Table of Contents
GIPMEL 2024;4(2):92-98
Commentary in Occupational Health
Workplace violence: risk assessment is the basis for prevention
Authors: Francesco CHIRICO1*, Angelo SACCO2, Nicola MAGNAVITA3
1Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale Nord- Servizio Sanitario della Polizia di Stato- Ministero dell’Interno. E-Mail: francesco.chirico@unicatt.it. medlavchirico@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368
2Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. U.O.C. Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Roma 4, Civitavecchia (Roma), Italia. E-mail: angelo.sacco.@alice.it ORCID: 0000-0002-8429-5314
3Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. St. John the Baptist Hospital, Association of the Italian Knights of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (ACISMOM), Roma, Italy. Email: nicolamagnavita@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0002-0988-7344
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Workplace violence (WPV) is a serious threat to the health and safety of workers, with significant physical and psychological consequences. WPV is particularly prevalent in the healthcare sector, disproportionately affecting nurses and emergency personnel. Preventing WPV is crucial for protecting healthcare staff and ensuring the quality of care. Risk assessment, through data collection during periodic medical examinations and the use of qualitative indicators, is essential to identify high-risk areas and implement targeted preventive measures. Despite efforts, there remains a lack of standardized tools for managing WPV. In Italy, legislation requires the evaluation of psychosocial risks, but there is no specific regulation for WPV. A more integrated approach is needed, including mandatory health surveillance and health promotion activities, to create a safe and sustainable work environment. Adequate investments in psychological support programs and health promotion are fundamental to protect healthcare workers and ensure high-quality patient care.
Keywords: Health surveillance; healthcare sector; preventive measures; psychosocial risks; quality of care; risk assessment; workplace violence (WPV).
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GIPMEL 2024;4(2):99-113
Short Review in Occupational Health
Fattori di rischio e misure di prevenzione per gli insegnanti: una revisione di letteratura con una proposta di protocollo di sorveglianza sanitaria nelle scuole
Authors: Francesco CHIRICO1*, Ilaria CAPITANELLI2, Giuseppe TAINO3, Amelia RIZZO4, Angela Anna CRAMAROSSA5, Angelo SACCO6
1Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. Centro Sanitario Polifunzionale Nord- Servizio Sanitario della Polizia di Stato- Ministero dell’Interno. E-Mail: francesco.chirico@unicatt.it. medlavchirico@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0002-8737-4368
2ASL Roma 1, Roma, Italia. E.mail: ilaria.capitanelli@yahoo.it ORCID: 0000-0002-9199-1705
3IRCCS S. Maugeri”, Foundation-Pavia-Unit Hospital of Occupational Medicine (UOOML), Pavia, Italy. E-mail: giuseppe.taino@unipv.it ORCID: 0000-00028995-100X
4Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy. Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychological, Educational, and Cultural Studies, University of Messina, Messina, Italy. Email: amrizzo@unime.it ORCID: 0000-0002-6229-6463
5U.O.C. Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza negli Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Roma 4, Civitavecchia, Italia angela.cramarossa@aslroma4.it
6 Postgraduate School of Occupational Health, Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy. U.O.C. Servizio Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro, ASL Roma 4, Civitavecchia, Italia. E-mail: angelo.sacco.@alice.it ORCID: 0000-0002-8429-5314
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Introduction: Teaching is a high-risk profession for stress and burnout. International scientific studies have highlighted multiple psychosocial risk factors that teachers are exposed to, leading to various psychological and psychiatric disorders.
Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature review using Pubmed/Medline and Google Scholar databases. The search strings included “burnout,” “work-related stress,” “psychosocial risk factors,” “musculoskeletal disorders,” and “voice disorders.”
Results: Teachers face several occupational risks: work-related stress, technostress, workplace violence, and musculoskeletal and voice disorders. These factors can interact and exacerbate teachers’ mental and physical health, negatively impacting teaching quality. Additionally, ergonomic and biological risk factors were observed, which were especially significant during pregnancy.
Discussion: Managing psychosocial and physical risks in teachers requires a holistic approach, as suggested by ISO 45003. Implementing specific health surveillance protocols and prevention strategies is crucial to mitigate risks and improve teachers’ well-being. Collaboration between occupational health physicians and employers is essential to implement effective prevention and protection measures.
Riassunto
Introduzione: L’insegnamento è una professione ad alto rischio di stress e burnout. Studi scientifici internazionali hanno evidenziato molteplici fattori di rischio psicosociale cui gli insegnanti sono esposti, con conseguenti disturbi psicologici e psichiatrici.
