Search results

1

Work ability of employees in changing social services and health care organizations in Finland

100%

Kokkinen L., Konu A.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2012

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vol. 25

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issue 2

151-165

EN

Objectives: In this study, we examined the connection between organizational changes and employees own evaluations of their work ability. Materials and Methods: In early 2010, we asked employees (n = 2429) working in the Finnish social services and health care industry to identify all the organizational changes that had occurred at their workplaces over the previous two years, and to evaluate their own work ability and whether different statements related to the elements of work ability were true or false at the time of the survey. For our method of analysis, we used logistical regression analysis. Results: In models adjusted for gender, age, marital status, professional education and managerial position, the respondents who had encountered organizational changes were at a higher risk of feeling that their work ability had decreased (OR = 1.49) than the respondents whose workplaces had not been affected by changes. Those respondents who had encountered organizational changes were also at a higher risk of feeling that several elements related to work ability had deteriorated. The risk of having decreased self-evaluated work ability was in turn higher among the respondents who stated they could not understand the changes than among those respondents who understood the changes (OR = 1.99). This was also the case among respondents who felt that their opportunities to be involved in the changes had been poor in comparison to those who felt that they had had good opportunities to be involved in the process (OR = 2.16). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the organizational changes in social and health care may entail, especially when poorly executed, costs to which little attention has been paid until now. When implementing organizational changes, it is vital to ensure that the employees understand why the changes are being made, and that they are given the opportunity to take part in the implementation of these changes.

2

Consequences of sickness presence and sickness absence on health and work ability: A Swedish prospective cohort study

88%

Gustafsson K., Marklund S.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2011

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vol. 24

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issue 2

153-165

EN

Objective: To determine whether self-reported sickness presence (SP) and self-reported sickness absence (SA) are specific risk factors for future health problems or reduced work ability in the active workforce. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of a cohort based on a random sample (n = 2181) with data for 2004, 2005, and 2006. The subjects were employees aged from 25 to 50 years in 2004. Cross-tabulations were calculated to identify significant background factors (sex, age, education, socioeconomic position), work factors (work demands, control, adjustment latitude), and outcome factors. Block-wise multiple logistic regression analyses were performed for outcome factors (SP, SA, self-rated health, physical complaints, work ability, mental well-being). Results: SA and SP were found to have negative health consequences; this was particularly pronounced for those with frequent SP or SA. There was a dose-response relationship between the degree of SA, SP and the different health outcomes. The health risks remained, after control for background factors, prior working conditions and initial health. SP also appeared to lead to SA, whereas SA did not have a significant impact on future SP. Conclusions: The results suggest that both SP and SA are strong predictors of future poor health, physical complaints, low mental well-being and low work ability. The detrimental influence of frequent SP was most pronounced in relation to work ability and physical complaints, although all of the measured health factors were affected. The negative effects of SA on the different health outcomes were similar.

3

Feasibility and acceptability of a workers’ health surveillance program for hospital physicians

88%

Ruitenburg M. M., Plat M.-C. J., Frings-Dresen M. H., Sluiter J. K.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2015

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vol. 28

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issue 4

731-739

EN

Objectives A Workers’ Health Surveillance (WHS) program is an occupational health strategy used to detect and address the health of individual workers to improve their ability to work. This study aims to investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a new job-specific WHS for hospital physicians. Material and Methods All hospital physicians of the general surgery, radiotherapy and obstetrics and gynecology departments from 1 academic hospital were invited to participate in the WHS by the in-company occupational health service. An occupational physician and a medical assistant were trained to use the protocol. Feasibility was operationalized as the received and delivered dose, observed success factors and potential obstacles. Acceptability was assessed by asking whether the WHS was desirable and feasible for future use and by estimating the effects on health and work ability. Written questions and semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participating physicians, 5 department managers and the 2 occupational health professionals involved in the study. Results One-third of the hospital physicians (34%) participated in every part of the WHS. The delivered dose was 77/84 (92%). Almost all hospital physicians who received recommendations expected to adhere to this advice. The study participants appreciated the organization of the WHS. This WHS was positively graded (8 out of 10 max) in terms of acceptability. Positive effects of the WHS on health, work functioning and long-term work ability were perceived by 2/3 of the physicians. Conclusions The new job-specific WHS for hospital physicians showed good feasibility and acceptability among participating hospital physicians, occupational health professionals and medical managers.

