Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo es una revista de publicación trimestral (4 números al año), dirigida a los profesionales relacionados con la salud laboral. Su título abreviado normalizado es Med Segur Trab y debe ser utilizado en las notas a pie de página y referencias bibliográficas que así lo requieran. La revista, publica: editoriales, trabajos originales, originales breves, artículos de revisión (preferiblemente mediante técnica sistemática), inspecciones médicas, artículos especiales y cartas al director/a o científicas. La Revista de Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo nace en 1952, editada por el Instituto Nacional de Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo. A partir de 1996 hasta la actualidad es editada por la Escuela Nacional de Medicina del Trabajo (ENMT) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) de Madrid (España) en formato papel, y desde 2009 exclusivamente en formato electrónico. Esta revista se alinea con la Open Access Inititive, lo que significa que todo su contenido es accesible libremente sin cargo para el usuario final o su institución. Los lectores de la revista están autorizados a leer, descargar, copiar, distribuir, imprimir, buscar o enlazar a los textos completos de los artículos de esta revista sin permiso previo del editor o del autor, según los términos de la licencia Creative Commons 4.0 Internacional (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Med Segur Trab no cobra tasas por el envío de trabajos, ni tampoco cuotas por la publicación de sus artículos.
Listado de personas que han evaluado artículos en 2025
El Equipo editorial de la revista agradece la participación de las siguientes personas como evaluadoras/es de trabajos durante el año 2025. Esperanza Alonso Jiménez – Comisión Deontológica Nacional de Enfermería Teresa Álvarez Bayona – Instituto Nacional de Seguridad y Salud en el Trabajo María José Cabello Heranz – Subdirección General de Coordinación de Unidades Médicas Beatriz Casal Pardo – MAS Prevención María Catherine de Wilde Calero – Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Miguel Ángel Daniel Calvo – MAS Prevención Alejandro Fernández Montero – Clínica Universitaria de Navarra Rocío Guardiola Wanden-Berghe – Centro de Salud Mental Infantil de San Vicente del Raspeig, Hospital General Universitario Dr. Balmis de Alicante Begoña Martínez Jarreta – Universidad de Zaragoza Emilio Martínez de Victoria Muñoz – Universidad de Granada José Miguel Martínez Martínez – Alberta University Álvaro Moisés Pérez Franco – Centro de Salud de Playa Blanca, Gerencia del Área de Salud de Lanzarote Bernardo Moreno Jiménez – Universidad Autónoma de Madrid Antonio Mourin Pedraza – Universidad ECCI Bogotá Aida Pérez Fernández – Universidad de Murcia María Trinidad Rodríguez Vargas – Hospital Universitario Nuestra Señora de Candelaria Elena Ronda Pérez – Universidad de Alicante Juan Carlos Rueda Garrido – Vitaly Prevención Javier Sainz González – Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social María Sanz Lorente – Centro de Salud Pública de Manises, Conselleria de Sanidad. Ana Pilar Secades Álvarez – Ibermutua Asturiana Mª Teófila Vicente-Herrero – Universitat de les Illes Balears Gabriela P. Urrejola-Contreras – Universidad de Viña del Mar María Villaplana García – Universidad de Murcia
Copyright (c) 2025 Revista Med Segur Trab https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo passes quality assessment
La revista Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo, editada por la Escuela Nacional de Medicina del Trabajo (ENMT) del Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), ha alcanzado un nuevo hito en su trayectoria académica y científica. En la Convocatoria de Evaluación de la Calidad Editorial y Científica de 2025, promovida por la Fundación Española para la Ciencia y la Tecnología (FECYT), la publicación ha conseguido superar los exigentes criterios de calidad establecidos, obteniendo el reconocimiento oficial que acredita su excelencia editorial y científica. Este logro supone un aval para la comunidad de profesionales de la salud laboral, quienes encuentran en la revista un espacio riguroso y fiable para la difusión de su investigación.
Copyright (c) 2025 Javier Sanz-Valero https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Muscle oxygen saturation according to sex and body composition in repetitive work whith load
Muscle oxygen tissue saturation (SmO₂) was identified during repetitive elbow flexion movements with progressive loads and its relationship with body composition, basal metabolism, and gender. Using a mixed design: quasi-experimental with repeated measures and cross-sectional correlational analysis, SmO₂ was explored in 10 young women and 10 young men in three 20-minute sessions with loads of 10%, 20% and 30% of maximum strength. SmO₂ was measured at baseline (minute 0), minute 10 and minute 20 using near-infrared spectroscopy. In addition, body composition, basal metabolism and % water was measured using bioimpedance. The data were analysed using ANOVA, Pearson’s correlations and Cohen’s d for effect size, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Men had significantly higher weight(80.10 vs. 66.30 kg), lean mass(62.06 vs. 43.30 kg) and basal metabolism(1,768.40 vs. 1,356.40 cal/day), with large effect sizes (d between 2.00 and 3.12). There were no significant differences between sexes in any SmO₂ measurement, only the SmO₂ measurement at 10% at minute 0 showed a trend (p = 0.092). The only significant correlations between anthropometric variables were BMI/fat mass (r = +0.829, p < 0.001) and lean mass/basal metabolic rate (r = +0.698, p = 0.001). In conclusion, the study revealed sex differences in body composition and basal metabolism with a large effect size, with no statistically significant relationships between SmO₂ and body composition variables. However, SmO₂ showed similar behaviour between sexes at higher loads.
