Mental health - 787 entries found

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1996

CIS 97-341 Bully for you
It is estimated that up to 4% of workers in Ireland may suffer from a form of persistent bullying to a degree likely to cause fear, anxiety, stress or depression. Physical and non-physical forms of bullying are described and psychological effects are outlined. Employers' responsibilities include development of a policy and action plan, and providing appropriate training to alert staff to the problem.
Health and Safety, May 1996, p.9-10.

CIS 97-263 Melamed S., Bruhis S.
The effects of chronic industrial noise exposure on urinary cortisol, fatigue, and irritability - A controlled field experiment
Urinary cortisol levels were measured three times a day for 35 textile mill workers; subjective fatigue and post-work irritability were assessed. Under conditions of chronic noise exposure, the cortisol level at the end of the work shift was high and was accompanied by high levels of accumulated fatigue and post-work irritability. Use of earmuffs (average attenuation 30 to 33dB) for a period of seven working days resulted in a decline in cortisol level during the work shift and a concomitant reduction in reported fatigue and post-work irritability. Findings support the view that noise can act as a general stressor.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1996, Vol.38, No.3, p.252-256. 36 ref.

CIS 96-2104 Kerr J., Griffiths A., Cox T.
Workplace health - Employee fitness and exercise
This manual examines the role of workplace fitness and exercise programmes in the promotion of employee health and well-being. Contents: organizational and individual perspectives of employee exercise programmes; financial aspects; assessing the relationship between exercise and employee mental health; role of activity and fitness in mental health; psychological benefits of physical exercise for women; exercise programmes and the promotion of health; exercise as a method of stress management; exercise, shiftwork and sleep; alcohol abuse, physical fitness and the prevention of relapse; employee fitness programmes and reduced absenteeism.
Taylor & Francis, Rankine Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8PR, United Kingdom, 1996. xiv, 193p. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: GBP 17.95.

CIS 96-2282 Andersson B., Berg M., Arnetz B.B., Melin L., Langlet I., Lidén S.
A cognitive-behavioral treatment of patients suffering from "electric hypersensitivity"
17 patients with "electric hypersensitivity" were randomly assigned to a psychological treatment group or a non-treatment control group. Subjective ratings of symptoms were recorded, levels of stress-related variables in blood were measured, and provocation tests using an electromagnetic field source were carried out. Patients in the treatment group reduced their disability ratings more than the control group, indicating that these individuals could benefit from cognitive-behavioural treatment. No biological effects of the electromagnetic fields were found and no correlation between subjective and objective measures.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Aug. 1996, Vol.38, No.8, p.752-758. 28 ref.

CIS 96-2334 Vézina M., Gingras S.
Work and mental health: High-risk groups
Travail et santé mentale: les groupes à risque [in French]
Quebec industrial sectors in which workers (blue collar and professionals) are at risk of higher psychological distress and lower psychological well-being were analyzed by means of two questionnaires. Risk levels were measured by looking at the following indicators: health status, sex, social support and stressful life events. Blue collar workers and less qualified workers in traditional economic sectors were found to be at risk, especially in the following industrial sectors: leather, chemicals, paint and varnish industries; urban bus transport and taxi driving; shoe, clothing and textile retail stores; department stores; restaurant services; insurance and public administration (excluding defence). Among occupations, increased risks of mental health problems were found in the following categories: road transport (excluding truck drivers); textile, leather, fur manufacturing and repair; housekeeping and maintenance; painters, tapestry-workers, insulation and waterproofing; food and beverages sector; data processors; editors and university professors.
Canadian Journal of Public Health - Revue canadienne de santé publique, Mar.-Apr. 1996, Vol.87, No.2, p.135-140. 38 ref.

CIS 96-2340 Butler R.J., Durbin D.L., Helvacian N.M.
Increasing claims for soft tissue injuries in workers' compensation: Cost shifting and moral hazard
During the last decade, the distribution of workers' compensation claims has exhibited a marked shift towards soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and low back claims. There are three possible explanations for this trend: (1) safety incentives induced by workers compensation or OSHA may have reduced other, traumatic claims; (2) the movement away from heavy manufacturing and the 1980 construction recession may have changed the underlying risk of a workplace injury; and (3) there has been moral hazard behaviour (misclassification of injuries as occupational, overdiagnosis of disabilities, longer than necessary stays on disability leave, more risk taking) on the part of workers and health care providers. Moral hazard arises whenever the difficult-to-monitor activities of the participants of the disability system increase the insurance liability of the firm owners. Using a new data source and estimation framework, the authors find evidence that moral hazard response explains most of the 30% increase in the proportion of soft tissue injuries during the 1980s.
Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 1996, Vol.13, p.73-87. 33 ref.

