16) was developed to overcome limitations in existing stress assessment tools in India. This study aimed to test the reliability of TAWS-16 in a sample of managerial-supervisory employees. METHODS: This observational reliability study included data from 62 employees. Test-retest and inter-method reliability were investigated using a TAWS-16 web application and interview by telephone, respectively. Kappa values and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's alpha. RESULTS: For both test-retest and inter-method reliability, the agreement for both work-related factors and symptoms suggestive of work stress exceeded 80%, and all kappa values were 0.40 or higher. Cronbach's alpha for test-retest and inter-method reliability was 0.983 and 0.941, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TAWS-16 demonstrated acceptable reliability. It measured stressors, coping abilities, and psychosomatic symptoms associated with work stress. We recommend using TAWS-16 to holistically identify work stress among employees during periodical health check-ups in India.

Effect of an online Workplace Vocal Health and Low Stress Levels Promotion Program implemented in a Colombian university during COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of an online Workplace Vocal Health and Low Stress Levels (WVHLS) Promotion Program implemented in a Colombian university during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This research was a quasi-experimental study. Twenty-nine professors participated in this study within two groups: (1) intervention group (n=17) or (2) non-intervention group (n=12). Participants in the intervention group took part in four virtual sessions about how to improve vocal health and strategies to reduce stress levels during their homeworking and online classes. Teachers filled in a questionnaire including questions about working conditions, work-related stress, and the voice functioning (including the Vocal Fatigue Index-VFI). They also recorded a voice sample of a sustained vowel on two separate occasions (before and after the follow-up). RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up, there was a tendency to reduce Factor 1 of VFI in the intervention group. Although, all participants had a longer MPT at the end of the study compared with the baseline measures, males in the intervention group had longer MPT compared with other participants. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest a positive effect of a WVHLS promotion program on reducing vocal fatigue perception measured by means of the Vocal Fatigue Index and improving coordination and control of breathing speech measured MPT. These changes at the end of the follow-up may indicate that holistic programs that include voice care recommendations, breathing exercises, vocal warm-up, cold-down and laryngeal relaxation vocal exercises, and stress management may be beneficial for reducing work-related stress and voice symptoms among professors.

What is known about midwives' well-being and resilience? An integrative review of the international literature.

BACKGROUND: Internationally, the midwifery workforce is facing a professional crisis due to numerous organizational and individual factors that have led to midwives leaving the profession. These factors include high levels of workplace stress, systemic barriers to providing woman and person-centered care, trauma, and burnout. The COVID-19 pandemic magnified these pre-existing stressors and adversities and has further disrupted midwives' ability to practice within their professional norms. In order to understand how midwives can be better supported, there is a need to understand what contributes to and detracts from their well-being and resilience. AIM: To investigate and synthesize the extant international knowledge on midwives' well-being and resilience in the context of workplace stress and adversity. METHOD: Integrative review of the literature published in peer-reviewed journals. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of the literature resulted in three core themes: (1) risk factors and adversity; (2) protective factors and resilience; and (3) sustaining factors and well-being in midwifery. Findings from this integrated review highlight that several factors associated with workplace adversity can also be sources of protection depending on their presence or absence. Within the included studies, there exists a broad use of concepts and definitions that are applied to well-being and resilience, resulting in a lack of uniformity and cohesion. CONCLUSIONS: In this review, we identified a high level of workplace adversity and the subsequent impacts on midwives' well-being and resilience. A series of protective factors and strategies that can be used to improve the well-being of midwives and support resilience within the profession were also identified; however, further research of the population is required. In addition, the development of cohesive well-being and resilience concepts specific to midwifery is recommended, as is the development and application of uniform terminologies and definitions.

Spiritual Intelligence as a Coping Strategy to Manage Job Stress for Midwives in Northern Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to explore whether spiritual intelligence could help midwives cope with job-related stress. A cross-sectional study was done with 143 midwives in Babol, Iran. The sampling method was non-random and convenience samples were used. Amram and Dreyer's spiritual intelligence and health and safety executive occupational stress questionnaires were used. The response rate of subjects was 90.51%. Results showed that the most predictors of job stress were total spiritual intelligence (ß = 0.507, p = 0.001) and the ratio of midwives to patients on the night shift (ß = - 0.224, p = 0.033). High levels of spiritual intelligence were associated with a low level of stress, which could help midwives adapt to job-related challenges.

