Trapezius Muscle Load,Heart Rate and Time Pressure during Day and Night Shift in Swiss and Japanese Nurses

The aim of the present study was to analyze the activity of the trapezius muscle, the heart rate and the time pressure of Swiss and Japanese nurses during day and night shifts. The parameters were measured during a day and a night shift of 17 Swiss and 22 Japanese nurses. The observed rest time of the trapezius muscle was longer for Swiss than for Japanese nurses during both shifts. The 10th and the 50th percentile of the trapezius muscle activity showed a different effect for Swiss than for Japanese nurses. It was higher during the day shift of Swiss nurses and higher during the night shift of Japanese nurses. Heart rate was higher for both Swiss and Japanese nurses during the day. The time pressure was significantly higher for Japanese than for Swiss nurses. Over the duration of the shifts, time pressure increased for Japanese nurses and slightly decreased for those from Switzerland. Considering trapezius muscle activity and time pressure, the nursing profession was more burdening for the examined Japanese nurses than for Swiss nurses. In particular, the night shift for Japanese nurses was characterized by a high trapezius muscle activity and only few rest times for the trapezius muscle.     

静态负荷所致肌肉组织中自由基及酶变化的研究

目的观察静态负荷所致肌肉损伤后自由基和酶的变化。方法采用顺磁共振仪（ＥＳＲ）技术测定半离体肌肉静态负荷后的自由基变化,同时测定了肌酸磷酸激酶（ＣＰＫ）和乳酸脱氢酶（ＬＤＨ）的变化。结果随着负荷的增大和实验时间的延长,自由基含量也随之增高,肌肉中ＣＰＫ和ＬＤＨ的活力均下降。结论静态负荷可以导致肌肉中自由基生成增加和酶外释。     

Musculoskeletal disorders and visual strain in intensive data processing workers

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted for a UK Trade Union in response to increasing numbers of health complaints among intensive computer workers in a data processing environment. AIM: To estimate prevalence of musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and visual strain symptoms among data processing workers and to explore associations with work factors. METHODS: A self-report questionnaire was distributed to data processors (n = 175) and a control group (n = 129) in the same organization. RESULTS: Eighty-six per cent of data processors reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort in the previous year, with the highest prevalence rate found for the neck (58%). The 12 month reported prevalence for visual strain symptoms was 47%, tired eyes (41%) was the most commonly reported symptom. In the last week, 56% reported pain/discomfort and 25% visual strain symptoms. Data processors reporting pain in the previous year were more likely to be dissatisfied with their jobs (P < 0.01), to report a lack of choice in deciding what they did at work (P < 0.02), to have insufficient time to complete work (P < 0.05) or to receive help from others when time was limited (P < 0.03). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal pain/discomfort and visual strain symptoms was high among data processors. A systematic approach to risk reduction addressing organizational, psychosocial and physical work factors is required. This study has implications for reorganization of this and other intensive computer work, given the increasing requirement for intensive computing work in many industrial sectors. More research is needed to investigate interactions between job demands and support systems for these workers.     

Associations among environmental supports,physical activity,and blood pressure in African-American adults in the PATH trial

High blood pressure disproportionately affects African-American adults and is a leading cause of stroke and heart attack. Engaging in recommended levels of physical activity reduces blood pressure, and social and physical environmental supports for physical activity may increase engagement in physical activity. Based on social cognitive theory within a bioecological framework, the present study tested hypotheses that perceived peer social support for physical activity and neighborhood walkability would be positively associated with physical activity, and that physical activity would mediate their relation with blood pressure. Baseline data were collected with 434 African-American adults in underserved communities (low income, high crime) participating in the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) trial. Perceived peer social support for physical activity and neighborhood walkability were measured with validated surveys. Physical activity was assessed with 7-day accelerometry (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, min/day) and with a 4-week recall of walking. Three blood pressure assessments were taken by trained staff using standard protocols, with values from the second and third assessments averaged. The sample was predominantly female (63%), overweight (mean body mass index = 30.9, SD = 8.4), and had slightly elevated blood pressures with a mean systolic blood pressure of 132.4 (SD = 17.9) and a mean diastolic blood pressure of 81.4 (SD = 11.0). Results demonstrated that peer social support for physical activity (B = 2.43, p = .02) and neighborhood walkability (B = 2.40, p = .046) were significantly related to average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Neighborhood walkability was also significantly associated with self-reported average daily walking (B = 8.86, p = .02). Physical activity did not mediate their relation with blood pressure and no significant direct effects of these variables on blood pressure were found. The positive influence of social and physical environmental supports on physical activity in underserved African-American communities may guide intervention efforts and contribute to our understanding of physical activity and related health outcomes.     

