Early Infant Feeding Practices among Women Engaged in Paid Work in Africa: A Systematic Scoping Review.

Around the world, paid work without appropriate structural support is a key barrier to optimal breastfeeding practices. To better protect, promote, and support optimal breastfeeding practices among working women in Africa, this scoping review sought to understand how paid work influences infant feeding practices in the first 6 mo of life and what support women need to manage work and optimal infant feeding practices. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Global Health, and CINAHL Plus, screened 2436 abstracts, and reviewed 322 full-text articles using Covidence for review and charting. We identified 203 articles that met the inclusion criteria. We identified 32 quantitative, 10 qualitative, 3 mixed-methods, and 2 review articles that focused on examining the relationship between work and breastfeeding, and 109 quantitative, 22 qualitative, 21 mixed-methods, and 4 review articles that included work as part of broader breastfeeding research but did not focus on work. Most studies reported a significant negative association between work and exclusive breastfeeding. Three major domains were reported in the qualitative studies: challenges to managing work and infant feeding, receiving support from employers and family members/caregivers, and strategies for feeding infants when the mother is working. Reviewed studies proposed recommendations to increase support for breastfeeding through changes to policies and support within worksites, the health system, and childcare; however, evidence of previously implemented policies or programs is limited. We recommend more consistent definitions and measurement of women's work. Future research is needed on the impact of implementing various strategies and benefits for breastfeeding at workplaces, as well as efforts to support breastfeeding among informal workers.

A rua como local de trabalho: o caso de entregadores via aplicativos / The street as a workplace: the situation of delivery drivers via apps / La rue comme lieu de travail: la situation des livreurs par l'entremise d'applications

O estudo apresentado neste artigo investigou o contexto em que se dá o trabalho de entregadores via aplicativos, levando em consideração problemas agravados pela pandemia de covid-19, tais como: o fato de ser realizado na rua, o sucateamento de direitos trabalhistas e sua precarização com o fenômeno de uberização. Os resultados apontam impactos negativos na saúde biopsicossocial desses entregadores, evidenciando uma queda da remuneração e uma maior exposição ao vírus. Dentre os impactos, destacam-se o aumento de processos psicopatológicos, além do medo em relação à iminente possibilidade de contrair o coronavírus e contaminar sua rede de apoio social. Desta maneira, conclui-se que a pandemia de covid-19, aliada a políticas de sucateamento dos direitos trabalhistas influenciam diretamente a saúde biopsicossocial desses trabalhadores, empurrando-os para a margem do trabalho formal e potencializando o processo de uberização relacionado a esse modelo de trabalho informal

The study presented in this article examined the work context of delivery drivers via apps, taking into account the problems aggravated by the covid-19 pandemic such as: the fact that the work is carried out on the street, the scrapping of labour rights and the precariousness of their work, due to the phenomenon of uberization. The results reveal negative impacts on the biopsychosocial health of these delivery drivers, highlighting a drop in remuneration and a greater exposure to the virus. Among these impacts, the increase in psychopathological processes as well as the fear of the imminent possibility of contracting the corona-virus and contaminating their social support network are the most visible. In this way, it is concluded that the covid-19 pandemic combined with policies to scrap labour rights have influence on the biopsychosocial health of these workers, pushing them to the margins of formal employement and intensifying the uberiza-tion process related to this informal work model

L'étude presentée dans cet article a examiné le contexte dans lequel des livreurs par l'entremise d'appli-cations travaillent, en tenant compte des problèmes aggravés par la pandémie de covid-19, tels que: le fait que le travail soit effectué dans la rue, la supression des droits du travail et sa précarisation causé par le phénomène d'ubérisation. Les résultats indiquent des impacts négatifs sur la santé biopsychosociale de ces livreurs, montrant une baisse des rémunérations et une plus grande exposition au virus. Parmi ces impacts, attirent l'attention l'augmentation des processus psychopathologiques, de la même manière que la crainte de la possibilité imminente de contracter le coronavirus et de contaminer leur réseau de soutien social. Il est conclu que la pandémie de covid-19 combinée aux politiques de suppression des droits du travail influent directement sur la santé biopsychosociale de ces travailleurs, en les poussant en marge du travail formel et en renforçant le processus d'ubérisation lié à ce modèle de travail informel

Condiciones ambientales, laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida relacionados con la hipertensión en trabajadores informales, Medellín / Environmental and working conditions, habits and lifestyles related to hypertension in informal workers, Medellín / Condições ambientais, laborais, hábitos e estilos de vida relacionados com a hipertensão em trabalhadores informais, Medellín

