Search Results (664)

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses faced enormous emotional challenges and profound physical fatigue, as well as constant concerns about whether they would receive genuine support in the workplace. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of nurses and to identify key challenges, coping strategies and needs for institutional support. Methods: It was conducted in Albania and followed a mixed-methods design in two interconnected phases, using a mixed-methods approach. Phase I included a quantitative survey of 288 nurses from regional hospitals in Fier and Vlora using a structured questionnaire covering five domains: workplace challenges, stress and work–life balance, health effects and burnout, coping mechanisms, and suggestions for improvement. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Phase II consisted of a reflective seminar with 47 nurses selected from the initial sample. Participants shared their post-pandemic experiences, coping strategies, and proposals for improving mental well-being. SWOT analysis was used to structure the reflections and identify internal and external factors influencing nurses’ mental health. Results: The results showed that nurses continue to face high workload, insufficient psychological support, and that 37.5% reported their work–life balance had worsened since the pandemic (21.9% sometimes; 15.6% most of the time). Participation in the reflective seminar had a positive impact on increasing professional awareness. Conclusions: These findings highlight the need for structured and sustainable interventions within healthcare institutions to protect and promote nurses’ mental health in post-crisis contexts. Full article

Workplace stress and burnout are known as major contributors to deficits in cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, and executive functioning, leading to impairments in both well-being and performance. Our prior work showed a brief multi-modal physical and cognitive fitness (CF) training capable of improving the mood and resilience of both corporate employees and military personnel. Building on this evidence and on recent findings from a systematic review of hardiness in the workplace, our current study examined the effects of the refined multi-modal training program on multiple fitness and wellbeing outcomes among corporate professionals employed in high-pressure jobs, with a particular focus on psychological hardiness, cognitive performance, and overall well-being. The intervention resulted in significant improvements in inhibitory control (a key aspect of CF) and measures of wellbeing (mood, gratitude and perceived stress), as well as resilience and all three components of psychological hardiness (control, challenge and commitment) among participants who completed the program. Our findings confirm that hardiness is a modifiable construct associated with a broad range of beneficial workplace outcomes. The intervention produced no improvements in working memory, suggesting that this element of CF may be less trainable—or require different training regimes to succeed. Full article

Violence against nurses in the workplace is a worldwide concern. The high prevalence of these events has negative impacts on professionals, including stress, abandonment of the workplace, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. It is a frequent problem for nurses. As awareness of this problem increases, strategies for prevention and management of aggression and violence have evolved. This study aims to identify strategies, both institutional and personal, to address violence against nurses in the workplace. Methods: A scoping review was conducted with the PRISMA approach, using New Rayyan platform and CEMB for the evaluation of methodological quality. We included all research that studied strategies against workplace violence for nurses in hospitals in Spanish or English published between 2019 and 2024. Results: Among the 28 analyzed full-text studies, two central categories emerged with respect to addressing violence against nurses before (prevention), during (mitigation), and after (response) such events: (1) training and nurses’ action strategies and (2) practical implementation tools. Institutional leadership supporting a zero-tolerance culture; training and resources for early identification of risks; and mitigation strategies with strong emphasis on de-escalation of potential violence, building personal resilience, and support from security personnel are among the effective strategies. Conclusions: Strategies for preventing and handling workplace violence are multidimensional. Leadership engagement, addressing gender biases, conflict management training, resilience building, and security can reduce violence against nurses and its sequelae. It is essential to generate practical knowledge that is easy to apply in healthcare settings. More research is needed, especially in Latin America. Full article

