International archives of occupational and environmental health
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Feb 2013
ReviewThe influence of employment social support for risk and prognosis in nonspecific back pain: a systematic review and critical synthesis.
To examine the influence of employment social support type (e.g. co-worker, supervisor, general support) on risk of occurrence of low back pain, and prognosis (e.g. recovery, return to work status) for those who have low back pain. ⋯ The evidence suggests that the association between employment support and prognosis may be subject to influence from wider concepts related to the employment context. This review discusses these wider issues and offers directions for future research.
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Nov 2012
Atypical work schedules are associated with poor sleep quality and mental health in Taiwan female nurses.
To investigate the effects of shift work schedules on sleep quality and mental health in female nurses in south Taiwan. ⋯ Female nurses who have a rotation shift work schedule tend to experience poor sleep quality and mental health, but their sleep quality and mental health improve if they have ≥2 days off after their most recent night shifts. This empirical information is useful for optimizing work schedules for nurses.
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Oct 2012
Comparative StudyJob stress and job satisfaction of physicians in private practice: comparison of German and Norwegian physicians.
This study examined job satisfaction and job stress of German compared to Norwegian physicians in private practice. ⋯ Job satisfaction and reward were significantly higher in Norwegian than in German physicians. An almost threefold higher proportion of German physicians exhibited a high level of work-related stress. Findings call for active prevention and health promotion among stressed practicing physicians, with a special focus on improved working conditions.
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Oct 2012
Too little appreciation for great expenditure? Workload and resources in ICUs.
The aim of this study was providing descriptive information and the comparative examination of job strain and mental health of nurses and physicians in different intensive care units (ICU). ⋯ Our study demonstrates the high job strain in an ICU, largely independent of the professional group. Noteworthy, a high effort-reward imbalance was found that stands in positive relation to adverse health effects (anxiety, depression, and general mental health). As a consequence, necessary interventions like stress management, supervision, and communication trainings should consider ward-specific conditions of employment rather than professional affiliation. After these interventions, a follow-up study will be performed to examine beneficial effects on job strain and health.
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Int Arch Occup Environ Health · Aug 2012
A prospective cohort study on musculoskeletal risk factors for long-term sickness absence among healthcare workers in eldercare.
The socioeconomic burden of sickness absence from musculoskeletal disorders is considerable. However, knowledge about the risk of sickness absence from pain in different body regions among specific job groups is needed to more efficiently target preventative strategies. This study estimates the risk of long-term sickness absence (LTSA) from pain in different body regions among healthcare workers. ⋯ Musculoskeletal pain is a risk factor for LTSA among healthcare workers. Future research among healthcare workers in eldercare should include the management of neck/shoulder and knee pain in addition to the management of back pain.