International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

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19 pages, 413 KB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Targeted Case-Finding of Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome in the Workplace: A Pilot Cohort Study

by Nicola Magnavita

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(9), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23091138 - 31 Aug 2026

Viewed by 169

Abstract

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in working women. Workplace screening could contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of this chronic condition. Fertile women who participated in a 2022 health food promotion campaign and had suspected eating [...] Read more.

Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in working women. Workplace screening could contribute to the early diagnosis and treatment of this chronic condition. Fertile women who participated in a 2022 health food promotion campaign and had suspected eating disorders, overweight/obesity, metabolic abnormalities, sleep problems, or mental health concerns were interviewed about PMOS symptoms during their in-office medical examination. Twenty-eight of the 1170 women examined had symptoms of suspected PMOS. By 2023, 21 of these diagnoses had been confirmed by specialists. The prevalence of newly diagnosed PMOS among the women of childbearing age was 2.7% (CI95% 1.7; 4.2). The confirmation rate of the clinical suspicion of PMOS was 75% (CI95% 55.1; 89.3). Female workers with newly identified PMOS had a significantly higher frequency of eating disorders than their pre-menopausal colleagues and higher body mass index values, higher glycemia, and higher cholesterol values. PMOS patients also had higher depression symptom scores than other workers of childbearing age. In conclusion, with a short interview during mandatory medical examinations, the occupational physician can make a significant contribution to the diagnosis of PMOS, thereby hopefully improving the quality of life of women and reducing damage to their health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

17 pages, 2633 KB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Influence of Socio-Demographic and Personal Traits (Knowledge, Attitude) on Practices Among Silica-Dust Exposed Mineworkers in the SADC Region

by Norman Nkuzi Khoza, Dingani Moyo, Phoka Caiphus Rathebe, Masilu Daniel Masekameni and Thokozani Patrick Mbonane

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(6), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060710 - 27 May 2026

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Abstract

Background: Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust remains a significant occupational health challenge in the Southern African Development Community region, leading to high incidences of silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly among mining workers. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of [...] Read more.

Background: Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust remains a significant occupational health challenge in the Southern African Development Community region, leading to high incidences of silicosis and pulmonary tuberculosis, particularly among mining workers. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of mineworkers regarding silica dust risks across Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted involving 1440 mineworkers exposed to silica dust in mines across four SADC countries. Data were collected using structured questionnaires covering socio-demographic traits and knowledge, attitude, and practices. Data analysis was conducted using Stata version 18. Results: While 91% of participants exhibited adequate knowledge and 88% demonstrated acceptable practices, 51% maintained negative safety attitudes. Knowledge scores were positively correlated with company training (r = 0.386). However, a “Training Paradox” emerged in the regression model: compulsory company training was significantly associated with a 1.20-unit decrease in practice scores, whereas external training and higher education levels (+2.98 units) predicted improved compliance. Technicians and younger workers were identified as higher-risk cohorts. Conclusions: The findings suggest that top-down mandatory training may trigger psychological reactance, undermining behavioural safety. To mitigate silica-related diseases, industry stakeholders should transition toward participatory, role-specific safety interventions that prioritize worker autonomy and cognitive engagement over administrative compliance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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16 pages, 412 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Shift Work Type on Sleep Quality and Cortisol Regulation Among Nurses: A Prospective Observational Study

by Željka Dujmić, Štefica Mikšić, Željko Mudri, Marija Barišić, Ivana Barać, Jasenka Vujanić, Maja Čebohin, Zvjezdana Gvozdanović, Stana Pačarić, Valentina Grnja, Josip Samardžić, Ivica Mihaljević and Nikolina Farčić

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(5), 560; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23050560 - 26 Apr 2026

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Abstract

Rotating shift work is a common occupational stressor among healthcare professionals. This study aimed to examine the impact of shift work on sleep quality and cortisol levels among nurses. A prospective observational study was conducted in Croatia in 2025, involving 140 nurses. Sleep [...] Read more.

