Showing 27 results for Occupational
Fatemeh Zameni, Ahmad Soltanzadeh, Parvin Nasiri,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (9-2018)
Abstract
Introduction: In the modern industrial world, the health of the employees in different Occupations can be influenced by the interaction of various risk factors. So, the purpose of present study was to assess and analyze the relationship between the factors including shift work, job stress, job satisfaction and health in a petrochemical industry.
Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted using analytical and cross-sectional method. The statistical population was all employees of a petrochemical company (4000 people). Using the Cochran formula, a sample of 360 individuals were selected using simple random sampling method. Data was collected using a high reliability integrated questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). Data was analyzed using SPSS22.0.
Results: The analytical results of relationship between shift work, occupational stress, occupational satisfaction and health showed that all hypotheses in the conceptual model were approved and there was a significant relationship between these factors (P<0.001). Also, the results showed that, in addition to the direct effect of shift work on health, due to the effect on occupational stress and occupational satisfaction, it was indirectly related to health (P <0.001).
Conclusion: The findings indicated that shift work as a direct factor and as a mediator and indirect factor through impact on factors such as occupational satisfaction and stress can affect the health of employees. Therefore, considering this organizational phenomenon and its redesign or its change can play an important role in increasing the level of occupational health and motivation as well as organizational productivity.
Afshin Marzban, Abdollah Hayati,
Volume 6, Issue 3 (10-2018)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Fruit harvesting operation, one of the most important operations related to date palm production, is performed manually. Manual date palm harvest suffers from frequent occupational risk factors due to excessive need of physical work resulting in work related illness and productivity reduction.
Methods: Present study was undertaken with recruiting twenty three harvest workers to evaluate and compare upper-trunk (consisting of work tasks: climbing, cutting the bunch, and descending) and bottom-trunk operations regarding physiological (heart rate and heart rate ratio) and physical (body pain) strains to identify onerous critical operations to address with simple and inexpensive interventions by future attempts.
Results: Upper trunk operation posed a more physiological strain as heart rate (29.4%) and heart rate ratio (177.8%) higher than bottom trunk operation. Body pain was self-reported by the upper trunk workers in low back and sole, and by lower trunk workers in low back.
Conclusion: The upper trunk operation was the onerous critical operation in manual date palm harvest, and climbing was the most critical work task in upper trunk operation. Climbing causes the highest physiological strain because workers moved in converse of gravity force, whereas descending led to lowest one because of moving in the similar direction with gravity.
Iraj Alimohammad, Reza Pourbabaki, Kazem Rahmani, Mehrdad Souri, Fakhradin Ahmadi Kanrash,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Studies have shown the effect of smoking on mental and cognitive performance of the individuals who need to concentrate on their work. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of smoking on cognitive performance of the automotive industry workers.
Methods: In this case-control study conducted in 2018, 280 automotive industry workers were selected through the simple random sampling and then assigned to two groups of smokers (100 cases) and non-smokers (180 controls). All the subjects were selected from the environments with the sound levels of 82 to 88 dB. The workers’ cognitive performance was also tested using the CPT, Stroop and Tower of London tests.
Results: The mean age of the case group was 36/02 (3/7) and that of the control group was 36/25 (3/65) years. The results showed that the scores of the TOL test in the case group (smokers) were lower than those of the non-smokers (OR=0/903, P<0.01), and other items of the TOL test had no significant relationship with the individuals’ smoking status (P>0/05). The Stroop and continuous performance tests also had a significant relationship with the individuals’ smoking status in terms of the number of correct responses and the response time as well as interference (P<0.01). Other items had no relationship with the individuals’ smoking status (P>0/05).
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the use of cigarettes and nicotine substances significantly decreased the workers’ mental and intellectual performance, and smokers were more likely to suffer from concentration interference, low brain processing speed in decision-making, and low precision at work, compared to non-smokers.