Muscle oxygenation, Physiology, Ergonomics, Near-infrared spectroscopy
Copyright (c) 2025 Guido Clemente Solari Montenegro, Monserrat Rivera-Iratchet https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
In Memoriam: María Concepción Cardiñanos García
Copyright (c) 2025 Esperanza Alonso Jiménez, María Fe Gamo González https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Ergonomic risks in truck maintenance: task characterization and analysis with a normative and descriptive approach
Introduction: Physical ergonomic risks in the automotive sector contribute significantly to work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low back pain. Evidence highlights high prevalence linked to manual load handling, awkward postures, and repetitive tasks. Research on heavy vehicle maintenance workers is scarce, underscoring the need to characterize risks and support preventive workplace interventions. Method: This cross-sectional study in Santiago, Chile, assessed 256 male freight transport mechanics and cellar workers exposed to manual load handling. Evaluations included questionnaires, technical visits, and Chilean regulatory protocols: the MMH Guide and TS-WMSD Standard. These tools identified risks related to lifting, pushing, posture, repetition, and force, classifying them into levels requiring corrective measures. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics, prevalence, and percentages to characterize occupational risks and compare international methodologies. Results: This study identified ergonomic risks among mechanics and cellar workers engaged in manual load handling. Lifting, lowering, and carrying tasks involved 206 workers, while 114 performed pushing and pulling. Mechanics predominated in the highest-risk categories (>60%), whereas cellar workers were more frequent in low/moderate levels. Main risks included vertical lifting position (70%), grip zone (56%), and trunk asymmetry (52%). According to the TS-WMSD protocol, repetitive movements and non-neutral postures reached 100% prevalence. Conclusions: This study confirms significant ergonomic risks among mechanics and cellar workers. Mechanics face higher risks in lifting due to vertical positions, heavy loads, and postural asymmetry, while cellar staff encounter pushing/pulling hazards from poor grip zones. Limitations of the TS-WMSD protocol suggest complementing evaluations with REBA and NIOSH to enhance risk detection.
Ergonomics; Workplace; Biomechanical Risk, Occupational health, Workload
Copyright (c) 2025 Gabriela Paz Urrejola Contreras, Miguel Pérez-Lizama, Boris Gary-Zambra, Daniela Pérez-Casanova https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Factors that may influence the return to work of breast cancer survivors
The return to work of breast cancer survivors is a multifaceted process that reflects not only physical recovery but also social and professional reintegration. Several elements influence this transition, grouped into three main dimensions: personal, clinical, and occupational. On a personal level, factors such as age, educational background, and social support play a significant role. Younger women with higher levels of education tend to return to work more easily, especially when supported by strong social networks. Clinically, the type of treatment received and persistent side effects—such as fatigue, pain, or lymphedema—can limit functional capacity and delay reentry into the workforce. Occupational factors are also critical. The nature of the job, schedule flexibility, physical demands, and the level of understanding from employers and colleagues directly affect the reintegration process. Policies that allow for gradual return and access to occupational rehabilitation programs can facilitate this transition. Overall, the return-to-work process requires a comprehensive approach that considers medical, social, and occupational needs. Promoting inclusive environments and implementing supportive strategies are key to ensuring a sustainable and dignified reintegration for breast cancer survivors.
Return to Work; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Cultural Factors; Social Factors; Sociodemographic Factors
Copyright (c) 2025 Araceli López-Guillén García https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Artificial intelligence as a strategy for efficiency and sustainability in the management of temporary disability in Spain
Temporary Disability (TD) has emerged as the main financial and management challenge for the sustainability of the Spanish Social Security system. With annual spending exceeding €14 billion in 20231 and projected to surpass €16.5 billion in 2024, this expenditure already represents nearly 1% of Spain’s Gross Domestic Product2 (GDP). Traditional responses have proven insufficient, and the risk of unsustainability is imminent. This proposal presents Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the essential technological and strategic solution to reverse this trend. AI will enable the National Social Security Institute to transform its management of TD, shifting from a predominantly reactive model to one that is predictive, proactive, and highly efficient. Specifically, AI could: Identify and proactively manage high-risk long-term sick leaves, significantly reducing unnecessary durations. Optimize the allocation of control resources, focusing them where they are truly needed and avoiding bureaucratization. Support decision-making with accurate data, ensuring fairness and effectiveness. Contribute to the detection of misuse patterns or fraud. A potential savings of between 5% and 15% of annual TD expenditure is estimated, equivalent to between €700 million and €2.5 billion per year. Investment in AI should be understood as a high-return strategy aimed at ensuring system sustainability, improving public management efficiency, and promoting worker well-being and reintegration.
Evaluative medicine; Work incapacity; Temporary disability; Artificial intelligence,Predictive predictors
Copyright (c) 2025 Raul Regal Ramos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Determinants of disability associated with low back pain in men working in the industrial sector: An analytical cross-sectional study
Introduction: Low back pain has long been associated with various occupations. In the context of occupational health, this study aimed to explore the relationship between disability associated with low back pain and occupational physical risks, sociodemographic characteristics, and central sensitization in men working in the industrial sector. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study in a manufacturing company. The key variables considered included age, length of service, occupational physical risks, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI). Results: A total of 116 male manual workers were randomly selected to participate in the study. The physical risks identified were: forced postures (84.50%), manual handling of loads (29.30%), repetitive movements (16.40%), and exposure to vibrations (15.50%). The ODI yielded a mean score of 9.91 (±12.47), while the CSI yielded a mean score of 22.81 (±10.99). A significant positive relationship was observed between the total CSI score and the total ODI score (p = 0.001). Potential confounding factors, such as age, seniority, and the total number of occupational hazards to which participants were exposed, were not statistically significant. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, among men in the industrial sector who have functional limitations related to low back pain, central sensitization may be a contributing factor. This association was shown to be independent of age, seniority, and the cumulative count of physical occupational hazards to which subjects were exposed, given that the percentages of exposure to most physical occupational hazards were below reference values.
