Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Hyoung June Im

15 Articles

The Effect of Socio-Economic Factors on Occupational Injuries in Korea: A Time Series Analysis: Ye Won Bang, Hyoung June Im, Young Jun Kwon, Seong Sik Cho, Tae Kyung Lee, In Ki Yoon, Young Su Ju; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):397-406. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.397

OBJECTIVES
We performed a time series analysis in order to identify the relationship between the occupational injury rate and socio-economic factors, and through this predict the occupational injury occurrence rate.
METHODS
We reviewed 168 sets of monthly data. For the statistical analysis, we used the economic index data provided by Statics Korea and the occupational injury index provided by the Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service gathered from 1994 to 2007. We performed a correlation analysis to find relationship between the occupation injury rate and economic factors. Using the correlation analysis result, we used time series analysis for the data in order to find out the association between occupational injuries and socio-economic indicators. We performed time series analysis to find out association occupation injury rate with socio-economic factors. In addition we ran a prediction occupational injury rate for 2008 and compared the result to the actual value.
RESULTS
The factors associated with occupational injuries were the daily worker index (b=0.394, p<0.0001), the mechanical index (b=-0.023, p=0.0043), the manufacturing operation index (b=0.152, p<0.0001), the workers compensation coverage expansion (b=1.189, p=0.015), the IMF index (b=-2.05, p<0.0001), and the after IMF index (b=-1.565, p=0.01). The daily worker index, manufacturing operation index, and workers compensation coverage expansion had an effect that increased the occupational injury rate. Conversely, the mechanical index and IMF variable tended to decrease the occupational injury rate.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that the daily worker index, manufacturing operation index, workers compensation coverage expansion, and IMF variables are related factors in regards to occupational injury.

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Business Cycle and Occupational Accidents in Korea
Dong Koo Kim, Sunyoung Park
Safety and Health at Work.2020; 11(3): 314. CrossRef
The Prediction of Industrial Accident Rate in Korea: A Time Series Analysis
Eunsuk Choi, Gyeong-Suk Jeon, Won Kee Lee, Young Sun Kim
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(1): 65. CrossRef

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A Case of Kienbock's Disease from Repetitive Contact Stress: Chul Ju Kim, Young Su Ju, Hyoung June Im, Yae Won Bang, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(3):343-349. Published online September 30, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.3.343

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Kienbock's disease, which is characterized by osteonecrosis of the lunate bone, causes progressive chronic pain and dysfunction of the hand and wrist. Even though occurrence of the disease was reported approximately 100 years ago and it is suspected to be work-related to some degree, the etiology has not been clearly discribed and the disease has rarely been considered as an occupation-related disease. As such, we submit this case as the first report of Kienbock's disease in Korea, with clinical findings, x-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and strain index results along with a literature review.
METHODS
The patient was carefully interviewed and her medical records were properly reviewed by the authors with her consent. The authors also visited her factory work site to inspect and videotape the working environment and to conduct an ergonomic evaluation with a strain index.
RESULTS
Excessively repeated contact stress was found to be concentrated on her right hand and the environment was discovered to be hazardous from an ergonomic standpoint. The literature review revealed that heavy loads on the hand might be related to the cause or deterioration associated with Kienbock's disease. ; therefore, it is very likely that her disease is related to her work.
CONCLUSIONS
There is much evidence to suggest that heavy workloads involving hand and wrist intensive tasks may cause and worsen Kienbock's disease. However, to date epidemiologic studies clarifying the etiology of the disease have not been sufficiently reported. Therefore, further research focusing on the etiology and prevention of the disease are required. In addition, practical guidelines for hand and wrist intensive tasks are needed to prevent disease development and worsening.

