BackgroundEmergency health workers encounter critical decision-making challenges during mass-casualty incidents, where psychological factors-including distress tolerance, anxiety, and emotion regulation-may significantly influence triage effectiveness.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the decision-making skills of emergency health workers during triage in mass incidents and to examine the effects of distress tolerance, anxiety levels, and difficulties in emotion regulation on these skills.MethodsA descriptive and comparative study was conducted with 349 paramedics and emergency medical technicians working in pre-hospital emergency health services in Turkey. The Distress Tolerance Scale (SDS), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DAS), and Triage Decision Making Inventory (TDDI) were used for data collection. Shapiro-Wilk test, Chi-square test, Wilcoxon test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were applied in the study. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine relationships among scales.ResultsThe median values of Triage Decision Making Inventory, Difficulty in Emotion Regulation Scale, Beck Anxiety Scale, and Difficulty withstanding Distress Scale scores were , respectively. According to multiple regression analysis, triage decision-making skills were negatively affected by anxiety, positively affected by distress tolerance, and negatively affected by difficulties in emotion regulation (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIt was found that distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and self-efficacy positively influenced triage decision-making skills, while emotion dysregulation and anxiety negatively affected these skills. Factors such as experience, education level, type of triage training received, gender, marital status, and age also affected triage decision-making skills.

BackgroundMedication vending machines (MVMs) have emerged as a convenient and technology-driven solution for improving access to over-the-counter medications on university campuses.ObjectiveThis study investigates the cultural determinants of MVM acceptance among university students in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), providing cross-cultural insights into their attitudes and functional preferences.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted with 48 participants (24 from each country). The questionnaire measured demographic characteristics, familiarity with vending machines, acceptance of MVMs, and the perceived importance of various MVM features.ResultsThe results indicate that both Korean and UAE students expressed positive attitudes toward the installation of MVMs (Mean on a 5-point Likert scale = 3.88 and 4.17, respectively), and the between-group difference was not statistically significant (F = 1.306, p = 0.259). However, cross-cultural differences emerged in functional preferences: UAE students prioritized ease of use (χ2 = 5.42, p = 0.020), while Korean students valued convenient location, diverse medication availability, and secure identification features.ConclusionsThese findings underscore the importance of culturally sensitive deployment strategies for autonomous healthcare technologies. This study contributes to the growing literature on technology acceptance in healthcare by highlighting how cultural and behavioral factors shape the adoption of MVMs. Practical recommendations for universities and policymakers include emphasizing usability in UAE campuses and strategic placement, diversity, and security features in Korean campuses to maximize acceptance.

BackgroundArtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming multiple sectors, including healthcare, raising important questions about its implications for occupational therapy. As an evidence-based profession grounded in human interaction, clinical reasoning, and holistic practice, occupational therapy faces both opportunities and challenges in integrating AI into education, research, and clinical work.ObjectiveThis Sounding Board paper aims to reflect on the evolving relationship between occupational therapy and AI, and to explore how the profession can navigate emerging tensions while adapting to technological change.MethodsThis paper draws on reflective analysis informed by discussions and observations from the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) Congress, hosted in Bangkok in February 2026, combined with professional experience and current perspectives on AI integration across key domains of occupational therapy practice.ResultsThree core areas are examined: (1) education and preparation of occupational therapy students, (2) implications for academics and researchers, and (3) clinical practice, service delivery, and policy advising. AI presents opportunities to enhance efficiency, accessibility, and decision-making processes. However, it also raises concerns regarding the development of foundational skills, professional judgement, research integrity, and potential over-reliance on automated systems. Across all domains, the importance of critical engagement, transparency in AI use, and the preservation of core professional values is emphasised.ConclusionsAI is reshaping how the profession is practised. A balanced approach that integrates AI as a supportive tool, while maintaining human-centred practice and professional identity, is essential. Occupational therapy must adapt proactively, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to improved outcomes and societal needs.

