The Impact of Job Stress and Job Satisfaction on Workforce Productivity in an Iranian Petrochemical Industry

BACKGROUND: Job stress and job satisfaction are important factors affecting workforce productivity. This study was carried out to investigate the job stress, job satisfaction, and workforce productivity levels, to examine the effects of job stress and job satisfaction on workforce productivity, and to identify factors associated with productivity decrement among employees of an Iranian petrochemical industry. METHODS: In this study, 125 randomly selected employees of an Iranian petrochemical company participated. The data were collected using the demographic questionnaire, Osipow occupational stress questionnaire to investigate the level of job stress, Job Descriptive Index to examine job satisfaction, and Hersey and Goldsmith questionnaire to investigate productivity in the study population. RESULTS: The levels of employees' perceived job stress and job satisfaction were moderate-high and moderate, respectively. Also, their productivity was evaluated as moderate. Although the relationship between job stress and productivity indices was not statistically significant, the positive correlation between job satisfaction and productivity indices was statistically significant. The regression modeling demonstrated that productivity was significantly associated with shift schedule, the second and the third dimensions of job stress (role insufficiency and role ambiguity), and the second dimension of job satisfaction (supervision). CONCLUSION: Corrective measures are necessary to improve the shift work system. “Role insufficiency” and “role ambiguity” should be improved and supervisor support must be increased to reduce job stress and increase job satisfaction and productivity.

Association of Amplitude and Stability of Circadian Rhythm, Sleep Quality, and Occupational Stress with Sickness Absence among a Gas Company Employees—A Cross Sectional Study from Iran

BACKGROUND: The present study was carried out to assess the relationship between sickness absence and occupational stress, sleep quality, and amplitude and stability of circadian rhythm as well as to determine contributing factors of sickness absence. METHODS: This cross sectional study was conducted on 400 randomly selected employees of an Iranian gas company. The data were collected using Pittsburgh sleep quality index, Karolinska sleepiness scale, circadian type inventory, and Osipow occupational stress questionnaires. RESULTS: The mean age and job tenure of the participants were 33.18 ± 5.64 years and 6.06 ± 4.99 years, respectively. Also, the participants had been absent from work on average 2.16 days a year. According to the results, 209 participants had no absences, 129 participants had short-term absences, and 62 participants had long-term absences. The results showed a significant relationship between short-term absenteeism and amplitude of circadian rhythm [odds ratio (OR) = 6.13], sleep quality (OR = 14.46), sleepiness (OR = 2.08), role boundary (OR = 6.45), and responsibility (OR = 5.23). Long-term absenteeism was also significantly associated with amplitude of circadian rhythm (OR = 2.42), sleep quality (OR = 21.56), sleepiness (OR = 6.44), role overload (OR = 4.84), role boundary (OR = 4.27), and responsibility (OR = 3.72). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that poor sleep quality, amplitude of circadian rhythm, and occupational stress were the contributing factors for sickness absence in the study population.

Technical report on the modification of 3-dimensional non-contact human body laser scanner for the measurement of anthropometric dimensions: verification of its accuracy and precision

Introduction: Three-dimensional [3D] scanners are widely used in medicine. One of the applications of 3D scanners is the acquisition of anthropometric dimensions for ergonomics and the creation of an anthropometry data bank. The aim of this study was to evaluate the precision and accuracy of a modified 3D scanner fabricated in this study

Methods: In this work, a 3D scan of the human body was obtained using DAVID Laser Scanner software and its calibration background, a linear low-power laser, and one advanced webcam. After the 3D scans were imported to the Geomagic software, 10 anthropometric dimensions of 10 subjects were obtained. The measurements of the 3D scanner were compared to the measurements of the same dimensions by a direct anthropometric method. The precision and accuracy of the measurements of the 3D scanner were then evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using an independent sample t test with the SPSS software

Results: The minimum and maximum measurement differences from three consecutive scans by the 3D scanner were 0.03 mm and 18 mm, respectively. The differences between the measurements by the direct anthropometry method and the 3D scanner were not statistically significant. Therefore, the accuracy of the 3D scanner is acceptable

