Condições de trabalho e saúde dos trabalhadores do corte da cana-de-açúcar no Brasil

This is an exploratory research, with a quantitative approach, developed with the objective of analyzing the work and of life situations that can offer risks to the workers' health involved in the manual and automated cut of the sugar cane. The sample was composed by 39 sugar cane cutters and 16 operators of harvesters. The data collection occurred during the months of July and August of 2006, by the technique of direct observation of work situations and workers' homes and through interviews semi-structured. The interviews were recorded and later transcribed. Data were analyzed according to Social Ecological Theory. It was observed that the workers deal with multiple health risk situations, predominantly to the risks of occurrence of respiratory, musculoskeletal and psychological problems and work-related accidents due to the work activities. The interaction of individual, social and environmental factors can determine the workers' tendency to falling ill.Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, com abordagem quantitativa dos dados, realizada no intuito de analisar as situações de trabalho e de vida que podem oferecer riscos à saúde de trabalhadores envolvidos no corte manual e mecanizado da cana-de-açúcar. A amostra foi composta por 39 cortadores de cana e 16 operadores de colhedeiras. A coleta de dados ocorreu nos meses de julho e agosto de 2006, utilizando-se a técnica de observação direta das situações de trabalho e moradia dos trabalhadores, e por meio de entrevistas semi-estruturadas, que foram gravadas e posteriormente transcritas. Os dados foram analisados a partir da Teoria Social Ecológica. Foi constatado que os trabalhadores estão expostos a inúmeras situações de risco à saúde, predominantemente a riscos de ocorrência de problemas respiratórios, osteomusculares e psicológicos. Além disso, estão sujeitos a acidentes de trabalho em decorrência de sua atividade laboral. Constatou-se também que o adoecimento é determinado pela interação de fatores individuais, ambientais e sociais.Se trata de una investigación exploratoria con abordaje cuantitativo de los datos, realizada con la meta de analizar las situaciones de trabajo y de vida que pueden generar riesgos sanitarios a los trabajadores involucrados en el corte manual y mecanizado de la caña de azúcar. La muestra se compuso de 39 cortadores de caña y 16 operadores de cose-cha-do-ras. La recolección de datos tuvo lugar en los meses de julio y agosto de 2006, utilizándose la técnica de observación directa de las situaciones de trabajo y residencia de los trabajadores y a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, las cuales fueron grabadas y posteriormente transcriptas. Los datos fueron analizados a partir de la Teoría Social Ecológica. Se constató que los trabajadores están expuestos a innumerables situaciones de riesgo sanitario, en particular a los riesgos de sufrir problemas respiratorios, osteo-mus-culares y psicológicos, así como accidentes de trabajo derivados de su actividad laboral, y que su posibilidad de enfermar se determina por la interacción de factores individuales, ambientales y sociales

Los papeles y funciones del enfermero de salud laboral en Brasil y en los Estados Unidos de America

Cross-sectional exploratory research developed to outline the roles and functions of occupational health nurses (OHNs) in Brazil and compare them with those in the United States. The sample consisted of 154 Brazilian occupational health nurses. First, the instrument Job Analysis Survey of Occupational Health Nursing Practice was translated into Portuguese, followed by data collection and data analysis, comparing the results of the proposed study in Brazil with the findings of a job delineation study conducted in the United States. It was found that most were women, white, between 41 and 50 years of age and working primarily at hospitals or medical centers as clinicians and managers/administrators. Besides, it was found that most Brazilian OHNs spend more time in managerial roles, followed by consultant and educator responsibilities while, in the United States, OHNs spend significantly more time in education/advisory roles.Investigación transversal realizada con el objetivo de definir los papeles y funciones de los enfermeros de salud laboral (ESLs) en Brasil y compararles con los de los Estados Unidos de América (EUA). La muestra fue compuesta por ciento cincuenta y cuatro enfermeros de salud laboral brasileños. Primero, fue realizada la traducción de lo instrumento Job Analysis Survey of Occupational Health Nursing Practice para el Portugués, seguido de la recolecta y análisis de los datos, comparándolos con los hallazgos de un estudio conducido en los EUA. Se encontró que la mayoría eran mujeres, blancas, entre 41 y 50 años e trabajan en hospitales y centros médicos como enfermeros clínicos y administradores. También se encontró que ESLs brasileños dedican más tiempo en funciones administrativas, seguidas de responsabilidades de consultoría y educador, mientras en los EUA los ESLs dedican significativamente más tiempo en funciones educativas y de asesoría.Estudo transversal desenvolvido com o objetivo de delinear as responsabilidades e funções das enfermeiras do trabalho no Brasil e compará-las às atribuições das enfermeiras de saúde ocupacional nos Estados Unidos. A amostra foi composta por 154 enfermeiras do trabalho. Inicialmente, foi realizada a tradução para a língua portuguesa do instrumento de coleta de dados Job Analysis Survey of Occupational Health Nursing Practice, seguido da coleta e análise dos resultados, comparando-os aos dados obtidos num estudo realizado nos EUA. Foi constatado que a maioria das enfermeiras eram mulheres, brancas, com faixa etária entre 41 e 50 anos e trabalhavam em hospitais e centros médicos como enfermeiras clínicas ou administradoras. Além disso, observou-se que as enfermeiras brasileiras despendem maior tempo em funções administrativas, atividades de consultoria e ações educativas, enquanto que as enfermeiras norte-americanas gastam um tempo significativamente maior desenvolvendo papéis educativos e de consultoria

