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1.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health ; 97(1): 75-80, 2024 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38047958

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The symptoms of insomnia are defined as difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, and early awakening. Although also a symptom of insomnia, nonrestorative sleep (NRS) is clearly more associated with objective indices than other insomnia symptoms. However, the link between NRS and overtime work duration is poorly understood. METHODS: The results of a single year's medical examinations were investigated for 26,144 Japanese office workers who were 30 to 59 years old. NRS status and lifestyle were collected through a computer-assisted medical interview. The subjects were asked about the presence or absence of NRS and their lifestyles in the most recent two to three months. The subjects were asked about their sleep times and average overtime durations per month (< 20 h/month, ≥ 20 but < 40 h/month, ≥ 40 but < 60 h/month, and ≥ 60 h/month). The relationships between NRS and overtime work duration adjusted for sleep time were also analyzed. RESULTS: The proportion of subjects with NRS showed a stepwise increase as overtime work hours increased. A logistic regression analysis was performed using NRS as an objective variable. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that overtime work duration (OR, 1.13; 95% CI 1.10-1.17; P < 0.001; per one-category increase) was an independent determinant of NRS. CONCLUSION: For office workers, long hours of overtime work increased the NRS prevalence at any sleep duration.


Subject(s)
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders , Sleep Wake Disorders , Humans , Adult , Middle Aged , Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/epidemiology , Japan/epidemiology , Sleep , Life Style
2.
Med J Islam Repub Iran ; 38: 29, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38803388

ABSTRACT

Background: Complaints of the arm, neck, and shoulder (CANS) in the workplace are becoming more prevalent among employees. The Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ) validates upper extremity complaints in 7 domains-including workstation, body posture, break time, job control, job demands, work environment, and social support. The aim of the present study was to translate, adapt, and validate the Persian Version of MUEQ among Iranian office workers. Methods: The psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the MUEQ employed a comprehensive methodological approach comprising face and content validity assessments, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and Cronbach's alpha. A panel of 10 experts assessed the face and content validity of the instrument. In the second phase, through a cross-sectional study, the validity and reliability of the questionnaire were measured by CFA and Cronbach's alpha in a sample of 420 people from the target population in Tehran, Iran. Results: The mean age of the participants was 41.40 ± 7.80 years. Examination of upper limb complaints showed that neck pain was the most common complaint among office workers, with a prevalence of 65%. The CFA results confirmed the questionnaire's structure, with 59 items grouped into 7 subscales, and with fit indices-comparative fit index, 0. 87; root mean square error of approximation, 0.08; goodness of fit index, 0.9. The questionnaire demonstrated strong internal consistency, as all items exhibited Cronbach's alpha values of ≥0.9. Conclusion: The psychometric evaluation of the Persian version of the MUEQ showed that it is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating psychosocial factors in the work environment. Identifying psychosocial factors influential in musculoskeletal problems will lead to better planning to change behavior and design constructive interventions to improve behavior. By addressing psychosocial determinants of musculoskeletal issues at both the individual and organizational levels, we can enhance employees' awareness, self-efficacy, and ability to manage their musculoskeletal health and make informed decisions about their well-being.

3.
J Epidemiol ; 2023 Aug 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37574271

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic may have reduced opportunities for engaging in physical activity (PA) and increased sedentary behavior (SB) among workers. However, most previous studies used self-reported assessments. This study aimed to examine the changes in accelerometer-measured PA and SB from before to after COVID-19 outbreak among Japanese workers. METHODS: This one-year longitudinal study used data from the annual health check-ups of workers who lived in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Baseline and follow-up data were collected from June to November, 2019 and June to November, 2020, respectively. Participants were asked to wear the accelerometer on their hip during awake hours for at least 10 days in both the surveys. Before the analysis, considering the difference in wearing time, time spent in PA and SB were converted to the percentage of wearing time. To investigate the changes in PA or SB from before to during COVID-19 outbreak, paired t-tests were performed. RESULTS: Of the 757 eligible participants, 536 were included in the analysis (70.8%). Participants' mean age was 53.3 years; 69.6% were female; and most were full-time employees. Time spent in PA decreased, regardless of weekdays or weekends, although changes on the weekends were not significant. Conversely, time spent in SB increased on both weekdays and weekends in 2020. These changes corresponded to approximately 10 minutes per day increase/decrease in PA/SB. CONCLUSION: Objectively measured PA decreased and SB increased by approximately 10 minutes per day after the COVID-19 outbreak among Japanese workers.