Fakhradin Ahmadi Kanrash, Iraj Alimohammad, Jamileh Abolaghasemi, Kazem Rahmani,
Volume 7, Issue 1 (5-2019)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Noise pollution is one of the most harmful physical factors in working environments in developed and developing countries, which has significant impacts on the workers’ quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate mental and physiological effects of chronic exposure to noise.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study carried out randomly in 2018 on 250 workers in the automotive Industry. To measure the subjects’ aggression and annoyance levels, the Buss and Perry’s Aggression Questionnaire was used as well as an annoyance questionnaire. In this study, blood pressure measurement was also done using ALPK2 mercuric pressure gauge.
Results: The results showed that there was a significant difference in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and noise annoyance in the groups with a lower-than-85 and higher-than-85 dB sound pressure levels (P<0.001). Besides, the results of multivariate regression showed that the annoyance level and sound pressure level had a significant relationship with the workers’ blood pressure (P<0.01). Also, there was a significant correlation between aggression components and sound pressure level (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The results of this study clearly showed that chronic exposure to noise in work environments was associated with psychological and physiological changes, such as increased blood pressure and aggression levels. Hence, implementation of preventive programs can help reduce the incidence of the psychological and physiological disorders.
Amin Amiri Ebrahimabadi, Ahmad Soltanzadeh, Samira Ghiyasi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Aim: Occupational accidents are recognized as one of the major concerns in the mining industry. The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of occupational accidents in a mine for 10 years using Human Factor Analysis and Classification System (HFACS).
Method: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 664 mining accidents during 2009-2018. The tools used in this study included accident reporting checklists, human factors analysis and classification system (HFACS), and a team approach to analyze these accidents. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS AMOS v. 23.0.
Results: The accident frequency rate (AFR) was 15.10±3.34. The results of 10-years accident analysis in this mine based on HFACS model showed that the highest contribution of each parameter to the four layers including unsafe acts, preconditions for unsafe acts, unsafe supervision and organizational influences were respectively devoted to perceptual error (64.4%), Physical environment (29.5%), inadequate supervision (59.6%), and organizational process (65.6%). The results of structural equation modeling showed that the AFR is directly and indirectly affected by the layers of the HFACS model (P<0.05). The most significant impact on the AFR was related to the unsafe acts layer.
Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that all four causal layers of human factors were effective in mine accidents, in addition the HFACS model is highly effective for unsafe acts-based accidents analysis, so it can be used for future planning to reduce accidents in the mining sector.
Shiva Sakhaie, Mohamad Asgari, Ahmad Borjali, Amirhosein Mahmoodi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2020)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Job stress is among the factors that affect job performance. The present study aimed at the developing and studying the effectiveness of an educational package to cope with the occupational stress of the flight crew.
Methods: The research method is mixed (qualitative & quantitative). The statistical population in the qualitative section consists of elites and informants in the field of coping strategies for the flight crew’s stress and seven people were selected by targeted sampling method. In the quantitative method, the statistical population included Mahan flight crew and forty people were selected through convenient sampling and they were randomly assigned into two experimental and control groups. The quasi-experimental method with an unbalanced control group was used. The Vandroff’s Job Stress Questionnaire was used for measuring the dependent variable. The data were analyzed by Multivariable Variance method and Independent t-test for differential scoring using SPSS 25 software.
Results: The results indicated that the educational package of coping with occupational stress led to the reduction of stress in the flight crew. The analysis of each occupational stress components showed that the training for coping with the occupational stress is effective for, Decision-making Power, job & time strain, role ambiguity, value deficiency, as well as social support from the manager and colleagues.
Conclusion: Thus, according to the effectiveness of the educational package for coping with occupational stress, it is recommended that this package be used in other airline companies and also by the psychologists and consultants who utilize occupational therapy for the occupational stress of the flight crew.