BackgroundDigital technologies are reshaping leadership in nursing, making it essential to understand how digital leadership relates to attitudes toward artificial intelligence in nursing.ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine the effects of the digital leadership characteristics of manager nurses on their general attitudes toward artificial intelligence.MethodsThis study was conducted with a cross-sectional design, and its results are reported using the STROBE checklist. The population of the study included manager nurses who were working at a University Hospital in Eastern Türkiye (N = 133). Data were collected using a "Personal Information Form", the "Digital Leadership Scale", and the "General Attitudes towards Artificial Intelligence Scale". Descriptive statistics were used in the analysis of the data, and comparisons in independent groups were made using the "Mann-Whitney U" test for two groups and the "Kruskal-Wallis" test for more than two groups. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. A simple linear regression analysis was performed with the Enter model to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to determine whether the scales used were suitable for the sample of manager nurses. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the scales used were appropriate for use in the sample.ResultsThe participants of the study had moderate levels of digital leadership and above-moderate levels of positive attitudes toward artificial intelligence. It was found that the digital leadership characteristics of the participants were significantly effective on their general attitudes toward artificial intelligence.ConclusionsThe usage of artificial intelligence and digital technologies by manager nurses during the provision of healthcare services will result in their adoption of a position as role models and good leaders for their nurse colleagues, improve their capacity to organize routine practices and treatment processes at the clinic, and increase the quality of nursing care by helping nurses make better decisions. It is thought that the use of some practices in the workplace with digital transformations, such as artificial intelligence, will have positive effects on employee well-being, job satisfaction, and workforce adaptation, including the reduction of workload and the prevention of loss of workforce and time.

BackgroundThe effectiveness of stretching exercises in reducing musculoskeletal disorders among software professionals needs to be investigated.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the body regions most affected by Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and to analyze the effect of stretching exercises on the most affected body regions according to gender among software professionals.MethodsA modified Nordic questionnaire was employed to gather data from 196 software professionals on MSDs to ascertain the most affected body regions. After identifying the most affected body regions, an intervention group performed stretching exercises, and their effect on MSDs was analyzed using the McNemar test and the paired t-test.ResultsThe neck, lower back, shoulders, and wrists/hands were found to be the most affected MSD body regions. In males, the stretching exercises reduced the MSDs in the neck, shoulder, wrists/hands, and lower back by 83.33%, 60.00%, 50.00%, and 57.14% respectively. In females, the stretching exercises reduced the MSDs in neck, shoulder, wrists/hands, and lower back by 50.00%, 75.00%, 100.00%, and 40.00% respectively. The McNemar test revealed that stretching exercises have statistically significant improvements in most affected MSD body regions, with significant reductions observed in the neck, shoulders, wrists/hands, and lower back following the intervention in both males and females.ConclusionsThe stretching exercise performed at regular intervals significantly reduced MSDs among software professionals. The findings underscore the need for regular stretching exercises to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged computer usage.

BackgroundFlight attendants (FAs) are subject to unique occupational demands, increasing their risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal pain (WRMSP). WRMSP is influenced by physical, psychosocial, and demographic factors that may change over time due to evolving work environments and practices.ObjectivesCompare the prevalence of FAs' WRMSP in 2016 vs 2024; Identify key physical and psychosocial predictors of WRMSP in each period; explore implications for ergonomic interventions and health promotion strategies tailored to the aviation work environment.MethodsTwo cross-sectional cohorts of FAs, from 2016 (n = 94) and 2024 (n = 89), completed identical, validated questionnaires using the same sampling frame. Surveys covered demographics, occupational tasks, region-specific pain, and psychosocial factors.ResultsArm and hand pain were less prevalent in 2024. Logistic regressions showed higher odds of neck pain in 2024 associated with stress, attitudes, and satisfaction, but markedly lower odds of arm pain across psychosocial and task factors. Lower back pain was less predicted in 2024 when satisfaction was considered. Across both years, hand pain increased with workload and oven-loading but decreased with age and authority; finger pain rose with effort; upper back pain with BMI and time pressure; shoulder pain with dissatisfaction; elbow pain with standing.ConclusionsTechnological and organizational changes appear to have contributed to reduced arm and hand pain and to lower back pain being less predicted in 2024, while psychosocial stressors were linked to increased neck pain, underscoring the dual impact of ergonomic improvements and persistent organizational pressures on WRMSP.