4.
Psychol Health Med ; : 1-13, 2023 Sep 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37661640

ABSTRACT

Japan witnessed the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in March - May 2020. We examined whether the impact of COVID-19 on people seeking help from mental and physical health professionals varied with changes in employment (from full-time employment to unemployment or leave of absence) and psychological predisposition to new-type depression (Interpersonal Sensitivity [IS]/Privileged Self [PS]) associated with the pandemic. An online survey was conducted in June 2020 (after the outbreak of COVID-19) among people who were full-time employees as of April 2019. Data from 1,053 individuals were analyzed. The survey asked about regular visits to health professionals one year prior to the survey (June 2019) and at the time of the survey. Employment status, personality traits, and demographic characteristics were also examined. We found that consultation rates changed little before and after the pandemic. Logistic regression analysis showed that after controlling for age and gender, being unemployed or absent from work after the pandemic and having higher scores for IS/PS were positively associated with regular visits to health professionals. Considering that COVID-19 has been shown to increase the incidence of physical and mental illness, the finding that the rate of consultations remained unchanged implies that consultations were withheld. Joblessness/absence from work and IS/PS had negative effects on physical and mental health, leading to fewer visits.

5.
BMC Public Health ; 22(1): 458, 2022 03 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35255850

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Sedentary workplace interventions have had success in reducing excessive sitting time in office workers, but barriers to implementation and uptake remain. This study formally assessed a theory-derived, sit-stand desk intervention using the APEASE (Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Side-effects, Equity) criteria. METHODS: Thirteen adults (eight female, mean age 38 ± 10 years) from the treatment arm of a sedentary behaviour intervention participated in semi-structured interviews. Thematic codes were inductively assigned to data items followed by deductive charting using the APEASE criteria. RESULTS: The intervention was highly acceptable, practicable, safe to deploy, and helped workers reduce workplace sitting time, though individual preferences and workload mediated engagement. Affordability of sit-stand desks and Equity of access were potential barriers to uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Through the lens of the APEASE criteria, this theory-derived, multi-component sit-stand desk intervention showed acceptability, practicability and effectiveness in reducing and breaking up sedentary time at work with minimal side effects. Using this approach with further tailoring and personalisation may help workers achieve greater reductions in workplace sitting, though affordability and equity should be considered further.


Subject(s)
Occupational Health , Workplace , Adult , Costs and Cost Analysis , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Sedentary Behavior , Workload
6.
Rocz Panstw Zakl Hig ; 73(4): 453-462, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36546898

ABSTRACT

Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, office worker has spent more than 6-8 hours per day sitting for online working following social distancing policy. Considering the popularity of online ordering and home delivery services, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption have increased. However, the link between the types SSB consumption and their BMI was less well documented. Objective: To determine the association of the habitual intake (type, frequency, and volume) of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) with body mass index (BMI). Material and methods: A cross-sectional study, 337 office workers were selected according to probability proportionto-size and systematic random sampling. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews on the type, frequency, and volume of sugar-sweetened beverage intake. Samples of sugar-containing beverages were analyzed using high-throughput liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The chi-square test was used to determine the relationship of SSB consumption with BMI. Unadjusted binary logistic regression analysis was used to assess the associations between BMI and metabolic diseases. Results: Most respondents (56.1%) were overweight (BMI >23 kg/m2). The most consumed SSB was milk tea (e.g., Thai tea and green tea), which was significantly related with BMI (p=0.03). LC-MS/MS analysis showed that sucrose and lactose were the major sugars in milk tea (34.7 g/100mL, on average). 70.6% of the respondents consumed >24 g/day of sugar, which is more than the World Health Organization's recommendation. Conclusions: Health control policies and health education, for example warning labels for the reduction of SSB consumption, may urgently be required to promote health in workplaces and prevent SSB-related metabolic diseases.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Sugar-Sweetened Beverages , Humans , Cross-Sectional Studies , Chromatography, Liquid , Health Promotion , Pandemics , Thailand , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/prevention & control , Tandem Mass Spectrometry , Beverages , Tea , Sugars
7.
Health Promot Int ; 35(6): 1369-1382, 2020 Dec 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32068840

ABSTRACT

This study attempts to develop and verify the effectiveness of a health promotion program for office workers based on the social ecological model and the World Health Organization's Healthy Workplace Framework. This study involved 272 office workers of a small and medium-sized enterprise in Korea. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction using SPSS/WIN 23.0. Workplace environmental support was provided to all workers, while a 6-month intensive core program based on social support was implemented for the intensive management group. Based on the participation rate, individuals were divided into the core and dropout groups. In all office workers, there were negative changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and job stress during the period. Meanwhile, the intensive group showed significant changes in body mass index and diastolic blood pressure. The study suggests that the organization's support for a healthy environment and an individual's continued participation based on social support are essential for the effectiveness of a health promotion program for office workers.