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Influencing Factors in Approving Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Diseases as Occupational Disease in Seoul: Tae Kyung Lee, Soo Geun Kim, Jong Uk Won, Tae Won Jang, Seong Sik Cho, Young Su Ju, Young Jun Kwon, Hyoung June Im; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(3):262-270. Published online September 30, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.3.262

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to analyze the factors that affected the decision making process in approving workers' compensation claims for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases cases that occurred just before refoming approval standards of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act on 1 July 2008 and to provide fundamental information in preparing better standards.
METHODS
We examined 283 claims cases involving cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases that occurred between 1 January, 2006 and 31 December, 2007 and collected data based on the worker's compensation records from 3 Seoul Regional Centers of the Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service. We analyzed the approval rates and odds ratios according to the general characteristics, injury information, past medical histories, and work related information using chi-square or univariate logistic regression. In addition, we identified the factors affecting the approval using multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS
Overall, 101 of the 283 cases were approved and approval rate was 35.7%. Approval rates differed significantly according to type of disease, survival, accident site, accident time, the presence of associated disease and overwork (p-value <0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis with adjusted for age and sex, approval rate of death cases with associated disease was lower than cases without associated disease (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.12~0.42). Approval rate of cases occurred in worksite was higher than others (OR 4.81, 95% CI 2.22~10.40). Cases of accepted overwork had a higher approval rate significantly than cases of not accepted (OR 28.53, 95% CI 9.74~83.52).
CONCLUSION
Factors in approving cases of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease as cases involving occupational disease included conditions of overwork, high rate of accidents in the workplace and the presence of associated disease. It is necessary to investigate further behaviors of work and chronic work-related stress.

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The effect of long working hours on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease; A case‐crossover study
Kyong‐sok Shin, Yun kyung Chung, Young‐Jun Kwon, Jun‐Seok Son, Se‐hoon Lee
American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2017; 60(9): 753. CrossRef

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Factors Related to Occupational Injuries and Health Problems for Some Female Workers in Non-standard Employment: Woo Jin Park, Hyoung June Im, Jong Uk Won, Sang Baek Koh, Young Su Ju, Jae Hoon Roh, Sang Yong Oh, Young Jun Kwon, Chang Kook Hwang, Jung Wook Lim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(4):301-313. Published online December 31, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.4.301

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to examine certain factors associated with occupational injuries and health problems for some female workers in non-standard employment.
METHODS
We enrolled 754 female workers that were selected from 1,040 people who had agreed to be surveyed as part of a group or company in either the Seoul and the Kyonggi area. We performed univariate logistic regression on survey data and again performed multivariate logistic regression on those variables that were statistically significant.
RESULTS
In this study, the overall incidence of occupational injury for all workers was 12.5%. The incidence rates by position were as follows: 12.9%(insurance saleswoman), 7.4%(telemarketer), 9.2%(visiting teacher), 22%(golf caddy). The most frequent complaint was lower back pain(12.8%) in insurance saleswomen, voice symptoms(37%) in telemarketers, knee and ankle symptoms(33.8%) in golf caddies, and voice symptoms(14.4%) in visiting teachers. The factors related to occupational injuries included job type, and age. The factors related to health problems were job type, psychosocial stress, accident risk, and social support. The percentage of the cases that occurred without fringe benefits including social welfare was 30.4%, and the percentage of "paid out of the person's own pocket" of ways to arrange costs of accidents was 32.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, some female workers in non-standard employment had relatively high level of occupational injuries, accompanied by various health problems. In these occupational classes, the conditions for social insurance and social welfare were poor. It is necessary to expand the application of social insurances including industrial accident compensation insurance. Regardless of job category, psychosocial stress and social support were statistically significant for many symptoms. We believe that measurement of these factors is necessary. In the future, additional studies are required with the use of objective methods for additional job categories.