Resumen Introducción: la hipertensión arterial (HTA) en trabajadores informales, podría explicarse por sus condiciones laborales, ambientales, hábitos y estilos de vida. Objetivo: determinar condiciones laborales, ambientales, hábitos y estilos de vida, que aportan a la explicación de HTA en trabajadores informales del centro de Medellín, Colombia, 2016. Metodología: estudio descriptivo transversal con intención analítica. Fuentes primarias de información, a un censo de 686 trabajadores en 2016, previa toma de consentimiento informado. Se indagaron condiciones laborales, ambientales, hábitos, estilos de vida y autorreporte de HTA. Se realizó análisis univariado, bivariado y multivariado. Pruebas estadísticas con 95 % de confianza y error del 5 %. Un grupo de trabajadores participó en el diseño y ejecución del trabajo de campo. Proyecto aprobado por comité de Ética Institucional de la Universidad CES, Medellín (septiembre 2015). Resultados: el 20,26 % de los trabajadores tenía HTA. Edad 50(±11,76) años y 23,5 años como venteros, 81,5 % trabaja >8 horas diarias. El 17,2 % fumaba cigarrillo, 23,7 % utilizaba salero en la mesa y 28,9 % eran sedentarios. Mayor hipertensión a mayor edad (RP=12,35), mayor antigüedad en el oficio (RP=1,73) y considerarse obeso (RP=2,61), y menor para quienes no consumían licor (RP=0,48). Explica mayor HTA consumir alimentos fritos (PR=3,14. IC=1,64; 6.00), tener entre 30-44 (PR=10,71.CI: 5,00; 22,94) y 45-59 años (PR=2,69. CI: 1,66; 4,37), y menor HTA, considerarse con sobrepeso (PR=0.54. IC=0.34, 0.78). Conclusiones: las condiciones laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida, aportan a la explicación de HTA. Siendo estas, algunas características que aportan a configurar vulnerabilidad laboral, en esta población trabajadora.

Abstract Introduction: High blood pressure (HBP) in informal workers could be explained, by their working and environmental conditions, habits and lifestyles. Objective: To determine working and environmental conditions, habits and lifestyles, which contribute to the explanation of HBP in informal workers in the downtown area in Medellin, Colombia, 2016. Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study with analytical intent. Primary source of information: a census of 686 workers in 2016, after obtaining informed consent. Working and environmental conditions, habits, lifestyles and self-report of HBP were investigated. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyzes were performed. Statistical tests show 95% confidence and 5% error. A group of workers participated in the design and execution of the fieldwork. Project approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Universidad CES, Medellín September 2015. Results: 20,26% of the workers had HBP. Age 50 (±11,76) years old, and 23,5 years as street vendors, 81,5% work>8 hours a day; 17,2% smoked cigarettes, 23,7% used saltshakers at the table and 28,9% were sedentary. Greater hypertension at older age (PR=12.35), greater seniority in the job (PR=1,73) and considered themselves obese (PR=2,61), and lower HBP for those who did not consume liquor (PR=0,48). Greater HBP is explained in people consuming fried foods (PR=3.14.IC=1,64; 6.00), being between 30-44 (PR=10,71. CI:5,00;22,94) and 45 to 59 years old (PR=2,69.CI: 1.66; 4.37), and a lower HBP for those considered as overweight (PR=0,54. IC=0.34; 0.78). Conclusion: working conditions, habits and lifestyles contribute to the explanation of HBP. These are some characteristics that contribute to configure labor vulnerability in this working population.

Resumo Introdução: a hipertensão arterial (HTA) em trabalhadores informais, poderia explicar-se por suas condições laborais, ambientais, hábitos e estilos de vida. Objetivo: determinar condições laborais, ambientais, hábitos e estilos de vida, que aportam à explicação de HTA em trabalhadores informais do centro de Medellín, Colômbia, 2016. Metodologia: estudo descritivo transversal com intenção analítica. Fontes primarias de informação, a um censo de 686 trabalhadores em 2016, previa toma de consentimento informado. Indagaram-se condições laborais, ambientais, hábitos, estilos de vida e auto reporte de HTA. Realizou-se análise uni variado, bivariado e multivariado. Provas estadísticas com 95 % de confiança e erro do 5 %. Um grupo de trabalhadores participou no desenho e execução do trabalho de campo. Projeto aprovado por comité de Ética Institucional da Universidade CES, Medellín (setembro 2015). Resultados: o 20,26 % dos trabalhadores tinha HTA. Idade 50(±11,76) anos e 23,5 anos como camelôs, 81,5 % trabalha >8 horas diárias. O 17,2 % fumava cigarro, 23,7 % utilizava saleiro na mesa e 28,9 % eram sedentários. Maior hipertensão a maior idade (RP=12,35), maior antiguidade no ofício (RP=1,73) e considerar-se obeso (RP=2,61), e menor para quem não consumiam licor (RP=0,48). Explica maior HTA consumir alimentos fritos (PR=3,14. IC=1,64;6.00), ter entre 30-44 (PR=10,71.CI:5,00;22,94) e 45-59 anos (PR=2,69. CI:1,66;4,37), e menor HTA, considerar-se com sobrepeso (PR=0.54. IC=0.34, 0.78). Conclusões: as condições laborais, hábitos e estilos de vida, aportam à explicação de HTA. Sendo estas, algumas características que aportam a configurar vulnerabilidade laboral, nesta população trabalhadora.

Workplace hazards and health among informally employed domestic workers in 14 cities, United States, 2011-2012: Using four approaches to characterize workers' patterns of exposures.

