Journal of Clinical Medicine

Editorial

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2 pages, 149 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention

by Henk F. van der Molen and Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen

J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8(10), 1681; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8101681 - 14 Oct 2019

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2471

Abstract

Occupational diseases are broadly defined as diseases with a specific clinical diagnosis associated with work-related factors [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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12 pages, 259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multicentre Study of Burnout Prevalence and Related Psychological Variables in Medical Area Hospital Nurses

by Lucia Ramirez-Baena, Elena Ortega-Campos, Jose Luis Gomez-Urquiza, Gustavo R. Cañadas-De la Fuente, Emilia I. De la Fuente-Solana and Guillermo A. Cañadas-De la Fuente

J. Clin. Med. 2019, 8(1), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8010092 - 15 Jan 2019

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 7707

Abstract

Background: Nursing burnout is an important problem that affects nurses’ wellness, the quality of care and the health institutions. Study aims were to estimate levels of burnout; to determine the phase of burnout experienced by nurses in the medical area; to analyse the [...] Read more.

Background: Nursing burnout is an important problem that affects nurses’ wellness, the quality of care and the health institutions. Study aims were to estimate levels of burnout; to determine the phase of burnout experienced by nurses in the medical area; to analyse the relationship between burnout and personality and psychological factors. Methods: Quantitative, cross-sectional, multicentre study. Hospitals from eight cities were included. The study sample was n = 301 nurses, working in the medical area of hospitals in the Andalusian Health Service during the second semester of 2017. Sociodemographic, occupational and personality variables were studied using the Revised NEO Personality Inventory together with the Educational-Clinical Questionnaire: Anxiety and Depression, and burnout was measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results: Almost 40% of the nurses presented high levels of burnout. The three burnouts (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment) presented statistically significant correlations with the personality factors of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness, and also with the scores recorded for anxiety and depression. Multiple linear regression models showed agreeableness and depression to be statistically significant predictors of all dimensions of the syndrome. Conclusion: Hospital nurses working in the medical area in Andalusia experience high levels of burnout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

12 pages, 1002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Explanatory Model of Emotional Intelligence and Its Association with Stress, Burnout Syndrome, and Non-Verbal Communication in the University Teachers

by Pilar Puertas-Molero, Félix Zurita-Ortega, Ramón Chacón-Cuberos, Asunción Martínez-Martínez, Manuel Castro-Sánchez and Gabriel González-Valero

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(12), 524; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7120524 - 7 Dec 2018

Cited by 38 | Viewed by 8133

Abstract

The present study set out to define and contrast an explanatory model of perception of stress, the dimensions of burnout syndrome, emotional intelligence, and non-verbal communication in a sample of university teachers. A total of 1316 teachers from Spain, aged between 24 and [...] Read more.

The present study set out to define and contrast an explanatory model of perception of stress, the dimensions of burnout syndrome, emotional intelligence, and non-verbal communication in a sample of university teachers. A total of 1316 teachers from Spain, aged between 24 and 70 years (M = 45.64, SD = 10.33) and evenly distributed between both sexes, participated. The measurement instruments employed were the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS-24), and the Nonverbal Immediacy Scale (NIS) A structural equation model was produced that demonstrated adequate fit to the empirical data (130,259; df = 9; p < 0.001; CFI = 0.907; NIF = 0.914; IFI = 0.923; RMSEA = 0.077). Results revealed that stress relates positively with emotional exhaustion and negatively with personal fulfilment. Emotional exhaustion was associated directly with emotional attention and inversely with emotional clarity and emotional repair, with these being linked to personal fulfilment. Both emotional clarity and repair related positively with non-verbal communication. Conclusions from the present study are that emotional intelligence and body language are two relevant factors in the prevention of burnout syndrome, and as a result can help to ensure the mental wellbeing of university teachers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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10 pages, 998 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Emotional Exhaustion and Health Complaints as Indicators of Occupational Diseases Among Civil Servants in Spain

by Gabriela Topa and José F. Jurado-Del Pozo

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(12), 523; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7120523 - 7 Dec 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3820

Abstract

Occupations focused on helping others, guaranteeing people’s security, and defending societal values can be stressful and risky for the workers involved. Emotional exhaustion and health complaints usually emerge as indicators of the stress suffered by these workers in undertaking their roles. This research [...] Read more.

