Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 24 (2); June 2012

Case Reports

A Case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in an Equipment Maintenance Worker Exposed to Lead: In Ki Yoon, Hyoung Jun Lim, Young Su Ju, Se Jin An, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):195-205. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.195

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease involving the upper and lower motor neuron of the brain and spinal cord, leading ultimately to death due to respiratory failure in most cases. The etiology of ALS is currently unknown, but several studies show that lead exposure might be one of the potential environmental causes of ALS. In this perspective, we introduce a case involving an ALS patient exposed to lead while maintaining mechanical equipment in a waste treatment plant.
METHODS
The patient was interviewed and his medical records were investigated to confirm the final diagnosis of ALS. The results of his health examination and working environment measurement were reviewed in order to evaluate the relation of his work with ALS. We also performed an analysis of lead concentration from samples taken from his workplace when we visited the plant to survey the work environment.
RESULTS
Based on the patient's clinical information, work environment, relatively high level of blood lead concentration, and several studies proposing the occupational relationship between lead and ALS, his ALS may possibly have been caused by lead exposure at his workplace.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the recent situation where the causal association between lead exposure and ALS is still unclear, this case report could be used as a basis to support the relevance of lead exposure with ALS, and to help improve the health and work environment of other workers who are likely to be exposed to lead.

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A Case of Sarcoidosis in a Stonemason Exposed to Crystalline Silica: Young Seung Cho, Kyeong Yeon Kim, Hyoung Gyu Yoon, Jung Wan Koo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):189-194. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.189

Abstract PDF: BACKGROUND
Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that can affect any organ, the exact cause of which is uncertain. Currently, investigations of crystalline silica improve the mechanism how it works the course of autoimmune diseases and some hypothesis supports that it also can attribute to sarcoidosis.
CASE
REPORT: The patient was a 53-year-old male, who works as a stonemason for 30 years. Sarcoidosis was suspected based on his chest X-ray and CT(Computed tomography). A biopsy was performed and he was indeed diagnosed with sarcoidosis.
CONCLUSION
It is thought that sarcoidosis is more prevalent in the people who work at places with a risk of exposure to crystalline silica. This case suggests that if a patient gets sarcoidosis after being exposed to crystalline silica, or after once being diagnosed with silicosis, his or her sarcoidosis may have occurred due to exposure to crystalline silica.

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Original Articles

Influence of Job Stress Change on Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Circumference among Male White-Collar Workers: A Two-Year Longitudinal Study: Jiwon Kim, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Se Eun Kim, Sung Mi Jang, Jung Wan Koo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):180-188. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.180

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To reveal the influence of job stress change on body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in white-collar male workers.
METHODS
A total of 277 male workers in a Korean R&D company were enrolled between 2008 and 2010. Baseline and follow-up data were collected with structured self-administered questionnaires and anthropometric measurements by nurses. The questionnaire survey included general and work-related characteristics and the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF). The job stress scores in each examination were dichotomized at the median values for the Korean workers and categorized into four groups as follows: Group I: Both low job stress (2008, 2010), Group II: High job stress (2008) & low job stress (2010), Group III: Low job stress (2008) & high job stress (2010), Group IV: Both high job stress (2008, 2010). Multiple logistic regression modeling was used to determine the influence of job stress change on BMI and waist circumference.
RESULTS
The adjusted odds ratio for the change in waist circumference above the 75th percentile for Group IV in 'job demand' increased more than in Group I (OR = 2.54 95% CI=1.06~5.55). Also, Group IV in 'job demand' has higher odds ratio for change in BMI above the 75th percentile than Group I (OR=2.25 95% CI=1.01~5.00). Adjusted odds ratios comparing Group II to Group I for the change in waist circumference above the 75th percentile were 0.36 (95% CI=0.15~0.87) in 'inadequate social support', 0.12 (95% CI=0.02~0.98) in 'lack of reward', 0.25 (95% CI=0.08~0.80) in 'total score', respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that sustained high job control is a risk factor for abdominal obesity and weight gain. Also, diminished job stress has a negative influence on change in abdominal obesity. Further studies are required to establish job stress intervention plans.