low back pain; occupational health; physiotherapy; oswestry; central sensitization
Copyright (c) 2025 Sergio Hijazo-Larrosa, María Orosia Lucha-López, Sofía Monti-Ballano, Eva Barrio-Ollero, César Hidalgo-García, Begoña Martínez-Jarreta, Lucía Vicente-Pina, Profesor Doctor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Occupational health in the 21st century: a strategic specialty for the future of work
El mundo del trabajo atraviesa una transformación profunda. La digitalización, el envejecimiento de la fuerza laboral, la movilidad global y la irrupción de nuevas tecnologías están configurando entornos laborales inéditos, con riesgos emergentes y nuevas formas de vulnerabilidad. A esta realidad se suman los efectos residuales de la pandemia de COVID-19, que aceleró el teletrabajo, modificó las dinámicas sociales en el ámbito laboral y evidenció las debilidades estructurales en la protección de la salud de las personas trabajadoras. En este contexto, la salud laboral ya no puede concebirse como una disciplina periférica o meramente preventiva. Debe consolidarse como una especialidad estratégica en los sistemas de salud pública, con capacidad para intervenir desde la clínica, la evaluación funcional, la investigación aplicada y la orientación de políticas laborales. Para ello, es imprescindible fortalecer la formación, generar redes europeas de cooperación técnica y científica, e integrar la especialidad en marcos regulatorios y organizativos que le permitan tener voz e influencia real…
Work-Related Stress and Cognitive Performance of University Staff in Chile
Introduction: Nowadays, stress has become a societal problem, especially work-related stress, as excessive stress leads to a decline in workers’ cognitive abilities, disrupting their mental health and affecting their daily lives. Method: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study. To assess stress and cognitive impairment in the workplace among professors, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) were used Results: The results showed that the minimum score obtained on the MoCA test was 21 points, corresponding to mild cognitive impairment (MCI), while the maximum score was 29 points. The average MoCA score was 25.55 ± 2.18 points. Regarding total stress, the minimum recorded score was 22, with no participant free of stress, and the maximum score was 39. The average total stress score was 31.95 ± 4 points Conclusions: There is an urgent need to implement strategies to prevent work-related stress factors that affect cognitive functioning. To this end, it is essential to clearly define job positions and responsibilities, provide adequate and comfortable working conditions, efficiently organize activities, offer training, provide support for personal problems, and promote work flexibility, among other measures.
Victoria Alicia Bárbara Fuentes Norambuena
Copyright (c) 2025 Catalina Belén Cárdenas Lagos, Victoria Alicia Bárbara Fuentes Norambuena, Barbara Cerda Aedo, Javiera Cerda Aedo, Patricio Torres https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
español Relationship between Emotional State and Overload in Caregivers of People with Disabilities
Sr. Editor: He leído con interés el artículo titulado “Relación entre el Estado Emocional y la Sobrecarga en Cuidadores de Personas con Discapacidad”, publicado en la revista Medicina y Seguridad del Trabajo (1), de Meléndez-Mogollón et al. en el último volumen de su revista (2025). Felicito a los autores por abordar una problemática actual de gran impacto social: el deterioro emocional de los cuidadores informales. El estudio revela datos preocupantes: 76,82 % de los cuidadores presentó depresión extremadamente severa, 95 % ansiedad de nivel muy alto y 62,5 % estrés elevado. Estos resultados coinciden con investigaciones previas que reportan altos niveles de carga emocional en cuidadores de personas con discapacidad. La aplicación de instrumentos validados como WHOQOL-BREF, DASS-21 y el test de Zarit fortalece la credibilidad de los datos obtenidos (2). No obstante, considero que los resultados presentados exigen una interpretación más profunda. Aunque el estudio concluye que no existe relación estadísticamente significativa entre estado emocional y sobrecarga, esta afirmación requiere mayor análisis. Resulta contradictorio observar porcentajes tan elevados de alteraciones emocionales sin una correlación clara. Esto sugiere la necesidad de utilizar modelos multivariantes o análisis estructurales que controlen factores de confusión como el tiempo de cuidado, el apoyo social o el tipo de discapacidad (3)(4). Asimismo, se echa en falta la propuesta de intervenciones concretas a partir de los hallazgos. La literatura actual describe diversas estrategias efectivas para reducir la sobrecarga, como las intervenciones educativas o de acompañamiento emocional (5). La ausencia de recomendaciones limita la aplicabilidad del estudio para mejorar la atención en el primer nivel de salud. En conclusión, el artículo aporta datos valiosos, pero podría beneficiarse de un análisis estadístico más profundo y una discusión ampliada que permita transformar los resultados en propuestas útiles. Animo a los autores a continuar su investigación, incorporando variables contextuales y sociales en futuros estudios.
