The Future Looks Good: Examining the Associations Between Coping, Psychological Distress, and Optimism.

The recent pandemic and consequent lockdown had a substantial impact on mental health and optimism regarding the future. Previous research showed that levels of depression, anxiety, and stress had increased throughout the pandemic. Nonetheless, how individuals cope when faced with adversity may be associated with positive expectations regarding the future. A sample of 274 Portuguese workers (female = 54) with a mean age of 40.86 (SD = 0.70) and work experience of 19.68 years (SD = 12.07) met inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the proposed study. They represented a variety of working classes (i.e., arts, engineering, marketers, transportation and logistic, clerks, personal trainers, managers, lawyers, accountants, directors, journalism, health care). We investigated the associations between depression, stress, anxiety, adaptive and maladaptive coping, and optimism while controlling for working experience, gender, and work type. We found that depression was related to lower levels of optimism. However, for participants scoring high on adaptive coping and anxiety, higher scores of optimism were reported. Gender, work type, and experience did not significantly influence the results. These results provide evidence through which positive mental health can be promoted after the pandemic.

Estratégia de avaliação do risco de lesões músculoesqueléticas de membros superiores ligadas ao trabalho aplicada na indústria de abate e desmancha de carne em Portugal / Work-related upper limbs musculoskeletal disorder risk evaluation strategy in a Portuguese meatpacking plant

Objectivo: As lesões músculo-esqueléticas ligadas ao trabalho (LMELT) são doenças profissionais frequentes. Neste estudo ensaiou-se uma estratégia de diagnóstico do risco e de vigilância da saúde dos trabalhadores numa empresa de abate e desmancha de carne. Métodos: Utilizou-se uma estratégia de obtenção de informação em todos os postos de trabalho e trabalhadores da empresa. Utilizaram-se: (i) adaptação do Questionário Nórdico Músculo-Esquelético, incluindo caracterização da exposição biomecânica; (ii) protocolo de avaliação clínica de LMELT; (iii) filtro RSI e método Strain Index; (iv) instrumentação, como electrogoniometria e sensores de força em postos de risco elevado. Resultados: Identificou-se a presença de sintomas e sinais de LMELT principalmente nos punhos/mãos (n=27) e região lombo-sagrada(n=32), uma importante prevalência de casos relacionados com a actividade de trabalho (30%) e níveis de risco elevados com base nas classificações do Strain Index (n=26 MSDto e n=7 MSEsq). A utilização da instrumentação permitiu obter detalhes da repetitividade, das posturas e dos momentos de aplicação de força, úteis para a intervenção. Conclusões: A prevenção só é possível através da aplicação de programas/estratégias integradas de diagnóstico e gestão do risco de LMELT que sejam eficazes no sentido da intervenção sobre a actividade e as condições de trabalho.

Background: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) are common occupational diseases. The present study aims at examining an integrated perspective of risk assessment and health surveillance at a meatpacking plant. Methods: The strategy adopted was of obtaining information about WRMSDs awareness at all workstations and from all their workers. This was based on: (i) questionnaire application - an adaptation of the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, including a biomechanical item, (ii) WRMSDs clinical protocol (iii) RSI risk filter and Strain Index application, (iv) instrumentation with electrogoniometry and force sensors at previously classified as high risk workstations. Results: WRMSDs signs and symptoms mainly in wrist/hands (n=27) and in lumbar region (n=32) were identified. Results revealed an important prevalence of WRULMSDs associated to meatpacking industry activities (30%) and high risk scores based on Strain Index (n=26 Right UL; n=7 LeftUL). Instrumentation showed details of recurrency, of postures and of force, which can be used for intervention. Conclusions: Its necessary to develop ergonomic strategies and approaches on WRMSDs prevention (risk assessment and management) that will lead to changes on workstations and working processes.

[Aircraft cabin air quality: exposure to ozone]. / Qualidade do ar interior em cabina de avião. O caso particular do ozono.

Ozone is the principal component involved in photochemical pollution of the air. As an irritant of the respiratory system, its effects on the health of those exposed to it are characterised essentially by coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness and alterations to the pulmonary mechanical function. Additionally, a higher frequency and severity of asthmatic exacerbation and the occurrence of eye irritation are linked to environmental exposure to O3. In the early 1960s the first studies on the exposure to O3 in aircraft cabins appeared, prompted by the occurrence of clinical complaints of irritation of the respiratory tract in crewmembers and passengers. The symptoms had hitherto been attributed to the action of other factors, such as the ventilation system and low level of humidity in the air. An updating is done by author of some factors related to the quality of air inside aircraft cabins, namely the exposure to ozone in crewmembers and passengers.

Simpósios sobre Saúde 200 anos Brasil-Portugal - António de Sousa Uva (Constantino Sakellaride)

Apresentou a Escola de Portugal e sua estrutura. Destacou que esse encontro é a oportunidade de apontar os caminhos e as formas de promover o trabalho em conjunto. "Não devemos ter a ilusão de que tudo será resolvido em apenas uma conversa. Durante a próxima reunião, que acontecerá em novembro, em Lisboa, firmaremos os compromissos. Tenho certeza que essa parceria vai propiciar muita troca e crescimento para as duas instituições. Este encontro é o embrião de uma grande e proveitosa cooperação. Juntos valemos mais que separados". Os arquivos estão disponíveis para leitura e/ou download nos ícones ao lado.