In terms of occupational health and safety, psychosocial risks in the workplace can lead to temporary or permanent harm. Search and rescue workers assisting earthquake victims may develop PTSD due to the trauma they experience and witness. This study estimates the prevalence of PTSD among search and rescue workers involved in the February 6, 2023, earthquake in Türkiye. This study utilized the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to assess 619 individuals. The results showed that the earthquake significantly affected post-traumatic stress symptoms across all demographic groups. Female participants (x̄ = 2.43) exhibited higher stress levels than male participants (x̄ = 2.24), showing an 8.48% difference. Participants with higher education levels (x̄ = 2.34) showed more stress than those with lower education (x̄ = 1.67). Individuals with over a decade of experience (x̄ = 3.28) experienced more distress compared to those with less than three years of experience (x̄ = 2.83). Participants under 30 (x̄ = 2.30) were more affected than those over 50 (x̄ = 2.25). Firsthand experience of the earthquake (x̄ = 2.49) resulted in greater distress compared to learning about it through communication channels (x̄ = 2.01). Concerning PTSD symptoms, 191 participants (30.86%) scored 33 or higher, which indicates clinically significant PTSD. Among the participants, 22 experienced severe to extremely severe symptoms, with 19 showing extremely severe symptoms on at least one subscale, 3 displaying extremely severe symptoms across all four subscales, and 9 demonstrating extremely severe symptoms in three subscales. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study explores the adaptation and implementation of a positive psychological intervention based on the Emotional Styles model to improve well-being and reduce stress in employees with and without intellectual disabilities (IDs). Methods: A longitudinal intervention was conducted in a social foundation with 45 participants (12 with ID). The program, based on Davidson’s six emotional dimensions, included six weekly sessions adapted through Easy Read strategies and COVID-19 adjustments. Data were collected at pre-test, post-test, and six-month follow-up using the Emotional Styles Questionnaire, PERMA Profiler, and UWES-3. Results: Significant improvements were found in outlook, resilience, engagement, relationships, and reduction in negative emotions, with stronger effects for non-ID participants, although context sensibility improved in the ID group. High satisfaction (93% very satisfied) confirmed the program’s acceptability. Conclusions: The adapted intervention effectively enhances emotional well-being in heterogeneous workplaces, supporting inclusive positive psychology practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nurses play a vital role in healthcare, yet their demanding working conditions, including long hours, shift work, and stress, can negatively impact health behaviors. In Poland, empirical data on nurses’ eating habits and body composition remain limited. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate body composition and dietary habits among nurses, and to identify significant relationships and associations between these variables. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 460 Polish nurses. The mean age of the respondents was 45.07 years (SD ± 11.98). Body composition was assessed using the Tanita MC-780 PLUS MA analyzer, and eating behaviors were measured with the standardized My Eating Habits questionnaire (MEH). Advanced statistical analyses including k-means clustering, ANOVA, chi-square tests, Spearman’s correlation, ROC curves, decision tree modeling, and heatmap visualization were used to identify associations. Results: The MEH scores among nurses indicated average eating behavior. However, excess body fat, overweight/obesity, shift work, and holding multiple jobs were significantly associated with emotional overeating, habitual overeating, and restrictive eating. Decision tree analysis identified Body Mass Index (BMI), fat-free mass (FFM) and comorbidities as key predictors of problematic eating patterns. Interaction effects showed that shift work combined with higher BMI further increased the risk of maladaptive behaviors. Heatmaps confirmed the strongest MEH scores in participants with elevated BMI and FFM. Conclusions: The findings underscore the need for targeted workplace interventions promoting healthy eating and weight control among nurses. Recognizing risk factors such as excess weight or multiple job holding can aid in designing effective prevention and health promotion strategies tailored to healthcare professionals. Full article

Background: Air traffic control is a stressful job and vital to aviation safety. Although technological developments have been introduced to enhance and facilitate the tasks of air traffic control officers (ATCOs), ATCOs still experience high levels of job stress. This study explores the influence of mindfulness and social work support (SWS) on the job performance and job stress of ATCOs in Saudi Arabia. Methods: Grounded in Job Demands–Resources (JDR) theory, this study used a cross-sectional design to survey 324 ATCOs, with a 72% response rate. Mindfulness and SWS were treated as individual and situation-specific resources that influence stress and performance outcomes. Results: The results indicated that mindfulness could reduce workplace stress and improve performance. Moreover, SWS was also critical in reducing the adverse impacts of stress on job performance, reflecting the buffering effect posited by JDR theory. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that JDR theory is applicable to the context of ATC since it validates the importance of mindfulness and SWS as critical resources in minimizing stress levels and improving performance. The findings have implications for the viability of mindfulness-based training interventions and peer-support programs in supporting the health of ATCOs and their ability to deal with highly stressful situations. Full article

