While the use of standardized questionnaires offered the advantage of enhancing cross-national comparability of the eventual survey responses, some limitations were noted, especially in relation to the predefined occupational categories that did not necessarily conform to the country situations.
The POES was developed with qualitative research based on time use in relation to the constructs of occupational performance [ 8] and occupational engagement [ 6, 9].
Time use research further helped to identify nine occupational engagement themes or items categories that varied in a systematic way in relation to the level of occupational engagement.
However, very limited studies paid attention to mental health in mining industry workers though it is an important public health issue, especially in relation to the associations between occupational psychosocial factors and mental health problems.
The sum score can be used with the POES scores transformed into an interval scale that represents a logical continuum in relation to the underlying construct of occupational engagement.
It is therefore necessary (1) to inform physicians, apprentices and their network about occupations at risk of OD, (2) examine all apprentices at risk, (3) detect early symptoms and consider them in relation to the individual's personal and occupational history, (4) confirm the diagnosis with appropriate tests, and (5) refer the affected apprentice to a specialist without delay.
The testlet can be further clarified in relation to the underlying assumption or theory of occupational engagement that forms the basis of the POES.
However, we agree with Muirhead and Haylock (2012) that the resulting figures will remain small and particularly in relation to the results for many of the other occupational carcinogens given in the supplement.
Some studies discussed outcomes and impact in relation to the sector, stating that general practitioners or occupational therapists were more motivated to remain in their job as a result of attendance of a master's degree programme.
We had the opportunity to examine a very large cohort of registered nurses (RNs) and their offspring in relation to this occupational exposure.
