Search Results (146)

Background/Objectives: The beneficial effects of physical activity on mental health and well-being are well established. The integration of physical activity into psychotherapeutic treatment for mental health difficulty holds promise as an avenue to reduce symptoms and support well-being. Mental health clinicians have previously indicated an interest in the use of physical activity in treatment, but it is unclear to what extent physical activity interventions are implemented in clinical mental health care. The present study aimed to understand mental health clinicians’ practices related to physical activity, as well as to investigate their related training and knowledge. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with mental health clinicians, including registered psychologists, psychotherapists, and social workers. Inductive content analysis was performed to identify key themes related to practices, training experiences, and training interests. Results: Clinicians reported making recommendations for physical activity and using a range of in-session strategies to include physical activity in mental health treatment. Clinicians reported that their knowledge and training about physical activity was obtained primarily from informal sources. Clinicians indicated an interest in further training, with an emphasis on practical strategies. Conclusions: Mental health clinicians demonstrated an interest in the use of physical activity as part of psychotherapeutic treatment. Some clinicians routinely integrate physical activity into treatment, while others express a need for further training in this area. Full article

Background: Violence against healthcare professionals is a growing public health concern. In Spain, the National Observatory of Aggressions recorded 16,866 cases in 2024, marking a 103.06% increase since 2017. This phenomenon has intensified in recent years, with serious repercussions for both the physical and psychological well-being of healthcare workers, as well as for the quality of care provided. Objectives: This descriptive study examines the knowledge, perceptions, and experiences of workplace aggression among undergraduate students at the University School of Nursing of the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital. Materials and Methods: A self-administered ad hoc questionnaire was distributed to 266 students across all academic years to assess their knowledge and to explore their perceptions and experiences of aggression witnessed or experienced during clinical placements. This study was guided by the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Results: The findings revealed significant educational gaps among students regarding how to manage aggressive situations, as well as high levels of concern and an aggression exposure rate exceeding 30%. A statistically significant association was also observed in relation to the academic year. Conclusions: This study provides a foundation for the development of specific training programmes tailored to the needs identified and for enhancing occupational safety in healthcare settings. Full article

Purpose: Assess mental health professionals’ attitudes regarding the timing and characteristics of therapeutic interventions for children whose parents have incurable cancer, and whether professionals would use artificial intelligence (AI) in these interventions. Methods: Professionals were surveyed about their therapeutic approaches to caring for children when parents have incurable cancer under different scenarios. Data from N = 294 (69% male, 72% white, 26% Latine, 56% rural or underserved communities) physicians, psychologists, social workers, hospital chaplains, community health workers, and others were analyzed. Attitudes surrounding the timing and characteristics of interventions across the parent’s cancer journey were compared, including how professionals believed interventions should attend to dimensions of the child or family, and if, how, and when AI technology could be introduced. Results: Across 10 dimensions of childhood, (1) the child’s premorbid exposure to traumatic events, (2) a surviving parent’s presence, and (3) the child’s age were important factors to consider when making mental health care decisions in this context. The professionals reported being more likely to introduce therapeutic resources as early as possible in the parent’s illness (i.e., upon diagnosis). Regarding the use of AI, 87% foresaw its role in supporting children’s mental health. While 93.2% agreed that a grieving child could be helped by interacting with an AI-generated likeness of the deceased parent, when AI’s use was contextualized in providing support for a child who lost a parent to cancer, only 49% believed AI was appropriate. The participants were conflicted over when AI could be first introduced, either upon a parent’s illness diagnosis (19.4%), during a parent’s treatment (19.0%), or as part of a parent’s hospice care (12.6%). None believed it to be appropriate following the loss of the parent to cancer. Conclusions: AI is increasingly present in children’s daily lives and quickly infiltrating health care with widely accessible mental health chatbots. Concerns about privacy, the accuracy of information, and the anthropomorphism of AI tools by children give professionals pause before introducing such technology. Proceeding with great caution is urged until more is known about the impact of AI on children’s mental health, grief, and psychological well-being in the context of parental cancer. Full article