Exercise and cardiovascular load in workers with high occupational physical activity

Abstract

This study investigated the association between exercise and cardiovascular load in Korean mail carriers with high occupational physical activity (OPA). A total of 36 subjects completed a questionnaire, and their heart rates were measured for 3 consecutive days. Treadmill tests were used determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO_2max). The subjects’ relative heart rate (RHR) was 25.6%±4.5%, which was higher than the recommended RHR (24.5%). Daily working hours were 11.1?±?0.9?hours, which was longer than the maximum acceptable work time (7.8?±?1.7?hours). Multiple regression analysis showed that daily working hours were positively associated with RHR, but exercise did not show any significant association. According to the results of this study, exercise may not be of benefit to workers with high OPA, suggesting that exercise should be cautiously considered for workers with high OPA.     

蔬菜大棚作业人员肌肉骨骼疾患及其影响因素的分析

采用流行病学横断面调查方法,选择《北欧肌肉骨骼疾患调查问卷（修改版）》,对寿光市3个主要蔬菜种植区的156名蔬菜大棚作业人员的一般情况、肌肉骨骼症状和工作情况等进行调查。蔬菜大棚作业人员不分部位职业性肌肉骨骼疾患（WMSDs）发生率为87.5%,WMSDs发生率排在前四位的部位依次为下背/腰部（48.0%）、颈部（32.9%）、肩部（31.6%）和膝部（30.9%）;多因素Logistic回归分析结果显示,背部长时间保持同一姿势、每天工作时间N10h、年龄可能是该人群WMSDs的危险因素。提示应加强工效学干预,预防WMSDs的发生。     

Effects of sedentary work on physical fitness and serum cholesterol profile in middle-aged male workers

Objectives: To evaluate independent and interactive health effects of physical activity at work (PAW) and physical activity at habitual exercise (PAHE). Methods: A cross-sectional study on 1,117 male workers aged 29 to 46 years with a mean of 37.0 years. Using a self-administered questionnaire, the subjects were classified into `High'/`Low' (n=338/779) on PAW, and into `Yes'/`No' (n=353/764) on PAHE. As outcome indices, physical fitness expressed as maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) was estimated, and serum total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDLC) and TC/HDLC ratio were determined. Age, body mass index (kg/m²), alcohol-drinking and smoking were used as confounding factors. Results: The `High' PAW group had a significantly higher level of VO<sub>2</sub>max than the `Low' PAW group (+1.0 ml/kg min; 34.4 vs. 33.4 ml/kg min in adjusted means). The `High' PAW group also had a better profile of serum cholesterol than the `Low' PAW group, but it was not significant. The `Yes' PAHE group had significantly higher levels of VO<sub>2</sub>max (+2.0 ml/kg min; 34.9 vs. 32.9 ml/kg min) and serum HDLC (+0.09 mmol/l; 1.48 vs. 1.39 mmol/l), and a significantly lower TC/HDLC ratio (-0.29; 3.90 vs. 4.19) than the `No' PAHE group. Among PAW–PAHE subgroups, the `High–Yes' group (n=110), most physically active, had the best profile of VO<sub>2</sub>max and serum cholesterol, and the `Low–No' group (n=536), least physically active, had the worst one. Interactive effects of PAW and PAHE were not found either on VO₂max or on serum cholesterol profile. All the results were not influenced by statistical adjustments for the four confounding factors used here. Conclusions: Both sedentary work and lack of habitual exercise are very common in Japanese workers. Sedentary work, independently from lack of habitual exercise, may increase the risk of diseases related to physical inactivity by affecting physical fitness and serum cholesterol profile. Received: 12 September 2000 / Accepted: 27 January 2001     

