US workers' willingness to accept meatpacking jobs amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Luckstead J
PROVIDER: S-EPMC9087796 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Similar Datasets
Project description:Background: The high potential risks involved in working in a healthcare setting during a pandemic and the associated fear that may affect health care workers' (HCWs') willingness to work are important to understand to eliminate potential barriers to working. This study aimed to assess Palestinian HCWs' willingness to work and the related factors as well as to explore their ethical dilemmas during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Materials and Methods: Quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interviews) data were collected. Frontline HCWs (n = 550) received an online survey link via closed institutional networks. Frequencies summarized the data, and chi-square compared variables and outcomes. Odds ratios (ORs) and multivariable analysis examined predictors for willingness to work. Fifteen HCWs (physicians, nurses, and lab and radiology technicians) were purposefully sampled and agreed to interviews to explore their thoughts, motivations, and worries. Thematic analysis focused on ethical dilemmas to enhance the breadth and the depth of the study. Results: Almost 25% of surveyed HCWs were not willing to work during the pandemic. Logistic model results showed that physicians and nurses had higher willingness to work than others (p = 0.004, Adj. OR = 3.5). Lower stress levels and longer professional experience were predictors of more willing to work (p = 0.03, Adj. OR = 2.5; p = 0.03, Adj. OR = 2.6, respectively). Interviews showed that willingness to work did not preclude HCWs from fulfilling their duties despite grueling workloads and grave fears about safety and security. HCWs felt poorly prepared, unappreciated, and frustrated by unfair work distribution. The occupation presented additional safety issues. Conclusion: Physicians and nurses were more likely to comply with a commitment to their professional ethics and the duty or obligation to work. Stress levels could be mitigated in the future with better leadership, adding supports to address mental health and psychosocial challenges to enhance HCWs' well-being and improve quality of care. The realities of the occupation added additional threats and uncertainty.
| S-EPMC7813812 | biostudies-literature
Project description:PURPOSE:This study determined the predictors of caregivers' willingness to accept an accelerated regulatory process for the development of vaccines against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS:An international cross-sectional survey was administered to 2557 caregivers of children in 17 pediatric emergency departments (EDs) across 6 countries from March 26, 2020, to June 30, 2020. Caregivers were asked to select 1 of 4 choices with which they most agreed regarding a proposed COVID-19 vaccine-approval process, in addition to questions regarding demographic characteristics, the ED visit, and attitudes about COVID-19. Univariate analyses were conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test for comparing non-normally distributed continuous variables, an independent t test for comparing normally distributed continuous variables, and a ?2 or Fisher exact test for categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used for determining independent factors associated with caregivers' willingness to accept abridged development of a COVID-19 vaccine. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. FINDINGS:Almost half (1101/2557; 43%) of caregivers reported that they were willing to accept less rigorous testing and postresearch approval of a new COVID-19 vaccine. Independent factors associated with caregivers' willingness to accept expedited COVID-19 vaccine research included having children who were up to date on the vaccination schedule (odds ratio [OR] = 1.72; 95% CI, 1.29-2.31), caregivers' concern about having had COVID-19 themselves at the time of survey completion in the ED (OR = 1.1; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16), and caregivers' intent to have their children vaccinated against COVID-19 if a vaccine were to become available (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.54-2.21). Compared with fathers, mothers completing the survey were less likely to approve of changes in the vaccine-development process (OR = 0.641; 95% CI, 0.529-0.775). IMPLICATIONS:Less than half of caregivers in this worldwide sample were willing to accept abbreviated COVID-19 vaccine testing. As a part of an effort to increase acceptance and uptake of a new vaccine, especially in order to protect children, public health strategies and individual providers should understand caregivers' attitudes toward the approval of a vaccine and consult them appropriately.