CIS 96-1891 Sato M., Toma A., Nakayama K., Takahashi M.
Physiological and psychological effects of illuminance in an office space
Shitsumu kūkan ni okeru sh-ōdo no seiri shinriteki eikyō [in Japanese]
To evaluate the physiological and psychological effects of illuminance levels during the performance of monotonous tasks, subjects performed work on computer terminals in a simulated office space. The lighting levels were 200, 500, 1250 and 3125 lx. The variables measured were electroencephalogramme (EEG), finger photoelectric plethysmogramme (PTG), heart rate and score on the Kansei Gakuin Sleepiness Scale (KSS). The subjects were more alert and relaxed at 500 and 1250 lx than at higher or lower levels.
Journal of the Illuminating Engineering Institute of Japan, May 1996, Vol.80, No.5, p.23-30. Illus. 18 ref.

CIS 96-1910 Tachibana H., Izumi T., Honda S., Horiguchi I., Manabe E., Takemoto T.
A study of the impact of occupational and domestic factors on insomnia among industrial workers of a manufacturing company in Japan
In a survey of 271 male industrial workers in a medium-sized company in Japan, 75 workers (27.7%) complained of insomnia during the previous month; the prevalence increased with age. Only 11 workers reported current or past use of sleeping pills. The factors most significantly associated with insomnia were VDT work overload, limited bedroom space, over-involvement in job, and frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages.
Occupational Medicine, June 1996, Vol.46, No.3, p.221-227. 45 ref.

CIS 96-1906 Jenkins R., Harvey S., Butler T., Lloyd Thomas R.
Minor psychiatric morbidity, its prevalence and outcome in a cohort of civil servants - A seven-year follow-up study
Psychological assessment of a cohort of United Kingdom civil servants revealed a 32% prevalence of minor psychiatric morbidity (depression, anxiety), similar to that found seven years earlier in the same cohort, and similar to that found in other occupational studies. Half of the cases followed a chronic course, indicating the need for early detection and management of these conditions. Further research is needed to investigate why higher rates are found in occupational surveys than in community surveys of the general population.
Occupational Medicine, June 1996, Vol.46, No.3, p.209-215. Illus. 34 ref.

1995

CIS 98-1749 von Eckardstein D., Lueger G., Niedl K., Schuster B.
Emotional disorders and health in the enterprise
Psychische Befindensbeeinträchtigungen und Gesundheit im Betrieb [in German]
Topics: alcoholism; anxiety; cost of accidents; depressive neurosis; drug dependence; Germany; human behaviour; human relations; mental disorders; neurosis; psychology of absenteeism; psychology of work organization; psychosomatic disorders; round-up; social climate; stress factors.
Rainer Hampp Verlag, Meringerzeller Str.16, 86415 Mering, Germany, 1995. 401p. Illus. 362 ref. Price: DEM 49.80.

CIS 98-94 Mental and social health in commercial activities
Salud mental y social en el comercio [in Spanish]
Topics: Colombia; commercial activities; human relations; job dissatisfaction; labour-management relations; mental health; occupational psychology; psychology and sociology; small enterprises; social aspects; training manuals; training material.
Fundación para el Desarrollo del Comercio, Fundecomercio, Santafé de Bogotá, Colombia, 2nd ed., 1995. 16p. Illus.

CIS 97-1953 Ross H.L.
The behavioral effects of indoor air pollutants
Behavioural effects of indoor pollutants are reviewed. Topics discussed include: dose-related effects caused by exposure to neurotoxins; non-dose-related symptoms resulting from the psychological impact of exposure; diagnostic methods; and non-dose-related behavioural effects in relation to the immune system and stress.
Occupational Medicine: State of the Art Reviews, Jan.-Mar. 1995, Vol.10, No.1, p.147-166. 90 ref.

