Table of Contents
JHSS 2023;8(3):170-174
VIEWPOINT IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Addressing all the psychosocial risk factors in the workplace requires a comprehensive and interdisciplinary strategy and specific tools
Authors: Francesco CHIRICO1, Gabriele GIORGI2, Nicola MAGNAVITA3
1Post-graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale of Milano, Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of Interior, Milan, Italy. E-mail: francesco.chirico@unicatt.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368.
2Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, via degli Aldobrandeschi, 190, 00163 Rome, Italy. E-mail: gabriele.giorgi@unier.it ORCID: 0000-0002-7340-356X.
3Post-graduate School of Occupational Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy, Occupational Health Unit, Woman Child & Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy. E-mail:nicola.magnavita@unicatt.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-0988-7344.
*Corresponding Author: Prof Francesco Chirico, Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy. Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Ministry of the Interior, Milan, Italy. Email: francesco.chirico@unicatt.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368
Abstract
The growing importance of psychosocial risks in workplaces underscores the necessity of prioritizing employees’ mental well-being. These risks, stemming from inadequate work design and organization, result in significant adverse outcomes across various sectors. A comprehensive analysis of this issue is crucial to address emerging challenges and promote workers’ psycho-physical health. This study explores the definition and identification of psychosocial risks, encompassing workplace harassment, violence, critical service events, emotional demands, and contextual factors like work-related stress. Emerging global challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affect work organizations, impacting employee psycho-physical stress. Novel work paradigms and digital technologies add complexity. Work-related stress and high emotional demands can lead to chronic stress adaptation disorders, anxiety, depression, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), mainly affecting healthcare professionals. ISO 45003 advocates a holistic approach to psychosocial risk assessment, ensuring workers’ mental well-being. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) offers a validated tool adaptable to various contexts, but comprehensive validation is lacking. Assessing critical service events, violence, and early intervention can mitigate distress. Multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, psychologists, and ergonomists, are vital to address complexity. Health surveillance, guided by competent professionals, gains importance. Beyond risk assessment, it aids in early issue detection and psychological support. In conclusion, managing psychosocial risks requires a collective commitment to create a health-supportive work environment. Comprehensive evaluation, supported by robust tools and health surveillance, safeguards mental well-being and nurtures a culture attuned to psycho-physical health.
Keywords: Burnout; COPSOQ; ISO 45003; occupational health surveillance; psychosocial risk factors; risk assessment; work-related stress.
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JHSS 2023;8(3):175-194
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND COVID-19
Conspiracy theories and COVID-19: Coping mechanism or cognitive dissonance? A longitudinal study
Authors: Livio TARCHI1, Francesco CHIRICO2*, Eleonora ROSSI3, Emanuele CASSIOLI4, Kavita BATRA5, Pietro CRESCENZO6, Amelia RIZZO7, Giovanni CASTELLINI8, Valdo RICCA9
1 Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy Email: livio.tarchi@unifi.it ORCID: 0000-0002-9931-5621
2 Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Post-Graduate Specialization, Rome, Italy. Email: francesco.chirico@unicatt.it ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368
3 Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy Email: eleonora.rossi105@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0003-4755-3879
4 Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy Email: emanuele.cassioli@unifi.it ORCID: 0000-0003-3623-7096
5 Office of Research and Department of Medical Education, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, United States of America. Email: kavita.batra@unlv.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-0722-0191
6 Department of Education Science, Psychology and Communication Science, University of Bari “Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy. Email: pietro.crescenzo@uniba.it ORCID: 0000-0001-5240-315X
7 Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. E-mail: amrizzo@unime.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-6229-6463
8 Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy Email: giovanni.castellini@unifi.it ORCID: 0000-0003-1265-491X
9 Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, FI, Italy Email: valdo.ricca@unifi.it ORCID: 0000-0002-9291-2124
*Corresponding Author: Professor Francesco Chirico, Via Umberto Cagni, 21 20162 Milan, Italy. E-mail: francesco.chirico@unicaS.it.
Abstract
Introduction: Cognitive dissonance and selective exposure could explain how conspiracism could be adopted as a coping strategy in order to overcome salient threats. The expected psychopathological correlates could be investigated by empirical evidence.