Occupations focused on helping others, guaranteeing people’s security, and defending societal values can be stressful and risky for the workers involved. Emotional exhaustion and health complaints usually emerge as indicators of the stress suffered by these workers in undertaking their roles. This research aims to explore the effects of psychological contract breach on both emotional exhaustion and health complaints among three kinds of Spanish workers, namely firefighters (n = 80), professional soldiers (n = 77), and prison officers (n = 107). The predictor variables include job tenure and psychological contract breach. Criterion variables are employees’ emotional exhaustion and health complaints. Our findings showed that job tenure and contract breaches significantly explain both emotional exhaustion and health complaints. Despite these general findings, some differences emerge as a function of the organizations. Significance levels were higher for prison officers than for firemen and Spanish soldiers. Results are discussed, suggesting conceptual integration and direction for future risk prevention in this kind of public organization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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12 pages, 786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prevention of Occupational Strain: Can Psychological Empowerment and Organizational Commitment Decrease Dissatisfaction and Intention to Quit?

by Marta Llorente-Alonso and Gabriela Topa

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(11), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7110450 - 20 Nov 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3811

Abstract

In the present study, the demands-control-support model has served as the basis for the assessment of occupational strain. This model has been used as a predictor of health problems. It has also been associated with organizational outcomes and behaviors. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

In the present study, the demands-control-support model has served as the basis for the assessment of occupational strain. This model has been used as a predictor of health problems. It has also been associated with organizational outcomes and behaviors. The purpose of this study is to relate job demands and resources with job satisfaction and intention to quit the union. We intend to test a multiple mediation model with psychological empowerment and union commitment as mediator variables. The investigation was carried out with 953 delegates of a Spanish trade union (healthcare professionals). We collected 401 questionnaires. Multiple mediation analyses were performed with bootstrapping techniques using the SPSS PROCESS macro. The results underlined the effects of multiple mediation of empowerment and commitment in the relation between resources and job satisfaction. This mediation was also observed in the relation between resources and intention to quit. The lack of relation between demands and satisfaction or intention to quit is of interest. In the presence of adequate resources, delegates are empowered and committed to their union, which leads to lower dissatisfaction and lower rates of quitting. This study advises organizations to give greater importance to motivational and attitudinal factors to attenuate occupational strain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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8 pages, 376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Work and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

by H. F. Van der Molen, G. J. De Groene, C. T. J. Hulshof and M. H. W. Frings-Dresen

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(10), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7100335 - 9 Oct 2018

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5087

Abstract

To support occupational physicians in their assessment and notification of occupational diseases, diagnostic registration guidelines are developed with information about associations between work-related risk factors and diseases. The objective of this review of systematic reviews is to examine whether work-related risk factors are [...] Read more.

To support occupational physicians in their assessment and notification of occupational diseases, diagnostic registration guidelines are developed with information about associations between work-related risk factors and diseases. The objective of this review of systematic reviews is to examine whether work-related risk factors are associated with chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (COPD). We searched the electronic database of Medline for systematic reviews published between 1 January 2009 and 20 June 2017. Reviews were included when COPD was assessed by data on lung function and when work-related exposures to vapors, dusts, gases, or fumes (VDGF) were described. One author selected studies and extracted data; two authors assessed study quality using A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews (AMSTAR). In all eight systematic reviews included, various exposures to vapors, dusts, gases, and fumes (VGDF) at work are associated with COPD. Two-thirds of the included studies are cross-sectional and show a high heterogeneity in population, setting, and mostly self-reported-exposures. Two high-quality reviews (AMSTAR score ≥ 9) including meta-analyses show associations and excess risk of COPD for work-related general exposure to VDGF with a summary odds ratio of 1.4 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.19–1.73) and to inorganic dust with a mean difference in predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) of −5.7% (95% CI: −8.62% to −2.71%). Exposure to VGDF at work is associated with a small but increased risk of COPD. More detailed workplace measurements of specific VGDF are warranted to gain an insight into dose–response relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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14 pages, 319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Abnormal Plasma Cell Disorders in Refinery Waste Workers

by Caterina Ledda, Carla Loreto, Vera Filetti, Serena Matera, Ermanno Vitale, Massimo Bracci and Venerando Rapisarda

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(8), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7080221 - 17 Aug 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3699

Abstract

A monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) may develop into a multiple myeloma or a correlated lymphoproliferative malignancy with a progress rate of 1% per year. The immune status, occupational-environmental risk factors, and hereditary factors may influence the risk of developing MGUS. We [...] Read more.

A monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) may develop into a multiple myeloma or a correlated lymphoproliferative malignancy with a progress rate of 1% per year. The immune status, occupational-environmental risk factors, and hereditary factors may influence the risk of developing MGUS. We investigated the prevalence of MGUS in 77 refinery waste workers. They were all males, averagely aged 36, with a mean working history of 18.5 years and working in the dump for about 4.2 years. After analyzing the results of standard serum electrophoresis migrations, 16% of cases (n = 12) showed levels beyond the normal ranges. In all 12 samples we observed an increase of gamma component: 67%, IgG; 17%, IgM; 8%, IgA; 8%, oligoclonal. Workers were exposed to hazardous refinery waste. After the biological monitoring of urine samples for metals and t,t-muconic acid, no extra-range values were observed. The multivariate analysis shows, however, that cigarette smoking and residence near industrial sites are significantly (p < 0.001) associated with a high risk of MGUS development; while no association was found with occupational exposure. Additional attention might be paid in particular to these conditions in epidemiological studies and further larger, prospective, population-based researches appear warranted to evaluate the strength of any positive association. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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11 pages, 1186 KiB

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Bullying at Workplace and Brain-Imaging Correlates

by Giovanni Nolfe, Mario Cirillo, Alessandro Iavarone, Alberto Negro, Elisabetta Garofalo, Annisa Cotena, Massimo Lazazzara, Gemma Zontini and Sossio Cirillo

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(8), 200; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7080200 - 4 Aug 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5138

Abstract

The relationship between psychosocial stress at work and mental health outcome is well-known. Brain-imaging studies hypothesize morphological brain modifications connected to work-related stress. To our knowledge this is the first study describing the link between work characteristics and brain imaging in a sample [...] Read more.

The relationship between psychosocial stress at work and mental health outcome is well-known. Brain-imaging studies hypothesize morphological brain modifications connected to work-related stress. To our knowledge this is the first study describing the link between work characteristics and brain imaging in a sample of work-related psychiatric patients assessed according to standardized clinical and diagnostic criteria. The aims of the study are: (1) to evaluate hippocampal and whole brain volumes in work-related psychiatric disturbances; (2) to verify the relationship between brain changes and the anxious and/or depressive symptoms; (3) to observe the relationship between the brain changes and the degree of the bullying at workplace. The hippocampus and whole brain volumes of 23 patients with work-related adjustment-disorders were compared with 15 controls by means of MRI. MR images highlight a smaller hippocampal volume in patients compared with controls. Significant reduction in the patients’ gray matter was found in three brain areas: right inferior temporal gyrus, left cuneus, left inferior occipital gyrus. The reduction of the hippocampi volumes was related to work distress and, above all, to bullying at workplace. The results confirm that the morphological brain abnormalities could be involved in work-related psychiatric disturbances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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8 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Higher Risk of Intervertebral Disc Herniation among Neurosurgeons Than Neurologists: 15 Year-Follow-Up of a Physician Cohort

by Wen-Cheng Huang, Chao-Hung Kuo, Jau-Ching Wu and Yu-Chun Chen

J. Clin. Med. 2018, 7(8), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm7080198 - 2 Aug 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3997

Abstract

High physical activity or workload has been associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. However, there is little data on physicians’ risks of disc disease. The study aimed to investigate the incidences of spinal problems among neurologists and neurosurgeons. A cohort of neurologists and neurosurgeons [...] Read more.

High physical activity or workload has been associated with intervertebral disc degeneration. However, there is little data on physicians’ risks of disc disease. The study aimed to investigate the incidences of spinal problems among neurologists and neurosurgeons. A cohort of neurologists and neurosurgeons was derived from Taiwan’s national research database. During the study period, the incidences of intervertebral disc herniation or spondylosis among these specialists were calculated. Another one-to-one by propensity score matched cohort, composed of neurologists and neurosurgeons, was also analyzed. A Cox regression hazard ratio (HR) model and Kaplan-Meier analysis were conducted to compare the risks and incidences. The entire cohort comprised 481 and 317 newly board-certified neurologists and neurosurgeons, respectively. During the 15 years of follow-up, neurosurgeons were approximately six-fold more likely to develop disc problems than neurologists (crude HR = 5.98 and adjusted HR = 6.08, both p < 0.05). In the one-to-one propensity-score matched cohort (317 neurologists versus 317 neurosurgeons), there were even higher risks among neurosurgeons than neurologists (crude HR = 8.15, and adjusted HR = 10.14, both p < 0.05). Neurosurgeons have a higher chance of intervertebral disc disorders than neurologists. This is potentially an occupational risk that warrants further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Diseases: From Cure to Prevention)

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