Associations Between Being ‘Locked-In’ and Health – An Epidemiological Study

Objective. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between an individual’s level of perceived control over labor market position (locked-in and not locked-in) and self-rated health and psychological well-being.Methods. A representative sample (n = 11,675) of the working population in southern Sweden responded to a questionnaire.Results. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents worked in their preferred workplace and occupation. Nineteen percent reported being in a nonpreferred workplace and nonpreferred occupation (double locked-in). Twenty-three percent reported suboptimal health compared with 31% among the double locked-in. The risk of suboptimal health was elevated in all locked-in groups also after adjustment for background variables and job strain. In the double locked-in group, the fully adjusted odds ratio for suboptimal health was 1.72 (95% confidence interval 1.49–1.99) and for suboptimal psychological well-being 2.17 (95% confidence inter val 1.84–2.56). Odds ratio for the other locked-in groups was lower but still statistically significant.Conclusions. Being at a nonpreferred work-place or occupation was associated with impaired health

Cardiovascular risk factors in Assyrians/Syrians and native Swedes with type 2 diabetes: a population-based epidemiological study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>A large number of people throughout the world have diabetes and the prevalence is increasing. Persons with diabetes have a twice higher risk of cardiovascular disease than those without diabetes. There is a lack of studies focusing on cardiovascular risk factors in Assyrians/Syrians with type 2 diabetes. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors among Assyrians/Syrians and native Swedes with type 2 diabetes and to study whether the association between ethnicity and cardio-vascular risk factors remains after adjustment for age, gender, employment status and housing tenure.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>In the Swedish town of Södertälje 173 Assyrians/Syrians and 181 ethnic Swedes with type 2 diabetes participated in a study evaluating cardiovascular risk factors such as increased haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), high blood lipids (total serum cholesterol and triglycerides), hypertension and high urinary albumin. The associations between the outcome variables and sociodemographic characteristics were estimated using unconditional logistic regression.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The prevalence of increased triglycerides in Swedish-born subjects and Assyrian-Syrians was 61.5% and 39.7% respectively. Swedes had a prevalence of hypertension 76.8% compared to 57.8% in Assyrians/Syrians. In the final logistic models adjusted for gender, age, housing and employment the odds ratio (OR) for Swedish-born subjects for increased triglycerides was 2.80 (95% CI1.61-4.87) and for hypertension 2.32 (95% CI 1.35-4.00) compared to Assyrians-Syrians.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Ethnic Swedes had higher prevalence of increased triglycerides and hypertension than Assyrians/Syrians. Total cholesterol, HbA1c and urinary albumin did not differ between the two ethnic groups.</p

Sickness presenteeism determines job satisfaction via affective-motivational states

Research on the consequences of sickness presenteeism, or the phenomenon of attending work whilst ill, has focused predominantly on identifying its economic, health, and absenteeism outcomes, neglecting important attitudinal-motivational outcomes. A mediation model of sickness presenteeism as a determinant of job satisfaction via affective-motivational states (specifically engagement with work and addiction to work) is proposed. This model adds to the current literature, by focusing on (i) job satisfaction as an outcome of presenteeism, and (ii) the psychological processes associated with this. It posits presenteeism as psychological absence and work engagement and work addiction as motivational states that originate in that. An online survey was completed by 158 office workers on sickness presenteeism, work engagement, work addiction, and job satisfaction. The results of bootstrapped mediation analysis with observable variables supported the model. Sickness presenteeism was negatively associated with job satisfaction. This relationship was fully mediated by both engagement with work and addiction to work, explaining a total of 48.07% of the variance in job satisfaction. Despite the small sample, the data provide preliminary support for the model. Given that there is currently no available research on the attitudinal consequences of presenteeism, these findings offer promise for advancing theorising in this area

Ethnic differences in dissatisfaction with sexual life in patients with type 2 diabetes in a Swedish town

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The first aim of this study was to analyze whether self-reported satisfaction with one's sexual life was associated with ethnicity (Swedish and Assyrian/Syrian) in patients with type 2 diabetes. The second was to study whether the association between satisfaction with one's sexual life and ethnicity remained after controlling for possible confounders such as marital status, HbA1c, medication, and presence of other diseases.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted at four primary health care centers in the Swedish town of Södertälje. A total of 354 persons (173 ethnic Assyrians/Syrians and 181 ethnic Swedes) participated.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The total prevalence of self-reported dissatisfaction with one's sexual life in both groups was 49%. No significant ethnic differences were found in the outcome. In the final model, regardless of ethnicity, the odds ratio (OR) for self-reported dissatisfaction with one's sexual life in those ≥ 70 years old was 2.52 (95% CI 1.33-4.80). Among those living alone or with children, the OR was more than three times higher than for married or cohabiting individuals (OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.60-6.00). Those with other diseases had an OR 1.89 times (95% CI 1.10-3.40) higher than those without other diseases.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The findings demonstrate that almost half of participants were dissatisfied with their sexual life and highlight the importance of sexual life to people with type 2 diabetes. This factor should not be ignored in clinical evaluations. Moreover, the findings demonstrate that it is possible to include questions on sexual life in investigations of patients with type 2 diabetes and even in other health-related, questionnaire studies, despite the sensitivity of the issue of sexuality.</p