BACKGROUND: We characterized informally employed US domestic workers' (DWers) exposure to patterns of workplace hazards, as well as to single hazards, and examined associations with DWers' work-related and general health. METHODS: We analyzed cross-sectional data from the sole nationwide survey of informally employed US DWers with work-related hazards data, conducted in 14 cities (2011-2012; N = 2086). We characterized DWers' exposures using four approaches: single exposures (n = 19 hazards), composite exposure to hazards selected a priori, classification trees, and latent class analysis. We used city fixed effects regression to estimate the risk ratio (RR) of work-related back injury, work-related illness, and fair-to-poor self-rated health associated with exposure as defined by each approach. RESULTS: Across all four approaches-net of individual, household, and occupational characteristics, and city fixed effects-exposure to workplace hazards was associated with increased risk of the three health outcomes. For work-related back injury, the estimated RR associated with heavy lifting (the single hazard with the largest RR), exposure to all three hazards selected a priori (worker did heavy lifting, climbed to clean, and worked long hours) versus none, exposure to the two hazards identified by classification trees (heavy lifting, verbally abused) versus "no heavy lifting," and membership in the most- versus least-exposed latent class were, respectively, 3.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.7-4.1); 6.5 (95% CI 4.8-8.7); 4.4 (95% CI 3.6-5.3), and 6.6 (95% CI 4.6-9.4). CONCLUSIONS: Measures of joint work-related exposures were more strongly associated than single exposures with informally employed US DWers' health profiles.

A Novel Use of Latent Class Analysis to Identify Patterns of Workplace Hazards among Informally Employed Domestic Workers in 14 Cities, United States, 2011-2012.

INTRODUCTION: Few studies, mostly descriptive, have quantitatively analyzed the working conditions of domestic workers (DWers) informally employed by private households in the USA. These workers are explicitly or effectively excluded from numerous workplace protections, and scant data exist on their exposures or how best to categorize them. METHODS: We analyzed data from the sole nationwide survey of informally employed US DWers with work-related hazards data, conducted by the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the University of Illinois Chicago Center for Urban Economic Development, and the DataCenter in 14 US cities (2011-2012; N = 2086). We used exploratory latent class analysis to identify groups of DWers with distinct patterns of exposure to 21 self-reported economic, social, and occupational workplace hazards (e.g. pay violations, verbal abuse, heavy lifting). We then used multinomial logistic latent class regression to examine associations between workers' individual, household, and occupational characteristics and latent class membership. RESULTS: Among the 2086 DWers, mean age was 42.6 years, 97.3% were women, 56.0% Latina/o, 26.5% White, 33.2% undocumented immigrants, and 11.7% live-in. 53.5%, 32.0%, and 14.5% primarily worked doing housecleaning, child care, and adult care, respectively. 49.9% of workers reported ≥3 hazards. Latent class analysis identified four groups of DWers doing: 'Low hazard domestic work' (lowest exposure to all hazards), 'Demanding care work' (moderate exposure to pay violations [item response probability (IRP) = 0.42] and contagious illness care [IRP = 0.39]), 'Strenuous cleaning work' (high exposure to cleaning-related occupational hazards, such as climbing to clean [IRP = 0.87]), and 'Hazardous domestic work' (highest exposure to all but one hazard). Covariates were strongly associated, in many cases, with latent class membership. For example, compared to other DWers, DWers doing 'hazardous domestic work' had the largest predicted probability of being economically insecure (0.53) and living-in with their employers (0.17). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that informally employed US DWers experience distinct patterns of workplace hazards, and that it is informative to characterize DWers' exposures to different sets of multiple hazards using latent class analysis.

Informality, Social Citizenship, and Wellbeing among Migrant Workers in Costa Rica in the Context of COVID-19.

Costa Rica is home to 557,000 migrants, whose disproportionate exposure to precarious, dangerous, and informal work has resulted in persistent inequities in health and wellbeing in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a novel multimodal grounded approach synthesizing documentary film, experiential education, and academic research to explore socioecological wellbeing among Nicaraguan migrant workers in Costa Rica. Participants pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as exacerbating the underlying conditions of vulnerability, such as precarity and informality, dangerous working conditions, social and systemic discrimination, and additional burdens faced by women. However, the narrative that emerged most consistently in shaping migrants' experience of marginalization were challenges in obtaining documentation-both in the form of legal residency and health insurance coverage. Our results demonstrate that, in spite of Costa Rica's acclaimed social welfare policies, migrant workers continue to face exclusion due to administrative, social, and financial barriers. These findings paint a rich picture of how multiple intersections of precarious, informal, and dangerous working conditions; social and systemic discrimination; gendered occupational challenges; and access to legal residency and health insurance coverage combine to prevent the full achievement of a shared minimum standard of social and economic security for migrant workers in Costa Rica.

