Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Hyung Joon Jhun

9 Articles

Estimated Number of Korean Workers with Back Pain and Population-based Associated Factors of Back Pain: Data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: Ki Chul Nam, Soon Woo Jang, Hyung Joon Jhun, Jong Tae Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(4):365-377. Published online December 31, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.4.365

OBJECTIVES
We estimated the number of Korean workers with back pain and evaluated the populationbased factors associated with back pain from a representative sample.
METHODS
The number of Korean workers who experienced back pain (back pain-experienced patients), those who had experienced back pain lasting for three or more months during the previous year (chronic patients), and those who were currently suffering from back pain (current patients) were estimated by analyzing the data from the fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted in 2007 using the surveyfreq procedure of the SAS statistical package. Population-based odds ratios for being back pain-experienced, chronic, and current patient according to demographic (age, gender, and education), lifestyle (smoking, drinking, and exercise), and occupational (industrial class, employment status, occupation) factors were estimated using the surveylogistic procedure.
RESULTS
Among 19,076,186 Korean workers aged 20~69 years in 2007, 2,473,997(proportion, 13.0%; 95% CI, 1,976,779~2,971,216) were estimated to be back pain-experienced patients, 692,046(3.6%; 417,726~966,366) chronic patients, and 1,206,704(6.3%; 893,475~1,519,933) current patients. Each of the explanatory variables was significantly associated with at least one of the response variables for back pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Further efforts to investigate the epidemiology of back pain, evaluate the associated factors, and improve treatment outcomes are needed.

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Nationwide firefighter survey: the prevalence of lower back pain and its related psychological factors among Korean firefighters
Min Gi Kim, Ju-il Seo, KyooSang Kim, Yeon-Soon Ahn
International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.2017; 23(4): 447. CrossRef
Retraction Notice to: "Association between Job Stress and Alexithymic Traits" [Korean J Occup Environ Med 20(4) (2008) 295-301] and "Estimated Number of Korean Workers with Back Pain and Population-based Associated Factors of Back Pain: Data from the Four

Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2011; 23(3): 350. CrossRef

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A Case of Occupational Asthma and Rhinitis Suspected to be Caused by Exposure to Ethyl Cyanoacrylate: Soon Woo Jang, Ki Chul Nam, Hyung Joon Jhun, Byoung Gwon Kim, Jong Tae Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2009;21(3):283-288. Published online September 30, 2009; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2009.21.3.283

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Ethyl cyanoacrylate is used as a component of adhesives used in the industrial, domestic, and medical fields. It is known to cause mucosal irritation, contact dermatitis and respiratory discomfort. However, reports of combined occupational asthma and rhinitis are rare, especially in Korea. We report a case of occupational asthma and rhinitis suspected to be caused by exposure to ethyl cyanoacrylate.
CASE
REPORT: A 36-year-old woman presented with rhinorrhea, cough, dyspnea and chest discomfort after exposure to ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive at an assembly area of a plastic products manufacturing company. Nasal endoscopy revealed watery rhinorrhea and hypertrophy of nasal turbinates, which were compatible with rhinitis. The methacholine provocation test showed a positive result. Daily variability of peak expiratory flow increased on work days, but decreased during non-work days. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this case as a combination of occupational asthma and rhinitis suspected to be caused by exposure to ethyl cyanoacrylate.
CONCLUSION
There needs to be increased awareness regarding occupational asth-ma and rhinitis caused by exposure to ethyl cyanoacrylate.

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Association between Job Stress and Alexithymic Traits: Seong Jin Ryu, Ja Hyun Kim, Soon Woo Jang, Hyung Joon Jhun, Byoung Gwon Kim, Jong Tae Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(4):295-301. Published online December 31, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.4.295

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
We evaluated the association between job stress and alexithymic traits in Korean workers.
METHODS
Workers (n=521) who visited two university hospitals for medical check-ups were recruited for this study. Job stress was evaluated using the Korean version of Karasek's Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), and alexithymic traits were assessed using the Korean version of the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20K). Crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of job stress scales (job strain, job insecurity, and job dissatisfaction) with alexithymic traits(total TAS score > or =52) were calculated.
RESULTS
High job strain compared with low strain had a high, but insignificant association with alexithymic traits (adjusted OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 0.93-5.44). High job insecurity (adjusted OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.21-4.22), and high job dissatisfaction (adjusted OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.06-3.74) had significant associations with alexithymic traits.
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that job stress is associated with alexithymic traits in workers.