4

An assessment of the work ability, disability and quality of life of working people of pre-retirement and retirement age in Poland – a cross-sectional pilot study

75%

Ćwirlej-Sozańska A., Widelak M., Wiernasz M., Wawrzykowska I., Turkosz N.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2021

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vol. 34

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issue 1

69-85

EN

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to assess the work ability, health status, disability and quality of life of working people of pre-retirement and retirement age, as well as to analyze factors affecting the ability to perform work in older age.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in the Podkarpackie and Świętokrzyskie voivodeships, Poland, in randomly selected workplaces of intellectual nature. It was carried out by means of direct interviews in the workplace of the surveyed people, using the Work Ability Index, a questionnaire based on the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0, the WHO Quality of Life-BREF questionnaire, the Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The criteria for inclusion were: age 55–75 years and informed consent to participate in the study. Overall, 201 complete questionnaires were included in the analysis. Demographic data is presented using descriptive statistics measurements. The logistic regression model was used to identify factors related to work ability.ResultsThe vast majority (69.66%) of employees performing intellectual work had moderate or poor work ability. The average level of general disability in the studied group was mild (20.65), and the quality of life was quite good (64.73). A significant problem among the surveyed people was a quite high average level of pain (VAS = 3.99), the occurrence of depression (73.63%), as well as musculoskeletal (64.18%) and cardiovascular diseases (52.24%). The most important factor contributing to a better work ability was the adaptation of the workplace to functional and healthrelated needs (OR = 7.79). Psychological well-being (OR = 1.12), cognitive performance (OR = 0.97) and a smaller number of chronic diseases (OR = 0.58) were also important factors.ConclusionsPreparation of elderly people for professional activity should be conducted in 2 different ways, i.e., by means of education and implementation of an active, healthy lifestyle, and increasing control over one’s own health and factors determining it, as well as by the proper organization of working space, and quick access to treatment and rehabilitation, especially in the case of musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases.

5

Factors affecting work ability and influencing early retirement decisions of older employees: an attempt to integrate the existing approaches

75%

Woźniak B., Brzyska M., Piłat A., Tobiasz–Adamczyk B.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2022

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vol. 35

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issue 5

509-526

EN

The article has several objectives. First, it aims to discuss, based on the international literature analysis, theoretical models and factors influencing early retirement decisions, and limiting work ability and employability of older people. Second, the concept of (and the factors related to) work ability as well as the role of age management in improving employability and sustaining work activity of older adults are analyzed against the backdrop of the Polish context. Cultural (ageism) and organizational (e.g., a lack of appropriate age management in companies) factors influencing work activity in the oldest age groups are taken into account. Third, the authors present some solutions and recommendations coming from the international Participation To Healthy Workplaces And inclusive Strategies in the Work Sector (PATHWAYS) project. Finally, theoretical models, concepts and solutions are integrated into a model elucidating the conditions (cultural, social, organizational, individual) influencing work ability of older adults. The model aims to take into account theories and factors identified in the literature review and grouped into several categories. The analysis highlights the role of appropriate age management in companies in the process of sustaining work ability of older employees.

6

Work ability of aging teachers in Bulgaria

75%

Vangelova K., Dimitrova I., Tzenova B.