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The association between occupational stress level and health-related productivity loss among Korean employees
Jonghee Chung, Jin-Hyo Kim, Jae Yoon Lee, Hee Seok Kang, Dong-wook Lee, Yun-Chul Hong, Mo-Yeol Kang
Epidemiology and Health.2022; 45: e2023009. CrossRef
Factors affecting on stages of change in exercise behavior of local government officials based on Transtheoretical Model
Min-ju Je, Bohyun Park
Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion.2021; 38(5): 21. CrossRef
Converged Study of Influencing Factors on Occupational Stress in Workers
Eun Kyung Lee, Jin-Hwa Park
Journal of the Korea Convergence Society.2016; 7(3): 15. CrossRef
Effects of Lumbar Stabilization Exercise Program on the Ratio of Abdominal and Back Muscle Strength in White Collar Workers
Bo-Ram Kim, Sun-Wook Park, Han-Suk Lee
The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy.2015; 27(6): 419. CrossRef

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PTSD and Related Factors among Dispatched Firefighters to Rescue Sites after the Great Japanese Earthquake (Running head: Dispatched Firefighters' PTSD): Mihyun Yang, Eunil Lee, Jae Wook Choi, Hae Joon Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):167-179. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.167

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study aims to investigate the risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its related factors among firefighters dispatched to the rescue sites after the Great Japanese Earthquake in 2011.
METHODS
Among 104 male firefighters dispatched to rescue sites after the Great Japanese Earthquake, 73 firefighters were assessed. The 73 firefighters completed questionnaires, which include general characteristics, an impact of event scale-revised Korean version (IES-R-K), a coping checklist, a scale of perceived social support, and a post-traumatic stress diagnostic scale (PDS). The data was analyzed to find factors related to PTSD risk.
RESULTS
The mean value of age and work tenure in this study were 38.6 years (SD=5.7) and 11.6 years (SD=6.0), respectively. The number and rate of the PTSD high-risk group in dispatched firefighters in this study was 7 cases and 9.6% using IES-R-K, with an over 25-point cutoff score. The mean rank of tenure, 53.5 in the PTSD high-risk group (n=7), was significantly higher than that of 32.2 in the PTSD low-risk group (n=66). The mean rank of assessable support, 20.2 in the PTSD high-risk group was significantly lower than that of 38.7 in the PTSD low-risk group. In logistic analysis of model 1 including PDS in independent variables, were associated with being a PTSD high-risk group as in the following: higher PDS score (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.07~4.46), longer tenure (OR 3.42, 95% CI: 1.01~11.89), more using coping method (OR 1.35, 95% CI: 1.00~1.81), and lower perceptions of social support (OR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72~0.97). In logistic analysis of model 2 without PDS in independent variables, more using coping method (OR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01~1.28) and lower perceptions of social support (OR 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91~0.98) were associated with being a PTSD high-risk group.
CONCLUSION
The PTSD high-risk group in dispatched firefighters indicated that their odds ratios were increased when they used more coping methods under specific stress conditions and had lower perceptions of social support. Therefore, for those, who might be dispatched to overseas, the psychological support approach should be considered to produce effective coping methods against traumatic events and to be aware of abundant resources for social support regarding the problem.

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Changes in the Levels of Stress Perception, Experiencing Depressive Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life of Residents after the 2016 Gyeongju Earthquake
Young Ran Han, Yeo Won Jeong, Sang Kyu Kim, Han Seok Jeong
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2021; 18(2): 540. CrossRef
Medical litigation experience of the victim of medical accident: a qualitative case study
Jeehee Pyo, Minsu Ock, Young-Joo Han
International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Psychological Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Workers After Toxic Chemical Spill in Gumi, South Korea
Ji Young Song, Kyoung-Sook Jeong, Kyeong-sook Choi, Min-gi Kim, Yeon-Soon Ahn
Workplace Health & Safety.2018; 66(8): 393. CrossRef
Stressors of Korean Disaster Relief Team Members during the Nepal Earthquake Dispatch: a Consensual Qualitative Research Analysis
Kangeui Lee, So Hee Lee, Taejin Park, Ji-yeon Lee
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2017; 32(3): 507. CrossRef
Duty-related incidental stress and the coping method in new firefighters
Mi-Lye Baek
The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services.2014; 18(3): 53. CrossRef