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Retraction Notice to: "Association between Job Stress and Alexithymic Traits" [Korean J Occup Environ Med 20(4) (2008) 295-301] and "Estimated Number of Korean Workers with Back Pain and Population-based Associated Factors of Back Pain: Data from the Four

Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2011; 23(3): 350. CrossRef

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A Case of Trichloroethylene Intoxication with Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Ja Hyun Kim, Seong Jin Ryu, Byoung Gwon Kim, Hyung Joon Jhun, Jong Tae Park, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2008;20(1):54-61. Published online March 31, 2008; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2008.20.1.54

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Trichloroethylene (TCE) has been widely used as a typewriter correction fluid, paint remover, adhesive, spot removers and, particularly, as a degreasing agent in metal-fabricating operation. However, few studies have reported on the effects of TCE intoxication, in spite of numerous occupational accidents arising from TCE intoxication, even until quite recently used in small companies. TCE affects mainly the central nervous system (CNS) and is carcinogenic, even when carefully used and managed.
CASE
REPORT: A 48-year-old male worker visited our hospital complaining of decreased motivation and general weakness. In history taking, the patient had suffered insomnia, memory disturbance, stuttering, loss of interest and sexual desire, depressive mood for 4 years, dysesthesia with tingling sensation and pain in both extremities, and a nauseas feeling similar to a hangover which had been aggravated for 4 months before admission. The patient had been engaged in metal degreasing with TCE for 8 years. Electromyography indicated disturbance of autonomic function, but there was neither peripheral neuropathy nor cervical radiculopathy. Organic abnormalities including cerebellar atrophy and CNS infection were ruled out, while there was no indication of malignancy in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and metabolic disorders and electrolyte imbalances in laboratory test. The authors performed biological monitoring for the possible exposed chemicals. Urinary 2,5-hexanedione, a metabolite of n-hexane, was undetected but 3,331.1 mg/g creatinine of urinary trichloro-compounds, a metabolite of TCE, was detected. The patient was diagnosed as TCE intoxication due to a level of urinary trichloro-compounds in excess of the normal range (300 mg/g creatinine), in addition to an occupational history and clinical symptoms. TCE exposure was stopped in admission and the neuropsychiatric symptoms of the patient were improved as the urinary trichloro-compounds were decreased from 3,331.1 mg/g creatinine to 64.6 mg/g creatinine in 5 days.
CONCLUSION
Low-dose, chronic TCE intoxication shows neuropsychiatric symptoms, which are often misrecognized merely as a psychiatric disorder; its appropriate diagnosis, early treatment and exposure assessment are therefore difficult. The neuropsychiatric symptoms in workers who have been exposed to TCE should be monitored, detailed job history should be taken and biological monitoring should be conducted to gain early insight of chronic TCE exposure.

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Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef
Occupational Neurologic Disorders in Korea
Yangho Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Yong-Hun Yun, Myoung-Soon Oh
Journal of Clinical Neurology.2010; 6(2): 64. CrossRef
Occupational Neurological Disorders in Korea
Eun-A Kim, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S26. CrossRef

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Occupational Stress in Relation to Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease: Longitudinal Analysis from the NSDSOS Project: Chang Kook Hwang, Sang Baek Koh, Sei Jin Chang, Chong Yon Park, Bong Suk Cha, Sook Jung Hyun, Jun Ho Park, Kang Myoung Lee, Kyoung Tae Cha, Woo Jin Park, Hyung Joon Jhun; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2007;19(2):105-114. Published online June 30, 2007; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2007.19.2.105

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This prospective study was performed to investigate the association between occupational stress and the development of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
METHODS
A total of 8,429 employees were selected from a nationwide sample, proportional to both the Korean Standard Industrial Classification and the Korean Standard Occupational Classification. A structured self-reported questionnaire was used to access the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, health behavior and work related characteristics. 43-items of the full version of Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) were used to access the participants occupational stress. New cases of hospitalization due to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases were evaluated using medical utilization files received from the National Health Insurance Corporation for the period of March 2004 to December 2005. A logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between occupational stress and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
RESULTS
43 new cases of hospitalization due to cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases were found. According to the results of the logistic regression analysis, job stressors were related with circulatory diseases after adjustment for gender, age, number of workers, employment type, shift work, smoking, alcohol intake, and regular exercise. Of the 8 subscales, insufficient job control (Adj. RR 2.802; 95% CI 1.038-7.564) and occupational climate (Adj. RR 2.365; 95% CI 1.087~5.143) were significantly associated with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. However, no significant relationships were found between the 6 KOSS subscales and cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite the short-term follow-up of about two years, the KOSS subscales of insufficient job control and occupational climate were significantly associated with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases.