International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

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2018

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vol. 31

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issue 5

593-602

EN

Objectives The work ability of aging teachers is of special interest because of high risk of stress. The aim of the study was to follow the work ability of aging teachers and compare it with that of aging non-teacher professionals. Material and Methods The study included 424 teachers of age ≤ 44 years old (N = 140) and ≥ 45 years old (N = 284), with about 10% male teachers in both age groups, matched by sex and age with non-teacher professionals. Work ability was assessed by means of the Work Ability Index (WAI). Chi2 tests and regression analyses were used for studying WAI scales ratings, diagnosed by physician diseases and WAI ratings. Results Our data shows comparatively high work ability for both age groups of teachers but WAI of aging teachers was significantly lower in comparison to their younger colleagues as well as aging non-teacher professionals. About 80% of aging groups reported diseases diagnosed by physicians. Cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and respiratory diseases were the most frequently reported by aging teachers, while teachers ≤ 44 years old reported respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and sensory diseases. With aging significantly higher rates of arterial hypertension, diabetes, injury to hearing and mental disorders were reported by teachers as compared to aging non-teacher professionals. The rates of reported repeated infections of respiratory tracts were high in both age groups of teachers, especially in the group of aging teachers. The estimated work ability impairment due to the disease showed the significant effect of aging for teachers as well as the significant difference when comparing aging teachers and non-teacher professionals. Conclusions Our data shows high work ability for both age groups of teachers but significantly lower for aging teachers accompanied with higher rates of psychosomatic diseases, including hearing impairment and respiratory diseases. Preservation of teacher health could contribute to maintenance of their work ability and retention in the labor market. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2018;31(5):593–602

7

Endometriosis – The challenge for occupational life of diagnosed women: A review of quantitative studies

71%

Andysz A., Jacukowicz A., Merecz-Kot D., Najder A.

Medycyna Pracy

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2018

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vol. 69

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issue 6

663-671

EN

The aim of the article was to summarize the results offered in the research on occupational functioning of women with endometriosis. We followed PRISMA guidelines. Database search was done in November 2017 using EBSCO. In the review were included the articles clearly referring to the relationships between endometriosis and work or any aspect of work (e.g., work productivity, work ability, absenteeism). Eight papers were included in the final review. Seven studies were cross-sectional, 1 retrospective. The majority of researchers used standardized research measures, such as Work Ability Index, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire or Health Related Productivity Questionnaire. Only in 2 studies the reference group was considered, one of them consisted of healthy women. The results clearly indicate that endometriosis is a disease that causes major disturbance in occupational functioning of the suffering women. In the future the researchers should search for individual and organizational correlates of the improvement of occupational functioning in this group of patients. The methodology of the existing studies has been evaluated and the methodological cues for future research has been given. Med Pr 2018;69(6):663–671

8

Zastosowanie Klasyfikacji ICF do oceny zdolności do pracy

63%

Bugajska J., Najmiec A., Pawlak K.

Niepełnosprawność - zagadnienia, problemy, rozwiązania

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2018

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issue 4(29)

67-80

PL

Istotą orzecznictwa o niepełnosprawności powinno być przełożenie zmian jakościowych (diagnozy lekarskiej – rozpoznania choroby, wady, urazu i stwierdzonych objawów patologii) na ocenę ilościową, określającą: 1/rodzaj i stopień nasilenia upośledzenia czynności (wydolności) poszczególnych narządów czy układów (aspekt biologiczny) oraz 2/możliwość przystosowania się organizmu do tego upośledzenia lub jego poprawy w wyniku rehabilitacji i leczenia, w odniesieniu do zdolności uzyskiwania przychodu za możliwą do wykonywania przez nich pracę (aspekt socjalno-zawodowy). Autorzy artykułu, wychodząc z założenia, że klasyfikacja ICF jest sposobem na ujednolicenie podejścia o orzekaniu o niepełnosprawności, definiowanej przez niezdolność do pracy, a także o potrzebie rehabilitacji zawodowej, opracowali model oceny zdolności do pracy z zastosowaniem Międzynarodowej Klasyfikacji Funkcjonowania, Niepełnosprawności i Zdrowia (ICF). W artykule przedstawiony zostanie model oraz weryfikujące go wyniki badań.

