1. |
- Nilsson, Petra, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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How to make a workplace health promotion questionnaire process applicable, meaningful, and sustainable
- 2011
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In: Journal of Nursing Management. - : Wiley-Blackwell. - 0966-0429 .- 1365-2834. ; 19:7, s. 906-914
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background In workplace health promotion, a questionnaire could be of great use. Unfortunately, fatigue regarding answering questionnaires has recently become greater than before. An action research approach could be a possible way of increasing employee participation.Aim This study reports an attempt to explore key aspects for participation in, and commitment to, a workplace health promotion questionnaire process.Method The study was conducted at two wards in a Swedish hospital. Data was collected during an action research process. Data were analysed with regard to a framework of questions.Findings The three key aspects for participation in, and commitment to, a workplace health promotion questionnaire process were: an applicable questionnaire, a meaningful questionnaire process and a continuous and sustainable questionnaire process. A structure is presented as practical advice to managers, describing how such a process could be established to be applicable, meaningful and sustainable.Conclusion This study has identified key aspects and prerequisites for questionnaire processes. The prerequisites – share decision-making, involve a core group and follow a structure – are discussed and proposed for managers and workgroups to consider in further workplace health promotion questionnaire processes.Implications for nursing management The key aspects and prerequisites presented could provide a stimulating standpoint or advice, useful for planning and accomplishing workplace questionnaire processes.
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2. |
- Nilsson, Petra, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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The work experience measurement scale (WEMS) : a useful tool in workplace health promotion
- 2013
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In: Work. - : IOS Press. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 45:3, s. 379-387
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To present validity data for the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS), an instrument measuring multifaceted work experience from a salutogenic health resource perspective as a contrast to the more common pathogenic risk perspective, by exploring WEMS relationship to established measurements that are positively related to health and work. A salutogenic perspective focuses on finding conditions and resources in life, for example at work, that can enhance the individual's health and strength, instead of those causing illness and weakness.METHOD: This study was carried out in 2009 at a Swedish hospital with a web-based survey (WEMS) to 770 employees. Different occupational groups at the hospital participated. Additional questionnaires used at the same time were the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9), the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS), the General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE), and three questions about self-rated health, general well-being, and quality of life.RESULTS: Cronbach's Alpha of WEMS sub-indices were in the interval of 0.85—0.96. Convergent validity and discriminant validity of WEMS and its sub-indices were shown to be satisfying by correlations. In addition, WEMS demonstrated the ability to discriminate between groups. WEMS sub-indices discriminated even better between groups than the total index.CONCLUSION: The WEMS proved to be a workplace health promotion questionnaire that was able to measure experiences of work from a salutogenic perspective. The WEMS has a potential of being a useful tool in workplace health promotion to enhance positive human capabilities and resources to improve work performance.
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3. |
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4. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-
(author)
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Biomedicin : viktig grund men också hinder
- 2009
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In: Andersson, Ingemar & Ejlertsson, Göran (red.). Folkhälsa som tvärvetenskap. - Lund : Studentlitteratur. - 9789144040097 ; , s. 63-85
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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5. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Characteristics of subjects with chronic pain, in relation to local and widespread pain report : a prospective study of symptoms, clinical findings and blood tests in subgroups of a geographically defined population
- 1996
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 25:3, s. 146-154
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The relation between reported chronic pain and clinical findings was studied by comparing survey data six months before and eighteen months after a clinical examination. Studied individuals (n = 165) were randomly selected from subsamples of an initial survey (n = 1806) to a general population. Among individuals reporting chronic pain 85% were assessed to have chronic pain at the examination. Diagnoses were found in 22% of examined pain individuals. Myofascial pain syndrome and myalgia were the most common findings. Compared with located neck-shoulder pain, widespread pain had a greater impact on the individual, a worse prognosis regarding pain duration and working capacity, and revealed a raised serum urate level of unclear significance. Although no specific cause of pain is found in individuals with widespread pain it is important to identify and treat this group due to the great effects on functional capacity and the worse prognosis.
