Showing 31 results for Mental
Solmaz Tabe Afshar, Sahar Toofan, Arash Saghafi Asl,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Undoubtfuly, people spend a significant portion of their time in workplaces. Many factors affect the health and well-being of employees. The present study aimed to identify the architectural problems of the environment by examining the symptoms of Sick Building Syndrome and ranking the parameters influenced by five physical factors (thermal comfort, noise, lighting, layout-ergonomics and decoration).
Methods: The present descriptive-analytical research was carried out in the summer of 2021. The statistical population included 52 employees of Urmia Engineering Organization Building which is based on Morgan's table and a sample size consisting 46 people was randomly selected. The required data were collected through a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation) and Friedman test.
Results: Considering the average ranks, symptoms of fatigue (4.47), muscle pain (5.47), headache (5.87), high stress (6.14) and poor concentration (7.45), along with some defined parameters for each of the factors, including overcrowding and lack of speech privacy (78.12%), the noise of people's conversation (62.93%), improper workplace temperature in winter (58.59%) and summer (49.91%), inappropriate placement of uses and allocation of inadequate space for people and equipment (49.91%) played the most significant role.
Conclusion: The results indicated that the inefficient design of the environment and non-observance of ergonomic principles as a result of unprincipled renovations regardless of the nature of the work and its requirements, inappropriate placement of uses, the non-standard distribution of employees in an inflexible environment, lack of speech privacy and crowding were identified as the most important causes of the symptoms.
Zahrasadat Javadi Hoseini, Hamidreza Mokhtarinia, Mohsen Vahedi,
Volume 10, Issue 2 (9-2022)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are multifactorial conditions that result in time loss, disability, and increased economical costs. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the role of the physical, environmental and psychosocial factors in the development of musculoskeletal disorders in workers in the production and assembly of auto parts in Qom city in 2021.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 211 participants through an inconvenience sampling method entered the study. The demographic characteristics of participants and the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by a self-report questionnaire and the Extended Nordic questionnaire, respectively. The mental workload was evaluated by the NASA-TLX index and the physical, environmental and psychosocial risk factors were evaluated by the Structured Multidisciplinary Work Evaluation Tool (SMET). The binary logistic regression method was used to show the role of the different risk factors in the development of MSDs.
Results: Participants had an average age of 33.9 years (SD = 6.9). The lifetime prevalence of MSDs was obtained at about 77.72% in at least one area of the body. The neck, back, and shoulder areas were the most common regions. Gender, smoking history, surgery history, age, past surgery history, and sports history were most effective in the development of MSDs. In addition, subscales of mental workload play a role in causing pain in the shoulders, upper back, back and knees. SMET subscales play an effective role in the neck (OR = 1.396), upper back (OR = 1.663), hip, and knee, wrist/hand, and ankle/foot pain.
Conclusion: According to the role of various factors in developing disorders, the physical, psychosocial, and environmental factors should be considered simultaneously in planning preventive programs and ergonomics interventions.
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.
Abbasali Jafari Nodoushan, Amirabbas Abouei Mehrizi, Fateme Sadat Mosavi Nodoushan,
Volume 10, Issue 4 (3-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: COVID-19 virus pandemic and quarantine implementation have different effects on students' psychological aspects and musculoskeletal disorders. This study aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 virus on musculoskeletal disorders and the mental health of Meybod University students.
Methods: For this purpose, a random sample of 350 students of Meybod University was selected in 2021. Data were collected based on three questionnaires Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, Mental Health, and Corona Disease Anxiety Scale. The Logistic regression and Chi-square test.
Results: The results showed that the anxiety caused by the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has a significant effect on students' mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused musculoskeletal disorders in most parts of the student body. The grade, exercise, daily sports, and the number of people infected with the virus are the variables that significantly affect organ disorders and the mental health of students in this condition.
Conclusion: Due to the importance of students' physical and mental health, it is necessary to plan students' classrooms properly. Also, with virus outbreaks and the need to comply with restrictions, planning for sports and simple stretching exercises can reduce disorders and increase students' vitality.
Mohsen Arefian, Fatemeh Raeesi, Mohammadjavad Hadianfard,
Volume 11, Issue 3 (12-2023)
Abstract
Objectives: Work-related musculoskeletal pains (WMSPs) are considered one of the major factors affecting the quantity and quality of work and threatening the physical and psychological health of employees. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and prediction of WMSPs based on body posture, work-related stress, mental health, and psychological flexibility among the employees of an industrial company in Shiraz.
