Estresse percebido e sofrimento psíquico em gestoresde saúde na pandemia da Covid-19 / Perceived stress and psychic suffering in healthmanagers in the Covid-19 pandemic

Objetivo: analisar o nível de estresse percebido e sofrimento psíquico em gestores de saúde na pandemia da Covid-19. Método: estudo descritivo, transversal com abordagem quantitativa. A coleta ocorreu de abril a setembro de 2021, com 40 gestores de serviço de saúde. Utilizou-se para a coleta de dados um instrumento para caracterização sociodemográfica e ocupacional e as escalas "Perceived Stress Scale-14" e "Self Reporting Questionnaire" para avaliação do estresse percebido e sofrimento psíquico. Os dados coletados foram analisados no Statistical Package for the Social Sciences versão 22.0. O presente estudo faz parte de um projeto intitulado "Trabalhadores dos Serviços de Saúde Frente à Pandemia de Covid-19", aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa sob CAAE número 35260620.9.0000.5231. Resultados: a maioria dos profissionais eram do sexo feminino (90%, N=36), casados (70%, N=28), com filhos (80%, N=32), com média de idade de 45 anos e com pós--graduação (47,5%, N=19). A média dos escores relacionados ao estresse percebido foi 31,13 pontos (DP=3,77) sendo o mínimo 24 e máximo de 42 pontos. Com relação ao sofrimento psíquico, (40%, N=16) os gestores apresentaram prováveis casos de transtornos. A prática de atividades físicas e de lazer (p<0,05) tem papel importante na diminuição do estresse percebido e do sofrimento psíquico. Conclusão: os gestores em saúde apresentaram, durante a pandemia, estresse e sofrimento psíquico, resultados esses que devem ser considerados para promoção de autocuidado aos gestores de saúde, enfatizando a necessidade da realização de atividades físicas e de lazer.

Objective: to analyze the level of perceived stress and psychological suffering in health managers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. The collection took place from April to September 2021, with 40 health service managers. An instrument for socio-demographic and occupational characterization and the "Perceived Stress Scale-14" and "Self Reporting Questionnaire" scales were used for the assessment of perceived stress and psychic suffering. The collected data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22.0. The present study is part of a project entitled "Health Service Workers in the Face of the Covid-19 Pandemic", approved by the Research Ethics Committee under CAAE number 35260620.9.0000.5231. Results: most professionals were female (90%, N=36), married (70%, N=28), with children (80%, N=32), with a mean age of 45 years and with a postgraduate degree. -graduation (47.5%, N=19). The average score related to perceived stress was 31.13 points (SD=3.77), with a minimum of 24 and a maximum of 42 points. With regard to psychic suffering, (40%, N=16) the managers presented probable cases of disorders. The practice of physical and leisure activities (p<0.05) plays an important role in reducing perceived stress and psychological distress. Conclusion: health managers presented, during the pandemic, stress and psychic suffering, results that should be considered for promoting self-care to health managers, emphasizing the need to carry out physical and leisure activities.Keywords: Health manager; Occupational stress; Covid-19; Coronavirus infections.

Exploring factors affecting nurse anxiety in Northwest Ethiopia: a multicenter study.

Introduction: Anxiety is a commonly reported mental health disorder that significantly contributes to the global burden of disease. However, proper counseling, problem-solving strategies, and promotion of healthy lifestyle practices have a positive effect on reducing nurse anxiety, but there is limited evidence in Ethiopia, particularly in this study area. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify factors affecting nurse anxiety in Northwest Ethiopia's comprehensive specialized hospitals. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 746 study participants from April 14 to May 20, 2023. A simple random sampling technique was used. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6.0 and exported to STATA version 17 for analysis. In binary logistic regression, variables with a p-value of less than 0.25 were considered candidates for multivariable logistic regression. An association was declared at a p-value of less than 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Result: In this study, the prevalence of anxiety was 33.9%. Thus, being female [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.08, 2.22], working in an emergency department (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.83, 7.28), working night duty shifts (AOR = 3.12, 95% CI = 2.19, 4.46), having conflict with coworkers (AOR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.14, 2.51), and having poor social support (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.23, 3.69) were variables significantly associated with anxiety. Conclusion: This study revealed that one-third of nurses experienced anxiety, which is a critical indicator of mental health within this population. Important factors that were found to be significantly associated with anxiety include being female, working in the emergency department, having a conflict with coworkers, having poor social support, and working night duty shifts. These findings show the need for the implementation of counseling services and the adaptation of effective coping strategies for nurses working at comprehensive specialized hospitals. Understanding the impact of anxiety on nurses is important to design interventions aimed at improving their mental health and job satisfaction.