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6. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-
(author)
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Chronic pain : epidemiological studies in a general population
- 1998
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Doctoral thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- The aim was to study the epidemiology of chronic pain (> 3 months duration) and factors associated to pain prevalence, prognosis, health care and medication in a general population. A cross-sectional mailed survey to a random population sample (n = 1806) was followed by a clinical examination and a prospective study of three selected groups. Pain related diagnoses from primary health care was monitored and compared with pain prevalence. The most important findings were: - a high total prevalence of chronic pain, 55.2%, without gender difference but varying by age and socioeconomic level. About one fourth (12.8%) reported high pain intensity and functional impairments. Women experienced pain at more locations and with higher intensity. - in a multivariate analysis increasing age, female gender, low education, high work strain, depression and insomnia were associated with chronic pain. - widespread pain showed a worse 2- year prognosis compared with neck shoulder pain. - musculoskeletal location of pain dominated, myalgia and myofascial pain being the most common symptom descriptions. - co-morbidity with chronic pain was common. More hypertensives and an increased level of serum uric acid associated to widepread pain indicated possible metabolic connections to pain. - smoking (current and previous) was associated with low-back and widespread pain. - chronic pain had a substantial influence of primary health care-seeking and medication; high pain intensity being the most important predictor of care and medication. - pain related diagnoses in primary health care increased between 1987 and 1996. Chronic pain, mainly with musculoskeletal location, is a community health problem. A multi-factorial approach in prevention and treatment on the basis of present knowledge is necessary.
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7. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Chronic pain in a geographically defined general population : studies of differences in age, gender, social class, and pain localization.
- 1993
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In: The Clinical Journal of Pain. - 0749-8047 .- 1536-5409. ; 9:3, s. 174-182
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To establish basic epidemiological data on chronic pain (duration > 3 months) in a defined population. Relationships between age, gender, and social class were tested. DESIGN: A survey of pain symptoms, including location, intensity, duration, and functional capacity, was conducted by means of a mail questionnaire. SETTING: General populations in two Swedish primary health care districts. Medical care was provided in a state health system. SUBJECTS: A random sample (from the population register) of 15% of the population aged 25-74 (n = 1,806). The response rate was 90%. OUTCOME MEASURES: Descriptive epidemiologic data in relation to objectives of the study. RESULTS: Without sex differences, 55% (95% confidence interval, 53-58%) of the population had perceived persistent pain for 3 months and 49% for 6 months. Among individuals with chronic pain, 90% localized their pain to the musculoskeletal system to a variable extent. Women experienced more multiple localizations of pain and had pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and thigh to a greater extent than men. Prevalence of pain increased by age up to 50-59 years for both genders and then slowly decreased. The neck-shoulder area was the most common site of pain (30.2%), followed by the lower back (23.2%). Even in the youngest age groups more than one of four reported chronic pain. Blue-collar workers and employers (including farmers) reported chronic pain to a greater extent than other groups. In 13% of the population, manifest pain problems were associated with reduced functional capacity. CONCLUSION: Chronic pain symptoms are common but unevenly distributed in a general population. The results may influence planning and consultation in primary health care as well as warranting selective prevention activities.
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9. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Folkhälsovetenskap : perspektiv och framtid
- 2009
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In: Folkhälsa som tvärvetenskap. - Lund : Studentlitteratur. - 9789144040097 ; , s. 367-375
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Book chapter (other academic/artistic)
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10. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Impact of chronic pain on health care seeking, self care, and medication : results from a population-based Swedish study
- 1999
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In: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. - 0143-005X .- 1470-2738. ; 53:8, s. 503-509
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- STUDY OBJECTIVE: To explore individual and social factors that could predict health care utilisation and medication among people with chronic pain in an unselected population. DESIGN: A mailed survey with questions about pain and mental symptoms, disability, self care action, visits to health care providers, and medication. SETTING: General populations in two Swedish primary health care (PHC) districts. Medical care was given in a state health system. PARTICIPANTS: A random sample (from the population register) of 15% of the population aged 25-74 (n = 1806). MAIN RESULTS: Among people reporting chronic pain 45.7% (compared with 29.8 of non-chronic pain persons, p < 0.05) consulted a physician and 7.2% (compared with 1.2%, p < 0.05) a physiotherapist during three months. Primary health care was the most frequent care provider. High pain intensity, aging, depression, ethnicity, and socioeconomic level had the greatest impact on physician consultations. Alternative care, used by 5.9%, was associated with high pain intensity and self care. Use of self care was influenced by high pain intensity, regular physical activity, and ethnicity. Alternative care and self care did not imply lower use of conventional health care. Women reporting chronic pain consumed more analgesics and sedatives than corresponding men. Besides female gender, high pain intensity, insomnia, physician consultation, social network, and self care action helped to explain medication with analgesics. Use of herbal remedies and ointments correlated to self care action, visit to an alternative therapist, high pain intensity, and socioeconomic level. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of chronic pain has an impressive impact on primary health care and medication. Various therapeutic actions are common and are partly overlapping. The use of health care among people with chronic pain depends above all on pain perception and intensity of pain but is also affected by ethnicity, age, socioeconomic level, and depressive symptoms. Among people with chronic pain use of analgesics is common in contrast with other types of pain relief (acupuncture, physiotherapy) suitable for treating chronic pain symptoms.