Metodi: Abbiamo condotto una revisione approfondita della letteratura scientifica utilizzando i database Pubmed/Medline e Google Scholar. Le stringhe di ricerca includono “burnout”, “stress lavoro correlato”, “fattori di rischio psicosociale”, “disturbi muscolo-scheletrici” e “disordini vocali”.
Risultati: Gli insegnanti affrontano diversi rischi lavorativi: stress lavoro correlato, tecnostress, violenza lavorativa, disturbi muscolo-scheletrici e della voce. Questi fattori possono interagire e peggiorare la salute mentale e fisica degli insegnanti, influenzando negativamente anche la qualità dell’insegnamento. Inoltre, sono stati osservati fattori di rischio ergonomici e biologici, particolarmente rilevanti durante la gravidanza. Discussione: La gestione dei rischi psicosociali e fisici negli insegnanti richiede un approccio olistico, come suggerito dalla norma ISO 45003. È fondamentale implementare protocolli di sorveglianza sanitaria specifici e strategie di prevenzione per mitigare i rischi e migliorare il benessere degli insegnanti. La collaborazione tra medici competenti e datori di lavoro è essenziale per attuare misure efficaci di prevenzione e protezione.
Parole chiave: Ambiente di lavoro; gestione del rischio; normativa italiana; radon; radioprotezione; sorveglianza Sanitaria.
Keywords: Italian regulatory; radon; radioprotection; risk management; occupational health surveillance; workplaces.
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GIPMEL 2024;4(2):114-130
Original Article in Occupational Health
Prevalenza di disturbi muscoloscheletrici nei musicisti di un’orchestra sinfonica: uno studio trasversale in Italia
Authors: Giuseppe TAINO1*, Tiziana GAZZOLDI2, Alberto DELOGU3, Samuele PAPETTI4, Davide TAINO5, Adam OSUCHOWSKI6, Francesca SOLAZZO7
1IRCCS S. Maugeri”, Foundation-Pavia-Unit Hospital of Occupational Medicine (UOOML), Pavia, Italy. E-mail: giuseppe.taino@unipv.it ORCID: 0000-00028995-100X
2IRCCS S. Maugeri”, Foundation-Pavia-Unit Hospital of Occupational Medicine (UOOML), Pavia, Italy. E-mail: tiziana.gazzoldi@icsmaugeri.it
3IRCCS S. Maugeri”, Foundation-Pavia-Unit Hospital of Occupational Medicine (UOOML), Pavia, Italy. E-mail: alberto.delogu@icsmaugeri.it ORCID: 0009-0005-1535-720X
4School of Specialization in Occupational Health, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. E-mail: samuele.papetti01@universitadipavia.it ORCID: 0009-0001-9357-1093.
5IRCCS S. Maugeri”, Foundation-Pavia-Unit Hospital of Occupational Medicine (UOOML), Pavia, Italy. E-mail: davide.taino@collegioborromeo.eu
6School of Specialization in Occupational Health, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. E-mail: adam.osuchowski01@universitadipavia.it
7School of Specialization in Occupational Health, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy. E-mail: francesca.solazzo01@universitadipavia.it ORCID: 0000-0002-6897-8270.
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to investigate the incidence and characteristics of musculoskeletal disorders among professional musicians, exploring the correlations between the use of different musical instruments and the onset of such pathologies.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study design, we utilized a convenience sample of musicians from an orchestra under health surveillance. The Italian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was employed, and data were examined through descriptive statistics.
Results: About 50% of the musicians in our study exhibit musculoskeletal symptoms during musical performances, with a higher prevalence among viola and violin players. Musculoskeletal pathologies were found among cellists, double bass players, and brass and woodwind musicians. A high incidence of these disorders was also observed among percussionists. The most affected age group is around forty years, with a particular emphasis on symptoms in the neck and dorsal spine.
Discussion and Conclusions: This research’s implications highlight the need for targeted prevention and training programs for musicians, underscoring the importance of preventive interventions and a multidisciplinary approach to reducing the incidence of these pathologies. The focus on training and prevention in music schools and conservatories emerges as crucial for a proactive approach to managing musicians’ health.
Riassunto
Introduzione: Questo studio mira a indagare l’incidenza e le caratteristiche dei disturbi muscoloscheletrici tra i musicisti professionali, esplorando le correlazioni tra l’uso di diversi strumenti musicali e la comparsa di tali patologie. Metodi: In questa ricerca con un disegno di studio trasversale, abbiamo utilizzato un campione di convenienza di musicisti di un’orchestra sottoposti a sorveglianza sanitaria. E’ stato impiegato il Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire nella sua versione italiana ed i dati sono stati esaminati tramite statistiche descrittive.