In Canada, 67% of unpaid caregivers are simultaneously balancing paid employment with unpaid care, equating to over 5.2 million Canadian Carer-Employees (CEs). This balancing act often incurs negative impacts on CEs’ health and well-being, including burnout, resulting in adverse effects on their labour force participation. To mitigate these social and economic impacts, McMaster University partnered with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) to develop the CSA B701:17 (R2021) Carer-inclusive and accommodating organizations standard and accompanying handbook B701-18HB Helping worker-carers in your organization. Since publication in 2017, there has been minimal uptake of the Standard across Canadian workplaces, with just 1062 complimentary downloads total. To determine the level of uptake across workplaces in Canada, the present mixed-methods study used purposive sampling to collect survey (n = 71) and semi-structured interview data (n = 11). The survey data was analyzed for descriptive statistics and logistic regression modelling. The interview data were thematically analyzed for common CFWPs and barriers to Standard uptake. It was found that only 24% of workplaces have implemented the Standard into their workplace practices, with full implementation and current supports as strong predictors of formal uptake. Prominent themes around barriers to uptake and existing organizational policies highlight the critical importance of workplace culture in facilitating CFWPs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patient safety is directly linked with health and wellbeing of healthcare workers. In the UK, COVID-19 severely disrupted healthcare, with surgeons tackling prolonged waiting lists and working longer hours under high stress. This study explored the biomechanical and psychosocial demands on hospital surgeons, as well as their experience of pain and work-life balance post-pandemic. Methods: A questionnaire was developed combining validated tools assessing physical demands; modified job demand, control, and support; the WHO-5 wellbeing index; work–life balance from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire; musculoskeletal pain; job satisfaction and retirement intentions. An online survey was developed using the Qualtrics© (Provo, UT, USA) platform and circulated through surgical networks using snowball sampling. Poisson regression modelling with robust confidence intervals was used to explore relationships between work-related factors and musculoskeletal pain, and associations with retirement intentions. Results: In total, 242 replies were received. Surgeons frequently reported strenuous occupational activities and work–life imbalance, and one in six reported job dissatisfaction. Only 17% reported no pain; the one-month prevalence of pain ranged from 46% at the lower back to 12% at the ankle, and pain was frequently disruptive. Better work–life balance had a protective effect for pain (PRR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.85–0.99), while risk of pain increased with increasingly physically demanding activities at work (PRR = 1.04, 95% CI = 1.01–1.07) in the age- and sex-adjusted models. Job dissatisfaction was associated with intention to retire early (PRR = 1.83, 95% CI = 1.02–3.27). Conclusions: This study demonstrated high physical and mental demands among surgeons and poor work–life balance. Physical and emotional links to pain were identified. Fit surgeons ensure safe patient care. Our findings suggest that surgeons were facing health issues and work–life conflict post-pandemic, potentially limiting their job satisfaction and career span. A follow-up study is recommended. Full article

