Saudi Cultural Missions Theses & Dissertations
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Item Restricted Understanding work participation in workers with lower limb osteoarthritis(The University of Queensland, 2024) Alyousef, Yousef Saleh; Smith, Michelle; Johnston, VenerinaAbstract Osteoarthritis (OA), particularly of the lower limb, is a prevalent health condition affecting people who are still participating in the workforce. People with lower limb OA typically experience joint pain, reduced mobility, muscle weakness and difficulties with ambulatory activities. These impairments can impact an individual’s life in several domains, including work participation. Research is scarce on the impact and management of lower limb OA in relation to work. This thesis aims to understand work participation in workers with lower limb OA using a range of indicators such as work status, work ability, productivity, absenteeism and presenteeism. This is accomplished through five studies presented across five chapters. Study 1 systematically reviewed the literature to explore work-related outcomes in individuals with lower limb OA compared to healthy controls. This review confirmed that the literature in this area is limited – seven studies were identified, two of which were included in a meta-analysis. No studies investigated work-related outcomes in individuals with foot or ankle OA. A meta-analysis revealed that individuals with lower limb OA were less frequently in paid employment than healthy controls (odds ratio: 0.25; 95% confidence intervals: 0.12, 0.53). Evidence from single studies suggests that individuals with hip and knee OA have greater absenteeism and presenteeism and poorer functional capacity than healthy controls. To address gaps in the literature identified in the previous systematic review, Study 2 was a cross-sectional online survey that compared work-related outcomes and difficulty performing work in workers with (n=124) and without (n=106) lower limb OA. The survey included three validated scales of work-specific outcomes: the Work Ability Index (WAI), the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (WHO-HPQ), and the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. We found that workers with lower limb OA have poorer work ability and productivity (p<0.001), and more difficulty with work scheduling demands and physical demands (p≤0.05) than healthy workers. There was no statistical difference in absenteeism or overall ability to meet work demands between workers with and without lower limb OA. Study 3 complemented the findings of Studies 1 and 2 by using semi-structured interviews to explore the perspectives of 22 workers with lower limb OA on difficulties they experienced at work, concerns they have about work, and strategies they use to manage at work. A thematic analysis identified six major themes related to participants’ experiences of working with lower limb OA: weight-bearing physical demands are challenging; lower limb OA can affect work performance; emotional consequences of pain; concerns about work in the future; positive experiences of supportive colleagues and managers; and minimal effects on sedentary work. Three main themes were identified relating to strategies to remain at work: adjustments at work to help manage pain; regular strategies (e.g., changing positions and postures) to manage pain; and consulting healthcare professionals, but usually not specifically for work. This study identified challenges experienced by workers with lower limb OA that need to be addressed to help workers with OA to remain in the workforce. Based on the findings of Study 3, a cross-sectional online survey was conducted with Australian physiotherapists to explore their current management strategies when treating patients with lower limb OA, with the aim of determining how work concerns were addressed in their practice (Study 4). A total of 132 physiotherapists with at least two years of experience treating patients with lower limb OA completed the survey. The findings suggest that while the key interventions used by most Australian physiotherapists to manage people with lower limb OA are consistent with current clinical guidelines, most physiotherapists do not include activities to help people remain productive in the workforce. There is a need to better understand and address the lack of work support included in physiotherapy consultations with patients with lower limb OA. Study 5 conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the impact of interventions on work-related outcomes in workers with lower limb OA. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with seven studies included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in employment status two or more years after surgical treatment (odds ratio: 3.47; 95% CI: 0.92, 13.14) or in work ability three months after non-surgical treatment (mean difference: 0.45; 95% CI: -1.11, 2.00) compared to pre-treatment among individuals with knee and/or hip OA. However, single studies reported positive changes post-treatment in absenteeism, work functioning and impact on work. This highlights the need for further research into work-specific interventions that address the unique challenges experienced by individuals with lower limb OA in the workplace. Overall, the findings from this thesis contribute to our understanding of work participation in workers with lower limb OA. The data provides healthcare professionals and employers with a deeper understanding of the difficulties people with lower limb OA experience at work and highlight the lack of evidence for interventions to maximise work participation in this population.27 0Item Restricted How Inflation Affects Productivity in Oil and Non-Oil Economies? (Comparative Study between Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom)(University of Essex, 2024) Alamer, Abdullah; Reisinezhad, ArshamThis study empirically analyses the relationship between total factor productivity (TFP) and inflation for the period 1989-2019 in an oil producing country (Saudi Arabia) and non-oil country (UK) to understand how the relationship is different in different economic contexts. The study employed ARDL Bound testing approach with GDP growth, unemployment and crude oil prices as control variables. The study found that in both Saudi Arabia and UK inflation has a negative impact on productivity and vice versa, however the relationship is significant in UK but not Saudi Arabia. TFP and inflation have a causal relationship with each other in both oil and non-oil countries. Policymakers should focus on economic diversification strategies in oil-dependent countries and adopt policies to enhance productivity through sustainable energy resources in non-oil countries to mitigate the impact of inflation on productivity.12 0Item Restricted The Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) alignment with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) Universities’ vision(Newcastle University, 2022-09-15) Alenezi, Tahani; Haist, JoshuaSeveral studies have identified that employees’ performance correlates with the strategies of their human resource management. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Institutes of Education Study (IES) have critically discussed this, yet the practical alignment of performance and strategic human resource management (SHRM) is lacking, particularly in Asian and Middle East countries like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This study is based on the aim of aligning SHRM practice within the higher education institutions of Saudi Arabia. This study explores relevant literature and draws on primary data from the online platforms of multiple universities. The current study uses a quantitative and qualitative approach that was conducted thematically by using an online questionnaire to collect data from different Saudi universities. The questionnaire primarily comprised closed questions; however, to gain deeper insights, certain questions were kept open. Quantitative variables were statistically analysed, and qualitative textual answers were analysed thematically. The sample size of 170 individuals validated the research reliability and identified key areas needed to realign strategy as the response for most variables was moderate. The results indicated that higher education managers and lecturers are aware of the significance of sustainable SHRM measures, but they cannot balance work and family life. Furthermore, working is not done in teams as communication is poor, and, most importantly, training is not regular. Therefore, the extent of alignment is moderate, and realignment is necessary using the implementation plan provided in this research.30 0