Biomedical subjects

B B Arnetz

Publications and source records attributed to B B Arnetz.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed1997

Physical and psychosocial work environments among Swedish dental hygienists: risk indicators for musculoskeletal complaints.

The study examines individual and occupational factors and physical and psychosocial exposures related to musculoskeletal complaints in dental hygienists. A standardized questionnaire was sent to 471 registered Swedish hygienists; 77.3% (n = 364) responded, which allows for reliable conclusions for Swedish dental hygienists. Musculoskeletal complaints increased significantly in several body parts with age. And in lower right arm and both elbows with profession years. Public dental health service (PDHS) hygienists experienced significantly more complaints, in the lower right arm (fingers, wrist/hand and elbow). Their work was more demanding, and they had less control compared to work in private practice (PP). In a multiple regression analysis, strainful ergonomics, solitary work, patient treatment hours, and working hours were significant predictors that explained 29% of the variance of musculoskeletal complaints in neck, shoulders, and upper back. Solitary work, years in the profession, strainful ergonomics, and PDHS work explained 15% of the variance of musculoskeletal complaints in the lower right arm. So physical environmental factors contribute to musculoskeletal complaints. Using multivariate analysis, the importance of psychosocial factors did not remain as significant predictors. But a high decision latitude at PP seems health promoting. The results are a useful baseline to discuss the physical layout, organization of dental hygienists' work, and its future direction.

Adult↗

PubMed1997

Technological stress: psychophysiological aspects of working with modern information technology.

There is rapid technological transformation occurring in both work and social life. The results of information technology, such as mobile telephones, computers, and electronic networks, have been looked upon as the key to solving several of the most pressing problems of the Western world. At the same time, numerous studies have shown that the great majority of computerization projects fail to meet their deadlines with the originally specified functionality mainly because human factors are not sufficiently taken into account during the planning and implementation phase of the project. In a study of the bodily, mental, and psychophysiological reactions of employees involved in the design of advanced telecommunications systems and of office employees using regular video display technology, several stress-related psychosomatic disorders have been identified. They include sleep disturbances, psychophysiological stress and somatic complaints. Controlled intervention programs aimed at enhancing organizational structures and individual coping strategies have been proved effective in counteracting the negative effects of working with information technology. The two-way interaction between the external information technology environment and bodily and mental reactions needs to be taken more into account in the design and use of modern information technology. There appears to be an increased awareness of human aspects when the risks and benefits of the rapid spread of information technologies are discussed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1996

Causes of change in the health of populations: a biopsychosocial viewpoint.

In the current review, a biopsychosocial perspective is applied to current changes in the health of populations. It is proposed that the psychosocial environments either promote health or precipitate disease. Changes in the types of stress that people experience as well as its prevalence over time are discussed. In addition, possible biological mechanisms linking the psychosocial environments to health are presented. "Food for thought" is the possible interaction between the physical/chemical and the psychosocial environments and changes in health of individuals. Clearly, our traditional view of disease mechanisms is not sufficient to understand recent phenomena, such as environmental illness and chronic fatigue syndrome. Issues worthy of further discussions are the role of the "just-in-time" society, where individuals increasingly have to change jobs, cope with reorganizations and increased production pressure, and its impact on health and well-being. Further, in what way can we develop better models to truly assess the impact of an increasingly complex interaction between individual and environmental factors on health? A major obstacle to enhancing our understanding of causes of change in the health of populations is the use of inappropriate or outdated statistical analytical models. Finally, it is suggested that prospectively controlled studies of the impact on health of changes in the health and welfare systems are carried out. This would further add to our understanding of factors contributing to changes in the health of population.

Environmental Health↗

PubMed1996

The development and application of a patient satisfaction measurement system for hospital-wide quality improvement.