Effects of exercises performed in the work environment on occupational stress: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Technological advances stimulate labor transformations in such a way that the search for productivity, goals and market competitiveness leads industries and companies to neglect the health and safety of their workers. There is a gap in the literature regarding means of intervention using physical exercises (PE), with details remaining unknown in terms of appropriate exercise prescriptions or types that minimize the effects of occupational stress. OBJECTIVE: to verify the effects on workers' stress of PE performed in the work environment. METHOD: this systematic review searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in 08 databases (MEDLINE, Cochrane, BIREME, LILACS, EBSCOhost, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Embase), in English and Portuguese, published between 2017 and 2021. The PICOS strategy was used to determine inclusion, being P: male and female workers; I: exercises performed in the work environment; C: control group without intervention; O: occupational stress; and S: controlled experiments. Methodological quality, risk of bias and reliability of assessments were analyzed using the TESTEX, Risk of Bias 2, and Kappa scales. RESULTS: A total of 07 articles were included, of which, most had good methodological quality and unclear risk of bias. The intra- and inter-rater reliability test of methodological quality showed excellent agreement. As a limitation, the fragility in allocation concealment, blinding and absence of treatment analysis was noted in the studies evaluated. CONCLUSION: PE in the workplace might have positive effects on reducing occupational stress, but further studies must be conducted to better clarify this. This review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022304106).

Systemic disregard, demoralising occupational burnout, protective maturity: The 'lived' experience of nuclear medicine technologists and the impact of COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: It has been shown that stress in the workplace can contribute to the development or worsening of mental health conditions, as well as having a negative impact on personal relationships and life outside of work. Therefore, prolonged job stress can be damaging to an individual's mental health and wellbeing, potentially leading to burnout. There is limited research surrounding the wellbeing of nuclear medicine technologists practicing globally, and more specifically in Australia. This interpretative phenomenological study seeks the lived experience of nuclear medicine technologists within a large metropolitan city in Australia, how these experiences and COVID-19 has impacted their wellbeing. METHODS: Five participants were recruited who had greater than five years working experience as a nuclear medicine technologist. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews conducted online via Zoom to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. The data was transcribed and analysed according to interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) protocols. RESULTS: One superordinate theme: systemic regard, demoralizing burnout, protective maturity, overarched four subordinate themes: staying physically and psychologically safe; risk of burnout; maturity as protective against burnout; and COVID-19 drain. Pressures both prior to and during COVID-19 leave the participants feeling undervalued, discredited, and at risk of burnout. However, maturity brings confidence to incorporate their strengths in a more holistic view of life. Glimmers of positivity come from choices to alter their career path and the unexpected opportunities to spend time with family through COVID-19 restrictions. DISCUSSION: Overall, the participants of this study expressed a lack of positivity about their own individual experiences within their career. Occupational stress, caused by workplace bullying, increased workload and understaffing increased their risk of burnout. Although as the participants matured, their ability to cope with occupational stressors improved. The recent COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the participants' risk of burnout. CONCLUSION: Due to a number of contributing workplace factors, exacerbated by the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic, participants in this study appeared to have an increased risk of developing burnout. However, maturity and life experience has helped mitigate this risk.

Investigation of key domains associated with worker well-being and burnout and turnover in the early care and education workforce.

