Design and validate visual fatigue questionnaire in video display terminals operator

Background: Along with the rapid growth of technology its related tools such as computer, monitors and video display terminals [VDTs] grow as well. Based on the studies, the most common complaint reported is of the VDT users

Methods: This study attempts to design a proper tool to assess the visual fatigue of the VDT users. First draft of the questionnaire was prepared after a thorough study on the books, papers and similar questionnaires. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using the content validity index [CVI] beside that of the Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha. Then, a cross-sectional study was carried out on 248 of the VDT users in different professions. A theoretical model with four categories of symptoms of visual fatigue was derived from the previous studies and questionnaires. Having used the AMOS16 software, the construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated using the confirmatory factor analysis. The correlation co-efficiency of the internal domains was calculated using the SPSS 11.5 software. To assess the quality check index and determining the visual fatigue levels, visual fatigue of the VDT users was measured by the questionnaire and visual fatigue meter [VFM] device. Cut-off points were identified by receiver operating characteristic curves

Results: CVI and reliability co efficiency were both equal to 0.75. Model fit indices including root mean of squared error approximation, goodness of fit index and adjusted goodness of fit index were obtained 0.026, 0.96 and 0.92 respectfully. The correlation between the results measured with the questionnaire and VFM-90.1 device was-0.87. Cut-off points of the questionnaire were 0.65, 2.36 and 3.88. The confirmed questionnaire consists of four main areas: Eye strain [4 questions], visual impairment [5 questions] and the surface impairment of the eye [3 questions] and the out of eye problems [3 questions]

Conclusions: The visual fatigue questionnaire contains 15 questions and has a very remarkable validity and reliability. Using this questionnaire and its findings, one will be able to identify, assess and finally prevent the effective factors of VDT users' visual fatigue

Validation of a questionnaire for heat strain evaluation in women workers

Physiological, anthropometrical and thermal perceptual are the most important factors affecting thermoregulation of men and women in workplaces. The purpose of this study was determining the validity of a questionnaire method for assessing women's heat strain in workplaces. This cross-sectional study was carried out on 96 healthy women. Data were continuously collected over a period of 3 months [July-September] in 2012. Mean +/- [SD] of age was found to be 31.5 +/- 7.48 years, of height 1.61 +/- 0.05 m, of weight 61.55 +/- 10.35 kg, and of body mass index 23.52 +/- 3.75 kg/m[2] in different workplaces. Heart rate and oral temperature were measured by heart rate monitoring and a medical digital thermometer, respectively. Subjects completed a draft questionnaire about the effective factors in the onset of heat strain. After collecting the questionnaires, the data were analyzed by applying Cronbach's a calculation, factor analysis method, Pearson correlation and receiver operator characteristic curves using the SPSS 18 software. The value for Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.68. The factor analysis method on items of draft questionnaire extracted three subscale [16 variables] which they explained 63.6% of the variance. According to the results of receiver operator characteristic curve analysis, the cut-off questionnaire score for separating people with heat strain from people with no heat strain was obtained to be 17. The results of this research indicated that this quantitative questionnaire has an acceptable reliability and validity, and a cut-off point. Therefore it could be used in the preliminary screening of heat strain in women in warm workplaces, when other heat stress evaluation methods are not available

Evaluation of the effect of noise on the rate of errors and speed of work by the ergonomic test of two-hand co-ordination

Among the most important and effective factors affecting the efficiency of the human workforce are accuracy, promptness, and ability. In the context of promoting levels and quality of productivity, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of exposure to noise on the rate of errors, speed of work, and capability in performing manual activities. This experimental study was conducted on 96 students [52 female and 44 male] of the Isfahan Medical Science University with the average and standard deviations of age, height, and weight of 22.81 [3.04] years, 171.67 [8.51] cm, and 65.05 [13.13] kg, respectively. Sampling was conducted with a randomized block design. Along with controlling for intervening factors, a combination of sound pressure levels [65 dB [A], 85 dB [A], and 95 dB [A]] and exposure times [0, 20, and 40] were used for evaluation of precision and speed of action of the participants, in the ergonomic test of two hand coordination. Data was analyzed by SPSS18 software using a descriptive and analytical statistical method by analysis of covariance [ANCOVA] repeated measures. The results of this study showed that increasing sound pressure level from 65 to 95 dB in network 'A' increased the speed of work [P < 0.05]. Increase in the exposure time [0 to 40 min of exposure] and gender showed no significant differences statistically in speed of work [P > 0.05]. Male participants got annoyed from the noise more than females. Also, increase in sound pressure level increased the rate of error [P < 0.05]. According to the results of this research, increasing the sound pressure level decreased efficiency and increased the errors and in exposure to sounds less than 85 dB in the beginning, the efficiency decreased initially and then increased in a mild slope

study on work ability index and physical work capacity on the base of fax equation vo[2] max in male nursing hospital staff in Isfahan, Iran