CIS 97-707 Beermann B., Meschkutat B.
Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz
Psychosocial factors involving stress and harassment
Psychosoziale Faktoren am Arbeitsplatz unter Berücksichtigung von Stress und Belästigung [in German]
In the past, psychological and sexual harassment at the workplace was treated as phenomena of lesser importance or as exceptions to the rule. There is now reason to believe that these phenomena occur far more frequently than one would think. Although there are strategies for handling this problem and preventing various forms of harassment and psychological pressure at the workplace, no complete analysis of these strategies has ever been done. In this report, the type and frequency of harassment at the workplace in Germany are described, as are the existing practices for handling these problems. On the basis of this information, practical guidelines are formulated.
Wirtschaftsverlag NW, Verlag für neue Wissenschaft GmbH, Postfach 10 11 10, 27511 Bremerhaven, Germany, 1995. 45p. 45 ref.

CIS 96-1917 Miyazaki K.
Occupational stress and maladjustment
Shokuba no sutoresu to futekiōshō [in Japanese]
High stress or chronic stress from work often cause maladjustment to work. In Japan, such occupational stress is considered to be more serious than other types because many workers regard the company as their prime concern. Occupational stress is classified into three categories: acute stress caused by a change of work, chronic stress due to long hours of work or an inappropriate assignment and stress caused by human relations. There are three symptoms of maladjustment at work: depression, neurosis and psychosomatic disorders. Although cases of depression largely outnumber the other two, cases of neurosis are increasing. Psychosomatic disorders are often followed by ulcers of the digestive tract.
Teishin Igaku, 10 May 1995, Vol.47, No.5, p.33-38. Illus. 9 ref.

CIS 96-1908 French Society of Occupational Medicine, Hygiene and Safety of Strasbourg - Meeting of 17 March 1995
Société de médecine, d'hygiène et de sécurité du travail de Strasbourg - Séance du 17 mars 1995 [in French]
Paper on the psychological and occupational repercussions of bankrobberies, presented at the meeting of the French Society of Medicine, Hygiene and Safety of Strasbourg (France), 17 March 1995. Main contents: training of bank employees against attacks; circumstances of bank robberies; behaviour during robbery; post-trauma management; medical repercussions (in France, all aggressions against employees must be notified as occupational accidents).
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 1995, Vol.56, No.7, p.561-562.

CIS 96-1916 Laurent P., et al.
Relationship between the total health test (Langner and Amiel) and enterprise organizational structure (Mintzberg) in the tertiary sector: Cross-sectional study conducted in the Lille region from April 1993 to March 1994
Relation entre résultat au test de santé totale (de T. Langner et R. Amiel) et structure organisationnelle de l'entreprise (d'après H. Mintzberg) dans les activités tertiaires: enquête transversale réalisée dans la région lilloise du 1er avril 1993 au 31 mars 1994 [in French]
Mental health disorders seem to become more frequent in the workplace. In order to study their prevalence, a cross-sectional study was carried out among office workers in France involving the administration of the T. Langner and R. Amiel total health test and comparing their scores with those of workers from firms with different work organizational schemes. A 1025-worker random sample was examined by 19 occupational physicians and were asked to fill a questionnaire that examined: socio-administrative data; professional data: job type, hierarchical rank, length of service; mental health by "total health test". The importance of organizational structure type among the studied occupational factors is highlighted.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, Dec. 1995, Vol.56, No.7, p.535-542. Illus. 7 ref.

CIS 96-1912 Rulli G., Cristofolini A., Bianco R., Garrino L., Maffei L., Mussano R., Maggi B.
Organizational analysis of hospital work: Identification of organizational constraints and their relationship with nurses' well-being
Analisi organizzativa del lavoro ospedaliero: identificazione degli elementi di costrittività ed ipotesi sulle loro relazioni con il benessere degli infermieri [in Italian]
Report on a research project on hospital work, whose aim was to identify organizational constraints and their relationship with nurses' well-being. Via the application of the Organizational Congruence (OC) Method, developed by one of the authors, different Italian hospital work situations were analyzed in order to identify the possible risks and damage to nursing personnel due to their work. Such damage is not limited to that due to exposure to physical or biological agents, but includes also that due to psychophysical aspects of discomfort, caused by stressful conditions. Incomplete communication between nurses and other health personnel on patients' needs and their health status during work shifts has been identified as one of the main sources of work constraint. An improved organizational infrastructure and active participation of all health personnel is postulated as the best means to reduce stressful work conditions.
Medicina del lavoro, Jan.-Feb. 1995, Vol.86, No.1, p.3-15. Illus. 16 ref.

