Mediating role of mental fatigue between nature exposure and mental health of prison police / 环境与职业医学

Background The mental health status of prison officers is crucial to the efficiency, security, and stability of a prison, and it is essential to pay attention to the factors that influence their mental health. Objective To understand the mental health status of prison officers, and analyze how nature exposure affects their mental health problems and a potential mediating role of mental fatigue. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out from May to June 2022 among 1392 prison officers from eight prisons in a province, and a total of 1284 valid questionnaires were recovered. The Nature Exposure Scale, Mental Fatigue Scale, and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale were used to assess nature exposure, mental fatigue, and mental health indicators among prison officers, and to explore the effect of nature exposure on mental health problems and a potential mediating role of mental fatigue. Results The recruited prison officers showed high levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. The prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress were 59.11% (759/1284), 60.67% (779/1284),and 43.93% (564/1284), respectively. The results of correlation analysis revealed that nature exposure was negatively related with mental fatigue and mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress) (rs=−0.242, −0.308, −0.235, −0.254, P<0.01), while mental fatigue was positively correlated with mental health indicators (depression, anxiety, and stress) (rs=0.546, 0.533, 0.536, P<0.01). The PROCESS macro results showed that the level of nature exposure among prison officers negatively associated with depression, anxiety, and stress (β=−0.180, −0.104, −0.123), and mental fatigue played a mediating role, with indirect effects of −0.200, −0.192, and −0.199, respectively. Conclusion The levels of depression, anxiety, and stress of prison officers are higher than those of other occupations. Nature exposure negatively associates with depression, anxiety, and stress, that is, it may directly alleviate the mental health problems of prison officers; and it may also alleviate mental health problems by relieving mental fatigue.

Effects of social support on job burnout among police officers: Mediating role of psychological empowerment / 环境与职业医学

Background The high-pressure and high-risk nature of the police profession may consume individual resources and lead to job burnout. Objective To understand the current situation of police job burnout, and test potential mediating role of psychological empowerment between social support and job burnout. Methods From May to October 2020, a questionnaire survey was conducted among police officers in cities A and B of Sichuan Province by convenience sampling. The Perceived Social Support Scale, Psychological Empowerment Scale, and Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey were used to evaluate social support, psychological empowerment, and job burnout respectively. Mediation effect of psychological empowerment on the relationship between social support and job burnout was tested using bias-corrected bootstrap method. Results Of the 483 questionnaires recovered, there were 461 valid questionnaires (95.44%). The M (P25, P75) scores of social support, psychological empowerment, and job burnout were 5.00 (3.50, 5.83), 3.25 (2.00, 4.25), and 3.61 (2.43, 3.88), respectively. The positive rate of job burnout was 93.92% (433/461), of which 42.51% (196/461) and 51.41% (237/461) of the participants were at mild to moderate and severe levels of job burnout respectively. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that social support and psychological empowerment were negatively correlated with job burnout (r=−0.265, −0.328, P<0.01), and social support was positively corrected with psychological empowerment (r=0.390, P<0.01). The Bootstrap test results showed that social support negatively affected job burnout (β=−0.193, P<0.001) and positively affected psychological empowerment (β=0.330, P<0.001). Psychological empowerment negatively affected job burnout (β=−0.212, P<0.001) and played a partial mediating role in the relationship between social support and job burnout, and the effect value was −0.070 (95%CI: −0.097, −0.047) that accounted for 36.27% of the total effect. Conclusion Job burnout is prevalent among the police officers. Social support has a negative effect on job burnout, and psychological empowerment plays a partial mediating role between social support and job burnout.

A study on knowledge, attitude, and practices about COVID-19 among community health officer trainees under health wellness center program study centers in Maharashtra, India

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly spreading pandemic. Under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme of Govt. of India, community health officer (CHO) trainees undergo 6 months of training to provide comprehensive primary health care to the patients attending health wellness centers. Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) about COVID-19 among CHO trainees in Maharashtra. The relation between sociodemographic factors of CHO trainees and their KAPs was also studied. Materials and Methods: An online study was conducted during September 15, 2020 to October 15, 2020 among CHO trainees of the March 2020 batch undergoing training under health wellness program study centers in Maharashtra using a prevalidated questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Results: One hundred and sixty CHO trainees participated in this study. The majority of respondents (98 [61.3%]) were females with a mean age of 27.86 years (SD 4.862) and (range 20–43 years). Seventy-five (46.8%) respondents were ayurvedic doctors, whereas 85 (53.2%) were nursing graduates. Overall, 159 (98.76%) had sufficient knowledge, 126 (78.26%) had a positive attitude, and 65 (40.37%) had fair practices toward COVID-19. Age >30 years was associated with good knowledge. CHO trainees with age ? 30 years and using social media to access information on COVID-19 were having a good attitude. CHO trainees with age ? 30 years, working in the civil hospital and those with Bachelor of Ayurveda, Medicine, and Surgery (BAMS) degrees were significantly (P < 0.05) more likely to have fair practices. Conclusion: Studies involving CHO training centers all over India should be conducted.