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11. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-
(author)
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Increased mortality among individuals with chronic widespread pain relates to lifestyle factors : a prospective population-based study
- 2009
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In: Disability and Rehabilitation. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. ; , s. 1-8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose. Widespread chronic pain has been related to disability and loss of quality of life, but in a few epidemiological studies also to increased mortality. The aim of this study was to further investigate the relationship between chronic pain, lifestyle factors and all cause mortality. Methods. A random sample of an adult (age 25-74) Swedish population (n = 1609) responded to a comprehensive questionnaire on pain, other symptoms, lifestyle, work and socioeconomic factors in 1988. Mortality data for this cohort between 1988 and 2002 were analysed. Survival analysis (Kaplan-Meier) and Cox proportional regression were used to study initially reported factors influencing survival. Results. Individuals with widespread chronic pain showed an increased mortality risk (hazard ratio, HR = 1.95, CI: 1.26-3.03) compared to the group without chronic pain. Death due to cardiovascular disease accounted for the increased mortality. Adjustment for lifestyle factors eliminated the excess risk. Conclusions. Increased mortality among individuals with widespread chronic pain is related to factors like smoking, sleep disturbances and low physical activity. The result emphasises the importance of including lifestyle factors in a cognitive-behavioural rehabilitation process. It remains to be shown whether health promotion activities aimed at lifestyle could change mortality among individuals with chronic pain.
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12. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Increased serum uric acid - a marker of non-gouty widespread pain? : a study of female patients with inflammatory and non-inflammatory pain
- 2006
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 35:4, s. 261-267
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between reported chronic pain and the level of serum urate (SU) among women with various diagnoses of the musculoskeletal system. METHODS: Consecutive female patients (aged 20-70 years, n = 124), at rheumatology and rehabilitation practices, with chronic musculoskeletal pain of different origins were followed for 1 year after an initial survey of pain, lifestyle, quality of life, and disability. Repeated blood samples (including urate, creatinine, cholesterol, and glucose) were analysed. Multiple regression analysis was performed to explain initial variations in SU level in relation to pain and confounding factors. RESULTS: The level of SU was increased among individuals with widespread pain (>5 locations) independent of underlying diagnoses compared to those with fewer pain sites (270.5 vs. 241.2 micromol/L). Serum creatinine, body mass index (BMI), the number of pain locations, and sleep disturbances independently contributed to the SU level and explained 43% of the variation in SU. Individual variation in SU during 4 months was low. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiological data on the relationship between the extent of body pain and SU were confirmed in a clinical setting. Besides known factors such as impaired renal function and obesity, widespread pain and sleep disturbances were related to an increase in SU. Medication and alcohol intake could not explain the findings. Longitudinal studies are necessary to elucidate whether the level of SU has any implications for the prognosis of chronic pain.
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13. |
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14. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Musculoskeletal chronic pain in general practice : studies of health care utilisation in comparison with pain prevalence
- 1999
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. - 0281-3432 .- 1502-7724. ; 17:2, s. 87-92
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To study the relations between population prevalence of chronic pain and pain-related diagnoses (musculoskeletal and headaches) in primary health care (PHC) and to examine longitudinal variations in these diagnoses. DESIGN: A population-based mailed survey to catch prevalence data and continuous computerised diagnosis registration in PHC. SETTING: General population in a well-defined Swedish PHC district. SUBJECTS: A random sample of 15% of the population aged 25-74, n = 1101. Annual visitors to district physicians at the health centre. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of pain-related diagnoses in PHC in relation to population prevalence of chronic pain. Comparisons of the number of individuals (annual visiting rates) with pain-related diagnoses 1987-1996. RESULTS: Population pain prevalence and pain-related diagnoses in PHC corresponded as regards the magnitude and distribution of chronic pain by age and partly by pain location. Compared to low-back and widespread pain, neck-shoulder pain and headaches were less frequent in PHC in relation to reported prevalence. From 1987 to 1996 we found an increasing number of individuals seeking primary care with pain-related diagnoses. The increase was mainly assigned to the groups of fibrositis/myalgia and headache. CONCLUSION: Pain-related diagnoses in PHC reflect partly the occurrence of self-reported chronic pain symptoms in the population. The observed increase in visits with pain-related diagnoses in the last 10 years is due to an increased number of individuals with soft-tissue rheumatism and headaches. Future studies will have to elucidate whether these findings are due to an increase in morbidity or changes in care-seeking and social conditions.