Copyright (c) 2025 Myriam Murrieta Sanchez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Occupational risks and health effects of garbage collectors in Zacatecas, Mexico
Introduction: According to the International Labor Organization, garbage collection is among the ten most dangerous occupations worldwide, leading to various physical and mental health conditions. Method: A quantitative, observational, analytical, and cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 100 garbage collectors were interviewed and given a questionnaire. Statistical analysis included frequencies, percentages, and the chi-square correlation test. Results: All respondents were men, 65% of whom had been working for more than 10 years. Some reported health conditions included eye irritation (33%), extreme fatigue (27%), and headaches (23%). Nearly half of the participants admitted to experiencing back and lower back pain, with prevalence of 45% and 42%, respectively. Additionally, 21% reported anxiety, and 26% experienced depression. A statistically significant association was found between occupational environmental risks and the physical health of garbage collectors (p=0.020). Conclusions: The statistical analysis of occupational risks and physical and mental health clearly demonstrated the direct impact of adverse working conditions on garbage collectors.
garbage collector; occupational risks; physical health; mental health
Copyright (c) 2025 Dellanira Ruiz de Chavez Ramirez, Casandra Viridiana Vergara Ruiz, Claudia Araceli Reyes Estrada https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Working conditions of doctors in Paraguay. An exploratory study. October 2024
Introduction: Working conditions play an important role in the physical and mental well-being of physicians, with poor working conditions being associated with high levels of stress and job dissatisfaction. Objetive: To analyze the working conditions of Paraguayan physicians in November 2024. Method:This was a cross-sectional, descriptive, observational study. Non-probability sampling of consecutive cases of Paraguayan physicians who were practicing medical care during the month of October 2024. Results: A total of 112 physicians aged 27 to 59 years (34.83 ± 4.57) were included. 70.5% were female. 33% performed healthcare activities for more than 48 hours per week. 34.8% did not have health insurance and, on average, had 16.32 days of vacation per year. 25.9% worked in critical care areas, 67.9% worked at night, and 73.2% worked in emergency areas. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that a high percentage of physicians lack health insurance, have fewer vacation days per year than in other Latin American countries, and a high percentage of physicians work in critical areas that cause physical and emotional exhaustion.
Copyright (c) 2025 Jorge Sebastián Escobar Salinas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Trends and Risk Factors in Occupational Accidents Due to Electrical Contact in Peru (2010–2024): A Correlational Analysis and Prevention Strategies Based on International Standards
Introduction: Occupational accidents involving electrical contact are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in industrial settings. This study analyzes their incidence in Peru between 2010 and 2024, assessing risk factors and proposing preventive strategies based on international regulations. Method: A quantitative, non-experimental, correlational study was conducted based on the analysis of 168 statistical bulletins from the Ministry of Labor and Employment Promotion. Shapiro-Wilk normality tests and Spearman correlation analysis were used to assess the relationship between variables such as total workplace accidents, electrical accidents, fatal accidents, and hazardous incidents. Results: A strong correlation was found between total occupational accidents and electrical accidents (r=0.835; p<0.01), and a moderate correlation with total fatal accidents (r=0.601; p<0.05). A significant correlation was also found between hazardous incidents and electrocution deaths (r=0.608; p<0.05), suggesting that near-misses may predict fatal events. However, no significant correlation was found between electrical accidents and hazardous incidents (r=-0.061). Conclusions: Although electrical accidents represent a small percentage of total accidents, their clinical severity and potential lethality require priority attention. It is recommended that the implementation of international standards such as ISO 45001, NFPA 70E, and OSHA be strengthened, prioritizing technical training, the use of personal protective equipment, and proactive monitoring systems. The findings support the development of more effective public policies for the prevention of electrical hazards in high-exposure sectors.
occupational safety; electrical accidents; risk prevention; hazardous incidents
Copyright (c) 2025 Roger Vilela Arias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Incidence of common illness and non-work-related accidents, and economic costs generated by temporary disability. Canary Islands (2018-2021)
Introduction: Temporary incapacity due to common illness and non-work-related accidents is a contingency that has its causes in personal, environmental, economic, and social factors. Our goal is to understand the incidence based on the worker’s occupation and its costs.” Methods: Observational epidemiological study of a retrospective and cross-sectional nature involving an average annual population of 805,450 affiliates registered with the National Social Security Institute during the four-year period from 2018 to 2021 in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, with an average of 237,586 annual cases of common temporary disability (IT). Measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated for quantitative variables, as well as frequencies and percentages for qualitative variables, omitting statistical significance tests since the entire population was included. The cost of temporary disability was calculated by imputing average salaries based on the year of study, the worker’s sex, and the occupation sector according to the CNO-11, according to the human capital theory which states that salary is equivalent to a worker’s productivity. Results: The incidence rate has been evolving upwards since 2018, starting at 24.8%, rising to 29.5% in 2019, and reaching 37.2% in 2021. It only experiences a slight decrease in 2020, dropping to 28.2%. The costs in the Canary Islands ranged from 568 million euros in 2018, 663 million in 2019, 412 million in 2020, and 589 million in 2021. The total sum of this expenditure exceeds 2.2 billion euros. Women incurred slightly higher costs than men, and the age group most affected in economic terms was those aged 46 to 55 years. According to the CNO-11 classification, the group with the highest expenditure is represented by workers in the restaurant, personal services, protection, and sales sectors (1-CNO-11), followed by technicians and scientific and intellectual professionals (2-CNO-11), and in third place, elementary occupations (9-CNO-11). Conclusions: The incidence rate of temporary disability has experienced a progressive increase between 2018 and 2021, suggesting a deterioration of the Occupational Health situation in the Canary Islands, influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic with a rise in cases related to the virus, and a decrease in other diagnoses due to lockdown measures. Low back pain, caused by stress, anxiety, improper postures, repetitive movements, or excessive strain, is the most common condition in the Canary Islands as a cause of temporary disability. We also know that the occupational group in the restaurant, personal services, protection, and sales sectors is the most affected by temporary disability processes. Therefore, if working hours were reduced or breaks were normalized, productivity could increase. Understanding the impact that these cases have had on various occupations of workers according to the CNO-11, companies will be able to evaluate proposals to implement programs for the promotion and prevention of workplace illnesses, as well as suggest improvements in the organization of health services in order to reduce absenteeism due to illness.