Desempeño de los Tecnólogos Médicos como Oficiales de Protección Radiológica - 2021 / Performance of Medical Technologist as Radiation Protection Officers Lima - 2021

Las radiaciones ionizantes tienen el potencial de generar efectos adversos a la salud de las personas. Para hacer un uso más seguro y eficiente de estas radiaciones, la Comisión Internacional de Protección Radiológica fundamentalmente ha implementado un sistema de protección radiológica (SPR) que se basa en tres principios: justificación, optimización y límites. A su vez, estos principios se sustentan en cuatro valores éticos (beneficencia, prudencia, justicia y dignidad). Se sabe que en Chile el profesional que esta mandatado para realizar la toma de los exámenes que utilizan radiaciones ionizantes es el/la Tecnólogo Médico en Imagenología. Por lo tanto, resulta interesante valorar el grado de conocimiento adquirido y posteriormente aplicado en torno a los valores éticos del SPR por parte de dichos profesionales. De esta manera el objetivo del este artículo de tipo Punto de Vista fue realizar una serie de reflexiones en torno a esta temática. Cuando se realiza un procedimientos médico u odontológico con radiaciones ionizantes, el/la Tecnólogo Médico en Imagenología participa esencialmente en la realización del mismo, por lo que no debería ser su responsabilidad el cautelar que se cumplan los 4 valores éticos descritos dentro del SPR. A juicio nuestro, el principio de optimización, sería el único principio o pilar del SPR donde tiene real obligación de participar, utilizando las restricciones a las exposiciones individuales y los niveles de referencia para diagnóstico para reducir las desigualdades en la distribución de las exposiciones entre los grupos expuestos. Finalmente, resulta vital investigar si en su formación de especialidad se tocan estas temáticas.

Ionizing radiation has the potential to generate adverse effects on people's health. To make safer and more efficient use of these radiations, the International Commission on Radiological Protection has fundamentally implemented a radiological protection system (RPS) based on three principles: justification, optimization and limits. In turn, these principles are based on four ethical values (beneficence, prudence, justice and dignity). It is known that in Chile the professional who is mandated to perform the exams that use ionizing radiation is the Medical Imaging Technologist. Therefore, it is interesting to assess the degree of knowledge acquired and subsequently applied around the ethical values of the RPS by these professionals. In this way, the objective of this Point of View article was to make a series of reflections on this subject. When a medical or dental procedure is performed with ionizing radiation, the Medical Imaging Technologist essentially participates in its performance, so it should not be their responsibility to ensure that the 4 ethical values described in the RPS are met. In our opinion, the principle of optimization would be the only principle or pillar of the RPS where it has a real obligation to participate, using the restrictions on individual exposures and the diagnostic reference levels to reduce inequalities in the distribution of exposures between exposed groups. Finally, it is vital to investigate whether these topics are addressed in his specialty training.

Examination of anthropometric characteristics of police academy students / Examen de las características antropométricas de los estudiantes de la academia de policía

SUMMARY: Anthropometric data, which is highly correlated with health and high level of physical capacity, is very important for police officer. The aim of this study was to examine the anthropometric data of police college students and compare in terms of gender. Fifty-two police college students (32 females and 20 males) participated in the present study. Index calculations were made by applying anthropometric test measurements to all participants. The data included anthropometric (length measurements, width measurements, circumference measurement) and index [Body Mass Index (BMI), Cormic Index (C-Index), Body Adiposity Index (BAI), Ponderal Index (PI), Conicity Index (Con-Index) Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR)] parameters. The Independent Sample T-Test was used to analyze the difference in groups. A statistically significant difference was found in all parameters except leg length in length measurements (p<0.05). The mean of all width measurements except shoulder width of females was higher than that of male participants. Differences were obtained in all variables except hand and hip-width (p<0.05). In circumference measurements, there was a difference between the groups in the measurement values of the relaxed arm, maximum arm, wrist, shoulder, chest, and hip circumferences (p<0.05). The BAI, PI, WHtR, and Con-Index values were significantly different between groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the length, width, circumference, and kinanthropometric indexes of male and female police candidates differ. Although male have higher mean values in length and circumference measurements, female have a higher mean for width measurements. Females have higher mean values in general in terms of index values and they are inincreased risk group in terms of WHtR index. It can be recommended for all participants, especially females, to participate in regular physical activity after they start working.

RESUMEN: Los datos antropométricos que están fuertemente correlacionados con la salud y el alto nivel de capacidad física, son muy importantes para el oficial de policía. El objetivo de este estudio fue examinar los datos antropométricos de estudiantes universitarios de policía y compararlos en relación al género. En el estudio participaron 52 estudiantes universitarios de policía (32 mujeres y 20 hombres). Los cálculos de los índices a los participantes se realizaron aplicando mediciones de pruebas antropométricas. Los datos antropométricos incluyeron (medidas de longitud, ancho y circunferencia) además de índice [Índice de masa corporal (IMC), Índice córmico (Índice C), Índice de adiposidad corporal (IAC), Índice ponderal (IP), Índice de conicidad (Con-Índice) y Relación cintura-altura (WHtR)]. Se utilizó la prueba T para muestras independientes para analizar la diferencia entre los grupos. Se encontró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en todos los parámetros excepto en la longitud de las piernas (p<0,05). La media de todas las medidas de ancho excepto el ancho de los hombros de las mujeres fue mayor que la de los hombres. Se obtuvieron diferencias en todas las variables excepto en el ancho de manos y caderas (p<0,05). En las medidas de circunferencia, hubo diferencia entre los grupos en el brazo relajado, brazo máximo, muñeca, hombro, pecho y cadera (p<0,05). Los valores de BAI, IPI, WHtR y Con-Index fueron significativamente diferentes entre los grupos (p<0,05). En conclusión, los índices de largo, ancho, circunferencia y cineantropométricos de los candidatos a policías difieren entre hombres y mujeres. Aunque los hombres tienen valores medios más altos en las medidas de longitud y circunferencia, las mujeres tienen una media más alta en las medidas de ancho. Las mujeres tienen valores medios más altos en general, en términos de valores de índice, y se encuentran en un grupo de mayor riesgo en términos de índice WHtR. Se puede recomendar a todos los candidatos y candidatas a policía, especialmente a las mujeres, que participen en actividades físicas regularmente después de comenzar a trabajar.