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15. |
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16. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Salutogenetic and pathogenetic factors of equal importance to predict mortality in a Swedish general population
- 2008
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In: European Journal of Public Health, 18(Suppl. 1). ; , s. 193-194
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Social support and physical exercise seem to be salutogenetic factors of importance for longterm survival to balance traditional risk factors such as smoking and defined diseases. The results support health promotion initiatives focused on salutogenetic factors and not only prevention in relation to traditional risk factors and diseases.
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17. |
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18. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Serum uric acid predicts changes in reports of non-gouty chronic pain : a prospective study among women with inflammatory and non-inflammatory pain
- 2012
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In: Rheumatology International. - 0172-8172 .- 1437-160X. ; 32:1, s. 193-198
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Widespread pain has earlier been associated with an increase in serum urate (SU). The aim of this study was to longitudinally study the relation between changes in pain reporting and the level of SU among women with chronic pain. Consecutive female patients (n = 124; aged 20-70 years), at rheumatology and rehabilitation practices, with chronic musculoskeletal pain of different origins were followed for 1 year with repeated blood samples and questionnaires. Complete data were obtained from 107 individuals. Factors that predicted an increase in pain extension during 12 months were studied in a logistic regression model. Changes in SU showed a significant correlation (r = 0.36) with changes in the number of reported pain locations. An initially high SU level (OR = 4.46), frequent use of alcohol (OR = 1.32) and a high number of pain locations (OR = 1.24) independently predicted an increase in pain extension during 12 months, whereas the use of steroids (OR = 0.21) in patients with inflammatory disorders resulted in a decreased number of reported pain locations. A relative increase in SU in combination with report of a high number of pain locations turned out to be a risk factor of increased pain extension in a cohort of women with chronic non-gouty pain followed during 1 year. The importance of SU in relation to chronic pain and its prognosis needs to be validated in larger studies.
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19. |
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20. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-
(author)
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The epidemiology of chronic pain in a Swedish rural area.
- 1994
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In: Quality of Life Research, 1994 3(Suppl. 1). ; , s. S19-S26
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In order to establish basic epidemiological data on chronic pain (duration > 3 months) in a rural population, a survey of pain symptoms was conducted by means of a postal questionnaire. The questionnaire was sent to a random sample (from the population register) of 15% of the population aged 25-74 (n = 1806) in two Swedish primary health care districts. The response rate was 90%. In a follow-up study individuals selected among the responders (neck-shoulder pain, widespread pain and controls without pain; n = 213) were examined and interviewed. They were requestioned about pain symptoms 24 months after the initial survey. Without sex differences 55% of the population had perceived persistent pain for 3 months and 49% for 6 months. Women experienced more multiple localizations of pain and had pain in neck, shoulder, arm and thigh to a greater extent than men. Prevalence of pain increased by age up to 50-59 years for both genders and then slowly decreased. The neck-shoulder area was the most common site of pain (women 32.9%, men 27.5%). Blue-collar workers and employers (including farmers) reported chronic pain to a greater extent than other groups. In 13% of the population, manifest pain problems were associated with reduced functional capacity. Examination of selected pain groups indicated a high proportion of unspecific musculoskeletal symptoms. Diagnosis with definite definitions, explaining the pains, were found in 40% of the individuals. Individuals with widespread pain had a higher pain intensity, more somatic symptoms, were more depressive and had the lowest scores for quality of life.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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21. |
- Andersson, H. Ingemar, 1950-, et al.
(author)
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Widespread musculoskeletal chronic pain associated with smoking : an epidemiological study in a general rural population
- 1998
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine. - 0036-5505 .- 1940-2228. ; 30:3, s. 185-191
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Data on smoking and pain symptoms from a random sample (n = 1806) of a general population were used to evaluate the association between chronic pain at various locations and smoking. In both genders current smoking was associated with reports of increased pain in low back, neck and with multiple locations. In a multiple logistic regression analysis current smoking was associated with an increase in widespread chronic musculoskeletal pain (OR 1.60, CI 1.04-2.46, in relation to non-smokers) and chronic low back pain (OR 1.58, CI 1.13-2.20, in relation to non-smokers). A dose-response relationship was found between the daily cigarette consumption and the prevalence of chronic low back pain. Smoking is associated not only with low back pain but also with chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain. No conclusive decrease in pain prevalence was found after quitting smoking. Further studies are necessary to elucidate an aetiologic relationship between smoking and chronic pain.
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22. |
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23. |
- Atroshi, Isam, et al.