Methods: A longitudinal observation of participants recruited from the Italian general population was performed. A total of 606 observations were collected. At T0, 336 individuals were recruited (from April to June 2020) and pseudo-anonymized, 270 retained at T1 (from October to December 2020). Subjects were evaluated by psychometric valid tools, such as Brief Symptoms Inventory (BSI), and Impact of Event Scale (IES). The variables of interest included age, gender, education, occupation, relationship status, life-time infection status, belief in conspiracy theories, adherence to lockdown measures, and vaccine hesitancy. Group differences at baseline were assessed by Mann-Whitney U test and Hedges’ g for effect size. Differences in frequency for bivariate analysis was conducted by Fisher’s exact test and Odds Ratios (OR) were also reported. Linear mixed models were used in order to estimate longitudinal trajectories.
Results: At baseline, individuals with a belief in conspiracy theories reported higher Somatization concerns in comparison to the rest of the sample (Hedges’ g -0.424, p 0.023). In turn, those expressing vaccine hesitancy reported higher Obsession-Compulsion in comparison to the rest of the sample (g -0.341, p 0.025). Conspiracism was also associated with higher odds of having previously contracted COVID-19 (OR 1.96, p 0.013), vaccine hesitancy (OR 4.35, p <0.001), lower adherence to social distancing behaviors (g -0.154, p 0.006), worry about the economic consequences of the pandemic (g -0.235, p 0.001). Longitudinal psychopathology was moderated both by vaccine hesitancy (for COVID-specific distress, minimum beta 0.303, maximum p 0.048), and conspiracism (Paranoid Ideation, beta 0.309, p 0.021).
Discussion: Belief in conspiracy theories was associated with individual, social, and psychological dimensions. In particular, with a previous infection by COVID-19 and a worry about economic consequences of social distancing measures. In turn, this belief was also associated with vaccine hesitancy.
Keywords: Conspiracism; COVID-19; Cognitive Dissonance; Selective Exposure; Defense Strategies; Coping Mechanisms
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JHSS 2023;8(3): 195-208
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
The role of workplace safety and personal contribution in sustaining work ability: A pilot study among Italian preschool teachers
Authors: Gloria GUIDETTI 1, Sara VIOTTI2*, Ilaria SOTTIMANO3, Giulia BACCI4, Daniela CONVERSO5
1 Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin 10124 Italy. Email: gloria.guidetti@unito.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-7157-658X.
2Department of Psychology and CRISIS center, University of Turin, Italy. Email: sara.viotti@unito.it. ORCID: 0000-0001-9026-9334.
3 Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin 10124 Italy. Email: ilaria.sottimano@unito.it. ORCID: 0000-0001-9584-7121.
4 Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin 10124 Italy. E-mail: giulia.bacci@unito.it ORCID: 0009-0002-7213-2507.
5 Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin 10124 Italy. E-mail: daniela.converso@unito.it ORCID: 0000-0002-6780-4746.
*Corresponding Author: Professor Sara Viotti, Department of Psychology and CRISIS Center, University of Turin, Italy. E.mail: sara.viotti@unito.it.
Abstract
Background: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way teachers, particularly at the preschool level, must manage their work to maintain health and safety. Yet, there is a lack of studies that have examined the role of organizational safety procedures on the well-being of teachers who returned to work during the pandemic crisis. The present study aimed to analyze workplace safety’s role in affecting preschool teachers’ work ability.
Methods: A longitudinal study design was utilized. The study was conducted on preschool teachers employed in the public Educational Services of a medium-sized city in Piedmont (a region in North-West Italy). The study included individuals from the preschool teacher population (n=108). Data was gathered through self-report questionnaires at two time points during the second wave of the pandemic.
Results: Based on Structural Equation Modeling (χ2(df = 32) = 47.021, p < .01, χ2/df =1.46, CFI = .98, TLI=.97, RMSEA = .06 (90% CI: .02, .10), SRMR = .05), all hypotheses were confirmed, highlighting that the relationship between workplace safety and work ability was positive and fully mediated by preschool teachers’ personal contribution to safety (indirect effect CI 95%: 0.037- 1.094).
Discussion and Conclusion: The results were discussed regarding their relevance to safety management, sustainability, and promotion of workplace well-being in light of the potential spread of the current pandemic.
Keywords: Work ability; Covid-19 workplace safety; workplace well-being; Job Demands-Resources model.