Implementation of a Home-based Exercise Program for Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Patients during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic

Abstract Background: In pandemic times, social isolation is of utmost importance to minimize the spread of the SARS-Cov-2 virus. At times like these, home fitness becomes extremely necessary to avoid sedentarism and decompensation in chronic disease patients. Objectives: Evaluate the engagement of rehabilitation patients to a tele- oriented exercise program at home (TOEP). Materials and Methods: 66 of 94 patients (63.8% males; 65.5±14 years old; 5.2±2.6 months in rehabilitation) agreed to take part. Subjects were grouped in three levels of functionality to guide the exercise prescription. Weekly Training Rates (WTR) were compared using the Friedman test and corrected by Dunn's test. A multivariate logistic model was designed to determine independent predictors in program engagement. Statistical significance was determined by a p<0.05. Results: TOEP provided WTR similar to the pre-quarantine values of 2.8/week (p>0.05), and 91.8% of patients took part until the end of those 5 weeks. The presence of diabetes was a predicted factor for low engagement to TOEP with relative risk of 0.41 (CI95%: 0.25 to 0.66). Conclusion: TOEP provided satisfactory engagement in rehabilitation patients. Most of them increased WTR during quarantine. Patients with diabetes displayed lower engagement to the minimum standard frequency.

Suicídios em uma organização policial-militar do sul do Brasil / Suicides in a military police organization in southern Brazil

Resumo Introdução O suicídio é considerado um problema de saúde pública. Todos os anos 840 mil pessoas tiram a própria vida. Em policiais militares as taxas de suicídio também são altas. Objetivo Este trabalho buscou investigar características socio-ocupacionais em casos de suicídios de policiais militares de Santa Catarina, Brasil, ocorridos entre os anos de 2012 a 2016. Método Trata-se de um estudo documental, descritivo e de abordagem quantitativa, que utilizou informações socio-ocupacionais disponibilizadas pela organização sobre casos de suicídios de policiais militares. Resultados Todos os policiais militares que cometeram suicídio eram do sexo masculino (n = 14) e boa parte tinha filhos (85,71%). Dos casos de suicídio, 85,71% ocorreram na carreira de praças, especialmente no primeiro grau na hierarquia militar (soldados), com metade dos casos (n = 7). Em todos os casos, havia parte do salário comprometido com empréstimos ou dívidas financeiras. Conclusão Características ocupacionais importantes em determinadas situações podem vir a se tornar um fator de risco ao suicídio de policiais militares. Outras pesquisas são necessárias, especialmente considerando outras fontes de informação importantes não utilizadas nesta investigação.

Abstract Background Suicide is considered a public health problem. Every year 840,000 people take their own lives. In military police, suicide rates are also high. Objective This study aimed to investigate occupational and social characteristics in cases of suicide of military police officers from Santa Catarina, Brazil, from 2012 to 2016. Method This is a documentary, descriptive and quantitative study, using socio-occupational information provided by the organization about suicide cases of military police officers. Results All military police officers who committed suicide are male (n = 14) and most have children (85.71%). About 85.71% of the suicide cases occurred in lower rank positions, especially in the first degree in the military hierarchy. Soldiers accounted for half of the cases (n = 7). In all cases, part of the salary was committed with loans or financial debts. Conclusion Important occupational characteristics in certain situations may become a risk factor for suicide of military police officers. Further research is needed, especially considering other important sources of information not used in this investigation.

A follow-up study in three African countries on the JICA training course “Health Systems Management for Regional and District Health Management Officers” / 国際保健医療

Introduction  Asahikawa Medical University (AMU) has conducted a 7-week JICA training course “Health Systems Management for Regional and District Health Management Officers” since 2008 and trained a total of 132 participants from 22 countries. In order to assess how trainees applied their public health knowledge and skills obtained through the training course to their communities, we conducted interviews in Kenya, Malawi, and Liberia to explore their current public health problems and to identify what programs are required for our further training course to improve their health system.Methods  Among 29 trainees in three countries in total, 15 were face-to-face interviewed and 6 were phone-interviewed on February 2019. The rest was missing but we identified five of their current position.Results  The trainees made best use of knowledge and skills obtained from following lectures and/or field trips in their communities, such as “Project Cycle Management”, “Maternal and child health”, “Public health centers’ visit”, “Waste management including water supply and sewage treatment”, “School health”, “Tele-medicine”, and “5S-KAIZEN”. They also requested us to provide following lectures and field visits to tackle with their future health problems, such as “Japan’s experience to achieve the Universal Health Coverage”, “Health system strengthening”, “Disaster medicine and management”, “Non-communicable diseases”, and “Capacity development”.Discussion & Conclusions  By face-to-face or phone interviews in three countries, we grasped ideas of current health problems and verified an effectiveness of our training programs in each country. We also helped the trainees, their co-workers, community people (volunteers) to increase the motivation of their relevant works and activities through the field visit. Therefore, in order to provide a better training program, we further need to enhance international cooperation between us and African countries as well as to strengthen our training capacities including regular follow-up systems to ex-trainees.