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The Effect of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Musculoskeletal Complaints on Presenteeism Among the Dependent Self-employment Workers in Korea
Jiyun Kim, Sookja Choi
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2022; 64(9): 719. CrossRef
Golfsport als Beruf – eine arbeitsmedizinische Bestandsaufnahme
E. M. Wanke, A. C. Melander, D. A. Groneberg
Zentralblatt für Arbeitsmedizin, Arbeitsschutz und Ergonomie.2020; 70(3): 130. CrossRef
Irregular menstruation according to occupational status
Yeunhee Kwak, Yoonjung Kim
Women & Health.2018; 58(10): 1135. CrossRef
Health Status and Affecting Factors related to Job among Korean Women Employees
Eun-Young Hong, Sang-Dol Kim
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2012; 13(9): 4107. CrossRef

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The PTSD Symptom and Related Factors among the Residents after Samsung-Hebei Spirits Oil Spill: Seongsik Cho, Tae Kyung Lee, Jeong Min Kim, Ye Won Bang, Narae Hong, Hyoung June Im, Young Jun Kwon, Yong Cho, Jae Yong Moon, Young Su Ju; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):235-245. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.235

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
The purpose of the study was to estimate the mental health problems and other related factors in residents that experienced the Samsung-Hebei spirits oil spill by surveying PTSD symptoms.
METHOD
Trained interviewers performed direct interviews of the residents approximately 70 days after the oil spill. We investigated PTSD symptoms through PTSD Symptom Scale Interview Version (PSS-I). To determine those factors related to PTSD symptoms, the following factors were determined as part of the survey: gender, age, occupation, duration of cleanup activity, monthly income and amount of debt. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze all factors.
RESULTS
Of the 318 residents investigated, 56.6% of the subjects had PTSD symptoms related to the spirits oil spill (about 70 days post spill). With regard to occupation, those subjects answering fishery (POR:3.05) and commerce (POR:4.24) as their occupations experienced higher PTSD symptoms than residents answering farming as their occupation. Residents who answered that they had debt over 10 million KRW (POR:2.61) were more vulnerable to PTSD symptoms compared to residents without debt; residents with acute physical symptoms were vulnerable (POR:5.11) to PTSD symptom compared to residents without acute physical symptoms. The results of multiple logistic analysis, including the cleanup activity, age, gender, occupation, acute physical symptoms and amount of debt in the model suggest that only cleanup activity increased PTSD symptoms. The subjects who had engaged in cleanup activities for longer periods of time had more PTSD symptoms and an additional dose-response relationship.
CONCLUSION
Many residents in Samsung-Hebei spirits oil spill area had PTSD symptoms. This suggests that there were serious mental health problems among the residents, who might require specific social supports and psychiatric interventions as a result of the oil spill.

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Human health and ecological assessment programs for Hebei Spirit oil spill accident of 2007: Status, lessons, and future challenges
Dawoon Jung, Jung-Ah Kim, Myung-Sook Park, Un Hyuk Yim, Kyungho Choi
Chemosphere.2017; 173: 180. CrossRef

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Prevalence of Baker's Asthma among Workers in an Industrial Bakery: Jeong Min Kim, Young Jun Kwon, Young Su Ju, Hyoung June Im, Tae Kyung Lee, Hye Ryun Kang, Do Myung Paek; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(3):245-259. Published online September 30, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.3.245

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence of baker's asthma due to flour dust in an industrial bakery in Korea.
METHODS
Of the 596 active workers, 380 were allocated to a category of either direct exposure (DE) or indirect exposure (IE) to flour dust and completed a modified ISAAC questionnaire. Of the 380 participants, 233 were screened by an occupational physician interview, a skin prick test, and an ELISA for serum-specific IgE antibodies to wheat flour extracts. Selected workers received serial monitoring of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and positive PEFR respondents received a methacholine challenge test. The diagnosis of baker's asthma was confirmed by a specific inhalation challenge with wheat flour extracts.
RESULTS
The prevalence of sensitization to wheat flour and baker's asthma was 21.0% (25.9% DE, 13.3% IE) and 3.2% (5.1% DE, 1.8% IE), respectively. DE had an increased risk of sensitization to wheat flour (OR 2.15, 95% CI = 1.03~4.51). Sensitization to wheat flour and the prevalence of baker's asthma correlated significantly (PR 38.63, 95% CI = 6.14~243.22).
CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate a considerable prevalence of baker's asthma among flourexposed workers in Korea. Future studies will be required to survey the situation in flour mill companies and seek ways to protect the health and socioeconomic position of flour industry workers.

