Search Results (22)

Social determinants of health (SDoH) are considered significant determinants of mental health. This study examines the association between SDoH and mental health status in the United States. We analyzed 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data from 183,318 U.S. adults using multinomial logistic regression. Several SDoH were significantly linked to the frequency of poor mental health days. After adjusting for all covariates, individuals facing difficulty paying utility bills had lower odds of experiencing episodic (vs. chronic) poor mental health (AOR = 0.47, p = 0.031). Transportation challenges were associated with lower odds of episodic distress rather than chronic mental health issues (AOR = 0.35, p = 0.026). Individuals who were unable to afford a doctor or who experienced employment loss had significantly lower odds of reporting no poor mental health days compared to reporting chronic poor mental health, with adjusted odds ratios of 0.37 and 0.84, respectively. Non-Hispanic Whites and males were more likely to report chronic poor mental health. Policies that prioritize economic stability and job security, reliable transportation, and equal access to education and healthcare are crucial for promoting mental health equity across diverse populations. Full article

Job satisfaction is a critical factor in healthcare settings, influencing both healthcare professionals’ well-being and patient care quality. Nurses, as frontline healthcare professionals, experience various stressors that impact their job satisfaction. Organizational culture (OC) and emotional intelligence (EI) have emerged as significant determinants of nurses’ job satisfaction. However, research on how these factors interact in different cultural contexts remains limited. Objective: This study examines the impact of organizational culture and emotional intelligence on nurses’ job satisfaction. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 338 nurses working in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Greece. Data were collected using the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI), Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), and Job Satisfaction Survey (JSS). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to explore the associations between job satisfaction and study variables. Results: Nurses reported moderate job satisfaction (JSS mean score = 115.24 ± 20.84). Clan culture was the dominant organizational culture, while Hierarchy culture was the most preferred. EI was recorded at high levels among participants (WLEIS mean = 86.52 ± 12.24). Higher emotional intelligence, permanent employment status, and having children emerged as the most significant predictors of job satisfaction (p < 0.05). Notably, Hierarchy culture did not significantly predict job satisfaction, suggesting that while structure influences satisfaction, it does not solely determine it. Conclusions: The findings emphasize the importance of job security, emotional intelligence, and personal responsibilities in shaping job satisfaction. To enhance satisfaction, healthcare organizations should promote EI training, supportive leadership, and flexible policies that align organizational culture with healthcare professionals’ needs. Further research is needed to explore these relationships in diverse healthcare settings. Full article

Background: Workplace violence (WPV) in healthcare, particularly in emergency departments (EDs), is a growing and complex issue that significantly impacts healthcare providers (HCPs). Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rates of WPV have increased globally, contributing to increased burnout, reduced morale, and heightened challenges in staff retention within EDs. Objective: This study aimed to explore HCPs’ perspectives on WPV in EDs. The insights gathered were intended to inform targeted interventions in a quality improvement initiative focused on addressing WPV in our healthcare institutions. Methods: A qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews was conducted with 52 HCPs across two urban EDs at a multi-site academic health center. Participants from various roles and shifts shared experiences related to safety, leadership, training, and security. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, anonymized, and thematically analyzed to identify key themes surrounding WPV in EDs. Results: The thematic analysis identified four main themes, including (1) Violence is Part of the Job, (2) Leadership Dynamics regarding WPV, (3) Disconnect Among ED Staff During WPV Response, and (4) Enhancing Systems and Culture for Effective WPV Management. These themes provide a comprehensive view of HCPs’ experiences and offer actionable recommendations for healthcare organizations seeking to address WPV. Conclusions: The study provides valuable qualitative insights into WPV in EDs, emphasizing the importance of addressing cultural, structural, and procedural gaps. These findings can guide the development of more supportive and effective strategies to create a safer environment for ED staff. Further rounds of interviews are planned post-intervention to assess changes in HCPs’ perceptions and experiences. Full article