Knowledge, attitude and practices about rabies prophylaxis among medical officers

Background: One of the important requirements to achieve “Zero Human rabies deaths by 2030” is to build awareness of the PEP and care for exposed victims. So, this study was undertaken with the aim and objective to study knowledge, attitude and practices related to animal bite transmitting rabies, amongst medical officer.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 95 medical officer. Pretested and structured questionnaire was prepared related to training sessions conducted and their knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) related to rabies prophylaxis. Data was entered and analysed using Microsoft Excel 16 version. Percentages were calculated and appropriate statistical test were applied.Results: None of them had received training on rabies prophylaxis. Regarding WHO categorization of animal bite, 69.5% participants had sufficient knowledge about category III, 47.4% about category II and 42.10% about Category I. Only 4.21% participants were aware of the preexposure prophylaxis and 29.47% participants had sufficient knowledge about intradermal (ID). schedule. Attitude was poor (47.40%) regarding willingness of administrating equine antirabies serum at their setup. 81% practiced immediate wound toileting and 45.30% of participants administered ARV by intradermal route. All patients were referred to tertiary care centre for administration of ARS and 82.10% of participants referred the patients immediately.Conclusions: There was an apparent lack of awareness seen in rabies prophalaxis and management. Effort should be taken to emphasize the importance PEP management through regular reorientation programs.

The Effect of Self Reflection Meditation Program on the Job Stress and Psychosocial Health of Government Staffs / 의료커뮤니케이션

BACKGROUND: The government staffs studied in this research has been easily exposed to excessive job stress, which can lead to a variety of psychosocial problems and poor quality of life. In this study, we examined the effect of the self reflection meditation program on the psychosocial health and stress responses of government staffs, to suggest the intervention program improving psychosocial health and quality of life in government staffs.METHODS: In this study, we measured the conditions of 36 local government staffs based on self reflection scale, psychosocial health and stress score before and after implementing the short-term intensive meditation program.RESULTS: The results showed that there were significant increase in social role performance and self confidence(p=.003), general health and vitality(p=.019) and significant decrease in stress(p=.010). This change was prominently showed in administrative officer and depression and anxiety(p=.034) also significantly decreased after program.CONCLUSION: Self reflection meditation program was effective in improving the psychosocial health and physical health of government staffs. Therefore, self reflection meditation program could be proposed as program for stress management and promotion of quality of life in government staff.

The Effects of Workplace Rest Breaks on Health Problems Related to Long Working Hours and Shift Work among Male Apartment Janitors in Korea

BACKGROUND: Rest breaks at work are reported to reduce fatigue and job stress. Apartment janitors in Korea who perform night shift work and work long hours can be exposed to various health problems (HPs). However, few studies have evaluated relationships between their rest breaks and HPs. This study was conducted to examine the relationships between long working hours, shift work, and insufficient rest breaks and HPs among Korean apartment janitors.METHODS: Data on 1,212 selected male apartment janitors were obtained from the 3rd and 4th Korean Working Conditions Surveys. Demographic and occupational characteristics were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Rest breaks at work were classified as “sufficient” or “insufficient.” Long working hours were considered as working more than 60 hours per week. Zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) regression was performed to investigate the effects of shift work and long working hours on HPs and the effects of rest breaks on relationships between HPs and long working hours and shift work.RESULTS: Among those with insufficient rest breaks at work, significant associations were found between long working hours and the risk of HPs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.489; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.038–2.136] and work-related HPs (WRHPs) [OR 1.621; 95% CI = 1.156–2.272], and between shift work and HPs [OR = 1.603; 95% CI = 1.084–2.372]. These relationships became nonsignificant when sufficient rest breaks were provided.CONCLUSION: It is important to provide breaks at work to reduce HPs because of long working hours and shift work among aged workers such as apartment janitors.

Saúde no cárcere na perspectiva do agente penitenciário de Santarém-Pará / Health in prison from the perspective of the Santarém-Pará prison guard

Introdução: Há escassez de estudos que tomam esta perspectiva, do cuidado em saúde no sistema prisional, particularmente os produzidos sobre a saúde das pessoas privadas de liberdade, na perspectiva do agente penitenciário, tendo como cenário o estado do Pará, o que justificou a relevância da realização do presente estudo. Objetivo: descrever e analisar a percepção e a concepção dos agentes penitenciários de Santarém do Pará sobre saúde da pessoa privada de liberdade. Método: Trata-se de pesquisa exploratória, descritiva e interpretativa, de abordagem qualitativa. Foi desenvolvida com 33 agentes penitenciários (homens e mulheres) do Centro de Recuperação Agrícola Silvio Hall de Moura e do Centro de Recuperação Feminino de Santarém do Pará. Foram realizados seis grupos, cujas falas foram gravadas, transcritas e categorizadas conforme análise de conteúdo, utilizando-se o software Nvivo 11 pro student. A análise resultou nas categoriais: a) perfil, condições de vida e trabalho do agente penitenciário; b) A concepção do agente penitenciário sobre sua saúde e sobre a saúde da pessoa privada de liberdade e; c) O direito à saúde e a saúde carcerária na perspectiva do agente penitenciário. Resultados: o perfil sociodemográfico e das condições de vida e trabalho dos agentes penitenciários caracteriza péssimas condições de vida e trabalho e as repercussões que este trabalho impõe sobre sua relação na sociedade, com destaque à família. Os trabalhadores agentes penitenciários possuem faixa etária de 23 a 58 anos, entre solteiros, casados e em união estável, homens e mulheres, mas em sua maioria do gênero masculino, com raça/cor autodeclarada em pardos, brancos e negros e naturais do Pará. Trazendo os eixos analíticos da vulnerabilidade, no componente individual deve ser levado em conta o local social pelo indivíduo. Da mesma forma, nas perspectivas de abordagem programática e social, a vulnerabilidade permite a integralização da análise da situação de saúde e de diferentes possibilidades de intervenção, sempre contemplando a participação individual. Conclusão: a percepção e a concepção dos Agentes Penitenciários de Santarém do Pará sobre saúde da pessoa privada de liberdade é de que não se inscreve como direito, mas como uma concessão. Abre-se para novas investigações sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores agentes penitenciários em Santarém, sobre a saúde dos privados de liberdade, em particular a vulnerabilidade às doenças transmissíveis, e sobre as formas de enfrentamento e de resposta às necessidades de saúde no sistema penitenciário.