Mostafa Rahmiani-Iranshahi, Mohsen Aliabadi, R Rostam Golmohamadi, Alireza Soltanian, Mohammad Babamiri,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (4-2021)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Noise is known as an intruder in job environments and has non-hearing effects. The impact of noise on cognitive functions depends on the type of noise and the dose of noise exposure. This study aims to investigate the effect of noise exposure on cognitive functions and sleep quality.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 169 workers in three metal, chemical, and food industries in Hamedan in 1399. A continuous performance test was used to evaluate cognitive functions. The Petersburg questionnaire assessed participant's sleep quality. Using SVAN 971 analyzer and TES dosimeter, the level of noise exposure and the dominant frequency was measured. Data were also analyzed using linear and multiple regression in SPSS software (version 16).
Results: There is a significant difference in the level of noise exposure with changes in cognitive functions and sleep quality in the present study (P<0.001). The results of linear regression showed that there is a significant relationship between cognitive function and the level of exposure to sound (P<0.001). After identifying and determining the input variables, using multiple regression, an appropriate model was developed to predict sleep quality and sustained attention in the face of noise.
Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, predictive models with the appropriate coefficient of determination can be good models for assessing the quality of sleep and attention of people in the face of noise, which can be implemented and measured in a shorter time.
Rashid Heidarimoghadam, Alireza Mortezapour, Khadijeh Najafighobadi, Hamid Saeednia, Saeedeh Mosaferchi,
Volume 10, Issue 3 (12-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: The importance of surgery and its high workload are not hidden from anyone. So far, various studies have been conducted with the NASA-TLX instrument and other commonly used instruments to measure surgeons’ workload. The present study seeks to investigate the relationship between the mental workload of surgeons and their productivity through the validation of specialized tools for this job in Iranian culture.
Methods: After checking the validity and reliability of "SURG-TLX" and productivity tools, they were utilized among 60 surgeons to investigate the relationship between their workload and productivity (WHO-HPQ tool). Content validity indices, Cronbach's alpha coefficient and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to analyse the results.
Results: Both tools had good validity and reliability in Iranian culture. The results of the relationship between mental workload subscales with different dimensions of productivity showed that some dimensions of mental workload including mental needs (correlation coefficient -0.65 and significance level 0.02), physical needs (correlation coefficient -0.54 and significance level 0.04) and time requirements (correlation coefficient -0.44 and significance level 0.02) had a reverse and significant relationship with the overall productivity score. Despite the reverse relationship between the other dimensions of mental workload and the overall productivity score in surgeons, this relationship was not statistically significant. The results indicated a reverse and significant relationship between some of the mental workload and some of the productivity subscales.
Conclusion: In addition to the possibility of using these tools in the future studies in Iran, due to the direct relationship between workload and productivity in surgeons, measures can be taken to maintain the workload at a standard level and prevent the reduction of their productivity.
Nadere Seyedahmadi, Alireza Heidari, Parviz Askari,
Volume 11, Issue 1 (5-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: The present study aimed to assess the effect of stress inoculation treatment (SIT) on occupational stress, COVID anxiety, resilience, and sleep quality of healthcare workers.
Methods: The current study was conducted based on a pre-test-post-test design with the control group. The research community consisted of healthcare workers in Ahvaz, and the research participants included 40 cases who were selected by purposeful sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research instruments were the COVID-19 anxiety scale, resilience scale, sleep quality scale, and job stress scale. The data were analyzed in SPSS software using univariate and multivariate covariance analysis.
Results: The results of the present study demonstrated F ratios of univariate analysis of covariance for sleep quality (F=304.08 and P<0.001), COVID anxiety (F=212.99 and P<0.001), resilience (F=152.37 and P<0.001) and job stress (F=124.59 and P<0.001).
Conclusion: Due to the effectiveness of stress inoculation training on the studied variables, this training seems necessary for the health and treatment staff.
Mohammad Babamiri, Ramin Rahmani, Rashid Heydari Moghadam, Mehraneh Shabani,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: In work environments, job stress is the main factor that can make employees lose control and provide the opportunity for the occurrence of aggression in employees. Therefore, this study investigated the role of the effort-reward imbalance model in the occurrence of bullying in the workplace.