Background/Objectives: Shift work is prevalent among nurses, often leading to adverse psychological effects, such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, and stress. Understanding how shift work contributes to psychological health disorders can help healthcare organizations identify critical areas where support should be offered. This study aimed to determine the relationships between shift work, psychological health disorders, and job security among nurses in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 163 nurses, recruited via convenience sampling. The participants completed an online questionnaire that assessed demographic variables, psychological disorders, fatigue, and job security. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics as well as bivariate analyses to explore relationships between variables. Results: Most participants (73%) worked 12 h shifts, and 67.5% reported fair sleep quality. We found significant correlations among shift work, fatigue, and common psychological disorders. Significant differences were also observed for fatigue (p = 0.007) and depression (p = 0.008). Both nationality (p < 0.001) and shift work (p = 0.015) were correlated with anxiety. Similarly, significant differences were found for nationality (p = 0.001) and shift work (p = 0.002) regarding stress. Conclusions: These findings underscore the psychological challenges faced by nurses related to shift work, emphasizing the importance of addressing fatigue and mental health. Healthcare organizations should implement strategies to enhance job security and support nurses’ well-being to ultimately improve both nurse satisfaction and patient care outcomes. Further research is warranted to explore effective interventions and the long-term effects of shiftwork on nursing professionals. Full article

Aim: To explore the challenges and strategies among new and experienced nursing leaders in mental healthcare; furthermore, to identify factors that support or hinder their leadership roles. Background: Strong nursing leadership is crucial for the quality of patient care and is associated with higher job security and better patient outcomes. Understanding what factors contribute to effective leadership is essential for the development of future leaders. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted through interviews with 20 nursing leaders in mental healthcare in Norway, including 10 new leaders (<2 years in the role) and 10 experienced leaders (>10 years in the role). Data were analyzed using a six-step thematic analysis. Results: New leaders set high standards and faced demanding tasks, which made the role stressful. They experienced uncertainty and self-doubt about their effectiveness and expressed a need for support from mentors or colleagues. Experienced leaders focused on strategic leadership, task prioritization, and employee motivation, emphasizing the importance of being inspirational, patient, and accessible. Discussion: This study highlights the different challenges faced by new and experienced leaders in mental healthcare. New leaders need support to build confidence and manage the demands of their roles, while experienced leaders benefit from their strategic approach and ability to motivate staff. Conclusions and implications for nursing and/or health policy: The findings suggest that mentoring programs and support networks are essential for developing and motivating nursing leaders. New leaders should receive support to overcome self-doubt and stress associated with their roles. Experienced leaders can, through being mentors, expand their strategic skills and increase own insight and abilities regarding leadership. These insights have significant implications for health policy, which should include resources and programs aimed at supporting leadership development in nursing. Full article

