International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (nepjol.info)
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Workplace violence in health care settings and adverse mental health outcomes among health care workers of Nepal: A cross-sectional study
No full textIntroduction: Violence against health care workers (HCWs) is an emerging problem which has a wide range of impact on physical and mental health, standard of care giving, and work productivity of health professionals. The major aim of the present study was to determine workplace violence (WPV) and its associated variables carrying the risk of undergoing mental health disorders (stress, anxiety and depression.)
Methods: From May 2023 to October 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in hospital settings amongst 367 HCWs working in various hospitals of Nepal by using Standard Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) tool. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression, as well as descriptive analysis, was done.
Results: WPV among study participants was 46%. Verbal violence (42.2%) was the most common. Male (AOR:2.8), staying in joint/extended family (AOR:1.7), perceiving work as stressful (AOR: 2.6) were more likely to experience WPV. HCWs experiencing at least a form of violence were more likely to face depression (COR: 3.3), anxiety (COR: 3) and stress (COR: 3.3) later onwards.
Conclusion: WPV is a threat soaring among the HCW\u27s. Male gender, type of family, and stressful nature of work were the determining factors for experiencing WPV. Violence among HCWs increased the chance of acquiring depression, anxiety and stress. It is imperative to establish evidence-based strategies to prevent workplace violence and foster a positive workplace culture in order to preserve psychological wellbeing among HCWs
Occupational polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure assessment by job task in aluminum workers: a biomonitoring study
No full textIntroduction: Occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the aluminum smelting industry poses a significant health risk.
Methods: The study was conducted in 2021 at an aluminum production facility in Sohar Aluminum, Oman, to assess task-specific (cleaning, electrical, mechanical, and operation) occupational exposure to PAHS from the paste plant department. The non-exposed workers at the medical center are chosen as the control group. Personal air samples were collected using a 13-mm glass fiber filter (0.3 µm, SKC Inc.) housed in a Millipore Swinnase cassette. Post-shift urine samples were obtained across task groups during 8-hour shifts. PAHs and urinary 1-OHP levels were quantified through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
Results: Airborne PAH concentrations ranged from 0.0 to 417.4 µg/m³. The mean urinary 1-OHP concentration was 7.46 µmol/mol creatinine (range: 0.0–40.9). Electrical and mechanical maintenance workers showed the highest urinary 1-OHP levels. A strong positive correlation existed between airborne PAH and urinary 1-OHP (r = 0.900, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Elevated PAH exposure was task-specific, with the highest levels in electrical and mechanical roles. Urinary 1-OHP proved effective for monitoring internal PAH exposure, underscoring the need for targeted exposure reduction strategies
Psychological capital, contract violation and medical doctors’ retention in the Nigerian healthcare sector
No full textIntroduction: The global healthcare sector is currently facing an unprecedented crisis, primarily attributed to the emigration of medical personnel especially from developing and under-developed countries to high-income nations. Among the countries most significantly impacted is Nigeria, which has recorded one of the highest numbers of migrating medical doctors globally. This situation has placed Nigeria in a considerably disadvantaged position, particularly given the substantial burden of disease prevalent in the country. Consequently, the moderating role of psychological capital (PsyCap) in the influence of contract violation and employee retention was examined in this study.
Methods: The study adopted cross-sectional research design and gathered data from a total of 362 medical doctors (resident doctors = 252; house officers = 110; Males = 56.6%; Females = 43.4%). Data were collected using employee retention scale, psychological contract violation (PCV) scale and psychological capital scale.
Results: The findings indicated that PCV had a significant and negative influence on the retention of medical doctors (β = -.37; p < .01). However, when moderated by PsyCap, PCV had a significant and positive influence on the retention of medical doctors (β = .21; p < .01).
Conclusion: Based on the findings, it was concluded that when medical doctors possess higher levels of PsyCap, it is strong enough to suppress the negative effect that PCV initially would have on their intention to remain committed to work with the medical institution in Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that medical doctors should be provided with interventions designed to enhance their psychological capital qualities (Resilience, hope, optimism, and self-efficacy)
A decade in focus: occupational health and safety research trends - a bibliometric approach
Full text linkIntroduction: Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a critical area of research due to its direct impact on worker well-being and productivity. Understanding the evolving trends and patterns within this domain provides valuable perspectives on the global focus and advancements made over the past decade. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of OHS literature to map its intellectual structure, identify influential contributors, and highlight emerging themes.