Methods: This study was descriptive-analytical in nature. The research population consisted of employees of one of the petrochemical plants located in the south of the country. The samples (n=202) were selected using the census sampling method. In this research, two self-report questionnaires, namely the Effort-Reward Imbalance Scale and the Questionnaire of bullying actions, were used to measure the variables. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 18 software using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression.
Results: The mean scores of the participants’ age and work experience in this study were 40.13±9.32 and 15.9±9.50 years, respectively. Among the participants, 72.8% were female and 86.1% were married. In terms of educational status, 10.9% had an associate's degree, 81.2% had a bachelor's degree, and the rest had a master's degree or higher. About three-quarters of the participants were public service employees, and the rest were working on a contract basis. Based on the results of the multivariate regression model, among the variables investigated in this study, effort-reward imbalance and extreme commitment were able to significantly predict the changes in the bullying score (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Employees who feel imbalanced between inputs and outputs in the job, as well as those who have the characteristic of excessive responsibility, are more likely to display negative behaviors in the form of bullying in the workplace.
Ali Salmaninejaad, Maryam Hasani, Sahar Rezaian,
Volume 11, Issue 2 (9-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Psychological load, such as workload, not only disrupts work performance but can also directly affect employee safety leadin to accidents. However, despite this issue, not much effort has been made to develop an assessment tool to measure the psychological burden related to the occupational safety and health of employees. Therefore, the present study was designed to validate the psychological burden scale of workers by Kim et al. (2018) from the perspective of occupational health and safety.
Methods: The statistical population of the research consisted of all the workers employed in the Eastern Alborz Company of Shahroud city, and 349 workers participated in the research using a simple random sampling method. In the present study, the mental load scale by Kim et al. (2018), the Copenhagen psychosocial scale (COPSOQ), and the occupational stress scale (HSE) were used. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation coefficient tests and confirmatory factor analysis using SPSS version 22 statistical software and Lisrel version 8.5.
Results: The results showed that all the components of workers' psychological burden including the overall score and the psychosocial scale and occupational stress scale have a positive and significant relationship. The results of the confirmatory factor analysis also indicated a good fit of the model in determining the factors in the initial form as proposed by Kim et al. (2018). To determine the reliability of the scale, the value of Pearson's correlation coefficient was obtained at 0.82 in the test and retest phases. Additionally, the results of this study showed that 26.1 percent of workers experienced low psychological burden, 49.6 percent experienced moderate psychological burden, and 24.4 percent experienced severe psychological burden.
Conclusion: Based on the results of the current research, the workers' mental burden scale (Kim et al., 2018) is a valid and reliable tool that can be used to evaluate the psychological burden of workers in research and intervention studies.
Moein Darestani, Leili Tapak, Mostafa Mirzaie Aliabadi, Neda Mahdavi,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Today we are witnessing tremendous growth in construction and the use of heavy machinery. As a significant portion of human errors is attributed to cognitive failures, there is a need for robust tools to assess these cognitive failures. Therefore, the primary goal of this study was to investigate the psychometrics of the current Occupational Cognitive Failures Questionnaire for Heavy Machinery Operators in Road and Urban Construction.
Methods: A total of 84 drivers of road and urban construction machinery were selected by simple random sampling method. Initially, job-related items for these people were selected for inclusion in the questionnaire, irrelevant items were removed, and proposed items were added. To assess structural validity, the tool was administered to 10 experts. Then, content validity ratios (CVR) and content validity indices (CVI) were determined for each of the items and evaluated using confirmatory factor analysis conducted in AMOS software (version 23). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to measure reliability. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 20).
Results: The final questionnaire comprised 16 items, with CVR and CVI leading to their inclusion in the final structure. The CVR of the questionnaire was 0.90. Additionally, the indices of the fitted model included CMIN/DF, TLI, CFI, IFI, GFI, AGFI, and RMSE, which were obtained at 1.16, 0.851, 0.88, 0.898, 0.86, 0.802, and 0.044, respectively. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated at 0.633.