Occupational health, sick leave, incidence, occupations, cost allocations
Copyright (c) 2025 Oscar González-Morera, Luis M. Bello Luján, Patricia Barber Pérez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Workplace accidents in a telecommunications company
Objective: To correlate occupational accidents with the health conditions and sociodemographic profile of workers in a company in the telecommunications sector during the years 2023 and 2024 through a statistical analysis, using the organization’s accident records databases. Method: This study was descriptive and quantitative, taking into account variables such as accidents that occurred to workers related to the company during the course of activities carried out in the years 2023 to 2024, recorded in the company’s database and the health conditions and sociodemographic profile of its workers. Results: Different causes and correlations were identified between the events (age, sex, seniority in the company, underlying diseases, physical activity and working hours) and the characteristics of the workers, along with affected segments and predominant factors. Conclusion: In short, the health conditions and the socio-demographic profile of the working population do influence and are related to the occurrence of work accidents. Some have more influence than others, such as a sedentary lifestyle, which is more relevant with 63% of those injured, and even being female predisposes people to them more, with 61% of those injured. Next to this is age, where the most favourable range is 36 - 45 years with 37%. Regarding pre-existing illnesses of workers, these do not directly influence the occurrence of work accidents.
Accident, telecommunication, risk, impact, health
Copyright (c) 2025 Elias Alberto Bedoya Marrugo, Asla Salas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Prevalence and Experience of Stress During Undergraduate Medical Internship: A Mixed-Methods Study at a University in Mexico City
Introduction: Among healthcare professionals, it requires special attention due to the nature of medical care. During undergraduate medical internships, stress can reach even greater levels. Method: A mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) study was conducted, in which a survey was applied to assess stress levels in a non-probabilistic sample, and a semi-structured interview guide was used with a focus group of undergraduate medical interns. Data obtained from the survey were processed using SPSS software to calculate prevalence rates, associations, and statistical significance (OR and χ²). The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using content analysis. Results: High stress prevalence rates were found, both for general stress (90%) and its different levels (mild 18%, moderate 40%, high 24%, and severe 7%). Significant associations were found between mild stress levels and living alone (OR=1.9), moderate stress levels and gender differences (OR=1.8), and high/severe stress levels with a family history (OR=2.1) or personal history (OR=4.3) of mental illness (OR=4.5, OR=6.3, respectively). Qualitative data revealed an experience characterized by high expectations, frustration, and feelings of devaluation. Identified causes included competition, power dynamics, excessive workloads, bureaucracy, and punitive measures. In the case of women, harassment was an additional factor. Conclusions: The experience of medical stress combines vulnerability with the demands of medical training and hospital work. It is experienced differently by men and women, with implications for health and the quality of patient care.
mental health; stress; undergraduate students; medical education
Copyright (c) 2025 Rosa Georgina Pérez Castillo, José Arturo Granados-Cosme , Erick Uriel Mejía-Castillo, Andrea Jaqueline Tiro Vázquez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Effects of teleworking on workers’ health: A systematic review
Introduction: Teleworking is an emerging working modality. At present, 24% of the population engages in it, making it an increasingly common work model with unique characteristics and effects on workers’ health. Method: The retrieved scientific literature was submitted for systematic review from the databases Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Índice Bibliográfico Español en Ciencias de la Salud, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Literature, Medicina en Español, SCOPUS and Institute for Scientific Information-Web of Knowledge. As descriptors, ‘teleworking’, ‘occupational, groups’ and ‘health, occupational’ were searched in the title, abstract and keywords. The limits were as follows: ‘humans’, ‘adult’ and original articles. Results: A total of 4,835 references were found. After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria, 24 articles were selected: 15 are cross-sectional studies and nine are prospective cohort studies. The mean Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology score was 18.55. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria yielded a degree of evidence of 3 and a recommendation of D. The obsolescence of publications was moderate (Burton–Kebler semiperiod: 3.00; price index: 87.50%). Conclusions: The articles review presented an adequate obsolescence rate. However, their degrees of evidence and recommendation impeded thoroughly, ensuring the validity and reliability of the observations made. There is an association between teleworking and physical and mental health effects, including higher stress levels, poor mental health, higher prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and visual problems.
teleworking; systematic review; occupational health
Copyright (c) 2025 Irene Martínez Gárate, Beatriz Casal Pardo, Laura Valdés del Olmo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Influence of health promotion and preventive measures at work on work ability in the healthcare sector: a systematic review
Introducción: Los profesionales sanitarios cuidan la salud de las personas. Para mantener su capacidad de trabajo necesitan tener buena salud, entornos de trabajo seguros y un equilibrio entre sus recursos personales y las demandas físicas y mentales. El objetivo de la revisión fue conocer más sobre los efectos de la promoción de la salud y las medidas preventivas en el trabajo sobre la capacidad laboral de estos trabajadores. Método: Se buscaron estudios observacionales y experimentales publicados desde 2014 hasta 2024 en PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library y Google Scholar, para identificar, en trabajadores del ámbito sanitario, intervenciones de promoción de la salud o prevención realizadas en el lugar de trabajo. La medida de resultado fue el índice de capacidad para el trabajo. Dos revisores seleccionaron los estudios y analizaron su calidad y fiabilidad tras una lectura crítica. Además, evaluaron el riesgo de sesgo y la calidad de la evidencia. Resultados: Se seleccionaron 19 estudios (10 ensayos aleatorizados, 6 cuasiexperimentales y 3 observacionales), de calidad media-baja y riesgo de sesgo incierto-alto. Se observó una mejora significativa en la capacidad de trabajo en 12 estudios (63 %), que analizaban programas de entrenamiento físico, dotación de recursos frente a las exigencias mentales, asesoramiento en hábitos saludables y mejoras ergonómicas. La calidad de la evidencia fue moderada. Discusión: Estas intervenciones pueden mejorar la capacidad laboral del personal sanitario. Se requieren estudios de mayor calidad y seguimientos más largos. Los hallazgos pueden ayudar a profesionales de salud ocupacional y gestores sanitarios en la decisión de implementar programas efectivos de promoción de la salud y prevención para los empleados.
