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Biomedical subjects

S L Lusk

Publications and source records attributed to S L Lusk.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Benefits of a nurse directed over the counter medication dispensing system in an automotive plant. A preliminary study.

Information is limited about the effects of the availability of over the counter medicines (OTCs) at a worksite on workers' ability to remain at work and the effect on health care utilization. The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess workers' perceptions related to the benefits of having a nurse directed over the counter medication dispensing system (OTCMS) at an automotive manufacturing plant. Fifty-six percent of 257 randomly selected workers who participated in semistructured interviews indicated they used OTCs as the first intervention when at home, and 88% had obtained OTCs from the plant's medical department. The workers were overwhelmingly positive about having an OTCMS available at their worksite. Eighty-nine percent indicated that having OTCs available from the occupational health nurse made it possible for them to stay at work and complete their shift. Not only did the workers find the OTCMS to be an asset in their worksite, but they also highly recommended having an OTCMS available in work settings that do not presently have one in place.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Effectiveness of an intervention to increase construction workers' use of hearing protection.

In this project we tested the effectiveness of a theory-based intervention (video, pamphlets, and guided practice session) to increase the use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) among Midwestern construction workers and a national group of plumber/pipefitter trainers. Posttest measures were collected 10-12 months following this intervention. Pender's Health Promotion Model (1987) provided the conceptual basis for development of the training program. A total of 837 high-noise-exposed workers were included in the analysis: 652 regional Midwestern construction workers and 185 national plumber/pipefitter trainers. Effectiveness of the intervention was determined through the sequence of analyses recommended by Braver and Braver (1988) for the Solomon Four-Group Design. Analysis of variance and covariance of postintervention use and intention to use HPDs and a meta-analytic test were done. These analyses indicated that the intervention significantly increased use of HPDs but had no effect on intention to use HPDs in the future. Pretesting had no effect on use. Actual or potential applications of this research include guidance in the development of successful theory-based interventions to increase use of HPDs.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Perceived psychological stress and upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders.

This report presents data exploring the relationship between perceived psychological stress and several variables implicated in the etiology of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders (UECTDs). The sample was 354 workers from three different manufacturing companies. The primary job exposure for the subjects was that they were engaged in jobs that involved repetitious movements of the upper extremities, primarily of the hands and arms. Data collection included a detailed health history, a comprehensive physical examination of the upper extremities, limited electrodiagnostic testing, Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale, Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire, demographic information, and a measurement of repetition. Descriptive analyses, analysis of variance, correlational analyses, and multiple linear regression were used to examine the data. Perceived stress, as measured in this study, was only weakly associated with repetition, job dissatisfaction, and subjective complaints related to UECTDs. In addition, factors generally accepted as related to UECTDs (e.g., repetition, female gender, hormonal influences, and existing medical conditions) were not robust predictors of perceived stress. The major limitation is related to the measurement of perceived psychological stress. Like most psychosocial phenomena, perceived stress is a complex construct, one that is difficult to measure and correlate with health outcomes. Further research is necessary to examine what role, if any, perceived stress may have in the etiology of UECTDs.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Use of hearing protection and perceptions of noise exposure and hearing loss among construction workers.

The purpose of this study was to describe construction workers' use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) and determine their perceptions of noise exposure and hearing loss. Operating engineers, carpenters, and plumbers/pipe fitters in the Midwest (n = 400) completed a written questionnaire regarding their use of HPDs and their perceptions of noise exposure and hearing loss. Subjects were recruited through their trade union groups. Mean reported use of HPDs and mean perceived noise exposure were compared across trade groups. Bivariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used to assess relationships between use of HPDs and trade category, education, age, years of employment, noise exposure, and hearing loss. Bivariate analyses identified significant differences in mean use of HPDs by age, years of employment, and trade group. Multivariate logistic regression assessing the independent effects of these variables found significant differences only by trade group. Results indicate a need for significant improvement in all three trade groups' use of HPDs, and suggest a need to consider use and exposure levels, demographics, and trade group membership in designing hearing conservation programs.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Test of the health promotion model as a causal model of construction workers' use of hearing protection.