Does the unconditional cash transfer program in South Africa provide support for women after child birth? Barriers to accessing the child support grant among women in informal work in Durban, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: The child support grant (CSG) is the largest unconditional cash transfer program in Africa and aims to alleviate poverty and improve child health and nutrition in low-income families in South Africa. Among informal working women, the CSG is an important source of income after childbirth when informal workers are unable to work, but reports suggest that women experience delays in accessing the CSG. We explore experiences and challenges of accessing the CSG among informal workers in Durban, South Africa. METHODS: We undertook a longitudinal mixed-methods cohort study. Women informal workers were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for up to one year after the baby was born. Quantitative questionnaires and semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data about women's plans for applying for the CSG, the application process, use of the CSG in the household, and household food insecurity. Interviews were conducted in IsiZulu by experienced researchers. Descriptive analysis of quantitative data used SPSS v26, and framework analysis using NVIVO v12.3 was used for qualitative analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-four informal working women were enrolled. The CSG received for older children was reported as an important and reliable source of income for mothers after childbirth. However, delays receiving the CSG for the new baby meant this support was unavailable to first-time mothers. The complex application process for the CSG required mothers to travel to various government departments to complete the required documentation, often taking the baby with them. This was costly and time-consuming for mothers who were already vulnerable, and led to delays in obtaining CSG funds. Many women experienced moderate or severe food insecurity before and after the baby was born. As a result, some mothers had to return to work earlier than planned, disrupting childcare and breastfeeding. CONCLUSIONS: Cash transfer programmes can effectively support low income households and improve outcomes for mothers and children. In South Africa there is a need for innovative approaches to streamline CSG applications, so women can access the funds immediately post-delivery to fill a resource gap and provide support at a vulnerable time for mothers and their children.

Integration of proteomic and metabolomic analyses: New insights for mapping informal workers exposed to potentially toxic elements.

Occupational exposure to potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is a concerning reality of informal workers engaged in the jewelry production chain that can lead to adverse health effects. In this study, untargeted proteomic and metabolomic analyses were employed to assess the impact of these exposures on informal workers' exposome in Limeira city, São Paulo state, Brazil. PTE levels (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, and Pb) were determined in blood, proteomic analyses were performed for saliva samples (n = 26), and metabolomic analyses in plasma (n = 145) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry. Blood PTE levels of workers, controls, and their family members were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). High concentration levels of Sn and Cu were detected in welders' blood (p < 0.001). Statistical analyses were performed using MetaboAnalyst 4.0. The results showed that 26 proteins were upregulated, and 14 proteins downregulated on the welder group, and thirty of these proteins were also correlated with blood Pb, Cu, Sb, and Sn blood levels in the welder group (p < 0.05). Using gene ontology analysis of these 40 proteins revealed the biological processes related to the upregulated proteins were translational initiation, SRP-dependent co-translational protein targeting to membrane, and viral transcription. A Metabolome-Wide Association Study (MWAS) was performed to search for associations between blood metabolites and exposure groups. A pathway enrichment analysis of significant features from the MWAS was then conducted with Mummichog. A total of 73 metabolomic compounds and 40 proteins up or down-regulated in welders were used to perform a multi-omics analysis, disclosing seven metabolic pathways potentially disturbed by the informal work: valine leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, valine leucine and isoleucine degradation, arginine and proline metabolism, ABC transporters, central carbon metabolism in cancer, arachidonic acid metabolism and cysteine and methionine metabolism. The majority of the proteins found to be statistically up or downregulated in welders also correlated with at least one blood PTE level, providing insights into the biological responses to PTE exposures in the informal work exposure scenario. These findings shed new light on the effects of occupational activity on workers' exposome, underscoring the harmful effects of PTE.

Risk factors for problematic alcohol use among male waste pickers and caddies in Johannesburg, South Africa: a cross-sectional study.

Informal workers may be prone to problematic substance use due to many factors, including adverse working conditions and low income. The aim of this secondary analysis was to investigate problematic alcohol use risk factors among male informal workers in Johannesburg, South Africa. Alcohol use among the two groups of informal workers in the analysis y golf caddies and waste pickers was measured using the World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) tool. The WHO self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ) for common mental health disorders (CMD) was used to assess mental health. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the predictors of problematic drinking in informal workers. The study consisted of 514 participants, of which 48.4% were golf caddies and 51.6%, waste pickers. Most participants were younger than 40 years (50.9%). Over half of the participants (54.7%) were alcohol consumers and 74.1% were smokers. Over 60% of the participants who were alcohol consumers had a probable drinking problem. Unstratified regression results showed that common mental distress (aOR = 1.06; 95%CI: 1.01-1.09), age: 30-40 years (aOR = 2.17; 95%CI: 1.18-3.97), smoking (aOR = 2.25; 95%CI: 1.34-3.79), and other water sources (aOR = 0.2; 95%CI: 0.04-0.99) were associated with a probable alcohol problem. Waste pickers (aOR = 0.33; 95%CI: 0.20-0.70) were less likely to be problematic drinkers compared to golf caddies. Problematic drinking in this study was common in both caddies and waste pickers along with smoking. Problematic alcohol use was associated with caddying, mental distress, age, and smoking. Measures such as providing counseling services to informal workers and improvement of working conditions may help change the behaviors of these vulnerable groups.

"Por causa da liberdade que eu tenho": trabalho e cotidiano de mulheres pipoqueiras / "For the freedom I have": work and daily life of female popcorn makers / "Por la libertad que tengo": trabajo y vida cotidiana de mujeres fabricantes de palomitas

Esta pesquisa buscou compreender, por meio dos discursos que atravessam o fazer pipoca, como se (re)produzem as identidades de gênero no cotidiano de mulheres pipoqueiras em Belo Horizonte. Para tanto, foi realizada uma análise do discurso de vinte e oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com mulheres pipoqueiras, além da observação participante e do diário de campo. Em consonância com as teorias discutidas, notamos que a divisão sexual do trabalho faz com que essas sujeitas sofram duplamente as consequências do cenário de precarização e informalidade do trabalho. À guisa de conclusão, estratégias de liberação e resistência caracterizadas por táticas singulares no cotidiano do fazer pipoca foram observadas e analisadas.