Introduction: There is a scarcity of studies that take the perspective of health care in the prison system, particularly those produced about the health of people deprived of liberty, from the perspective of the correctional officer, considering the state of Pará, which justified the relevance of the present study. Objective: To describe and analyze the perception and conception of correctional officers in Santarém, Pará, about the health of the person deprived of liberty. Method: This is an exploratory, descriptive and interpretative research with a qualitative approach. It was developed with 33 correctional officers (men and women) from the Silvio Hall de Moura Agricultural Recovery Center and from the Female Recovery Center in Santarém, Pará. Six groups were conducted, whose speeches were recorded, transcribed and categorized by content analysis, using the Nvivo 11 Pro Student software. The analysis resulted in the following categories: a) profile, living and working conditions of the correctional officer; b) the conception of the correctional officer about his health and about the health of the person deprived of liberty and; c) the right to health and prison health from the perspective of the correctional officer. Results: the sociodemographic and living and working conditions profile of prison officers characterizes the terrible living and working conditions and the repercussions that this work imposes on their relationship in society, especially regarding their families. The correctional officers are between 23 and 58 years old, between single, married and in a stable union, men and women, but mostly male, with self-declared race / color in brown, white and black, and native of Pará. Bringing the analytical axes of vulnerability, the individual component must consider the social location by the individual. Likewise, from the perspective of the programmatic and social approach, vulnerability allows the analysis of the health situation and different intervention possibilities, always contemplating individual participation. Conclusion: the perception and conception of the correctional officers of Santarém, Pará, about the health of the person deprived of liberty is that it is not registered as a right, but as a concession. New research opens on the health of correctional officers in Santarém, the health of those deprived of their liberty, specially their vulnerability to communicable diseases, and on ways of coping and responding to health needs in the prison system.

Differences in the performance of health officers at the workplace according to their qualifications

BACKGROUND: Health officers are an integral part of the occupational health service, and there have been studies to identify and improve the role of health officers in the workplace in order to improve the level of health care in the workplace. This study aimed to determine the contribution of health officers to the role of a health officer as prescribed by law and the percentage of health management work performed during work according to their qualifications. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to a total of 4584 workplaces where health officers were hired, and a total of 806 copies (17.58%) were returned. Of these, 336 questionnaires were finally analyzed, after excluding questionnaires missing the main variables. Using the data, the difference of role contributions and the percentage of health care work performed during the whole day according to the qualification of the health officer was analyzed. RESULTS: Nurses were highly rated in the field of medical care, and industrial hygienists and air environmental engineers were highly rated in terms of chemicals and risk factor management. The percentage of health care work performed during the whole day differed according to the size of the workplace and industrial classification, but it was generally the lowest among air environmental engineers. CONCLUSIONS: Health officers play a very different role in the workplace depending on their qualification, and they need support for areas of other qualification. In order to effectively manage the health of the staff at a workplace, it is necessary to consider the development of a support system for small- and medium-sized enterprises and adjust the conditions of employment of the health officer according to the law.

Psychosocial Factors Related to Burnout of Job Duties in a Local Social Welfare Officers / 우울ㆍ조울병

OBJECTIVES: he purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial factors related to burnout of social welfare officers working in Jeonnam Province.METHODS: A total of 395 social welfare officers (male 99, female 296) working in 22 areas of Jeollanam-do province, were subjects of this study. We examined socio-demographic factors, using a self-reporting questionnaire. Subjects were asked to complete the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSS), to assess psychosocial factors affecting to burnout of social welfare officers.RESULTS: Among 395 subjects, 221 (55.9%) reported recent experiences of burnout. There was no significant difference in age between two groups, divided by burnout. Sex (p < 0.001), rank (p=0.003), working period (p=0.034), depression (p < 0.001) revealed differences between the burnout group and control group. Scores of PSS (p < 0.001) were higher, while the scores of GSS (p < 0.001) were lower in the burnout group, than control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female (OR 2.840, 95%CI 1.466–5.504, p=0.002), depressive high-risk group (OR 6.824, 95%CI 2.893–16.096, p < 0.001) PSS (OR 1.247, 95%CI 1.153–1.349, p < 0.001) and GSS (OR 0.950, 95%CI 0.930–0.971, p < 0.001), were significantly associated with burnout.CONCLUSION: We found that some factors, were associated with experienced burnout in social welfare officers. Depressive symptoms were the strongest associative factor, for burnout in public servants in charge of social welfare. Sex, stress and self-efficacy also correlated with burnout, and especially self-efficacy was a protecting factor.