Subject(s)
Health Promotion , Workplace , Health Status , Humans , Republic of Korea , World Health Organization
8.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health ; 90(5): 373-410, 2017 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28224291

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Identifying risk factors associated with the development of work-related neck pain in office workers is necessary to facilitate the development of prevention strategies that aim to minimise this prevalent and costly health problem. The aim of this systematic review is to identify individual worker (e.g., lifestyle activity, muscular strength, and posture) and workplace (e.g., ergonomics and work environment) physical factors associated with the development of non-specific neck pain in office workers. METHODS: Studies from 1980 to 2016 were identified by an electronic search of Pubmed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Psychlnfo and Proquest databases. Two authors independently screened search results, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias using the epidemiological appraisal instrument (EAI). A random effect model was used to estimate the risk of physical factors for neck pain. RESULTS: Twenty papers described the findings of ten prospective cohort studies and two randomized controlled trials. Low satisfaction with the workplace environment (pooled RR 1.28; CI 1.07-1.55), keyboard position close to the body [pooled RR 1.46; (CI 1.07-1.99)], low work task variation [RR 1.27; CI (1.08-1.50)] and self-perceived medium/high muscular tension (pooled RR 2.75/1.82; CI 1.60 /1.14-4.72/2.90) were found to be risk factors for the development of neck pain. CONCLUSIONS: This review found evidence for a few number of physical risk factors for the development of neck pain, however, there was also either limited or conflicting factors. Recommendations for future studies evaluating risk factors are reported and how these may contribute to the prevention of neck pain in office workers.


Subject(s)
Neck Pain/etiology , Occupational Diseases/etiology , Workplace/psychology , Ergonomics , Humans , Job Satisfaction , Neck Pain/prevention & control , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupations , Posture , Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic , Risk Factors
9.
J Phys Ther Sci ; 28(9): 2422-2425, 2016 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27799661

ABSTRACT

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of manual therapy on shoulder pain in office workers. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects included 38 office workers who were randomly divided into two groups: a manual therapy group of 19 subjects and a shoulder stabilization exercise group of 19 subjects. All subjects underwent evaluation of the pressure pain threshold in the splenius capitis and upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles on both sides. The manual therapy used in the study was designed to include soft-tissue mobilization, prone thoracic mobilization, prone selected thoracic mobilization, cervical mobilization, and thoracic manipulation. Both groups underwent training of two 40-minute sessions per week for 6 weeks. [Results] After the intervention, both groups showed significantly increased pressure pain thresholds in the splenius capitis and upper, middle, and lower trapezius muscles on both sides. The manual therapy group showed greater improvements than did the shoulder stabilization exercise group in the splenius capitis on both sides, left upper trapezius, middle trapezius on both sides, and right lower trapezius. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that manual therapy for shoulder pain is feasible and suitable for office workers and may be useful in clinical rehabilitation.

10.
Med J Islam Repub Iran ; 28: 69, 2014.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25405134

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most prevalent occupational disorders in different jobs such as office work. Some interventions such as ergonomic modifications and workplace exercises are introduced as the methods for alleviating these disorders. In this study we compared the effect of ergonomic modifications and workplace exercises on musculoskeletal pain and discomfort in a group of office workers. METHODS: In an interventional study on office workers, the effect of two interventions was compared. Ergonomic modification consisted of correcting the arrangement of workstation and changing some equipment; workplace exercises included stretching exercises focusing on neck, shoulders, low back, and hand and wrist. Musculoskeletal complaints were assessed and compared before and after 1 month interventions. RESULTS: The frequency of musculoskeletal complaints was high before the study. Both interventions significantly reduced complaints in a similar manner except for low back pain which was reduced in exercise group more than the other group. CONCLUSION: In this study we found a beneficial short-term effect for both ergonomic modifications and stretching work-place exercises on reducing musculoskeletal pain in office workers.