Despite the potential benefits of generative artificial intelligence (genAI), concerns about its psychological impact on medical students, especially about job displacement, are apparent. This pilot study, conducted in Jordan during July–August 2024, aimed to examine the specific fears, anxieties, mistrust, and ethical concerns medical students harbor towards genAI. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 164 medical students studying in Jordan across various academic years, employing a structured self-administered questionnaire with an internally consistent FAME scale—representing Fear, Anxiety, Mistrust, and Ethics—comprising 12 items, with 3 items for each construct. Exploratory and confirmatory factors analyses were conducted to assess the construct validity of the FAME scale. The results indicated variable levels of anxiety towards genAI among the participating medical students: 34.1% reported no anxiety about genAI‘s role in their future careers (n = 56), while 41.5% were slightly anxious (n = 61), 22.0% were somewhat anxious (n = 36), and 2.4% were extremely anxious (n = 4). Among the FAME constructs, Mistrust was the most agreed upon (mean: 12.35 ± 2.78), followed by the Ethics construct (mean: 10.86 ± 2.90), Fear (mean: 9.49 ± 3.53), and Anxiety (mean: 8.91 ± 3.68). Their sex, academic level, and Grade Point Average (GPA) did not significantly affect the students’ perceptions of genAI. However, there was a notable direct association between the students’ general anxiety about genAI and elevated scores on the Fear, Anxiety, and Ethics constructs of the FAME scale. Prior exposure to genAI and its previous use did not significantly modify the scores on the FAME scale. These findings highlight the critical need for refined educational strategies to address the integration of genAI into medical training. The results demonstrate notable anxiety, fear, mistrust, and ethical concerns among medical students regarding the deployment of genAI in healthcare, indicating the necessity of curriculum modifications that focus specifically on these areas. Interventions should be tailored to increase familiarity and competency with genAI, which would alleviate apprehensions and equip future physicians to engage with this inevitable technology effectively. This study also highlights the importance of incorporating ethical discussions into medical courses to address mistrust and concerns about the human-centered aspects of genAI. In conclusion, this study calls for the proactive evolution of medical education to prepare students for new AI-driven healthcare practices to ensure that physicians are well prepared, confident, and ethically informed in their professional interactions with genAI technologies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Limited research has focused on the relationship between cancer, job loss, and factors associated with job loss among older workers. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between cancer and intention to leave and between physical-health-related issues, mental-health-related issues, and cancer-related symptoms and intention to leave among older workers with cancer. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional internet-based study included 4498 workers aged 60–75 years. Intention to leave was assessed based on whether individuals considered quitting their current jobs in the near future. Results: A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between cancer and intention to leave (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.00, p = 0.045). In addition, physical-health-related issues (aOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.10–4.92, p = 0.026) and mental-health-related issues (aOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 1.80–10.98, p = 0.001) were significantly associated with the intention to leave. Conclusions: Healthcare providers and employers must address the physical- and mental-health-related issues facing older workers with cancer to help them secure their employment. Full article

This study compared the level of workplace violence experienced by personal healthcare workers in a district in Seoul, Republic of Korea, with those experienced by workers in office or service jobs. We matched 150 personal care workers with 150 office workers and 150 service workers using a propensity score. Workplace violence was categorized into psychological violence and physical violence. Of the surveyed personal care workers, 53.3% reported experiencing psychological violence, and 42.0% reported experiencing physical violence. After adjusting for self-reported work-related symptoms, personal care workers had significantly higher odds of experiencing psychological violence than office workers (OR = 5.01; 95% CI: 2.80–8.97) or service workers (OR = 7.54; 95% CI: 3.93–14.47). The adjusted odds for physical violence were also significantly higher for personal care workers compared with those for office workers (OR = 5.83; 95% CI: 2.96–11.50) and service workers (OR = 6.00; 95% CI: 2.88–12.49). In terms of specific types of workplace violence, personal care workers were 7–10 times more likely to experience unwanted sexual attention, sexual harassment, and physical violence than office or service workers. We found that personal care workers were more prone to workplace violence than office or service workers, with gender-based or physical violence being the most common types. Considering the negative impact of workplace violence on workers’ well-being and health services, policy updates and interventions focusing on personal care workers are needed to reduce workplace violence, safeguard workers’ rights, and establish a secure working environment. Full article

(1) Background: Hospitalists are healthcare providers who focus on hospitalized patients, but research on the roles of pediatric hospitalists is lacking. This study investigates the role of a supervisor-type hospitalist in a pediatric hematology/oncology ward at a tertiary children’s hospital, assessing the impact on satisfaction levels among patient caregivers, resident physicians, and nurses. (2) Methods: A retrospective analysis and online surveys were conducted to assess satisfaction levels before and after the introduction of hospitalists in the Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Seoul National University Children’s Hospital in the Republic of Korea. (3) Results: The introduction of hospitalists led to a 19.3% reduction in prescription error interventions over six months. Unexpected transfers to the intensive care unit decreased from 1.4% to 0.7% (p = 0.229). Patient caregivers reported elevated satisfaction levels with physicians (rated 8.47/10), and there was a significant enhancement in overall satisfaction among nurses (increasing from 3.23 to 4.23/5, p < 0.001). The majority of resident physicians (83.3%) expressed contentment with the hospitalist system, with 77% indicating an interest in transitioning to a hospitalist role. However, these resident physicians also expressed concerns regarding job stability. (4) Conclusions: Supervisor-type pediatric hospitalists have the potential to elevate satisfaction levels not only among patient caregivers but also among nurses and resident physicians, showing promise in improving medical care quality. Nonetheless, ensuring favorable perception and securing job stability within the hospitalist system are pivotal for achieving successful implementation. Full article

