Igor Grabovac

Prevalence and Correlates of Smoking and Readiness to Quit Smoking in People Living with HIV in Austria and Germany.

We aimed to investigate the prevalence and correlates of smoking in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) in Germany and Austria and their readiness to quit. A total of 447 consecutive patients with confirmed positive HIV status who were treated in different outpatient HIV centres in Austria and Germany were included. Nicotine dependence and stages of change were assessed by standardized questionnaires, and this was confirmed by measuring exhaled carbon monoxide. Prevalence of smoking was 49.4%. According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher age (for each year of life OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.92–1.00) and tertiary education level (OR = 0.43; 95% CI 0.15–0.79) were associated with a lower chance, and occasional (OR = 3.75; 95% CI 1.74–8.07) and daily smoking of the partner (OR 8.78; 95% CI 4.49–17.17) were significantly associated with a higher chance of smoking. Moderate (OR = 3.41; 95% CI = 1.30–9.05) and higher nicotine dependency level (OR = 3.40; 95% CI 1.46–7.94), were significantly associated with higher chance, and older age (for each year of life OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.91–0.99), with lower chance for readiness to quit smoking. Those results may be used to address preventive measures to quit smoking aimed at PLWHIV and the importance of addressing smoking habits.

Change in inflammatory parameters in prefrail and frail persons obtaining physical training and nutritional support provided by lay volunteers: A randomized controlled trial

The aim of the study was to compare the effects of home visits with physical training and nutritional support on inflammatory parameters to home visits with social support alone within a randomized controlled trial. Prefrail and frail persons received home visits from lay volunteers twice a week for 12 weeks. Participants in the physical training and nutritional intervention group (PTN, n = 35) conducted two sets of six strength exercises and received nutritional support. The social support group (SoSu, n = 23) received visits only. TNF-α, IL-6, CRP, and total leukocyte count were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks. Changes over time within groups were analyzed with paired t-tests; differences between groups were analyzed with ANCOVA for repeated measurements. In the PTN group, IL-6 and CRP remained stable, whereas in the SoSu group, IL-6 increased significantly from a median value of 2.6 pg/l (min–max = 2.0–10.2) to 3.0 pg/l (min–max = 2.0–20.8), and CRP rose from 0.2 mg/dl (min–max = 0.1–0.9) to 0.3 mg/dl (min–max = 0.1–3.0) after 12 weeks. In CRP, a significant difference between groups was found. TNF-α and total leukocyte count did not change in either the PTN group or the SoSu group. Persons showing an increase in physical performance (OR 4.54; 95% CI = 1.33–15.45) were more likely to have constant or decreased IL-6 values than persons who showed no improvement. In conclusion, in non-robust older adults, a physical training and nutritional support program provided by lay volunteers can delay a further increase in some inflammatory parameters.

Healthy occupational culture for a worker-friendly workplace.

Abstract Work has numerous health and wellbeing benefits, but it also involves physical hazards and psychological exertion. Today the scale has tipped toward psychosocial factors. Workers’ mental health affects their intellectual, emotional, and social growth, as well as work ability, productivity, and ultimately organisational productivity and competitiveness on the market. Even though companies may have an internal hierarchy that lowers stress at work, there are other formal and informal social processes that can affect (positively or negatively) the cohesion within the work unit. Safety culture of an organisation is a product of individual and group values, opinions, competences, and behavioural patterns that determine how occupational health and safety are implemented. Organisations that nurture positive safety culture understand the importance of health and safety and believe in prevention rather than dealing with consequences. Jobs that are stable, autonomous, and reasonably physically and psychologically demanding are far more likely to lower work-related stress and boost worker satisfaction. In fact, employee empowerment is one of the best ways to achieve good psychosocial health at the workplace. Radni uvjeti, radni okoliš i sam način rada znatno utječu na zdravlje. Danas je relativno malo poslova definirano tjelesnim zahtjevima, a puno više mentalnima i emocionalnima, pri čemu psihosocijalni rizici postaju značajni. Uz brojne pozitivne utjecaje rada na zdravlje i blagostanje, mnogi su radnici izloženi i opasnostima, štetnostima te ergonomskim i psihološkim naprezanjima. Stanje mentalnog zdravlja zaposlenog omogućava razvijanje u emocionalnom, intelektualnom i socijalnom pogledu te ima odlučujuće učinke na radnu sposobnost, zahvaćajući ne samo način i ishode njegova rada nego i ishode poslovanja tvrtke ili ustanove, određujući njenu kompetitivnost na tržištu. Unatoč dobroj organiziranosti upravnih tijela tvrtke, što umanjuje stres na radu, neformalni društveni procesi utječu (pozitivno ili negativno) na koheziju unutar radnih jedinica i na osjećaj povezanosti radnika i organizacije. Kultura sigurnosti neke organizacije rezultat je individualnih i grupnih vrijednosti, stavova, kompetencija i oblika ponašanja. To, pak, određuje odlučnost i način vođenja programa za očuvanje zdravlja i za sigurnost u organizaciji. Značajke organizacija koje imaju pozitivnu kulturu sigurnosti su zajednička percepcija važnosti sigurnosti te pouzdanost u preventivne mjere. Rad koji omogućuje autonomiju, kontrolu nad svojim radnim zaduženjima, razumne tjelesne i psihološke zahtjeve te sigurnost od iznenadnih otkaza dovode do većeg zadovoljstva radnika i smanjuju stres na radnome mjestu. Danas se sve više ističe važnost različitosti na radnome mjestu. Potrebno je istaknuti kako je upravo osnaživanje zaposlenika jedan od najvažnijih načina očuvanja psihosocijalnog zdravlja.