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Effects of a Yoga Program in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Workers of Small Workplaces: A Pilot Test
Won Ju Hwang, Jin Ah Kim, Ji Sun Ha
Sustainability.2020; 12(23): 10038. CrossRef
Relationship between physical activity and job stress among public office workers
Young-Sook Yook
Journal of Physical Therapy Science.2020; 32(12): 839. CrossRef
Factors related to heart rate variability among firefighters
Jae-Hong Shin, Jung-Youb Lee, Seon-Hee Yang, Mi-Young Lee, In-Sung Chung
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
Moderating Effect of Stress Coping Strategies on the Relationship between a National Statistics Office Workers' Occupational Stress and Mental Health
Yuran Jeong, Bo-Hyun Yoon, Eun-Joo Oh, Je-Heon Song, Soo-Hee Park, Haran Jung, Moon-Doo Kim, Man-Ki Baek, Eun-Rak Son, Ja-Young Jung
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.2015; 54(4): 587. CrossRef
The Effects of Individual Counseling for Bus-drivers to Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: Secondary Data Analysis
Hye-Sun Jung, Mi-Jung Eum, Insun Jang
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2015; 24(4): 281. CrossRef
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Its Predicting Factors among Small-sized Company Workers
Soo Kyoung Choi, Jeong A Jo, Seon Young Hwang
Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2014; 26(2): 244. CrossRef
The Magnitude of Mortality from Ischemic Heart Disease Attributed to Occupational Factors in Korea - Attributable Fraction Estimation Using Meta-analysis
Jaehyeok Ha, Soo-Geun Kim, Domyung Paek, Jungsun Park
Safety and Health at Work.2011; 2(1): 70. CrossRef

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Heart Rate Variability of Carbon Disulfide Poisoned Subjects after Exposure Cessation: Sang Yoon Lee, Sung Il Cho, Do Myung Paek, Chang Bum Byeon, Mi Jeong Kim, Kyung Keun Park, Sang Hyeok Yim, Kil Seung Yang, Chang Kook Hwang, Hyung Joon Jhun; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2006;18(2):123-129. Published online June 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2006.18.2.123

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
A previous study conducted in 2000 measuring the heart rate variability (HRV) of carbon disulfide (CS2)-poisoned subjects suggested that their HRV was reduced after exposure cessation. However, the study was limited by the following procedural limitations: (1) only 71 CS2-poisoned subjects participated, (2) no females participated, and (3) the CS2-poisoned subjects were older than the controls. This study was therefore conducted to overcome these limitations of the earlier study.
METHODS
The study subjects comprised 122 retired workers with CS2 poisoning and the same number of age- and sex-matched controls. Information on individual age, sex, height, weight, smoking history, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, medical and occupational history, chest x-ray, and ECG recording of the two groups was collected though a self-administered questionnaire and a medical examination. Standard Deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), Root-Mean-Square of Successive Differences (RMSSD), Total Power (TP), Low Frequency (LF), High Frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio were measured as HRV indices for 5 minutes in the sitting position.
RESULTS
Univariate analysis revealed that all HRV indices of CS2-poisoned subjects were lower than those of the controls. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that CS2 poisoning had negative association with all HRV indices and that its association with RMSSD was statistically significant (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
This study suggests that CS2-poisoned subjects continue to have reduced HRV, even though the exposure has ceased.

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Sleep Patterns and Morning Heart Rate Variability Among Daytime Workers in Korea: Chang Ho sohn, Min Sook Kim, Hyunjoo Kim, Soo Young Kim, Ji Ho Lee, Hyung Joon Jhun, Jong Min Woo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(3):208-215. Published online September 30, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.3.208

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to evaluate the sleep patterns in a population of Korean labor workers and to assess the activity of the autonomic nervous system in relation to sleep habits.
METHODS
A sampler of 1238 daytime workers (male 911, female 327) completed questionnaires on sleep habits and their short term heart rate variability(HRV) was also examined. We used the SA-2000 (medi-core) instrument for 5 minutes for each participant in the morning and performed basic physical examinations including height, weight, and blood pressure.
RESULTS
Bed time and wake up time were negatively correlated with age, while the frequencies of waking up through the night and in the early morning showed positive correlation with age. We found that bed time and wake up time during weekdays, sleep latency during weekdays, frequency of waking up through the night, and the degree of sleepiness all varied significantly according to the average nightly amount of sleep within the last week. There was a positive correlation between wake up time at weekdays with mean heart rate. However, the other variables of sleep habits and pattern did not show significant correlation with HRV.
CONCLUSION
Among Korean daytime workers, sleep phases become advanced with aging. In spite of the aging processes, general sleep health seems to be maintained among the healthy worker group. However, short-term HRV was not useful parameter to measure the alternation of autonomic nervous system resulting from the difference of sleep habits and pattern.