Rotating shift work is a common occupational stressor among healthcare professionals. This study aimed to examine the impact of shift work on sleep quality and cortisol levels among nurses. A prospective observational study was conducted in Croatia in 2025, involving 140 nurses. Sleep quality was assessed using the Fitbit Charge 3 smartwatch over eight consecutive days, and blood cortisol was measured at two time points. Most nurses (98.6%) had a neutral chronotype. Nurses who work day shifts (DSN) achieved significantly higher sleep scores compared with rotating-shift nurses (RSN) (77, IQR 75–80 vs. 73, IQR 68–76; Mann–Whitney U test, p < 0.001). RSN also had significantly higher morning cortisol levels at the first measurement (median 431.6, IQR 351.3–496.2 vs. 355.15, IQR 254.9–434.2) nmol/L; p < 0.001). In the RSN group, morning cortisol levels at the first measurement were positively correlated with age and years of service, and negatively correlated with circadian rhythm. Smartwatch-based assessments demonstrated that rotating shift work is associated with poorer sleep quality and transient disruption of cortisol regulation. Notably, cortisol levels in rotating-shift nurses returned to levels comparable to those of DSN after two nights of rest, indicating substantial reversibility of the hormonal response. These findings highlight the short-term physiological impact of shift work and underscore the importance of optimizing work schedules and implementing strategies to reduce long-term health risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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18 pages, 627 KB

Open AccessArticle

Health, Work, Invisibilities and Collective Resistance in an Asbestos-Exposed Territory in the Pedro Leopoldo Region, (MG), Brazil

by Eliana Guimaraes Felix and Alexandro Cristino Guimaraes

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(3), 315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23030315 - 4 Mar 2026

Viewed by 838

Abstract

Asbestos, a group 1 carcinogen, has generated a serious health and environmental liability in Pedro Leopoldo/MG, Brazil, even after its national ban in 2017. This study aims to analyze the silent epidemic of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) through the lens of social injustice. We [...] Read more.

Asbestos, a group 1 carcinogen, has generated a serious health and environmental liability in Pedro Leopoldo/MG, Brazil, even after its national ban in 2017. This study aims to analyze the silent epidemic of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs) through the lens of social injustice. We used a qualitative, socio-historical, and clinical approach within the framework of an Expanded Research Community (ERC), based on ergology, with content analysis of interviews with workers and institutional documents. The evidence reveals a pattern of institutional silencing and omission, marked by corporate fraud, denial of risk, and medical underreporting, perpetuating occupational, domestic, and environmental exposure. In response, the Brazilian Association of Asbestos-Exposed Individuals of Minas Gerais (ABREA/MG) emerged as a central actor in the struggle for recognition and justice. It is concluded that overcoming this injustice requires structured public policies of recognition, integrated surveillance, historical reparation, and strengthening of the SUS (Unified Health System), with collective resistance being fundamental to transforming suffering into memory and social demands. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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16 pages, 715 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Food Offerings for Workers in Commercial Foodservices from the Perspective of Healthiness and Sustainability

by Thaís de Gois Santos Marinho, Maria Luísa Meira Faustino, Maria Izabel de Oliveira Silva, Tatiane de Gois Santos, Ingrid Wilza Leal Bezerra and Priscilla Moura Rolim

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2026, 23(1), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23010071 - 2 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1107

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate the quality of lunch menus for workers in commercial food services across social, health and environmental sustainability dimensions. Methods: Mixed methods were applied to five restaurants. Data collection included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), workers’ nutritional [...] Read more.