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Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef

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Patient Satisfaction in Workers' Compensation Medical Care: Hwa Pyung Lee, Hyoung June Im, Young Su Ju, Young Jun Kwon, Hee Tae Kang, Jeong Min Kim, Sung Sik Cho, Tae Kyung Lee, Jongwan Yoon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(3):204-214. Published online September 30, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.3.204

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the patient satisfaction and its influencing factors after medical care for workrelated injuries.
METHODS
A self-reported questionnaire was mailed to 921 workers who had experienced workers' compensation medical care. The data from 335 respondents (response rate was 36.4%) were merged and analysed with the data from the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation (KLWC) which contain other general information of the respondents.
RESULTS
Dissatisfaction with their medical care was reported by 17.3% of the respondents. Overall patient satisfaction (OPS) was highly correlated with the medical treatment process such as hospital facility, medical therapy, surgical therapy, doctor's explanation and physical therapy. However, OPS was negatively influenced by three factors: 1) unsatisfactory hospital care during waiting period before the approval of workers' compensation, 2) forced end of the hospital care by the workers' compensation, and 3) end of the hospital care with no further improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
To improve the satisfaction of patients with work-related injuries, both the practice of medical treatment and also the administrative process of workers' compensation must be reformed. These reforms are needed to improve the quality of workers' compensation medical care and prevent abnormal illness behavior such as inappropriate treatment seeking.

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Workers’ experiences with compensated sick leave due to musculoskeletal disorder: a qualitative study
Min Choi, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jinwoo Lee, Hye-Eun Lee, Junsu Byun, Jong Uk Won
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
A Study on Contributing Factors of Industrially Injured Patients' Satisfaction
Hyun-Joo Lee, Jung-In Kang
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2011; 20(3): 319. CrossRef

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Predictors of Return to Work and Job Retention after Work-Related Injury or Illness: Hee Tae Kang, Hyoung June Im, Yong Kyu Kim, Young Su Ju, Hwa Pyung Lee, Jeong Min Kim, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(3):221-231. Published online September 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.3.221

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This research was conducted to investigate workers'return to work rate after work-related injury or illness and to determine which factors could predict return to work and job retention.
METHODS
From the documents held by the six local branches of the Korea Labor Welfare Corporation(KLWP), 2,464 cases of work-related injury or illness which had telephone numbers were identified from September to December, 2003. Data about the employment status was gained from 921 occupationally injured workers through telephone questionnaire and was merged with the electronic data obtained from KLWP with included information of the workers whose worker's compensation period was ended from 2002 to 2004. Finally the data for 516 workers was analysed by logistic regression using SAS 9.0.
RESULTS
The return to work rate was 50.3% and the job retention rate was 28.3%. Decreased return to work rate was associated with old age, shorter employment duration, longer treatment duration, higher disability grade, lower average wage and manual worker. Decreased job retention rate was associated with a smaller number of employees, shorter employment duration and work in the construction industry.
CONCLUSIONS
This research highlighted the numerous occupationally injured workers who couldn't return to work and the multiple factors that were associated with the return to work or job retention. Based on this and related research, rehabilitation programs which consider the issues of return to work and job retention have to be implemented.

