Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology最新文献

{"title":"A follow-up study of vibration-induced injuries in workers exposed to transient and high frequency vibrations.","authors":"Lars Gerhardsson","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00425-6","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00425-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In a previous study from 2018, 38 wheel loader assembly workers were examined, showing high exposures to transient and high-frequency vibrations. After the investigation, preventive measures were immediately implemented to reduce the vibration exposure. In 2022, a follow-up study was carried out to examine the effect of these measures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The follow-up study included 35 (27 men and 8 women) of the original 38 workers. They were divided into two groups, 24 workers with ongoing vibration exposure and 11 workers, not vibration exposed since 2018. All participants completed a questionnaire and underwent a thorough examination, including several neurophysiological tests and a comprehensive assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. The questionnaire responses and on-site vibration level measurements formed the basis for the individual vibration exposure assessment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In 2018, clear differences were noted between the two groups regarding vibration perception thresholds (VPT), needle test, 2-PD (2-point discrimination), and monofilament test with deviating results in the unexposed group. The difference between the two groups was significantly smaller at the follow-up examination in 2022, where differences remained for VPT and monofilament tests, with deviating test results in the unexposed group. When comparing variable values between 2018 and 2022 within the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively, the unexposed group showed mostly unchanged values, while a deterioration was observed for VPT, needle test and temperature sensitivity test among the exposed workers during follow-up. The prevalence of VWF (Vibration white fingers) was around 30-40% and neuropathy around 75% among exposed workers during follow-up compared to about 60% and 85% respectively, in the unexposed group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The overall categorization of white fingers and neuropathy, according to the Stockholm Workshop Scale, remained largely unchanged in both study groups from 2018 to 2022. The introduction of cost-effective and relatively simple preventive measures may have contributed to this result. Throughout the follow-up period, the number of exposed workers who developed musculoskeletal disorders and newly reported cases of vibration injuries at the factory decreased. Without this preventive program, increased vascular and nerve symptoms would most likely have occurred during follow-up due to continued vibration exposure.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"27"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11191195/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141437626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of occupational exposure to lead among workers engaged in a city bus garage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a comparative cross-sectional study.","authors":"Merihatsidik Tesema Abebe, Abera Kumie, Samson Wakuma Ayana, Teshome Assefa, Wossenyeleh Ambaw","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00422-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00422-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lead is one of the most nonessential toxic heavy metal agents found in automotive garages. The occupational exposure of garage workers to lead commonly poses acute and chronic health risks that can be prevented. In Ethiopia, there have been limited studies on lead exposure among garage workers, who overemphasize exposure to lead. This study aimed to assess occupational blood lead levels and associated factors in garage workers using a cross-sectional comparative design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comparative cross-sectional study design was used to compare the occupational blood lead levels of 36 randomly selected garage workers and 34 office workers who were matched by age and sex. Blood specimens were collected by trained medical laboratory experts. The collected blood samples were tested in a certified laboratory using a microwave plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MP-AES) device at a wavelength of 405.78 nm. Excel and SPSS Version 26 were used for data management and analysis, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean (SD) age of the exposed group was 39.0 (7.5) years, whereas the mean age of the unexposed group was 38.0 (6.1) years. The occupational mean (SD) blood-lead-level in the exposed groups was 29.7 (12.2) µg/dl, compared to 14.8 (9.9) µg/dl among the unexposed groups. The mean blood-lead level among the exposed workers was significantly different from that among the unexposed workers (P < 0.01). Of all the study participants, only 22.2% of the exposed groups had blood lead levels higher than the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 40 µg/dl. The main significant predictors of occupational blood-lead-level exposure among workers were extra working hours, service years, and having a previous (prior) employment history in a garage. The occupations of the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of blood-lead levels (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The BLL of the Garage workers was significantly greater than that of the Non-Garage workers. Hence, it is advised that garage management should encourage workers to use exposure prevention methods, such as washing their hands before eating and taking showers after the completion of work, by providing regular occupational safety training.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"26"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11188258/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141433151","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cannabis use motives and associations with personal and work characteristics among Canadian workers: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Nancy Carnide, Bethany R Chrystoja, Hyunmi Lee, Andrea D Furlan, Peter M Smith","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00424-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00424-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Research on cannabis use motives has focused on youth. Little is known about motives among working adults, including how work may play a role. This study aimed to describe cannabis use motives and their connection to work, and identify the personal and work correlates of work-related motives among a sample of workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A national, cross-sectional sample of Canadian workers were queried about their cannabis use. Workers reporting past-year cannabis use (n = 589) were asked their motives for using cannabis and whether each motive was related to work or helped them manage at work (i.e., work-related). Multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to estimate the associations of personal and work characteristics with work-related cannabis use motives (no work-related motives, < 50% of motives work-related, ≥ 50% of motives work-related).