Low back pain (LBP) is the most prevalent work-related musculoskeletal disorder. Occupational risk factors have been studied for current ergonomic prevention strategies; however, other underlying mechanisms may exist since not all workers performing the same task develop the same severity. Previous research has identified personal and psychosocial risk factors that also contribute to LBP. Research quantifying the interactive effects of the various personal, psychosocial and occupational factors is limited, along with research on the effect of risk factor combinations on LBP severity. The objectives of this study were to: 1) study the various factors that are known to be involved in low back pain and analyze interactions, and 2) develop a model to predict low back pain and validate it. In order to address these objectives, 2 studies were conducted. The first study investigated the effects of various personal, genetic, occupational and psychosocial factors on two subjective LBP severity ratings: Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and three physician-based ratings: MRI severity, canal stenosis and nerve impingement. Personal and psychosocial factors, in addition to occupational factors, were found to significantly affect the severity ratings. The second study involved building predictive models of LBP severity for each risk factor category as well as a combined risk factor model. Results showed that the combined risk factor models considering interaction effects both within and across risk factor categories were significantly better in predicting severity ratings than the individual models. However, validation conducted using 5 random samples showed inconsistent accuracies. Results obtained may help to develop a more reliable way to predict and, hence, prevent chronic LBP.

Females currently represent the largest number of teachers in the United States but yet they represent the smallest number of superintendents (Miller, 2009). While female students and educators are increasing, few of them have attained the superintendency positions within school divisions (Hopkins, 2012). This phenomenon was examined in the Commonwealth of Virginia through a mixed methods study, which provided an understanding of the career development experiences of female superintendents in public K-12 school divisions. The researcher utilized Schein's career anchor theory (1990), which examined the personal and professional values and dimensions that influence career choices. Results of the study found that attaining the superintendency among female leaders has not been primarily influenced by career anchors, but rather by their own commitment and dedication to public service. While the main barrier for females to achieve the superintendent's position was related to familial roles, they coping mechanisms of these include emulating the abilities of males or employing the nurturing qualities of females. The study recommends that school boards should design and implement policies that provide an enabling working environment for rising female leaders. Further, educational leadership organizations may explore establishing affinity groups to improve networking among education professionals with diverse genders and cultures. / Ed. D.

Community colleges are challenged to find their next set of leaders who can respond to the diverse challenges of leading the institution. This study examined the impact of institutional and personal factors on faculty aspirations to leadership roles within the community college through the utilization of the Social Cognitive Career Theory framework. A case study research design utilizing mixed-methods investigated the perceived and preferred organizational culture(s) and the manner in which institutional and personal factors influence faculty aspirations to assume leadership roles at Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College. The findings of the research indicate that affecting change and being asked to lead are personal factors of influence that motivate faculty to aspire to formal leadership positions within the community college. On the other hand, the challenge of formal leadership roles, family and work-life balance might dissuade faculty aspirations of faculty to formal leadership roles. The study reveals that organizational culture was a positive factor of institutional influence. This study advances the field of educational leadership in that a number of personal and institutional factors influence the aspirations of faculty as they consider movement into formal leadership position within the community college. The findings identify the need for research across multiple institutions and the need to expand Social Cognitive Career Theory to include personal-cognitive barriers of race and gender.

This study investigated the role of demographic factors, English proficiency level, personal and affective factors in predicting language preparatory school students&rsquo / academic success. Participants of the study were 415 Department of Basic English students (158 pre-intermediate level, 158 intermediate level and 99 upper-intermediate level students) from a state university in Turkey. As data collection instrument, demographic information form, College Learning Effectiveness Inventory and Affective Characteristics Questionnaire were used. Multiple regression analysis was utilized to find the significant predictors. The results indicated that 53 % of the total variance was explained with the model. Among the predictor variables, English proficiency level, classroom communication, stress and time press and English self concept were found to be significant predictors of language achievement. The findings showed that students who had high proficiency level, better communication skills within the class, high English self concept and felt more stressful through the studies achieved higher scores in English Proficiency Exam.