This work sought to understand how gender identities are (re)produced in the daily lives of female popcorn makers in Belo Horizonte through the conversations that surround the popcorn making. For this purpose, a discourse analysis of twenty-eight semi-structured interviews with female popcorn makers was carried out, in addition to participant observation and a field diary. In line with the theories discussed, it was noted that the gender division of labor makes them suffer twice the consequences of the precarious and informal work scenario. By way of conclusion, strategies of liberation and resistance characterized by singular tactics in the daily life of making popcorn were observed and analyzed.

Este trabajo buscó comprender, a través de los discursos que atraviesan la elaboración de las palomitas de maíz, cómo se (re)producen las identidades de género en la vida cotidiana de las mujeres fabricantes de palomitas en Belo Horizonte. Para ello, se realizó un análisis del discurso de veintiocho entrevistas semiestructuradas con mujeres fabricantes de palomitas, además de la observación participante y un diario de campo. En línea con las teorías discutidas, se observó que la división sexual del trabajo les hace sufrir el doble de las consecuencias del escenario de precarización e informalidad del trabajo. A modo de conclusión, se observaron y analizaron estrategias de liberación y resistencia caracterizadas por tácticas singulares en la vida cotidiana de hacer palomitas de maíz.

Compreensão de Trabalho Decente entre Jovens com Baixa Qualificação / Sense of Decent Work among Low-Skilled Youth / Sentidos de Trabajo Decente entre Jóvenes Poco Calificados

Trabalho decente é um conceito proposto pela Organização Internacional do Trabalho (OIT) com base nos contextos de trabalho dos países desenvolvidos e em fatores socioeconômicos. A psicologia e os países do Sul global podem contribuir na ampliação do conceito. Assim, fundamentados na pesquisa qualitativa consensual e por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade, visamos compreender as concepções de trabalho decente de 20 jovens brasileiros/as com baixa qualificação a partir de uma leitura psicossocial com base na teoria da psicologia do trabalhar (PWT). Os principais resultados indicaram a compreensão de que o trabalho realizado pelos/as participantes não era um trabalho decente, não seria estruturante da vida, e que atenderia às necessidades de sobrevivência, mas impediria a autodeterminação. As implicações do estudo apontaram, em termos conceituais e políticos, para a necessidade de contextualizar a concepção de trabalho decente, agregando a ideia de versões distintas do trabalho decente, variando em função de contextos distintos, e reconstruir as práticas de orientação profissional, de carreira e de gestão de pessoas, de acordo com as características socioculturais do público-alvo, visando sua ampliação e diversificação. (AU)

Decent work is a concept proposed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) based on working contexts from developed nations and on socioeconomic factors. Psychology and the global South countries may contribute to broaden the concept. Thus, grounded in the Consensual Qualitative Research and by means of in-depth interviews, this study sought to understand senses of decent work among 20 low-skilled youths in Brazil from a psychosocial reading based on the Psychology of Working Theory (PWT). Findings showed the sense that participants' working was not a decent work, not structuring life, and it met survival needs, however, prevented self-determination. In a conceptual and political way, study implications pointed out the need to contextualize the concept of decent work, aggregating the idea of different versions of decent work, varying according to different contexts. Moreover, practical implications highlighted the need to reconstruct career guidance and counseling practices and personnel management according to the socio-cultural characteristics of the target audience, aiming at expanding and diversifying them. (AU)

El trabajo decente es un concepto propuesto por la Organización Internacional del Trabajo (OIT) basado en contextos de trabajo de países desarrollados y en factores socioeconómicos. La psicología y los países del Sur global pueden contribuir a ampliar el concepto. Por lo tanto, basado en la investigación cualitativa consensuada y mediante entrevistas en profundidad, este estudio buscó comprender los sentidos del trabajo decente entre 20 jóvenes poco calificados en Brasil a partir de una lectura psicosocial basada en la teoría de la psicología del trabajar (PWT). Los resultados mostraron que el trabajo de los participantes no era un trabajo decente, no estructuraba la vida, y satisfacía las necesidades de supervivencia, sin embargo, impedía la autodeterminación. De manera conceptual y política, las implicaciones del estudio señalaron la necesidad de contextualizar el concepto de trabajo decente, agregando la idea de diferentes versiones de trabajo decente, variando según los diferentes contextos. Además, las implicaciones prácticas destacaron la necesidad de reconstruir las prácticas asesoramiento profesional y gestión de personas de acuerdo con las características socioculturales del público objetivo, con el objetivo de ampliarlas y diversificarlas. (AU)

Ergonomic Risk Assessment during an Informal Hand-Made Cookware Operation: Extending an Existing Model.