Background: The medical workforce plays a pivotal role in advancing human health, particularly within the healthcare system of Saudi Arabia. While government-employed healthcare providers form the central structure of the system and offer free healthcare services, the private healthcare sector is also witnessing significant growth. In parallel, the field of child neurology has experienced notable transformations in recent years, with continued expansion. This expansion brings forth a range of challenges for both current and future pediatric neurologists, necessitating careful consideration and proactive measures to address them. Aim of the study: To investigate and analyze the current characteristics of the workforce, with a specific focus on their employment status and related data. Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis, using a survey to assess the distribution of pediatric neurologists in Saudi Arabia (SA). The final analytical sample included 82 subjects, working in 13 regions in SA. A descriptive analysis was used to address the study question. Results: The survey received responses from a total of 82 pediatric neurologists in Saudi Arabia (response rate 55%), with 38 (46%) being men and 44 (54%) being women. The mean age was 33 ± 1.225 years. The majority of participants practiced in major cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah. Nearly 50% of pediatric neurologists experienced some form of delay in obtaining their first job, ranging from 1 to 36 months. Conclusion: The landscape of the pediatric neurology workforce is currently witnessing noteworthy demographic shifts. With the majority of practitioners concentrated in major cities, there is an ongoing demand for qualified professionals in peripheral areas. This study describes the real-life challenges faced by pediatric neurologists, particularly the delay in securing employment after graduation, and underscores the critical importance of addressing these persistent issues along the journey of pediatric neurology. Full article

The development of IoT devices has driven technological advancements across industries, especially in healthcare. IoT devices have brought many conveniences to patients, such as symptom matching, the real-time acquisition of health data, and online diagnosis. However, the development of the Internet of Things also brings security and privacy challenges, which have attracted the attention of many scholars. In symptom matching, patients can communicate with patients similar to themselves through symptom matching, exchange treatment experiences, and encourage each other. However, matching in plaintext will pose a huge threat to user privacy, such as discrimination, which in turn affects job hunting, etc. Therefore, this paper proposes a symptom-matching scheme for IoT devices based on the Diffie–Hellman key agreement. Specifically, we construct and formally define the Switching Threshold Label Private Set Intersection (STLPSI) protocol based on the Diffie–Hellman key agreement and apply it for medical symptom matching. Our protocol can not only set the threshold of the same symptoms, but also patients who meet the threshold can obtain one another’s contact information. Furthermore, our scheme does not rely on any trusted third parties. Through security analysis and experiments, our scheme is shown to be effective in preserving privacy during symptom matching. Full article

The aging population will place healthcare services under considerable strain in the years ahead. Occupational therapists play a vital role in securing sustainable healthcare services and are increasingly employed by municipalities. To promote sustainable services, the job satisfaction among core professional groups needs monitoring. A comprehensive cross-sectional survey was distributed among municipality-employed occupational therapists in Norway during May–June 2022, to which 617 responded. Job satisfaction was assessed with the Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS), and factors associated with job satisfaction were assessed with linear regression analysis. The mean JSS score in the sample was 51.4. The regression model explained 14.4% of the variance in job satisfaction scores. Having more work experience as an occupational therapist (β = 0.16, p = 0.02) and having higher perceived influence on the work unit’s goals (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) were significantly related to higher job satisfaction. The study implies that job satisfaction in the occupational therapy profession increases with years of experience and also with the ability to engage with and influence the larger work environment. Thus, to promote job satisfaction, occupational therapists should seek to engage not only with their own work at hand but also with the larger goals and strategies of the organization they work for. Full article