Improvement of Epidemiology Intelligence Service Officer Program for Preparedness and Response against Future Health Issues Included Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases in Korea / 보건행정학회지

The development and management of epidemiology intelligence service (EIS) officer with more specialized competence to cope with and prepare for health threats, including pandemic of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, is a high priority policy issue in Korea. First of all, we need to establish the training goal of EIS officer. It is necessary to establish manpower training and management system with at least three tiers including quantitative and qualitative targets. Second, at least 50% of all EIS officer must secure a physician and secure expertise and competence for epidemic. Third, for the ultimate purpose of EIS officer, the establishment of a public health expert should expand the scope of epidemiologist's work to health and medical care, occupational environment, and various disasters. Fourth, it is essential to expand the epidemiologist training and education program to the level of advanced countries. Especially, the training course should be expanded at least twice of current times. Fifth, it is necessary to independently install and operate the ‘EIS Officer Training Center’ as a mid- and long-term goal. Stewardship and governance are secured with the organization, personnel, etc. that can fully manage the planning, management, and evaluation of the EIS system. In the future, it will be necessary to establish a systematic and phased operational base of education and training programs for EIS officer, and establish a sustainable implementation system for strategy development. In addition, it is urgent to revise the guidelines for training public health professionals and strengthening competencies, and for establishing professional educational institutions.

Prevalência e fatores associados à violência no ambiente de trabalho em agentes de segurança penitenciária do sexo feminino no Brasil / Prevalence and violence-associated factors in the work environment of female prison guards in Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é estimar a prevalência e os fatores associados à violência no trabalho em agentes de segurança penitenciária do sexo feminino no Brasil. Estudo seccional, analítico, de abrangência nacional, realizado em 15 unidades prisionais femininas nas cinco regiões do Brasil. Foi realizado o teste de qui-quadrado de Pearson. O Odds Ratio e os Intervalos de Confiança foram estimados para os fatores que apresentaram associação significativa ou mostraram-se como fatores de confundimento. A prevalência de pelo menos um episódio de violência foi de 28,4%. Chama a atenção o fato das próprias agentes serem apontadas como as principais suspeitas de praticarem roubos (74,6%), violência moral (68,1%) e assédio sexual (66,8%) contra as colegas de trabalho. Trabalhar em mais de uma unidade prisional aumentou a chance de sofrer violência (OR = 3,23; IC = 1,51 - 6,9). Os principais fatores associados são: trabalhar em casas de privação provisória, idade de ingresso no sistema prisional e baixo suporte social entre colegas de trabalho. A violência no ambiente prisional brasileiro é um fenômeno complexo e multicausal. Para o seu enfrentamento é necessária à adoção de ações intersetoriais, capazes de intervir tanto no ambiente prisional como na sociedade.

Abstract This article aims to estimate the prevalence and violence-associated factors in the work environment of female correctional officers in Brazil. A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted in 15 female correctional facilities in Brazil's five regions. Pearson's chi-square test was performed. The Odds Ratio and Confidence Intervals were estimated for factors that showed a significant association or were confounding factors. The prevalence of having experienced at least one violent occurrence during professional duty as an officer was 28.4%. An interesting factor is fact that agents themselves are identified as the main suspects of robbery (74.6%), moral violence (68.1%) and sexual harassment (66.8%) against their co-workers. Working in more than one correctional facility increased the chance of suffering from violence (OR = 3.23; CI = 1.51 - 6.9). The main associated factors are: working in temporary detention centers, age of admission to the prison system and low social support among co-workers. Violence in the Brazilian prison environment is of great magnitude and considered a complex phenomenon with multiple causes. To combat this, it is necessary to adopt intersectoral actions, capable of intervening both in the prison environment and in society.

The impact of body armor on physical performance of law enforcement personnel: a systematic review

BACKGROUND: The law enforcement officer profession requires performance of arduous occupational tasks while carrying an external load, consisting of, at minimum, a chest rig, a communication system, weaponry, handcuffs, personal protective equipment and a torch. The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to identify and critically appraise the methodological quality of published studies that have investigated the impacts of body armour on task performance and to synthesize and report key findings from these studies to inform law enforcement organizations. METHODS: Several literature databases (Medline, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, EMBAS) were searched using key search words and terms to identify appropriate studies. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were critically evaluated using the Downs and Black protocol with inter-rater agreement determined by Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were retained for evaluation with a mean Downs and Black score of 73.2 ± 6.8% (k = 0.841). Based on the research quality and findings across the included studies, this review determined that while effects of body armour on marksmanship and physiological responses have not yet been adequately ascertained, body armour does have significant physical performance and biomechanical impacts on the wearer, including: a) increased ratings of perceived exertion and increased time to complete functional tasks, b) decreased work capability (indicated by deterioration in fitness test scores), c) decreased balance and stability, and d) increased ground reaction forces. CONCLUSIONS: Given the physical performance and biomechanical impacts on the wearer, body armour should be carefully selected, with consideration of the physical fitness of the wearers and the degree to which the armour systems can be ergonomically optimized for the specific population in question.

Results and safety profile of trainee cataract surgeons in a community setting in East Africa.