CIS 96-1517 Mori T., Kageyama T.
Cross-sectional survey on the mental health and working environment of hospital nurses
Kangosha no seishin eisei to shokuba kankyō yōin ni kansuru ōdanteki chōsa [in Japanese]
The mental health status of 471 nurses in three hospitals was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Their GHQ scores were higher than those of the general population. The score was inversely related to the number of days off in the month preceding the survey, and positively correlated with perceived stressors, particularly "difficulties in making judgements" and "confronting death of a patient". The effect of the factors grouped under "difficulties in making judgements in a job" was counteracted by factors grouped under the rubric "personal relationships at the workplace". These results suggest that a mental health promotion strategy for hospital nurses should include measures to improve the working environment, especially working time; measures concerning personal relationships, including on-the-job training; and measures to increase personal tolerance, such as psychological support systems in the workplace.
Journal of Occupational Health, 20 Mar. 1995, Vol.37, No.2, p.135-142. Illus. 31 ref.

CIS 96-1518 van Dijk F.J.H.
Work-related musculoskeletal and mental disorders
This overview of work-related musculoskeletal and mental disorders is based mainly on research and occupational health practice in the Netherlands. The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders is outlined along with risk factors (lifting, pushing and pulling, static working posture, repetitive movements and whole-body vibration), prevention involving the participation of workers and management, and research and development. Work-related mental disorders include nervous breakdown, post-traumatic stress disorders and burnout. Sickness absence and disability related to mental disorders are discussed along with a clinical approach to prevention.
Central European Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 1995, Vol.1, No.4, p.292-305. Illus. 43 ref.

CIS 96-256 Muttray A., Lang J., Mayer-Popken O., Konietzko J.
Acute changes in the EEG of workers exposed to mixtures of organic solvents
Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were made of 11 workers before and after exposure to mixtures of organic solvents during the cleaning of printing rolls. Inhalation exposure was quantified by personal air sampling and was considered to be low to moderate. Results indicated that even a relatively short exposure to certain mixtures of organic solvents may cause acute changes in the EEG.
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, 1995, Vol.8, No.2, p.131-137. Illus. 22 ref.

CIS 96-387 Johnson A.T., Dooly C.R., Blanchard C.A., Brown E.Y.
Influence of anxiety level on work performance with and without a respirator mask
Twenty subjects were tested for trait anxiety levels and performed on a treadmill at 80-85% of their maximum heart rates until they reached voluntary end-point. Physiological, metabolic and subjective measurements were taken every minute. While there was extreme variability in subject responses, performance times with the mask averaged less than without the mask. Anxious subjects experience more discomfort, perform for shorter times, and accomplish less total work than their lower anxiety counterparts, even when rate of work can be adjusted.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Sep. 1995, Vol.56, No.9, p.858-865. Illus. 21 ref.

CIS 95-2314 Gates E., Lamplugh D.
Safe systems of work: Managing to avoid violence; Dispelling fear
Two articles on the prevention of violence, including bullying and aggressive behaviour, in the workplace.
Health and Safety at Work, Feb. 1995, Vol.17, No.2, p.40-43. Illus. 5 ref. ###

CIS 95-2163 Gots R.E.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - Public policy
Although multiple chemical sensitivity has been rejected as an established organic disease by the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, it has achieved credibility in workmen's compensation claims, liability case law and the interpretation of regulations by various departments of the US federal government.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.111-113. 12 ref.

CIS 95-2162 Meggs W.J.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - Chemical sensitivity as a symptom of airway inflammation
The term "multiple chemical sensitivity" confuses aetiology with diagnosis: chemical sensitivity is a symptom expressed by patients. The symptom complex is also expressed by the majority of patients with asthma or rhinitis following a single acute exposure to a substance, a condition called "reactive upper airway dysfunction syndrome". The chemical sensitivity patient merits evaluation for upper airway and bronchial reactivity that may cause extra-airway symptomatology.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.107-110. 29 ref.

CIS 95-2161 Kurt T.L.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - A syndrome of pseudotoxicity manifest as exposure perceived symptoms
Current study of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) can be dated from 1962, but the syndrome called "neurasthenia" at the turn of the century is similar. A seven-point definition of MCS was proposed in 1992, but the criteria have not been accepted as an International Classification of Diseases diagnosis or code, nor by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An alternative definition of MCS is a symptom complex (1) triggered by odour or a perceived exposure; (2) occurring at exposure levels below those of allergic sensitivity or irritation; (3) analogous to the symptoms of panic disorder as defined by the American Psychiatric Association; (4) lacking objective clinical pathological criteria; (5) responsive to panic disorder management.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.101-105. 36 ref.