| S-EPMC7532744 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the lived experience of Jordanian front-line healthcare workers (FHCWs), including their experienced challenges and adaptations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignA phenomenological qualitative design was used to highlight the experiences of a sample Jordanian FHCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Qualitative interviews were conducted using a semistructured guide with open-ended questions, audiotaped and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis of the transcribed narratives was conducted using an open coding line by line to develop themes and related subthemes.SettingMobile COVID-19 testing and contact tracing units during an active surge of cases in Jordan between May and September 2020.ParticipantsParticipants were recruited using purposive sampling method and consisted of 15 FHCWs (2 physicians, 10 nurses, 2 paramedics and 1 laboratory technician) who have worked in testing and contact tracing teams in the community and have dealt with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.ResultsParticipant narratives were classified into two main overarching themes; challenges and adaptation themes. The challenges theme was exhibited as follows: (1) an excruciating encounter with an invisible enemy, (2) distorted knowledge about COVID-19 and (3) organisational and administrative challenges. The adaptation theme was exhibited as follows: (1) seeking relevant knowledge about the disease and (2) seeking more connectedness.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 pandemic exerted many challenges for FHCWs at multiple levels; intrapersonal and interpersonal, organisational and societal levels. Nevertheless, a number of adaptation strategies within these levels have been reported. This study helps to provide the base on which healthcare officials and public health personnel can formulate preparedness plans that tackle challenges faced by front-line workers, which ultimately enhance the resilience of healthcare systems to withstand future pandemics.
| S-EPMC9344597 | biostudies-literature
Project description: Not available
| S-BSST563 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundSocial distancing by working-from-home is an effective measure to decrease the spread of COVID-19. However, this new work pattern could also affect the well-being of workers. Therefore, the aim of the study was to study the magnitude of occupational health problems and lifestyle changes among workers who have only recently started working from home.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted using online self-administered questionnaires during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in the Bangkok metropolitan area, Thailand. The participants were from any organization that allowed working from home. The demographic data including the analysis of the characteristics of working from home, the occurrence of occupational health problems, and the lifestyle changes caused by working from home were analyzed.ResultsA total of 869 workers were included as study participants. The highest prevalence of physical health problems among all workers was identified to be weight gain at a rate of 40.97% (95% confidence interval = 37.69-44.24), and the highest prevalence of psychosocial problems was identified to be cabin fever at a rate of 31.28% (95% confidence interval = 26.66-35.90%) among full-time working-from-home workers. The health effects that were significantly related to the intensity of working from home (p for trends <0.05), either positively or negatively, included body weight changes, ergonomic problems, indoor environmental problems, and psychosocial problems. Meanwhile, the lifestyle changes related to work intensity included eating pattern, sleep habits, and exercise.ConclusionsWorking from home can affect workers' well-being in various aspects. Hence, occupational health providers must prepare for risk prevention and health promotion in this "new normal" working life pattern and for future pandemics.
| S-EPMC7954240 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has badly affected the world with its devastating effects, including Sindh, Pakistan. A massive vaccination campaign against COVID-19 is considered one of the effective ways to curtail the spread of the disease. However, the acceptability of the COVID-19 vaccine is based on the general population's knowledge, attitude, perception and willingness for vaccination. Therefore, a survey among the public in Sindh, Pakistan, was done to evaluate their knowledge, attitude, perception and willingness to accept COVID-19 vaccination.MethodThe online survey was conducted among the residents of Sindh, Pakistan, in July 2021 through a survey tool designed using Google Forms and sent to the population through various social media.ResultsOf 926 study participants, 59.0% were male, and 68.6% were aged between 18 and 31 years. Higher percentages of responses were recorded from the Hyderabad division (37.5%), and 60.0% of respondents were graduates, with 34.8% of them in the private sector. The results showed that 36.4% of respondents had good knowledge, and 30.3% had a positive attitude toward COVID-19 vaccination. Almost 77% of respondents perceived that everyone should get vaccinated in the country and those health care workers on priority. A majority (80.8%) of respondents were willing to accept COVID-19 vaccination.ConclusionDespite having insufficient knowledge and a low percentage of positive attitude public in Sindh are willing to be vaccinated. Based on this finding, more effort has to be done to promote vaccination among the public, especially among the less educated population.