Prevalence and Associations of Illicit Drug and Polydrug Use in People Living with HIV in Vienna

We aimed to determine the prevalence of drug and polydrug use in people living with HIV in Austria for the first time for which a two center cross-sectional study was performed. Participants were recruited from consecutive patients during their regularly scheduled visits. In total 438 participants were included in the analysis. For this study we used paper-pencil and online-based questionnaires. The prevalence of illicit drug use was 60.5%; with cannabis use at 31.5%, nitrates at 31.5%, sildenafil/tadalafil at 24% and cocaine at 14%, being the most used substances. Use of more than one substance (polydrug) in drug users was 69.4% or 42.0% in the total study population. Younger age, male gender, and living in an urban area were associated with drug use. Moreover, drug use during clubbing and sex, HIV therapy non-adherence and younger age were associated with polydrug use. Drug users reported condomless sex in 42.4% and performing sexual acts they would not do sober in 44.1%. Results indicate a high prevalence of illicit drug use in PLWHIV in Austria. New research focusing on illicit drug use in PLWHIV should focus on the use of substances during sex and surrounding practices.

Sleep Quality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Associations with Pain, Disability, Disease Duration, and Activity

We aimed to assess the subjective sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its correlation with disease activity, pain, inflammatory parameters, and functional disability. In a cross-sectional study, patients with confirmed RA diagnosis responded to a questionnaire (consisting of socio-demographic data, the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index, and the Medical Outcome Study Sleep Scale). Disease activity was assessed with the Clinical Disease Activity Index, and pain levels using the visual analogue scale. In addition, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha) were analyzed. Ninety-five patients were analyzed, predominantly female, with an average age of 50.59 (9.61) years. Fifty-seven percent reported non-optimal sleep duration, where functional disability (92.7% vs. 69.8%; p = 0.006) and higher median pain levels (3.75 (2.3–6.0) vs. 2.5 (2.0–3.5); p = 0.003) were also more prevalent. No differences in sociodemographic variables, disease duration or activity, inflammatory parameters, or use of biological and corticosteroid therapy were observed. The multivariate regression analysis showed that more intense pain was associated with a lower likelihood of optimal sleep (odds ratio (OR) = 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47–0.98, p = 0.038). Patients with RA report a high prevalence of non-optimal sleep, which is linked to pain level. Clinicians need to be aware of this issue and the potential effects on health and functional status.

Work Ability and Employment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Muscle Strength and Lower Extremity Function

Objective The aim of the present study was to assess the association between muscle strength, lower extremity function, employment status, and work ability in RA patients. Methods One hundred seropositive RA outpatients of working age were included in this cross-sectional study. Employment status was assessed by interview and work ability by the Work Ability Index-Single Item Scale (WAS). Muscle strength was determined using dynamometer measurement of isometric hand grip and knee extensor strength. Lower extremity function was measured using the short physical performance battery (SPPB). Regression models estimate the association between unemployment, work ability and muscle strength, and lower extremity function, controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related factors. Results Forty-one percent of the RA patients were not gainfully employed, and their median work ability had a good WAS value (7.00 [4.00-7.00]). Patients with better knee extensor strength (OR=1.07, 95% CI [1.02-1.12) and better physical performance (OR=1.71, 95% CI [1.18-2.49]) had a significantly better chance of gainful employment. The odds for hand grip strength remained significant when adjusted for sociodemographic (OR=1.5, 95% CI [1.00-1.09]), but not for disease-specific variables. Better hand grip strength (β=0.25, p=0.039) and better knee extensor strength (β=0.45, p=0.001) as well as better lower extremity function (SPPB) (β=0.51, p<0.001) remained significantly associated with work ability following adjustment for sociodemographic and disease-specific variables. Conclusions The association of employment status and work ability with parameters of physical fitness suggests that improvement in muscle strength and lower extremity function may positively influence work ability and employment in individuals with RA.