建筑行业农民工生存质量及影响因素分析

目的 了解从事建筑工作农民工的生存质量,探讨其生存质量的影响因素,为制定相应的改善措施提供依据。方法 采用世界卫生组织生存质量测定量表简表(WHOQOL-BREF)、社会支持评定量表(SSRS)对安徽省合肥市及周边地区中铁某局11个建筑工地的696名农民工及349名正式职工进行匿名问卷调查。结果 农民工生理、心理、社会关系及环境各领域得分分别为(14.78±2.09),(13.45±2.29),(14.41±2.70)和(11.98±2.46)分,其中生理、心理领域得分低于正常人群,心理领域得分低于正式职工,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);多元回归分析表明,影响生理领域得分的因素有社会支持总分、家庭住址;影响心理领域得分的因素有社会支持总分;影响社会关系领域得分的因素有社会支持总分、月收入、婚姻、客观支持;影响环境领域得分的因素有社会支持总分、打工时间、平均回家时间间隔、年龄。结论 建筑工地农民工生存质量不理想,可能存在生理、心理等方面的健康问题,提供良好的社会支持、增加工资收入、降低工作强度等将会改善农民工的生存质量。     

吉林省野外作业电力工人心理健康状况及其影响因素

目的 了解吉林省野外作业电力工人的心理健康状况及其影响因素,为采取相应的干预措施提供参考依据。方法 于2016年1-6月采用随机整群抽样方法在吉林省电力公司所属电力线路施工队抽取23个队872名野外作业电力工人进行问卷调查。结果 吉林省872名野外作业电力工人中,有心理问题者270人（30.96%）,心理健康者602人（69.04%）;野外作业电力工人症状自评量表（SCL-90）躯体化、强迫症状、人际关系敏感、抑郁、焦虑、敌对、恐怖、偏执、精神病性因子得分和心理健康总分分别为（1.59±0.54）、（1.81±0.51）、（1.64±0.48）、（1.59±0.47）、（1.51±0.51）、（1.57±0.49）、（1.41±0.53）、（1.57±0.53）、（1.47±0.49）和（142.85±37.62）分,除人际关系敏感因子外,其他各因子及心理健康总分均高于中国常模（均P<0.05）;Meclean's工作紧张问卷中职业紧张因素、职业应对能力和工作满意感3个维度得分分别为（32.37±6.06）、（55.16±7.23）和（31.28±7.04）分,心理问题组3个维度得分均低于心理健康组（均P<0.001）;多元线性逐步回归分析结果显示,月均收入越低、吸烟、有工伤史和工作满意感较低的野外作业电力工人,其心理健康状况越差。结论 吉林省野外作业电力工人的心理健康状况较差,月均收入、是否吸烟、有无工伤史和工作满意感是野外作业电力工人心理健康状况的主要影响因素。     

The relationship between leisure time, physical activities and musculoskeletal symptoms and disability in worker populations

Objectives: To assess the association between leisure time physical activity and musculoskeletal morbidity, as well as possible interactions with physical activity at work. Methods: A literature search was performed to collect all studies on musculoskeletal disorders in which physical activity was involved as a variable. Next, an analysis was made of questionnaire data on a group of 2,030 workers in various occupations, on self-reported physical activity in leisure time and at work, musculoskeletal symptoms (from low back, neck-shoulder and lower extremity) and sick leave due to these symptoms. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to estimate the association between musculoskeletal morbidity and four physical-activity indices (participation in sports and sedentary activities, active life style, sedentary life style), adjusted for age, gender, education and work load. Interaction of leisure activities with age and work load was tested too. Results: Available literature data (39 studies) showed inconsistent results. Most studies did not show any effects. Some studies indicated favourable effects of physical activity, both on low back and neck pain. Participation in some vigorous sports seemed associated with unfavourable effects. The empirical data showed no association between participation in sports and/or other physical activities in leisure time and musculoskeletal symptoms. Sedentary activity in leisure time was associated with higher prevalence rates of low back symptoms and sick leave due to low back symptoms. Conclusions: Stimulation of leisure time physical activity may constitute one of the means of reducing musculoskeletal morbidity in the working population, in particular in sedentary workers. Received: 4 October 1999 / Accepted: 25 April 2000     

Moral distress as experienced by hospital social workers in South Korea and Australia

This exploratory, qualitative research explored the ethical problems faced by hospital social workers in South Korea and Australia, and what and who influenced their decision making using a focus group design. Although dilemmas of boundaries, confidentiality, self-determination, and other complex scenarios found in practice were identified, moral distress, a consequence of the unresolvable conflicts, dominated participants’ narratives. This was particularly the case for the Korean social workers in this sample. A thematic analysis of the data yielded three main themes: ‘Under pressure—“It’s very uncomfortable”’; ‘Failing our patients’; and ‘Coping and codes’.     