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ICF-Based Job Performance Predictors for South Korean Industrial Accident Workers: Population-Based 3-Year Longitudinal Analysis
Gayeong Eom, Seonjae Been, Haewon Byeon
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(13): 7822. CrossRef
A Study on Occupational Therapy for Adults and Older Adults in Korea Using Big Data: A Systematic Review
Sanghun Nam, Suyeong Bae, Ickpyo Hong
Journal of Health Informatics and Statistics.2022; 47(1): 1. CrossRef
Relationship between workers’ return to work, job retention and income in industrial accidents in Korea: a longitudinal study
Suk Won Bae, Inchul Jeong, Jin-Ha Yoon, Seung Wook Lee, Tae Hyun Kim, Jong-Uk Won
BMJ Open.2021; 11(4): e039948. CrossRef
Changes in Income after an Industrial Accident According to Industry and Return-to-Work Status
Suk Won Bae, Sarah Soyeon Oh, Wha Me Park, Jaehoon Roh, Jong-Uk Won
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(14): 2603. CrossRef
Pre-injury job characteristics and return to work among injured workers in South Korea: differences by socio-demographic and injury-related characteristics
Soo Kyung Park, Chung Kwon Lee
Disability and Rehabilitation.2019; 41(6): 691. CrossRef
Impacts of Return-to-Work Type and Period on Job Retention in Workers with Occupational Injuries and Diseases
Inchul Jeong, Jae Bum Park, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won, Jaehoon Roh
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Prediction of Return-to-original-work after an Industrial Accident Using Machine Learning and Comparison of Techniques
Jongin Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Income Changes Due to Disability Ratings and Participation in Economic Activities Caused by Industrial Accidents: A Population-Based Study of Data from the Fourth Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance (PSWCI)
Suk Won Bae, Sehyun Yun, Ye Seol Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Jong-Uk Won
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(11): 2478. CrossRef
The effects of individual, occupational, and supportive factors on successful return to work using a structural equation model
Jongin Lee, Min Choi, Sung Hye Park, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Hye-Eun Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
Statistical analysis of economic activity state of workers with industrial injuries using a competing risk model
Gippeum Doh, Sooyeon Kim, Yang-Jin Kim
Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society.2015; 26(6): 1271. CrossRef
Factors related to the physician and the employer influencing successful return to work in Korea: results from the first panel study of workers’ compensation insurance (PSWCI)
Wanhyung Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jaehoon Roh, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Hongdeok Seok, June-Hee Lee, Jong-Uk Won
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2015;[Epub] CrossRef
Current Situation and Issue of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance
Inah Kim, Jeongbae Rhie, Jo-Duk Yoon, Jinsoo Kim, Jonguk Won
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2012; 27(Suppl): S47. CrossRef

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Usefulness of High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in the Diagnosis of Asbestos-Related Lung Diseases: Hyun Jae Lee, Ji Eun Son, Young Seoub Hong, Young Ill Lee, Byung Jin Yeah, Chang Hun You, Kap Yeol Jung, Sang Hoon Kim, Hyoung June Im, Eun Chul Jang, Jung Man Kim, Joon Youn Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):112-122. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.112

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was carried out to improve the medical surveillance program of workers exposed to asbestos by examining the usefulness of High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) in the diagnosis of asbestos-related lung disease.
METHODS
The study subjects comprised 162 workers in a ship-repairing yard, 68 of whom had been directly exposed to asbestos and 94 indirectly exposed. The 'Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) asbestos standard, medical surveillance program' and HRCT were conducted to analyze the aspects of the asbestos-related lung disease. The OSHA asbestos standard, medical surveillance program consists of simple chest x-ray, spirometry and medical questionnaire.
RESULTS
Seventeen (10.5%) of the 162 subjects, 10 (14.7%) directly exposed and 7 (7.4%) indirectly exposed, revealed asbestos-related lung disease on HRCT. The sensitivity and specificity of simple chest x-ray for asbestos-related lung disease were 70.6% and 98.6%, and the positive and negative predictive values were 85.7% and 96.6% respectively, as compared with HRCT. HRCT was an effective diagnostic tool especially to detect early asbestos-related lung disease. The study results indicated a relative significant association between the results of spirometry and HRCT. The variables significantly associated with asbestos-related lung disease on HRCT were work duration, smoking history (pack-years), past history of respiratory disease, cough and dyspnea.
CONCLUSIONS
In the diagnosis of asbestos-related lung disease, HRCT should be considered not only for workers with positive findings on simple chest x-ray, but also workers with specific findings on spirometry, occupational history, smoking history, and past history of respiratory disease, or with respiratory symptoms such as cough and dyspnea.