Aim The aim of the thesis is to examine if there are internal variations within generation Y and to what extent it is in their online clothing purchase intention, based on existing knowledge of factors influencing them. Methodology A survey was distributed online to Swedish generation Y residents, born between 1979 and 2000. Thus, primary data totalling 114 responses were collected and analysed by using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA). The non-probability sampling technique was applied using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Results There were no statistically significant differences in the effect of perceived risk, perceived benefit and personal factors on purchase intentions within generation Y (Y1, Y2 and Y3 groups) towards online clothing purchase. Practical implication As generation Y is an attractive segment to business managers, this research affirms the previous studies confirming generational cohort as a suitable way of categorising consumers. Thus helping managers in market segmentation strategies. Originality/Value This study contributes to the literature on generational cohorts by questioning the concept of cohort and how reliable it is for business managers to use in market segmentation.

O presente estudo teve como eixo condutor a temÃtica mortalidade materna, principalmente no que concerne à estruturaÃÃo da VigilÃncia EpidemiolÃgica como forma de analisar seu processo de implantaÃÃo no estado do Cearà com seus respectivos municÃpios. Foi baseado na anÃlise de 1072 Ãbitos maternos, ocorridos no perÃodo de 1991 a 2001. Os Ãbitos de 1991 a 1992 tiveram como fonte as declaraÃÃes de Ãbitos no Sistema de InformaÃÃo de Mortalidade com um reconhecido sub-registro. No perÃodo de 1993 a 1997, foram utilizadas as fichas confidenciais de Ãbito materno, complementando as informaÃÃes atravÃs dos prontuÃrios hospitalares, entrevistas domiciliares e com profissionais de saÃde contando-se com as anÃlises do Comità Estadual de PrevenÃÃo da Mortalidade Materna. De 1997 a 2001, tivemos oportunidade de aprofundar as anÃlises por se ter os dados informatizados atravÃs do programa EPI INFO e ser factÃvel a investigaÃÃo das seguintes variÃveis: razÃo de mortalidade materna, razÃo de mortalidade especÃfica por causas obstÃtricas diretas, fatores obstÃtricos que causaram a morte materna, fatores pessoais, sÃcio- econÃmicos, de assistÃncia à saÃde materna e do sistema de informaÃÃo. De 1991 a 1996, as razÃes de mortalidade materna apresentaram-se numa tendÃncia claramente crescente, variando de 22,8 por 100.000 nascidos vivos a 95,1 por 100.000 nascidos vivos, respectivamente. Essa tendÃncia ascendente ficou explicada pela significativa melhoria dos registros de Ãbitos. Nos dois Ãltimos anos, houve reduÃÃo da mortalidade materna para um patamar de 76,0 por 100.000 nascidos vivos. Ãndice esse considerado bastante elevado mas demonstrando acentuado declÃnio, principalmente em decorrÃncia da diminuiÃÃo de Ãbitos por causas obstÃtricas diretas, que tiveram diminuiÃÃo em 34,7% de 1998 a 2001. Dentre os fatores pessoais e sÃcio-econÃmicos das mulheres grÃvidas que resultaram em Ãbito, a pouca escolaridade, a baixa renda familiar, a idade entre 20 e 29, compreendida como ideal para reproduÃÃo, concentraram maior percentual destes. Os fatores da assistÃncia deficiente e inadequada junto com as condiÃÃes sÃcio-econÃmicas estiveram associados aos Ãbitos, quase como que os determinando.O estudo demonstrou, que o desenvolvimento de aÃÃes seletivas no nÃvel primÃrio e terciÃrio de atenÃÃo tem contribuÃdo de maneira inquestionÃvel para a reduÃÃo da mortalidade materna verificada. A despeito destes avanÃos tambÃm identificou-se um elenco variado de necessidades de intervenÃÃes que persistem e constam das recomendaÃÃes para a Secretaria Estadual de SaÃde seguir enfrentando a mortalidade materna, atravÃs de polÃticas pÃblicas estaduais adequadas e oportunas. / The present study was the theme guiding thread maternal mortality, especially as regards the structure of the Epidemiological Surveillance in order to analyze its implementation process in the state of Cearà with their respective municipalities. It was based on analysis of 1072 maternal deaths occurring in the period 1991 to 2001. Deaths from 1991 to 1992 were from the death certificates in the Mortality Information System with a recognized underreporting. In the period 1993 to 1997, we used the confidential records of maternal death, complementing the information from hospital archives, home interviews and health professionals was carried out using the analysis of the State Committee for the Prevention of Maternal Mortality. From 1997 to 2001, we had the opportunity to deepen the analysis because it has computerized data through the EPI INFO and be feasible to investigate the following variables: maternal mortality ratio, ratio of specific mortality from direct obstetric causes, obstetric factors that caused the maternal death, personal factors, socio-economic, maternal health care and information system. From 1991 to 1996, the maternal mortality ratios presented in a clear rising trend, ranging from 22.8 per 100,000 live births to 95.1 per 100,000 live births, respectively. This upward trend was explained by the significant improvement of the death records. In the last two years, a reduction in maternal mortality to a level of 76.0 per 100,000 live births. This index considered quite high but showing a sharp decline, mainly due to the reduction of deaths from direct obstetric causes, which had decreased 34.7% from 1998 to 2001. Among the personal factors and socio-economic impacts of pregnant women that resulted in death, poor education, low family income, age between 20 and 29, understood as ideal for reproduction, a higher percentage of these concentrated. The factors of poor care and inadequate along with the socioeconomic conditions were associated with deaths, almost like that determinando.O study demonstrated that the development of selective action in primary and tertiary care has unquestionably contributed to the reduction maternal mortality observed. Despite these advances also identified a motley cast of interventions needs to remain and set of recommendations for the state Department of Health after experiencing maternal mortality, through state policies appropriate and timely.

