Hilary McDermott

Employment and the common cancers: correlates of work ability during or following cancer treatment

AIMS To provide an in-depth review of the impact of cancer and cancer-related issues on work ability for those working during or following cancer treatment. METHODS Of total, 19 papers published between 1999 and 2008 on cancer and work ability were reviewed. RESULTS Studies have shown that most types of cancers result in decreased work ability compared to healthy controls or those with other chronic conditions. Some cancer types have more decreased work ability than other types. Decreased work ability is associated with type of treatment (chemotherapy), treatment-related side-effects (e.g. fatigue) and co-morbidity with other health conditions. For most cancers, work ability improves over time irrespective of age. CONCLUSIONS More longitudinal research is required to fully determine the impact of cancer and its treatment on work ability, occupational health services can help such employees make a full recovery and maintain employment by regularly assessing work ability and working hours so that work adjustment and support can be appropriately tailored.

Developing occupational health services for active age management

AIMS To review current occupational health (OH) approaches aimed at maintaining the health and workability of older workers. METHODS A literature review was undertaken to identify articles on OH interventions focused on maintaining the health of older workers (published since 2000). The inclusion criteria included studies that reported interventions aimed specifically at older workers. RESULTS A limited number of interventions targeting older workers were identified. A second literature search was therefore conducted that identified types of workplace interventions that, if used with older workers, may benefit their health, well-being and workability. CONCLUSIONS Very few OH interventions have addressed the health and workability of older workers and there is considerable scope for developing OH provision, which accounts for the needs of the older workforce.

Analytical Pluralism in Qualitative Research: A Meta-Study

Recent interest in analytical pluralism—the application of more than one qualitative analytical method to a single data set—has demonstrated its potential to produce multiple, complex, and varied understandings of phenomena. However, tensions remain regarding the commensurability of findings produced from diverse theoretical frameworks, the practical application of multiple methods of analysis, and the capacity of pluralism to contribute to knowledge in psychology. This study addresses these issues through a critical interpretation of existing qualitative studies that utilized analytical pluralism. Using a meta-study design, we examined the use of theory, application of methods, and production of findings in studies that had adopted qualitative analytical pluralism. Following comprehensive database searches, ten articles were included in the analysis. Epistemological and ontological considerations, the influence of decisions made in the practical application of pluralism, and approaches to interpreting findings produced from multiple analyses are discussed, and implications for future research are considered.

Injuries, Ill-Health and Fatalities in White Water Rafting and White Water Paddling

White water (WW) activities such as paddling (canoeing and kayaking) and rafting are popular sports for recreational and professional participants. An increase in participation has been seen worldwide. However, these activities come with a risk of injury and even death if not conducted safely. A review was conducted to identify the types of injuries and ill-health that occur as a result of these activities. Injury and fatality rates were assessed to establish the risk attributed to these activities. Web of Science, PubMed, Ergonomics Abstracts and PsycINFO databases were searched and a total of 16 published articles were identified and reviewed. The shoulders and back were the most vulnerable sites for injury in WW paddling. Injuries to the face and lower limbs were most common in WW rafters. However, injury rates are low and estimates are discussed. Due to different methods used across the studies, the reported injury rates are not comparable. This review identified three illnesses incurred through WW activities. There may be more but these are not currently reported in the literature. A relative paucity of studies regarding injuries and fatalities in WW activities was identified. Directions for future research are suggested and discussed.

What benefits does team sport hold for the workplace? A systematic review

ABSTRACT Physical inactivity is proven to be a risk factor for non-communicable diseases and all-cost mortality. Public health policy recommends community settings worldwide such as the workplace to promote physical activity. Despite the growing prevalence of workplace team sports, studies have not synthesised their benefits within the workplace. A systematic review was carried out to identify articles related to workplace team sports, including intervention, observational and qualitative studies. Eighteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The findings suggest team sport holds benefits not only for individual health but also for group cohesion and performance and organisational benefits such as the increased work performance. However, it is unclear how sport is most associated with these benefits as most of the studies included poorly described samples and unclear sports activities. Our review highlights the need to explore and empirically understand the benefits of workplace team sport for individual, group and organisational health outcomes. Researches carried out in this field must provide details regarding their respective samples, the sports profile and utilise objective measures (e.g., sickness absence register data, accelerometer data).

What are the Facilitators and Obstacles to Participation in Workplace Team Sport? A Qualitative Study

Working age adults are failing to meet physical activity recommendations. Inactive behaviours are increasing costs for diminished individual and organisational health. The workplace is a priority setting to promote physical activity, however there is a lack of evidence about why some employees choose to participate in novel workplace activities, such as team sport, whilst others do not. The aim of this study was to explore the complexity of facilitators and obstacles associated with participation in workplace team sport. Twenty-nine semi-structured face-to-face and telephone interviews were conducted with office workers (58% female) (36 ± 7.71) from manufacturing, public services, and educational services. Data was analysed through template analysis. Five sub-level (i.e., intrapersonal, interpersonal, organisational, community and societal influences) facilitate participation or create obstacles for participants. Participants were challenged by a lack of competence, self-efficacy, negative sporting ideals and amotivation. Unhealthy competition, an unstable work-life balance and unsupportive colleagues created obstacles to participation. An unsupportive organisation and workplace culture placed demands on workplace champions, funding, facilities and communication. Healthy competitions, high perceptions of competence and self-efficacy, and being motivated autonomously enabled participation. Further, relatedness and social support created a physical activity culture where flexible working was encouraged and team sport was promoted in accessible locations within the organisation. Researchers should consider accounting for complexity of these influences. A participatory approach may tailor interventions to individual organisations and the employees that work within them. Interventions whereby autonomy, competence and relatedness are supported are recommended. This may be achieved by adapting sports and training workplace champions.