CIS 95-2160 Spyker D.A.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - Syndrome and solution
Although the incidence of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) is not known, the syndrome is demographically similar to agoraphobia. The classical (Pavlovian) conditioning model may be a useful description of MCS. Results with three patients suggest that a psychophysiological desensitization approach to diagnosis and treatment is worthy of further development.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.95-99. 17 ref.

CIS 95-2159 Bronstein A.C.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - New paradigm needed
The current principles of toxicology, immunology and allergy do not provide a coherent explanation of a chemical sensitivity that does not result in reproducible and measurable physiological or biochemical changes. A new paradigm is needed to provide a scientific model for multiple chemical sensitivities.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.93-94. 4 ref.

CIS 95-1917 Reisine S., Fifield J.
Family work demands, employment demands and depressive symptoms in women with rheumatoid arthritis
In a survey of 262 women with rheumatoid arthritis respondents reported relatively high levels of psychological demands in both paid and family work, with time constraints being the most frequent problem. Family demands appeared to be more important than paid work demands in psychological well-being; high autonomy in family work seemed to mediate the effects of family demands. Higher social support reduced the effects of work demands on depressive symptoms in employed women. The literature on paid work, family work and health risks in women is reviewed.
Women and Health, 1995, Vol.22, No.3, p.25-45. 40 ref.

CIS 95-1714 Doyal L.
What makes women sick. Gender and the political economy of health
This book identifies similarities in the health needs of all women whatever their social or cultural environment and also highlights important differences. A chapter on household and waged work covers: sexual divisions in waged work; a review of studies on women, work and health; hazards of industrial and agricultural employment; male bias in occupational health research; reproductive risks associated with occupational exposure to toxic chemicals; occupational stress and gender; hazards of 'female occupations' with reference to nursing and office work. The activities of organizations aimed at improving the working conditions of women are also discussed.
Macmillan Press Ltd., Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 2XS, United Kingdom, 1995. xii, 280p. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: GBP 11.99.

CIS 95-1355 Hartmann B.
Backache and headache among workers in the construction industry
Rückenschmerzen und Kopfschmerzen unter Beschäftigten der Bauwirtschaft [in German]
Data from periodic medical examinations of 6,494 workers in the construction industry in Hamburg, Germany, were evaluated to determine the relationship between backache and headache. Employees were divided according to age into the groups aged less than 25, 25 to 44 and 45 or older. In all three age groups headaches were significantly related with the occurrence of backaches. The professions with unnatural work postures were least affected by headaches. Indurative myitis and other impairment of the paravertebral muscles were found to be associated with headaches. Headaches of non-organic origin are indicators of a possible psychological component in backache complaints, which should be taken into account at the stage of anamnesis.
Arbeitsmedizin - Sozialmedizin - Umweltmedizin, Mar. 1995, Vol.30, No.3, p.129-134. Illus. 29 ref.

CIS 95-1409 Roux M., Foutel A., Ouhamed N., Rondeau du Noyer C., Bonnardel F., Talai S., Laroussi B., Choudat D.
Respiratory symptoms and multiple chemical sensitivity among workers in a resin-utilizing plant
Manifestations respiratoires et syndromes d'intolérance aux odeurs dans une entreprise utilisant des résines [in French]
Twenty-one workers in a plant (mostly non-smoking women) reported asthma, upper airways discomfort or multiple chemical sensitivity (odour intolerance). All the employees, exposed or not to the various chemicals used, were involved in a study to determine the prevalence of the symptoms. The symptoms were recorded on a standardized questionnaire addressed to 751 workers who were then divided into seven groups according to exposure. The prevalence of the respiratory symptoms was higher among smokers than non-smokers. Among non-smoking women (n=272), the prevalence of the symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed groups than in the non-exposed one: the prevalence of work-related hoarseness and cough were 26-31% in the exposed groups vs. 8% in the non-exposed group. This study confirms the influence of occupational exposure on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and multiple sensitivity syndrome but does not differentiate among causative agents.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, 1995, Vol.56, No.1, p.1-5. Illus. 20 ref.

CIS 95-1541 Marks M., Yule W., De Silva P.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in airplane cabin crew attendants
Six cabin crew attendants who survived an airplane crash in which 47 passengers were killed were assessed for psychological problems. All six suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder, reported a wide range of symptoms and developed a fear of flying eight months after the crash. Depression scores were normal 18 months after the crash, but other measures showed a continued high level of traumatic stress. Clinical implications of the results are discussed and the need for predisaster training of cabin crew and postdisaster treatment is emphasized.
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1995, Vol.66, No.3, p.264-268. 15 ref.