Short Rest Between Flights Is Associated With Increased Serum Stress Hormone Levels in Airline Pilots: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Work-related stress is a critical area of research in civil aviation, given the potential for severe consequences when airline pilots (APs) are overwhelmed or unable to perform optimally. While pilots are traditionally considered to be exposed to various stressors, the impact of specific occupational characteristics on stress in the aviation industry remains inadequately understood. Considering that biomarkers are increasingly being utilized as objective measures of stress in human research, this cross-sectional study investigated the association between occupational variables and serum levels of cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) as stress biomarkers in commercial APs. METHODS: A total of 120 male APs completed a survey assessing the following work-related characteristics: position (captain vs. first officer), years of experience, total flight hours, flight hours in the preceding year, inter-flight rest duration, and flight route length. Serum cortisol and DHEAS concentrations were determined from venous blood samples obtained between 08:00 and 09:00 a.m., following a minimum eight-hour fasting period. The biomarker data were analyzed in relation to the aforementioned occupational characteristics. RESULTS: The mean serum cortisol and DHEAS concentrations in the entire cohort were 8.5±2.1 µg/dL and 214.6±96.4 µg/dL, respectively. There were no significant differences in the levels of the two stress hormones in relation to position, years of experience, total flight hours, flight hours in the preceding year, or flight route length. However, an inter-flight rest period of less than one hour was significantly associated with elevated serum cortisol (P<0.01) and reduced DHEAS levels (P<0.001) compared to longer rest durations. Notably, a stepwise decrease in DHEAS concentrations was observed for rest periods of <1 hour, 1-4 hours, 4-24 hours, and >24 hours. After adjustment for potential confounders in multivariable analyses, a rest period of <1 hour remained independently associated with both serum cortisol (odds ratio [OR]=1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.04-1.13, P<0.01) and DHEAS (OR=0.94, 95% CI=0.92-0.97, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum stress hormones in APs are associated with short inter-flight rest periods. Optimization of rest durations may contribute to improved pilot well-being and performance. Further research is warranted to determine ideal rest period lengths and develop interventions to mitigate the potential adverse effects of abbreviated rest periods between flights.

Occupational stress profiles of prehospital and clinical staff in emergency medicine-a cross-sectional baseline study.

Background: Occupational stress among emergency medical staff remains a central problem. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, many studies were focused on the working conditions of clinical emergency staff, but few examined the occupational stress profiles of prehospital emergency dispatchers (ED). The aim of this study is therefore to provide baseline data on the differences in occupational stress profiles between prehospital and clinical emergency medical staff. Methods: ED, emergency nurses (EN), and trauma surgeons on duty (TS) were questioned using the established and validated standardized short version of the instrument for stress-related job analysis for hospital physicians (ISAK-K). Differences between occupational groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Our data indicate significant differences in perception of stressors between professional groups (p < 0.05), with ED showing the highest psychological stress, followed by EN. Social stressors and emotional dissonance were significantly higher in ED and EN compared to TS (p < 0.05). Time pressure was identified as major stressor for ED and TS, but not for EN (p < 0.01). All professions showed moderate high levels of uncertainty and frustration (p = n.s.). Support from colleagues and supervisors was the greatest positive resource for all professional groups (p = n.s.). Conclusion: In accordance with current literature, our results advocate for a re-evaluation of the identified stressors, as ED, EN, and TS continue to show high levels of occupational stress. Training programs for coping with emotional dissonance and social stressors are likely to be crucial for reducing job stress among ED and EN.

Effects of a sedentary behaviour intervention in emergency dispatch centre phone operators: a study protocol for the SECODIS randomised controlled cross-over trial.