(1) Background: The enduring impact of COVID-19 on the long-term care (LTC) sector remains uncertain, necessitating targeted efforts to address current and emerging challenges. This study aims to identify the key stressors faced by healthcare workers (HCWs) in LTC and to co-develop innovative, actionable strategies that mitigate these stressors, foster resilience, and promote workforce retention. (2) Methods: This study utilized a qualitative co-design methodology within a mixed-methods, multi-phase framework conducted between July 2023 and October 2024. This article focuses on Phase 1, which involved 11 semi-structured focus groups and steering group discussions with 24 HCWs, including personal support workers (PSWs), nurses, and LTC administrators across Ontario to explore workplace-related distress and foster a shared understanding of challenges in the LTC sector. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis to derive key themes and actionable insights. (3) Results: Key themes emerging from co-design sessions included the need for (i) effective workload management tools, (ii) the prioritization of psychological safety and mental health services, (iii) reducing regulatory and bureaucratic burdens, (iv) strengthening management practices, and (v) fostering recognition and a positive sector image. Co-design sessions with HCWs and leaders facilitated the identification of priority issues and high-level solutions, including addressing workload issues, implementing mental health and support programs, enhancing work–life integration, improving management training, and promoting psychological safety in LTC settings. (4) Conclusions: This study deepens our understanding of workplace challenges in the LTC sector and the factors contributing to HCWs’ mental distress. Leveraging a co-design approach offers valuable insights into the lived experiences of HCWs and leaders. The findings provide actionable guidance for LTC leaders and policymakers to create effective, tailored interventions that actively engage HCWs in addressing workplace stressors and mitigating recurrent challenges. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shift work has profound effects on the health and dietary habits of registered nurses, especially in Hong Kong, where cultural and systematic barriers can pose a challenge. This study investigated the dietary habits of shift-working nurses in public hospitals, identifying barriers and facilitators to healthy eating using a mixed-methods approach. Methods: Nine subjects (five females and four males: mean = 35.6, SD = 8.4 yrs) filled out a validated food frequency questionnaire and a 3-day dietary record followed by photovoice and semi-structured interview. Results: The findings indicated that all participants reported insufficient dietary fiber intake and eight out of nine exceeded sodium intake recommendations. The key barriers included emotional eating triggered by work stress, inconsistent schedules, limited availability of nutritious foods, and workplace social dynamics. The facilitators included workplace support, positive peer influence, and family involvement in meal planning. Conclusions: This paper focuses on the necessity for health care institutions to create and implement nutritional instructions specific to shift workers, maintain appropriate meal breaks, and build a positive work environment. These interventions may be used to enhance nurses’ eating habits and well-being. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected mental health worldwide, exposing gaps in managing work-related disabilities. In Spain, Mutual Collaborators with Social Security play a pivotal role in managing temporary work disabilities associated with mental health conditions. Objectives: This study aimed to describe and analyze the prevalence, characteristics, and economic burden of mental health-related temporary work disabilities in Spain during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery (2020–2022). Methods: A prospective longitudinal design was used, drawing on data from CHAMAN, a secure and nationally representative database managed by Asepeyo Mutual Insurance and maintained by Mutual Collaborators with Social Security (MCSSs). The study included workers who experienced temporary work disabilities due to mental health disorders diagnosed according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, during the COVID-19 state of alarm (14 March–21 June 2020) and in the following two years (2021–2022). The key variables were demographics, absence duration, cost per case, and relapse rates. The analyses included descriptive statistics and the Mann–Whitney U, Chi-square, and logistic regression tests. Results: In 2020, 5135 cases were recorded, with an aggregate cost of approximately EUR 44.8 million. Regional analysis showed that Catalonia, Castile–La Mancha, and Castile–León accounted for over half the expenditure, whereas costs were lower in other regions. Marked declines in incidence and costs were observed in 2021–2022, suggesting adaptation to post-pandemic conditions. However, significant gender disparities persisted, with women experiencing higher relapse rates and prolonged absences. Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder were the most common diagnoses, particularly in sectors such as retail, elderly care, and call centers. Conclusions: Although the incidence and cost of temporary work disabilities declined, persistent gender inequalities, regional disparities, and sector-specific risks highlight the need for targeted mental health interventions. Enhancing psychosocial support, adopting gender-sensitive workplace policies, and improving regional healthcare infrastructure are essential to promote workforce well-being and ensure economic sustainability. Full article