1994

CIS 97-1048 Warr P.
A conceptual framework for the study of work and mental health
The key features which influence mental health both in jobs and in unemployment are discussed and are incorporated into a general framework for the study of work, unemployment and mental health. Three principal axes of affective well-being are identified, and it is suggested that nine environmental features are of primary importance. The impact of these features on mental health is viewed as analogous to the influence of vitamins on physical health. This 'vitamin model' is extended to permit examination of individual variables, and some empirical evidence is presented. The model provides a broad conceptual framework to guide more specific thinking.
Work and Stress, Apr.-June 1994, Vol.8, No.2, p.84-97. Illus. 45 ref.

CIS 96-2337 Houtman I.L.D., Bongers P.M., Smulders P.G.W., Kompier M.A.J.
Psychosocial stressors at work and musculoskeletal problems
The relationship between work stressors and health indicators such as psychosomatic complaints, health behaviour and musculoskeletal problems was investigated. Psychosocial stressors are not only associated with psychosomatic complaints and health indicators, but also with musculoskeletal problems, both acute and chronic. Especially the relation between intellectual discretion and musculoskeletal problems can be partly attributed to physical load. Even after adjustment for physical stressors and personal characteristics, the relationship between the psychosocial stressors and musculoskeletal problems remained significant and comparable in strength to the relationship between psychosocial stressors and several other health outcomes, such as psychosomatic complaints.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Apr. 1994, Vol.20, No.2, p.139-145. 30 ref.

CIS 96-2336 Jensen I.B., Nygren Å., Lundin A.
Cognitive-behavioural treatment for workers with chronic spinal pain - A matched and controlled cohort study in Sweden
The aim of this study was to evaluate an ambulatory multimodal cognitive-behavioural treatment programme by assessing its positive and negative impact both physically and psychologically. A distinctive feature of the strategy was that the workplace supervisors of the employees were taught to reinforce the behavioural changes of employed patients. This strategy was also designed to augment supervisors' understanding of pain and to teach them how to reintegrate employees who had participated in a cognitive-behavioural programme of rehabilitation. All primary outcome variables assessed (absenteeism, disability, pain, and depression) showed clinically important and significant beneficial changes. However, the benefits were only among women in the study.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Mar. 1994, Vol.51, No.3, p.145-151. 15 ref.

CIS 96-1708 Pinheiro S.A., Ruffino Netto A.
Occupational health I: Method of collective interviews applied to the study of the work-weariness process in workers of alcohol distillery plants in the Ribeirão Preto region (Brazil)
Saúde do trabalhador I: O método de entrevistas coletivas aplicado ao estudo do processo trabalho-desgaste operário em destilaria de álcool na região de Ribeirão Preto [in Portuguese]
Article on the use of collective interviews for the diagnosis of work weariness among workers in a Brazilian distillery.
Revista brasileira de saúde ocupacional, July-Sep. 1994, Vol.22, No.83, p.51-61. 24 ref. ###

CIS 96-1905 Tsuchiya Y., Uehata T., Sekiya E., Abe M., Ishihara S., Oikawa S., Chida T., Yamazaki Y., Sugisawa A., Sakano J., Hasegawa Y.
Study of stressful life events of workers in Japan
Nihon no sangyō rōdōsha no life events ni kansuru kenkyū [in Japanese]
Questionnaire survey, with responses from 18,657 male and 4,443 female workers aged 20-59 years. Workplace events such as unsatisfactory transfers were not ranked as highly as such nonoccupational factors as family troubles or financial problems.
Japanese Journal of Hygiene - Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi, 15 June 1994, Vol.49, No.2, p.578-587. 31 ref.