Workplace health and safety issues have long plagued the construction industry. While safety efforts have traditionally focused on physical risks, increasing attention is being paid to mental health and work-related stressors, which can negatively affect both productivity and safety. In Saudi Arabia, the construction sector presents a unique context because of its highly diverse, multinational workforce. Workers of different nationalities often operate on the same job site, leading to potential communication barriers, cultural misunderstandings, and inconsistent safety practices, all of which may amplify stress and safety risks. This research aims to investigate the influence of work-related stressors on construction workers’ safety in Saudi Arabia and identify which stressors most significantly contribute to the risk of injury. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 349 construction workers across 16 job sites in Saudi Arabia. The survey measures ten key stressors identified in the literature, including job site demand, job control, job certainty, skill demand, social support, harassment and discrimination, conflict with supervisors, interpersonal conflict, and job satisfaction. Data were analyzed using logistic regression and Pearson correlation to examine relationships between stressors and self-reported injuries. The findings indicated that work-related stressors significantly predict workplace injury. While the first regression model showed a modest effect size, it was statistically significant. The second model identified job site demand and job satisfaction as the most influential predictors of injury risk. Work-related stressors, particularly high job demands and low job satisfaction, substantially increase the likelihood of injury among construction workers. These findings emphasize the importance of incorporating psychosocial risk management into construction safety practices in Saudi Arabia. Future studies should adopt longitudinal designs to explore causal relationships over time and include qualitative methods such as interviews to gain a deeper understanding. Additionally, factors such as nationality, organizational policies, and management style should be investigated to better understand their moderating effects on the stress–injury relationship. Full article

Public safety personnel (PSP), including correctional workers, firefighters, paramedics, police, and public safety communicators, are at increased risk for posttraumatic stress injury, yet face barriers in receiving timely support. Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) offer promising avenues for confidential, on-demand access to relevant information and support. The purpose of this study was to assess implementation of PeerOnCall, a new mHealth platform designed by and for PSP (the platform includes two parallel apps: one for frontline workers and one for peer support providers). A multi-site mixed methods implementation trial was conducted over 3−6 months in 42 public safety organizations across Canada. App usage trends were tracked through software analytics, and facilitators and barriers to app use were explored via interviews with organizational champions. Over 11,300 employees across 42 organizations were invited to use the PeerOnCall app over the trial period, with approximately 1759 PSP (15% of total) downloading the app. Variation within and across sectors was evident in app downloads and feature use. Approaches to communication (mode, timing, and messenger), and organizational culture related to mental health and help outreach affected uptake levels. PeerOnCall is a promising tool to facilitate access to peer support; however, culturally relevant strategies are needed to overcome barriers and integrate this tool into workplace practices. Full article

Background: Dental professionals face high levels of occupational stress, which intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to increased burnout, diminished well-being, and signs of accelerated biological aging. This systematic review explores the role of physical activity as a protective factor for mental and physical health, with a focus on promoting resilience and long-term occupational sustainability in a post-pandemic volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) environment. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Studies published between 2000 and 2024 were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library using MeSH terms related to dentistry, physical activity, stress management, and occupational health. Of 850 records screened, 28 studies were included: 24 cross-sectional, 2 systematic reviews, 1 retrospective, and 1 case–control study. Inclusion and quality appraisal followed standardized criteria. Results: The included studies consistently showed that physical activity was associated with reduced burnout, improved psychological well-being, enhanced postural function, and potential markers of slowed biological aging in dental professionals. Several studies reported moderate-to-strong associations, with effect sizes ranging from small improvements in perceived stress scores to substantial reductions in MSD prevalence. Interventions combining exercise with ergonomic education, stress management, and institutional support demonstrated the stronger and more consistent benefits for professional sustainability. Conclusions: Physical activity, when integrated into comprehensive workplace wellness frameworks, significantly enhances the mental and physical resilience of dental professionals. Embedding movement, ergonomics, and psychosocial support into practice environments offers a promising strategy for safeguarding long-term workforce sustainability and improving public health outcomes. Full article