Aims: To evaluate the quality of lunch menus for workers in commercial food services across social, health and environmental sustainability dimensions. Methods: Mixed methods were applied to five restaurants. Data collection included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Brazilian Food Insecurity Scale (EBIA), workers’ nutritional status, nutritional composition of 111 lunch menus, and environmental footprints. Data triangulation integrated caloric–nutritional adequacy, food insecurity, obesity, protein supply, and environmental footprints. Results: We assessed 261 participants (71.6% male; average age 32.3; 53.5% with a high school education). Food insecurity affected 53.3% and was associated with income, education, household composition, and municipality (p < 0.05). Nutritional status (n = 438) showed 68.3% were overweight/obese; obesity affected 42.7% of women and 30.5% of men. Menu analyses (n = 111) showed adequate energy and protein, but excessive lipids and sodium and reduced carbohydrates. Environmental analyses indicated beef had the highest impact; protein type was more influential than quantity, indicating no simple linear nutrition–impact relationship. Conclusion: Widespread food insecurity and obesity co-occurred with menus characterized by excessive lipids, sodium, and beef-driven impacts. The findings highlight that health and sustainability outcomes depend on both menu quality and social context, necessitating integrated, multidimensional policies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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15 pages, 326 KB

Open AccessArticle

Occupational Factors on QOL of University Teachers

by Flavio Henrique Rodrigues da Silva, Maria Alves Barbosa, Celmo Celeno Porto, Eliane Gouveia de Morais Sanchez, Luiz Almeida da Silva, Ludmila Grego Maia, Marianne Lucena da Silva and Hugo Machado Sanchez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(10), 1546; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101546 - 11 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1111

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze which work-related factors may influence the quality of life (QOL) and quality of work life (QWL) of academic teachers from different fields of knowledge, as well as to verify the correlation between QOL and QWL. It is a [...] Read more.

This study aimed to analyze which work-related factors may influence the quality of life (QOL) and quality of work life (QWL) of academic teachers from different fields of knowledge, as well as to verify the correlation between QOL and QWL. It is a cross-sectional study in which data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire containing work-related questions, the WHOQOL-BREF, and the TQWL-42 instruments. The sample consisted of 284 academic teachers from various disciplines. The total population at the higher education institution (HEI) comprised 386 faculty members, and the sample size was determined using OpenEpi^®, with a 95% confidence level. The results showed no significant differences in QOL and QWL between the different fields of knowledge. However, both QOL and QWL were influenced by several work-related factors, including higher remuneration, holding a statutory employment position, not needing to relocate from one’s home city to work as a professor, adequate lighting, comfortable room temperature, lower noise levels, sufficient material resources, and smaller class sizes. Additionally, a positive correlation between QOL and QWL was observed. In conclusion, both QOL and QWL are influenced by organizational and work-related conditions associated with the academic profession, rather than by disciplinary areas. These findings suggest that the work environment and personal life of academic staff are interdependent, and efforts to improve one may positively impact the other. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

17 pages, 546 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship Between Well-Being and MountainTherapy in Practitioners of Mental Health Departments

by Fiorella Lanfranchi, Elisa Zambetti, Alessandra Bigoni, Francesca Brivio, Chiara Di Natale, Valeria Martini and Andrea Greco

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(8), 1181; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22081181 - 25 Jul 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2234

Abstract

Background. Healthcare workers’ health can be influenced by physical, psychological, social, emotional, and work-related stress. MountainTherapy Activities (MTAs) are an integrated therapeutic approach that uses nature to enhance their well-being through group activities like hiking. This cross-sectional study examines well-being levels among [...] Read more.

Background. Healthcare workers’ health can be influenced by physical, psychological, social, emotional, and work-related stress. MountainTherapy Activities (MTAs) are an integrated therapeutic approach that uses nature to enhance their well-being through group activities like hiking. This cross-sectional study examines well-being levels among Italian Departments of Mental Health workers who do or do not participate in MTAs. It hypothesizes that MTAs may reduce burnout, boost psychological resilience, and increase job satisfaction. Methods. The study involved 167 healthcare workers from 11 Italian Local Health Authorities, divided into MTA (who take part in MTA; n = 83) and non-MTA (who have never participated in MTA; n = 84) groups. They completed five validated questionnaires on psychological distress, burnout, resilience, job engagement, and psychological safety. Data were compared between groups, considering MTA frequency and well-being differences during MTAs versus workplace activities. Results. MTA participants scored higher in psychological well-being (t(117.282) = −1.721, p = 0.044) and general dysphoria (t(116.955) = −1.721, p = 0.042). Additionally, during MTAs, they showed greater job engagement (vigor: t(66) = −8.322, p < 0.001; devotion: t(66) = −4.500, p < 0.001; emotional involvement: t(66) = −8.322, p = 0.002) and psychological safety (general: t(66) = −5.819, p < 0.001; self-expression: t(66) = −5.609, p < 0.001) compared to other activities. Conclusions. MTAs can be considered a valid intervention for the promotion of the mental health of healthcare workers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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18 pages, 597 KB