Methods: To this end, among the employees of an industrial company in 2023, 147 people (51 women and 96 men) were selected and evaluated by 1. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, 2. Quick Exposure Check, 3. Effort-Reward Imbalance questionnaire, 4. General Health Questionnaire, and 5. Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 26) using regression analysis test.
Results: Descriptive findings demonstrated that the most common WMSPs in the sample group were back pain(76.19%), neck pain (69.38%), and lower back pain (56.46). Moreover, the mean hours of physical exercise per week were significantly associated with WMSPs (P<0.05). Based on the findings, body posture had the greatest ability to predict neck, shoulder, hand, and back pain (P<0.01). Furthermore, work-related stress, mental health, and psychological flexibility significantly predicted WMSPs (P<0.05).
Conclusion: As evidenced by the obtained results, body posture education may contribute greatly to the mitigation of WMSPs.Moreover, work-related stress management and the promotion of employees’ psychological flexibility will reduce WMSPs.
Zahra Rafat, Hamidreza Mokhtarinia, Mohsen Vahedi,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Changes in mental workload are related to performance and level of fatigue, stress, human error, and job dissatisfaction. Questionnaires are simple, accessible, and valid tools for the assessment of mental workload. Therefore, the present study aimed at translation, cultural adaptation, and evaluation of psychometric properties of the Carmen-Q mental workload questionnaire.
Methods: This study was conducted on 296 subjects (100 women and 196 men) with a mean age of 38.59±7.61 years, working in industrial and administrative sectors in several centers in Saveh. The process of translation and cultural adaptation was carried out in accordance with relevant guidelines and included the stages of forward and backward translation, synthesizing and preparing a final version, piloting, and then final approval of the Persian version. Psychometric properties, including face validity (simplicity and readability), content validity (through content validity index), convergent validity (through correlation with NASA-TLX questionnaire), and internal consistency (using Cronbach's alpha coefficient) were assessed.
Results: The translation, cultural adaptation, and face validity assessment were carried out according to related guidelines, and the text underwent some minor changes. The Content Validity Index values for each of the items and its total (0.914) were acceptable. Cronbach's alpha value was acceptable for all items (0.91) and each subscale (above 0.8). Pearson's correlation coefficient displayed a moderate to good relationship between Carmen-Q and NASA task load index.
Conclusion: The Persian version of the Carmen-Q questionnaire is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating mental workload in Iranian society.
Hanieh Abdi, Seyed Abolfazl Zakerian, Kamal Azam, Payam Khanlari Baniyarani,
Volume 11, Issue 4 (1-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Road accidents and related damages and casualties are among the most important concerns of today's societies. Mental workload is one of the main human factors that can cause other factors, such as stress and anger. The present study was conducted to investigate the mental workload and its effect on changing the components of drivers' moods.
Methods: A total of 88 tour taxi drivers from Qazvin City participated in this study to examine the desired components. The driving Activity Load Index was used to evaluate mental load and the Profile of Mood States questionnaire to measure drivers' mood components. Based on the designed scenario of driving on high-traffic roads, the desired variables were evaluated. To check the relationship between these variables, paired t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis were used in SPSS version 24 software.
Results: The mean scores of the drivers' work history and age were obtained at 46.60±10.12 and 13.47±9.39 years, respectively. The obtained findings showed that driving on high-traffic roads significantly increased the average mental workload of drivers (P<0.001). Growth in the drivers' mental workload led to a decrease in some mood components that had a positive effect, such as happiness (r=-0.143, P=0.157) and vitality (r=-0.646, P=0.050), while it resulted in a rise in the mood component of depression (r=0.020, P= 0.248).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that as driving continues, drivers experience a rise in mental workload. However, there was no correlation regarding the effect of this component on the mood components.
Mohammad Sadegh Sohrabi,
Volume 12, Issue 1 (4-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: In the last decade in Iran, the highest prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and discomfort among office workers has been reported in the neck, back, and shoulder areas. The present study aimed to assess the impact of ergonomic interventions in knowledge-based companies on musculoskeletal disorders, work-related stress, and quality of work life.
Methods: In this quasi-randomized controlled trial study, the participants, including 311 office workers, received ergonomic interventions at both individual and managerial levels.
Results: The implementation of individual ergonomic training interventions significantly reduced disorders in the neck, right and left shoulders, right forearm, and right wrist. Social support also demonstrated a significant increase in all three intervention groups. The interventions had a significant impact on the quality of working life. The changes in the mean quality of working life for the second and third groups in the first month of growth were significant and then continued similar to the trend of the control group.
