Mandy van den Berge

Ms. Mandy van den Berge

MSc.

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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6 January 2021 in International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Mandy van den BergeMandy van den Berge
Mandy van den Berge
ABAllard J. van der Beek
Allard J. van der Beek
RTRukiye Türkeli
Rukiye Türkeli
MKMarike van Kalken
Marike van Kalken
GHGerben Hulsegge
Gerben Hulsegge
Objective: This study investigated associations between the co-existence of multiple types of work-related psychosocial and physical risk factors, and (1) obesity; (2) smoking; and (3) leisure-time physical inactivity. It also aimed to identify sociodemographic characteristics related to clustering of work-related risk factors and lifestyle factors. Methods: Cross-sectional data on work-related risk factors (e.g., decision authority and repetitive movements) and lifestyle was measured using a standardized questionnaire among 52,563 Dutch workers in health care, services, manufacturing and public sector. Multiple-adjusted logistic regression models assessed associations between the co-existence of multiple types of psychosocial and physical risk factors and lifestyle factors. Additionally, logistic regression models related age, gender and educational level to clustering of risk factors and lifestyle factors. Results: The co-existence of multiple types of work-related psychosocial risk factors was associated with higher odds of smoking and being physically inactive. For example, workers exposed to three psychosocial risk factors had a 1.55 times higher odds of being physically inactive (95%CI: 1.42–1.70) compared to unexposed workers. A higher number of physical risk factors was also significantly associated with higher odds of smoking and obesity. The co-existence of multiple types of physical risk factors was not associated with higher odds of physical inactivity. Clustering of work-related risk factors and at least one unhealthy lifestyle factor occurred in particular among workers with low educational level. Conclusions: Results imply that interventions are needed that focus on workers with a low educational level and address work-related physical and psychosocial risk factors as well as lifestyle.

Mandy van den BergeMandy van den Berge
Mandy van den Berge
GHGerben Hulsegge
Gerben Hulsegge
Henk F Van der MolenHenk F Van der Molen
Henk F Van der Molen
KPKarin Proper
Karin Proper
HPH. Roeline W. Pasman
H. Roeline W. Pasman
ABAllard van der Beek
Allard van der Beek
Health interventions often do not reach blue-collar workers. Citizen science engages target groups in the design and execution of health interventions, but has not yet been applied in an occupational setting. This preliminary study determines barriers and facilitators and feasible elements for citizen science to improve the health of blue-collar workers. The study was conducted in a terminal and construction company by performing semi-structured interviews and focus groups with employees, company management and experts. Interviews and focus groups were analyzed using thematic content analysis and the elements were pilot tested. Workers considered work pressure, work location and several personal factors as barriers for citizen science at the worksite, and (lack of) social support and (negative) social culture both as barriers and facilitators. Citizen science to improve health at the worksite may include three elements: (1) knowledge and skills, (2) social support and social culture, and (3) awareness about lifestyle behaviors. Strategies to implement these elements may be company specific. This study provides relevant indications on feasible elements and strategies for citizen science to improve health at the worksite. Further studies on the feasibility of citizen science in other settings, including a larger and more heterogeneous sample of blue-collar workers, are necessary.