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Use for relaxation (59.3%), enjoyment (47.2%), social reasons (35.3%), coping (35.1%), medical reasons (30.9%), and sleep (29.9%) were the most common motives. Almost 40% of respondents reported one or more of their cannabis use motives were work-related, with coping (19.9%) and relaxation (16.3%) most commonly reported as work-related. Younger age, poorer general health, greater job stress, having a supervisory role, and hazardous work were associated with increased odds of reporting at least some cannabis use motives to be work-related, while work schedule and greater frequency of alcohol use were associated with reduced odds of motives being primarily work-related.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cannabis use motives among workers are diverse and frequently associated with work. Greater attention to the role of work in motivating cannabis use is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"25"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11177395/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141318593","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical working conditions over time: a repeated cross-sectional study in German employees.","authors":"Johannes Beller, Julia Graßhoff, Batoul Safieddine","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00423-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00423-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to examine time trends in physical working conditions across and within occupational groups in Germany between 2006 and 2018.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Logistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys in 2006, 2012, and 2018, with a total sample size of 59,006 participants. The study investigated changes in various self-reported occupational exposure measures over time, along with demographic shifts in the workforce.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed overall improvements in most occupational exposure measures during the study period, alongside an aging and upskilling workforce. However, exposure to awkward postures, microorganisms, and, to a lesser extent, noise increased. Substantial variation was observed between occupational groups, with more favourable trends among white-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers, and less favourable trends among white-collar low-skilled and blue-collar high-skilled workers.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While trends in physical working conditions in Germany are partly promising, some exposures are worsening, and substantial inequalities between occupations persist. As occupational exposures remain common, there is still a need for targeted interventions to improve working conditions, particularly in higher-risk occupations.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"24"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11165766/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141301938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interrelations of managing position with person-environment fit of gender-role orientation, and burnout.","authors":"Eva Wacker, Axel Fischer, Julia Schorlemmer","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00403-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00403-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In previous studies a moderator effect of management position could be found between Person-environment fit of masculinity, and burnout. Present study goals are to analyze previous fundings of the importance of the individual gender-role in relation to the work environment in more detail.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross sectional explanative study, an online survey took place using Gender Role Orientation Scale (GTS +) by Altstötter-Gleich and DearEmployee-Survey by Wiedemann et al. The sample consists of 891 participants-516 female (58%), 373 male (42%), among those 277 executives (32%) and 594 participants without managerial responsibility (68%), age 17-70 years (M = 29.86; S = 7.67). Four groups were divided according to P-E fit in femininity and P-E fit in masculinity, this enabled a more precise distinction between the participants. The proportions of executives were determined, and compared in each group by a <math> <msup><mrow><mi>χ</mi></mrow> <mn>2</mn></msup> </math> -Test Hierarchical linear regression models predicting burnout and proving moderator effects of managerial position were calculated for each group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The proportions of executives were the highest in the two groups with participants, who had a higher individual masculinity compared to their work environment. A moderator effect of managerial position between P-E fit in masculinity and burnout was found in group \"Indifferent\" (participants with lower feminity and masculinity compared with work environment). With a worse P-E fit in masculinity burnout values rise for individuals with no managerial position. On the other hand, among leaders burnout values decrease a worse P-E fit in masculinity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>People with a high individual masculinity compared to work environment tend more to be selected as managers, regardless of the individual characteristics of femininity, which may generally lead to a highly masculine and less feminine leadership and corporate culture. This culture could increase burnout risk for people with low individual masculinity and high feminity scores compared to work environment as well as for persons with low individual masculinity and feminity compared to work environment, especially if they are not in a managerial position.