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10 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Closed System Drug Transfer Devices in Reducing Leakage during Antineoplastic Drugs Compounding

by Maria Teresa Piccardo, Alessandra Forlani and Alberto Izzotti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 7957; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18157957 - 28 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4067

Abstract

This study, conducted in a centralized cytotoxic drug preparation unit, analyzes the effectiveness of two closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) in reducing leakage during antineoplastic drug compounding. Wipe/pad samplings inside and outside the preparation area were taken during surveillance programs from 2016 [...] Read more.

This study, conducted in a centralized cytotoxic drug preparation unit, analyzes the effectiveness of two closed system drug transfer devices (CSTDs) in reducing leakage during antineoplastic drug compounding. Wipe/pad samplings inside and outside the preparation area were taken during surveillance programs from 2016 to 2021. All samples were analyzed for gemcitabine (GEM) contamination. In 2016, the presence of GEM in some samples and the contamination of the operators’ gloves in the absence of apparent drug spilling suggested unsealed preparation systems. In subsequent monitoring, GEM was also evaluated in the vial access device and in the access port system to the intravenous therapy bag of Texium^TM/SmartSite^TM and Equashield^® II devices after the reconstitution and preparation steps of the drug. The next checks highlighted GEM dispersion after compounding using Texium^TM/SmartSite^TM, with positive samples ranging from 9 to 23%. In contrast, gemcitabine was not present at detectable levels in the Equashield^® II system in all of the evaluated samples. The Equashield^® II closed system seems effectively able to eliminate spills and leakage during gemcitabine compounding. Since drugs with different viscosities can have different effects on CSTDs, Equashield^® II needs to be considered with other antineoplastic drugs during a structured surveillance program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

17 pages, 1046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Causes of Occupational Accidents and Injuries in Romanian Firms: An Application of the Johansen Cointegration and Granger Causality Test

by Larisa Ivascu, Muddassar Sarfraz, Muhammad Mohsin, Sobia Naseem and Ilknur Ozturk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7634; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147634 - 18 Jul 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4647

Abstract

Organizational risks are present in any activity, so it is important to manage them properly. The jobs are dynamic and involve a series of processes and activities. The entire human resource is exposed to several risks. If these risks are approached correctly, the [...] Read more.

Organizational risks are present in any activity, so it is important to manage them properly. The jobs are dynamic and involve a series of processes and activities. The entire human resource is exposed to several risks. If these risks are approached correctly, the organizational capacity to achieve its objectives and vision will increase considerably. This paper aims to investigate the relationships between work accidents (fatal and non-fatal) and the causes that contribute to their occurrence (causes dependent on the executor, causes dependent on the means of production, workload-dependent causes, and work-dependent causes—the work environment). The augmented Dickey–Fuller (ADF) test is employed to check the data stationarity series, while the Johansen test determines the cointegration relation of variables. The data have been collected from Romanian organizations. The vector error correction model (VECM) and Granger causality test are applied for speed of adjustment, nature, and direction of variables’ relationship. This research demonstrated that both data series are free from the unit-root problem at first difference. The lag length criterions select the third lag for model fitness, and Johansen cointegration declares that variables are cointegrated for the long term. The vector error correction model shows the speed of adjustment from the short to the long run is 83.35% and 42.60% for work and fatal accidents. The study results show that fatal accidents have a series relationship with selected cases for the short run and have a long-run relationship with the means of production. Fatal accidents are directly related to means of production. Fatal accidents are not designed by executors, workload-dependent causes, or work environments in the short run. Fatal accidents are directly related to the means of production and sudden incidents happening in the long run. Fatal accidents are considered by executors, workload-dependent causes, or work environments in the short run. In the long run, fatal accidents are directly related to the means of production and sudden incidents happening. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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12 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Remote Work, Work Stress, and Work–Life during Pandemic Times: A Latin America Situation

by Juan Sandoval-Reyes, Sandra Idrovo-Carlier and Edison Jair Duque-Oliva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 7069; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137069 - 2 Jul 2021

Cited by 85 | Viewed by 26917

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the relationship between work and life almost everywhere on the planet. Suddenly, remote work became the mainstream way of working for millions of workers. In this context, we explore how the relationship between remote work, work stress, and work–life [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected the relationship between work and life almost everywhere on the planet. Suddenly, remote work became the mainstream way of working for millions of workers. In this context, we explore how the relationship between remote work, work stress, and work–life developed during pandemic times in a Latin America context. In a sample of 1285 responses collected between April and May 2020, through a PLS-SEM model, we found that remote work in pandemic times increased perceived stress (β = 0.269; p < 0.01), reduced work–life balance (β = −0.225; p < 0.01) and work satisfaction (β = −0.190; p < 0.01), and increased productivity (β = 0.120; p < 0.01) and engagement (β = 0.120; p < 0.01). We also found a partial moderating effect, competitive and complementary, of perceived stress, and one significant gender difference: when working remotely, perceived stress affects men’s productivity more acutely than women’s productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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17 pages, 419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Cytogenetic Damage and Cholinesterases’ Activity in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Pesticides in Zamora-Jacona, Michoacan, Mexico