The work conducted in the informal sector is highly variable within and between days. Characterizing ergonomic exposures remains a challenge because of unstructured work settings and schedules. The existing ergonomic risk assessment tools have been widely used in formal work settings with a narrow range of exposure, and for predefined tasks that primarily constitute a daily routine. There is limited information in the literature on how they have been applied in informal workplaces. The aim of this study was to extend an existing risk assessment tool and to evaluate the applicability of the extended tool by assessing ergonomic exposure related to hand-made cookware operations. Eighteen hand-made cookware makers were recruited from six sites. A walkthrough risk assessment questionnaire was used to collect information on workers, tasks, work stations and workplace structures. The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) screening tool was extended by including duration and vibration. An action priority matrix was used to guide intervention. According to the RULA action levels, the workers required investigation and changes soon, and immediate investigation and changes. The use of an action priority matrix was appropriate, and indicated that all the workers assessed were within the high to very high exposure domain and required immediate corrective measures. The methodology used proved to be an effective and reliable strategy for identifying ergonomic exposure among hand-made cookware makers.

Work-Related Exposures and Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Informal E-Waste Recyclers at Agbogbloshie, Ghana.

Recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) in developing countries is mostly conducted in the informal sector consisting of low skilled workers. Informal e-waste recycling predominantly involves the physically demanding work of manually collecting, dismantling and burning of e-waste items to extract reusable components and valuable metals including gold or copper. This cross-sectional study investigated the effects of manual e-waste recycling work on the musculoskeletal health of 176 workers at Agbogbloshie in Accra, Ghana - the largest informal e-waste dumpsites in Africa. Findings indicate significant associations between prolonged walking and weighted MSD symptom scores for the lower extremities, and between manual material handlings tasks and weighted MSD symptom scores for the upper extremities and lower back. The study calls attention to the need for ergonomics research in the informal work sector to promote safer practices and address a range of worker health concerns.

Musculoskeletal Disorders in Unstructured, Unregulated Work: Assessment Methods and Injuries.

Unstructured and unregulated work is expanding fast among low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Furthermore, accumulation of urban waste resulting from overconsumption is a global concern. Hence, waste management and recycling have received increased attention. One specific waste category pertaining to electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is growing at a higher rate than other waste streams. Recycling of e-waste is largely informal and disproportionately relies on LMICs, exposing workers to various occupational and environmental health risks. In order to promote safer work practices and limit a broad range of occupational health and safety concerns associated with informal manual work, the broader psychosocial and sociocultural environment also deserves attention. This symposium will discuss contemporary issues in informal, unregulated, unstructured work in LMICs, primarily in Africa and South America. The goal of the symposium is to call attention to both, the unique occupational context of informal work, and the need for new ergonomics methods to address occupational exposure assessment and musculoskeletal injury prevention adapted to informal work in limited resource settings.

Initiatives addressing precarious employment and its effects on workers' health and well-being: a protocol for a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Precarious employment is a significant determinant of population health and health inequities and has complex public health consequences both for a given nation and internationally. Precarious employment is conceptualized as a multi-dimensional construct including but not limited to employment insecurity, income inadequacy, and lack of rights and protection in the employment relation, which could affect both informal and formal workers. The purpose of this review is to identify, appraise, and synthesize existing research on the effectiveness of initiatives aiming to or having the potential to eliminate, reduce, or mitigate workers' exposure to precarious employment conditions and its effects on the health and well-being of workers and their families. METHODS: The electronic databases searched (from January 2000 onwards) are Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection, and PubMed, along with three institutional databases as sources of grey literature. We will include any study (e.g. quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-methods design) evaluating the effects of initiatives that aim to or have the potential to address workers' exposure to precarious employment or its effects on the health and well-being of workers and their families, whether or not such initiatives were designed specifically to address precarious employment. The primary outcomes will be changes in (i) the prevalence of precarious employment and workers' exposure to precarious employment and (ii) the health and well-being of precariously employed workers and their families. No secondary outcomes will be included. Given the large body of evidence screened, the initial screening of each study will be done by one reviewer, after implementing several strategies to ensure decision-making consistency across reviewers. The screening of full-text articles, data extraction, and critical appraisal will be done independently by two reviewers. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. Established checklists will be used to assess a study's methodological quality or bias. A narrative synthesis will be employed to describe and summarize the included studies' characteristics and findings and to explore relationships both within and between the included studies. DISCUSSION: We expect that this review's findings will provide stakeholders interested in tackling precarious employment and its harmful health effects with evidence on effectiveness of solutions that have been implemented to inform considerations for adaptation of these to their unique contexts. In addition, the review will increase our understanding of existing research gaps and enable us to make recommendations to address them. Our work aligns with the sustainable development agenda to protect workers, promote decent work and economic growth, eliminate poverty, and reduce inequalities. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020187544 .

Precarização Social e Fragilização Psíquica na Situação de Desemprego Severo no Município de Corumbá, Brasil / Social Precariousness and Psychic Frailty in the Situation of Severe Unemployment in Corumbá, Brazil / Precarización Social y Debilidad Psíquica en la Situación de Desempleo Severo en Corumbá, Brasil