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Effect of Healing Beats Program on Stress, Heart Rate and Sleep Quality of Colorectal Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Eun-Jeong Hong
Asian Oncology Nursing.2024; 24(1): 32. CrossRef
Factors related with quality on sleep of daytime workers
Bu-il Kim, Seong-yong Yoon, Jin-seok Kim, Kuck-Hyeun Woo, Seong-yong Cho, Ho Lee, Jong-min An
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2018;[Epub] CrossRef
Temperament and Character Traits, Heart Rate Variability and Occupational Stress in New Nursing Employees
Min Soo Ko, Yong Lee Jang, Jin Sook Choi, Hyun Bo Shim, Hee Jung Nam, Mee Suk Wang, In Deok Lee, Hae Woo Lee
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.2016; 55(3): 271. CrossRef

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The Relationship between Heart Rate Variability and Metabolic Syndrome at a Rural Area: Kyoung Bok Min, Jin Young Min, Kyung Hee Jung-Choi, Hyung Joon Jhun, Sung Il Cho, Domyung Paek; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(4):459-466. Published online December 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.4.459

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to investigate the relation between metabolic syndrome and heart rate variability in a community population.
METHODS
The study design was cross-sectional, and 1028 subjects, aged 20~87 years, were recruited. Heart rate variability was measured in the sitting position for five minutes. The recorded data were assessed by time-domain (standard deviation of RR interval) and frequencydomain analysis. All subjects were examined for five components of metabolic syndrome.
RESULTS
The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in male and female subjects was 25.9% and 27.7%, respectively. The mean value of heart rate variability of the subjects was significantly different between healthy subjects and those with metabolic syndrome. The regression model showed that metabolic syndrome was negatively correlated with heart rate variability.
CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that metabolic syndrome has potentially negative effects on the cardiovascular system, and that these effects could be detected by heart rate variability. Follow-up studies able to control the cohort effect are necessary to evaluate the relation between metabolic syndrome and heart rate variability.

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The Association of Carbon Disulfide Poisoning with Heart Rate Variability: Hyung Joon Jhun, Sang Hyuk Yim, Do Myung Paek; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2004;16(1):48-56. Published online March 31, 2004; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2004.16.1.48

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Mass poisoning by carbon disulfide (CS2) occurred in a viscose rayon factory in Korea. Up until 1998, 830 employees, including 38 who had died, were diagnosed with CS2 poisoning. Among the CS2 poisoned subjects, heart rate variability (HRV) was evaluated to investigate whether the toxic effect of CS2 persists after the exposure has ceased. The dose-response relationship between carbon disulfide exposure and HRV was also evaluated.
METHODS
The case group was comprised of 71 retired male workers diagnosed as being CS2 poisoned. The control group was comprised of 127 males of same age-range who had no history of CS2 exposure and cardiovascular diseases. Information on individual age, height, weight, cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, regular exercise, medical and occupational history, chest x-ray, and ECG recording of the two groups were collected through a self-administered questionnaire and with a medical examination. Time (maximum, average, minimum RR interval) and frequency domain measures (low frequency - LF, high frequency - HF, total power spectrum TPS, and LF/HF ratio) of the two groups were analyzed. CS2 exposure indices of the case group (duration of employment, exposure level per work department, cumulative exposure index and duration of retirement) were investigated.
RESULTS
Using a univariate analysis, the frequency domain measures for the case group were significantly lower than those in the control group, except for HF. In the multivariate analysis, previous history of CS2 poisoning was inversely related to all frequency domain parameters and it significantly affected the LF (p<0.05) and the LF/HF ratio (p<0.05). There was no significant dose-response relationship between CS2 exposure indices and HRV parameters in the case group.
CONCLUSION
This study suggests that further studies are necessary to evaluate the residual effects of CS2 poisoning even after the CS2 exposure has ceased.

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