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Radiologic Diagnosis of Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Yoon Kyung Kim, Jeung Sook Kim, Yookyung Kim
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology.2015; 73(6): 347. CrossRef

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Effect Assessment of Worksite-based, Post-examination, Health Care Management System: Kang Jin Lee, Young Hee Choi, Cha Jae Oh, Hoo Rak Lee, Hyoung June Im, Moon Young Hwang, Byung Mann Cho, Ji Ho Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(1):1-14. Published online March 31, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.1.1

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to develop a worksite-based, post-examination, health care management system for continuous and systematic management of workers with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and abnormal LFT detected by periodic health examination and to assess the effectiveness such a system as an intervention study.
METHODS
Study subjects were selected from workers with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and abnormal LFT according to the selection criteria. The intervention group, but not the control group, received medical treatment of disease, follow up examination, and health education which consisted of information about the disease and the importance of life-style modification through periodic interview using the resources of occupational health service center in the worksite. To assess the effectiveness of this system, we compared follow up examination data from the intervention group with periodic examination data from the worksite control group.
RESULTS
In the intervention group a significant reduction trend was recorded for systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood sugar, postprandial 2 hour glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol, AST, ALT, and gamma-GTP, and a rising trend for HDL-cholesterol. Significant group differences ware recorded for fasting blood sugar, postprandial 2 hour glucose, total cholesterol, AST, and ALT.
CONCLUSIONS
The worksite-based, post-examination, health care management system was effective for the continuous and systematic management of workers who had abnormal findings detected by periodic health examination.

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The Change Analysis about Health Behavior and Examination Result of Periodical Medical Examiner
Tae-Yong Lee, Dal-Sik Yoon
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2014; 15(2): 923. CrossRef
The Effect of Metabolic syndrome Management Program Applying Participatory Action-Oriented Training Principle
Seong-Yong Yoon, Kuck-Hyeun Woo, Hwa-Sung Kim, Yong-Bae Kim, Jin-Seok Kim, Seong-Yong Jo, Sung-Soo Lee
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2014; 31(5): 81. CrossRef
The Effects of Hypertension Self-help Program on Hypertension-related Knowledge, Self-efficacy, Self-management Compliance and Physiological Parameters in Workers
Mi-Young Gi, Young-Hae Park
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2012; 21(1): 1. CrossRef

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The Effects of Job Stress on the Autonomic Nerve Activity of Workers in Manufacturing Industry: Ki Jung Yoon, Mi Na Ha, Jai Young Kim, Sang Yun Lee, Hyoung June Im, Ae Sun Shin, Seung Sik Hwang, Jeong Soo Kim, Dae Hee Kang, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2002;14(3):280-287. Published online September 30, 2002; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2002.14.3.280

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the relationships between autonomic nerve activity (i.e., heart rate variability and urinary catecholamines) and job stress.
METHODS
The study was conducted on 134 workers from a company producing consumer goods (i.e., diaper, paper towel) located in Cheonan, Korea. Job stress was assessed by Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Autonomic function was assessed by heart rate variability (HRV) and urinary catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine). Urine samplings, and measurings of HRV, were repeated three times for each shift. Information on demographic characteristics, previous job histories, past medical history, smoking and drinking were also collected.
RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were observed in any HRV and urinary catecholamines among the four groups, which were categorized by the Job Strain Model. When data were stratified by work duration, low field HRV was borderline significantly higher in the high strain group in individuals with a shorter work duration (<48.5 months, N=28, p-value of 0.92 by analysis of variance).
CONCLUSIONS
Neither HRV nor urinary catecholamines are significantly associated with job stress, as assessed by the Karasek's JCQ. However, HRV seems to be a potential physiological indicator of job stress only in the workers with a shorter work duration.