by Rafael Valencia-Quintana, Rosa María López-Durán, Mirta Milić, Stefano Bonassi, Ma. Antonieta Ochoa-Ocaña, Mayrut Osdely Uriostegui-Acosta, Guillermo Alejandro Pérez-Flores, José Luis Gómez-Olivares and Juana Sánchez-Alarcón

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6269; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126269 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3219

Abstract

Pesticides have been considered as potential chemical mutagens; however, little is known about toxic and genotoxic effects during pesticide application in Zamora-Jacona, Michoacan State in Mexico. This study sought to determine DNA damage and cholinesterase activities inhibitions in 54 agricultural workers exposed to [...] Read more.

Pesticides have been considered as potential chemical mutagens; however, little is known about toxic and genotoxic effects during pesticide application in Zamora-Jacona, Michoacan State in Mexico. This study sought to determine DNA damage and cholinesterase activities inhibitions in 54 agricultural workers exposed to complex mixtures of pesticides vs. control group (26 individuals) using Comet assay in peripheral whole blood, micronucleus (MN) test in oral mucosa cells, Cytokinesis-blocked MN assay in lymphocytes (L-CBMNcyt) and measuring AChE and BChE activities in whole blood and plasma samples, respectively. Exposed subjects demonstrated significantly elevated levels of primary (Comet assay: tail intensity, tail length, tail moment, Olive tail moment) and permanent DNA damage (MN assay: in blood/buccal cells; frequencies of nuclear buds, binucleated cells, cells with condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis, pyknosis, and karyolysis). However, inhibition of cholinesterase activities (AChE and BChE) was not observed in the workers. Confounding factors including sex, age, BMI, working exposure period, protection level, smoking habit (cigarettes per day units), alcohol consumption (weekly), medication, were considered in the analysis. These combined techniques demonstrated usefulness in the health hazards risks pesticide exposure assessment and suggested the need for periodic monitoring together with the education and the training of occupational workers for the safe application of potentially harmful pesticides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

12 pages, 312 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Epidemiological Safety in the Cosmetic Service Industry in Poland: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

by Anita Gębska-Kuczerowska, Izabela Kucharska, Agnieszka Segiet-Święcicka, Marcin Kuczerowski and Robert Gajda

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5661; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115661 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2377

Abstract

The variety of current cosmetic procedures has increased the potential risks of adverse events and infections. In a nationwide cross-sectional study (2013–2015), we assessed the aspects of infection risk in cosmetic services. An anonymous voluntary questionnaire survey was conducted among 813 employees of [...] Read more.

The variety of current cosmetic procedures has increased the potential risks of adverse events and infections. In a nationwide cross-sectional study (2013–2015), we assessed the aspects of infection risk in cosmetic services. An anonymous voluntary questionnaire survey was conducted among 813 employees of cosmetic establishments in Poland. The establishments were selected from a register of service providers. The survey was conducted by employees of the State Sanitary Inspectorate during an audit, and the results showed that cosmetic providers were not fully prepared for risk assessment in terms of occupational exposure or infection transmission. The majority of the respondents (84%) reportedly washed the salon tools. Some establishments did not perform any decontamination (2%) or sterilization (~13%) procedures. Occupational punctures or lacerations occurred from needles, ampoules-syringes, or razors. Most respondents had attended professional training or studied medical textbooks. Approximately 1.7% of the respondents had not updated their knowledge, and 5% gained knowledge from unauthorized sources.The project’s results impacted a variety of innovations and improvements in the field of public health. The results were used to update the national education program (2012–2017); more attention has been directed toward effective education in infection prevention, general hygiene, and post-exposure procedures. Moreover, the study’s results were grounds for the introduction of legislative modifications in the field of epidemiological safety standards for cosmetic services in Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

8 pages, 342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proportion and Number of Upper-Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders Attributable to the Combined Effect of Biomechanical and Psychosocial Risk Factors in a Working Population

by Aboubakari Nambiema, Julie Bodin, Susan Stock, Agnès Aublet-Cuvelier, Alexis Descatha, Bradley Evanoff and Yves Roquelaure

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3858; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083858 - 7 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2859

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to assess the combined effect of occupational biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors on the incidence of work-related upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) and estimate the proportion and number of incident cases attributable to these risk factors in a [...] Read more.