Background: Over the past two decades, the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) has been established as a valid instrument to measure psychosocial stress at work. Currently, the COPSOQ international network is responsible for monitoring and improving the COPSOQ. In 2019, a new questionnaire was published, and the Greek version is now being validated. The aim of the current study was to assess the reliability and validity of the psychometric properties of the Greek long version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III (COPSOQ-III-GR). Methods: The measurement qualities of the Greek COPSOQ III have been explored in accordance with the usual requirements of a validation study, as defined by DIN EN ISO 10075-3. A sample of observations from 2189 participants surveyed with the COPSOQ in Greece was used to validate the current version with appropriate statistical analyses. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the statistical relationships for many scales. Results: With its 108 items and 40 scales, the Greek COPSOQ III includes all internationally validated psychosocial workplace factors that remain comparable (~72%) with the COPSOQ III German version content. In addition to the primary results, congruence with widely used theoretical approaches such as the demand–control (−support) model (DCM) or the job demands–resources model (JDR) is generally satisfactory. In summary, our validation study for the Greek COPSOQ III version showed adequate reliability and validity, which is in line with the findings of the COPSOQ III questionnaire from other European countries, and it is also compatible with the validation of the German COPSOQ III. Our regression analysis revealed that 34 psychosocial workplace factors (34 “context” scales) could adequately predict the scores of the satisfactory and health scales (6 “outcome” scales). The analysis also revealed the top five predictors (context variables) for each of the six “effect” scales (outcome variables). Conclusions: With the launch of COPSOQ III in Greece, current and new workplace psychosocial aspects could be explored, since COPSOQ III (GR) appears to be a valid and reliable instrument for enterprise research and risk assessment. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to present a vibration dissipation device that sends vibration signals from the manipulated tool in the workplace to the operator’s hand by improving its ergonomic appearance and materials. Compared with another vibration dissipation device, this one was previously designed and patented. This paper is based on two studies: one theoretical and the other experimental (the latter regarding the material used). The first part is represented by the design and simulation of the device and a static analysis by FEA in SolidWorks 2022. The stresses to which the materials of the device’s bracelets are subjected are studied in this article; then, the resistance of the device’s materials to the tensile and deformation stresses they are subjected to is presented. All these studies complement DIAV equipment’s functionality in terms of its components’ design and assembly. Emphasis is placed on its shape and ease of assembly and the operator’s dexterity in mechanical processes so that DIAV does not limit them. In addition, from the point of view of its design, emphasis is placed on its fixation so that it is easy to assemble and is within reach of any operator. The appropriate choice of materials for the components of the DIAV device is of major importance both in terms of strength, ergonomics, and weight. The experimental results validate the theoretical results obtained through the FEA simulation in SolidWorks, and this fact confirms the usefulness and functionality of the DIAV device from the perspective of vibration attenuation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Occupational well-being and professional quality of life are essential for healthcare sustainability. While clinical staff are presumed to experience higher stress, few studies have compared their experience to that of non-clinical personnel within the same institution. Methods: This observational study involved 63 employees from an Italian research hospital: 36 healthcare workers in critical care and 27 administrative staff. Participants completed the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (Brief COPE), an ad hoc organizational questionnaire, and the ProQoL Version 5 (administered to clinical staff only). Non-parametric tests (Mann–Whitney U and Chi-square) were used to explore group differences. Results: No significant differences emerged between groups in coping styles or strategies. Significant differences were observed only in reports of work-related injuries (42% of healthcare staff vs. 4% of administrative staff; p = 0.002) and perceived disruption caused by vacation requests (64% vs. 26%; p = 0.006). Other organizational indicators such as job dissatisfaction, intention to leave, or perceived managerial support did not differ significantly. ProQoL results showed that 53% of healthcare workers had moderate to high burnout, and 47.2% scored high on compassion fatigue, while only 2.7% showed high levels of secondary traumatic stress. Conclusions: Despite distinct operational contexts, healthcare and administrative staff reported broadly similar experiences in terms of coping and organizational well-being. These findings challenge assumptions of stark differences across professional roles and suggest that workplace well-being strategies should address the needs of both clinical and non-clinical staff. Full article