CIS 96-606 Beuter A., Mergler D., de Geoffroy A., Carrière L., Bélanger S., Varghese L., Sreekumar J., Gauthier S.
Diadochokinesimetry: A study of patients with Parkinson's disease and manganese exposed workers
Diadochokinesia, the ability to perform rapid alternating movements, is often impaired among patients with Parkinsonism or manganism. In the present study, patients (n=11) with Parkinson's disease are compared with workers formerly exposed to manganese (n=10) and control subjects (n=11) performing rapid alternating hand movements. Data recorded on a diadochokinesimeter were digitalized in real time. Significant differences were found between control subjects and patients with Parkinson's disease, but not with manganese-exposed workers, in most variables examined. However, trajectory length (a combination of movement amplitude and velocity) indicated that manganese-exposed workers and patients with Parkinsonism were significantly different from the controls in functional asymmetries between right and left hand. In addition, workers and patients tend to have marked differences between their right and left hand performance.
Neurotoxicology, Fall 1994, Vol.15, No.3, p.655-664. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 96-1158 Henriksen T.B., Hedegaard M., Secher N.J.
The relation between psychosocial job strain, and preterm delivery and low birthweight for gestational age
The analyses were restricted to 3503 respondents who worked at least 30 hours per week during the first trimester. The four job exposure categories were: relaxed jobs (low demands and high control), active jobs (high demands and high control), passive jobs (low demands and low control), and high-strain jobs (high demand and low control). The results showed that women with relaxed jobs had the lowest risk of small-for-gestational age (SGA) and preterm delivery. Compared to this group the odds ratio (OR) for SGA delivery among women with passive jobs was 1.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-1.9), with high-strain jobs 1.1 (95% CI: 0.7-1.6), and with active jobs 1.1 (95% CI: 0.8-1.7). Compared to women with relaxed jobs, the OR for preterm delivery among women with passive jobs was 1.4 (95% CI: 0.8-2.3), high-strain jobs 1.3 (95% CI: 0.7- 2.2) and active jobs 1.2 (95% CI: 0.7-2.2). All risks were consistently increased in women with low job control.
International Journal of Epidemiology, Aug. 1994, Vol.23, No.4, p.764-774. 51 ref.

CIS 95-1702 Bast-Pettersen R., Drabløs P.A., Goffeng L.O., Thomassen Y., Torres C.G.
Neuropsychological deficit among elderly workers in aluminum production
Neuropsychological tests were carried out on 38 workers aged 61-66 years at a Norwegian primary aluminium plant. The group comprised 14 potroom workers, 8 foundry workers and 16 controls. There was a tendency towards more neuropsychiatric symptoms in both groups of aluminium workers. Potroom workers showed a subclinical tremor, a tendency towards impaired visuospatial organization, and a slight decline in psychomotor tempo. No signs of cognitive impairment were observed. The findings may be related to long-term exposure in the potroom and further to chronic low-dose exposure to aluminium.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, May 1994, Vol.25, No.5, p.649-662. 35 ref.

CIS 95-1543 Schütte M.
Investigation into the subjectively perceived significance of various strain dimensions for informational load
Information processing technology-oriented jobs require absorption, processing and conversion of information. Such activities involve psychological load and strain. Uni- or multidimensional strain measurement methods allow the recording of psychological strain according to a particular aspect. Motor, visual, temporal, mental and memory strain dimensions were preselected, and repeated assessments of these strain dimensions using the paired comparison method were made. Two subgroups, homogeneous in terms of their assessments of the significance of strain dimension, were identified. They differed in terms of the importance they attached to temporal strain. Thus, specific causes of strain can be determined by assessment of strain dimensions.
Work and Stress, Jan.-Mar. 1994, Vol.8, No.1, p.47-59. Illus. 34 ref.

CIS 95-1139 Faucett J., Rempel D.
VDT-related musculoskeletal symptoms - Interactions between work posture and psychosocial work factors
This study describes the relationship between work tasks and musculoskeletal symptoms for workers in the editorial department of a newspaper. All of the workers were video display terminal operators, but they had different responsibilities. Work posture related to VDT workstation and psychosocial work factors were investigated and related to musculoskeletal symptoms. Relationships were found between postures, work stress, psychological workload and musculoskeletal symptoms.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine, Nov. 1994, Vol.26, No.5, p.597-612. Illus. 38 ref.

CIS 95-1156 Crepet P., Zoppi O., Tartaglia R., Carnevale F., Salerno S., Bagnara S.
Relationship between mental health and work - A literature review
I rapporti tra salute mentale e lavoro - Esame della letteratura [in Italian]
One of the reasons for increasing interest in occupational mental illness is technological change at the workplace. A total of 22 epidemiological studies on this topic are reviewed on the following basis: subject of the study, epidemiological design, type of psychometric scale and results. The methods and constraints of these studies are discussed, especially the lack of knowledge on occupational exposure and its relationship to mental health.
Medicina del lavoro, July-Aug. 1994, Vol.85, No.4, p.275-288. 44 ref.