| S-EPMC9409498 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundMultiple efforts have been taken across the world to bridge gaps in evidence and provide recommendations for dementia care and caregiver support during the COVID-19 pandemic. We aimed to review the available literature on measures used to alleviate the negative impacts of the pandemic on dementia care.MethodsWe searched three databases: PubMed, CINAHL and PsycINFO to identify studies that described strategies that were recommended or taken to provide care and support to persons with dementia and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsWe included a total of 37 papers, originating from high, middle and low-income countries. We also included 6 papers exploring safety of COVID-19 vaccinations. Infection prevention recommendations predominantly involved providing consistent reminders to persons with dementia to engage in infection prevention measures and included measures to restrict wandering in long-term care settings to reduce spread of infection. Medical care included tele and video consultations to maintain and monitor clinical stability. Guidance for continuing rehabilitation activities for persons with dementia through remotely conducted cognitive stimulating activities, physical exercises and environmental modifications were further highlighted by multiple studies/articles. In addition, strategies to support caregivers were also advised and included teleconsultations and psycho-educational programs.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exposed gaps in health and social care systems across the world, but has also revealed the enduring dedication of clinicians, expert groups and dementia support organizations to modify and adapt existing dementia care services to meet the needs of persons with dementia and their caregivers during periods of emergency.
| S-EPMC8763414 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Among over 200 COVID-19 affected countries, some are fighting to "flatten the curve", while some others are considering reopening after lockdown. It remains unclear how different reopening strategies obstruct the local virus containment and impact the economy. We develop a model with travelers across heterogeneous epicenters. A low-risk area attempts to safely reopen utilizing internal policies, such as social distancing and contact tracing, and external policies, including capacity quota, quarantine, and tests. Simulations based on the COVID-19 scenario show that external policies differ in efficacy. They can substitute each other and complement internal policies. Simultaneous relaxation of both channels may lead to a new wave of COVID-19 and large economic costs. This work highlights the importance of quantitative assessment prior to implementing reopening strategies.
| S-EPMC7996987 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the prevalence and factors associated with depression, anxiety and insomnia among frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) in Jordan.MethodsA cross-sectional design was conducted among 122 frontline HCWs who have dealt with suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19. The study survey included standardised questionnaires of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) Scale, 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Data were collected online during the active surge period of cases from 11 May 2020 to 13 June 2020. The statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, bivariate correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses.ResultsA total of 122 HCWs participated in the study (response rate=64.2%). Among the participants, 44.3% were physicians, 32.8% were nurses and 17.2% were paramedics. The mean age of participants was 32.1 (±5.8) years, and the majority were males (80.3%). The mean scores for GAD-7, PHQ-9 and ISI were 8.5 (±5.2), 9.5 (±5.7) and 11.2 (±6.4), respectively. Results showed that the participants reported severe symptoms of anxiety (29.5%), depression (34.5%) and insomnia (31.9%), with no observed differences based on gender, job title, marital status or educational level. Moreover, in the multivariate linear regression, none of the independent factors were associated with GAD-7, PHQ-9 or ISI scores, and the only exception was increased severity of insomnia among paramedics.ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has exerted strenuous emotional, psychological and physical pressures on the health of frontline HCWs.
| S-EPMC8804306 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Labor market participation has a positive impact on social inclusion and is linked to financial security. This study identifies barriers and willingness to accept re-employment among unemployed seniors that could highlight opportunities for societal action. From the first wave of SeniorWorkingLife in 2018 combined with the Danish version of the International Standard Classification of Occupations register (ISCO), +50-year-old unemployed senior workers (n = 1682) were stratified into mainly seated work (ISCO 1-4) and mainly physical work (ISCO 5-9), respectively, in their latest employment. We used SurveyFreq and SurveyLogistics of SAS combined with model-assisted weights based on national registers to estimate representative frequencies and odds ratios (OR) for barriers and willingness to accept re-employment. Higher age was perceived as a general barrier for re-employment in both groups. Health was a more pronounced barrier for seniors with mainly physical work compared to seniors with mainly seated work (OR 2.35; CI95 1.31-4.21). Overall, seniors showed a large degree of flexibility and willingness to re-enter the labor market. Different barriers and willingness to accept re-employment exist among currently unemployed seniors. These results highlight the need for different approaches across occupational groups to help unemployed seniors back into the labor market.
| S-EPMC7439115 | biostudies-literature