INTRODUCTION: Sedentary behaviour is a public health problem. We mainly have sedentary behaviour at work, transforming them into occupational risk. To our knowledge, there is no intervention study on the reduction of occupational sedentary behaviour in a real work situation and its impact on health and biomarkers of stress. The main objective is to study changes in sedentary behaviour following a behavioural intervention (sit-and-stand desk and cycle ergometer). METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a randomised controlled trial in cross-over design conducted in a single centre. The study will be proposed to emergency medical dispatchers of Clermont-Ferrand. Each volunteer will be followed during three cycles of 1 week (3 weeks in total). Each 1-week cycle is made up of 12 hours of work (three conditions: a control and two interventions), 12 hours of successive rest and 6 days of follow-up. For each condition, the measurements will be identical: questionnaire, measure of heart rate variability, electrodermal activity and level of physical activity, saliva and blood sampling. The primary outcome is sedentary behaviour at work (ie, number of minutes per day standing/active). Data will be analysed with both intention-to-treat and per protocol analysis. A p<0.05 will be considered as indicating statistical significance. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee Ouest IV, FRANCE. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. All patients will be informed about the details of the study and sign written informed consent before enrolment in the study. Results from this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This study involves human participants and was approved by Comité de protection des personnes Ouest IVCPP reference: 23/132-2National number: 2022-A02730-43. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05931406.

Protective strategies against occupational stress among health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The purpose of this study was to investigate which protective strategies against occupational stress were developed for health professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This was an integrative literature review conducted in 2021. The Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online and the Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences databases were searched using the Boolean operator AND and the controlled vocabularies "health professionals" AND "occupational stress" AND "COVID-19", both in English and Portuguese. After applying the inclusion criteria and reading the selected articles, a final sample of 24 articles was obtained. Protective strategies against occupational stress developed by institutions included psychological support, support from managers and team leaders, provision of personal protective equipment, appropriate schedules and workload, and training. As for the strategies developed by health professionals themselves, these included resilience, peer support, and self-care. Several protective strategies during the pandemic were observed, but institutions still need to develop and/or improve practices to offer better psychological conditions to health professionals in general.

O objetivo deste estudo é investigar as estratégias de proteção ao estresse ocupacional em profissionais de saúde na pandemia de covid-19. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde em 2021. Utilizou-se o operador booleano AND e vocabulários controlados, a citar: profissionais de saúde AND estresse ocupacional AND COVID-19 e suas respectivas equivalências com termos em inglês. Após a aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e leitura do material, obteve-se uma amostra final de 24 artigos. Suporte psicológico, apoio de gestores e líderes das equipes, disponibilidade de equipamentos de proteção individuais, cronogramas e carga horária apropriados e treinamentos foram estratégias de proteção ao estresse ocupacional organizadas pelas instituições. Quanto à resiliência, o apoio entre pares e os cuidados pessoais foram estratégias criadas pelos profissionais de saúde. Evidenciou-se o uso de diversas estratégias no cenário pandêmico, porém ainda se torna necessário que as instituições elaborem e/ou aprimorem suas práticas de modo a oferecer melhores condições psicológicas aos profissionais de saúde.

Presenteeism and psychosocial aspects of work among civil servants in leadership positions at a Brazilian federal university.

Introduction: Presenteeism, defined as the physical presence of the worker in the work environment despite being sick, has been little investigated among public servants in leadership positions. Managers can suffer stress and even burnout, since the organizational environment is full of complex situations, which can generate strong tension. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between work stress and burnout syndrome with presenteeism among civil servants in management positions at a Brazilian federal university. Methods: A total of 106 managers responded to an online questionnaire, including questions about the psychosocial aspects of work. Associations between presenteeism, sociodemographic aspects, dimensions of job stress (demand, control and social support) and Burnout syndrome (emotional exhaustion, dehumanization, emotional distancing and professional achievement) were performed using logistic regression methods. Results: In relation to presenteeism, 51.9% reported having worked in the presence of health problems, and 45.2% of presenteeist workers showed a drop in the performance of work activities due to presenteeism. Burnout syndrome was observed in 10.5% of the group. Regarding the stress at work, 42.9% showed high demand, 55.7% low control and 59.6% low social support. For presenteeists, associations were observed between decreased control, increased emotional exhaustion and dehumanization with greater chances of falling in work performance due to presenteeism. Conclusions: The characteristics of the management positions observed here are factors that can contribute to the greater occurrence of presenteeism and/or greater drop in work performance due to presenteeism.