(author)
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Primary care patients with musculoskeletal pain : value of health-status and sense-of-coherence measures in predicting long-term work disability
- 2002
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In: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. - 0300-9742 .- 1502-7732. ; 31:4, s. 239-244
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term sick leave among primary care patients with musculoskeletal disorders and the predictive value of health-status and sense-of-coherence measures. METHODS: Patients aged 17 to 64 years who, during seven weeks, attended one of six primary care centers because of non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain and who completed the SF-36 health questionnaire and the sense of coherence (SOC) scale at baseline and after one year. RESULTS: Of 189 patients, 36 (19%) were sicklisted for at least three months before and/or after their visit; the most common diagnoses were non-specific soft-tissue or multiple joint, low back, and shoulder pain. The long-term sicklisted patients had significantly worse baseline SF-36 and SOC scores than the non-sicklisted patients; moderate improvement in the SF-36 bodily pain but no improvement in the physical functioning scores occurred. The duration of sick leave at baseline and the SF-36 bodily pain score were significant predictors of continuos one-year work disability. CONCLUSION: Long-term sick leave was common among primary care patients with musculoskeletal pain. The physical functioning and return-to-work outcomes after one year were poor. The SF-36 bodily pain scale might be helpful in identifying at risk patients.
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24. |
- Axelsson, Lars, et al.
(author)
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Inequalities of quality of life in unemployed young adults : a population-based questionnaire study
- 2007
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In: International Journal for Equity in Health. - 1475-9276 .- 1475-9276. ; 6, s. 1-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: It is well known that unemployment is a great problem both to the exposed individual and to the whole society. Unemployment is reported as more common among young people compared to the general level of unemployment. Inequity in health status and lifesatisfaction is related to unemployment. The purpose of this population-based study was to describe QOL among unemployed young people compared to those who are not unemployed, and to analyse variables related to QOL for the respective groups.Methods: The sample consisted of 264 young unemployed individuals and 528 working or studying individuals as a reference group. They all received a questionnaire about civil status, educational level, immigration, employment status, self-reported health, self-esteem, social support, social network, spare time, dwelling, economy and personal characteristics. The response rate was 72%. The significance of differences between proportions was tested by Fisher's exact test or by χ2 test. Multivariate analysis was carried out by means of a logistic regression model.Results: Our results balance the predominant picture of youth unemployment as a principally negative experience. Although the unemployed reported lower levels of QOL than the reference group, a majority of unemployed young adults reported good QOL, and 24% even experienced higher QOL after being unemployed. Positive QOL related not only to good health, but also to high self-esteem, satisfaction with spare time and broad latitude for decision-making.Conclusion: Even if QOL is good among a majority of unemployed young adults, inequalities in QOL were demonstrated. To create more equity in health, individuals who report reduced subjective health, especially anxiety need extra attention and support. Efforts should aim at empowering unemployed young adults by identifying their concerns and resources, and by creating individual programmes in relation not only to education and work, but also to personal development.
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25. |
- Bringsén, Åsa, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Flow situations during everyday practice in a medical hospital ward : results from a study based on experience sampling method
- 2011
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In: BMC Nursing. - 1472-6955 .- 1472-6955. ; 10, s. 3-3
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Nursing is a constant balance between strain and stimulation and work and health research with a positive reference point has been recommended. A health-promoting circumstance for subjective experience is flow, which is a psychological state, when individuals concurrently experience happiness, motivation and cognitive efficiency. Flow situations can be identified through individuals' estimates of perceived challenge and skills. There is, to the best of our knowledge, no published study of flow among health care staff. The aim of this study was to identify flow-situations and study work-related activities and individual factors associated with flow situations, during everyday practice at a medical emergency ward in Sweden, in order to increase the knowledge on salutogenic health-promoting factors.The respondents consisted of 17 assistant nurses and 14 registered nurses, who randomly and repeatedly answered a small questionnaire, through an experience sampling method, during everyday nursing practice. The study resulted in 497 observations. Flow situations were defined as an exact match between a high challenge and skill estimation and logistic regression models were used to study different variables association to flow situations.The health care staff spent most of its working time in individual nursing care and administrative and communicative duties. The assistant nurses were more often occupied in individual nursing care, while the registered nurses were more involved in medical care and administrative and communicative duties. The study resulted in 11.5% observations of flow situations but the relative number of flow situations varied between none to 55% among the participants. Flow situations were positively related to medical care activities and individual cognitive resources. Taking a break was also positively associated with flow situations among the assistant nurses.The result showed opportunities for work-related interventions, with an adherent increase in flow situations, opportunity for experience of flow and work-related health among the nursing staff in general and among the assistant nurses in particular.