A regional Swedish hospital has been the site of a quality improvement program that focuses on patient satisfaction, staff work environment and quality of hospital services. This article describes the study component that measures patients' views of the quality of care. The purpose of this study was to develop a reliable and valid instrument, to determine the predictors of patients' ratings of quality and to measure patient satisfaction at two points in time to determine whether patient ratings change following a quality improvement initiative. The instrument developed in this study was designed to assess patients' perceptions of the quality of hospital services, staff work environment and overall satisfaction for the purpose of providing feedback to hospital staff. This information would be used for quality improvement efforts within the hospital. Unique to this instrument are questions regarding patients' perceptions of the hospital staff work environment. The results revealed that the questionnaire demonstrated valid and reliable properties. The significant predictors of quality ratings were information concerning one's illness, and perceptions of the staff work environment. Patient satisfaction was measured and then reassessed following the implementation of various department-based improvement programs. The reassessment revealed significantly higher patient ratings in most areas. An intrinsic aspect of this quality program was the engagement of, and feedback process to, hospital personnel. Questionnaire results were reported graphically to hospital management and staff, thus serving as a catalyst for improvement.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Techno-stress: a prospective psychophysiological study of the impact of a controlled stress-reduction program in advanced telecommunication systems design work.

There is a void of studies concerning occupational health aspects from working with the most advanced forms of information technologies techniques such as are found in some of the world-renowned telecommunication systems development laboratories. However, many of these techniques will later be applied in the regular office environment. We wanted to identify some of the major stressors perceived by advanced telecommunication systems design employees and develop a valid and reliable instrument by which to monitor such stressors. We were also interested in assessing the impact of a controlled prospective stress-reduction program on perceived mental stress and specific psychophysiological parameters. A total of 116 employees were recruited. Sixty-one were offered to participate in one of three stress-reduction training programs (intervention group). The additional 50 functioned as a reference group. After a detailed baseline assessment, including a comprehensive questionnaire and psychophysiological measurements, new assessments were made at the end of the formal training program (+ 3 months) and after an additional 5-month period. Results reveal a significant improvement in the intervention group with regard to circulating levels of the stress-sensitive hormone prolactin as well as an attenuation in mental strain. Cardiovascular risk indicators were also improved. Circulating thrombocytes decreased in the intervention group. Type of stress-reduction programs chosen and intensity of participation did not significantly impact results. Coping style was not affected and no beneficial effects were observed with regard to the psychological characteristics of the work, eg intellectual discretion and control over work processes. The survey instrument is now being used in the continuous improvement of work processes and strategic leadership of occupational health issues. The results suggest that prior psychophysiological stress research, based on low- and medium-skill, rather repetitive kinds of jobs, may not be completely applicable to that of skilled professionals. The results indicate that cutting-edge telecommunication systems design employees suffer from significant amounts of mental strain. In addition, there are limited but measurable benefits from a stress-reduction program. More attention should be directed as to how to design healthy and productive work environments in workplaces using advanced information technologies.

Hemodynamics↗

PubMed1996

A cognitive-behavioral treatment of patients suffering from "electric hypersensitivity". Subjective effects and reactions in a double-blind provocation study.

This study tested psychological treatment of patients with "electric hypersensitivity." Seventeen patients were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a waiting-list control group in a pretest-posttest control group design. The patients were also taking part in double-blind provocation tests before and after the treatment. Subjective ratings of symptoms were registered and blood samples were taken and analyzed for "stress-related" variables, such as prolactin, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and cholesterol levels. The patients in the experimental group reduced their evaluations of the disability more than the control group did. This indicates that psychological treatment may be of value in this disease. However, none of the psychophysiological measures or the subjective reactions to the provocation test showed any significant between-group difference. The conclusion from the provocation test is that this group of alleged hypersensitive patients did not react to the electromagnetic fields.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Melatonin and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels in video display unit workers during work and leisure.

This study examined 47 office workers during a day of regular work in front of a video display unit (VDU) and a day of leisure in the same environment. The study investigated possible effects of VDU work on circulating melatonin and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels. Circulating melatonin levels decreased significantly during VDU work, whereas ACTH levels increased significantly. In contrast, melatonin and ACTh levels did not change significantly during a day of leisure. Mental strain during work was significantly and positively associated with circulating levels of ACTH but not melatonin. The results indicate that the VDU environment is associated with measurable changes in melatonin and ACTH levels. Mental strain might explain changes in ACTH levels, but specific factors that might contribute to changes in melatonin levels are unknown. These findings might be relevant to the recent debate about the possible influence that electromagnetic and VDU environments might have on electromagnetic sensitivity.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed1996

Determinants of work satisfaction among Swedish dental hygienists.

