Maria Katsaouni

Background and Objectives: Variations in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations have been described among individuals working in different settings. Moreover, published evidence suggests an association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and 25(OH)D insufficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the association between certain exposures in the occupational environment and 25(OH)D levels, in relation to OSAS severity. Materials and Methods: For a period of 12 months, 25(OH)D serum levels were assessed in subjects consecutively investigated for OSAS. These were divided into group A (control subjects working indoors), group B (control subjects working outdoors), group C (OSAS patients working indoors) and group D (OSAS patients working outdoors). Results: A total of 189 subjects were included (155 males and 34 females), comprising 129 OSAS patients and 60 non-apnoeic controls. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in group B compared to the other groups (32 ± 13 vs. 23 ± 7 ng/mL for group A, p = 0.001; vs. 15 ± 8 ng/mL for group C, p < 0.001; and vs. 23 ± 9 ng/mL for group D, p < 0.001). Additionally, serum 25(OH)D levels were higher in group A compared with group C (23 ± 7 vs. 15 ± 8 ng/mL, p = 0.001), while no significant difference was observed between groups A and D (p > 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that the apnoea–hypopnoea index (β = 0.02, OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.00–1.04, p = 0.02) and indoor occupation (β = 1.03, OR = 2.80, 95% CI: 1.17–6.70, p = 0.02) were independently associated with vitamin D insufficiency. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D levels are decreased in OSAS patients working indoors. Thus, the working environment should also be considered in the overall assessment of 25(OH)D status in OSAS patients.

Background/Objectives: Variations in Vitamin D (Vit D) levels have been described among individuals working in different settings. Moreover, published evidence sug-gests an association between obstructive sleep apnea-syndrome (OSAS) and Vit D in-sufficiency. The aim of this study was to assess the association between certain expo-sures at the occupational environment and Vit D levels, in relation to OSAS severity. Methods: For a period of 12 months, Vit D serum levels were assessed in subjects con-secutively investigated for OSAS. These were divided into group A (control subjects working indoors), group B (control subjects working outdoors), group C (OSAS pa-tients working indoors) and group D (OSAS patients working outdoors). Results: A total of 189 subjects were included (155 males and 34 females), comprising 129 OSAS patients and 60 non-apneic controls. Serum 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in group B compared to the other groups (32.2 ± 13 vs 22.9 ± 6.7 ng/ml for group A, p = 0.001 vs 15.2 ± 7.6 ng/ml for group C, p < 0.001 vs 22.9 ± 9.3 ng/ml for group D, p < 0.001). Additionally, serum 25(OH)D levels were increased in group A compared with group C (22.9 ± 6.7 vs 15.2 ± 7.6 ng/ml respectively, p = 0.001) and were similar be-tween groups A and D (22.9 ± 6.7 vs 22.9 ± 9.3 respectively, p > 0.05). Regression analy-sis revealed that AHI (β = 0.023, OR: 1.023, 95% CI: 1.003 – 1.043, p = 0.022) and indoor occupation (β = 1.030, OR: 2.802, 95% CI: 1.172 – 6.699, p = 0.021) were associated with Vit D insufficiency. Conclusions: Serum Vit D levels are decreased in OSAS patients working indoors. Thus, the working environment should also be considered in the overall assessment of Vit D status in OSAS patients.

Background: Early retirements and decreasing job retention rates have resulted in a growing shortage of nursing staff in the healthcare systems of many countries. Recently, the World Health Organization and the European Commission have joined forces to attract and retain nurses in their systems in a period of increasing demand for healthcare services, due to population aging. While recruiting and training new nurses is a necessary long-term solution, it is equally important for policymakers to focus on retaining the current workforce, as to ensure continuity of care. Aim: This paper aims to review current literature and to discuss the key aspects of this critical issue, focusing on the concept of healthy aging and its significance as a key strategy for retaining nursing staff. Design: This discursive paper explores published literature highlighting the interaction between aging and the challenges that nursing staff faces in daily practice. It also examines global trends in retirement patterns and proposes strategies to retain the aging workforce, with a particular focus on succession planning and knowledge transfer. Results-Conclusion: Both general and more targeted approaches that have been proposed are necessary to enhance nursing staff retention. These approaches include the concept of promoting healthy aging, which can play a key role in this regard. Implications: This paper addresses the nursing staff shortage, highlighting strategies that have been proposed as to prioritize staff retention for healthcare providers and personnel managers.

Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess and compare health, quality of life, well-being, job satisfaction and job insecurity between nurses, in a tertiary hospital in Greece, working either under permanent or temporary contract. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional study,...