Conclusion: Future studies will need to focus on the improvement of the scanning speed and the quality of the scanned image

Evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of community-based education from the viewpoint of students

Introduction: Responsive medicine is an appropriate training method which trains the graduates who can act effectively in initial and secondary aspects of health issues in the society

Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study which was done using quantitative method. The target population of this study was all the students of the Nutrition and Health School of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The sample was randomly selected in this study and 75 students were selected based on the methodologist's comments and similar studies and randomnumber table from a list obtained from the school's department of education. This questionnaire was a researcher-made one which consisted of 23 questions in 2 sections with 21 closedended questions and 2 open-ended questions; 70 questionnaires were completed correctly. The closed-ended questions had 4 aspects [completely agree to completely disagree] answered in 5-point Likert scale type. Its face validity was confirmed by 4 faculty members. The construct validity of the questionnaire was analyzed by factor analysis test and its reliability was assessed by a pilot on 20 students with a Cronbach's alpha of 0.85. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tests [mean, standard deviation, …] and the Pearson coefficient [p<0.001]

Results: The results of this study showed that the maximum mean score was 3.58 +/- 0.65 which was related to the context of these courses and the minimum mean was 2.66 +/- 1.14 which was related to the logbook implementation. The 2 open-ended questions indicated that the most important strengths were the use of logbooks as a guide and determining the minimum training; of the weaknesses was the mismatch between the theoretical education and the practical activities. Also, developing the minimum training that an expert should know and using the common topics related to theoretical education were the most important points mentioned by the respondents

Conclusion: The educational planning of the authorities for keeping the balance of the theoretical training with the practical activities and giving opportunities to the trainee or intern to face diseases and the common problems of the community seems to be necessary

Validity Assessment of the Persian Version of the Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire (NOSACQ-50): A Case Study in a Steel Company

BACKGROUND: The Nordic Safety Climate Questionnaire-50 (NOSACQ-50) was developed by a team of Nordic occupational safety researchers based on safety climate and psychological theories. The aim of this study was to develop and validate the Persian version of NOSACQ-50 and assess the score of safety climate on a group of workers in a steel company in Iran. METHODS: The Persian version of NOSACQ-50 was distributed among 661 employees of a steel company in Qazvin Province (Iran). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis were used to determine the dimensions of the questionnaire. The reliability of the questionnaire was assessed using Cronbach α coefficient. Pearson correlation test was applied to investigate the correlation between different dimensions. RESULTS: The results of EFA showed that the Persian version of NOSACQ-50 consisted of six dimensions. The Cronbach α coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.94. The mean score of safety climate in all dimensions was 2.89 (standard deviation 0.60). CONCLUSION: The Persian version of NOSACQ-50 had a satisfactory validity for measuring safety climate in the studied Iranian population.

Investigation of outliers of evaluation scores among school of health instructors using outlier - determination indices

Introduction: Teacher evaluation, as an important strategy for improving the quality of education, has been considered by universities and leads to a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of education. Analysis of instructors' scores is one of the main fields of educational research. Since outliers affect analysis and interpretation of information processes both structurally and conceptually, understanding the methods of detecting outliers in collected data can be helpful for scholars, data analysts, and researchers. The present study aimed to present and compare the available techniques for detecting outliers

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the statistical population included the evaluation forms of instructors completed by the students of Shiraz School of Health in the first and second semesters of the academic year 2012-2013. All the forms related to these years [N=1317] were entered into analysis through census. Then, four methods [Dixon, Gauss, Grubb, and Graphical methods] were used for determining outliers. Kappa coefficient was also used to determine the agreement among the methods. Results: In this study 1317 forms were completed by 203 undergraduate and 1114 postgraduate students. The mean scores given by undergraduates and postgraduates were 17,24 +/- 3,04 and 18.91 +/- 1.82, respectively. The results showed that Dixon and Grubb were the most appropriate methods to determine the outliers of evaluation scores in small samples, because they had appropriate agreement. On the other hand, NPP and QQ plot were the most appropriate methods in large samples