Introdução: A presença física do trabalhador no ambiente de trabalho, mesmo quando doente, definida como presenteísmo, tem sido pouco investigada entre servidores públicos em cargos de chefia. Os gestores podem sofrer estresse e burnout, visto que o ambiente organizacional é repleto de situações complexas que podem gerar forte tensão. Objetivos: Avaliar as relações do estresse no trabalho e da síndrome de burnout com o presenteísmo entre servidores nos cargos de gestão de uma universidade federal brasileira. Métodos: Estudo transversal com 106 gestores que responderam a um questionário on-line, incluindo perguntas sobre os aspectos psicossociais do trabalho. As associações bivariadas entre o presenteísmo, os aspectos sociodemográficos, as dimensões do estresse no trabalho (demanda, controle e apoio social) e da síndrome de burnout (exaustão emocional, desumanização, distanciamento emocional e realização profissional) foram realizadas por meio de análises de regressão logística binomial. Resultados: Do total, 51,9% dos participantes referiram ser presenteístas, sendo que 45,2% dos presenteístas apresentaram queda no desempenho das atividades laborais devido ao presenteísmo. A síndrome de burnout foi observada em 10,5% do grupo. Em relação ao estresse, 42,9% apresentaram alta demanda, 55,7% baixo controle e 59,6% apoio social baixo. Entre os presenteístas, foram observadas associações entre a diminuição do controle, o aumento da exaustão emocional e da desumanização com as maiores chances de queda no desempenho laboral devido ao presenteísmo. Conclusões: As características dos cargos de gestão aqui observadas são fatores que podem contribuir para a maior ocorrência de presenteísmo e/ou maior queda do desempenho laboral devido ao presenteísmo.

Association between low back pain perception and occupational in hospital nursing professionals.

Introduction: Low back pain can be defined as pain and/or discomfort between the coastal margins of the lowest rib and the gluteal fold, and it can cause motor dysfunction, loss of productivity, and changes in job function. There is a greater number of nursing professionals in hospital environments, and, regardless of their numerical contingent, they have the highest percentage of absenteeism due to this condition. Objectives: To evaluate the association between perception of low back pain and occupational stress in hospital nursing professionals. Methods: Eleven nurses and 95 practical nurses (n = 106) were evaluated on their perception of low back pain (Visual Analogue Scale) and occupational stress (job stress scale) using the Demand-Control Model. The chi-square test was used to assess associations between categorial variables (p < 0.05). Results: Low back pain was reported by 74% of the study sample (n = 81). Assessment of occupational stress using the Demand-Control Model showed that 54.7% (n = 58) had low psychological demand and 63.2% (n = 67) had high control at work. Active work was observed in 33% (n = 35) and low demand at work in 30.2% (n = 32). There were no significantly associations between the perception of low back pain and the occupational stress domains described by the Demand-Control Model (p = 0.721). Conclusions: Although there was a high prevalence of low back pain in this sample of nursing professionals, it was not associated with occupational stress.

Introdução: A dor lombar pode ser definida como dor e/ou desconforto entre as margens costais da última costela e a prega glútea, podendo causar disfunções motoras, perda de produtividade e mudança de emprego. Os profissionais de enfermagem atuam em maior número no âmbito hospitalar e, independentemente de seu contingente numérico, apresentam o maior percentual de absenteísmo devido a essa afecção. Objetivos: Avaliar a associação entre a percepção de dor lombar e o estresse ocupacional em profissionais de enfermagem de âmbito hospitalar. Métodos: Foram avaliados 11 enfermeiros e 95 técnicos de enfermagem (n = 106) quanto à percepção da dor lombar (Escala Visual Analógica) e o estresse ocupacional ( Job Stress Scale) por meio do Modelo Demanda-Controle. A associação entre variáveis categóricas foi avaliada pelo teste de qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados: Houve prevalência de dor lombar em 74% da amostra (n = 81). A avaliação do estresse ocupacional por meio do Modelo Demanda-Controle evidenciou que 54,7% (n = 58) apresentou baixa demanda psicológica e 63,2% (n = 67) apresentou alto controle no trabalho. O trabalho ativo foi evidenciado em 33% (n = 35) e a baixa exigência no trabalho em 30,2% (n = 32). Não houve associação entre a percepção de dor lombar e os domínios do estresse ocupacional (p = 0,721). Conclusões: Houve alta prevalência de dor lombar, sem que tal sintoma tenha se associado ao estresse ocupacional nos profissionais de enfermagem avaliados.