Open AccessArticle

Defaults at Work: A Field Experiment on the Effect of Nudges on Stand-Up Working

by Mathias Celis, Nicolas Dirix, Mona Bassleer and Wouter Duyck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(7), 994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22070994 - 24 Jun 2025

Viewed by 6070

Abstract

Sedentary behavior at work is a major, and growing, public health concern. This field experiment investigates the effectiveness of behavioral nudges, specifically default settings on height-adjustable workstations (HAWS), in promoting stand-up working behavior. It also examines whether transparency and health coaching enhance these [...] Read more.

Sedentary behavior at work is a major, and growing, public health concern. This field experiment investigates the effectiveness of behavioral nudges, specifically default settings on height-adjustable workstations (HAWS), in promoting stand-up working behavior. It also examines whether transparency and health coaching enhance these effects. The study was conducted in a Belgian governmental organization and included 149 employees across eight departments. Departments were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: a non-transparent default nudge (NTDN), a transparent default nudge (TDN), a classical health coaching intervention, or a hybrid intervention combining TDN and coaching. Over an eight-week intervention period, employee posture was recorded using fixed camera snapshots taken every 30 min. These data were used to calculate the stand-up ratio. The NTDN increased stand-up rates from 1.82% to 4.93%. The TDN more than doubled this effect, reaching 11.25%. The combination of TDN and coaching produced the highest increase, with stand-up rates rising to 18.80% (d = 9.85). Coaching alone showed no significant effect. Although behavior partially regressed after the interventions were removed, post-measurement stand-up ratios after a week remained higher than baseline. These findings suggest that transparent default nudges, especially when combined with low-threshold coaching, can meaningfully reduce sedentary behavior in everyday office environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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22 pages, 3254 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Data-Driven Analysis of Work-Related Accidents in the Brazilian Mining Sector (2019–2022)

by João Oliveira and Anna Luiza Marques Ayres da Silva

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(6), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22060939 - 14 Jun 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3011

Abstract

This study applied data analysis techniques to analyze work-related accidents in Brazil’s mining sector from 2019 onward, identifying key risks and patterns. Using public datasets from governmental sources, it categorized accidents by the type of injury, causal agents, and affected body parts. The [...] Read more.

This study applied data analysis techniques to analyze work-related accidents in Brazil’s mining sector from 2019 onward, identifying key risks and patterns. Using public datasets from governmental sources, it categorized accidents by the type of injury, causal agents, and affected body parts. The methodology employed included data cleaning, processing, and the development of interactive visualizations using advanced analytical tools, such as Python and Power BI, to facilitate data interpretation. Among the most significant events, the Brumadinho tailings dam collapse in 2019 emerged as a major outlier, substantially affecting multiple aspects of the analysis. This single incident accounted for 71.7% of all work-related fatalities recorded during the four-year period under study, highlighting its disproportionate impact on the dataset. This study also examined the main causes and consequences of mining accidents and facilitated the creation of victim profiles based on gender and age group, incorporating psychological theories regarding risk perception. It was concluded that, although the mining sector represents a small fraction of all work-related accidents in Brazil, the proportion of accidents relative to the number of workers in the sector is substantial, highlighting the need for stricter occupational safety management. The results can guide regulations and help companies and institutions to create safer, more sustainable mining policies. The methodology proved to be highly suitable, indicating its potential for application in safety analysis across other sectors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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16 pages, 615 KB

Open AccessArticle

Need for Recovery and Work–Family Conflict in the Armed Forces: A Latent Profile Analysis of Job Demands and Resources

by Francesco Pace, Cristina Moavero, Giuditta Cusimano and Giulia Sciotto

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(5), 795; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22050795 - 18 May 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2976

Abstract

Building on the Job Demands–Resources model, this study aims to investigate the interaction between job characteristics and work-related stress indicators in a sample of 211 Italian Armed Forces personnel. Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), three distinct profiles emerged based on job demands (workload [...] Read more.