Purpose: To evaluate the results and safety profile of assistant medical officer ophthalmologists (AMO‑O) performing cataract surgery in the last stage of their surgical training, before their appointment to local communities. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of patients who underwent cataract surgery by AMO‑Os at Dar es Salaam, Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation for Tanzania Disability Hospital between September 2008 and June 2011. Surgical options were either extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) or manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), both with polymethylmethacrylate intraocular lens implantation. Results: Four hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study. Two hundred and twenty‑five (54%) underwent ECCE and 189 had MSICS. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) improved from 2.4 ± 0.6 preoperatively to 1.3 ± 0.8 1 week postoperatively (t‑test, P < 0.001) and to 1.1 ± 0.7 3 months postoperatively (t‑test, P < 0.001). Mean logMAR best‑corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.7 ± 0.5 1 week postoperatively and 0.6 ± 0.5 3 months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in mean logMAR UCVA (P = 0.7) and BCVA (P = 0.7) postoperatively between ECCE and MSICS. 89.5% achieved BCVA better than 6/60 and 57.3% better than 6/18 with a follow‑up of 3 months. Posterior capsule rupture and/or vitreous loss occurred in 34/414 patients (8.2%) and was more frequent (P = 0.047) in patients undergoing ECCE (10.2%) compared with MSICS (5.3%). Conclusion: AMO‑O cataract surgeons at the end of their training offer significant improvement in the visual acuity of their patients. Continuous monitoring of outcomes will guide further improvements in surgical skills and minimize complications.

Síndrome metabólica em militares de uma unidade da polícia de Aracaju, Sergipe / Metabolic syndrome among police officers in a police station from the city of Aracaju, Sergipe State, Brazil

Objetivos: Determinar a prevalência de síndrome metabólica e de seus componentes nos militares de uma unidade da polícia em Aracaju, Sergipe. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal envolvendo os policiais militares de uma unidade de polícia localizada em Aracaju, capital do estado de Sergipe, no período de junho a julho de 2016. Foram selecionados para o estudo todos os policiais ativos na unidade que aceitaram participar da pesquisa, assinaram o termo de consentimento e não estavam em licença, afastamento, férias, ou processo de transferência para outra unidade. Para a coleta dos dados foi utilizado um questionário com informações sociodemográficas e uma ficha com dados antropométricos e de exames laboratoriais realizados pelos militares por ocasião do exame médico periódico de rotina. A síndrome metabólica foi definida a partir dos critérios do National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Uma análise univariada foi realizada para examinar associações entre as variáveis de interesse, utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado de Pearson e adotando-se o valor de p<0,05 como estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: No período do estudo 115 policiais militares estavam lotados na unidade em estudo e 96 (83,5%) entre eles preencheram os critérios de inclusão no estudo. Destes, a maioria era do sexo masculino (96,6%), com filhos (84,4%), casados (52,2%), apresentavam nível de escolaridade até o ensino médio (35,4%), autorreferiram-se pardos (61,5%), ganhavam entre cinco e seis salários mínimos mensais (42,7%), tinham idade entre 36 e 45 anos (59,1%) e eram soldados (53,1%). Um total de sete (7,3%) entre os participantes do estudo apresentavam síndrome metabólica. Em relação aos componentes da síndrome metabólica, identificou-se circunferência abdominal aumentada indicando risco para doenças cardiovasculares em 34,4% dos participantes; sobrepeso em 57,3%; hipertensão arterial em 11,5%; triglicerídeos elevados em 29,5%; baixo colesterol ligado a lipoproteínas de alta densidade em 60,4%; e glicemia de jejum elevada em 31,3%. A graduação de cabo apresentou associação com síndrome metabólica: um militar com graduação de cabo tinha risco em torno de onze vezes mais de ter critérios para síndrome metabólica em relação às outras graduações (razão de prevalência=11,86; intervalo de confiança 95% 10,88-12,84; p=0,005). Conclusões: Os policiais da amostra investigada apresentaram uma prevalência de síndrome metabólica menor quando comparada a outros estudos brasileiros. A graduação de cabo apresentou maior risco de desenvolver síndrome metabólica, o que deve ser investigado com mais profundidade por meio de estudos que relacionem as características funcionais de cada patente com a presença dos componentes clínicos e laboratoriais da síndrome metabólica.

Aims: To assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in the military officers of a police unit in Aracaju, Sergipe. Methods: A cross-sectional study involving a military police unit located in Aracaju, capital of Sergipe state, Brazil, was conducted in the period June-July 2016. All active military policemen in the unit who agreed to participate were selected for the study. To participate, they were asked to sign the consent form and should not be on leave, departure, vacation, or transfer process to another unit. For data collection a questionnaire with demographic information was used, and a form was filled with anthropometric data and results of laboratory tests carried out during the medical routine periodic review. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program's Adult Treatment Panel III. Univariate analysis was performed to examine associations between the variables of interest, using the Pearson's chi-square test and adopting the value of p<0.05 as statistically significant. Results: During the study period 115 military policemen were stationed in the unit under study and 96 (83.5%) among them met the criteria for inclusion in the study. Of these, the majority were male (96.6%) with children (84.4%), married (52.2%), had education level through high school (35.4%), self-reported brown (61.5%), earned between five and six minimum wage (42.7%), were aged between 36 and 45 years (59.1%), and were soldiers (53.1%). A total of seven (7.3%) among the study participants had metabolic syndrome. Regarding the components of metabolic syndrome, increased waist circumference indicating risk for cardiovascular disease was identified in 34.4% of the participants; overweight was identified in 57.3%; hypertension in 11.5%; high triglycerides in 29.5%; decreased level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in 60.4%; and high fasting blood glucose in 31.3%. The corporal rank was associated with metabolic syndrome: a military with corporal rank had a risk eleven times higher of having criteria for metabolic syndrome compared to other ranks (odds ratio 11.86; 95% confidence interval 10.88-12.84; p=0.005). Conclusions: The military policemen of the investigated sample had a lower prevalence of metabolic syndrome when compared to other Brazilian studies. The corporal rank had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which should be investigated in more depth by studies that look for the relationship between functional characteristics of each military rank and presence of clinical and laboratory components of metabolic syndrome.

