C Osório, S Talwar, S A M Stevelink, H K Sihre, D Lamb, J Billings
{"title":"Systematic review and meta-analysis on the mental health of emergency and urgent call-handlers and dispatchers.","authors":"C Osório, S Talwar, S A M Stevelink, H K Sihre, D Lamb, J Billings","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Call-handlers and dispatchers (CHDs) working in specialized emergency and urgent communication centres are essential in supporting public safety and health. Evidence suggests that these professionals are at increased risk of mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and alcohol abuse among other conditions; however, reliable prevalence estimates remain undetermined.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>We provide the estimated pooled prevalence for PTSD, depression, anxiety and hazardous drinking among emergency and urgent CHDs globally.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched 10 electronic databases, grey literature and the Annals of Emergency Dispatch and Response. Eligible studies reported original quantitative data and used validated self-reported measures on the prevalence of mental health conditions of interest (i.e. PTSD, depression, anxiety and alcohol use) within CHD professionals. Three reviewers independently screened results for eligibility. Prevalence estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 16 857 references were retrieved. From these, 183 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, of which 37 articles were included in this systematic review, and 13 articles provided necessary quantitative information for meta-analyses. In total, 7759 CHDs were considered across nine different countries. The overall pooled prevalence for PTSD was 17.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.4-24.0%), depression was 28.2% (95% CI 20.7-36.2%), anxiety was 17.2% (95% CI 6.6-31.5%) and hazardous drinking was 17.8% (95% CI 6.9-32.2%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings indicate CHDs are at significant risk of mental health problems. Further quantitative and qualitative research is warranted to help understand the psychological risks of working as a CHD and guide appropriate psychological support.</p>","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-11-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142570361","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}
Damien M McElvenny, Ruth Wiggans, Jennie Hoyle, David Fishwick, Martie van Tongeren
{"title":"Updated systematic review of respiratory health surveillance: what is the evidence and what are the knowledge gaps?","authors":"Damien M McElvenny, Ruth Wiggans, Jennie Hoyle, David Fishwick, Martie van Tongeren","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae086","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae086","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513128","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}
S Khodabakhsh, C Hoffmann, S Sauchelli, G Shi, A Mitchell
{"title":"A novel approach to peer support for academic researchers.","authors":"S Khodabakhsh, C Hoffmann, S Sauchelli, G Shi, A Mitchell","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae091","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Academic researchers experience high levels of stress, isolation and loneliness, which compromise their well-being. There is a particular need to address these issues amongst early career and postgraduate research staff. 'Spaces for Listening' is an initiative to increase active listening and provide peer support.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To assess the feasibility, acceptability and potential impacts of Spaces for Listening in an academic setting.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Early career and postgraduate researchers from a large university in the UK were invited to attend 'Academic Spaces for Listening' (ASfL). Five ASfL sessions (including in-person and Chinese language) were held. A mixed-methods study using online survey and in-depth interviews was conducted. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analysed using principles of thematic analysis. The qualitative and quantitative findings were integrated at the interpretation phase.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 25 participants attended an ASfL session, 22 of them completed the survey and 6 participants participated in semi-structured interviews. Participants were very satisfied with the session content (68%, n = 15), organization (68%, n = 15) and delivery (68%, n = 15). Four themes were identified from qualitative analysis: (i) the 'Academic Spaces for Listening' (ASfL) experience; (2) impact of ASfL; (3) potential challenges of ASfL and (4) ASfL in the future. Interpersonal connectedness was an important outcome for participants during the session. Participants showed interest in the future of ASfL.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Implementing Spaces for Listening in an academic setting is feasible and was well received by participants. The initiative may fill a gap in the social interactions amongst academic researchers.</p>","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142481149","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":"Homeworking experiences of neuro-divergent workers: systematic review.","authors":"S K Brooks, C E Hall, M B Rogers, N Greenberg","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae095","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Working from home (WFH) is becoming more common, but little is known about how it specifically affects neuro-divergent workers' psychological and occupational well-being.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This review aimed to explore the experiences of neuro-divergent staff WFH, including the challenges they face; the potential benefits of homeworking for this specific population and the support systems they require.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched six electronic databases, as well as reference lists of included papers, one preprint server and Google, for literature on neuro-divergent workers' experiences of WFH. Results were synthesized using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We reviewed 25 studies (mostly based on data collected during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic), finding very little research statistically analysing the impact of WFH on well-being or productivity, or comparing the impact of WFH across neuro-divergent and neuro-typical populations. The (mostly qualitative) findings showed that neuro-divergent participants described various benefits and challenges of the sensory environment at home; the reduction of commuting; increased flexibility and lack of routine when homeworking; the reduction of 'masking' behaviours; lack of in-person social contact and increased use of technology.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings emphasize the importance of not assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to homeworking and suggest managers should be mindful of workers' individual preferences for working whilst ensuring that all employees are appropriately supported. The results can inform future research and provide insights for employers to help them create more inclusive work environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142481153","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}
A N Simpson, R Sutradhar, E McArthur, P Tanuseputro, A Bharatha, J G Ray