Building on the Job Demands–Resources model, this study aims to investigate the interaction between job characteristics and work-related stress indicators in a sample of 211 Italian Armed Forces personnel. Using Latent Profile Analysis (LPA), three distinct profiles emerged based on job demands (workload and perception of performing high-risk work) and resources (relationships with colleagues and supervisors, perceived meaningfulness of work, and feedback received on quality of work). The first profile, characterized by high demands and low resources, was associated with higher levels of work–family conflict and need for recovery (an indicator of perceived fatigue at the end of the workday). The second profile, characterized by high resources and low demands, showed the lowest levels of both need for recovery and work–family conflict, while the third profile showed average scores on demands, resources, and outcome variables. These findings are in line with the chosen theoretical framework and prompt several reflections on work-related well-being in the armed forces and what can promote it. Stemming from the results is the importance of organizational interventions designed to protect employees’ well-being and support their effective functioning. Such interventions are particularly critical within the armed forces context, where operational performance has a direct impact on the safety and well-being of citizens. Full article

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25 pages, 2770 KB

Open AccessArticle

Trends in the Use of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions in Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic, February 2021 to December 2023: A Mixed Methods Study

by Nicole M. Robertson, Kailey Fischer, Iris Gutmanis, Veronica Zhu, CCS-2 Working Group and Brenda L. Coleman

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(3), 394; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22030394 - 7 Mar 2025

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Abstract

The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was imperative to avoid prolonged school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to understand the levels of adherence to and attitudes towards NPIs from February 2021 to December 2023 in schools in [...] Read more.

The use of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) was imperative to avoid prolonged school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to understand the levels of adherence to and attitudes towards NPIs from February 2021 to December 2023 in schools in Ontario, Canada. Participants reported how frequently they, their coworkers, and their students used five NPIs: hand hygiene, covering coughs, staying home when ill, wearing a mask, and physically distancing. Open text comments provided participants with the option to provide additional details. Our mixed methods approach incorporated a series of descriptive statistics calculated at consecutive time points and thematic analysis. Participants reported higher adherence to NPIs than their coworkers and students, with less than perfect adherence that declined over time. Six themes emerged from the qualitative analysis on NPI use in schools: (1) the influence of time; (2) managing competing priorities; (3) a lack of enabling factors; (4) a lack of reinforcing factors; (5) the responsive use of NPIs; and (6) an emotional toll. To reduce the transmission of future communicable diseases and resultant staff and student sick days, ongoing commitment to hand hygiene, covering coughs, and staying home when ill is required. Full article

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19 pages, 3814 KB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Responses to Employee Well-Being Issues in VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) Conditions: Expanding the JD-R (Job Demands–Resources) Model with Job Crafting

by Thomas Volderauer, Margit Raich, Antje Bierwisch, Harald Stummer and Oliver Som

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010014 - 26 Dec 2024

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4941

Abstract

Current work environments, driven by globalization, demographic changes, and digitalization, demand substantial adaptation, which leads to decreased employee well-being. While occupational psychology research has identified supportive mechanisms, it often lacks a deepened understanding of how interventions function. This study aims to analyze the [...] Read more.

Current work environments, driven by globalization, demographic changes, and digitalization, demand substantial adaptation, which leads to decreased employee well-being. While occupational psychology research has identified supportive mechanisms, it often lacks a deepened understanding of how interventions function. This study aims to analyze the impacts of VUCA contexts and leadership behavior on job crafting, focusing on white-collar workers. Our objective is to identify workplace configurations that safeguard employee health in dynamic settings. Utilizing the JD-R model augmented by job crafting as a theoretical framework, we conducted qualitative comparative case studies using the GABEK^® methodology to analyze and systematize data. This approach captures complex organizational interrelationships through sentence analysis, transforming subjective meanings into a comprehensive network and providing deeper insights into organizational dynamics. Research findings reveal that evolving work demands, notably from digital transformations, impact knowledge management, communication, and employee well-being. IT discrepancies and communication deficits intensify work complexity, underscoring the need for enhanced management frameworks. Proactive and adaptive leadership, along with job crafting, is crucial for protecting health and enhancing performance in fast-paced digital environments. These strategies promote structured decision-making and efficient knowledge management, fostering a resource-oriented culture that enhances employee well-being and overall effectiveness. Full article