Conclusion: The results showed that each of the studied methods could help us, in some way, determine outliers. Researchers and analysts who intend to select and use the methods must first review the observations with the help of descriptive information and overview of the distribution. Determination of outliers is important in evaluation of instructors, because by determining the outliers and removing the data that might have been recorded incorrectly, more accurate and reliable results can be obtained

Relationship between occupational stress dimensions and sickness absence among a gas company employees

Background: Working conditions have considerably changed and exposure to psychosocial risk factors, particularly occupational stress, has recently had an increasing trend. Studies have shown that sickness absence was the worst outcome of occupational stress. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between dimensions of occupational stress and sickness absence in a gas company in Boushehr, Iran

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 employees of a gas company, Boushehr, Iran who were selected through random sampling. Osipow occupational stress questionnaire was used to determine the participants' stress levels. Then, the data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kruskal-Wallis test

Results: The participants' mean of sickness absence was 2.164.57+/- days per year. Besides, 1.5%, 32.5%, 36.3%, and 29.8% of the participants had low, low to moderate, moderate to severe, and severe occupational stress, respectively. Additionally, the mean of total stress was moderate to severe among the study participants. This was also the case concerning the stress dimensions. The results revealed a significant relationship between the number of sickness absences and dimensions of occupational stress, including workload, role insufficiency, role conflict, responsibility, physical environment, and total stress [P=0.0001]

Conclusion: The majority of the employees had high levels of occupational stress. Besides, a significant association was observed between the dimensions of occupational stress and sickness absence. Accordingly, to decrease the number of sickness absence, we should take measures to reduce occupational stress

comparative assessment of manual load lifting using NIOSH equation and WISHA index methods in industrial workers of Shiraz City

Background: Manual load lifting is the most common and stressful activity that imposes high biomechanical pressures on the body, particularly on the back. Diverse studies have shown that load lifting can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders among workers. This study was conducted to assess manual lifting activity using NIOSH equation and WISHA index and compare the results of the two methods in workers with manual lifting activities

Methods: This cross- sectional study was carried out among 120 workers with manual lifting activity in 7 industrial settings of Shiraz city. Nordic Musculoskeletal disorders Questionnaire [NMQ] and demographic questionnaire, as well as NIOSH lifting equation and WISHA index were used to gather the required data. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, 19

Results: The results showed that back problems were the most frequent musculoskeletal disorders among the workers studied [68.3%]. The results of lifting evaluation indicated that 79.2% of the individuals in the NIOSH method and 39.2% in WISHA index were at risk of back injuries. The kappa value was equal to 0.29, indicating a fair agreement between the results of assessment by the two methods

Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed a fair correlation between these two assessment methods, so they might be used interchangeably

Assessment of manual material lifting and comparison of oral and booklet training intervention for improvement of working conditions in a porcelain production industry: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Proper training on how to correctly handle loads is one key point for prevention of low back disorders. This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing manual material lifting activities and comparing two methods of training intervention in a porcelain company

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial which was conducted in a porcelain company, all male employees with lifting activities [n=204] participated. The data were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire and Lift/ Lower Force Risk Assessment software for assessing manual material lifting. Intervention methods included booklet and oral training. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Chisquare tests using SPSS software [Version 17.0]

Results: The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders symptoms were reported in the knee [52.5%], feet [45.1%], and lower back [43.6%]. Risk assessment before intervention showed that in 62.7% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level [AL] 1, 31.9% in AL 2 and 5.4% in AL 3. The risk assessment after intervention showed that in 77.5% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level [AL] 1, 20.6% in AL 2 and 2% in AL 3 [P<0.001]. Also, statistical analysis revealed that oral training [24.5%] was more effective than the booklet training [11.8%] [P=0.018]

Conclusion: This study showed that training intervention could be effective in correction of methods of manual material lifting of workers. It seems oral training for workers of porcelain industry is more effective than the booklet training