Conclusion: The implementation of individual ergonomic training interventions significantly reduced musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, and upper limbs. Nonetheless, management training interventions did not affect the musculoskeletal disorders of employees. Furthermore, concurrent implementation of individual ergonomics and management interventions exerted a more pronounced effect on the reduction of disorders. The implementation of management educational interventions and combined interventions led to a marked increase in the level of control experienced by participants, while both types of social support interventions also increased. The implementation of a multi-component ergonomics intervention program was demonstrated to enhance the impact of interventions on employees' health and productivity.
Nilufar Davoodi, Arash Salahshouri, Marzieh Sadeghian,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: One of the occupations that is exposed to a lot of heat stress is taxi drivers. Due to their working conditions, these people spend a lot of time standing next to their cars in the sun to pick up passengers, and they are also exposed to heat stress throughout the entire driving journey. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention program on the cognitive performance of taxi drivers exposed to heat stress in a city in southern Iran.
Methods: The present study was a semi-experimental intervention that was conducted in three stages: initial assessment, training, and secondary assessment for 80 taxi drivers in two intervention and control groups. In the first stage, a general assessment of all drivers' knowledge and awareness of heat stress was performed, while cognitive parameters, including concentration skills and mental fatigue, were measured using a questionnaire. Then, training was given to the intervention group in both in-person and online formats. Two months after the start of training, cognitive parameters were measured for both intervention and control groups. Data analysis was also performed using SPSS software.
Results: The results after the intervention showed that the training significantly increased concentration skills and significantly reduced mental fatigue (P<0.001). Regarding concentration skills and mental fatigue, along with all subcategories of the two questionnaires, the results showed that there was no significant difference between these variables before the intervention between the two groups. However, the difference between the two groups was significant after the intervention (P<0.001).
Conclusion: Implementing an appropriate training program with follow-up over a period of two months to familiarize individuals with heat stress improved cognitive performance, and using follow-up training with a virtual structure improved the teaching and learning process and had an impact on individuals' performance.
Rohollah Fallah Madvari, Reyhane Sefidkar, Reza Raeisi,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (12-2024)
Abstract
Objectives: Mental workload and chronic fatigue in the workplace are challenges that affect employees' capabilities and health. The aim of this study is to examine the correlation between the subscales of mental workload and various physical and mental dimensions of chronic fatigue in small industries and related jobs.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on employees of small industries in Eghlid with a sample size of 247 participants. Data were collected using three questionnaires: demographic information, NASA-TLX, and Chalder fatigue scale. For data analysis, Spearman's correlation test and SPSS software were used.
Results: The results showed significant differences between marital status, age groups, and work experience across different occupations, while no significant differences were found based on education level. The highest mean score of the mental workload subscales was related to the physical demand subscale, while the lowest was related to the frustration subscale. Significant differences were observed in the scores of mental workload subscales across different job categories, but no significant differences were found in the scores of physical and mental fatigue dimensions across job types. All mental workload subscales, except for performance, had a direct correlation with physical and mental fatigue dimensions, while the performance subscale showed an inverse relationship.
Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasize the importance of a more precise understanding of the relationship between mental workload and fatigue in workplace environments and could contribute to improving working conditions and the quality of life for employees in small industries.
Shiva Mohammadjani Kumeleh, Mohammad Amin Rashidi, Azim Akbari,
Volume 12, Issue 4 (2-2025)
Abstract
Objectives: Administrative employees are often at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders due to prolonged computer use. Additionally, frequent interactions with clients expose them to a high mental workload and job stress. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders, mental workload, general health, and job stress among administrative employees to improve their working conditions.
Methods: The present work followed a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical method and was conducted on the administrative employees of an engineering company in 2021. Finally, 119 individuals participated in the study using the census method. Demographic information questionnaires, as well as Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA), Cornell, NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ), and Health and Safety Executive (HSE)-UK job stress checklists were used to collect data. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
Results: According to the posture assessment with the ROSA method, the average final ROSA score was 4.33±1.03. Examination of mental load with the NASA-TLX indicated that 78% had a high mental load. In addition, according to the GHQ questionnaire, the average final general health score was 24.4±11.73. Moreover, based on the HSE-UK occupational stress questionnaire, more than 80% (103 people) of employees were under severe stress, and 12% (15 people) were under critical stress. A significant relationship was observed between occupational stress, body mass index (BMI), and age (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The implementation of intervention and control measures to improve musculoskeletal disorders, workload, general health, and job stress seems to be essential.