PURPOSE: The early care and education (ECE) workforce provides care for children aged zero to five. This critical segment of the workforce experiences significant burnout and turnover rates resulting from extensive demands, including job stress and poor overall well-being. Factors associated with well-being in these settings and the resulting impacts on burnout and turnover are understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between five well-being domains and burnout and turnover outcomes among a large sample of Head Start ECE staff in the United States. METHODS: An 89-item survey based off the National Institutes of Occupational Safety and Health Worker Wellbeing Questionnaire (NIOSH WellBQ) was administered to ECE staff employed in five large urban and rural Head Start agencies. The WellBQ is made up of five domains intended to measure worker well-being as a holistic construct. We utilized linear mixed-effect modeling with random intercepts to investigate associations between sociodemographic characteristics, well-being domain sum scores and burnout and turnover. RESULTS: After controlling for sociodemographic variables, the well-being Domain 1 (Work Evaluation and Experience) (ß = - .73, p < .05) and Domain 4 (Health Status) (ß = - .30, p < .05) were significantly and negatively associated with burnout; the well-being Domain 1 (Work Evaluation and Experience) (ß = - .21, p < .01) was significantly and negatively associated with turnover intent. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that multi-level well-being promotion programs could be critical to mitigate ECE teacher stress and address individual-, interpersonal-, and organizational-level predictors of overall ECE workforce well-being.

A mixed-method study exploring barriers and facilitators to midwives' mental health in Ontario.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of information regarding the mental health of midwives working in Ontario, Canada. Many studies have investigated midwives' mental health around the world, but little is known about how the model of midwifery care in Ontario contributes to or negatively impacts midwives' mental health. The aim of the study was to gain a deeper understanding of factors that contribute to and negatively impact Ontario midwives' mental health. METHODS: We employed a mixed-methods, sequential, exploratory design, which utilized focus groups and individual interviews, followed by an online survey. All midwives in Ontario who had actively practiced within the previous 15 months were eligible to participate. FINDINGS: We conducted 6 focus groups and 3 individual interviews, with 24 midwives, and 275 midwives subsequently completed the online survey. We identified four broad factors that impacted midwives' mental health: (1) the nature of midwifery work, (2) the remuneration model, (3) the culture of the profession, and (4) external factors. DISCUSSION: Based on our findings and the existing literature, we have five broad recommendations for improving Ontario midwives' mental health: (1) provide a variety of work options for midwives; (2) address the impacts of trauma on midwives; (3) make mental health services tailored for midwives accessible; (4) support healthy midwife-to-midwife relationships; and (5) support improved respect and understanding of midwifery. CONCLUSION: As one of the first comprehensive investigations into midwives' mental health in Ontario, this study highlights factors that contribute negatively to midwives' mental health and offers recommendations for how midwives' mental health can be improved systemically.

Effect of stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in emergency medical technicians.

OBJECTIVE: According to studies, occupational stress is quite prevalent among Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs). On the other hand, it has been shown that Stachys lavandulifolia, also known as the Mountain Tea in Iran, has anxiolytic properties. Considering the current increasing trend of using remedies based on alternative medicine for stress management, the present clinical trial intended to investigate the effect of Stachys lavandulifolia on occupational stress in EMTs METHODS: The present study included 60 EMTs working in Arak, Markazi province, Iran, who were randomly divided into study and control groups. The study group was treated with tea made of Stachys lavandulifolia (2 g daily) for 2 months, while the control group was treated with black tea. Moreover, the level of occupational stress in the study participants was assessed using the Hospital Stress Scale (HSS-35) before and after the intervention. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software version 22. RESULTS: According to our results, the mean occupational stress score was significantly decreased in the study group after the intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, the post-intervention scores were significantly lower in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant change in occupational stress in the control group after the intervention (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In combination with other stress-relieving options, the tea made of Stachys lavandulifolia can be used as a complementary therapy for alleviating occupational stress in EMTs.

Does Mindfulness Mediate the Relation between Impulsiveness and Job Stressfulness Perception of Professional Drivers?

(1) Background: Professional driving is a stressful occupation that requires high levels of attention and decision-making, often leading to job stress. Impulsiveness, a personality trait characterized by a tendency to act without forethought, has been associated with negative outcomes such as anxiety, stress, and risky behaviors. Mindfulness has been proposed as a potential strategy for reducing job stress in various occupational settings. However, little is known about the relationship between these variables. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of mindfulness in the relationship between impulsiveness and job stressfulness perception among professional drivers. (2) Methods: A total of 258 professional drivers from Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia, have completed self-report questionnaires: Impulsiveness-Venturesomeness-Empathy; Subjective Assessment of Work; Five Facet Mindfulness. (3) Results: Results indicated a positive correlation between impulsiveness and job stressfulness perception, and a negative correlation with mindfulness. Mindfulness partially mediated the relationship between impulsiveness and job stressfulness perception. Additionally, variations were identified in the perceived work environment factors and mindfulness among drivers based on their country of origin. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that mindfulness could be a useful approach for reducing job stressfulness perception among professional drivers with high levels of impulsiveness. Given the implications of job stressfulness for professional drivers' health and safety, developing mindfulness interventions tailored to their specific needs could be a promising direction for future research and intervention development.