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"23"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11161922/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141288759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Migraine self-management at work: a qualitative study.","authors":"Clara Knauf, Katherina Heinrichs, Rolf Süllwold, Andrea Icks, Adrian Loerbroks","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00421-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00421-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Migraine is common and can be highly disabling. Adequate migraine self-management (SM) can mitigate the potentially adverse health effects of migraine. However, adequate SM can be challenging to implement in everyday life, for instance, at the workplace. We aimed to explore how migraine SM is carried out at work and which occupational factors may determine effective implementation according to employees with migraine. We also explored the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated re-arrangement of working conditions on migraine SM at work.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews (08/2020-01/2021). Participants were eligible if they have worked for at least six months with a minimum of twenty hours per week and with a migraine diagnosis. The interviews were transcribed and content-analyzed using MAXQDA.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Migraine SM was perceived to be influenced by social interactions at work (e.g., in terms of understanding vs. stigmatization), the level of job decision latitude (JDL, i.e., the extent to which one is able to influence work processes, e.g., when working from home), and workplace design (e.g., in terms of opportunities to withdraw from work). During the COVID-19 pandemic, especially increased JDL appeared to favorably influence migraine SM.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Migraine SM at work is fostered or complicated by various psychosocial working conditions. By considering these facilitators and barriers, more migraine-friendly workplaces can be created.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"22"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11149347/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141238523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reduced protein levels in latex gloves may play an alternative approach to lowering latex sensitization risks among health workers; a cross-sectional analytical study.","authors":"Chatpong Ngamchokwathana, Naesinee Chaiear, Jitladda Sakdapipanich, Sumalai Dechyotin, Somsamai Sripramai, Prapassorn Khajornpipat","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00420-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00420-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Latex gloves are essential for protecting healthcare workers from biological hazards but pose a risk of latex allergy, particularly due to powdered, protein, and allergen content. Recent advancements in latex glove manufacturing have led to reduced levels of extractable proteins, a known factor triggering allergenic reaction. This study aimed to compare latex sensitization between nursing staff using low-protein and high-protein latex gloves at a tertiary university hospital in Thailand.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analytical study categorized participants into two groups based on glove exposure: the low extractable protein group (only exposed to non-powdered latex gloves with extractable protein levels below 50 µg/g) and the high extractable protein group (exposed to powdered latex gloves with levels above 50 µg/g). The sample size comprised 163 individuals in the low protein group and 318 in the high protein group (1:2). Latex allergy symptoms and sensitization were assessed using a self-administered questionnaire and latex-specific IgE measurement (ImmunoCAP), respectively. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, including odds ratios and 95%CI.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Demographic data was mostly similar in both exposure groups except for age. No significant differences in latex sensitization between the low and high protein groups were found via latex-specific IgE measurement (crude OR 1.90, 95%CI: 0.5, 7.18), potentially attributed to lower extractable protein levels in powdered latex gloves compared to previous studies. In contrast, the low protein group exhibited significantly fewer current latex allergy symptoms in both bivariate (crude OR 0.24, 95%CI: 0.06, 0.74) and multiple variable analysis (adjusted OR 0.18, 95%CI: 0.04, 0.86). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in latex allergy symptoms among the low protein group, decreasing from 9.8% who reported experiencing symptoms (when powdered latex gloves were used) to 1.2% who still reported current symptoms (OR 0.11, 95%CI: 0.02, 0.44).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study underscores the importance of using non-powdered and low-protein latex gloves to reduce latex allergy symptoms while emphasizing the need for further investigation into the relationship between extractable protein levels in addition to the attempt of the major allergen removal and latex sensitization amid evolving glove manufacturing practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"21"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11145855/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141200916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Construction of a mortality risk prediction model for patients with acute diquat poisoning based on clinically accessible data.","authors":"Mingxiu Lv, Yu Du","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00416-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12995-024-00416-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To examine the risk factors associated with mortality in individuals suffering from acute diquat poisoning and to develop an effective prediction model using clinical data.