Background: Insomnia significantly impairs healthcare worker (HCW) well-being, particularly amid COVID-19 sequelae and shift work demands. We aimed to assess the prevalence of insomnia among HCWs, identify those needing clinical intervention, analyze shift work as a potential risk factor, and explore associations with COVID-19 sequelae and psychiatric comorbidities. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was administered at the University of Salamanca University Care Complex (CAUSA) from March 2023 to January 2024. Validated scales (Insomnia Severity Index, Patient Health Questionnaire-4, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2) were used to measure insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Participants scoring ISI ≥ 7 were invited for Occupational Medicine follow-up. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed. Results: Overall, 1121 HCWs participated (mean age 44.59 ± 11.78, 78.3% women). The mean ISI score was 10.5 ± 5.8 (subclinical insomnia), with 22.7% reporting moderate and 3% reporting severe insomnia. Depression and anxiety affected 28.4% and 33% of respondents, respectively. Shift workers had poorer sleep (mean ISI 11.3 ± 0.9 vs. 8.8 ± 0.3, p < 0.001). Individuals reporting COVID-19 sequelae were 3.1 times more likely to have insomnia than those who did not (mean ISI 13.89 ± 5.9 vs. 10.33 ± 5.7, p < 0.001). Over one-quarter reported at least the monthly use of sleep or psychiatric medications. Conclusions: Insomnia remains prevalent among HCWs, influenced by shift work, COVID-19 sequelae, and mental health factors. Targeted, multidisciplinary interventions, e.g., workplace policy changes, mental health programs, and shift schedule adjustments) are urgently needed to safeguard well-being, reduce burnout, and maintain quality patient care. Ensuring adequate sleep is central to minimizing errors and preserving professional performance. Future studies should investigate the impact of coordinated workplace strategies to effectively address insomnia. Full article

Although the psychological workplace hazards of compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue are a known risk factor for mental and emotional health distress for caring professionals, the extent of these hazards has not been explored in Alberta, Canada. Understanding and tracking the experiences of compassion fatigue and satisfaction of teachers and other educational workers was the primary focus of this three-year, cross-sectional research study. Methods: A multimethod, longitudinal study was conducted from June 2020 to May 2023. Data were collected at three different time points between 2020 and 2023 to explore the mental and emotional health of teachers and other educational workers, and the quantitative analysis of these data suggests that mental and emotional health distress is widespread and intensifying across Alberta. Findings: This paper discusses the extent of compassion fatigue and satisfaction across Alberta both at a general level and related to years of experience in the education field. Data analysis suggests worsening workplace wellbeing over time in both number and intensity, across gender and job role. Discussion: This article provides further evidence of the deepening crisis in education and contains some suggestions for policymakers, teacher educators, and system decision-makers invested in improving workplace wellbeing in educational settings. Full article

Background: Absenteeism among healthcare workers (HCWs) disrupts workflows and hampers the delivery of adequate patient care. The aim of the study was to examine predictors of sick leaves among HCWs in a tertiary medical center in Lebanon. Methods: A retrospective analysis of sick leaves linked to health records of 2850 HCWs between 2015 and 2018 was performed. Sick leave episodes were stratified by diagnosis. Bivariate and negative binomial regression analyses were performed to investigate predictors. Results: The mean number of sick leave episodes was 10.6 per person over 4 years. The strongest predictor of higher sickness absenteeism was low job grade (IR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.39, 1.67). Female sex (IR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.14, 1.36), older age (IR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.30), being married (IR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.33), being a current smoker (IR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.32), and having a history of selected medical conditions were all significant sick leave predictors. Conclusion: Demographic, work-related, and health-related predictors are associated with the number of sick leave episodes. To address the health inequity, additional research should evaluate how some socio-economic factors determine poorer health outcomes and should guide approaches to address this crucial issue to protect the health and well-being of this key workforce. Full article

