Health Literacy, Health Behavior and States of Health among Trainee Personnel in Northern Germany.

(1) Background: The start of vocational education is a challenge for many people whose careers are just beginning. The working conditions exact new physical and mental tolls that can have an impact on their state of health and health behavior. Well-developed health literacy helps to encourage greater self-responsibility with respect to health and safety in the workplace. This study aimed to contribute to the evolution of health-related interventions in vocational training and instruction. (2) Methodology: This cross-sectional study examined health literacy, health behavior, and states of health among trainees engaged in work-and-study vocational training in 11 professions at the start of their education courses in northern Germany. The data were collected using a paper and pencil format. (3) Results: The survey was approved by 47 vocational schools (response rate 14%), with 1797 trainees returning their questionnaires (response rate 36%). The average age of the overall cohort was 21, and 70% of the trainees were female. A total of 47% of the participants began their careers with sufficient health literacy; health literacy was problematic in 40% of cases, and inadequate in 13% of cases. Around 50% of trainees exhibited poor dietary regime and risky alcohol intake, while 58% reported having a medical condition that had been previously formally diagnosed. (4) Conclusion: There is a need to provide support for developing a healthier approach to work at the start of vocational training.

Prevalence and Consequences of Aggression and Violence towards Nursing and Care Staff in Germany-A Survey.

Acts of aggression by patients or clients are a part of the average working day for many Health care employees. The objective of the survey was to study the frequency and nature of violence and the handling of aggressive behavior by facility management. The cross-sectional study was conducted in 2017, 81 different healthcare facilities and 1984 employees participated. The questionnaire encompassed socio-demographic details, the frequency of physical violence and verbal abuse, consequences of violence and the stress of employees. In the previous twelve months, 94.1% of the employees in the survey had experienced verbal abuse and 69.8% had experienced physical aggression. Acts of aggression were most commonly encountered in hospitals and residential facilities for the disabled. One third of the employees felt under high levels of stress as a result of the incidents. If the workplace prepares effectively, however, this reduces the perceived stress odds ratio (OR) 0.6, 95% CI 0.4⁻0.8). Violence and aggression are very common. Healthcare facilities are increasingly dealing with this topic. Awareness raising is likely to lead to higher incident reporting rates. Good preparation and an open approach to the topic in the facilities have a positive effect on the feeling of stress and work ability.