Conclusion: The psychometrics of the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire demonstrated suitable validity and reliability for heavy machinery operators in road and urban construction. It can be effectively used for ergonomic evaluations.
Rasoul Hemmatjo, Abolfazl Ghahramani, Mansour Mahmood Aghbash,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Numerous factors such as job types and conditions, work organizations, and individual characteristics affect work ability of the workers. Furthermore, occupational stress is not solely influenced by individual characteristics; a stressful work environment is also a significant source of stress. Noise has been recognized as one of the major occupational hazards that adversely affects work condition in many industries. In the present study, the association of noise exposure with occupational stress and work ability of the workers in a food processing plant was investigated.
Methods: This descriptive-analytic study was performed on 142 workers of a food processing plant in various work groups. The OSIPOW questionnaire results were utilized to measure occupational stress and the work ability of the workers was determined by Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire. Noise exposure of the workers was calculated as a measure of 8-hour time weighted average. The association between noise exposure and work ability was analyzed using Pearson and Spearman correlation tests. Multiple regression test was utilized to analyze the simultaneous effect of variables. Moreover, one-way analysis of variance (one-way ANOVA) was used to analyze the mean difference of independent variables.
Results: The findings demonstrated a significant positive association between noise exposure and stress level across various work groups (P<0.001). Furthermore, a significant negative relationship can be found between noise exposure and work ability of the workers (P<0.001). A simultaneous analysis of variables influencing occupational stress and WAI showed that noise had the most effect. Although occupational stress levels were not significantly different across working groups, mean difference of WAI was significant.
Conclusion: Based on the obtained findings, higher levels of noise exposure may contribute to increased occupational stress and decreased work ability among workers.
Nabi Omidi, Maryam Shokri, Hadi Meftahi, Mohammadreza Omidi, Farshid Modiri,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Hidden withdrawal profiles, as subtle behavioral patterns in the workplace, can significantly influence key indicators of human resource performance. This study aimed to analyze the impact of these profiles on "turnover intention", "career intentions", and "job performance" among employees of Bustan Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran.
Methods: This applied, descriptive-survey research included 240 hospital staff members. Using Cochran's formula, 146 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Data were collected using standardized and validated instruments in the field of organizational behavior. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and SmartPLS software; moreover, measurement validity and reliability were confirmed through KMO, Bartlett, AVE, CR, and Rho-A indices.
Results: Path analysis results indicated a significant positive relationship between hidden withdrawal profiles and turnover intention (β=0.636, t=13.297); however, there were significant negative effects on career intentions (β=-0.482, t=9.519) and job performance (β=-0.803, t=21.079). All t-values exceeded 1.96, and P-values were below 0.001.
Conclusion: Hidden withdrawal behaviors play a critical role in reducing performance and increasing turnover tendencies. The findings highlight the need for early identification of such behavioral patterns and the implementation of psychological and managerial interventions to enhance motivation and employee retention.
Mohsen Aliabadi, Ramin Rahmani, Maryam Farhadian, Seyed Ghavameddin Attari, Hadi Aeini,
Volume 13, Issue 2 (8-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: In the furniture industry, workers operating woodworking machinery are exposed to hand-arm vibration. The present study aims to assess the occupational exposure levels and associated health effects of vibration transmitted to the hand during the operation of vibrating equipment in furniture carpentry workshops.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 59 carpenters (case group) and 39 painters (control group) in Malayer city, Iran. Hand-arm vibration exposure was measured in accordance with ISO 5349. Symptoms related to hand-arm vibration were assessed via questionnaire. Vascular disorders were evaluated through the hand temperature recovery test, according to ISO 14835. Sensory function was examined using the monofilament test kit, and grip strength of the hand and fingers, as well as hand dexterity, were measured for both groups. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26).
Results: Based on the findings of the present research, the 8-hour equivalent acceleration of hand-arm vibration among carpentry workers was 2.74 ± 0.85 m/s². The most frequently reported symptoms among carpenters were hand pain, tingling, and finger pruritus, while Raynaud’s phenomenon (finger blanching) was the least frequently reported. Grip strength, finger strength, hand dexterity, and motor skills were significantly lower in the exposed group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Around 10 percent of carpenters exhibited reduced superficial tactile sensitivity. However, no significant difference was observed between the exposed and control groups in terms of vascular impairments.