Impact of digital meditation on work stress and health outcomes among adults with overweight: A randomized controlled trial.

Mindfulness meditation may improve well-being at work; however, effects on food cravings and metabolic health are not well known. We tested effects of digital meditation, alone or in combination with a healthy eating program, on perceived stress, cravings, and adiposity. We randomized 161 participants with overweight and moderate stress to digital meditation ('MED,' n = 38), digital meditation + healthy eating ('MED+HE,' n = 40), active control ('HE,' n = 41), or waitlist control ('WL,' n = 42) for 8 weeks. Participants (n = 145; M(SD) BMI: 30.8 (5.4) kg/m2) completed baseline and 8-week measures of stress (Perceived Stress Scale), cravings (Food Acceptance and Awareness Questionnaire) and adiposity (sagittal diameter and BMI). ANCOVAs revealed that those randomized to MED or MED+HE (vs. HE or WL) showed decreases in perceived stress (F = 15.19, p < .001, η2 = .10) and sagittal diameter (F = 4.59, p = .03, η2 = .04), with no differences in cravings or BMI. Those high in binge eating who received MED or MED+HE showed decreases in sagittal diameter (p = .03). Those with greater adherence to MED or MED+HE had greater reductions in stress, cravings, and adiposity (ps < .05). A brief digital mindfulness-based program is a low-cost method for reducing perceptions of stress and improving abdominal fat distribution patterns among adults with overweight and moderate stress. Future work should seek to clarify mechanisms by which such interventions contribute to improvements in health. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration http://www.ClinicalTrials.gov: identifier NCT03945214.

Relationship between workplace bullying, spirituality, and job burnout in paediatric nurses: A cross-sectional study.

AIMS: To investigate the relationships and pathways between workplace bullying, workplace spirituality, and job burnout in Chinese paediatric nurses. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted with paediatric nurses from six tertiary hospitals in Hubei Province, China. METHODS: The study consisted of 402 paediatric nurses. The data were collected using a sociodemographic data questionnaire, Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey and Workplace Spirituality Scale. The model was tested using path analysis techniques within structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Workplace bullying had positive and direct effects on the job burnout of paediatric nurses. Workplace spirituality partially mediated the relationship between workplace bullying and burnout. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: Workplace spirituality may reduce the incidence of work bullying and job burnout in paediatric nurses. Nursing managers need to consider and cultivate the workplace spirituality of paediatric nurses, with the aim of creating a healthy working environment and ensuring the stability of the nursing team.

Effects of rose and lavender scents on nurses' job stress: A randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: A high percentage of nurses working in hospitals suffer from job stress and related psychological problems. This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of aromatherapy using lavender and rose essential oils on nurses' job stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized placebo controlled trial was conducted on 118 eligible nurses who were randomly assigned into three groups of lavender (n = 39), rose (n = 40), and sesame seed as placebo (n = 39). The nurses received lavender and rose scents for two hours a day during four weeks. The Gray-Toft and Anderson's Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) was used to measure job stress before the interventions on the first day, and at the end of the second and fourth weeks. Descriptive and inferential statistics tests were used for data analysis. The statistical significance level was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences between the groups in job stress before the interventions and at the end of the second week were observed. There were statistically significant differences between the groups at the end of the fourth week (p <0.003). Aromatherapy using rose scent had a positive effect on the nurses' job stress at the end of the fourth week compared to the placebo (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Aromatherapy using rose scent is a safe and non-pharmacologic method that can be used by nurses for improving their own comfort at the workplace. It can reduce nurses' overreliance on medications for relieving the symptoms of job stress.