EN

Decision about disabilities should be made based on medical diagnosis about diseases, defects, injury (qualitative changes) and translate it on quantitative assessment defining: 1/kind and degree of handicap of physiological function (biological aspect); 2/possibilities to adaptation to disabilities or improvement in result of rehabilitation and treatment, with reference to ability to perform work (social aspect). Authors of articles coming from, that ICF classification is manner on uniformity of approach for decision about disabilities and vocational rehabilitation they have processed model of ability to work based on international classification of functioning, disabilities and Health (ICF). Model and results of research verifying this model will be presented in article.

9

Between the Projection of Danger, Objectification, and Exploitation. Medical Examination of Polish Civilian Forced Laborers before their Deportation into the German Reich

51%

Hallama E.

Acta Universitatis Lodziensis. Folia Philosophica. Ethica – Aesthetica – Practica

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2020

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issue 37

35-50

DE

Polnische zivile Zwangsarbeiter(-innen), die für den Arbeitseinsatz im nationalsozialistischen Deutschen Reich vorgesehen waren, mussten – bevor sie die deutsche Grenze passierten – medizinisch untersucht und entlaust werden. Damit wollten die deutschen Arbeitsbehörden sicherstellen, dass nur arbeitsfähige Personen, die frei von Infektionskrankheiten und Ungeziefer waren, nach Deutschland deportiert wurden. Im Beitrag diskutiere ich, inwiefern die medizinischen Untersuchungen als Techniken der Verdinglichung und Entmenschlichung der Zwangsarbeitenden betrachtet werden können. Dabei steht die Frage im Vordergrund, wie die NS-Behörden „Arbeitsfähigkeit“ definierten, denn das medizinische Urteil über die Arbeitsfähigkeit war entscheidend bei der Auswahl der ausländischen Arbeitskräfte. Ich zeige, dass Faktoren wie Arbeitskräftebedarf, Zwang und Gewalt die Definition von Arbeitsfähigkeit maßgeblich beeinflussten, und stelle damit das Urteil über die Arbeitsfähigkeit der Zwangsarbeitenden in den Kontext der ideologischen und ökonomischen Prämissen des NS-Systems.

EN

Before crossing the German border, Polish civilian forced laborers who had been recruited for work in Nazi Germany had to undergo medical examination and delousing. The German authorities wanted to ensure that they deported only able-bodied persons to Germany who had been examined for being free from infectious diseases and vermin. In this paper, I explore to what extent the medical examinations may be regarded as strategies for the objectification and dehumanization of the forced laborers. Focus is put on the question of how the Nazi authorities defined “work ability” because the medical assessment was decisive for the choice and selection of foreign manpower. As it turns out, the definition of work ability was essentially determined by factors such as the need for manpower, force, and oppression. Thus, I put the medical assessment of the forced laborers’ work ability into the context of Nazi ideology and economic policy.

Refine search results

Work ability of employees in changing social services and health care organizations in Finland

Consequences of sickness presence and sickness absence on health and work ability: A Swedish prospective cohort study

Feasibility and acceptability of a workers’ health surveillance program for hospital physicians

An assessment of the work ability, disability and quality of life of working people of pre-retirement and retirement age in Poland – a cross-sectional pilot study

Factors affecting work ability and influencing early retirement decisions of older employees: an attempt to integrate the existing approaches

Work ability of aging teachers in Bulgaria

Endometriosis – The challenge for occupational life of diagnosed women: A review of quantitative studies

Zastosowanie Klasyfikacji ICF do oceny zdolności do pracy

Between the Projection of Danger, Objectification, and Exploitation. Medical Examination of Polish Civilian Forced Laborers before their Deportation into the German Reich