BackgroundDespite the growing popularity of aerial sports, limited research has investigated musculoskeletal (MSK) injury incidence among female acrobatic athletes. Understanding injury prevalence is essential for implementing effective prevention strategies.ObjectiveTo investigate demographic characteristics, physical activity (PA) levels, and MSK injury occurrence in female aerial acrobatics athletes in the western region of Saudi Arabia.MethodsSixty female aerial acrobatics athletes (mean age: 28.66years) participated. We assessed PA using International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and data on MSK injury history and sport-specific profiles were collected. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests examined correlations between injury occurrence and factors such as age, experience, and type of aerial activity.ResultsMost participants (60%) reported high PA levels. The majority (92%) performed warm-ups and cool-downs routines and mainly exercised under supervision. The current injury prevalence was 20%, with 12 participants reporting ongoing injuries. Common injury sites included the back 8(28.6%), knee 7(25%), and wrist 6(21.4%).ConclusionMusculoskeletal injury prevalence among participants was 20%, reporting a current injury related to aerial acrobatics sports. This study revealed low MSK injury rates and high PA levels among female aerial acrobatics athletes, primarily characterized by limited experience. To promote injury prevention, further research is needed with a larger sample and a focus on factors influencing injury frequency such as age, acrobatics type, and upper body strength. In addition, developing a reliable assessment tool designed for aerial acrobatics athletes' performance is recommended.

BackgroundFood service kitchen workers often spend long working days in standing positions and report a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and pain. The height of their workstations is rarely adjustable, and this lack of adjustability could impact the development of such disorders and pain.ObjectiveTo assess the impact of adjustable worktable height during a simulated precision-level, kitchen-related task with healthy university students, using biomechanical, discomfort, and workload measures.MethodsTwenty healthy participants performed a one-hour standing, precision-level, simulated "cake-decorating" task at a standard height table and at an adjustable height table, on two days separated by a minimum of one week. Subjective discomfort was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and perceived workload was assessed using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX). Electromyography (EMG) of the neck and back muscles, and kinematic data were collected. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVAs with Tukey's HSD post-hoc tests (α = 0.05).ResultsAll participants raised the table to a higher height after the first 10 minutes on the adjustable day. Discomfort scores, and mental, physical, and temporal task load scores were significantly lower on the adjustable day compared to the non-adjustable day. Neck and thoracic spine flexion, as well as muscle activations, were significantly lower on the adjustable day compared to the non-adjustable day.ConclusionsThe ability to adjust table height improved objective measures of posture and muscle activity, as well as subjective ratings of physical discomfort, mental workload, and temporal demands during a simulated precision-level, kitchen-related task.

BackgroundThe rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare necessitates a deeper understanding of how digital leadership (DL) shapes employee-AI collaboration, yet its underlying psychological mechanisms remain underexplored.ObjectiveThis study investigates the dual psychological pathways-through thriving at work (TAW) and job insecurity (JI)-by which DL influences employee-AI collaboration, and examines how AI awareness moderates these indirect effects.MethodsSurvey data from 350 nurses across Chinese healthcare institutions were analyzed using a three-wave longitudinal design.ResultsDL exhibited a dual-pathway effect on employee-AI collaboration: it fostered collaboration by enhancing TAW, but concurrently inhibited it by exacerbating JI. Moreover, AI-augmented awareness strengthened the positive indirect effect via TAW, whereas AI-depleted awareness intensified the negative indirect effect via JI.ConclusionsDL's dual impact necessitates balanced strategies that leverage its motivational benefits while mitigating JI. These insights offer healthcare leaders actionable pathways to optimize human-AI collaboration.

BackgroundShift work is a common requirement in healthcare settings to ensure 24-h continuity of care; however, it is associated with increased stress, disrupted circadian rhythms, and decreased job satisfaction among nurses. While occupational balance and time management skills are known to be protective factors, the relationships between these variables have not been adequately explored.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to compare stress, time management, occupational balance, and job satisfaction variables among shift- and non-shift-working nurses in Türkiye, to examine the relationships among these variables, and to determine their associations with job satisfaction.MethodsParticipants were 160 public-sector female nurses, including shift (24/24) and day (40-h/week) workers. Data were collected using the Perceived Stress, Time Management, Occupational Balance, and Job Satisfaction Scales.ResultsThe study found significant differences between the two groups in age, stress, time management, and occupational balance (p < 0.001). Correlation analyses revealed generally weak to moderate relationships. Regression analyses revealed that stress was the only significant variable negatively associated with job satisfaction among shift-working nurses (β = -0.054, p = 0.001). In contrast, among non-shift-working nurses, occupational balance was the only significant variable associated with job satisfaction (β = 0.056, p = 0.001). Time management did not show a significant relationship in either group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that shift work negatively affects nurses' psychological well-being, occupational balance, and overall job satisfaction. Stress reduction strategies for shift workers and occupational balance enhancement for non-shift nurses may improve job satisfaction. Tailored organizational interventions based on work schedules are recommended.