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26. |
- Bringsén, Åsa, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Health care staff's opinions about an individually controlled and flexible working time arrangement
- 2009
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- IntroductionIn the health care sector shift work is common and a variety of flexible working hour arrangements have been implemented and evaluated. High variability of working hours is repeatedly being related to ill health, especially if the variability is company controlled. In order to minimize the harmful effects on health and psychosocial wellbeing individually controlled flexible working time arrangements have been put into practice. AimThe aim of this study was to explore health care staff’s opinions about their individually controlled and flexible working time arrangement. MethodsEight focus group interviews were conducted, between November 2002 and February 2003, at a medical emergency ward in a medium sized Swedish hospital. Sixteen nurses and 19 assistant nurses where mixed in the eight groups. The interviews aimed at being unstructured and the main question emanated from the aim of the study. The analysis was influenced by qualitative content analysis. Five interviews were chosen through a condensation process and these interviews were transcribed verbatim by an external secretary. ResultsTwo patterns of employees’ opinions were revealed. Some of the participants expressed a positive attitude towards their individually controlled and flexible working time arrangement. They enjoyed the possibility to adjust their working schedule to their family situation and leisure activities. The positive ones were also talking about a health promoting possibility for reflection and learning, emanating from frequently working with different co workers, as a result of the flexibility. These participants emphasised an importance of everyone taking part in the planning process and taking turns in adjusting their schedule after the needs of the establishment. Other participants linked the individually controlled and flexible working time arrangement to a negative experience. They talked about a time consuming planning process resulting in less predictable working hours. These participants wanted to have a permanent schedule so that they could adjust their private life after their working hours. The negative ones wanted work to be characterised by predictability and efficiency. They linked this type of work to knowing their co workers well, so that they knew what the other ones were doing without having to communicate while working. The latter group of participants were reluctant to adjusting their schedule after the needs of the establishment. ConclusionsIt seems as if an individually controlled and flexible working time arrangement can result in either positive or negative experiences. Negative feelings form the base for psychological and biological processes that might have a negative impact on health. It is therefore important to reflect on how we implement and organise individually controlled and flexible working time arrangements for employees to have positive experiences with opportunities for sustained or improved health.
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27. |
- Bringsén, Åsa, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Hälsorelaterade upplevelser av arbetet på en medicinsk vårdavdelning : resultat från en fokusgruppsstudie med sjukvårdspersonal
- 2009
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- ProblembeskrivningAbetsplatser inom sjukvården i Sverige har genomgått många förändringar. De har skett under en period som också präglats av besparings- och rationaliseringsåtgärder. För de anställda karaktäriseras arbetslivet av höga krav, begränsade möjligheter till kontroll, oklart ledarskap, konstanta förändringskrav utan deltagande och en stor mängd sociala relationer och ansvarsområden. Ledarskapet ger inte alltid tillräckligt stöd åt de anställda och rapporteringen av stressymtom ökar. Traditionellt har folkhälsorelaterad arbetslivsforskning i huvudsak fokuserat på problem och orsaker till ohälsa, medan studier av arbetsplatsrelaterade hälsofaktorer utifrån ett salutogent perspektiv inte varit lika ofta förekommande.Hälsan bland de anställda inom vård och omsorg behöver förbättras och verksamheten behöver göras mer attraktiv för den yngre arbetskraften. Utformningen av strategier för ett framgångsrikt hälsofrämjande arbete har beskrivits som en möjlig insats med positiv påverkan på personalens arbetsförhållanden och hälsa.Mot bakgrund av ovanstående skulle studier om hälsofrämjande arbete på arbetsplatser inom sjukvården vara till stor nytta. Ett hälsorelaterat projekt startades därför 2002 vid en vårdavdelning på ett medelstort sjukhus i södra Sverige. Som del i detta projekt ingick en fokusgruppsstudie med intervjuer av sjukvårdspersonalen som arbetade på avdelningen.SyfteSyftet med fokusgruppsstudien var att undersöka sjukvårdspersonalens upplevelse av sin arbetssituation i relation till deras uppfattningar om en hälsofrämjande arbetsplats.MetodÅtta fokusgruppsintervjuer genomfördes mellan november 2002 och februari 2003. Huvudfrågorna utgick från syftet och moderatorns