The health promotion model (HPM) was tested as a causal model of construction workers' use of hearing protection (N = 359). Theoretical and exploratory models fit well, with the theoretical model accounting for 36.3% of variance and the exploratory model accounting for 50.6% of variance in hearing protection use. Value of use (benefits of using hearing protection), barriers to use, and self-efficacy were significant predictors in both the theoretical and exploratory models, but perceived health status was a predictor only in the theoretical model. In the exploratory model, where modifying factors were allowed direct relationships with use of hearing protection, two modifying factors--noise exposure and interpersonal influences-modeling--were significant predictors. Results of this test of the HPM are consistent with the revised HPM (Pender, 1996). There were significant direct paths from modifying factors to behaviour. Use of hearing protection was best predicted by behavior-specific predictors, such as perceived barriers to use of hearing protection. Results support the use of the HPM to predict use of hearing protection.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Gender differences in blue collar workers' use of hearing protection.

In this study, the Health Promotion Model (HPM) was used as the basis for a structural equation model of male and female blue collar workers' self-reported use of hearing protection devices (HPDs). Overall use did not differ by gender; in addition, self-efficacy and barriers to use of HPDs were the two best predictors of this behavior for both men and women. Despite the similarities in HPD use and the most important predictors of that use between men and women, the predictive models differed by gender in several ways. Significant predictors of use among men also included age and value of use of HPDs. For women, ethnic status and plant site were additional significant predictors of use. Because the influences of plant site and gender on self-reported use of HPDs could not be separated in this study, further research should address worksite culture and assess differences by gender. Knowledge of these differences will aid development of more effective interventions and may increase the use of hearing protection.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Spirometry.

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Humans↗
PubMed1997

Health promotion and disease prevention in the worksite.

U.S. and Canadian research studies (n = 73) on health promotion/disease prevention programs in the worksite reported from 1990 through 1994 were reviewed for this chapter. In those studies, diverse intervention foci were provided and outcomes specific to the foci, as well as numerous additional outcomes, cost and cost benefit being the most common, were measured. To aid future researchers, two appendices list reports by foci of intervention and by outcomes measured. Deficiencies and inadequacies in reports and studies are described. Nearly all (68 out of 73) of the published studies obtained positive results in terms of benefiting health or reducing costs. The Johnson & Johnson LIVE FOR LIFE Program is presented as an exemplar of a comprehensive, multifaceted, worksite health promotion/disease prevention program whose effects were consistently assessed. Although health promotion and prevention of disease has always been an important component of nursing practice, few reports included nurse scientists as authors or coauthors. Potential explanations for the limited involvement by nurse scientists and recommendations regarding future research directions are presented. The worksite remains the best place to promote improved health for adults and this area of research represents an opportunity for greater involvement by nurse scientists.

Canada↗
PubMed1997

Noise exposures. Effects on hearing and prevention of noise induced hearing loss.

1. Over 30 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise on the worksite. Continual exposure to high noise levels damages and destroys hearing cells within the ear, making noise induced hearing loss an irreversible impairment. 2. Hearing conservation programs are required by law for workers in industrial settings where noise exposures equal or exceed 85 dB(A). Many workers, such as those in construction and agricultural industries, are not covered by these programs. 3. Reducing noise through engineering or administrative controls is the first line of defense. When this is not sufficient, two types of personal hearing protection devices are available: passive hearing protection devices such as ear muffs, canal caps, and ear plugs, which reduce noise mechanically; and active noise reduction devices, which electronically cancel sound waves at the ear. 4. The most effective hearing protection devices are those with which the worker is most comfortable will use 100% of the time. The occupational health nurse has a major role in promoting increased use of hearing protection devices through continued contact with workers, administrators, and safety personnel.

Ear Protective Devices↗