Association between occupational stress, markers of inflammation, and oxidative stress in intensive care unit workers: a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Health care workers in intensive care units have a high propensity to develop burnout syndrome. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between occupational stress and markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in health care workers in intensive care units. Methods: The sample consisted of 133 intensivists from the city of Colatina, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. The Maslach Inventory Burnout Survey was used to assess burnout syndrome. Oxidative stress was measured in proteins and lipids, and cytokine levels were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The highest levels of burnout syndrome (emotional exhaustion dimension) were found in nurses and physical therapists and showed greater changes in markers of protein damage and inflammation. On the emotional exhaustion dimension, it was higher among professionals who consumed some type of alcoholic beverage and some type of stimulant, whether caffeine, tea, or soft drinks, at least twice a week. There was a positive relationship between the development of burnout syndrome, specifically in the dimension of low personal involvement at work, and oxidative damage in lipids (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Conclusions: There is evidence of relationship between occupational stress and oxidative stress in professionals with low personal involvement in their work.

Introdução: Os profissionais de saúde que atuam em Unidades de Terapia Intensiva apresentam forte propensão a desenvolver a síndrome de burnout. Objetivos: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a relação entre o estresse ocupacional e os marcadores de estresse oxidativo e inflamação em profissionais de saúde em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: A amostra foi composta por 133 profissionais intensivistas de Colatina, Espírito Santo, Brasil. O Maslach Inventory Burnout Survey foi aplicado para avaliar a síndrome de burnout. O estresse oxidativo em proteínas e lipídios foi medido e os níveis de citocinas foram avaliados pelo ensaio enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resultados: Os resultados do estudo mostraram que os níveis mais elevados para síndrome de burnout (dimensão exaustão emocional) foram mais significativos entre enfermeiros e fisioterapeutas e apresentaram maiores alterações nos marcadores de dano proteico e inflamação. Na dimensão exaustão emocional, foi maior nos profissionais que consomem algum tipo de bebida alcoólica pelo menos duas vezes por semana e algum tipo de estimulante, seja cafeína, chá ou refrigerante. Houve relação positiva no desenvolvimento da síndrome de burnout, na dimensão de baixo envolvimento pessoal no trabalho, com dados oxidativos em lipídios (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances). Conclusões: Há evidências de relação entre estresse ocupacional e estresse oxidativo em profissionais com baixo envolvimento pessoal em seu trabalho.

ICD-11 adjustment disorder: Translation and validation of the Danish international adjustment disorder questionnaire among a working population of social educators.

Adjustment disorder is frequently used as a diagnostic category for work-related stress disorders in Denmark. However, the diagnostic category is poorly delineated in ICD-10 which has hampered clinical practice as well as research studying the development of work-related adjustment disorders. In ICD-11, the diagnostic category of adjustment disorder has been refined and a new self-report measure is available to operationalize symptoms. The aim of the current study is to translate the International Adjustment Disorder Questionnaire (IADQ) to Danish and test the psychometric properties of the scale in a sample of social educators. A total of 609 social educators in current employment participated in an online survey including the IADQ and data was analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis. Findings suggested that a two-factor model reflecting the distinction between preoccupation and failure to adapt as part of the diagnostic criterion fitted the data best, although strong factor correlations and one cross-factor loading suggests that differentiating between the dimensions of preoccupation and failure to adapt is difficult. Relationships to burnout, posttraumatic stress and general distress support the validity of the Danish translation of the IADQ. Further research should explore the structure of adjustment disorder among other working populations.

The feasibility and acceptability of using EMA and physiological data to measure day-to-day occupational stress, musculoskeletal pain and mental health.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using EMA questionnaires and physiological data via wristbands to measure day-to-day occupational stress, musculoskeletal pain, and mental health among university employees (N = 23), across 10 work days. Adherence to the study protocol as well as participant experiences (via semi-structured interviews) with the protocol were used to assess feasibility and acceptability of the method. RESULTS: Adherence to the study protocol was excellent. Participants wore the wristband for a mean of 9.7 days. Participants completed a mean of 24.5 EMAs (out of 30). Semi-structured interviews with participants revealed that a small number of participants had difficulties uploading data from the wristband. The timing of EMAs was challenging for some participants, resulting in missed EMAs, raising questions about whether EMA frequency and timing could be changed to improve adherence. Some EMA items were difficult to answer due to the nature of participants' roles and the work undertaken. Overall, the protocol was feasible and acceptable but highlighted future potential changes including using a different physiological data collection tool, reducing the number of EMAs, adjusting EMA timings, and reviewing EMA items.