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JHSS 2023;8(3): 209-218
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN HEALTH POLICY
Investigating the relationship between types of leisure activities and coping strategies among older Korean immigrants
Authors: Jungjoo LEE1, Jaehyun KIM2, Dongwha HU3, Jooah LEE4, Junhyoung KIM5
1School of Health Profession, University of Southern Mississippi, USA: E.mail: jungjoo.lee@usm.edu. ORCID: 0000-0002-2963-0917.
2Department of Recreation Science, East Carolina University, USA. Email: Kimja22@ecu.edu.
3 IMG Academu, Bradenton, USA. Email: Ryanbradhu1@gmail.com.
4Henry M. Gram High School, Palo Alto, USA. Email: jjooahlee07@gmail.com.
5Department of Health Behavior, Texas A &M University, USA. Email: kim9@tamu.edu.
*Corresponding Author: Dr Jungjoo Lee, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Southerm Mississippi, USA. Email: jungjoo.lee@usm.edu
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between different types of leisure activities (e.g., Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA), Intellectual activity, and Community-based activity) and coping strategies (e.g., problem-solving, social support, avoidance) among older Korean immigrants.
Methods: This study collected survey data from older Korean immigrants (50 to 85 years old) living in Southern Californian cities in the United States (n = 51). We conducted a hierarchical regression analysis to investigate the relationship and the change of explained variances.
Results: We found that LTPA and intellectual leisure were significantly associated with the increased use of support-seeking strategies by older immigrants. Community-based leisure was positively associated with their problem-solving and avoidance strategies.
Discussion: The present study not only deepens the body of knowledge describing how particular leisure activities are associated with coping strategies but also provides practical implications for helping older immigrants cope with acculturation stress and life course challenges.
Keywords: Older adults, Korean immigrants, Types of leisure activities, Coping strategies
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JHSS 2023;8(3): 219-229
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN PSYCHOLOGY AND PUBLIC HEALTH
The impact of gender and ethnic background on physical and mental health in a post-pandemic student cohort in the UK
Authors: Jon CATLING1, Emma SUTTON2
1School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham. E-mail: J.C.Catling@bham.ac.uk ORCID: 0000-0002-2468-385X.
2School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham. E-mail: ELS366@student.bham.ac.uk.
*Corresponding Author: Professor Jon Catling, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham. E-mail: J.C.Catling@bham.ac.uk
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profoundly negative impact on the population’s mental health, which was most severe on young people, particularly those students studying at University. This study examines the effects of gender, age, ethnic background, physical exercise, and smartphone use on the psychological well-being of UK students in a post-pandemic setting.
Methods: A cross-sectional study design was utilized. The study was conducted online, with participants studying at a Higher Education Institution within the UK. The current study sampled seven hundred and ninety-eight undergraduate students. Data was gathered through a series of anonymous questionnaires administered online.
Results: We found that gender significantly impacted mental health, levels of physical exercise, and mobile phone use. Further analysis demonstrated that age, amount of exercise, and mobile phone use were significant predictors of depression, and mobile phone use was a significant predictor of anxiety.
Discussion and Conclusion: Overall, we found far higher-than-expected mental health problems within the student cohort. These findings are discussed concerning potential interventions.
Keywords: Depression; Anxiety; Gender, Mobile phone use; Exercise
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JHSS 2023;8(3): 230-248
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN HEALTH ECONOMY
Estimating the costs of Israel’s four COVID-19 waves
Authors: Panagiotis TSIGARIS1, Jaime A. TEIXEIRA DA SILVA2, Francesco CHIRICO3
1 805 TRU Way, Department of Economics, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, V2C 0C8, Canada. E-mail: ptsigaris@tru.ca. ORCID: 0000-0002-7965-4554.
2 Independent researcher, Ikenobe 3011-2, Kagawa-ken, 761-0799, Japan. E-mail: jaimetex@yahoo.com. ORCID: 0000-0003-3299-2772.
3 Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Post-Graduate School of Occupational Health, Rome. Health Service Department, Italian State Police, Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale di Milano, Milano, Italy. E-mail: francesco.chirico@unicatti.it. ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368.
*Corresponding Author: Prof. Panagiotis TSIGARIS. E-mail: ptsigaris@tru.ca
Abstract
Introduction: This paper focuses on the health and economic costs of the COVID-19 pandemic to Israel during the first four waves (2020-2021) of the pandemic.