health promotion, preventive measures, work ability, health workers, systematic review
Copyright (c) 2025 Ángel Vega-Suárez, Álvaro Morán-Bayón, Rogelio González-Sarmiento, José Lorenzo Bravo-Grande https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Burnout syndrome associated with occupational characteristics of health workers
Introduction: Burnout syndrome is considered the physical and psychological fatigue suffered by workers due to their work activity. This syndrome is characterized by the presence of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal fulfillment. Objetive: Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the presence of Burnout Syndrome associated with the labor characteristics of health workers in Neiva-Colombia. Methodology: It was a study with a quantitative-cross-sectional approach, with a non-experimental design and correlational scope. It included an approximate population of 2,600 health workers from Neiva- Colombia, from the different clinics and hospitals in the same city. The criteria for inclusion were that the Health professionals be of the legal age. Also, they were currently working in clinics and hospitals in the city of Neiva. On the other hand, the professionals who did not sign the informed consent and did not answer questions on each of the tests were excluded. The instruments for Burnout Syndrome, is made up of 22 questions and evaluates the three dimensions of Burnout syndrome: Emotional exhaustion (nine), depersonalization (five statements), and professional fulfillment (eight statements). Results: Regarding the dimensions of Burnout, it was evidenced that 50% of health workers present emotional exhaustion, 60.2% present medium and high levels of Depersonalization, and 61.0% report having a low Personal Accomplishment. Conclusion: the burnout syndrome in the health professionals evaluated presents a more significant commitment to the Personal Realization dimension and depersonalization and emotional exhaustion. It is necessary to develop preventive medicine programs that mitigate this health problem.
Health, Occupational Health, Mental Health, Burnout, Psychological, Depersonalization, Disease
Copyright (c) 2025 Diana Paola Montealegre Suárez, Maira Alejandra Camargo Valderrama , Diana María Salazar Rojas, Maria Carolina Cerón Polanco, Claudia Yasmin Pérez Rodríguez , Daniela Fernanda Hueso Garzón https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Psychosocial risk factors in officials working in health centers Chillán, 2024
Introduction: Psychosocial risks are variables in the work environment that affect physical and mental health. In the healthcare field, they are grouped into work content, organization and management, and social context, negatively impacting the quality of service and work well-being. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample was 60 professionals and non-professionals who work in health centers in Chillán. A sociodemographic and work questionnaire was applied in addition to the SUSESO/ISTAS21 instrument. Results: Of the 60 health officials in Chillán, 78.3% are women, 65% are single, and 88.3% are urban residents. In terms of working conditions, 88.3% are professionals, 88.3% have been working for 0 to 10 years. The highest psychosocial risks identified were psychological demands (61.7%) and double presence (63.3%). Conclusions: Psychosocial risks can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of health officials. These risks must be addressed at the organizational level, in order to improve the work environment as well as the well-being of employees, promoting a better quality of care for users.
Health; health personnel; work; mental healthIntroducción
Copyright (c) 2025 Pamela Montoya Cáceres, Genesis Águila-Sepúlveda, Javiera Durán-Durán, Pamela Muñoz-Muñoz, Anaís Navarrete-Daza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Breakdown curve for the removal of 2,4-toluene diisocyanate by adsorption using activated carbon in occupational areas
Introduction: The use of diisocyanates in different formulations is posing a challenge in terms of occupational risk prevention due to the new European Directives. In general, these directives require a reduction of the environmental limit values for occupational exposure as well as specific training for the workers who handle them. 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is widely used in different industrial sectors, mainly in the production of polyurethanes as well as in the production of sanitary and textile materials. Method: The adsorption removal process of TDI has been carried out in a laboratory-scale simulated forced draught working hood with various types of activated carbon beds treating the extracted stream. The inlet and outlet concentrations were determined to obtain the breakthrough curve and its variables for subsequent industrial scale-up. The measurement was carried out using colourimetric tubes with high reproducibility on an industrial scale. Results: Obtaining the breakthrough curves and their variables (breakthrough and saturation times, length of the matter transfer zone and linear flow velocity) allows design for industrial scale-up and actual installation as a starting point. The elimination of TDI is feasible with industrially accessible activated carbons. Conclusions: In general, it has been determined that the working times allow operating with the same fixed bed during the working day without stops, adapting the ventilation flows to the environmental legislation on diisocyanate emissions.
diisocyanate; activated carbon; occupational toxicology
Copyright (c) 2025 Borja Garrido Arias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Comparative study on Occupational Health curricular implementation in university degrees of Medicine and Nursing
Introduction: The aim of this study was to review and uptdate the status of occupational medicine as a subject in medicine degrees and its comparison with thato of occupational nursing in nursing degrees at Spanish universities. Method: An integrative review study of both scientific and gray literatura was carried out, with the unit of analysis being the study plans of such universities degrees in Spain during the 2024-2025 academic year. Results: Only 3% of the medicine faculties included a mandatory subject on occupational health, and 6% in the nursing degrees analyzed, predominating as elective in the few centers that offered them. Conclusions: The few mandatory and specific subjects of medicine and/or occupational nursing offered in the indentified curricula could serve as a model fo their implementation in a generalized way in undergraduate university studies in medicine and nursing.