Background and Purpose: People living with SCI (PLWSCI) have to cope with various challenges when they return home after institutionalized rehabilitation, especially with integrating back into and participating in their communities. To date no study has been conducted in South Africa to empirically measure community integration or to evaluate factors affecting the community integration of PLWSCI. The purpose of the study was to investigate factors influencing the community participation of PLWSCI after rehabilitation. Methodology: A cross-sectional, analytical research design employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches was used. Data collection: Phase one: Participants were identified from the databases of two rehabilitation centers, and the snow balling technique. Data were collected by implementing: the socio-demographic and injury profile (SDIP), the Return to Normal Living Index (RNLI), the Spinal Cord Injury Measure – version II (SCIM II) and the Craig Hospital Inventory of Environmental Factors – short form (CHIEF-SF). Phase two: In-depth face to face interviews were conducted with a purposely selected sample group from participants of phase one of the study to determine how participants perceive their community participation. Data Analysis: Phase one: Data were analyzed using version 17 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 17). Descriptive statistics, T- tests, Pearson productmoment correlation coefficients and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni adjustments for multiple comparisons, was done to examine demographic characteristics and participants’ community participation. Data from Phase 2 was subjected to data-reducing procedures using qualitative techniques. Results – Phase One One hundred and sixty PLWSCI (134 males and 26 females) from the Tshwane metropolitan area participated in this phase of the study. The participants were predominantly young, male, unemployed and single and their major cause of SCI was road traffic accidents, which accounted for 71% of the injuries. The participants’ satisfaction with their community participation was generally low, only 20% expressed satisfaction with their community participation. Satisfaction with community participation was significantly associated with the participants’ race, level of education, employment, educational qualifications, years of living with SCI, level of SCI, health complications, perceived health status, functional ability and perceived environmental factors such as physical (structural and geographic) barriers and lack of transport. Results – Phase 2 Fifteen PLWSCI participated in interviews. Two themes influencing participation were identified from the interview transcripts: Personal factors (coping skills, rehabilitation experience, future aspirations, personal needs, psycho-emotional issues and meaningful use of time) and Environmental factors (attitudes of others, social support and accessibility issues). Conclusion The results of the two phases revealed that community participation of PLWSCI was mainly related to three major categories of factors: personal factors, disability-related factors and environmental factors. Satisfaction with community participation was greater in participants who had been living with SCI for longer periods, had more years of basic education, were not black Africans, lived in suburbs, and were employed. A positive outlook on life and engagement in creative activities during free time enhanced community participation. Disability-related factors included level of SCI, functional ability and perceived general health influenced satisfaction with community participation. Community participation was greater in participants who experienced fewer environmental barriers. “Attitudes of members of society”, “accessibility of the environment” and “social support” influenced the participants’ satisfaction with community participation. A framework for facilitating community participation of PLWSCI was developed. Strategies to be implemented by various multi-sectoral stakeholders to enhance community participation are proposed.p> / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Physiotherapy / Unrestricted