Methods: A bibliometric study was conducted analyzing publications from 2014 to 2024 in Scopus on occupational health and safety. Descriptive statistics, co-word clustering, and citation network analysis were performed on 664 articles from 223 sources.
Results: Results reveal significant increases in annual publications and citations over time, indicating a growing priority in the field. The US, Canada, Turkey, and Iran emerged as leading contributors. Core institutions, such as NIOSH and selected universities, demonstrated intense leadership. Key researchers publishing the most include Hasle, Gibb, Iavolici, and Mori. Key thematic areas included occupational health nursing, diseases, construction safety, risk assessment approaches, and management strategies, with risk assessment emerging as a particularly influential methodology.
Conclusion: Occupational safety research is demonstrating dynamic global growth with sustained high-quality outputs from the leaders of core institutions. Methodological innovations and interdisciplinary priorities necessitate ongoing investigation
Causes of workplace violence and preventive strategies in a tertiary care hospital in North India
Full text linkIntroduction: Workplace violence is a significant global issue, particularly in high-risk environments such as emergency departments (EDs), impacting the quality of care provision and mental health status of the healthcare professionals. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of workplace violence and its impact on employees working in emergency departments.
Methods: 389 participants were enrolled consecutively after obtaining informed consent. A \u27Workplace Violence in Healthcare Setting’ questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of workplace violence. The Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) was used to evaluate an individual’s responses to traumatic events.
Results: About half (46%) of participants were between 30-39 years old. Maximum (53.4) were nursing officers, 17% were sanitary attendants, 12% were hospital attendants, 8.70% were doctors, 7.7% and 1.02% were security guards and lab technicians respectively. The majority of the participants (92.5%) faced verbal violence, and 25.71% encountered physical violence. Reporting to the seniors was often avoided due to perceived inaction, time concerns, and fear of career repercussions. Participants recommended providing education to the public, and improvements in healthcare facilities and infrastructure. The majority of the participants felt unrealistic expectations of the patients, inappropriate knowledge about disease conditions, lack of resources, overcrowding, and long waiting times as the responsible factors for workplace violence.
Conclusion: Workplace violence in hospitals is linked to overcrowding, long waiting times, inadequate knowledge, and a lack of redressal systems. It may hamper care quality and staff morale. Preventive strategies include better resource management, communication skills, public education, infrastructure improvements, self-defense training, legislative measures, and effective complaint systems
Screening of tuberculosis among nurse clinicians: An analytical observational study at a tertiary care hospital in western Rajasthan
Full text linkIntroduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) face a significant risk of contracting tuberculosis (TB), especially in regions with a high incidence of the disease. In India, routine screening and surveillance data are scarce for TB among HCWs. Our objective was to conduct TB screening among nurse clinicians to address guidelines and policies in the health sector.
Methods: An analytical observational study was done in a tertiary care teaching hospital in western Rajasthan, India. Four hundred twenty-two nurse clinicians were recruited and screened for tuberculosis. The tuberculin skin test was conducted according to the latest recommendations and standards to obtain the results. Informed consent was obtained before the procedure was performed.
Results: 12.3% showed positive tuberculin test results, while 87.7% tested negative. Past positive history of tuberculosis and current signs and symptoms of tuberculosis are inversely correlated with the likelihood of having tuberculosis. In contrast, past contact with a tuberculosis patient is slightly positively associated with an increased risk of tuberculosis.
Conclusion: This study supports the prioritization of clinical nurses as a high-risk group for TB infection, underscoring the importance of considering demographic factors in TB screening and prevention efforts
Addressing the Challenges in Medical Training for Occupational Health in India\u27s Rapidly Industrializing Landscape
Full text linkIndia\u27s rapid industrialization demands an equally robust occupational health framework, yet medical training in this field remains inadequate. With over 250 million industrial units, worker health is crucial for productivity and economic growth. Despite legislative efforts like the Factories Act and ESI Act, challenges persist, including limited practical training, lack of faculty expertise, and the complexities of adult learning. ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, has pioneered hands-on AFIH training to bridge these gaps. Key recommendations include integrating occupational health into MBBS, faculty CME programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and mental health sensitization. Strengthening medical education is vital for safeguarding India\u27s workforce
Effectiveness of specific muscle group stretching in reducing regional musculoskeletal disorders among textile workers
Full text linkIntroduction: Regional musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent in the textile industry, primarily due to repetitive or static work postures. This study aimed to assess whether specific muscle group stretching exercises could reduce MSDs complaints among workers in the textile industry.
