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BACKGROUND:Worldwide, the employment rate of people with visual impairments (PVIs) is lower than that of the general working-age population. To improve the employment rate of this group, there is a need for knowledge about differences in modifiable factors between working and non-working PVIs. OBJECTIVE: To identify modifiable factors associated with participation on the competitive labour market of PVIs. Based on the findings, we aim to develop an individual assessment instrument for determining the odds of labour market success of PVIs. METHODS: Data were collected among 299 PVIs by means of a cross-sectional telephone survey based on existing (validated) and self-developed scales and items. Logistic regression analysis was used to find the strongest predictors of the dichotomous outcome of 'having paid work on the competitive labour market' (yes/no). RESULTS: We found three personal non-modifiable factors (level of education, comorbidity, level of visual impairment) and three modifiable factors (mobility, acceptance and optimism) to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with having paid work. CONCLUSIONS: The factors of optimism, acceptance and mobility should be included in an individual assessment instrument which can provide PVIs and their job coaches with good starting points for improving the labour market situation of the PVIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Teacher retention and development of the full potential of teachers is important at a national level in order to be able to belong to the top world economies. A number of studies suggests that part of the group of experienced teachers with more than 20 years of experience perform didactically at a lower level than would be expected and are at a greater risk for attrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to find explanations for this by making use of the Job Demands Resources Model. METHODS: Specific demands of the teaching profession, interpersonal demands related to the developmental stage of experienced teachers, job resources and personal resources in relation to health and motivation are explored by reviewing a vast amount of literature. RESULTS: The proposed conceptual model is an extension of the Job Demands Resources Model with the inclusion of personal demands related to adulthood and personal resources. CONCLUSIONS: The resulting model provides us with clues on how attrition and decreased performance could be counteracted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Insight in causes of death in demented patients may help physicians in end-of-life care.Objectives: To investigate underlying causes of death (UCD) in demented patients stratified by age, sex, dementia subtype [Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD)] and to compare them with UCD in the general population (GP).Methods: A nationwide cohort of 59,201 patients with dementia (admitted to a hospital or visiting a day clinic) was constructed [38.7% men, 81.4 years (SD 7.0)] from 2000 through 2010. UCDs were reported and compared to the GP by calculating relative risks (RRs).Results: During follow up [median follow up time 1.3 years (IQR 0.3- 3.0)], 64.2% of women and 69.3% of men died. Leading UCDs were dementia (17.5% in men and 23.7% in women) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) (18.7% and 19.2%, respectively). When compared to the GP, dementia was a more common UCD (RR in men 4.65, 95% CI 4.43-4.88), while CVD (RR in men 0.67, 95% CI 0.65-0.68) and cancer (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.39-0.41) were less common. These differences were more pronounced in patients aged between 60-69 as compared to those aged≥90 years. Patients with AD died less often of cerebrovascular diseases as compared to VaD (RR in men 0.53, 95% CI 0.47-0.59).Conclusion: UCDs in patients with dementia differs from that of the GP, as dementia is more often and cancer less often an UCD. Although less frequent compared to the GP, CVD also is one of the leading UCDs in patients with dementia. This information is valuable for targeted advance care planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between hearing status, socioeconomic status and work status. PARTICIPANTS: Cross-sectional data of 18-64 year old participants (N=1888) from the National Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) were used. Both normal hearing and hearing impaired subjects participated. METHODS: Hearing ability in noise was measured with the National Hearing test, an online speech-in-noise test. Educational level, monthly income, being primary income earner and working status (i.e. paid employment, unemployed and looking for work, unfit for work, voluntary work, household work, being a student, or taking early retirement, and the type of work contract) were assessed with a questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were applied. RESULTS: Participants with poorer hearing ability were less likely to be found in the upper categories of educational level and income, having paid work > 12 hours per week, being a student, or taking early retirement. On the other hand they were more likely to look for work or to be unfit for work. No associations were found with voluntary work and household work. DISCUSSION: Hearing ability seems to be related to both socioeconomic status and being employed. Our findings underline the importance of rehabilitation programs in audiology, aimed at supporting people with hearing impairment to help them to successfully enter or re-enter the workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]