This study examines factors that contribute to work satisfaction among Swedish dental hygienists. A questionnaire was used to collect data on health, demographics, work-history, work characteristics, work satisfaction and social support at work. The questionnaire was mailed to 471 hygienists; 77.3% responded. 70% of the hygienists are highly or very satisfied with their work tasks. Active leisure and working in large cities were significantly related to high work satisfaction. The best linear regression model explained 48% of the variance in work satisfaction. Thirty percent of the variance was explained by work tasks perceived to be skills developing. Skills development in the profession appears low (median = 44%). After controlling work factors, work satisfaction increased with growing skills development for all hygienists, even for those less satisfied with their work. The findings suggest that the opportunities for developing professional skills should increase to improve satisfaction among dental hygienists. Measures should also be taken to improve the work climate, work stimulation, and job variation as well as reduce the collegial pressure at work.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

A nonconventional approach to the treatment of "environmental illness".

Twenty patients with symptoms of "environmental illness" were subject to a controlled study of deep versus superficial acupuncture. The patients were evaluated by a detailed questionnaire concerning their occupational, environmental, and medical history. Blood samples were taken as well. Patients were randomized to deep or superficial acupuncture. Both groups improved significantly in key variables during and after treatment. There were no group differences. There were no changes in biological variables apart from a gradual and continuous increase in serum cortisol and a decrease in neuropeptide Y, which was somewhat more accentuated in those receiving deep acupuncture. This rise in cortisol may have contributed to decreased dermal symptoms among the participants. It is hypothesized that the positive treatment results observed are partly due to weakening of the conditioned response, linking bodily symptoms to environmental agents. To date, a number of different methods have been tried in the management of patients with environmental illness. However, only rarely have the treatments been evaluated in controlled studies.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

PubMed1995

Predictors of job satisfaction and job influence--results from a national sample of Swedish nurses.

Results from a questionnaire study on work conditions, job satisfaction, job influence, health and well-being, based on a representative sample of 3,500 Swedish nurses, indicate a high rate of overall job satisfaction. High decision latitude, consistency between work assignments and education, as well as low sickness absenteeism did all associate with high job satisfaction, number of working years did not. Compared to nurses satisfied with their jobs, twice as many sick days were found among those dissatisfied. Greater job influence related to lower job demands, more stimulating work and skills development as well as more responsibility and involvement. Anxiety and depression, intellectual satisfaction, job demands, job control and perceived general health explained 22% of the total variance in job satisfaction. The study has identified some key factors influencing overall job satisfaction. By focusing on these, job satisfaction among nurses should improve.

Absenteeism↗

PubMed1995

Work environment, skills utilization and health of Swedish nurses--results from a national questionnaire study.

Nurses make up a considerable proportion of the Swedish health care staff. Few nationally representative studies of their work environment and health, however, have been published. The present questionnaire study on work conditions, skill utilization, health and well-being of a national representative sample of 3,500 Swedish nurses, indicates a high degree of job satisfaction. Despite high satisfaction, 40% of the respondents felt too tired after work to socialize with family and 45% had seriously considered quitting their jobs. Factors such as improved work climate and development of supervisory skills were suggested as psychosocial interventions. Improvement in physical work environment factors had low priority. Medical care nurses perceive a higher work load and higher job demands in relation to decision latitude, and geriatric nurses report less work development. No differences between disciplines were found in work relations. In conclusion, there is a need to further develop skills development and utilization and work organization. Results will be used in interventions to enhance the work environment for nurses.

Adult↗

PubMed1992

Techno-stress. A psychophysiological study of employees with VDU-associated skin complaints.

Little is known about the causes of health complaints associated with work with video display units (VDUs). The symptoms are to a large degree similar to those of "multiple chemical sensitivity." We observed 47 white-collar employees with and without VDU-associated skin complaints during a regular workday and a day of leisure. VDU workers with skin symptoms had higher levels of the stress-sensitive hormones thyroxin and prolactin compared with employees without symptoms. They also had lower levels of the anabolic hormone testosterone during work. VDU workers with skin complaints also reported more occupational mental strain. A model is proposed in which physiological signals act as unconditioned stimuli and the VDU environment as the conditioned stimuli.

Arousal↗

PubMed1991

Age-related differences in concomitant hormone release from the superfused rat adenopituitary.