Mental Health and Medical Error among Nursing Staffs at Korean Medicine Clinics: a first survey in South Korea.

Objectives: Nurses face mental health issues like emotional labor, stress, and depression, increasing the risk of medical errors. This study assesses the mental health and medical errors among nurses in Korean medicine clinics in South Korea. Methods: The cross-sectional analysis involved 83 nurses, examining relationships between emotional labor, stress, depression, cognitive failure, Hwa-byung (HB) (a syndrome of suppressed anger in Korean culture), and medical errors. It identified factors associated with HB and medical errors using multiple regression analysis, presenting their odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The findings revealed a current HB prevalence of 19.28% and a 6-month medical error prevalence of 16.87% among participants. The regression analysis showed that higher levels of depression (OR = 1.368, 95% CI = 1.098 to 1.703, p = 0.005), cognitive failure (OR = 1.072, 95% CI = 1.011 to 1.136, p = 0.020), and HB trait (OR = 1.136, 95% CI = 1.005 to 1.284, p = 0.041) significantly correlated with HB presence. Conclusion: This groundbreaking study on this previously under-researched nurse workforce highlights the critical need for comprehensive mental health care, with the objective of significantly enhancing their mental well-being and improving their overall work environment.

In the Shadow of the Pandemic: Examining Therapists' Perceptions of Work-Related Stress in the Late Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The previous literature has identified increased work-related stress among healthcare workers (HCWs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study analyzes work-related perceived stress experienced by therapists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany to identify potential for supporting this crucial group of HCWs in future health crises. METHODS: Survey data on stress, measured through the Perceived Stress Scale 4, among HCWs (therapists n = 612, nurses n = 501, and doctors n = 461) were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and data from four semi-structured interviews and seven focus group discussions with therapists were analyzed using thematic content analysis. Data were collected from March to September 2022. RESULTS: Therapists reported similar stress levels to other HCWs, with the reporting of perceived stress differing between work contexts. Eight stressors were identified through the thematic analysis: (1) concerns about maintaining the quality of care, (2) uncertainty about the future, (3) workload, (4) interactions with colleagues and patients, (5) PPE, (6) the risk of infection, (7) insufficient information flow, and (8) the lack of public and political recognition. CONCLUSIONS: This study emphasizes the distinct challenges that therapists experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. By identifying the factors that contributed to the stress experienced, the study can inform targeted support strategies which can enhance therapists' work, ultimately contributing to sustaining essential healthcare services during public health crises.

Association between sleep quality and uncertainty stress among healthcare professionals in hospitals in China: a nationwide cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVES: Sleep quality is a critical concern among healthcare professionals, yet the role of uncertainty stress has been inadequately explored. This study aims to explore the associations between sleep quality and uncertainty stress among healthcare professionals working in Chinese hospitals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Data were collected via a cross-sectional survey administered to healthcare professionals across three Chinese provinces from 29 September 2022 to 18 January 2023. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1902 participants contributed valid responses for analysis. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: Sleep quality. RESULTS: Out of 1902 respondents, 26.4% reported uncertainty stress and 50.5% experienced insomnia. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that higher uncertainty stress significantly predicted poor sleep quality (OR=3.89; 95% CI 3.06, 4.95; p<0.001) while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics. Furthermore, linear regression analysis confirmed the similar relationship between uncertainty stress and sleep quality (ß=3.10; 95% CI 2.67, 3.52; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights a significant association between uncertainty stress and impaired sleep quality among Chinese healthcare professionals. These findings suggest the necessity for targeted strategies to mitigate uncertainty stress, which may potentially promote better sleep and overall well-being in healthcare settings.

The positive impact of daily well-being practices on individual veterinary professionals' professional quality of life self-assessment scores within an emergency and specialty hospital.