Methods: A quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest approach without a control group, which limits causal inference, was employed. Thirty textile workers participated in a structured stretching program twice daily for 8 weeks. Complaints of MSDs were assessed using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8. The data were analyzed using Repeated Measure ANCOVA to control for age, gender, length of employment, and BMI, with effect sizes calculated using Cohen\u27s d.
Results: Significant reductions in MSDs complaints were observed across seven body regions (p<0.05). The largest improvement was in the upper neck region (mean score reduction = 0.83; Cohen\u27s d = 1.116), indicating a very large effect size. Covariates (age, gender, length of employment, and BMI) did not significantly influence outcomes (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: While targeted stretching of specific muscle groups appeared to reduce regional MSDs among textile workers, the absence of a control group limits the ability to draw definitive causal conclusions. Future studies should employ randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes to confirm these preliminary findings
Stress, anxiety and uncertainty in EMS provider during COVID-19 - an exploratory study
Full text linkIntroduction: EMS providers played a crucial role in the frontline response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing challenges and despite their critical role, EMS providers are not given the attention they deserve in research and practical applications. This study examined the early psychological impact of the pandemic on EMS providers. The study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on EMS providers, exploring relationships between workplace stressors, COVID-specific variables, and psychological distress. Findings inform strategies for supporting EMS providers\u27 mental health.
Methods: Data collection, during the early pandemic, involved online recruitment and surveys that included psychological scales, demographics, and COVID-specific variables.
Findings: 34 EMS providers from the New York Metro area, mostly working full-time in private agencies, noted significant impacts of COVID-19 on both providers and their workspaces. Although perceived risk and inadequacy of personal protective equipment were noted, the primary COVID-specific variable affecting psychological outcomes was moderate. Psychological measures showed low to moderate distress, mild anxiety (higher in women), and low to moderate perceived stress. Stress correlated with work-related stressors and lower workplace satisfaction. Moderate uncertainty is linked to specific work challenges, while low PTSD scores are associated with poor work culture satisfaction, lack of flexibility, and negative work attitudes.
Conclusion: This study challenges assumptions of high stress, anxiety, and PTSD in EMS providers during the early COVID-19 response. Workplace variables, not COVID-specific factors, are more linked to negative psychological symptoms. Recognizing and addressing EMS providers\u27 mental health needs during high-stress events is crucial, emphasizing the role of general workspace issues
Technology impacts academia\u27s day-to-day activities: association between musculoskeletal body injuries and nursing faculties’ knowledge and practice on workstation ergonomics
Full text linkIntroduction: A poorly designed workplace and improper physical alignment during computer use for long durations may result in poor health outcomes and occupational disability. The study aims to identify the association between nursing faculty members\u27 knowledge and practice of computer workstation ergonomics and musculoskeletal body injuries.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Egypt. A convenience sampling of 133 nursing faculty members reported their knowledge of workstation ergonomics and rated their musculoskeletal pain (MSP) location and severity on valid and reliable self-administered questionnaires designed for the purpose. Those with musculoskeletal disorders were excluded.
Results: Nursing faculty members had good and very good levels of knowledge about computer workstation ergonomics (58.6% and 13.5%). Most reported pain in their neck, shoulder, lower back, lower arm, and wrist (88.0%, 81.2%, 73.7%, and 71.4%, respectively). There is a significant positive correlation between computer use practices and MSP severity in most body parts in the questionnaire. Regression analysis revealed that the duration of computer use and keying were significant risk factors for developing MSPs.
Conclusion: Nursing faculties are advised to apply the principles of computer workstation ergonomics, practice stretching exercises, and take frequent breaks and these principles are included in the workplace orientation training of new staff nurses and refresher training for existing staff nurses to prevent injuries, discomfort and distress and loss of productive hours to the workplace