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Cancer Incidence in the Vicinity of Korean AM Radio Broadcast Towers: Hyoung June Im, Mi Na Ha, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(3):296-305. Published online September 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.3.296

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Several studies have raised the possibility that exposure to electrical and/or magnetic fields may be particularly harmful in the promotion or initiation of cancer. The purpose of this study which was based on a geographical correlation design was to investigate any association that may exist between residing near radio broadcast towers and carcinogenic activity in Korea.
METHODS
In this study, the health effects of EMF of 10 AM radio broadcast towers in Korea were investigated. The electric powers of the towers were above 100kW. We chose exposed areas that were located within 2 km from the towers as well as four control regions which had similar populations in the same province(Do) but had no towers nearby. The incidence of leukemia, malignant lymphoma, brain tumor and breast cancer between the exposed areas and the control areas was compared. The standardized incidence ratios(SIRs) were calculated. Korean Medical Insurance data(between Nov,1,1993 and Oct,31,1996) was used for the cancer incidence estimation. The Nationwide Population Census data(in 1995) and the Resident Register data(in 1995) were used for information about population and locations.
RESULTS
Among the 10 exposed areas, one area for leukemia and one area for brain tumor showed a significantly high incidence compared to the control areas. There were no significant increased areas for malignant lymphoma and breast cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
This study design must be considered to be exploratory and not used for determining causality. However, the results suggest the necessity for further analytical epidemiological studies that have a more precise exposure measurement scale and information on confounding factors.

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The Association of Workplace Cumulative Noise Exposure and Blood Pressure: Sang Yun Lee, Jai Young Kim, Hyoung June Im, Ki Jung Yoon, Hong Ryul Choi, Sang Baek Koh, Dae Hee Kang, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(2):200-208. Published online June 30, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.2.200

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The association of workplace cumulative noise exposure and blood pressure was investigated in this study using cross-sectional design.
METHODS
The study population comprised 852 manufacturing male workers of whom occupational health examination data, questionnaire and personnel records were available. Workplace ambient noise monitoring data was used for calculating individual cumulative noise exposure level. Mean of each systolic and diastolic blood pressure of occupational health examination data was used for individual systolic and diastolic blood pressure level. Possible confounding variables including family history of hypertension, smoking habit, alcohol drinking habit were collected by questionnaire. On the basis of job location and duration of work at the location, a cumulative time-weighted average noise level was calculated for each workers. According to this cumulative noise exposure level, each study subject was categorized as low noise exposure group, moderate noise exposure group, high noise exposure group, very high noise exposure group. Among noise exposure groups, mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure was compared after adjusting possible confounding variables such as age, body mass index, serum cholesterol level, family history of hypertension, smoking history, alcohol drinking habit.
RESULTS
After adjusting possible confounding variables, noise exposure group was significant explanatory variables for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and mean of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure of very high exposure group was higher than that of low exposure group.
CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggested that the high cumulative noise exposure might elevate the blood pressure.

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The Health Status Assessment of Subcontracted Workers: Hong Ryul Choi, Sang Baek Koh, Sei Jin Chang, Bong Suk Cha, Hyoung June Im, Sang Yun Lee, Jai Young Kim, Dong Mug Kang, Soo Hun Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2001;13(1):18-30. Published online March 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2001.13.1.18

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OBJECTIVES
The strategy for the labor flexibility through subcontracted labor have brought a negative effect on the lives of the workers, such as the increase of the unstable employment. This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between the employment of subcontracted firms and the health status of them, and to find out some problems which have been caused in the process of health evaluation and the characteristics of social exclusion.
METHODS
We reviewed the periodical health examination and preemployment health examination in order to compare health status of the subcontracted workers with those of the parent firm workers. The SF-36 questionnaire was administered to assess the self-perceived health status.
RESULTS
The result shows that compared to the working duration of the parent firm workers, those of the subcontracted workers were shorter, and the job transfer rate was higher. In the periodical health examination, the prevalence of occupational and general disease was higher in the parent firm(10%) than in the subcontracted firms(6%). Preemployment health examination plays an important role in worker's health management. Among 6,260 workers who received preemployment health examination, the prevalence of disease was 37.9%. Mean scores of health status measured by SF-36 were lower in the subcontracted firm than in the parent firm.
CONCLUSIONS
Due to social exclusion of the subcontracted workers from the periodical health examination, there is a possibility that the periodical health examination have the healthy worker effect. These results suggests that the preemployment health examination could be a more appropriate indicator which is able to assess the health status of the subcontracted workers than the periodical health examination.