Introduction: Our study set out to identify the benefits for veterinary workers of structured daily well-being practices on compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress. Suggested origins of high rates of psychological stress and burnout are significant occupational concerns for veterinary workers. Many professional helpers experience an extreme state of tension and preoccupation from exposure to the suffering of those being helped. Veterinary workers are further impacted by negative associations and moral distress experienced due to limitations in the provision of quality medical care for veterinary patients. These negative experiences exist despite veterinary professionals' work being worthwhile and highly valued. Methods: A randomized controlled study was performed over 6 months. Volunteer participants were members of a team of veterinary workers at a 24-h emergency and specialty hospital. Study participants were asked to incorporate daily well-being practice(s) into existing routines whereas control participants were not. Measures of well-being and the negative impacts of serving as veterinary helpers were assessed by having participants complete the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) self-assessment at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months. Composite scores for compassion satisfaction, burnout and secondary traumatic stress were calculated. Results: Baseline ProQOL scores were similar between study participants and controls. Baseline compassion satisfaction (CS), burnout scores (BS), and secondary traumatic stress (STS) scores for those instituting well-being practices were 37.6 (+/- 3.6), 26 (+/- 5.3), and 26.6 (+/- 5.2). Study participants had higher compassion satisfaction scores at 6 months with mean CS scores (n = 15) of 40.1 (+/- 6.8) and adjusted scores that were on average 3.0 (95% CI 0-6.1) higher than the control group (p = 0.048). Significant differences in BS or STS scores were not seen. Discussion: Improvements were seen in CS but not BO/STS for those caregivers who implemented well-being practices into their daily routines. Factors that likely contributed to successful implementation of well-being practices include educational resources, supportive leadership, accessibility, and consistent acknowledgement and positive rewards. Proposed supportive elements and resources for maintenance of well-being practices within a team of veterinary workers include provision of a psychologically safe community and team support (including formal or informal "buddy systems").

The relationship between community workers' occupational stress, social support and psychological health: an empirical study in Liaoning Province, China.

Background: With increasing urbanization in China, the community has assumed the important task of social governance and service provision, which has resulted in an increase in community workers' occupational stress. To date, researchers have studied ways to improve community workers' working ability, but have paid less attention to their health, especially their psychological health. This study examined the relationship between occupational stress, social support and community workers' psychological health. Methods: A total of 545 community workers from 14 cities in Liaoning Province completed a questionnaire including the Occupational Adaptability Scale for Employees (OASE), the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) and the SCL-90-R scale (a measure of psychological health). Correlational and regression analyses were conducted. Results: Community workers' occupational stress mainly derives from their workload, career development opportunities and performance appraisals. Participant's psychological health scores were significantly negatively correlated with occupational stress and significantly positively correlated with social support. Social support plays a moderating effect in the relationship between community workers' occupational stress and their psychological health. Conclusion: It is necessary to establish an effective community support system, reduce the burden on the community, optimize existing work processes and performance appraisal system, create a positive working environment and organizational culture, and promote employee's psychological health.

Psychosocial risk factors of lower urinary tract symptoms among working women.

OBJECTIVES: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are prevalent among women, affecting not only their physical well-being but also their quality of working life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between psychosocial factors at work and LUTS among working women. Additionally, we sought to investigate whether women with psychosocial risk factors at work reported reduced quality of life (QOL) and a higher degree of productivity loss from absenteeism and presenteeism. METHODS: An online survey was conducted to collect the demographic characteristics, occupational risk factors, and LUTS among employed Korean women. Shift work, weekly working hours, occupational stress, and emotional labor were surveyed as psychosocial risk factors at work. The association between psychosocial risk factors and LUTS was assessed using adjusted logistic regression. The relationships between psychosocial risk factors and LUTS-related outcomes, such as were examined using a generalized linear model. RESULTS: Of the 1057 participants, 260 (24.6%) and 294 (27.81%) had overactive bladder and urinary incontinence, respectively. Job stress, emotional labor, and night-shift work are significantly associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS, which reduce workers' QOL and labor productivity through absenteeism and presenteeism due to urination symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Psychosocial factors at work, particularly job stress, emotional labor, and night-shift work, were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of LUTS, leading to reduced QOL and labor productivity due to urination symptoms.