CIS 95-991 Brock C.D.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - A presenting complaint in two patients
The nature and causes of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) are discussed. MCS is an acquired disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in response to demonstrable exposure to many chemically unrelated compounds at doses far below those established in the general population to cause harmful effects. Differences of opinion as to whether the disorder is due to chemical exposure or has a psychological basis are presented and two case studies illustrate difficulties in diagnosis. A differential diagnosis of the disorder is suggested along with an approach to management.
Journal of Agromedicine, 1994, Vol.1, No.1, p.47-55. 11 ref.

CIS 95-601 Burnished or burnt out - The delights and dangers of working in health
This editorial briefly discusses stress-related illness in health professionals. While some people thrive under pressure, others suffer "burn-out" and become dull and ineffective. Factors predisposing to burn-out include uncertainty over one's role and loss of control over the achievement of effectiveness. The need for control over one's work is discussed along with adverse effects on staff morale following recent National Health Service reforms in the United Kingdom and the role of management in promoting staff effectiveness.
Lancet, 10 Dec. 1994, Vol.344, No.8937, p.1583-1584. 11 ref.

CIS 95-377 Okogbaa O.G., Shell R.L., Filipusic D.
On the investigation of the neurophysiological correlates of knowledge worker mental fatigue using the EEG signal
Applied Ergonomics, Dec. 1994, Vol.25, No.6, p.355-365. Illus. 57 ref. ###

CIS 95-372 Chambers R., Belcher J.
Predicting mental health problems in general practitioners
In a questionnaire survey of 704 general practitioners in the United Kingdom, excessive anxiety was reported by 31.1%, troublesome depression by 13.4%, exhaustion or stress by 60.7% and sleep difficulties by 47.6%. Those aged 40-49 were most likely to report anxiety, exhaustion or stress, sexual and sleep difficulties. Retired doctors reported mental health problems markedly less often. Predictive factors for anxiety were depression, one or more nights on call per week, and exhaustion or stress. Predictive factors for exhaustion or stress were anxiety, depression, no hobbies, excessive paperwork and sleep difficulties.
Occupational Medicine, Sep. 1994, Vol.44, No.4, p.212-216. Illus. 23 ref.

CIS 95-375 Wærsted M., Bjørklund R.A.
The effect of motivation on shoulder-muscle tension in attention-demanding tasks
In four separate experiments using a visual display unit based complex reaction-time task, motivation was induced by means of continuous feedback on the level of performance or by means of a money reward for good performance. In all experiments, motivation improved the performance, but an increase in the psychogenic shoulder-muscle tension was only observed in the money-reward condition. Results are discussed in terms of whether this difference in the muscle-tension response is due to changes in the subjects' attitude unrelated to performance or due to a superior performance in the money-reward condition.
Ergonomics, Feb. 1994, Vol.37, No.2, p.363-376. Illus. 32 ref.

CIS 94-1095 Maguire K.
All in the mind
Issues involved in ensuring the health and safety of workers who have mental ill health or learning difficulties are discussed. The problems inherent in the definition of mental illness are examined with reference to anxiety, depression and schizophrenia, while the meaning of the term learning difficulties is examined along with dyslexia, mental handicap and IQ. Implications for managers are considered in terms of selection, training and appraisal, day-to-day management, responsibility and communication.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Feb. 1994, Vol.12, No.2, p.28-31. Illus. 12 ref.

CIS 94-1094 Bonner A.
Is your workplace addictive?
The problems of addictive behaviour and their manifestation and management in the workplace are reviewed. While addictions to alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling are frequently encountered, other addictions, such as "workaholism", are less well known. Alcohol misuse results in considerable costs to industry in terms of working days lost, while smoking has a wide range of direct and indirect consequences for the health of employees. The development of addictive behaviour is discussed along with the management of addictions and profiling of potential addicts.
Safety and Health Practitioner, Jan. 1994, Vol.12, No.1, p.14-17. 19 ref.

1993

CIS 97-900 Edling C., et al.
Increase in neuropsychiatric symptoms after occupational exposure to low levels of styrene
Twenty men exposed to styrene at a plastics factory and 20 non-exposed men participated in this study to evaluate neurotoxicity of low-level styrene exposure. The exposed men had significantly more neuropsychiatric symptoms than the referents although there were no significant differences for the psychometric tests performed. At follow-up, the exposed men reported fewer symptoms. This study indicates that symptoms are earlier indicators of adverse effects than complex tests and underlines the importance of regular follow-up of people exposed to styrene and probably to organic solvents in general.
British Journal of Industrial Medicine, Sep. 1993, Vol.50, No.9, p.843-850. Illus. 14 ref.

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