The objective of this paper is to assess the combined effect of occupational biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors on the incidence of work-related upper-extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) and estimate the proportion and number of incident cases attributable to these risk factors in a working population. Using data from the French COSALI (COhorte des SAlariés LIgériens) cohort (enrolment phase: 2002–2005; follow-up phase: 2007–2010), a complete case analysis including 1246 workers (59% men, mean age: 38 years ± 8.6 at baseline) was performed. All participants underwent a standardized clinical examination at enrolment and 1611 workers were re-examined at follow-up. Population attributable fractions and the number of UEMSD cases attributable to occupational risk factors were calculated. During follow-up, 139 UEMSD cases were diagnosed, representing an estimated 129,320 projected incident UEMSD cases in the working population. After adjusting for personal factors, in model 1, 8664 cases (6.7%) were attributable to low social support, 19,010 (14.7%) to high physical exertion, and 20,443 (15.8%) to co-exposure to both factors. In model 2, 16,294 (12.6%) cases were attributable to low social support, 6983 (5.4%) to posture with arms above shoulder level, and 5043 (3.9%) to co-exposure to both factors. Our findings suggest that many cases of UEMSD could be potentially prevented by multidimensional interventions aimed at reducing exposure to high physical exertion and improving social support at work. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

10 pages, 372 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Life Satisfaction during Forced Social Distancing and Home Confinement Derived from the COVID-19 Pandemic in Spain

by Jerónimo J Gonzalez-Bernal, Paula Rodríguez-Fernández, Mirian Santamaría-Peláez, Josefa González-Santos, Benito León-del-Barco, Luis A. Minguez and Raúl Soto-Cámara

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(4), 1474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18041474 - 4 Feb 2021

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4877

Abstract

Life satisfaction is one of the main dimensions of well-being related to psychological factors, being essential for a person to adjust to difficult circumstances. The restrictive measures adopted to minimize the diffusion of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) could alter the subjective dimension of [...] Read more.

Life satisfaction is one of the main dimensions of well-being related to psychological factors, being essential for a person to adjust to difficult circumstances. The restrictive measures adopted to minimize the diffusion of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) could alter the subjective dimension of well-being, so the objective of this study was to determine the factors related to life satisfaction of the Spanish population during forced home confinement derived from the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was designed, based on an online survey, and disseminated through the main social networks, which included the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and sociodemographic and COVID-19-related variables. The possible relationships between the different variables were studied using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. A total of 3261 subjects participated in the study. Factors associated with greater personal life satisfaction were fewer days of home confinement (β = (−0.088); p ≤ 0.001), the perception of having received enough information (β = 0.076; p ≤ 0.001), having private access to the outside (β = 0.066; p ≤ 0.001), being employed (β = 0.063; p ≤ 0.001), being male (β = 0.057; p = 0.001) and not having been isolated (β = 0.043; p = 0.013). The results of this study provide novel information about the profiles of people related to greater well-being and life satisfaction during forced social distancing and home confinement, but more studies are needed to help to understand and complement these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

14 pages, 353 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Telework and Social Services in Spain during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Aleix Morilla-Luchena, Rocío Muñoz-Moreno, Alfonso Chaves-Montero and Octavio Vázquez-Aguado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(2), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020725 - 15 Jan 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 7593

Abstract

This paper analyses teleworking in social services during the state of alarm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. It has a double objective: To analyse the profile of the professional who teleworked in social services and, on the other hand, to analyse [...] Read more.

This paper analyses teleworking in social services during the state of alarm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain. It has a double objective: To analyse the profile of the professional who teleworked in social services and, on the other hand, to analyse the perception of teleworkers of working conditions during this period, as well as the degree to which they have been affected by them depending on whether they work face-to-face or telematically. To this end, a questionnaire was administered to Spanish social service professionals working, obtaining a sample of 560 professionals in the sector. The profile obtained in relation to teleworking may be especially useful when considering the progressive incorporation of more non-presential activity in social services, and the results show that, although teleworking has been perceived as an efficient way of overcoming the limitations to face-to-face work arising from the pandemic, both the positive and negative consequences of the implementation of this modality of work should be carefully assessed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

12 pages, 1839 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Musculoskeletal Pain and Teleworking in Times of the COVID-19: Analysis of the Impact on the Workers at Two Spanish Universities

by Óscar Rodríguez-Nogueira, Raquel Leirós-Rodríguez, José Alberto Benítez-Andrades, María José Álvarez-Álvarez, Pilar Marqués-Sánchez and Arrate Pinto-Carral

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010031 - 23 Dec 2020

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 8506

Abstract

The special situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the confinement imposed by the Government, has given rise to numerous changes in working habits. The workers at the universities have had to start a period of teleworking that could give rise to [...] Read more.