11.
J Occup Health ; 66(1)2024 Jan 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38710168

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of 1-hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in office workers with symptomatic neck pain and asymptomatic office workers. METHODS: A total of 40 participants, both male and female office workers, with symptomatic neck pain (n = 20) and asymptomatic (n = 20), were recruited. Pain intensity, ulnar nerve conduction velocity, median nerve conduction velocity, and muscle activity were determined before and after 1 hour of computer use. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in pain intensity in the neck area in both groups (P < .001). The symptomatic neck pain group revealed a significant decrease in the sensory nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve (P = .008), whereas there was no difference in the median nerve conduction velocity (P > .05). Comparing before and after computer use, the symptomatic neck pain group had less activity of the semispinalis muscles and higher activity of the anterior scalene muscle than the asymptomatic group (P < .05). The trapezius and wrist extensor muscles showed no significant differences in either group (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study found signs of neuromuscular deficit of the ulnar nerve, semispinalis muscle, and anterior scalene muscle after 1 hour of computer use among office workers with symptomatic neck pain, which may indicate the risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. The recommendation of resting, and encouraging function and flexibility of the neuromuscular system after 1 hour of computer use should be considered.


Subject(s)
Median Nerve , Neck Pain , Neural Conduction , Occupational Diseases , Ulnar Nerve , Humans , Male , Female , Adult , Neural Conduction/physiology , Neck Pain/physiopathology , Occupational Diseases/physiopathology , Electromyography , Computers , Middle Aged , Muscle, Skeletal , Time Factors
12.
Work ; 2024 Jun 29.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38968035

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: High levels of sedentary behavior in workplaces are currently recognized as an independent risk factor for cognitive dysfunction and poor mental health. However, sedentary patterns vary between workdays and non-workdays, which may influence cognitive functions. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to quantify and compare work and nonwork device-measured sedentary time (ST) and its association with cognitive function in Indian office workers. METHODS: In an ongoing randomized controlled trial (SMART-STEP), the baseline data of 136 full-time office workers, including accelerometer-measured sedentary patterns and cognitive functions, were analyzed. The ST was measured using a hip-worn accelerometer (Actigraph wGT3X-BT) for seven days, and executive functions were measured using computer-based tests. Linear regression models were employed to analyze the relationships between ST and executive function measures. RESULTS: The median daily ST of Indian office workers was 11.41 hours. The ST was greater on both workdays (11.43 hrs.) and non-workdays (11.14 hrs.) though different (F = 6.76, p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.032). Office workers accumulate more prolonged sitting bouts (+21.36 min) during work days than non-workdays. No associations between device-measured ST and executive functions were observed. CONCLUSION: Indian office workers exhibited high ST patterns, especially on workdays. Although lower than workdays, Indian office workers exhibited more ST patterns during non-workdays than did their Western counterparts. Culturally adaptable workplace and leisure time physical activity interventions are needed to address the high ST of Indian office workers.

13.
Work ; 78(2): 393-398, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38143406

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19) has caused various effects, changing people's lives and work styles. During this period, workplaces decided to work remotely, so people spent more time at home. Therefore, workers' personal and work lives were negatively affected. OBJECTIVE: This study planned to compare traditional and remote office workers' occupational balance and life satisfaction in Turkey during COVID-19. METHODS: Google Survey was used for data collection. Three hundred office workers (18-65 years old) from Turkey participated in the study. The occupational balance and life satisfaction levels of participants were assessed using the Occupational Balance Questionnaire (QB-Quest) and Personal Well-being Index-Adult (PWI-A). RESULTS: Data collected were analyzed statistically by the Independent Sample t-test. It was found that the remote office workers had lower levels of occupational balance (p = 0.02; r = -3.317) and life satisfaction (p = 0.01; r = -2.199) compared to the traditional office workers. CONCLUSION: Remote office workers were found to have lower occupational balance and life satisfaction than traditional office workers. In this period, when the way of working changes like COVID-19, it is crucial to determine office workers' occupational balance and life satisfaction and take precautions for their job performance and satisfaction.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Personal Satisfaction , SARS-CoV-2 , Humans , Turkey , Adult , COVID-19/epidemiology , COVID-19/psychology , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Surveys and Questionnaires , Aged , Adolescent , Workplace/psychology , Workplace/standards , Teleworking , Job Satisfaction , Work-Life Balance , Pandemics
14.
Phys Act Nutr ; 28(1): 20-23, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38719462