Background/Objectives: Being a healthcare professional often involves exposure to complex situations that can contribute to the development of psychological problems. Evidence suggests that both mental and physical health are crucial for the well-being of these professionals, which in turn influences the quality of care they provide to patients. The main aim of this study was to examine the association between adaptive and maladaptive forms of humor and psychopathological disorders among healthcare workers. Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was employed. The participants consisted of 250 healthcare professionals at a general hospital. Humor styles and the presence of psychological and psychosomatic symptoms were assessed. Data were collected using the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ), the Short Checklist of Symptoms (LSB-50), and sociodemographic information. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted. Results: Healthcare professionals were more inclined to use affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles compared to self-defeating and aggressive humor. Affiliative and self-enhancing humor styles were negatively correlated with psychological symptoms, whereas aggressive humor and, to a lesser extent, self-defeating humor styles showed a significantly positive correlation with most psychological symptoms. Regression analysis revealed that positive humor styles negatively predicted all severity indices of the LSB-50. In contrast, negative humor styles, particularly self-defeating humor, positively predicted the severity indices. Being female, working night shifts, and having temporary contracts were positive predictors of most global indices of the LSB-50. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of considering different types of humor as a potential strategy for improving the mental health of healthcare professionals, as well as the influence of other independent variables related to their personal and work environment. Positive humor styles, specifically affiliative and self-enhancing humor, are associated with a lower prevalence of psychological symptoms among healthcare professionals. Negative humor styles are correlated with a higher prevalence of these symptoms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Personal support workers (PSWs) are important healthcare workers providing essential services to thousands of Canadians. PSWs face many challenges that were exacerbated in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we explore experiences of PSWs working through the pandemic in Ontario long-term care (LTC) homes by focusing on the vulnerability of such workers. Methods: An interpretive description approach was adopted. Eleven PSWs working in LTC homes in an urban center in Ontario participated in semi-structured interviews between January and May 2022. Thematic analysis of the transcripts was informed by concepts of vulnerability. Results: The results suggest that PSWs experienced inherent, situational, and pathogenic vulnerability. Inherent vulnerability was experienced in relation to risks of contracting the coronavirus working in person with residents, and of experiencing physical and psychological distress in relation to challenging interactions with staff, residents and their superiors. Situational vulnerability was experienced in relation to demanding workloads, which were intensified in the context of the pandemic. Participants expressed feeling undervalued, unappreciated, and disrespected, reflecting experiences of pathogenic vulnerability. The narratives shared by PSWs highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic added new, and magnified pre-existing, challenges and vulnerability, affecting their health and well-being. Conclusions: Understanding risks faced by PSWs in LTC settings is crucial for developing targeted interventions and policies to support PSWs’ health and well-being, mitigate factors that contribute to their vulnerability and promote the long-term sustainability of this caregiving workforce, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to residents in LTC facilities. Full article

The recent enhancement of working conditions and social security for domestic service workers in Spain has enabled the integration of this group of female workers into the same legal framework as other employees. Despite the progress already made and the optimistic forecast that the ratification of Convention 189 in 2022 has opened, domestic workers continue to be one of the groups that suffer the most precariousness in Spain. Added to the laxity of the implementation of legislation is the strong presence of the underground economy and a care management model that facilitates the expansion of the deregulated market and the recruitment of irregular migrant women to occupy these precarious labor niches (live-in domestic workers). This article aims to identify the impact of psychosocial working conditions on the physical and mental health of female migrants who are live-in domestic workers in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain. The research employs semi-structured, in-depth interviews to understand the representations and experiences in migrant women’s health, by unveiling the meanings of their experiences through a thematic content analysis. The study concludes with a reflection on which psychosocial, legislative, and policy-level interventions are needed to improve the health and well-being of this population of migrant women. Full article

Background: Community health workers (CHWs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between underserved populations and formal health. Collaborations between CHWs and health and well-being providers in primary healthcare are essential for improving access to and the quality of care for these communities. However, these partnerships require complementary strengths and specific conditions to succeed. This article addresses the limited knowledge on collaborations between CHW and primary health and well-being providers in Belgium’s CHW program. Methods: This study utilized a descriptive qualitative design. First, team collaboration data were gathered using a spreadsheet. Second, semi-structured interviews were conducted separately with 15 CHWs and 18 of their collaboration partners. The results were thematically analyzed. Results: CHWs collaborate with healthcare partners, partners with a social or societal focus, and government and educational institutions. The scope of collaborations spans sharing knowledge, connecting with the target group, and offering support to individual clients. Collaborations with healthcare providers tend to focus on individual referrals, with less reciprocity, while collaborations with other partners contribute more to outreach activities and addressing broader social determinants of health. Shared motivations and collaborative work methods facilitate collaboration, while internal organizational processes, lack of role clarity, and discrepancies can hinder successful collaboration. Conclusions: Strong local partnerships, well-defined roles, and mutual trust are essential for successful collaboration. The study findings highlight the importance of expanding collaborations to meet the diverse and intersecting needs of target groups. Effective program governance and policy are crucial in providing the flexibility necessary to address specific local requirements. Full article