Occupational Health; Curriculum; Medicine; Nursing
Copyright (c) 2025 Antonio Ranchal Sánchez, Manuel Romero Saldaña, Rodolfo Crespo Montero, Elena Montiel Ruiz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Epidemiological characterization of low back pain in shipyard workers Cartagena 2024
To characterize epidemiological aspects related to low back pain and work activities among workers of a shipyard and dredging company. This research is descriptive and was developed with a cross-sectional section. It was developed with 95 workers hired between March 1 and 31, 2024 in a shipyard company located in the city of Cartagena. They were assessed to detect specific symptoms of DL, the Oswestry low back pain disability scale-questionnaire was used, the prevalence of nonspecific and specific low back pain was evaluated. The analysis of the variables was carried out, obtaining the following results: 78.9% of the respondents have experienced low back pain at some point in their lives, 96% of them belonging to socioeconomic strata 1, 2 and 3; 98.7% perform trunk flexion and twisting movements, 92% carry out forced movements, and 84% lift heavy objects during their workday. Furthermore, 5.3% have been disabled by this condition, while 73.3% have support for lifting loads, but use it inappropriately; the most frequent effort reported by 69.3% is lifting objects. The prevalence of low back pain was 65.3%, while that of specific low back pain was 34.7%. These results show a high incidence of this condition among workers in relation to their work, together with the instability in their type of contract and their social vulnerability, which could contribute to stress and increase the risk of developing this pathology. Therefore, it is essential that these companies implement adequate occupational health programs to improve the well-being of their employees and, in turn, optimize business competitiveness indicators.
Low back pain, low back pain, safety and health at work, shipyard, maritime
Copyright (c) 2025 Elias Alberto Bedoya Marrugo, Dra. Elin Julio Manrique, Ing. Dario Sierra https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Inequality in temporary disability due to lower back pain
The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in the number of days of temporary disability processes due to lower back pain between the Public Health Service and the Mutual Collaborator with Social Security. An observational, descriptive and retrospective design was used on temporary disability processes and not on the patients. 56,992 temporary disability processes of patients with a diagnosis of ICD10 M54.5 - Lower back pain from a national mutual insurance company were included, of which 45,871 corresponded to processes managed by the Public Health Service and 11,121 to processes of the Mutual Collaborator with Social Security. Rhe samples were independent and non-parametric, so Mann-Whitney U statistical test was performed with a significance level of 5% with a result of p = .000, therefore the null hypothesis was rejected, establishing a statistically significant difference in the days of temporary disability between the Public Health Service and the Mutual Collaborator with Social Security. The average number of days (Md = 50) of temporary disability by the Public Health Service was greater than the average number of days (Md = 21) of temporary disability by the Mutual Collaborator with Social Security. As the main conclusion of the work, it can be stated that there is a statistically significant difference in the time of temporary disability in processes of the Public Health Service and the Mutual Collaborator with Social Security.
temporary disability, management, nursing, low back pain, inequality
Copyright (c) 2025 Jorge Izco, Esther Lázaro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Turnover and Burnout in the Mexican Textile Industry: Digital Survey Collection and Data Analysis
Introduction: Employee turnover and burnout syndrome affect productivity and workers’ well-being. This study aims to identify the causes of burnout in a Mexican yarn production company, specifically in the bondeado area, which faces a monthly turnover of up to 40%. Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), burnout and its relationship with sociodemographic variables were evaluated. Method: A mixed methodology was used, combining data collection through a web form to capture MBI results and sociodemographic data (age, gender, education, seniority, and supervisor). The MBI was applied to 43 employees over three days. The surveys were stored in a database, and SQL queries were conducted to analyze correlations between burnout subscales and demographic variables, using Minitab for statistical analysis. Results: 32.56% of the employees are under Supervisor A and 25.58% under Supervisor B, showing higher levels of emotional exhaustion and cynicism. 48.84% of employees have 1 year or less of seniority, and 58.14% have a high school education. High emotional exhaustion (16.907), medium-low cynicism (9.86), and high professional efficacy (26.535) were observed. Employees with lower education levels and less seniority showed higher levels of exhaustion and cynicism, especially under Supervisors A and B. Conclusions: The study highlights significant burnout in the bondeado area, particularly in terms of emotional exhaustion. The digitalization of the process allowed for efficient data analysis, facilitating the identification of the most vulnerable groups. Preventive strategies are recommended to reduce burnout and turnover, especially among employees with less seniority.
Burnout; Maslach Burnout Inventory; Staff turnover; Manufacturing companies; Statistical analysis; Occupational health.
Copyright (c) 2025 Aldo-Carlos Ruiz-Jurado, Edna Araceli Romero-Flores, Elizabeth Eugenia Díaz-Castellanos https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Relationship between Emotional State and Burden in Caregivers of People with Disabilities
Introduction: This research is positioned within the field of health sciences, aiming to analyze the relationship between emotional state and caregiver burden in individuals caring for persons with disabilities. Methods: The applied methodology was quantitative, observational, and field-documentary in nature, with a correlational scope. The study sample consisted of 384 caregivers of individuals with disabilities from the Metropolitan District of Quito. Participants were administered a questionnaire that included validated scales such as the WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, the DASS21 scale to measure emotional states, the Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale, and the Insomnia Severity Index. Results: The main findings indicated an average age of 44 years, with a predominance of females (56.51%). Moreover, 76.82% of the participants experienced extremely severe depression, 95% had extremely severe anxiety, and 62.24% reported high-stress levels. Spearman’s correlation revealed that anxiety, stress, and depression were the variables most strongly correlated. Conclusions: The factors with the most significant impact on quality of life were health status and personal safety. It was concluded that the emotional state significantly influences the caregivers’ quality of life, with this effect being more pronounced among women who care for relatives with motor disabilities.