The special situation brought about by the coronavirus pandemic and the confinement imposed by the Government, has given rise to numerous changes in working habits. The workers at the universities have had to start a period of teleworking that could give rise to consequences for the musculoskeletal system. The objective of this article is to analyze the impact of the confinement on the musculoskeletal health of the staff of two Spanish universities. A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on the workers. Data was taken in April–May 2020 and included: The Standardized Kuorinka Modified Nordic Questionnaire, the Perceived Stress Scale and another one on sociodemographic data. This study comprised 472 people. The areas of pain noted during the confinement period concluded that it was less in all cases (p < 0.001). The frequency of physical activity carried out increased significantly during the period of confinement (p < 0.04), especially in women. The type of physical activity done was also seen to modify during this period (p < 0.001), with a preference for strength training and stretching exercises. In conclusion, the confinement gave rise to changes in the lifestyle and in the musculoskeletal pain of the workers at the universities. All of this must be taken into account by health institutions and those responsible for the Prevention of Occupational Risks at Spanish universities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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12 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Impact of a Comprehensive Anti-Smoking Program at a Regional University Hospital and Predictive Variables of Being a Smoker among Hospital Workers

by Antonio Ranchal-Sánchez, Esperanza Romero-Rodríguez, Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro, África Ruiz-Gandara and Manuel Vaquero-Abellán

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(22), 8432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17228432 - 14 Nov 2020

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2604

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive anti-smoking health program conducted over twelve years at a regional university hospital in southern Spain. Prevalence of tobacco was compared retrospectively using data collected during occupational health assessments (n [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive anti-smoking health program conducted over twelve years at a regional university hospital in southern Spain. Prevalence of tobacco was compared retrospectively using data collected during occupational health assessments (n = 4291). Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate tobacco consumption differences according to age, sex, professional category, and workplace building. The results show a reduction in the active smoking rate among hospital staff evaluated (from 22.8% to 19.8%) with significant differences between non-health and health workers. Accumulated smoking consumption fell to 13.45 ± 14.60 packs/year with men presenting a higher consumption (p < 0.001). The predictive variables of tobacco use were sex (greater consumption among men, p = 0.021), number of cigarettes (greater consumption among professionals who smoked less than 1 pack/day, p < 0.001), and time smoking (greater use among professionals with more than 10 years smoking, p < 0.001). There was a higher rate of staff smokers at the hospital building with a majority of mental health inpatients. This study provides a practical example of making the optimum use of digital medical records in the evaluation of a comprehensive anti-smoking health program. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

11 pages, 2135 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Static Balance Modification during the Workday in Assembly Chain Workers with and without Current Low Back Pain

by Ana Vanessa Bataller-Cervero, Cristina Cimarras-Otal, Luis Enrique Roche-Seruendo, Andrés Alcázar-Crevillén, José Antonio Villalba-Ruete and César Berzosa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(20), 7385; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207385 - 10 Oct 2020

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2022

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common recurrent pathology among assembly chain workers. This population tends to spend most of the workday in a static standing posture and handling loads, with balance being essential for correct job performance. LBP is related to [...] Read more.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common recurrent pathology among assembly chain workers. This population tends to spend most of the workday in a static standing posture and handling loads, with balance being essential for correct job performance. LBP is related to poorer postural control, so balance could be affected in this condition. Methods: The purpose of the present study is to analyze the deterioration of static balance generated by work activity in a prolonged standing position. We assess sway with a pressure platform at three moments of the workday (before, during, and after work), comparing the different balance parameters in 22 manufacturing plant workers with (17) and without (5) LBP. Results: In the pre-work capture, an independent t-test showed no significant differences between the pain and non-pain groups’ static balance parameters. Between the pre- and mid-workday captures, a two-way ANOVA with repeated measures showed a significant decrease in the medial-lateral center of pressure displacement with open eyes in workers with LBP. Conclusions: workers with low back pain do not show a greater deterioration in static balance than workers without pain during the workday. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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18 pages, 948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Information on COVID-19 and Psychological Distress in a Sample of Non-Health Workers during the Pandemic Period

by Carlos Ruiz-Frutos, Mónica Ortega-Moreno, Adriano Dias, João Marcos Bernardes, Juan Jesús García-Iglesias and Juan Gómez-Salgado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 6982; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17196982 - 24 Sep 2020

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 4416

Abstract

Methods by which the population should be informed when going through a pandemic such as COVID-19 have been questioned because of its influence on the adoption of preventive measures and its effects on mental health. Non-health workers are at risk of psychological distress [...] Read more.