Conclusion: Chronic exposure to hand-arm vibration in furniture carpentry workshops, even at levels below the permissible limit, can lead to a range of sensory-neurological, vascular, and musculoskeletal symptoms in the hand and arm region, and can adversely affect motor function in these workers.
Samin Asghari Eskoui, Mahmood Reza Azghani, Sadra Jalali,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly foot problems, are among the leading causes of reduced quality of life and work productivity. Evidence suggests that occupational conditions and daily activities play a crucial role in the development of foot pain. This study aimed to examine the relationship between occupational status, severity of foot pain, and functional impairment in various occupational groups using the Foot Function Index (FFI).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 2,848 participants from East Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Based on occupational status, participants were categorized as employees, self-employed, housewives (only women), and students. Data were collected using the FFI questionnaire. The data's normality was tested using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Shapiro–Wilk tests. Since the distribution was non-normal, inter-group comparisons were performed using the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test, followed by pairwise comparisons with the Mann–Whitney U test and the Bonferroni correction, as necessary.
Results: The results revealed that students, both men and women, reported the highest levels of foot functional problems, while employees and self-employed individuals had lower FFI scores. Among women, housewives reported fewer problems than students. Statistical analyses confirmed significant differences among the occupational groups (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that occupational status is directly associated with foot pain and functional impairment. The results highlight that students, as a high-risk group, require special attention in preventive programs and orthopedic and ergonomic interventions. Identifying the impact of occupational factors on foot health can provide a basis for designing strategies to improve occupational health and reduce the burden of MSDs.
Roholah Hosseini , Soheila Azami,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: The UK Health and Safety Institute believes that the factors that cause occupational stress can be examined through a set of management standards, such as demand, change, support from officials, support from colleagues, communication, control, and role domains. The current study aimed to investigate the seven domains that cause occupational stress and their relationship with the occupational performance of Health Deputy Staff of Medical Sciences in Saveh, Iran, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This was an applied and cross-sectional study. The census method was used in the present study. The study sample consisted of 316 individuals selected from the Health Deputy staff of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran, in 2022. To investigate the management of occupational stress and the staff performance, the standard questionnaires for occupational stress assessment (HSE) and the Patterson performance assessment were used. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 26).
Results: The results of this study showed that with the increase in the total score of occupational stress as well as the domains of role, demand and changes, the total score of staff's occupational performance increased significantly (P < 0.001), while this relationship for the variables of the communication domain (P = 0.06), the support of officials (P = 0.82), the support of colleagues (P = 0.28) and control (P = 0.18) were not significant. After adjusting for the confounding effects of seven domains on job performance, the role variable had the most significant impact on changes in staff's performance scores (P < 0.001).
Conclusion: The demand domain score suggests that high work pressure and longer working hours significantly impact staff stress. Therefore, it is recommended that the workload and schedule be adjusted to the capacity, working conditions, and staff's abilities through an organizational planning review.
Farzin Emamifar, Simindokht Kalani,
Volume 13, Issue 4 (1-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace environments has transformed job structures, automated tasks, and altered employees' work experiences. This study aimed to examine the relationship between employees' attitudes toward AI and occupational depression, with the mediating roles of perceived job insecurity and perceived job fit.
Methods: In this descriptive–correlational study, 261 employees of the Telecommunication Company of Kerman Province, Iran, were selected using convenience sampling and completed the Schepman & Rodwav (2020) Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Scale, Nassasira (2020) Job Insecurity Questionnaire, Shafi Abadi and Rezaei (1997) Occupational Self-Concept Questionnaire, and Bianchi and Schonfeld (2020) Occupational Depression Inventory. The conceptual model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling.