burden, caregiver, disability, emotional state
Copyright (c) 2025 Isabel Cristina Melendez-Mogollon, Edgar Edurman García Silvera, Ana Teresa Berrios Rivas, Christian Patricio Cabascango Camuendo, Amauris Pérez Arias https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Adverse effects of the Covid-19 vaccination in workers of 4 hospitals in Spain
Introduction: After the global pandemic due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus was declared in 2020, different pharmaceutical laboratories began to develop vaccines against this virus, using modified RNA for this purpose. The objective of this study is to compare the adverse effects manifested by the working population of the University Hospitals of Donostia, Galdakao, Cruces and Severo Ochoa after the administration of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Method: Retrospective cohort study. The data was collected by using an online questionnaire and, subsequently, it was analyzed using database software STATA. Results: The workers vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine have reported more adverse effects than the ones vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. Moreover, there were more notifications of adverse effects after the second dose of Moderna vaccine. Conclusions: The workers vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine have presented significantly more adverse efects then those vaccinated with Pfizer, although it requieres additional studies to confirm these results and determine the causes of this difference.
adverse effects; workers; vaccine; Covid-19
Copyright (c) 2025 Irene Martinez Garate, Laura Valdés del Olmo, José Antonio Martínez Castellanos, Claudia Cátedra Caramé https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Public interest in occupational health based on information search trends in the Spanish and English editions of Wikipedia: infodemiological study
Introduction: To determine and analyze temporal trends of searching information patterns about occupational health through the Spanish and English editions of Wikipedia. Method: Infodemiological study: descriptive, ecological and correlational. The data was obtained from the online search on the Wikipedia, both the Spanish [https://es.wikipedia.org/] and the English edition [https://en.wikipedia.org/]. The searched terms in the Spanish edition were: “Seguridad y salud laboral”; “Accidente laboral”; “Medicina del trabajo” and “Enfermería del trabajo”. The searched terms in the English edition were “Occupational safety and health”; “Work accident”; “Occupational medicine” and “Occupational health nursing”. The studied variables were: pageviews, editors, editions, number of guards, landmarks and seasonality. Qualitative variables were described by their frequency and percentage, whereas quantitative variables, by mean, standard deviation, median, maximum and minimum. Temporal evolution of the trends was described through regression analysis and the relation between the variables through Pearson correlation coefficient. The studied period was from 1st July 2015 (date on which Wikipedia offers the first data) to 31st December 2022. The date of consultation and data collection was 29th March 2023. Results: The term with the highest number of total pageviews was “Occupational safety and health”, with 3110570, followed by “Seguridad y salud laboral”, with 1752738. The term with the lowest number of total pageviews was ”Enfermería del trabajo” with 42423. The selected terms showed an inverse trend except for the term “Work accident”, which presented a direct trend. Regarding the coefficient of determination, the results obtained were: “Medicina del trabajo” R2=0,617, “Occupational medicine” R2=0,571, “Seguridad y salud laboral” R2=0,568, “Occupational safety and health” R2=0,737 and “Work accident” R2=0,620. The Pearson correlation coefficient between each term in Spanish and its equivalent in English of the terms “Seguridad y salud laboral”, “Accidente laboral”, “Enfermería del trabajo” and “Medicina del trabajo” was R= 0,75; R= -0,569; R= 0,296 y R= 0,758 respectively. Conclusions: In general, it has been detected a decreasing trend of Wikipedia searches for the selected terms, except for the term “Accidente laboral”, the only one that has shown an increasing trend. In relation to the grade of association between the two editions, it was found that both terms “Seguridad y salud laboral” and “Medicina del trabajo” presented a good association. “Enfermería del trabajo” had a low direct association and the term “Accidente laboral” a moderate inverse association.
Copyright (c) 2024 María Teresa García-González , Irene Baquero-Moreno, Ana Maria Escribano-Garcia, Rosa Buitrago-Leal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
European scientific production on occupational health indexed in the Scopus bibliographic database
Introduction: To analyze, through bibliometric techniques, the European scientific production on Occupational Health (OH) indexed in the Scopus bibliographic database. Method: Cross-sectional descriptive study. Data was obtained from the Scopus database by querying the fields of title, abstract, and keywords using the term “Occupational Health”; search date was April 2023. Results: A total of 89,133 references worldwide were obtained, with 27,546 (30.9%) of them affiliated with European institutions. The annual publication count showed a direct linear regression model (R2 = 0.7; p < 0.001). The most common document type was the original article with 19,895 (72.2%) references, with a productivity index of 4.3. The Burton-Kebler half-life was 12 years, with a maximum of 94 and a minimum of 0 years, and the Price Index (PI) was 23.5%. Works published in 34 different languages were identified, with English being the predominant language in OH publications with 21,419 (77.8%) works. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that research in the field of OH in Europe has experienced constant growth over the years, although it has not yet reached exponential growth. A High obsolescence was observed in terms of scientific production in the European context. The original article was the most common type of document in scientific production. Most European scientific publications in this field are published in open access format. The lack of use of standardized language was evident. A clear Anglophone influence was noted, both in terms of language and institutional affiliation. However, a lack of collaboration between European institutions in this area of knowledge was noted.
Copyright (c) 2024 Miriam Rodríguez Rodríguez, Almudena Moreno Nicolás, Patricia Martínez-Martínez https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0