"May 2015" A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Occupational Therapy. Typescript Project Advisor : Max A. Ito Participation in social roles and daily activities is considered a primary outcome for children with cerebral palsy (CP) and thus is an important focus of pediatric therapy. The purpose of this study was to describe the participation patterns of children ages 2 to 6 years with CP, investigate how gross motor impairment affects participation, and identify those family and environmental factors that may influence participation in daily activities and social roles. A convenience sample of 51 children with CP between the ages of 2 and 6 years and their parents completed this study. Parents completed four standardized instruments: the Assessment of Life Habits (LIFE-H), the Impact on Family Scale, The Child and Adolescent Scale of Environment, and the Child Health Conditions Questionnaire, which measured participation, family burden, the environment, and associated conditions respectively. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which family and environmental factors explained participation in daily activities and social roles while controlling for gross motor impairment (GMFCS), associated conditions and age. The findings of this study suggest that very young children with CP experience substantial restrictions across 10 of 11 domains of participation. Parents report greater environmental barriers, associated health conditions and impact on family as GMFCS levels increase. Gross motor impairment, associated health conditions, and age accounted for 65% of the variance in participation. The environment and family factors did not contribute significantly to the model. For the children in this study, intrinsic factors accounted for most of the variance in participation.

Statement of Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of preconception health on adverse pregnancy outcomes through the theoretical lens of reciprocal determinism. Thus, this study aims to develop a preconception health conceptual framework that accounts for the interactive relationships among behavior, the environment, and the person. Rationale for the Study Women may not recognize a pregnancy until the first or second missed menstrual cycle, a full four to eight weeks or more after conception. Once a woman realizes the possibility of a pregnancy, it takes further time to confirm the pregnancy with a home pregnancy kit or a visit to the health care provider. In that time period, the woman may have unknowingly exposed her embryo to nutritional deficiencies, over-the-counter drugs, tobacco, alcohol, or other toxins. Because nearly half of all pregnancies are unintended, yielding about three million unintended pregnancies in the U.S. annually, there is a need to shift care to an earlier period in a woman's life cycle with greater potential to prevent birth defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes, also known as preconception care. The preconception health movement began with the rationale that many adverse pregnancy outcomes are determined prior to prenatal care initiation. Thus, in addition to prenatal care, the need for preconception health arose. The empirical literature makes a strong case for the benefit of individual preconception health components and their effects on adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, the actual effectiveness of collective preconception health in reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes has not yet been demonstrated. In an effort to evaluate the impact of preconception health on maternal morbidity, infant morbidity, and infant mortality, this study examined the reciprocal relationships between environmental, personal, and preconception behavioral factors and their associations with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods A secondary data analysis was conducted using the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data from 2005-2008 to test a preconception framework. Project 1 examined all variables in the preconception framework among the following states: Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, and Utah. Project 2 examined all variables except of two among all PRAMS-participating states. All of the variables in the proposed framework were derived from questions in the PRAMS survey or from PRAMS-linked birth certificate data. The research questions posed in this study were resolved through the path analyses of reduced and full iterations of the preconception framework in Projects 1 and 2. Results In Project 1, list-wise deletion of missing data resulted in a decrease from the original 27,933 participants to 12,239 participants. In Project 2, this action resulted in a decrease from the original 200,008 participants to 128,551 participants. The analysis of the reduced frameworks for both projects revealed extremely low R-squared values (1.1% or less). Subsequent analyses examining the full framework in Projects 1 and 2, as well as an additional post hoc analysis with supplementary PRAMS variables, resulted in R-squared values of 13.1%, 11.4%, and 30.5%, respectively. Implications This study examined the impact of preconception health behaviors on adverse pregnancy outcomes through the theoretical lens of reciprocal determinism. Preconception health behaviors alone accounted for a negligible portion of the variance associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. As hypothesized, preconception health behaviors work in concert with environmental factors, personal influences, prenatal and natal factors. Significant predictors supported in the literature included lower socioeconomic status, pregnancy intention, pregnancy history, older maternal age, black maternal race, Hispanic ethnicity, overweight maternal BMI, tobacco use prior to pregnancy, maternal complications, hospitalization during pregnancy, later prenatal care initiation, fewer prenatal care visits, plurality, and cesarean section. Even so, there is a large portion of the variance in adverse pregnancy outcomes that is not accounted for, and further examination is required.