{"title":"Exposure to procedural ionizing radiation and cancer risk among physicians.","authors":"A N Simpson, R Sutradhar, E McArthur, P Tanuseputro, A Bharatha, J G Ray","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physicians in certain specialities are routinely exposed to procedural ionizing radiation. Their risk of cancer is unknown, including by cancer sub-types.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>To assess cancer risk among exposed physicians.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This population-based case-control study was completed in Ontario, Canada, where healthcare is universal, using linkage of physician billing claims to a province-wide cancer registry. Up to five cancer-free physician controls were matched to each cancer-affected physician, by sex, and both age at and year of, entry into practice. Cumulative exposure to procedural ionizing radiation was captured by physician billing claims. Conditional logistic regression generated an odds ratio (OR) of cancer per 1000 procedures performed and as a binary exposure comparing physicians above the upper 95th percentile cumulative number of procedures (≥200) to those below this cut point.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean (standard deviation) age of the 1265 cases and 5772 non-cancer controls was 39.7 (10.7) and 37.7 (9.0) years, and 45% and 49% were female, respectively. After a median (interquartile ranges) of 13.0 (6.9-20.4) and 12.5 (6.5-20.1) years of lookback among cases and controls, the OR of cancer was 1.02 (95% confidence interval 0.99-1.05; P = NS) per 1000 additional procedures performed. Modelling the cumulative exposure to procedures nonlinearly did not change the observed association (P > 0.40 for each). Comparing physicians above versus below the upper 95th percentile cumulative number of procedures, the OR of cancer was 1.23 (95% confidence interval 0.75-2.01, P = NS).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Physician exposure to procedural ionizing radiation was not associated with a higher risk of cancer. Measures that minimize radiation exposure should continue.</p>","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142481151","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":"Correction to: P-516 WORKING IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: HOW COVID-19 PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES AFFECT THE EXPERIENCE OF BULLYING AND HARASSMENT AMONG RESTAURANT WORKERS.","authors":"","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae105","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae105","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142481150","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}
A Aksakal, C Daharlı, B N Topal, B Kerget, K Kaşali, M Akgün
{"title":"Former jean sandblasters die younger.","authors":"A Aksakal, C Daharlı, B N Topal, B Kerget, K Kaşali, M Akgün","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae092","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Silicosis remains a critical public and occupational health issue, exacerbated by its expansion into non-traditional industries and resulting in significant global morbidity and mortality.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aims to investigate the death rates associated with silicosis from jean sandblasting by comparing the results of diagnosed individuals to those of the general population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Conducted from 2008 to 2023 in Taşlıçay and Toklular villages, Bingöl City, Turkey, this retrospective cohort study analysed mortality among 220 diagnosed males versus 2851 undiagnosed residents. Data were derived from the Cohort database and validated with the Bingöl Provincial Health Directorate and the Turkish Statistical Institute. Statistical analysis involved univariate comparisons and survival analysis, utilizing the Mann-Whitney U-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Cox proportional hazards model, with significance set at P < 0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analysis revealed a silicosis mortality rate of 10% in diagnosed individuals over 15 years, notably higher than the 4% in the general population. Higher radiological profusions and younger ages at diagnosis were significant mortality factors. A radiological profusion above five notably increased the mortality risk by 1.37 times, with age and radiological density proving critical in survival rates.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This research highlights the increased mortality risk in silicosis patients, particularly among former jean sandblasters, underscoring the significant effects of radiological density and early age exposure on mortality, thereby addressing a crucial gap in understanding the impact of silicosis on life expectancy and community health.</p>","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142481152","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":"Occupational well-being of diplomatic personnel: a qualitative study.","authors":"S K Brooks, D Patel, N Greenberg","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae096","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Diplomatic personnel face unique job demands due to their frequent relocations. There is some evidence that occupational stress contributes to poor well-being in this occupational group, but little research on the aspects of the job that are perceived to be particularly challenging.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>This study aimed to explore diplomatic personnel's perceptions of their organization and their roles and to identify aspects of the job, which could cause stress and potentially affect well-being.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 24 employees of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office between September 2021 and February 2022. Participants were asked to reflect on their experiences before the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants enjoyed many aspects of their work including the variety, travel opportunities and feeling that they made a difference. They also identified several stressors relating to job demands, overseas postings, family needs, frequent relocation, hardship posts, workplace relationships, (lack of) appreciation and acknowledgement, and organizational culture. Good relationships with colleagues and managers were perceived to be very important.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Findings suggest various ways in which diplomatic organizations can better support their personnel, highlighting workload management; cross-cultural training; providing appropriate support to both accompanying families and unaccompanied staff members; practical and psychological preparation for those in high-risk locations; encouraging positive workplace relationships; good management; increased autonomy and increased recognition for good work.</p>","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142407183","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":"Correction to: \"Sleep problems among Chinese clinical nurses working in general hospitals\".","authors":"","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae066","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142395330","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":"Lyme disease and occupation.","authors":"James D M Douglas, Ruth Scott","doi":"10.1093/occmed/kqae090","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae090","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54696,"journal":{"name":"Occupational Medicine-Oxford","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2024-10-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142395331","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}