Methods by which the population should be informed when going through a pandemic such as COVID-19 have been questioned because of its influence on the adoption of preventive measures and its effects on mental health. Non-health workers are at risk of psychological distress from exposure to contaminated people or materials or by having to stay at home and adapt their activity to telework. The objective of the study is to analyze information the public receives about COVID-19 and its influence on their level of distress. For this, 1089 questionnaires from non-health workers were collected online between 26 March and 26 April 2020 in Spain, and analysed and distributed by snowball effect. 492 participants carried out essential activities away from home, and 597 did so from home. They were surveyed about information received about COVID-19 regarding its source, time, assessment, or the beliefs expressed in it. Mental health was also measured with Goldberg’s General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The classification and regression tree (CART) method was used to design a binary tree with sample cases. It has been found that the time spent learning about COVID-19 and the level of knowledge about symptoms, pathways, prevention, treatment, or prognosis are associated with the level of distress, where 25% of participants were found to have spent more than 3 h daily on this activity. Social media and television are the most widely used sources, but they are considered to be of lower quality and usefulness than official sources. There is greater confidence in healthcare professionals than in the health system, and the main concern of those working away from home is spreading the virus to family members. It has been concluded that there is a need to enhance quality and truthful information on the Internet for non-health workers due to its accessibility, which should be constantly updated, a fact which international and national public bodies, research centers, and journal publishers have begun to understand during the current pandemic. Such quality information is needed to combat distress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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22 pages, 3006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bibliometric Study of Technology and Occupational Health in Healthcare Sector: A Worldwide Trend to the Future

by Esther Vaquero-Álvarez, Antonio Cubero-Atienza, Pilar Ruiz-Martínez, Manuel Vaquero-Abellán, María Dolores Redel Mecías and Pilar Aparicio-Martínez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(18), 6732; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186732 - 16 Sep 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3942

Abstract

Since the eighties, technological tools have modified how people interact in their environment. At the same time, occupational safety and health measures have been widely applied. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work considers that information and communication technologies are the [...] Read more.

Since the eighties, technological tools have modified how people interact in their environment. At the same time, occupational safety and health measures have been widely applied. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work considers that information and communication technologies are the main methods to achieve the goals proposed to improve working life and the dissemination of good practices. The principal objective was to determine the trends of publications focused on these technologies and occupational safety in the healthcare sector during the last 30 years. A bibliometric study was carried out. The 1021 documents showed an increased trend per country, especially for the United States (p < 0.001) and year (p < 0.001). The citations per year showed significant differences between citations of articles published before 2007 (p < 0.001). The year was also linked to the increase or decrease of articles (72.2%) and reviews (14.9%) (p < 0.001). The analysis of journal co-citations also showed that the main journals (such as Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology) were linked to other important journals and had a major part in the clusters formed. All these findings were discussed in the manuscript and conclusions were drawn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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15 pages, 828 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Wellbeing at Work before and during the SARS-COV-2 Pandemic: A Brazilian Nationwide Study among Dietitians

by Raquel Adjafre da Costa Matos, Rita de Cássia Coelho de Almeida Akutsu, Renata Puppin Zandonadi, Ada Rocha and Raquel Braz Assunção Botelho

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5541; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155541 - 31 Jul 2020

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4495

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of dietitians’ wellbeing at work before and during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in Brazil. This cross-sectional study was performed using a previously validated instrument to investigate the wellbeing of dietitians at work in Brazil. The questionnaire on [...] Read more.

This study aimed to evaluate the perceptions of dietitians’ wellbeing at work before and during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic in Brazil. This cross-sectional study was performed using a previously validated instrument to investigate the wellbeing of dietitians at work in Brazil. The questionnaire on the wellbeing of dietitians was composed of 25 items (with a 5-point scale), characteristics, and questions about the SARS-COV-2 period. The application was carried out with GoogleForms^® tool from 26 May to 7 June 2020. The weblink to access the research was sent via email, messaging apps, and social networks. Volunteers were recruited nationwide with the help of the Brazilian Dietitians Councils, support groups, as well as media outreach to reach as many dietitians as possible. Volunteers received, along with the research link, the invitation to participate, as well as the consent form. A representative sample of 1359 dietitians from all the Brazilian regions answered the questionnaire—mostly female (92.5%), Catholic (52.9%), from 25 to 39 years old (58.4%), with a partner (63.8%), and with no children (58%). Most of the participants continue working during the pandemic period (83.8%), but they did not have SARS-COV-2 (96%), nor did their family members (80.7%). The wellbeing at work before SARS-COV-2 was 3.88 ± 0.71, statistically different (p < 0.05) from during the pandemic, with the wellbeing of 3.71 ± 0.78. Wellbeing at work was higher before the pandemic for all the analyzed variables. Analyzing variables separately before and during the pandemic, dietitians with partners, children and a Ph.D. presented higher scores for wellbeing at work. Professionals receiving more than five times the minimum wage have higher scores. During the pandemic, better wellbeing was observed for dietitians working remotely. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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11 pages, 737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in the MCC-Spain Study