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We aimed to identify the changes in pulmonary function after prolonged sitting. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) allow physicians to assess the respiratory capability of patients under numerous clinical circumstances and when there are risk factors for lung sickness, occupational exposure, and pulmonary toxicity. PFTs are routinely performed in the standing or high sitting position because of the devices and patient comfort. METHODS: A total of 180 asymptomatic office workers were recruited as eligibility criteria and divided into three groups according to their daily sitting duration (group 1:2-4 h, group 2:4-6 h, and group 3: > 6 h). PFTs were performed twice consecutively to determine the mean of the readings. A Helios 401 spirometer was used to quantify lung function. The parameters were "forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)", "forced vital capacity (FVC)", "peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)", and the "ratio of FEV1 to FVC (FEV1/FVC)". RESULTS: Our results suggest that noteworthy changes were present in the lung function of all the participants. For individuals with > 6 h of sitting; FVC, FEV1, and PEFR were higher compared to those of the participants with 2-4 h and 4-6 h of sitting. The FEV1/FVC ratio was also reduced in individuals with prolonged hours of sitting. CONCLUSION: Body position impacts the result of PFTs; however, that as it may, the ideal position and extent of advantage changed between the review populaces. These results suggested that noteworthy changes occur in the lung function of healthy individuals exposed to sitting time.

15.
Heliyon ; 10(3): e25075, 2024 Feb 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38318034

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Rapid technological developments, especially in the use of electronic devices, have affected workers. MSDs are a major burden for both employees and employers, and in contemporary society. Millions of computer workers suffer musculoskeletal diseases and it is the most common cause of occupational illness in the USA and result in medical costs and absenteeism that cost the sector between $45 and $54 billion annually. A single review was done about WMSDs, however it only investigated neck and upper extremities disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to review epidemiological evidence about the prevalence and risk factors of overall WMSDs among computer user bankers and office workers. Methods: An extensive literature search was undertaken in the PubMed, Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, and Scopus databases. Articles published in peer-reviewed English-language journals were considered for inclusion criteria. Articles published in conference proceedings, reports, abstracts, and not full text were excluded. After a thorough search of databases, a total of 90 articles were discovered, and finally, 25 of them met the inclusion criteria and were investigated in detail. Result: The magnitude of WMSDs ranged from 33.8 to 95.3 %. The lower back, neck, upper back, and shoulder were the most affected body parts, and the elbow, hip/thigh, knee, wrist/hand, and ankle/feet were the least affected body parts. Prolonged computer use, being older, repetitive moments, female sex, working in awkward posture, low educational status, a lack of physical exercise, and ergonomics training were significantly affected by MSDs. Conclusion: and recommendation: The prevalence of WMSDS was very high, and as a result, an interventional study should be conducted. Reducing prolonged use of computers and working in the right posture will reduce the magnitude of MSD among computer users.

16.
Int J Occup Saf Ergon ; 29(1): 50-55, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34927576

ABSTRACT

Objectives. This study aimed to investigate the presence of scapular dyskinesis (SD) in office workers with neck and scapular complaints. The postural malalignment and related muscle adaptations were also explored. Methods. SD and its subtypes were determined. Postural deviations and the length of commonly reported muscle tightness were evaluated. Results. Among 99 participants, 90% of them had SD. Considering both sides or 198 scapula, 90.4% were identified as having painful scapula and 19% as having painless scapula. There was a difference in the proportion of SD on painful (93%) and painless (69%) sides. Postural deviations including rounded shoulder (100%), forward head (43.3%) and thoracic hyperkyphosis (54.5%) were prevalent. Persons with type III SD had a higher percentage of forward head than other types. There was also tightness of the pectoralis minor (100%), levator scapulae (93.0%) and upper trapezius (98.3%) muscles without different proportions among types of SD. The greatest proportion of persons with SD had tightness of the levator scapulae. Conclusions. There was a high prevalence of SD among office workers with neck and scapular complaints. SD was also associated with abnormal posture and muscle tightness. The proper management of SD and working posture is warranted.


Subject(s)
Dyskinesias , Scapula , Humans , Prevalence , Scapula/physiology , Shoulder , Pain
17.
Int J Occup Saf Ergon ; 29(2): 461-465, 2023 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35296224

ABSTRACT

Objectives. We aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and associated risk factors among hospital office workers. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out between May and August 2021 with office workers actively working in a hospital in Izmir, Turkey. The Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire was used to evaluate the severity of self-reported CTS symptoms and their effect on the functional status of the participants. Results. The study included 151 people, 68.2% of whom were women. CTS symptoms were reported by 74.1% of the participants, the majority of whom (73.2%) were women. These reported symptoms were mild in 43%, moderate in 24.5%, severe in 5.3% and very severe in 1.3%. Significant differences were found between those with and without CTS symptoms regarding age, body mass index, previous diagnosis of CTS, daily work hours, using a wrist-supported mousepad and perceived workload (p < 0.05). Conclusion. CTS symptoms of office workers in the hospital were associated with occupational characteristics as well as individual factors. These risk factors should be taken into account while planning for future preventive and interventional measures in workplaces.