In the digitized world many organizations experience a large flow of information. To sort and manage all the information can be difficult. Individuals may experience a phenomenon called ”Information Overload”, due to the fact that the information flow is too extensive. There are various reasons why individuals are affected by this phenomenon. One reason may be due to the individual´s personality, another reason could also be the increased use of smartphones. The use of smartphones has had the effect that individuals are online and available even during therir leisure time. The extended use of smartphones has led to that it is possible that individuals are experiencing an increasing stress. In this study, we will investigate individuals experience of ”Information Overload” that may be associated with organizations use of smartphones. / Informationsmängden har i och med internet ökat drastiskt. Tidigare kunde det vara ett problem med att hitta användbar och relevant information. Numera är problemet det motsatta. Det kan leda till att individer utsätts för mer information än vad de kan hantera. Denna kraftiga expansion av information skulle kunna resultera i ett så kallat informationsöverflöd för individen. Det råder dock delade meningar hos forskarna om vad detta fenomen innebär och vilka orsakerna kan vara till uppkomsten av informationsöverflöd (Information Overload). För att undersöka om detta är ett utbrett problem inom organisationer inleddes undersökningen med en intervju med en chef och en informationsansvarig inom en utvald organisation. Intervjun genomfördes för att utreda organisationens policys och regler gällande informationsflödet och användandet av den smarta telefonen. Därefter utfördes en enkätundersökning med en grupp utvalda mellanchefer inom organisationen. Undersökningens syfte var att undersöka hur individer uppfattar och hanterar informationsflöden. Samt om den smarta telefonen påverkar individer genom att den bidrar till ett utökat informationsöverflöde. Enkätfrågorna utgick från Eppler och Mengis (2004) konceptuella ramverk om orsaker och symptom. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka om individer upplever någon form av In-formation Overload på grund av det utökade användandet av smarta telefoner, samt hur individer påverkas av den tillgänglighet som den smarta telefonen bidrar till. Studien har utgått från Eppler och Mengis (2004) konceptuella ramverk för att studera fenomenet Information Overload. Detta ramverk utgår från fem orsaker, personliga faktorer, informationens beskaffenhet, IT, organisationens design och arbetsuppgiftens karaktär. Dessa orsaker kan var för sig eller tillsammans bidra till att Information Overload uppstår, vilket vidare leder till att individerna drabbas av olika symptom. Resultatet i undersökningen visade att majoriteten av individerna upplevde ett flertal symptom i samband med det utökade användandet av smarta telefoner, symptom som kan härledas till Information Overload. De symptom som tydligast framkom var stress, trötthet samt koncentrationssvårigheter. Det framkom även att den smarta telefonen via sin storlek och funktioner är en bidragande faktor till en utökad tillgänglighet. En tillgänglighet som bidrar till att gränsen mellan arbetstid och ledig tid allt mer suddats ut. Detta kan ses som en bidragande orsak till att individer känner symptom som är kopplade till Information Overload.