by Yolanda Benavente, Laura Costas, Marta Maria Rodríguez-Suarez, Juan Alguacil, Miguel Santibáñez, Javier Vila, Claudia Robles, Esther Alonso, Esmeralda de la Banda, Eva Gonzalez-Barca, Trinidad Dierssen-Sotos, Eva Gimeno Vazquez, Marta Aymerich, Elias Campo, José J. Jiménez-Moleón, Rafael Marcos-Gragera, Gemma Castaño-Vinyals, Nuria Aragonés, Marina Pollan, Silvia de Sanjose, Manolis Kogevinas, Adonina Tardón and Delphine Casabonne Show full author list Hide full author list

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(14), 5174; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145174 - 17 Jul 2020

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3667

Abstract

We aimed to study the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in Spain. Occupational exposure to pesticides (four insecticides, four herbicides and two fungicides) was evaluated using a job-exposure matrix for the Spanish population (MatEmESp) among 302 CLL [...] Read more.

We aimed to study the association between occupational exposure to pesticides and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in Spain. Occupational exposure to pesticides (four insecticides, four herbicides and two fungicides) was evaluated using a job-exposure matrix for the Spanish population (MatEmESp) among 302 CLL cases and 1567 population controls in five regions of Spain, 2010–2013. Cumulative exposure scores (CES) were obtained by summing across the exposed jobs the product of prevalence, intensity and duration of exposure to each active substance. Principal components analysis (PCA) and logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, region, education and occupational exposure to solvents were used. Around 20% of controls and 29% of cases were exposed to one or more pesticides. Compared to non-exposed, subjects in the highest tertile (3rd tertile) of CES of insecticides, herbicides, fungicides were more likely to have CLL [OR (95% CI), P-trend; 2.10 (1.38; 3.19), 0.002; 1.77 (1.12; 2.80), 0.12; and 1.67 (1.06; 2.64), 0.10, respectively). Following PCA, the first component (PC1, explaining 70% of the variation) equally led by seven active substances (the insecticide pyrethrin, all herbicides, all fungicides) was associated with a 26% higher odds of having CLL for 1-standard deviation increase in PC1 (95% CI: 1.14 to 1.40). These results confirm previous associations between CLL and exposure to pesticides and provide additional evidence by application groups and active substance. However, more research is needed to disentangle independent effects of individual active substances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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14 pages, 716 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Importance of Work-Related Events and Changes in Psychological Distress and Life Satisfaction amongst Young Workers in Spain: A Gender Analysis

by David Cobos-Sanchiz, María-José Del-Pino-Espejo, Ligia Sánchez-Tovar and M. Pilar Matud

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(13), 4697; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17134697 - 30 Jun 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3182

Abstract

A relentless stream of social, technological, and economic changes have impacted the workplace, affecting young people in particular. Such changes can be a major source of stress and can cause a threat to health and well-being. The aim of this paper is to [...] Read more.

A relentless stream of social, technological, and economic changes have impacted the workplace, affecting young people in particular. Such changes can be a major source of stress and can cause a threat to health and well-being. The aim of this paper is to understand the importance of work-related events and changes in the psychological distress and life satisfaction of young workers in Spain. A transversal study was carried out on a sample comprising 509 men and 396 women aged between 26 and 35 years old. The results showed that there were no differences between the men and women in the number of work-related events and changes experienced in the last 12 months, nor in terms of job satisfaction. The results from the multiple regression analysis showed that a greater number of work-related events and changes experienced during the last 12 months were associated with increased psychological distress and reduced life satisfaction amongst men, but this was not the case for women. Although job satisfaction was independent from the men and women’s psychological distress when self-esteem and social support was included in the regression equation, greater job satisfaction was associated with greater life satisfaction for both men and women. It concludes that work-related events and job satisfaction are important for the health and well-being of young people, even though a larger number of work-related events and changes is associated with increased psychological distress and reduced life satisfaction for men only. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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10 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Prevalence of Burnout and Its Associations with Psychosocial Work Environment among Kaunas Region (Lithuania) Hospitals’ Physicians

by Rasa Žutautienė, Ričardas Radišauskas, Gintare Kaliniene and Ruta Ustinaviciene

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(10), 3739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17103739 - 25 May 2020

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 3761

Abstract

The primary prevention of occupational burnout should be considered as a public health priority worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and its associations with the work environment among hospital physicians in the Kaunas region, Lithuania. The [...] Read more.