Designing a new computer mouse and evaluating some of its functional parameters

This study aimed to design a new mouse and evaluate some of its functional parameters. The prototype of an ergonomic mouse was made according to design principles. The study was conducted from 2011 to 2013 in the Department of Ergonomics in Shiraz University of Medical Science. Functional parameters including Movement Time [MT] and error rate of the new mouse were evaluated by 10 participants based on ISO 9241-9 standard. The application of design principles in the new mouse resulted in improving MT and error rate so that they could be comparable to those of a standard mouse. MT, in both the standard and the new mouse was 0.846 and 0.864 s, respectively. Error rate of the standard and the new mouse was reported as 13% and 19%, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the two mice from these perspectives. Apparently, the studied functional parameters of the new mouse were similar to those of the standard one. The new mouse could be an appropriate substitution for the standard mouse without losing its positive characteristics

Normative data of grip and pinch strengths in healthy adults of Iranian population

Measuring and comparing grip and pinch strengths with their normative data is a valid method to detect intensity of the numerous damages of hand. This research was carried out with the aim of establishing normative data of grip strength and three types of pinch strengths [Tip, Key and Palmar] in healthy Iranian adults. In this cross-sectional study, the study population was formed of 1008 people [526 men and 482 women] from healthy Fars race adults of over 20 years old in five cities of Iran. American Society of Hand Therapists [ASHT] recommendations were followed to establish normative data of grip and pinch strengths. Normative data of grip and pinch strengths were developed based on sex, 12 different age groups and dominant and non-dominant hands. Jamar dynamometer and Seahan pinch gauge were used to measure grip and pinch strengths, respectively. Normative data of grip and pinch strengths were provided. Grip and pinch strengths of men were significantly stronger than women. The maximum grip strength of men was obtained in the group of 20-24 years and among women it was in the age group 35-39 years. Regardless of gender, grip and pinch strengths were declined with aging. Normative data of grip and pinch strengths were developed for Iranian population

Comparison of job stress dimensions in Iranian nurses with those from other countries based on the demand-control-support model

Background: Evidence shows that job stress potentially has adverse effect on individuals' health and organizational productivity. It has, therefore, become an important issue in the occupational health context. The aims of this study were to investigate job stress dimensions among nurses of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences [SUMS] hospitals and comparing the results with the findings of the previous studies conducted in other countries

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 385 randomly selected nurses of SUMS participated. The Persian version of Job Content Questionnaire [P-JCQ] and demographic questionnaire were used for data collection. The linguistic validity and psychometric properties of P-JCQ have been assessed and approved in a previous study. One sample t-test was used to examine the differences between means of job stress dimension scores of the present and those of the previous studies carried out in other countries

Results: The means [SD] of decision latitude, psychological job demands, social support, physical job demands and job insecurity were found to be 58.15 [6.50], 38.19 [5.14], 22.67 [3.67], 16.03 [2.58], and 7.74 [3.85], respectively. The results revealed that decision latitude and social support dimensions were in a low level among the study subjects. In contrast, psychological job demand, physical job demand, and job insecurity dimensions were shown to be in a high level

Conclusion: The SUMS hospital environment collectively imposes higher job stress on the nurses as compared to that of other countries. To prevent harmful effects of job stress on the nurses' health and job performance, developing macro-ergonomic strategies in this working environment, such as enhancing job control, reducing job demands, and providing supportive climate, seem necessary

Relationship between mercury exposure and psychological health status of dentists

Background/Objective: This study was undertaken to address psychological health effects of dentists' exposure to low ambient levels of mercury

Methods: One hundred and six dentists and 94 general practitioners were randomly selected from clinics in Shiraz city, Iran. Subjects were asked to complete the Persian version of General Health Questionnaire. The data were analyzed using ?2 test, independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney's U test

Results: Both groups were similar as far as all demographic variables, except age, were concerned. No significant difference was noted between the dentists' mean total score of GHQ-28 [17.9] and that of referent subjects [16.34]. These scores were significantly lower than the cut-off point of 23 [P<0.01]. The mean scores for somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, and depression were significantly higher in dentists than in the referent subjects. The results also showed a significant association between GHQ-28 total scores and length of exposure to mercury [P=0.034]; with increase in the job tenure, GHQ-28 total score also increased, indicating a decrement in psychological health status