The consequences of sickness presenteeism on health and wellbeing over time: A systematic review

Rationale The association between sickness presenteeism, defined as going to work despite illness, and different health outcomes is increasingly being recognized as a significant and relevant area of research. However, the long term effects on future employee health are less well understood, and to date there has been no review of the empirical evidence. The aim of this systematic review was to present a summary of the sickness presenteeism evidence so far, in relation to health and wellbeing over time. Methods Eight databases were searched for longitudinal studies that investigated the consequences of workplace sickness presenteeism, had a baseline and at least one follow-up point, and included at least one specific measure of sickness presenteeism. Of the 453 papers identified, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Findings We adopted a thematic approach to the analysis because of the heterogeneous nature of the sickness presenteeism research. The majority of studies found that sickness presenteeism at baseline is a risk factor for future sickness absence and decreased self-rated health. However, our findings highlight that a consensus has not yet been reached in terms of physical and mental health. This is because the longitudinal studies included in this review adopt a wide variety of approaches including the definition of sickness presenteeism, recall periods, measures used and different statistical approaches which is problematic if this research area is to advance. Future research directions are discussed

The effect of perceived discrimination on the health of immigrant workers in Spain

Background: Discrimination is an important determinant of health inequalities, and immigrants may be more vulnerable to certain types of discrimination than the native-born. This study analyses the relationship between immigrants' perceived discrimination and various self-reported health indicators. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted (2008) amongst a non-random sample of 2434 immigrants from Ecuador, Morocco, Romania and Colombia in four Spanish cities: Barcelona, Huelva, Madrid and Valencia. A factorial analysis of variables revealed three dimensions of perceived discrimination (due to immigrant status, due to physical appearance, and workplace-related). The association of these dimensions with self-rated health, mental health (GHQ-12), change in self-rated health between origin and host country, and other self-reported health outcomes was analysed. Logistic regression was used adjusting for potential confounders (aOR-95%CI). Subjects with worsening self-reported health status potentially attributable to perceived discrimination was estimated (population attributable proportion, PAP %). Results: 73.3% of men and 69.3% of women immigrants reported discrimination due to immigrant status. Moroccans showed the highest prevalence of perceived discrimination. Immigrants reporting discrimination were at significantly higher risk of reporting health problems than those not reporting discrimination. Workplace-related discrimination was associated with poor mental health (aOR 2.97 95%CI 2.45-3.60), and the worsening of self-rated health (aOR 2.20 95%CI 1.73- 2.80). 40% (95% CI 24-53) PAP of those reporting worse self-rated health could be attributable to discrimination due to immigrant status. Conclusions: Discrimination may constitute a risk factor for health in immigrant workers in Spain and could explain some health inequalities among immigrant populations in Spanish society.This work was supported by the following sources: Carolina Foundation (Spain), Healthcare Research Fund of the Spanish Ministry of Health and Consumption (references PI050497, PI052202, PI052334, PI061701, and PI0790470

Industry 4.0: Value Generation and Adoption of Digitalization and Industrial IoT in Production : The Case of Swedish Production Focused Companies in Mälardalen

In a historical sense, technology has always been used to find practical solutions to certain problems. From the development of heat- and steam engine, to the new revolution of Industry 4.0. Technological advancements are in today’s society becoming more autonomous and automated, with the generation of- and utilization of Big Data. This is mainly the reason for the development of technologies such as “Internet of Things” (IoT) and its adoption and value generation for the manufacturing industry. The technology of IoT, when implemented in an industrial context, are often times refers to as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). As novelty of technology is often times, well researched in a technological sense, the purpose of this thesis has been to extend the understanding of value generation and creation within the context of Industry 4.0 for production focused companies, as well as to find the drivers of adopting IoT into manufacturing. As the thesis is a qualitative study based on prior scientific journals regarding this topic and with data collection from five in-depth interviews, the research framework that has been pursued, has been according to Grounded Theory. The process from raw data, through the creation of 1storder concepts and 2ndorder themes, the resulting findings, has shown that the manufacturing industry finds its value generation and, drivers of adoption within four dimensions that this thesis has concluded: Competitiveness,Optimization, Veracityand Control. From the identified drivers of this thesis, main value are generated through improved data-driven decision-making and meeting future customer demand. Other value generators, are found within optimization of mainly resource and machine optimization within the actual production. Ultimately, where value are being generated with IoT adoption are many, but decreasing risks associated with Supply Chain and transportation are together with above mentioned value generators, where manufacturing firms are find their increased value generation with Industry 4.0 adoption and what drives the manufacturing companies to adopt technologies such as Industrial Internet of Things