Este artigo identifica a presença de sofrimento psíquico e social em desempregados e analisa sentimentos e impactos decorrentes da busca frustrada por trabalho em Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Realizou-se uma pesquisa transversal em 2017 e 2018 com 200 desempregados em curta e longa duração, os quais responderam a um questionário sócio-demográfico e à Escala de Avaliação de Sofrimento Psíquico-social de Trabalhadores Desempregados. Com idade média de 33 anos, 50,5% eram casados, 47,5% tinham ensino médio e 50% estavam em desemprego severo. Dos 46,5% com renda, apenas 10,5% recebiam seguro-desemprego, e 22,5% dos 60% informais não recebiam pagamento. Os principais sentimentos e eventos sociais relatados foram tristeza (77,5%), vergonha (76,5%), ansiedade (71,0%), dificuldade em fazer amizades (31,0%) e perda de confiança social (27,5%). Embora a análise conjunta dos dois fatores tenha apontado para o sofrimento em apenas 7,5%, a associação entre sofrimento psíquico e desemprego severo (p=0,002) demonstra a vulnerabilidade psíquica relacionada à situação de precarização. (AU)

This paper identifies the presence of psychological and social suffering, and analyzes feelings and impacts derived from the unemployment situation in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A cross-sectional research was carried out in 2017 and 2018 in Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The study included 200 short and long-term unemployed, who answered a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Psychosocial Suffering Scale of Unemployed Workers. With an average age of 33 years, 50.5% were married, 47.5% had high school and 50% were in severe unemployment. Of the 46.5% with income, only 10.5% were related to unemployment insurance, and 22.5% of the informal 60% did not receive payment. The main feelings and social events reported were sadness (77.5%), shame (76.5%), anxiety (71.0%), difficulty in making friendships (31.0%) and loss of social trust (27.5%). Although the joint analysis of the two factors pointed to suffering in only 7.5%, the association between psychological suffering and severe unemployment (p = 0.002) demonstrates the psychological vulnerability related to the precarious situation. (AU)

Este trabajo identifica la presencia de sufrimiento psicológico y social en desempleados y analiza los sentimientos e implicaciones sociales resultantes de la situación de desempleo en Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. En 2017 y 2018 se realizó una encuesta transversal con 200 desempleados a corto y largo plazo, que respondieron un cuestionario sociodemográfico y la Escala de Sufrimiento psíquico-social de Trabajadores Desempleados. Con una edad promedio de 33 años, 50.5% estaban casados, 47.5% tenían la escuela secundaria y 50% estaban severamente desempleados. De 46.5% con renta, solo 10.5% recibieron seguro de desempleo, y 22.5% del 60% informal no recibieron el pago. Los principales sentimientos y eventos sociales reportados fueron tristeza (77.5%), vergüenza (76.5%), ansiedad (71.0%), dificultad para hacer amigos (31.0%) y pérdida de confianza social (27.5%). Aunque el análisis conjunto de los dos factores haya apuntado al sufrimiento en solo 7.5%, la asociación entre sufrimiento psicológico y desempleo severo (p=0,002) demuestra la vulnerabilidad psicológica relacionada con la precarización. (AU)

Factores relacionados con osteoartritis en trabajadores informales del centro de Medellín, Colombia / Related factors with Osteoarthritis in informal workers in Medellin downtown, Colombia

Resumen Introducción: Se hace una correlación entre la osteoatrosis y las condiciones laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida de los trabajadores informales del centro de Medellín, Colombia. Objetivo: Identificar la relación de la osteoartritis y la prevalencia de enfermedades crónicas y degenerativas con las condiciones sociodemográficas, laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida en un grupo de trabajadores informales de Medellín, Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Estudio transversal, con fuente primaria de información de 686 trabajadores informales. Se realizó una encuesta asistida, previa toma de consentimiento. Se seleccionaron 289 trabajadores con diagnóstico de enfermedad crónica o degenerativa, ≥18 años, con ≥5 años en su oficio. Se realizaron análisis exploratorios y de asociación con prueba Chi2, y cálculo de RP con IC del 95%. Resultados: el 79,9% de la población padecía alguna enfermedad crónica. El 3,46% presentaba diagnóstico de osteoartritis, siendo significativamente mayor (p<0,05) en quienes tenían entre 21 y 30 años en su oficio (RP=5,62. IC:1,20;26,34). También fue mayor la prevalencia de osteoartritis en; >45 años (RP=2,26), mujeres (RP:4,44), trabajadores sedentarios (RP=1,71), obesos (RP=3,40), así como en quienes habían sido obreros (RP=1,30), en aquellos que tenían puestos de venta semiestacionaria (RP=2,21), vendían productos de cosecha y perecederos (RP=1,78), en quienes trabajaban >8 horas diarias (RP:2,77), ≤5días a la semana (RP=3,10), no tenían espacio suficiente para moverse (RP=2,08), y en quienes tenían posturas o movimientos forzados (RP=2,72). Conclusión: En la población de vendedores informales del centro de Medellín, los factores sociodemográficos, laborales, hábitos y estilos de vida modificables se relacionan con una mayor prevalencia de osteoartritis.