Maternal role strain and depressive symptoms among female sex workers in Mexico: the moderating role of sex work venue

ABSTRACT

Stressors that arise in parenting are likely to have an adverse impact on the psychological well-being of female sex workers (FSWs), particularly in low- to middle-income countries (LMIC). This study examined the association between maternal role strain and depressive symptoms among 426 FSW mothers with dependent-age children (aged < 18 years) in Tijuana and Cd. Juarez, Mexico (2016–2017). Four dimensions of maternal role strain (e.g., child emotional and behavioral problems) were examined in relation to maternal depressive symptoms. We also investigated whether the relationship between maternal role strain and depressive symptoms was modified by venue of sex work. Compared to indoor/establishment-based FSWs, street-based FSWs reported significantly more child-related financial strain. In multiple regression analysis, having more depressive symptoms was associated with identifying as a street-based FSW, greater use of drugs, lower emotional support, more child-related financial strain and more emotional and behavioral problems in children. A significant interaction was identified such that the association between maternal role strain and depressive symptoms was stronger for indoor/establishment-based compared to street-based FSWs. These findings suggest the need to address parenting strain and type of sex work venue in the development of counseling programs to improve the mental health of FSWs in LMIC.     

Oxygen enrichment and its application to life support systems for workers in high-altitude areas

Background:

Workers coming from lowland regions are at risk of developing acute mountain sickness (AMS) when working in low oxygen high-altitude areas.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to improve the conditions that lead to hypoxia and ensure the safety of the high-altitude workers. We analyzed the influence of low atmospheric pressure on the oxygen enrichment process in high-altitude areas using an engineering method called low-pressure swing adsorption (LPSA).

Methods:

Fourteen male subjects were screened and divided into three groups by type of oxygen supply system used: (1) oxygen cylinder group; (2) LPSA oxygen dispersal group; and (3) control group. These tests included arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), pulse rate (PR), breaths per minute (BPM), and blood pressure (BP).

Results:

The results showed that after supplying oxygen using the LPSA method at the tunnel face, the SaO₂ of workers increased; the incidence of acute mountain sickness, PR, and BPM significantly decreased.

Conclusions:

The LPSA life support system was found to be a simple, convenient, efficient, reliable, and applicable approach to ensure proper working conditions at construction sites in high-altitude areas.     

Interprofessional collaboration and integration as experienced by social workers in health care

Interprofessional collaboration in health care is gaining popularity. This secondary analysis focuses on social workers’ experiences on interprofessional teams. The data revealed that social workers perceived overall collaboration as positive. However, concerns were made apparent regarding not having the opportunity to work to full scope and a lack of understanding of social work ideology from other professionals. Both factors seem to impede integration of and collaboration with social workers on health care teams. This study confirms the need to encourage and support health care providers to more fully understand the foundation, role, and efficacy of social work on interprofessional teams.     

Screening for high-risk and elevated alcohol consumption in day and shift workers by use of the AUDIT and CDT

BACKGROUND: Alcohol consumption levels and drinking patterns have been reported to vary between day and shift workers, although the results have been conflicting. Previous results indicate that questions about alcohol habits may be asked in the workplace. However, no studies have evaluated the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or the alcohol biomarker carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) in serum for this purpose. AIM: To investigate, in conjunction with routine health examinations, whether there is any difference between permanent day and shift workers in high-risk alcohol consumption, according to the AUDIT and CDT. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in serum was included mainly as a comparison test. METHODS: The employees who attended for a regular health examination during the study period were offered voluntary alcohol screening with the AUDIT and CDT. RESULTS: Altogether, 990 employees (day, two-shift, and three-shift workers) participated in the study, 194 (20%) of whom screened positive with the AUDIT and/or CDT. There were no significant differences in the screening results between day and shift workers, whereas significantly fewer of the two-shift workers (odds ratio=0.5, 95% confidence interval=0.3-0.9) screened positive with CDT. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings on employees who attended for regular health examinations suggest that shift workers did not show a higher level of risky alcohol consumption than day workers, according to the results with the AUDIT, CDT and GGT. On the contrary, the two-shift workers appeared to drink significantly less.     

