BACKGROUND Law enforcement officers (LEOs) often display poor cardiovascular health, which can impair job performance and increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. While many cross-sectional studies have documented these issues, few have examined the progression of CVD risk factors over time, and none appear to have used a longitudinal design assessing incidence in relation to healthy lifestyle behaviors within a sex-representative sample of this occupation. METHODS This prospective study followed 228 LEOs (28% women) over 6 years using online questionnaires assessing CVD risk factors, physical activity, and fruit and vegetable intake. Incidence of CVD risk factors was analyzed according to baseline physical activity (active vs. inactive), fruit and vegetable intake (≥5 vs. <5 servings/day), and their combined adherence. FINDINGS Over time, participants showed significant increases in weight (p < .001, Cohen's d = .49), body mass index (p < .001, Cohen's d = .53), and prevalence of most CVD risk factors. Physically inactive LEOs demonstrated higher incidence of dyslipidemia (7% vs. 0%, p = .04, Cramer's V = .15) compared to active counterparts. Those consuming <5 daily servings of fruits and vegetables were more likely to develop hypertension (7% vs. 0%, p < .01, Cramer's V = .19) and dyslipidemia (8% vs. 1%, p = .01, Cramer's V = .18). The lowest cumulative incidence was observed among participants meeting both lifestyle recommendations. CONCLUSIONS/APPLICATION TO PRACTICE CVD risk factors increased over time in this LEO sample, with baseline physical inactivity and poor diet tending to predict greater incidence. These findings suggest the need for workplace health promotion programs targeting physical activity and healthy eating to reduce long-term CVD risk in this population.
Background: Advancements in medical imaging led to increased usage of ionizing radiation in operating rooms. However, despite radiation safety guidelines, studies report suboptimal compliance with only 50% of healthcare providers demonstrating adequate knowledge of radiation safety practices. The purpose of this project was to evaluate anesthesia providers’ compliance with radiation safety practices and identify recommendations to improve radiation safety practices. Methods: The project was conducted at an academic hospital in the Southeastern United States. The Operating Room Black Box ® (ORBB; Surgical Safety Technology Inc., New York) was used to retrospectively review de-identified video recordings and assess anesthesia providers’ compliance with radiation safety practices (adequate shielding, maximum distance from radiation, and appropriate lead storage). A survey was also distributed to assess self-reported practices and barriers related to radiation safety. Findings: Thirty-four anesthesia providers were observed across 82 video clips. Findings revealed 53% ( n = 18) appropriately wore lead aprons and thyroid shields. However, 29% ( n = 10) did not wear lead aprons and 41% ( n = 14) did not wear thyroid shields. Only 38% ( n = 13) of providers demonstrated observable efforts to maximize distance from radiation source, and 53% ( n = 10) appropriately stored lead aprons. Barriers were driven by environmental and workflow challenges, such as limited storage space and the need to remain near the radiation source for patient care. Conclusion: Recommendations to mitigate barriers include increasing radiation personal protective equipment availability, standardizing communication prior to radiation use, and providing periodic refresher training.
Background: Work-related injuries have economic and psychosocial consequences. Emerging evidence suggests neurocognitive and affective factors, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and anxiety, may contribute to occupational injury risk; however, data integrating these factors in emergency department (ED) settings remain limited. This study aimed to compare ADHD and anxiety symptom burden between adults with occupational injuries and age- and sex-matched non-injured controls and to evaluate symptom associations with occupational injury. Methods: Adults presenting to a tertiary ED in Türkiye with occupational injuries and age- and sex-matched non-injured controls were assessed using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Sociodemographic, occupational, hazard, injury, and clinical variables were recorded. Logistic regression evaluated factors independently associated with occupational injury, and correlations with sleep duration were analyzed. Findings: A total of 609 participants were included (292 injured; 317 controls). Injured workers showed higher ASRS and BAI scores than controls ( p < .05). ASRS and BAI scores demonstrated gradients across occupational hazard class, trauma mechanism, and clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and impairment. Prior injury history was more frequent among injured workers. In multivariable analysis, occupational hazard class, ASRS scores, and BAI scores remained independently associated with occupational injury. Sleep duration showed moderate negative correlations with ASRS and BAI scores. Conclusions/Application to Practice: Adult ADHD and anxiety symptoms were associated with occupational injury in ED presentations. Screening for neurocognitive and affective vulnerabilities, together with fatigue and sleep management strategies, may enhance occupational injury prevention efforts. Further longitudinal studies are warranted.
Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly lower back (LB) pain are highly prevalent in emergency department (ED) healthcare professionals with significant health-related impacts due to the high and unexpected workload. Objective: This study aimed to identify the predictors of LB disability among ED healthcare professionals in Jordan, including physical, psychological, and ergonomic occupational factors. Methods: A multicenter convenience sample of ED healthcare professionals was recruited from Jordanian ED departments. Data collection included demographics, ergonomics-related factors and a group of validated outcome measures: the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). A stepwise multivariable linear regression model was used to identify predictors of LB disability. Results: The study included 447 participants, of whom 57% were male ( n = 255) and had a mean age of 35.1 ± 7.0 years. Predictors of the ODI ( R 2 = .31) included depression ( B = 0.456, p < .001), taking sick leave in the past 12 months (β = 6.8, p < .001), safe handling and posturing practices ( B = −5.584, p < .001), age ( B = 0.32, p < .001) and presence of musculoskeletal injury in the past 12 months ( B = 4.6, p = .022). Conclusion: This study highlights the burden of LB disability among ED healthcare professionals. LB disability was significantly associated with depression, recent Musculoskeletal injury, Musculoskeletal-related sick leave and older age, with safe handling and posture practices showing a protective effect. Comprehensive interventions to integrate ergonomic improvements, mental health support, workload optimization, and exercise programs.