Subject(s)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome , Humans , Male , Female , Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/epidemiology , Self Report , Cross-Sectional Studies , Prevalence , Risk Factors
18.
Work ; 76(1): 275-288, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36872832

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Office workers are at high risk of developing musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) due to improper workstations. Open-plan bank office employees must communicate with bank clerks properly and perform financial activity precisely, but noise is a factor that disrupts their communication. Therefore, MSS and annoying noise are two of the main problems in open-plan offices. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effects of a multi-component intervention involving individual (employee ergonomics training) and physical (improvements in workstation design and work environment) ergonomic factors on musculoskeletal outcomes and speech communication in open-plan environments. METHODS: A preliminary survey was carried out to investigate the overall ergonomics problems, the tasks and time analysis, workstations setup, the prevalence of MSS (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire), physical discomfort (Visual Analogue Scale [VAS]), and posture (assessed by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] method), environmental status (measurement of noise), and speech intelligibility (assessed by Speech Interference Level [SIL] method based on ISO 9921). The multi-component interventions were performed afterward based on the data collected. A baseline assessment and a 9-month follow-up assessment were conducted. RESULTS: The results showed a significant decrease in the prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints (shoulders, elbows, and low back), physical discomfort, and awkward working postures after the intervention. A considerable improvement was also found in speech intelligibility post-intervention. The post-intervention questionnaire survey also indicated that employees generally favored the redesigned workstations. CONCLUSION: The results support the effectiveness of implementing multi-component interventions in open-plan bank offices to improve musculoskeletal complaints and speech communication.


Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Diseases , Occupational Diseases , Humans , Speech , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Ergonomics/methods , Posture , Communication , Musculoskeletal Diseases/prevention & control , Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology
19.
Diabetol Int ; 14(2): 199-205, 2023 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37090133

ABSTRACT

Objective: Nonrestorative sleep (NRS) is one of the symptoms of insomnia and is clearly more associated with objective indices, such as sleep stability, sleep fragmentation, and inflammatory responses, than other insomnia symptoms. However, the link between NRS and diabetes mellitus is poorly understood. Therefore, the prevalence of NRS in workers and the relationships between NRS and diabetes were investigated. Methods: The results of a single year's medical examinations were investigated for 26,144 Japanese active office workers who were 30 to 59 years old. NRS was investigated using a personal computer in a medical interview. Furthermore, the relationships between NRS and diabetes comorbidity in addition to sleep duration were also analyzed. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 47.9 ± 7.3 years old, and the proportion of subjects with NRS was 26%. The presence of NRS together with a sleep duration ≤ 5 h or a sleep duration of 6 h was an independent comorbid factor for diabetes compared with the absence of NRS together with a sleep duration of 7 h (odds ratio [OR] 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.58; P < 0.001; and OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.04-1.48; P = 0.015). Conclusion: NRS in active workers may contribute to the development of diabetes even if the workers have the same short sleep durations as other workers without NRS.

20.
Int J Occup Saf Ergon ; 29(1): 321-328, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35172693

ABSTRACT

Objectives. This study aimed to determine the relationship between musculoskeletal problems in office workers and their physical activity levels and quality of life. Methods. A questionnaire form, the quality of life scale (SF-36) and the international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) were used. Group differences were compared post hoc (Bonferroni) and non-parametrically (Mann-Whitney U test, etc.). Results. Among the participants, 81.7% experienced pain in at least one body area. Back pain was experienced most frequently at a rate of 54.8%, followed by neck and shoulder pain, respectively. According to the participants' physical activity levels, 58.5% (n = 141) were active, 37.3% (n = 90) were less active and 4.1% (n = 10) were very active. There was a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among the participants and the participants' age, educational status, income status, regular exercise status, duration of computer use, eye complaints, complaints in the wrists and ergonomic chair use. Conclusion. The prevalence of MSDs was determined to be high in the office workers, while their levels of physical activity were found low. Training and exercises are needed to prevent MSDs in office workers and improve their levels of physical activity and quality of life.


Subject(s)
Musculoskeletal Diseases , Musculoskeletal System , Occupational Diseases , Humans , Quality of Life , Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology , Musculoskeletal Diseases/prevention & control , Neck , Surveys and Questionnaires , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Exercise
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