Iatrogenic Menopause After Treatment for Cervical Cancer

The ever-improving prognosis of women diagnosed with cervical cancer has meant that survivorship and treatment-related sequelae are being brought more into the spotlight in an attempt to try to reduce morbidity and improve womens long-term health. However, there are many issues surrounding an iatrogenic menopause in cervical cancer, a variety of potential management options and barriers to treatment. Women who have become menopausal under the age of 45 years as a result of cervical cancer are significantly less likely to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or continue it long term as compared with those who have undergone a surgical menopause for a benign reason. High profile media reports raising concerns about the safety of HRT use have left many women reluctant to consider HRT as a therapeutic option for menopausal symptoms and many are seeking to use complementary/alternative medicine, including non-pharmacological interventions, to alleviate symptoms. The benefits of HRT in this population have been shown to reduce these effects, although adherence to treatment regimens is a challenge due to poor compliance, which is in part due to the fear of a second malignancy. The development of non-HRT-based interventions to ameliorate menopausal symptoms and reduce the long-term health consequences are needed for women who choose not to take HRT.

Responses of track and field coaches to athletes with eating problems

This study aimed to explore how track and field coaches respond to athletes with eating problems. Eleven experienced coaches participated in semi‐structured interviews exploring their responses to, and challenges faced when, working with athletes with eating problems. The analysis revealed three themes relating to the strategies employed by coaches. The first theme indicated a supportive approach, where coaches were proactive in seeking support and in reducing training at the early stages of an eating problem. The second theme outlined an avoidant approach, characterized by coach reluctance to be involved in managing eating problems, and a lack of confidence in their knowledge of eating disorders. The third theme involved a confrontational approach, where coaches employed strict rules and engaged in coercion to persuade athletes to seek treatment. All of the coaches reported facing challenges in persuading athletes to seek treatment and were frustrated by the lack of available support. The study highlights the importance of providing resources and support services where coaches can seek advice. Coach‐education packages can utilize the findings to highlight the strengths and limitations of different coach strategies, and to reinforce the importance of their role in identification and intervention when eating problems in athletes are suspected.

Knowledge of the risk factors and symptoms associated with endometrial cancer in British South Asian and British White women

OBJECTIVE To explore differences in the background knowledge of Endometrial Cancer (EC), its risk factors, symptoms and prognosis of Endometrial Cancer (EC) between British White (BW) and British South Asian (BSA) women who had undergone treatment for stage I endometrial cancer within the past 3-years. STUDY DESIGN Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews exploring knowledge; diagnosis; treatment; follow-up; and survivorship were undertaken and analysed using Thematic Analysis. RESULTS Twenty-one women were interviewed (13 BW and 8 BSA). BW and BSA women reported similar views, experiences and concerns with regards to EC. Knowledge appeared to differ amongst the two groups with BSA women reporting being more aware that unscheduled vaginal bleeding could be associated with a malignancy but having lower levels of knowledge of the risk factors that can lead to EC, compared to BW women. There was a lack of understanding of the difference between cervical cancer and EC and as a result, many women reported taking reassurance from negative cervical cytology as excluding EC. There was also the misconception amongst some of the women that there was a link between sexual behaviour and EC. Women from both groups used the lay healthcare system to discuss their situation/symptoms, however BSA women reported to have specifically sought out women within their social network who had previously undergone treatment for EC. CONCLUSIONS Greater effort is needed to raise awareness in both the BW/BSA communities of the symptoms associated with EC that should prompt medical review. Educational efforts are required to overcome the reported perception that EC is synonymous with cervical cancer and cannot be detected by cervical screening.

Future Engineers: The Intrinsic Technology Motivation of Secondary School Pupils.

ABSTRACT The supply of students motivated to study engineering in higher education is critical to the sector. Results are presented from the ‘Mindsets STEM Enhancement Project’. Fifty-seven new resources packs, designed to improve STEM education in Design and Technology, were given to schools across London. A modified Intrinsic Motivation Inventory questionnaire measured pupils’ (n = 458) motivation towards technology. The results show that although pupils have positive reactions to the technology content within Design and Technology lessons, the type of STEM resources and lessons created through the project had made no significant difference on pupils’ interest/enjoyment towards technology. This suggests stand-alone resources do not improve pupil motivation. The impact of this work to engineering higher education is that the existing levels and the inability to improve pupil motivation in technology at school could be a factor affecting the pursuit of a technology or engineering related education or career.