The primary prevention of occupational burnout should be considered as a public health priority worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and its associations with the work environment among hospital physicians in the Kaunas region, Lithuania. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) were administered to examine occupational stress and personal, work-related, and client-related burnout among 647 physicians. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between dependent variable burnout and psychosocial environment among physicians, adjusting for potential confounders of age and gender. The prevalence rate of client-related, work-related, and personal burnout was 35.1%, 46.7%, and 44.8%, respectively. High job control, lack of supervisor, coworker support, job demands, and job insecurity were significantly associated with all three sub-dimensions of burnout. High job demands increased the probability of all three burnout dimensions, high job control reduced the probability of work-related, and client-related burnout and high job insecurity increased the probability of client-related burnout. The confirmed associations suggest that optimization of job demands and job control and the improvement of job security would be effective preventive measures in reducing occupational burnout among physicians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

Review

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21 pages, 709 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Will the Future of Work Shape OSH Research and Practice? A Workshop Summary

by Sarah A. Felknor, Jessica M. K. Streit, Michelle McDaniel, Paul A. Schulte, L. Casey Chosewood, George L. Delclos and on behalf of the Workshop Presenters and Participants

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(11), 5696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115696 - 26 May 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4614

Abstract

Growth of the information economy and globalization of labor markets will be marked by exponential growth in emerging technologies that will cause considerable disruption of the social and economic sectors that drive the global job market. These disruptions will alter the way we [...] Read more.

Growth of the information economy and globalization of labor markets will be marked by exponential growth in emerging technologies that will cause considerable disruption of the social and economic sectors that drive the global job market. These disruptions will alter the way we work, where we work, and will be further affected by the changing demographic characteristics and level of training of the available workforce. These changes will likely result in scenarios where existing workplace hazards are exacerbated and new hazards with unknown health effects are created. The pace of these changes heralds an urgent need for a proactive approach to understand the potential effects new and emerging workplace hazards will have on worker health, safety, and well-being. As employers increasingly rely on non-standard work arrangements, research is needed to better understand the work organization and employment models that best support decent work and improved worker health, safety, and well-being. This need has been made more acute by the SARS-CoV-2 global pandemic that has resulted in dramatic changes in employment patterns, millions of lost jobs, an erosion of many economic sectors, and widespread disparities which further challenge occupational safety and health (OSH) systems to ensure a healthy and productive workplace. To help identify new research approaches to address OSH challenges in the future, a virtual workshop was organized in June 2020 with leading experts in the fields of OSH, well-being, research methods, mental health, economics, and life-course analysis. A paradigm shift will be needed for OSH research in the future of work that embraces key stakeholders and thinks differently about research that will improve lives of workers and enhance enterprise success. A more transdisciplinary approach to research will be needed that integrates the skills of traditional and non-traditional OSH research disciplines, as well as broader research methods that support the transdisciplinary character of an expanded OSH paradigm. This article provides a summary of the presentations, discussion, and recommendations that will inform the agenda of the Expanded Focus for Occupational Safety and Health (Ex4OSH) International Conference, planned for December 2021. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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14 pages, 472 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Relationship between Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence as a Protective Factor for Healthcare Professionals: Systematic Review

by Nerea Jiménez-Picón, Macarena Romero-Martín, José Antonio Ponce-Blandón, Lucia Ramirez-Baena, Juan Carlos Palomo-Lara and Juan Gómez-Salgado

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5491; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105491 - 20 May 2021

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 21237

Abstract

Emotional intelligence is an essential trait and skill for healthcare professionals. Mindfulness meditation has proved to be effective in increasing the wellbeing of those who practice it, leading to better mental health, self-care and job satisfaction. This paper aims to identify the recent [...] Read more.

Emotional intelligence is an essential trait and skill for healthcare professionals. Mindfulness meditation has proved to be effective in increasing the wellbeing of those who practice it, leading to better mental health, self-care and job satisfaction. This paper aims to identify the recent evidence on the relationship between mindfulness and emotional intelligence among healthcare professionals and students. A systematic review was conducted including the databases PubMed, Cinhal, PsycINFO and Web of Science. The main variables were emotional intelligence skills and mindfulness practice. Data were extracted according to the following outcomes: authors, year of publication, country, study design, participants, mindfulness training intervention, tools used in data collection and main results. The following inclusion criteria were applied: peer-reviewed articles; published in English or Spanish; published between 2010 and 2020; quantitative methodology; a study population of healthcare professionals or students; the relationship with the aim of the study. The Joanna Briggs Institute criteria were followed for assessing the methodological quality of the selected studies. Three researchers were involved in the review. After the selection process, 10 studies were selected out of the 197 references initially identified. These studies revealed a positive relationship between mindfulness and emotional intelligence, particularly the capacity to regulate emotions. Furthermore, mindfulness is negatively related to emotional exhaustion. Training interventions based on mindfulness have proved to be useful in promoting emotional balance, emotional awareness, emotional acceptance, emotion recognition, expressive suppression and a reduction in emotional exhaustion. This study could serve as a basis for further research on the benefits of emotional intelligence and practicing mindfulness for the bio-psycho-social welfare of healthcare professionals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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26 pages, 1424 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Review on Outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on Cruise, Navy and Cargo Ships