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective review was conducted on the clinical records of 107 individuals who were hospitalized for acute diquat poisoning at a tertiary hospital in Sichuan Province between January 2017 and September 30, 2023, and further categorized into survivor and nonsurvivor groups based on their mortality status within 30 days of poisoning. The patient's demographic information, symptoms within 24 h of admission, and details of the initial clinical ancillary examination, as well as the APACHE II score, were documented. The model was developed using backward stepwise logistic regression, and its performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, Brier scores, decision curve analysis curves, and bootstrap replicates for internal validation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that blood pressure (hypertension, OR 19.73, 95% CI 5.71-68.16; hypotension, OR 61.38, 95% CI 7.40-509.51), white blood count (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.20-1.52), red cell distribution width-standard deviation (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08-1.38), and glomerular filtration rate (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.97) were identified as independent risk factors for mortality in patients with diquat. Subsequently, a nomogram with an area under the curve of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.93-1) was developed. Internal bootstrap resampling (1000 repetitions) confirmed the model's adequate discriminatory power, with an area under the curve of 0.97. Decision curve analysis demonstrated greater net gains for the nomogram, while the clinical impact curves indicated greater predictive validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The nomogram model developed in this study using available clinical data enhances the prediction of risk for DQ patients and has the potential to provide valuable clinical insights to guide patient treatment decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"20"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11110376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141076960","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiology of work-related injuries, musculoskeletal disorders and dermatitis among hospital food service workers in a tertiary hospital in Asia.","authors":"Kenneth Bao Ren Leong, Qin Xiang Ng, Wee Hoe Gan, Wee Tong Ng, John Wah Lim","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00413-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00413-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the relative importance, the prevalence of workplace safety and health issues in hospital food service workers is not well studied. This study describes the epidemiology of work-related injuries and occupational diseases among hospital food service workers (FSWs) in a tertiary hospital in Singapore.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a total population sampling approach, a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire was distributed to all FSWs employed at a major tertiary hospital in Singapore.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The response rate was 98.4% (n = 125). The overall prevalence of workplace injuries and musculoskeletal symptoms was 35% (n = 43) and 53% (n = 65) respectively. The most common workplace injuries were cuts/lacerations (35.8%), muscle strain (25.4%) and burns (19.4%). The prevalence of workplace injuries among staff performing food preparation duties was higher at 56.3% as compared to 21.6% among staff with no food preparation duties (p < 0.01). The prevalence of workplace injuries among staff performing cooking duties was also higher at 47.5%, compared to 29.3% among staff with no cooking duties (p = 0.05). Staff performing food preparation duties had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at 66.7% as compared to 44.6% among staff with no food preparation duties (p = 0.02). Obese staff had a higher prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms at 78.9%, compared to overweight staff at 53.8% and staff with normal weight at 43.1% (p = 0.03).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>FSWs with jobs involving cooking and preparation of food, and those with obesity, are at higher risk of sustaining workplace injuries or musculoskeletal symptoms. Targeted interventions should be implemented for injury prevention and to mitigate these risks.</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"18"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140960575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Same job, same working conditions? A cross-sectional study to examine the similarities and differences of the working situation in ambulatory and residential youth welfare workers.","authors":"Maren Kersten, Sylvie Vincent-Höper, Tanja Wirth, Sabine Gregersen, Albert Nienhaus","doi":"10.1186/s12995-024-00419-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-024-00419-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Employees in social work exhibit high rates of sick leave due to mental health issues. Additionally, work-related demands in youth welfare have increased in recent years. Particularly in light of the escalating shortage of skilled professionals in this field, this trend becomes especially critical. The aim of this study is to systematically examine health-relevant working conditions, coping strategies, and health indicators in youth welfare. A special focus is placed on a differentiated analysis of job-related characteristics in the context of outpatient and residential youth welfare.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Mean values, standard deviations and the reliability of scales are measured. In addition to descriptive statistics, t-tests for analyzing mean differences, as well as correlation analyses and odds ratios as measures of association, are computed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of N = 1044 employees in youth welfare participated in the online survey. Among them, 671 individuals belonged to the field of residential youth welfare, and 373 to outpatient youth welfare. The results indicate that, in youth welfare in general, a variety of emotional, social, qualitative, and quantitative demands exhibit high levels. The comparison between outpatient and residential youth welfare reveals differences in half of the demands. The significant differences are observed for social demands and aggression from clients, which are statistically significant higher in the residential setting. Regarding resources, the most significant difference is observed for autonomy, which is higher in the outpatient setting. Overall, the association patterns reveals more similarities than differences between outpatient and residential settings. In both settings working conditions seem to have deteriorated during the pandemic.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In conclusion, the identified job-related characteristics in outpatient and residential youth welfare exhibit more similarities than differences. Nevertheless, the identified differences provide insights into the specific features of each work context, offering valuable starting points for targeted health promotion in practice.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This trial is recorded at the Hamburg University Ethics Committee (AZ 2022_027).</p>","PeriodicalId":48903,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology","volume":"19 1","pages":"19"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2024-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140960588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}