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Review

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39 pages, 2838 KB

Open AccessReview

The Interplay Between Sleep and Safety Outcomes in the Workplace: A Scoping Review and Bibliographic Analysis of the Literature

by Janet Mayowa Nwaogu, Albert P. C. Chan, John A. Naslund and Shahnawaz Anwer

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(4), 533; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22040533 - 31 Mar 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5545

Abstract

Occupational incidents comprising injuries and accidents remain a serious concern globally. With sleep deprivation and fatigue representing key drivers of many workplace incidents, one strategy to reduce occupational incidents is implementing effective sleep management systems. Yet, to date, there are complaints about the [...] Read more.

Occupational incidents comprising injuries and accidents remain a serious concern globally. With sleep deprivation and fatigue representing key drivers of many workplace incidents, one strategy to reduce occupational incidents is implementing effective sleep management systems. Yet, to date, there are complaints about the methodological approach in sleep–safety studies. The extent of work carried out with respect to the impact of sleep on safety outcomes needs to be reviewed to highlight the state of the art in the face of increasing technological advancement and changing lifestyle attitudes. A systematic search of the Scopus and PubMed databases retrieved 63 journal articles published up to 2023. The units of analysis included article performance and thematic analysis. It was deduced that workers in healthcare and construction have been the focus of most studies, pointing to the prevalence of safety issues in both these sectors. Most of the studies adopted a quantitative methodology employing validated sleep questionnaires, especially the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Using thematic analysis, the research focus was mapped into six areas, including sleep disorders, cognition and performance, and injury and accident prevention in the construction sector. In objective studies, alertness and cognitive performance were considered a proxy for sleep deprivation and safety performance. Harmonising sleep questionnaires is necessary to prevent excessive paperwork and ineffective safety systems. This study has the potential to provide occupational health and safety researchers outside of the medicine and psychology disciplines with knowledge on baseline information that could advance efforts to address sleep deprivation and the resulting safety concerns in the workplace. Full article

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22 pages, 415 KB

Open AccessReview

Temporal Stages of Burnout: How to Design Prevention?

by Céline Leclercq and Isabelle Hansez

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1617; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121617 - 3 Dec 2024

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 14340

Abstract

Burnout, a major concern defined most commonly in the literature with a symptoms-based classification, can also be described as a temporal process with various stages experienced by workers, each composed of unique characteristics and challenges. This intricate process of burnout emphasizes pivotal moments, [...] Read more.

Burnout, a major concern defined most commonly in the literature with a symptoms-based classification, can also be described as a temporal process with various stages experienced by workers, each composed of unique characteristics and challenges. This intricate process of burnout emphasizes pivotal moments, such as engagement and enthusiasm with a high job ideal (Stage 0), weakening of the ideal (Stage 1), protective withdrawal (Stage 2) and confirmed burnout (Stage 3). Through an opinion review, the objective of this article is to examine which prevention level, and more specifically which prevention actions, can be developed at each stage of this temporal process of burnout. The review criteria allow for the integration of both individual- and organization-focused interventions, ranging from early organizational-level strategies (primary prevention) to clinical consultations addressing the erosion of professional ideals (secondary prevention), as well as psychoeducational sessions aimed at promoting worker well-being. In conclusion, the article underscores the need for a holistic approach, combining organization-focused interventions with individual-focused interventions. Through a comprehensive review, this research provides insights into evidence-based practices, identifies gaps in current research, and offers guidance for future interventions for better support of workers facing burnout. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Promoting Health and Safety in the Workplace)

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