Mobile phones and sex work in South India: the emerging role of mobile phones in condom use by female sex workers in two Indian states

The aim of this study was to examine female sex workers' solicitation of clients using mobile phones and the association between this and condom use with clients. Cross-sectional data were utilised to address the study's aim, drawing on data collected from female sex workers in Calicut, Kerala, and Chirala, Andhra Pradesh. Use of mobile phone solicitation was reported by 46.3% (n = 255) of Kerala participants and 78.7% (n = 464) of those in Andhra Pradesh. Kerala participants reporting exclusive solicitation using mobile phones demonstrated 1.67 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.01–2.79) of inconsistent condom use than those reporting non-use of mobile phones for solicitation. However, those reporting exclusive solicitation through mobile phones in Andhra Pradesh reported lower odds of inconsistent condom use (OR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.01–0.26) than those not using mobile phones for solicitation. Findings indicate that solicitation of clients using mobile phones facilitates or hampers consistency in condom use with clients depending on the context, and how mobile phones are incorporated into solicitation practices. Variations in sex work environments, including economic dependence on sex work or lack thereof may partially account for the different effects found.     

Renal Rehabilitation: Exercise Intervention and Nutritional Support in Dialysis Patients

With the growing number of dialysis patients with frailty, the concept of renal rehabilitation, including exercise intervention and nutrition programs for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), has become popular recently. Renal rehabilitation is a comprehensive multidisciplinary program for CKD patients that is led by doctors, rehabilitation therapists, diet nutritionists, nursing specialists, social workers, pharmacists, and therapists. Many observational studies have observed better outcomes in CKD patients with more physical activity. Furthermore, recent systematic reviews have shown the beneficial effects of exercise intervention on exercise tolerance, physical ability, and quality of life in dialysis patients, though the beneficial effect on overall mortality remains unclear. Nutritional support is also fundamental to renal rehabilitation. There are various causes of skeletal muscle loss in CKD patients. To prevent muscle protein catabolism, in addition to exercise, a sufficient supply of energy, including carbohydrates, protein, iron, and vitamins, is needed. Because of decreased digestive function and energy loss due to dialysis treatment, dialysis patients are recommended to ingest 1.2-fold more protein than the regular population. Motivating patients to join in activities is also an important part of renal rehabilitation. It is essential for us to recognize the importance of renal rehabilitation to maximize patient satisfaction.     

Presence of impaired intestinal calcium absorption in chronic hypovitaminosis D and its change after cholecalciferol supplementation: assessment by the calcium load test

Background: Hypovitaminosis D is common in Asian Indians and its functional significance is currently under investigation. Previous studies have reported on the effect of low serum 25(OH)D levels (<50 nmol L^?1) on bone mineral density and serum parathyroid hormone values. The present study assessed the effect of chronic hypovitaminosis D in Asian Indians on intestinal calcium absorption and its change after cholecalciferol supplementation. Methods: Subjects included 29 healthy volunteers [mean (SD) age, 28.4 ± 6.4 years] with low serum 25(OH)D levels on screening. Intestinal calcium absorption was assessed by the ‘calcium load test’ with 1 g of oral elemental calcium. Subjects were put on a calcium restricted diet 1 week prior to the test. The calcium load test was repeated in 26 of them after 8 weeks of supplementation with oral cholecalciferol (60 000 IU week^?1). Results: The mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of the study subjects was 0.027 ± 0.023 mg mg^?1 under fasting conditions and increased to 0.035 ± 0.032 mg mg^?1 after calcium loading (delta change = 29.6%, P = 0.33). After 8 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation, the mean serum 25(OH)D increased from 18.9 ± 11.9 to 84.4 ± 34.9 nmol L^?1 (P < 0.0001). Concomitantly, the mean urinary calcium/creatinine ratio of the study subjects increased from 0.030 ± 0.024 mg mg^?1 under fasting conditions to 0.059 ± 0.045 mg mg^?1 after calcium loading (delta change = 96.6%, P = 0.008). Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study show that chronic hypovitaminosis D in Asian Indians has functional relevance in terms of its effect on intestinal calcium absorption, which improves with cholecalciferol supplementation. These findings support the need for improving the vitamin D status of Asian Indians through dietary supplementation and exposure to sunshine.