Healthy occupational culture for a worker-friendly workplace / Kultura zdravih organizacija – radna mjesta prijatelji radnika

Abstract Work has numerous health and wellbeing benefits, but it also involves physical hazards and psychological exertion. Today the scale has tipped toward psychosocial factors. Workers’ mental health affects their intellectual, emotional, and social growth, as well as work ability, productivity, and ultimately organisational productivity and competitiveness on the market. Even though companies may have an internal hierarchy that lowers stress at work, there are other formal and informal social processes that can affect (positively or negatively) the cohesion within the work unit. Safety culture of an organisation is a product of individual and group values, opinions, competences, and behavioural patterns that determine how occupational health and safety are implemented. Organisations that nurture positive safety culture understand the importance of health and safety and believe in prevention rather than dealing with consequences. Jobs that are stable, autonomous, and reasonably physically and psychologically demanding are far more likely to lower work-related stress and boost worker satisfaction. In fact, employee empowerment is one of the best ways to achieve good psychosocial health at the workplace. Radni uvjeti, radni okoliš i sam način rada znatno utječu na zdravlje. Danas je relativno malo poslova definirano tjelesnim zahtjevima, a puno više mentalnima i emocionalnima, pri čemu psihosocijalni rizici postaju značajni. Uz brojne pozitivne utjecaje rada na zdravlje i blagostanje, mnogi su radnici izloženi i opasnostima, štetnostima te ergonomskim i psihološkim naprezanjima. Stanje mentalnog zdravlja zaposlenog omogućava razvijanje u emocionalnom, intelektualnom i socijalnom pogledu te ima odlučujuće učinke na radnu sposobnost, zahvaćajući ne samo način i ishode njegova rada nego i ishode poslovanja tvrtke ili ustanove, određujući njenu kompetitivnost na tržištu. Unatoč dobroj organiziranosti upravnih tijela tvrtke, što umanjuje stres na radu, neformalni društveni procesi utječu (pozitivno ili negativno) na koheziju unutar radnih jedinica i na osjećaj povezanosti radnika i organizacije. Kultura sigurnosti neke organizacije rezultat je individualnih i grupnih vrijednosti, stavova, kompetencija i oblika ponašanja. To, pak, određuje odlučnost i način vođenja programa za očuvanje zdravlja i za sigurnost u organizaciji. Značajke organizacija koje imaju pozitivnu kulturu sigurnosti su zajednička percepcija važnosti sigurnosti te pouzdanost u preventivne mjere. Rad koji omogućuje autonomiju, kontrolu nad svojim radnim zaduženjima, razumne tjelesne i psihološke zahtjeve te sigurnost od iznenadnih otkaza dovode do većeg zadovoljstva radnika i smanjuju stres na radnome mjestu. Danas se sve više ističe važnost različitosti na radnome mjestu. Potrebno je istaknuti kako je upravo osnaživanje zaposlenika jedan od najvažnijih načina očuvanja psihosocijalnog zdravlja.

Kultura zdravih organizacija – radna mjesta prijatelji radnika

Abstract Work has numerous health and wellbeing benefits, but it also involves physical hazards and psychological exertion. Today the scale has tipped toward psychosocial factors. Workers’ mental health affects their intellectual, emotional, and social growth, as well as work ability, productivity, and ultimately organisational productivity and competitiveness on the market. Even though companies may have an internal hierarchy that lowers stress at work, there are other formal and informal social processes that can affect (positively or negatively) the cohesion within the work unit. Safety culture of an organisation is a product of individual and group values, opinions, competences, and behavioural patterns that determine how occupational health and safety are implemented. Organisations that nurture positive safety culture understand the importance of health and safety and believe in prevention rather than dealing with consequences. Jobs that are stable, autonomous, and reasonably physically and psychologically demanding are far more likely to lower work-related stress and boost worker satisfaction. In fact, employee empowerment is one of the best ways to achieve good psychosocial health at the workplace. Radni uvjeti, radni okoliš i sam način rada znatno utječu na zdravlje. Danas je relativno malo poslova definirano tjelesnim zahtjevima, a puno više mentalnima i emocionalnima, pri čemu psihosocijalni rizici postaju značajni. Uz brojne pozitivne utjecaje rada na zdravlje i blagostanje, mnogi su radnici izloženi i opasnostima, štetnostima te ergonomskim i psihološkim naprezanjima. Stanje mentalnog zdravlja zaposlenog omogućava razvijanje u emocionalnom, intelektualnom i socijalnom pogledu te ima odlučujuće učinke na radnu sposobnost, zahvaćajući ne samo način i ishode njegova rada nego i ishode poslovanja tvrtke ili ustanove, određujući njenu kompetitivnost na tržištu. Unatoč dobroj organiziranosti upravnih tijela tvrtke, što umanjuje stres na radu, neformalni društveni procesi utječu (pozitivno ili negativno) na koheziju unutar radnih jedinica i na osjećaj povezanosti radnika i organizacije. Kultura sigurnosti neke organizacije rezultat je individualnih i grupnih vrijednosti, stavova, kompetencija i oblika ponašanja. To, pak, određuje odlučnost i način vođenja programa za očuvanje zdravlja i za sigurnost u organizaciji. Značajke organizacija koje imaju pozitivnu kulturu sigurnosti su zajednička percepcija važnosti sigurnosti te pouzdanost u preventivne mjere. Rad koji omogućuje autonomiju, kontrolu nad svojim radnim zaduženjima, razumne tjelesne i psihološke zahtjeve te sigurnost od iznenadnih otkaza dovode do većeg zadovoljstva radnika i smanjuju stres na radnome mjestu. Danas se sve više ističe važnost različitosti na radnome mjestu. Potrebno je istaknuti kako je upravo osnaživanje zaposlenika jedan od najvažnijih načina očuvanja psihosocijalnog zdravlja.