roll var i huvudsak att stimulera kommunikationen genom att ställa följdfrågor och be om förtydliganden. Tanken var att intervjuerna skulle vara ostrukturerade, så att deltagarnas upplevelser och uppfattningar kunde utvecklas med så lite styrning från moderatorn som möjligt. All sjukvårdspersonal erbjöds att delta i studien och av 39 anställda valde 35 att delta. I grupperna blandades 16 sjuksköterskor och 19 undersköterskor, med fyra till fem deltagare i varje grupp. Intervjuerna spelades in på band, lyssnades igenom och fem intervjuer valdes ut och skrevs ut ordagrant. Dessa fem intervjuer ansågs vara representativa för materialet som helhet då innehållet i de övriga tre intervjuerna också fanns representerat i dessa fem. Analysen genomfördes av moderatorn och inspirerades av beskrivningen om kvalitativ innehållsanalys. ResultatResultatet visade att deltagarna hade både positiva och negativa hälsorelaterade upplevelser av sin arbetsplats. De negativa upplevelserna kopplades i huvudsak ihop med fysisk arbetsmiljö och organisatoriska faktorer, som till exempel den övergripande organiseringen av arbetet på avdelningen, fördelning av arbetsuppgifter, hög arbetsbelastning, dåligt fungerande rutiner, organisering av arbetstider, ledarskapet och genomförandet av förändringsarbete eller omorganisering. När det gällde de positiva hälsorelaterade upplevelserna så dominerade istället psykosociala faktorer som kunde kopplas till antingen arbetskamrater, patienter eller individuella faktorer. Kontakten med arbetskamrater och patienter ansågs fungera som ett hälsofrämjande socialt, emotionellt och instrumentellt stöd, som bidrog till att gör arbetet hanterbart. Skillnaden mellan faktorer som ansågs vara hälsofrämjande respektive ohälsoframkallande var inte helt tydlig. En del faktorer kunde ha både en positiv och en negativ påverkan på deltagarnas hälsa eftersom vissa deltagare hade olika uppfattningar om vad som var hälsofrämjande. Som ett exempel kan nämnas att vissa ansåg att en arbetssituation som karaktäriserades av stabilitet och förutsägbarhet var hälsofrämjande medan andra istället förespråkade en flexibel och variationsrik arbetssituation.SlutsatsResultatet överensstämmer till stor del med tidigare teoribildning men den individuella variabiliteten var dock stor. Då de positiva hälsorelaterade upplevelserna i huvudsak relaterades till psykosociala faktorer, är det svårt att beskriva hälsofrämjande faktorer utifrån struktur och organisation.
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28. |
- Bringsén, Åsa, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Vårdpersonalens uppfattningar om arbete, glädje, trivsel och hälsa
- 2004
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Arbetslivet har en betydelsefull roll när det gäller människans hela livssituation och förändringar på arbetsmarknaden har inneburit att en mindre andel av befolkningen idag tillhör arbetskraften. De som blivit kvar har fått mer att göra med större fysiska och psykiska påfrestningar som följd. Ofta studeras och presenteras arbete som en riskfaktor för ohälsa medan dess eventuella positiva påverkan på anställdas hälsa studerats i betydligt mindre utsträckning.Syftet med denna delstudie var att undersöka personalens upplevelse av sin aktuella arbetssituation i relation till deras bild av en hälsofrämjande arbetsplats.Rapporten redovisar resultatet från en kvalitativ studie med gruppintervjuer (fokusgrupps intervjuer) på två vårdavdelningarna vid sjukhusen i Hässleholm och Kristianstad. Resultat från de två avdelningarna presenteras i ett sammanhang eftersom likheterna är stora men också för att det ger en möjlighet att diskutera eventuella skillnader dem emellan.Resultatet tyder på att intervjudeltagarna uppskattar sina arbeten på de två vårdavdelningarna. Det finns dock utrymme för förbättringar om arbetsplatserna skall leva upp till deltagarnas bild av en hälsofrämjande arbetsplats. Resultatet visar att det är arbetsplatsens stödjande funktioner som ger arbetsglädje och skapar trivsel. Stödet trivseln och arbetsglädjen kan dock förbättras med insatser för en större närhet till chef och läkare samt för bättre fungerande arbetsgrupper som helhet. Faktorer som ligger bakom upplevda krav och påfrestningar anses vara orsaker till upplevelsen av negativ stress. Stressen uppges å sin sida vara huvudanledningen till att arbetsplatserna inte är hälsofrämjande för deltagarna, vilket indikerar ett behov av att reducera kraven på arbetsplatserna. Att intervjudeltagarna inte spontant reflekterade över individuella faktorers betydelse för upplevelsen av trivsel och arbetsglädje kan ses som att det är av underordnad betydelse. Troligt är dock att det även kan bero på många människors förmåga att söka efter orsaker till uppfattningar eller upplevelser i sin omgivning istället för hos sig själva.Intressant är de två olika bilderna av en hälsofrämjande arbetsplats som studiens resultat visar. En ganska stor del av intervjudeltagarna ger uttryck för att en arbetsplats som är stabil i det mesta är hälsofrämjande vilket inte överensstämmer med tidigare arbetsrelaterad forskning. För interventionsprojektet med deltagarbaserat perspektiv är studiens resultat användbart för förståelse för deltagarnas uppfattningar och upplevelser.