Abstract Introduction: A correlation is made regarding osteoarthrosis and working conditions and lifestyles of informal workers in Medellin downtown. Objective: To identify the prevalence of chronic and degenerative diseases, and the relationship of osteoarthritis with sociodemographic and work conditions, habits and lifestyles, in a group of informal workers from Medellín, Colombia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study, with a primary source of information, with 686 workers. An assisted survey was applied, after obtaining consent. 289 workers with a diagnosis of chronic or degenerative disease, ≥18 years old, with ≥5 years in their profession were included. Exploratory and association analysis with Chi2 test, and calculation of PR with 95% CI. Results: 79.9% of them suffered from a chronic disease. 3.46% had a diagnosis of osteoarthrosis, being significantly higher (p <0.05) in those who had spent between 21 and 30 years performing their profession (PR=5,62.CI:1,20;26,34). The prevalence of osteoarthrosis was also higher in; >45 years (PR=2.26), women (PR=4,44), sedentary workers (PR=1,71), obese (PR=3,40), as well as those who had been brick-layers (PR=1,30), in those who had semi-stationary sales positions (PR=2,21), they sold harvest and perishable products (PR=1,78), in those who worked> 8 hours a day (PR:2,77), ≤ 5 days a week (PR=3,10), they did not have enough space to move (PR = 2.08), and in those who had forced postures or movements (PR=2,72). Conclusion: sociodemographic and work factors, habits and modifiable lifestyles are related to a higher prevalence of osteoarthrosis in this working population.

Sociodemographic, environmental and labor conditions related to the presence of conjunctivitis and skin irritation in a group of informal street vendors in downtown Medellin, 2015-2019.

INTRODUCTION: Occupational diseases are those that may have a causal relationship with occupational activity or environment. However, this definition does not specify how this disease would be identified and acknowledged for workers with subsistence jobs. OBJECTIVES: To determine sociodemographic, labor and environmental conditions that collaborate to explain the presence of eye and skin irritation among informal vendors in downtown Medellin. METHODS: Descriptive cross-sectional study with analytical intention, primary sources of information, and administration of assisted survey including self-reported eye and skin irritation in 686 workers. RESULTS: Predominantly male population with mean age of 50 (±11.8) years. A total of 23.5 % of workers had worked as vendors for their entire life; 37.5% had worked as vendors for 11 to 20 years as vendors; and 81.5%worked for more than 8 hours a day. According to 69.8% of the sample, poor air quality affected their work, and 80.0% believed that pollution was generated by vehicle fleet. The polluted areas generated unpleasant odors (50.2%) and air pollution (89.4%). The prevalence of eye and skin irritation was 65.4%. Not having working license and having fair, poor, or very poor job tenure significantly reduced the prevalence of eye and skin irritation. Conversely, exposure to polluted water, working in the professional for more than 30 years, male sex, and age older than 60 years were associated with increased prevalence of irritation. CONCLUSIONS: Eye and skin irritation was mainly explained by non-modifiable sociodemographic and labor conditions and by consumption of polluted water; however, implementing public health actions could reduce workers' socio-environmental and labor vulnerability.

Musculoskeletal Disorder Symptoms among Workers at an Informal Electronic-Waste Recycling Site in Agbogbloshie, Ghana.

Informal recycling of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has myriad environmental and occupational health consequences, though information about the chronic musculoskeletal health effects on workers is limited. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and intensity of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms among e-waste workers at Agbogbloshie in Ghana-the largest informal e-waste dumpsite in West Africa-relative to workers not engaged in e-waste recycling. A standardized musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire was administered to 176 e-waste workers (73 collectors, 82 dismantlers, and 21 burners) and 41 workers in a reference group. The number of body parts with musculoskeletal discomfort were 1.62 and 1.39 times higher for collectors and dismantlers than burners, respectively. A 1-week discomfort prevalence was highest for collectors (91.8%) followed by dismantlers (89%), burners (81%), and the reference group (70.7%). The discomfort prevalence for e-waste workers was highest in the lower back (65.9%), shoulders (37.5%), and knees (37.5%). Whole-body pain scores (mean ± SE) were higher for collectors (83.7 ± 10.6) than dismantlers (45.5 ± 7.6), burners (34.0 ± 9.1), and the reference group (26.4 ± 5.9). Differences in prevalence, location, and intensity of MSD symptoms by the e-waste job category suggest specific work-related morbidity. Symptom prevalence and intensity call attention to the high risk for MSDs and work disability among informal e-waste workers, particularly collectors and dismantlers.

Using workers' compensation claims to investigate occupational injuries among residential day laborers and domestic workers.

BACKGROUND: While many states have legal provisions to extend workers' compensation eligibility to day laborers or domestic workers hired directly by homeowners or families, little is known about the nature or frequency of injury claims submitted on behalf of these "residential employees." METHODS: We examined California workers' compensation claims records for injuries that appear to have occurred in residential settings between 2008 and 2018 and where the employer of record was an individual or family. We examined the demographic, occupational, and injury characteristics of our sample and analyzed factors that contribute to the likelihood of a claim resulting in some sort of payment. RESULTS: We identified 5,463 workers' compensation claims that were likely submitted on behalf of residential employees. Claims most commonly reflected injuries to workers performing housekeeping tasks, followed by construction/maintenance and caregiving. Workers performing construction/maintenance or gardening/landscaping tasks were more likely to be injured on the same day of hire and were more likely to require hospitalization or emergency treatment for their injuries; however, these workers also had a smaller proportion of claims that resulted in payment. We found that employment tenure had the biggest impact on the likelihood of payment, with the odds increasing sharply after the first day of work. CONCLUSIONS: Although the claims in our data set likely represent only a small fraction of all injuries to residential day laborers and domestic workers during this period, we suggest that workers' compensation claims can provide valuable clues for better understanding occupational injuries among workers in this largely informal sector.