The purpose of this research is to establish the ability of employees by work ability index [WAI], physical work capacity [PWC], and finding the correlation between them. Establishing the PWC index with attention to WAI values for the purpose of saving in costs and time of PWC measurements is another aim of this project. The present research is an analytic cross-sectional and one-trail study. The study population consists of 228 randomly selected registered nurses from hospitals in Isfahan [Iran]. The WAI and PWC were established through WAI questionnaire and Fax equation and by using ergometer bicycle, respectively. The resulting data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. Average WAI and PWC among the study population were 38.25 +/- 4.4 and 4.45 +/- 0.7, respectively. Pearson test results showed no significant correlation between PWC and WAI in different age groups [r=0.3 and P>0.05]. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the variables of age and diagnosed diseases were the most effective factors of WAI [beta=0.18 and P>0.05]. Pearson test revealed a significant correlation between the number of diagnosed diseases and PWC index in age groups of 40-49 years. Average WAI in this research, like other studies on similar jobs is in the acceptable level of >36. Work ability index and PWC index in different age groups did not show a significant correlation and this suggests that there are essential discrepancies in work ability evaluations made by each index and it is not possible to predict PWC index using WAI values. Given the PWC results and the level of nursing staff's activity [low, medium] the WAI is a suitable instrument to establish the professionals' abilities. This study revealed that 27.6% of individuals were subject to medium-low work ability risk [WAI<37], which was 1.8 times that of Finland's professional health Institute, which could be caused by shift working and increased working hours

Evaluation of work-related psychosocial and ergonomics factors in relation to low back discomfort in emergency unit nurses

High prevalence of low back pain is one of the most common problems among nurses. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relation of the intensity of low back discomfort to two low back pain contributor factors [Ergonomics risk factors and psychosocial factors]. This cross-sectional survey was conducted on 120 emergency unit nurses in Esfahan. Job content, ergonomics hazards and nordic questionnaire were used in that order for daily assessment of Psychosocial and Ergonomics factors and the intensity of low back discomfort. Nurses were questioned during a 5-week period, at the end of each shift work. The final results were analyzed with SPSS software18/PASW by using Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Kolmogorov-Smirnove test. There was a significant relationship between work demand, job content, social support and intensity of low back discomfort [P value <0.05]. But, there was not any link between intensity of low back discomfort and job control. Also, there was significant relationship between intensity of low back discomfort and ergonomics risk factors. This study showed an indirect relationship between the intensity of low back discomfort and social support. This study also confirmed a direct relationship between the intensity of low back discomfort and work demand, job content, ergonomics factors [Awkward Postures [rotating and bending], manual patient handling and repetitiveness, standing continuously more than 30 min]. So, to decrease work related low back discomfort, psychosocial factors should be attended in addition to ergonomics factors

Risk management in radiology units of Isfahan university of medical sciences hospitals

Occupational risks and incidents at work have led to many unpleasant consequences during the last decades so that each year the 28[th] April is dedicated to [Workers Memorial Day] to commemorate workers who lost their lives in occupational incidents. Safety of personnel and their work environment have a great importance all over the world. Consideration required in medical and health units and also in hospitals, is an important administrative task. Most of the mangers in developed countries, assume safety as an investment with a great return profit. Safety in hospital radiology units is very crucial. In these units, there is a risk of potential radiation to the patients, companions, personnel, etc. The current study aimed to assess risks and identification of hazardous areas in order to increase the awareness of hospital managers and providing them with correct measures to improve safety in such. This was a descriptive-cross sectional, applied study. In this study, all private and hospitals radiology units were included. Using standard safety checklist, needed information was collected via interviews and observations and then, following data collection; we evaluated the risks through Melbourne University's 3D Model. SPSS was applied for data analysis. The results showed observing safety principles in connection with using personal protection equipment was 2.53 out of 5[51%], safety laws and guidelines is 3.03 from 5 scores and 60%, physical safety and environment equipments is 3.6 from 5 score, 72%, fire safety equipment and electricity safety is 2.9 from 5 score, 58%, public safety public is 3.05 from 5 score and 61%. Also it is determined that. Generally from the 5 areas studied, the greatest score and percentage[3.6 from 5 score and 72%] related to physical safety and environment equipments. The lowest score and percentage however [2.53 from 5 score and 51%] pertained to personal protection equipments