(1) Background: electronic medical record (EMR) systems remain a significant priority for the improvement of healthcare services. However, their implementation may have resulted in a burden on healthcare workers (HCWs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout symptoms among HCWs who use EMRs at their workplace, as well as burnout-associated factors. (2) Methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted at six public health clinics equipped with an electronic medical record system. The respondents were from a heterogeneity of job descriptions. Consent was obtained before enrolment into the study. A questionnaire was distributed through an online platform. Ethical approval was secured. (3) Results: a total of 161 respondents were included in the final analysis, accounting for a 90.0% response rate. The prevalence of burnout symptoms was 10.7% (n = 17). Three significant predictors were obtained in the final model: experiencing ineffective screen layouts and navigation systems, experiencing physical or verbal abuse by patients, and having a poor relationship with colleagues. (4) Conclusions: the prevalence of burnout symptoms among healthcare workers working with electronic medical record systems was low. Despite several limitations and barriers to implementation, a paradigm shift is needed to equip all health sectors with electronic medical record systems to improve healthcare service delivery. Continuous technical support and financial resources are important to ensure a smooth transition and integration. Full article

The Internet of Things (IoT) has radically transformed how patient information and healthcare monitoring are monitored and recorded and has revolutionized the area by ensuring regular 24 × 7 tracking without costly and restricted human resources and with a low mistake probability. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) is a subsection of the Internet of things (IoT) that uses medical equipment as things or nodes to enable cost-effective and efficient patient monitoring and recording. The IoMT can cope with a wide range of problems, including observing patients in hospitals, monitoring patients in their homes, and assisting consulting physicians and nurses in monitoring health conditions at regular intervals and issuing warning signals if emergency care is necessary. EEG signals, electrocardiograms (ECGs), blood sugar levels, blood pressure levels, and other conditions can be examined. In crucial situations, quick and real-time analysis is essential, and failure to provide careful attention can be fatal. A cloud-based IoT platform cannot handle these latency-sensitive conditions. Fog computing (FC) is a novel paradigm for assigning, processing, and storing resources to IoT devices with limited resources. Where substantial processing power or storage is required, all nodes in a fog computing scheme can delegate their jobs to local fog nodes rather than forwarding them to the cloud module at a greater distance. Identifying potential security risks and putting in place adequate security measures are critical. This work aims to examine a blockchain (BC) as a potential tool for mitigating the impact of these difficulties in conjunction with fog computing. This research shows that blockchain can overcome fog computing’s privacy and security concerns. It also discusses blockchain’s issues and limitations from the perspective of fog computing (FC) and the IoMT. Full article

To highlight effective levers to promote teachers’ wellbeing worldwide, particularly during difficult times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we investigated work-related factors associated with teacher wellbeing, across borders and cultures. In six countries/territories, we examined the factors that were most consistently and strongly associated with two indicators of wellbeing at work: (i) job satisfaction; and (ii) work/life balance, and three indicators of general wellbeing: (i) subjective health; (ii) mental health; and (iii) life satisfaction. Between May and July 2021, after 18 months of the pandemic, 8000 teachers answered the first edition of the International Barometer of Education Personnel’s Health and Wellbeing (I-BEST): 3646 teachers from France, 2349 from Québec, 1268 from Belgium, 302 from Morocco, 222 from The Gambia, and 215 from Mexico. For each country/territory and each wellbeing indicator, we used a forward stepwise regression procedure to identify important determinants among a carefully selected set of 31 sociodemographic, private, and professional life factors. Aside from healthcare access, the factors most consistently and strongly associated with teacher wellbeing in France, Québec and Belgium (samples whose size were ≥1000) were related to the psychosocial and the organizational dimensions of work, namely: feeling of safety at school, autonomy at work, and the quality of relationships with superiors and quality of relationships with students. In the smaller samples of teachers from the three remaining countries (Morocco, The Gambia and Mexico), exploratory analyses showed that the feeling of safety and autonomy at work were, there too, consistently associated with wellbeing indicators. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the factors most consistently associated with teachers’ wellbeing across countries were related to security and autonomy at work, supporting the importance to consider these aspects in a continuous, structural way at school. Factors associated with teachers’ wellbeing in very different contexts require further cross-cultural study. Full article