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29. |
- Edén, Lena, 1940-, et al.
(author)
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Characteristics of disability pensioners returning to work : an interview study among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders
- 2007
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In: Disability and Rehabilitation. - 0963-8288 .- 1464-5165. - 0963-8288 ; 29:22, s. 1720-1726
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose. To explore adaptation patterns among disability pensioners with musculoskeletal disorders returning to work by means of the Swedish law on 'resting disability pension'. Method. Qualitative analyses of interviews with 17 individuals going back to work. Results. Three adaptation patterns were identified: The Go- getter, the Realist and the Indifferent. These differed regarding influence factors, own expectations, motive, morals and mentality. Conclusion. Several actors may support a return to work for individuals who received a disability pension due to musculoskeletal disorders. In order to succeed, however, it is essential that the disability pensioner is motivated for a reconstruction of his/ her life.
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30. |
- Ejlertsson, Göran, 1948-, et al.
(author)
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Sickness presence is an important warning signal : a Swedish questionnaire study
- 2008
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In: European Journal of Public Health, 18(Suppl 1). ; , s. 214-
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Conference paper (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Persons with sickness presence see their job as important and demanding, and also report both physical and mental health problems as well as high sickness absence. As working life of today often requires great efforts, the combination of sickness presence and sickness absence is alarming. Ambitious employees with bad health may cause themselves more severe health problems in the future. Further research is required to clarify the causality.
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31. |
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32. |
- Nilsson, Petra, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Development and quality analysis of the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS)
- 2010
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In: Work. - : IOS Press. - 1051-9815 .- 1875-9270. ; 35:2, s. 153-161
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Instruments related to work are commonly illuminated from an ill-health perspective. The need for a concise and useable instrument in workplace health promotion governed the aim of this paper which is to present the development process and quality assessment of the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS). A survey, using a questionnaire based on established theories regarding work and health, and a focus group study were performed in hospital settings in 2005 and 2006 respectively. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to statistically develop a model, and focus group interviews were made to compare quantitative and qualitative results for convergence and corroboration. The PCA resulted in a six factor model of dimensions containing items regarding management, reorganization, internal work experience, pressure of time, autonomy and supportive working conditions. In the analysis of the focus group study three themes appeared and their underlying content was compared to, and matched, with the dimensions of the PCA. The reliability, shown by weighted kappa values, ranged from 0.36 to 0.71, and adequate Cronbach's Alpha values of the dimensions were all above 0.7. The study validity, indicated by discriminant validity, with correlation values that ranged from 0.10 to 0.39, in relation to the content validity appeared to be good when the theoretical content of the WEMS was compared to the content of similar instruments. The WEMS presents a multidimensional picture of work experience. Its theoretical base and the psychometric properties give support for applicability and offer a possibility to measure trends in the work experience over time in health care settings. One intention of the WEMS is to stimulate the ability of organizations and the employees themselves to take action on improving their work experience. The conciseness of the instrument is intended to increase its usability.
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33. |
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34. |
- Nilsson, Petra, 1980-, et al.
(author)
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Workplace health resources based on sense of coherence theory
- 2012
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In: International Journal of Workplace Health Management. - 1753-8351 .- 1753-836X. ; 5:3, s. 156-167
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Purpose – In workplace health promotion, enhancing resources are less explored than risk factors. The aim of this paper is to explore the usability of the sense of coherence (SOC) theory to identify considerable and positively perceived work-related factors and processes.Design/methodology/approach – The study had a salutogenic approach to workplace health promotion. A total of 13 focus group interviews were conducted with hospital employees in Sweden. A deductive analysis was made with the SOC theory as a framework.Findings – Work-related specific enhancing resources (SER) were identified and analysed into the three components of SOC: comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. SER's implication in daily performance is explained by employee expressions. Through increased understanding and awareness, SER could contribute to savoring positive experiences, and enhance SOC among employees. Antonovsky's concept Generalized Resistance Resources is suggested to be enlarged based on the expressed significance of concrete daily positive work occurrences to increase one's SOC.Research limitations/implications – Not all hospital professions were represented in the study. Further studies are required to involve physicians, paramedics, managers, as well as other settings, to compare and complement with additional experiences of workplace resources.Practical implications – The study presents an opportunity to explore, understand, and foster workplace resources through assistance from the SOC theory. The SER presented in this study may serve as initial examples in workplace discussions about work-related resources contributing to a sense of coherence.Originality/value – This study contributes to public health research and workplace health promotion with a salutogenic focus on how to explore enhancing work-related resources with the assistance of the practical SOC theory.
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