Effectiveness of an Intervention to Increase Construction Workers' Use of Hearing Protection

In this project we tested the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention (video, pamphlets, and guided practice session) to increase the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among Midwestern construction workers and a national group of plumber/pipefitter trainers. Posttest measures were collected 10--12 months following this intervention. Pender's Health Promotion Model (1987) provided the conceptual basis for development of the training program. A total of 837 highnoise- exposed workers were included in the analysis: 652 regional Midwestern construction workers and 185 national plumber/pipefitter trainers. Effectiveness of the intervention was determined through the sequence of analyses recommended by Braver and Braver (1988) for the Solomon Four-Group Design. Analysis of variance and covariance of postintervention use and intention to use HPDs and a meta-analytic test were done. These analyses indicated that the intervention significantly increased use of HPDs but had no effect on intention to use HPDs in the future. Pretesting had no effect on use. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance in the development of successful theorybased interventions to increase use of HPDs.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/68025/2/10.1518_001872099779610969.pd

Comparison of the original and revised structures of the health promotion model in predicting construction workers' use of hearing protection The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the NIOSH.

Pender's health promotion model (HPM) has been revised, including substantial changes in its structure. The purpose of this study was to compare the fit and predictive usefulness of the original and revised structures of the HPM as applied to the use of hearing protection devices by 703 construction workers. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the two alternative forms of the model. Both forms of the model fit well, with the revised structure having a better fit and explaining more of the variance in use of hearing protection (28% vs. 18%). Results support the revised structure of the health promotion model (HPM) over the original form, and indicate it may be useful in understanding and predicting use of hearing protection. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 29:3–17, 2006Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/49521/1/20111_ftp.pd

Predictors of nurse turnover: Model development and testing

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/88190/1/ketefian-predictors_of_nurse_turnover.pd

Multi‐Ethnic Minority Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice of Genetics and Genomics

PurposeExploratory studies establishing how well nurses have integrated genomics into practice have demonstrated there remains opportunity for education. However, little is known about educational gaps in multi-ethnic minority nurse populations. The purpose of this study was to determine minority nurses' beliefs, practices, and competency in integrating genetics-genomics information into practice using an online survey tool.DesignA cross-sectional survey with registered nurses (RNs) from the participating National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Organizations (NCEMNA). Two phases were used: Phase one had a sample of 27 nurses who determined the feasibility of an online approach to survey completion and need for tool revision. Phase two was a main survey with 389 participants who completed the revised survey. The survey ascertained the genomic knowledge, beliefs, and practice of a sample of multi-ethnic minority nurses who were members of associations comprising the NCEMNA.MethodsThe survey was administered online. Descriptive survey responses were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Categorical responses in which comparisons were analyzed used chi square tests.FindingsAbout 40% of the respondents held a master's degree (39%) and 42% worked in direct patient care. The majority of respondents (79%) reported that education in genomics was important. Ninety-five percent agreed or strongly agreed that family health history could identify at-risk families, 85% reported knowing how to complete a second- and third-generation family history, and 63% felt family history was important to nursing. Conversely, 50% of the respondents felt that their understanding of the genetics of common disease was fair or poor, supported by 54% incorrectly reporting they thought heart disease and diabetes are caused by a single gene variant. Only 30% reported taking a genetics course since licensure, and 94% reported interest in learning more about genomics. Eighty-four percent believed that their ethnic minority nurses' organizations should have a visible role in genetics and genomics in their communities.ConclusionsMost respondents felt genomics is important to integrate into practice but demonstrated knowledge deficits. There was strong interest in the need for continuing education and the role of the ethnic minority organizations in facilitating the continuing education efforts. This study provides evidence of the need for targeted genomic education to prepare ethnic minority nurses to better translate genetics and genomics into practice.Clinical relevanceGenomics is critical to the practice of all nurses, most especially family health history assessment and the genomics of common complex diseases. There is a great opportunity and interest to address the genetic-genomic knowledge deficits in the nursing workforce as a strategy to impact patient outcomes

Multi-Ethnic Minority Nurses’ Knowledge and Practice of Genetics and Genomics

Photograph of the "Wedding Party" rock formation in the Black Mesa area

Characteristics and Predictors of Occupational Injury Among Career Firefighters.

The purpose of this study was to assess occupational injury characteristics and predictors among career firefighters. A total of 249 firefighters from central Texas and northern California participated in this Internet-based survey. Approximately 27% of firefighters had reported an occupational injury within the previous 12 months. The majority of injuries occurred on the scene of a non-fire call while performing an activity that required lifting, pushing, or pulling. Firefighters' backs were most frequently injured. Of the reported injuries, approximately 18% returned to work on modified duty, but 46% were not allowed to work due to their occupational injuries. Firefighters who reported occupational injuries were more likely to be older and experiencing occupational stress compared with their coworkers who did not report occupational injuries. Injured firefighters were also more likely to report fewer job rewards (money/salary), overcommitment, less esteem (respect and support), and fewer promotional prospects. These injury factors should be incorporated into interventions to reduce or prevent workplace injuries