Methods: Four costs of the pandemic in Israel were assessed: economic losses, costs of premature mortality, mental health, and health impairment, estimated using IMF forecasts of GDP with COVID-19 relative to GDP without COVID-19 (i.e., the counterfactual) from 2019 until 2030, estimated number of deaths based on IHME data multiplied by VSL values, a Cutler and Summers method that assessed disutility using HRQoL, and the loss in VSL due to the disutility from suffering, respectively.
Results: The four primary waves of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Israel occurred between early 2020 and October 2021. After the first three waves between April and June 2021, excessive relaxation of stringency measures allowed the highly infectious delta variant (B.1.617.2) to spread, aided by an inability to vaccinate a high percentage of the population (never exceeding ~63%), leading to a fourth wave. Costs of the pandemic are estimated (in billions of 2017 constant Int$) at Int$81.7 for mental health, at Int$80.3 for economic losses, Int$53.3 for the cost of premature mortality, and Int$39.4 billion for health impairment. The total cost of the pandemic is estimated at Int$254.7 billion or 70% of the 2019 GDP of Israel but could be as high as Int$667 billion.
Discussion: Stringency policies to contain the virus’ spread in Israel have been pro-cyclical, i.e., as infection rate increased so did stringency policies, and vice versa. Our study offers policymakers important suggestions regarding cost-effectiveness analysis for this and future pandemics. Balancing economic and health priorities is needed.
Keywords: Health and economic costs, health-related quality of life (HRQoL); mass vaccination; monetary value of quality-adjusted life years (MVQALY); stringency index (SI); value of a statistical life (VSL).
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JHSS 2023;8(3): 249-261
ORIGINAL ARTICLE IN HEALTH EDUCATION
Experiences and perceptions of clinical research participation at an academic medical center
Authors: Joshua T. CLARK1,2*, Angela BURRELL2, Amber ARNOLD2, Travis W. SCHMITZ3, Lei ZHANG2,4, Daniel W. JONES5, Richard L. SUMMERS6, Whitney BONDURANT2,7, Vinayak K. NAHAR1,8
1Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: Jtclark2@umc.edu. ORCID: 0009-0006-4601-4266
2Health Administration, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: aburrell@umc.edu. Email: aarnold@umc.edu.
3Health Systems Administration, School of Health Related Professions, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: tschmitz@umc.edu.
4School of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: lzhang2@umc.edu.
5Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: djones@umc.edu.
6Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: rsummers@umc.edu.
7Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicines, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA Email: wbondurant@umc.edu.
8Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine/John D. Bower School of Population Health, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. Email: naharvinayak@gmail.com
*Corresponding Author: Assistant Professor Josh Clark, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, United States. Email: jtclark2@umc.edu.
Abstract
Introduction: The purpose of this study was to capture experiences and explore perceptions of clinical faculty research participation at an academic medical center in the southeastern United States to allow leadership to train, recruit, and retain faculty members and increase research production by better understanding motivations for and barriers to academic research participation. A secondary objective was to gauge the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on clinical faculty and their research experiences.
Methods: This explanatory sequential mixed methods study was conducted in two phases. In Phase I, a quantitative questionnaire was distributed to 482 individuals across 18 of the academic medical center’s 23 School of Medicine departments. Data were analyzed to determine if research experiences differed based on research participation, gender, tenure status, early career investigator status, and faculty rank. In Phase II, qualitative in-person interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide.
Results: In total, 100 Phase I questionnaires were completed, 93 of which met study inclusion criteria. Sixteen Phase I participants opted-in to Phase II interviews, and 11 interviews were successfully completed. Results from Phases I and II indicated several important emerging themes, leading to the creation of three overarching study categories: barriers to clinical research, divide in research training and education, and the impact of COVID-19.
Discussion: Results indicated several important emerging themes related to clinical research experiences and perceptions at an academic medical center. These findings will provide leadership with important insight into the experiences and perceptions of clinical faculty and their research participation at the academic medical center, including their motivations for and barriers to research participation.
Keywords: Clinical Research Participation; Physician-Scientists; Clinical Research Barriers; COVID-19; Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Study; Release Time; Organizational Culture
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