Percepção de Competências Físicas está relacionada ao tempo de reação de policiais civis de unidades de operações especiais / Percepción de competencias físicas relacionada con el tiempo de reacción de policias civiles de unidades de operaciones especiales / Perception of Physical Competencies is related to the reaction time of civilian police of special operations units

Introdução: evidências sugerem que o tempo de reação (TR) é uma variável sensível na avaliação de desempenho e predisposição motivacional de policiais. Esse componente motivacional pode indicar a percepção da pessoa sobre sua capacidade de responder a demandas específicas. Possivelmente apresentando melhores respostas a situações em que a exigência envolve velocidade e escolha, como o TR. Objetivo: determinar a relação entre o desempenho no tempo de reação e a percepção de competências físicas em policiais civis de unidades de operações especiais. Métodos: participaram 22 policiais civis (34,5 ± 9,1 anos) do estado de Santa Catarina, integrantes da Coordenadoria de Operações Especiais (COPE). O TR foi medido pelo Software Vienna Test System. Para avaliar a percepção de competência foram utilizadas perguntas sobre os seguintes indicadores: força, flexibilidade e resistência aeróbia. O nível de atividade física foi avaliado através do Questionário de Avaliação da Atividade Física. Os dados foram tratados com estatística descritiva e inferencial. Resultados: a percepção de competências está relacionada ao TR (r= -0,69; p< 0,001). Quanto maior a percepção de competências menor o TR. As percepções de flexibilidade (r= -0,50; p< 0,01) e de resistência aeróbica (r= -0,55; p< 0,001) estiveram negativamente relacionadas com o TR. A prática de atividade física relacionou-se negativamente ao TR (r= -0,48; p< 0,05) e o tempo semanal exposto à atividades físicas gera maiores percepções de competência (r= 0,59; p< 0,01). Conclusão: conclui-se que a percepção de competências físicas está relacionada ao tempo de reação de policiais de unidades especiais. Melhores percepções de competência parece implicar na motivação do policial em realizar com comprometimento suas tarefas. Observa-se que estas percepções são componentes emocionais relacionados a um melhor processamento cognitivo, resultando assim em menor tempo de resposta(AU)

Introducción: hay evidencias de que el tiempo de reacción es una variable sensible en la evaluación del desempeño y la predisposición motivacional de policías. El componente motivacional puede indicar la percepción de la persona sobre su capacidad de responder a demandas específicas, presentando mejores respuestas a situaciones en que la exigencia incluye la velocidad de selección, tales como el tiempo de reacción (TR). Objetivo: determinar la relación entre el desempeño del tiempo de reacción y la percepción de competencias físicas en policías civiles de unidades de operaciones especiales. Métodos: participaron 22 policías civiles (34,5 ± 9,1 años) del estado de Santa Catarina, integrantes de la Coordinadora de Operaciones Especiales (COPE). El tiempo de reacción fue medido con el Software Vienna Test System. Para evaluar la percepción de competencias fueron utilizadas preguntas sobre los siguientes indicadores: fuerza, flexibilidad y resistencia aerobia. El nivel de actividad física fue evaluado a través del Cuestionario de Evaluación de la Actividad Física. Los datos fueron tratados con estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: la percepción de competencias está relacionada con el tiempo de reacción (r= -0,69; p< 0,001). A mayor percepción de competencias, menor el tiempo de reacción. Las percepciones de flexibilidad (r= -0,50; p< 0,01) y de resistencia aeróbica (r= -0,55; p< 0,001) estuvieron negativamente relacionadas con el tiempo de reacción. La práctica de actividad física se relacionó negativamente al tiempo de reacción (r= -0,48; p< 0,05) el tiempo semanal expuesto a actividades físicas genera mayores percepciones de competencia (r= 0,59; p< 0,01). Conclusión: la percepción de competencias físicas está relacionada con el tiempo de reacción de policías de unidades especiales. Mejores percepciones de competencia parece implicar la motivación del policía en realizar con compromiso sus tareas. Se observa que estas percepciones son componentes emocionales relacionados a un mejor procesamiento cognitivo, resultando en menor tiempo de respuesta(AU)

Introduction: evidences suggest that reaction time (RT) is a sensible variable in the performance and motivational predisposition assessment of police officers. Such motivational component may indicate the person's ability perception to respond to specific demands, and it may present better responses to situations which requires speed and choice reaction time. Objective: our study aimed to determine the relationship between reaction time performance and physical competence perception of police officers at special operation units. Methods: a total of 22 police officers from Santa Catarina State, all of them, members of Special Operation Coordination (COPE), average age 34.5 ± 9.1 years-old, were investigated. Reaction time was investigated by Vienna Test System Software. Strength, flexibility, and aerobic endurance questions were used to evaluate physical competence perception. Assessment Questionnaire of Physical Activity was carried out to evaluate Physical activity level. Data was analized by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: results indicated that physical competence perception is related to RT (r= -0.69; p< 0.001). As higher was perception, lower was RT. Flexibility (r= -0.50; p< 0.01) and aerobic endurance (r= -0.55; p< 0.001) perceptions were negatively related to RT. Physical activity practice was negatively related to RT (r= -0.48; p< 0.05) and weekly time exposed to physical activity leads to a higher perception of competence (r= 0.59; p< 0.01). Conclusion: physical competence perception is related to RT of Police Officers at Special Operation Units. A higher competence perception seems to influence police motivation and their performance. Perceptions are an emotional component and is related to a better cognitive processing, resulting in better RT(AU)