Conclusion: The current findings revealed that, in general, the dentists' psychological health status was poorer than the referent subjects. Additionally, in all GHQ subscales, the dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts. Given the fact that exposure to mercury is the most important differentiating variable between both groups, and that neuropsychological disorders are the most common toxic effect of mercury, the difference between psychological health status of the two groups is likely to be related to exposure to mercury

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal symptoms and assessment of working conditions in an Iranian Petrochemical Industry

Background/Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] are one of the most common causes of occupational injuries. This study was conducted with the objectives of determination of prevalence rate of MSDs and ergonomics assessment of the risk of MSDs among workers of a petrochemical company

Methods: In this study, 261randomly selected workers in a petrochemical company with at least one year of job tenure participated. Office and operational personnel were studied separately. In office jobs, data were collected using Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire [NMQ] and ergonomics checklist for assessment of work conditions. In operational jobs, NMQ and QEC [Quick Exposure Check] methods were applied to gather the required data. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software

Results: The most prevalent MSDs symptoms were reported in the lower back [36.2%], upper back [31%], neck [31%] and knees [30.3%]. The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs indifferent body regions of the office staff was higher than those of operational workers. Also, in 40.9% of the observed cases, total ergonomics index was in action category 1 [inappropriate working conditions] and 59.9% of the subjects taken in action category 2 [appropriate working conditions]. The results of assessment by QEC technique among operational workers showed that in 82.8% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was high or very high

Conclusions: The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the office staff was higher than that of operational subjects. To improve the working conditions, taking risk factors of the lower back, upper back, neck and knees into consideration seems to be essential

[Comparative assessment of dentists' psychological health status in Shiraz with their physicians counterparts using general health questionnaire [GHQ-28]]

This study was conducted to assess the psychological health status of dentists in Shiraz city. In this cross-sectional study, subjects consisted of 106 dentists and 94 general practitioners [comparison group] from private and public clinics in Shiraz city. Subjects were requested to complete the standard general health questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographic variables. The data were analyzed by appropriate statistical tests. Chi-Square test and independent sample t-test were used to compare demographic and occupational variables of both groups. The questionnaires were scored and the overall score of each individual determined his/her psychological health status. Means of GHQ scores of both groups were compared using statistical tests. Both groups were similar in all demographic variables, except for age. The mean total score of GHQ-28 for both dentists [17.9] and physicians [16.34] groups were significantly lower than the cut-off point value of 23 [P <0.01]. The means of scores for somatic problems, depression, anxiety and insomnia as well as unusual social performance scales were significantly different between both groups [P<0.05]. A significant positive association was found between GHQ total score and job tenure. Our findings revealed that psychological health status of dentists was poorer than that of physicians. Additionally, dentists' scores were significantly different from those of their counterparts in all GHQ sub-scales

Shift work-related psychosocial problems in 12-hour shift schedules of petrochemical industries

Shiftwork that affects diverse aspects of human life is arranged in various schedules. The main purpose of this study was to compare psycho-social problems among employees working in different 12-hour shift schedules of Iranian petrochemical industries. This cross-sectional study was carried out at eight petrochemical companies in Asalooyeh area. The study population consisted of 549 shift workers. Data on personal details, shift schedule, and adverse effects of shift work were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. Among 549 studied shift employees, 39.6% worked in 4N-7D-3N-7R [4 nights- 7 days- 3 nights- 7 rests], 29.1% in 7N-7 D-7R, and 31.3% in 7D-7N-7R schedules. Psychosocial problems among 7D-7N-7R schedule shift workers were significantly more prevalent than other schedules [p<0.05]. Prevalence rates of psychosocial problems among all schedules were high, but odds ratios of problems among 7D-7N-7R schedule shift workers were significantly more than those of the two other ones were. This schedule should be changed therefore to decrease such problems