Period poverty is a broad and complex issue that intersects with various areas, including health, education, infrastructure, and human rights, among others, affecting countless women and girls around the world. Despite remarkable technological, social, and economic advances this century, menstruation remains a taboo subject, which leads to widespread misinformation and stigma. Prejudice and a lack of access to knowledge and essential sanitation resources, such as clean water, hygiene products, and safe private spaces, heighten the vulnerability of those affected. Integrated and multisectoral approaches that involve legislature, health, education, and sanitation are necessary to face this public health issue effectively. These efforts involve developing and implementing comprehensive plans that unite government, society, and the private sector. Some examples of these actions include making information about menstruation and menstrual health available in schools, cutting taxes on feminine hygiene products, improving basic sanitation, building decent public restrooms, and providing free sanitary pads in schools and workplaces. These initiatives have the potential to promote menstrual health and dignity, ensuring that people who menstruate can manage their periods in healthy, safe, and supportive environments. This review aims to shed light on menstrual poverty in Brazil as a global issue and a human rights violation, especially when it comes to the rights to health, education, and dignity. It stresses that efforts to end this social stigma and align with the 2030 Agenda, which seeks to eliminate poverty and inequality worldwide, and provides a plan of action to tackle this stigma. Full article

Human cognitive performance is influenced by external factors, including indoor environmental quality (IEQ). Understanding how these factors affect stress, attention, and relaxation is essential in environments such as workplaces and educational institutions, where cognitive function directly impacts performance. This study examines the effects of IEQ on students’ attention and relaxation levels during various lecture periods, focusing on design major students. Three key IEQ parameters (air temperature, relative humidity, and natural lighting) were evaluated for their effects on cognitive states using electroencephalogram (EEG) measurements in a controlled setting. Participants wore non-invasive, portable EEG devices to monitor neurophysiological activity across two sessions, each involving four scenarios: (i) baseline, (ii) increased natural light exposure, (iii) elevated relative humidity, and (iv) increased air temperature. EEG-derived metrics of attention and relaxation were analyzed alongside environmental data, including temperature, humidity, lighting conditions, carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), and particulate matter (PM), to identify potential correlations. Results showed that natural light exposure improved relaxation but reduced attention, suggesting a restorative effect on stress that may also introduce distractions. Attention peaked under moderately warm, dry conditions (25–26 °C and 16–19% relative humidity), correlating positively with temperature (Pearson correlation coefficient, $r$ = 0.32) and negatively with humidity ($r$ = −0.50). Conversely, relaxation was highest under cooler, more humid conditions (23–24 °C and 24–26% relative humidity). Attention was negatively correlated with CO₂ ($r$ = −0.47) and PM_2.5 ($r$ = −0.46), suggesting that poor air quality impairs alertness. Relaxation showed weaker but positive correlations with PM_2.5 ($r$ = 0.38), PM_1.0 ($r$ = 0.35), and CO₂ ($r$ = 0.32). Ultrafine particles (PM_0.3, PM_0.5) and TVOC had minimal association with cognitive states. Overall, this study underscores the importance of optimizing indoor environments in educational settings to enhance academic performance and supports the development of evidence-based design standards to foster healthy, effective learning environments. Full article