We screened the concomitant release of five adenopituitary (AP) hormones, in vitro, at basal and stimulated conditions, in young and aged (2-3 and 25 months old, respectively) male Fischer 344 rats. The APs of aged rats exhibited significantly higher basal and total release of prolactin, but lower release of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone and growth hormone than those of young rats. The APs of aged rats did not respond to high K+ depolarization by an increased release of any of the studied hormones, whereas the APs of young rats did release a significant amount in all instances. The results indicate marked age-related alterations affecting the release of the hormones, detectable even in the isolated AP alone.

Aging↗

PubMed1991

Neuroendocrine and immunologic effects of unemployment and job insecurity.

We prospectively followed a cohort of 354 blue-collar men and women, some of whom lost their jobs. Results show marked effects during the anticipatory and early unemployment phase on mental well-being, serum cortisol, prolactin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and phytohemagglutinin reactivity of lymphocytes. Most of these changes appear to be of short-term duration. However, changes in cardiovascular risk factors are observed at least 2 years following the loss of one's job. Coping style appears to be a major determinant whether or not and how people will react to unemployment.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

PubMed1991

White collar stress: what studies of physicians can teach us.

The impact of occupational stress on physicians and their medical practice has been subject to much debate but relatively little research. This paper reviews some recent studies concerning the psychosocial work environment of physicians. Psychiatric and cardiovascular epidemiologic data indicate that physicians are at similar or enhanced risk to socioeconomically comparative groups. Clinical studies of physicians reveal associations between psychosocial work characteristics and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Further work is needed to enhance our understanding of the implication of present work environments on the health and well-being of physicians as well as other health care workers.

Blood Pressure↗

PubMed1991

Endocrine and dermatological concomitants of mental stress.

The role of psychosocial stress in the etiology and clinical course of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis still remains to be elucidated. In this study, we assessed neuroendocrine, dermatological, and cognitive responses in healthy subjects and in subjects suffering from psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, respectively. Perceived stress increased the most in psoriatics during the stressor exposure but tended to return faster to baseline in this group than was found for atopics and healthy controls. Growth hormone secretion was attenuated during stress in patients with skin disorders. Overall, neuroendocrine reactivity was similar in the three groups. Dermal flare reactivity was enhanced in healthy controls but perceived itch enhanced in atopics in response to stress. Stress per se was not an important discriminator between groups. Coping style and other cognitive factors turned out to be of significant importance to predict skin reactivity rather than a specific skin disease. The study suggests that psychosocial stress affects the skin reactivity and that cognitive factors modulate such effects. However, a specific skin condition explains only a fraction of the overall variance in skin reactivity to specific stressors.

Dermatitis, Atopic↗

PubMed1990

Modelling of environmental lead contributors to blood lead in human.

The Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES II) is the only representative national study of body burden of lead where detailed concurrent information is available on a number of geographic and socio-economic factors. To date, however, reliable information on concurrent local environmental lead exposure for the sample has been lacking. In this study, we have identified and utilized previously unused concurrent lead exposure data. Our exposure data include time and region specific information on sales of lead from gasoline and ambient air-lead measurements from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In addition, we have included information on lead consumed in food from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Our results indicate weak but significant associations between state sales of lead from gasoline and blood lead. In addition, we found a significant association between ambient air lead measurements and blood-lead concentrations. Socio-economic factors and life-style factors were significantly related to blood lead, controlling for other possible confounders. Overall, our model explained 34% of the variance in blood-lead levels, which is a significant improvement compared to the maximum of 25% from other studies using the NHANES II data. The study substantiates prior findings that the majority of the variance in overall blood lead is significantly related to lead sources other than gasoline. From a public health perspective, it is therefore imperative that lead screening programs be continued and focused on multiple sources of lead, including lead in gasoline. The study supports prior findings of a continuous decrease in blood lead, independent of decreases of lead from gasoline.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

PubMed1990

Physicians during and following night call duty--41 hour ambulatory recording of sleep.

Six house officers at two Stockholm hospitals were subjected to 41 h of continuous ambulatory recording of EEG and EOG in connection with night call duty, and to 24 h in connection with normal day work. The results showed that night call duty greatly interfered with sleep, reducing its duration to 4 h. The reduction mainly affected sleep stages 2 and REM. SWS was not affected, whereas EEG spectral power density in the 0.5-7.9 Hz band was suppressed. During subsequent time off, napping and night sleep increased total sleep length above baseline levels. It was concluded that night call duty of the present type causes considerable sleep loss.

Adult↗