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Workplace Violence in Workers with Multi-Party Employment Arrangements: Results from the Korean National Representative Survey
Yeogyeong Yoon, Kyunghee Jung-Choi
Safety and Health at Work.2022; 13(1): 93. CrossRef
Participation inequality in the National General Health Examination based on enterprise size
Young Joong Kang, Jong Heun Park, Huisu Eom, Bohwa Choi, Seyoung Lee, Ji-Won Lee, Jun-Pyo Myong
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2017;[Epub] CrossRef
Subcontractors and increased risk for work‐related diseases and absenteeism
Kyoung B. Min, Shin G. Park, Jae S. Song, Kwan H. Yi, Tae W. Jang, Jin Y. Min
American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2013; 56(11): 1296. CrossRef
Factors Associated with Cancer Screening Rates of Manufacturing Workers
Su Ho Park, Chang Hee Kim, Eun Kyung Kim
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2013; 22(3): 179. CrossRef

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A case-crossover study between air pollution and hospital emergency room visits by asthma attack: Hyoung June Im, Sang Yun Lee, Ki Jung Yun, Young Su Ju, Dae Hee Kang, Soo Hon Cho; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2000;12(2):249-257. Published online June 30, 2000; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2000.12.2.249

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OBJECTIVES
This study, using case-crossover design, search a relationship between changing levels of air pollutants and asthma attack in asthma patients.
METHODS
We searched the daily total number of asthmatic patients at hospital' s emergency room in Seoul, Korea by investigating total 49 general hospitals emergency room records. Otherwise, We investigated medical records of asthmatic patients at one of the 49 hospitals we have searched. We investigated addresses that they are living, diagnosis, smoking history, whether respiratory infection or not, medications. We analyzed the data by 1:m conditional logistic regression used when matched case-control study is analyzed. Control periods were chosen by bidirectional paired matching technique 7, 14 days before and after case periods.
RESULTS
the relative risk of asthmatic attack by 100 ppm ozone increase between June and September were 1.348(95 % CI = 1.010~1.619). Between November and February, the relative risk by 100 /m TSP increase, 100ppb sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide were respectively 1.278(1.010~1.619), 1.237(1.019~1.502), 1.285(1.006~1.640). In stratified analysis, the relative risk were significant when the asthmatic patients were children aged 15 years or below, when there were respiratory infection, and when the patients took medications irregularly CONCLUSIONS: There was statistically significant association between ambient levels of air pollutants and asthmatic attack. So, we have to exert our efforts to minimize the air pollution effectively, to protect public health from air pollution.

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Review of Epidemiological Research and Perspectives for Future Environmental Health Progress in Korea
Kyoung-Mu Lee, Moon-Young Park
Journal of Environmental Health Sciences.2022; 48(3): 138. CrossRef
Hybrid Deep Learning Algorithm with Open Innovation Perspective: A Prediction Model of Asthmatic Occurrence
Min-Seung Kim, Jeong-Hee Lee, Yong-Ju Jang, Chan-Ho Lee, Ji-Hye Choi, Tae-Eung Sung
Sustainability.2020; 12(15): 6143. CrossRef
Effect of outdoor air pollution on asthma exacerbations in children and adults: Systematic review and multilevel meta-analysis
Pablo Orellano, Nancy Quaranta, Julieta Reynoso, Brenda Balbi, Julia Vasquez, Qinghua Sun
PLOS ONE.2017; 12(3): e0174050. CrossRef

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