Results: Positive attitudes toward AI were associated with a significant reduction in occupational depression (b = -0.12, P = 0.038), decreased job insecurity (b = -0.501, P < 0.001), and increased job fit (b = 0.471, P < 0.001). Job insecurity showed a positive relationship with occupational depression (b = 0.417, P < 0.001), whereas job fit showed a negative relationship (b = -0.243, P < 0.001). Job insecurity (b = -0.209, P < 0.001) and job fit (b = -0.114, P = 0.002) mediated the relationship between attitudes toward AI and occupational depression.
Conclusion: A positive attitude toward AI reduces occupational depression by decreasing job insecurity and increasing job fit. These findings highlight the importance of fostering positive attitudes toward AI through training, role redesign, and transparent communication within organizations to strengthen employees' psychological security and perceived job fit.
Abbas Mohammadi, Leila Aghaei, Marzieh Sadeghian, Mohammad Sadegh Loeloe,
Volume 14, Issue 1 (3-2026)
Abstract
Objectives: Office staff in health networks are exposed to adverse psychosocial factors and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) associated with improper working posture, which may reduce productivity. The present study aimed to examine the relationships between psychosocial factors and WMSDs with productivity among administrative staff of a health network and to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational–ergonomic intervention on these outcomes.
Methods: This quasi-experimental pretest–posttest study was conducted among 150 employees of the Behbahan health network in Iran. Data were collected using the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III), the Hersey and Goldsmith ACHIEVE productivity questionnaire, and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Working posture was assessed using the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) checklist in a random subsample (n=15). A three-month educational–ergonomic intervention was delivered in small groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS (version 26), and statistical significance was set at 0.05.
Results: Overall psychosocial score was positively correlated with total productivity (r=0.633, p<0.01). The WMSDs demonstrated significant negative correlations with selected productivity dimensions (p<0.05). After the intervention, psychosocial dimensions and overall productivity improved significantly (p<0.001), with a marked increase in total productivity (2.82 to 4.03; Cohen’s d=1.51). The WMSDs decreased significantly (5.36 to 4.24; p<0.001). Moreover, no significant change was observed in the ROSA score (p=0.640).
Conclusion: The educational–ergonomic intervention improved workplace psychosocial conditions and reduced musculoskeletal complaints, thereby increasing productivity among administrative staff in the health network. In addition, it is recommended to conduct controlled studies.
Payam Khanlari, Leila Soliemani, Armita Pak, Elahe Amouzadeh, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian,
Volume 14, Issue 2 (6-2026)
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Occupational anxiety is a critical psychological issue in the workplace, negatively impacting employee mental health, job satisfaction, and productivity. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Occupational Anxiety Inventory among Iranian workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional validation study was conducted. The questionnaire was translated into Persian using the forward-backward procedure. Data were collected via online surveys using convenience sampling. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and Composite Reliability (CR). Construct validity was examined through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA), and convergent validity was evaluated using the Average Variance Extracted (AVE). Criterion validity was assessed by examining correlations between occupational anxiety and general anxiety, work-related outcomes, and demographic variables.
Results: The Persian version of the Occupational Anxiety showed excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.95. The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin index was 0.941, and Bartlett’s test was significant, supporting factor analysis. Exploratory factor analysis indicated acceptable factor loadings, and confirmatory factor analysis showed standardized loadings ranging from 0.688 to 0.878. The AVE was 0.66 and CR was 0.951, indicating good convergent validity and reliability. Occupational anxiety was positively correlated with general anxiety (r=0.693) , impaired functioning due to anxiety, sick leave, intention to quit, and history of anxiety and depression. Negative correlations were found with job satisfaction, pay satisfaction, benefits satisfaction, promotion satisfaction, job security, supervisor support, and coworker support.
Conclusion: The Persian version of the Occupational Anxiety Inventory has very favorable psychometric properties. This instrument has the necessary validity and reliability to measure occupational anxiety in the Iranian employee population and is recommended to researchers and occupational health professionals for screening, identifying anxiety dimensions, and developing preventive interventions.