Risultati: Nel nostro studio circa il 50% dei musicisti presenta sintomi muscoloscheletrici durante l’esecuzione musicale, con una maggiore prevalenza tra gli utilizzatori di viola e violino. Patologie muscoloscheletriche sono state riscontrate anche tra gli strumentisti di violoncello, contrabbasso, ottoni e legni. Un’incidenza elevata di tali disturbi è stata osservata anche tra i percussionisti. La fascia di età maggiormente interessata è attorno ai quarant’anni, con un accento particolare sulla presenza di sintomi a carico del collo e del rachide dorsale.
Discussione e Conclusioni: Le implicazioni di questa ricerca sottolineano la necessità di programmi di prevenzione e formazione mirati per i musicisti, sottolineando l’importanza di interventi preventivi e di un approccio multidisciplinare per ridurre l’incidenza di queste patologie. L’attenzione su formazione e prevenzione nelle scuole di musica e conservatori emerge come cruciale per un approccio proattivo nella gestione della salute dei musicisti.
Parole chiave: musicisti; orchestra sinfonica; tecnopatie; PRMDs (patologia posturale relativa alla pratica musicale); WRMDs (patologie muscolo-scheletriche correlate al lavoro).
Keywords: Musicians; symphonic orchestra; technopathies; PRMDs (Playing-related Musculoskeletal disorders); Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMDs).
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GIPMEL 2024;4(2):131-139
Original Article in Occupational Health Psychology
Prevalence of Burnout Syndrome among volunteer psychologists providing psychological support in Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of workload
Authors: Pietro CRESCENZO1* , Livio TARCHI2 , Amelia RIZZO3
1Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italia. E-mail: pietro.crescenzo@uniecampus.it ORCID: 0000-0001-5240-315X
2Psychiatry resident “Department of Health Sciences”, University of Florence. E-mail: livio.tarchi@gmail.com ORCID: 0000-0002-9931-5621
3Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Department of Cognitive Sciences, Psychological, Educational, and Cultural Studies. University of Messina, Messina, Italy. E-mail: amrizzo@unime.it ORCID: 0000-0002-6229-6463
* Corresponding Author
Abstract
Introduction: This study aims to explore the prevalence of Burnout Syndrome (BOS) among volunteer and non-volunteer psychologists and investigate the effects of volunteer hours and the number of weekly interventions on the dimensions of burnout: Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Personal Accomplishment (PA).
Methods: We analyzed a sample of individuals divided into groups of volunteer and non-volunteer psychologists. The prevalence of BOS and its dimensions were measured using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and analyzed through MANOVA and linear regressions. A total of 468 psychologists (83.5% females; with an average age of 40.95 years ± 8.98) participated in the study, using a non-probabilistic convenience sample.
Results: The overall prevalence of BOS was 17%, with volunteer psychologists (17.5%) and non-volunteer psychologists (16.2%). Significant results were found for the number of weekly volunteer hours and the number of weekly interventions, which were predictors of increased levels of EE and DP (p<.005; p<.02 for EE and p<.005; p<.01 for DP). For Personal Accomplishment, only volunteer hours had a significant negative impact (p<.01).
Conclusions: The findings suggest that the workload of volunteer activities can significantly contribute to increased emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Organizations are recommended to moderate the workload of volunteers and implement adequate support to mitigate the risk of burnout. Further research is needed to deepen these findings and develop effective interventions.
Keywords: Burnout; COVID-19; depersonalization; emotional exhaustion; Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); pandemic; personal accomplishment; psychologist; psychological support; volunteer work.
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GIPMEL 2024;4(2):140-153
Original Article in Occupational Health
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental and physical health of Indian working women: A cross-sectional study of District Rajkot, Gujarat
Authors: Thakur Dev PANDEY1*, Jyoti PATHAK2
1Assistant Professor, Department of Economics, HNB Garhwal University (A Central University), Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India-246174, Email: thakurdev009@gmail.com, thakurdev.pandey@hnbgu.ac.in ORCID: 0000-0001-7928-156X
2PhD, Department of English, Kumaun University Nainital, Nainital, Uttarakhand India-263001, Email: jyotipathak498@gmail.com
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected societies and economies worldwide, with working women facing unique challenges. This study aimed to analyze changes in the employment status of working women before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, identify the challenges and barriers they faced, assess the impact of remote work on career progression, and examine the effects on their mental health and well-being. The study also aimed to address these challenges by proposing policies and support systems to promote gender equality, work-life balance, mental health support, and career advancement opportunities for working women in Rajkot District, Gujarat.
Methods: This cross-sectional study collected primary data through administered surveys and interviews with working women from various industries in Rajkot District. The sample size was determined using Cochran’s Formula, resulting in 364 valid responses after excluding incomplete data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, while qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis.