by Ann-Christin Kordsmeyer, Natascha Mojtahedzadeh, Jan Heidrich, Kristina Militzer, Thomas von Münster, Lukas Belz, Hans-Joachim Jensen, Sinan Bakir, Esther Henning, Julian Heuser, Angelina Klein, Nadine Sproessel, Axel Ekkernkamp, Lena Ehlers, Jens de Boer, Scarlett Kleine-Kampmann, Martin Dirksen-Fischer, Anita Plenge-Bönig, Volker Harth and Marcus Oldenburg

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(10), 5195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105195 - 13 May 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4403

Abstract

The confined environment of a ship promotes the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to close contact among the population on board. The study aims to provide an overview of outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on board of cruise, [...] Read more.

The confined environment of a ship promotes the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) due to close contact among the population on board. The study aims to provide an overview of outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on board of cruise, navy or cargo ships, to identify relevant outbreak management techniques, related problems and to derive recommendations for prevention. Four databases were searched. The study selection included reports about seroprevalences or clinically/laboratory confirmed infections of SARS-CoV-2 on board ships between the first of January, 2020 and the end of July, 2020. A total of 37 studies were included of whom 33 reported outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on cruise ships (27 studies referred to the Diamond Princess). Two studies considered outbreaks on the Grand Princess, three studies informed about Nile River cruises and one study about the MS Westerdam (mention of multiple outbreaks possible in one study). Additionally, three studies reported outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 on navy vessels and one study referred to a cargo ship. Problems in handling outbreaks resulted from a high number of asymptomatic infections, transportation issues, challenges in communication or limited access to health care. Responsible operators need to implement infection control measures which should be described in outbreak management plans for ships to prevent transmission risks, including, e.g., education, testing strategies, communication lines, social distancing and hygiene regulations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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15 pages, 638 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Will the Future of Work Shape the OSH Professional of the Future? A Workshop Summary

by Sarah A. Felknor, Jessica M. K. Streit, L. Casey Chosewood, Michelle McDaniel, Paul A. Schulte, George L. Delclos and on behalf of the Workshop Presenters and Participants

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(19), 7154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197154 - 30 Sep 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4737

Abstract

Rapid and profound changes anticipated in the future of work will have significant implications for the education and training of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals and the workforce. As the nature of the workplace, work, and the workforce change, the OSH field [...] Read more.

Rapid and profound changes anticipated in the future of work will have significant implications for the education and training of occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals and the workforce. As the nature of the workplace, work, and the workforce change, the OSH field must expand its focus to include existing and new hazards (some yet unknown), consider how to protect the health and well-being of a diverse workforce, and understand and mitigate the safety implications of new work arrangements. Preparing for these changes is critical to developing proactive systems that can protect workers, prevent injury and illness, and promote worker well-being. An in-person workshop held on February 3–4, 2020 at The University of Texas Health Science Center (UTHealth) School of Public Health in Houston, Texas, USA, examined some of the challenges and opportunities OSH education will face in both academic and industry settings. The onslaught of the COVID-19 global pandemic reached the United States one month after this workshop and greatly accelerated the pace of change. This article summarizes presentations from national experts and thought leaders across the spectrum of OSH and professionals in the fields of strategic foresight, systems thinking, and industry, and provides recommendations for the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 262 KiB

Open AccessViewpoint

Schrödinger’s Worker: Are They Positive or Negative for SARS-CoV-2?

by Federico Meloni, Marcello Campagna, Angelo Restivo and Pierluigi Cocco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(17), 6316; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17176316 - 31 Aug 2020

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2439

Abstract

In these days of 2020, tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and their use in the context of health surveillance of workers, are becoming popular. Nevertheless, their sensitivity and specificity could vary on the basis of the type of test used and on [...] Read more.

In these days of 2020, tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, and their use in the context of health surveillance of workers, are becoming popular. Nevertheless, their sensitivity and specificity could vary on the basis of the type of test used and on the moment of infection of the subject tested. The aim of this viewpoint paper is to make employers, workers, occupational physicians, and public health specialists think about the limits of diagnostic tests currently available, and the possible implication related to the erroneous and incautious assignment of “immunity passports” or “risk-free certificates” to workers during screening campaigns in workplaces. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Prevention of Occupational Risks)

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