Are state abortion bans an occupational health hazard for obstetrician-gynaecologists? Findings from a multistate qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Since the US Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson decision, 17 states have imposed near-total abortion bans. These bans may negatively impact health and well-being of obstetrician-gynaecologists (OB-GYNs), due to high levels of work-related stress that the laws have created for them. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the impacts of post-Dobbs v. Jackson state abortion bans on occupational health and well-being of OB-GYNs. METHODS: The Study of OB-GYNs in Post-Roe America is a qualitative study of 54 OB-GYNs practising in 13 of the 14 states with near-total abortion bans as of March 2023. Using volunteer sampling methods, participants were recruited for semistructured qualitative interviews via videoconference from March to August 2023. RESULTS: Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified six major domains of health and well-being impacts of state abortion bans on OB-GYNs: anxiety and depression, burden of negative emotions, burn-out, coping-related health behaviours, sleep disruption and personal relationships. CONCLUSIONS: State abortion bans following the 2022 Dobbs decision may impact the health and well-being not only of pregnant patients but also of their providers. These provider health impacts include mental health and burn-out but also extend to physical health outcomes and the work-life interface.

Promoting coping competence for psychological stressors in nursing training: a controlled pedagogical intervention.

Background: Multiple stressors as well as health-and quality-impairing effects of strain in the nursing profession require the systematic acquisition of competence in dealing with these demands, starting at the stage of initial vocational training. This study investigates whether an instructional design, which merges didactic principles of nursing education with concepts and training measures from stress psychology, promotes the acquisition of stress coping competence more effectively than regular teaching on the relevant curricular field at nursing schools. Methods: The quasi-experimental study design, based on the Solomon four-group plan, included 332 trainees in Germany. The assessment of stress coping competence at the beginning and at the end of the intervention provided a video-stimulated situational judgment test covering nursing-specific stressful situations. All were validated by field experts. Complementing group comparisons, regression analyses examined intervention effects at the individual level while controlling for other predictors of learning success. Results: The highest solution rates for the two basic dimensions of stress coping competence, i.e., (1) situation assessment and (2) strategy selection and justification, occurred in the treatment classes without a pretest. At the individual level, treatment effects were confirmed for the first dimension. Students with a migration background showed lower competence gains than other students. Conclusion: The instructional design and the competence test provide valuable foundations for promoting and for diagnosing coping skills. Nevertheless, subsequent studies should examine adaptive support for different learner groups. Furthermore, additional observational phases should focus on the deliberate practice of acquired coping strategies in the practical training settings of nursing education.

Socioeconomic determinants and self-rated health among hotel housekeepers in the Balearic Islands (Spain).

Background: Hotel housekeepers constitute an important occupational group in the Balearic Islands (Spain). Housekeeping is considered low-skilled and precarious and typically involves high physical demands and time pressure. The aim of this study is to analyze the association between the socioeconomic determinants of health and hotel housekeepers' self-rated health. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Primary Health Care in the Balearic Islands (November 2018-February 2019). Hotel housekeepers over 18 years of age with free access to the Balearic Public Health System who had been employed during 2018 were eligible. Results: We enrolled 1,043 hotel housekeepers; the mean score of health perceived status was 72.4/100 (SD 19.0). Those with a lower self-perceived health were statistically significant older, had Spanish nationality, lower level of studies, permanent or recurring seasonal contract, financial difficulties, a higher level of occupational stress, an external locus of control, reported work-life balance difficulties, were former smokers, insufficiently physical active and obese. We found lower scores in self-perceived health status score of -7.159 (CI95% -10.20- -4.12) among hotel housekeepers with osteoarthritis; -6.858 (CI95% -11.89- -1.82) among those with chronic depression; -3.697 (CI95% -6.08- -1.31) among those who reported difficulties in work-life balance; -2.414 (CI95% -4.69- -0.13) among participants who performed insufficient physical activity; -2.107 (CI% -4.44- -0.23) among those who reported financial strain. Lower self-rated health was also associated to a higher perceived stress, -1.440 (CI95% -2.09- -0.79); BMI (kg/m2), -0.299 (CI95% -0.53- -0.07); and longer time working as HH -0.177 (CI95% -0.33- -0.03). Conclusion: Our results underscore the importance of psychosocial (such as difficulties in work-life balance and occupational stress) and material factors (such as financial difficulties) when explaining differences in self-perceived health. Public health interventions aimed at improving health status must consider inequalities in material and working conditions.