Results: Pre-COVID-19 data indicated stable employment rates across the talukas, with significant portions facing financial strain and mental health issues. Post-COVID-19 data revealed a substantial increase in unemployment, challenges, and the need for psychological counseling. The chi-square analysis highlighted significant changes in employment status, career progression, mental stability, and the demand for mental health support. Single mothers and low-income groups were particularly affected, experiencing heightened challenges related to balancing work and caregiving responsibilities, accessing healthcare, and maintaining financial stability.
Discussion: The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted policy interventions to support vulnerable groups, including single mothers and low-income women. Recommendations include childcare support initiatives, flexible work policies, affordable healthcare access, and targeted financial assistance programs. These measures are essential to mitigate the long-term socioeconomic effects of the pandemic and promote a more inclusive and equitable recovery. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track the recovery and adaptability of working women, ensuring ongoing support and resilience in the workforce.
Keywords: Working Women, COVID-19, Mental Health, Physical Health, Gujarat
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GIPMEL 2024;4(2): 154-163
Original Research in Occupational Health
A cross-sectional study on occupational exposure to airborne azoxystrobin in tomato greenhouses post-spraying
Authors: Rocco MANGIFESTA1, Luca COPPETA2, Piergiorgio ASTOLFI3, Teresa GALANTI4, Luca DI GIAMPAOLO5
1Prevention and Protection Unit – Hospital of Chieti, Chieti, Italy. E-mail: rocco.mangifesta@asl2abruzzo.it ORCID: 0000-0003-4663-7165
2Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy. E-mail: luca.coppeta@uniroma2.it ORCID: 0000-0003-2470-6107
3Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy. E-mail: piergiorgio.astolfi@studenti.unich.it ORCID: 0009-0006-3118-7359
4Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences (DiSPuTer), “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy. E-mail: teresa.galanti@unich.it ORCID: 0000-0003-1926-4877
5Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, “G. d’Annunzio” University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy. E-mail: luca.digiampaolo@unich.it ORCID: 0000-0003-3315-7197
*Corresponding Author
Abstract
Introduction: The global demand for year-round vegetable production has intensified the use of pesticides in greenhouse farming, posing potential health risks to agricultural workers. This study investigates the levels of Azoxystrobin, a widely used fungicide, in the air inside a tomato greenhouse following its application, aiming to assess the occupational exposure risks during and after the critical re-entry period.
Methods: Airborne particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were measured at two strategic locations inside the greenhouse: along the external rows (PP1) and the central area (PP2). Sampling was conducted 48 hours post-application (T0) and two months later during the harvesting phase (T1). DustTrak DRX and PhoCheck Tiger devices were used for real-time monitoring of particulate matter and VOCs, respectively. Statistical analyses, including the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests, were performed to evaluate the differences in concentrations over time and between locations.
Results: At T0, significantly higher concentrations of particulate matter were detected at PP2 compared to PP1, with total dust levels surpassing the 10% Threshold Limit Value (TLV) at PP2. VOC concentrations at the plants (PP3) exceeded exposure limits, placing them in the “high” risk category, while VOC levels further from the plants (PP4) were within the “average” risk range. By T1, both particulate and VOC concentrations had significantly decreased, reducing exposure levels to below the low-risk threshold.
Discussion: The findings underscore the substantial exposure risks associated with re-entry into greenhouses following pesticide application, revealing that elapsed time alone may not be sufficient for ensuring worker safety. Continuous environmental monitoring and strict adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols are crucial for reducing occupational hazards. Enhanced regulatory guidelines and comprehensive training programs are recommended to improve safety practices in greenhouse environments. Future studies should expand monitoring efforts across various settings to better inform occupational health policies.
Keywords: Chemical risk assessment; chemical risk analysis; greenhouse; particular matter; pesticides; VOCs.
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GIPMEL 2024;4(2): 164-166
Letter to the Editor
The relationship between occupational health surveillance, emotions, and technology use in teachers
Authors: Pietro CRESCENZO 1* Giuseppe RITELLA2, Maria Beatrice LIGORIO3
1Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Italia. E-mail: pietro.crescenzo@uniecampus.it ORCID: 0000-0001-5240-315X
2Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta (CE), Italy, Italia. E-mail: giuseppe.ritella@unicampania.it ORCID: 0000-0002-0845-1266
1Department of Educational Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari (BA), Italia. E-mail: mariabeatrice.ligorio@uniba.it ORCID: 0000-0003-3028-5046
*Corresponding Author
Keywords: Emotional well-being; occupational health surveillance; teacher burnout; technostress.
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