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Influencing Factors in Approving Cerebrovascular and Cardiovascular Disease as Work-Related Disease of Workers' in Manufacturing Sectors: In Seok Kim, Sang Chul Ryu, Yong Hyun Kim, Young Jun Kwon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):158-166. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.158

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to analyze the factors that have been meaningful in recognizing cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases in manufacturing sector workers as work-related diseases, since amendment of Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act on July 1st, 2008, and provide information to establish an objective standard.
METHODS
We examined 359 claims of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases which were presented as occupational diseases from January 1st, to December 31th, 2010, collecting Industrial Accident Compensation data from the six Provincial Committees for work-related disease decision. We analyzed the approval rate and odds ratio of the general characteristics, past medical history and work-related information, by using univariate logistic regression. In addition, we confirmed the factors that have effects on when approving work-related diseases by using multivariate logistic regression.
RESULTS
Overall, 92 claims out of the 359 claims were recognized as worked-related diseases with an approval rate of 25.6%. Because of accidental situations such as altercation, cold environments, fire etc., only 12 cases were approved. In addition, due to short-term overwork such as outdoor work in cold environments, only 18 cases were approved. Sixty-two cases were approved for chronic overwork. On chronic overwork, the approval rate was not significantly different in univariate logistic regression in gender, age, claimed disease, survival or death, smoker or non-smoker, or associated disease. However, factory size and, average working time for last one week and average working time for last four weeks were significantly. In the multivariate logistic regression analyzed, adjusted for age and sex, we found that the factors in approving cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disease as work-related disease were average working time for the last four weeks and factory size.
CONCLUSION
We concluded that there has been a great deal of subjective judgements when approving cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases to be occupational diseases. Therefore, objective criteria should be established, especially with regard to the approval of work-related cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases and working hours.

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The Effect of Long Working Hours and Overtime on Occupational Health: A Meta-Analysis of Evidence from 1998 to 2018
Kapo Wong, Alan H. S. Chan, S. C. Ngan
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(12): 2102. CrossRef
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
Long Working Hours and Work-related Cerebro-cardiovascular Disease in Korea
Yun Kyung CHUNG, Young-jun KWON
Industrial Health.2013; 51(5): 552. CrossRef
Factor Analysis on Cerebrovascular Disease of Korean Police Officers
WooJin Jeon, Jaehwan Cho
Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology.2013; 7(4): 293. CrossRef

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The Relationship between Temperament, Character and Job Stress of Researchers in Science and Engineering Colleges: Hwanjin Park, Koun Seok Lee, Yoonbum Choi, Kyungeun Park, Soo Jin Lee, Jaechul Song; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):145-157. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.145

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate the job stress level of post-graduate students in schools of natural sciences and engineering in order to evaluate the relationship between temperament, character and job stress.
METHODS
All the 254 subjects were interviewed by means of a structured questionnaire, KOSS-SF and TCI-RS. Among them, only 220 were eligible for analysis. Statistical methods used included chi-square test, independent t-test, Mann Whitney test, ANOVA test, correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis with PASW ver.18.
RESULTS
Age, degree course, working hours per week, work tenure, smoking habits, exercise, and disease history were associated with job stress and hours worked per week, smoking being associated with TCI-RS subscales. For job demand, interpersonal conflict scores were higher than Korean standard. In multiple linear regression analyses, R2 scores of temperament subscales on job stress were 0.099~0.312 and those of character subscales on job stress were 0.056~0.249.
CONCLUSIONS
Job stress was associated with the unique traits of individuals, temperament and character. In order to manage job stress, the personality, as well as work environment, was found to be important considerations.

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Dietary Life, Vitamin D Status and Blood Clinical Indices of University Laboratory Workers
Jung Hyun Hwang, Hong Mie Lee, Jung Hee Kim
Korean Journal of Community Nutrition.2019; 24(3): 245. CrossRef

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The Effect of Participatory Approach Program for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in the Workplace: Seong Yong Yoon, Sin Kam, Jin Seok Kim, Seong Yong Jo, Yong Jun Kwon, In Woong Song, Kuck Hyeun Woo; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):133-144. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.133

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to develop a program applying participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) methods for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors and to assess its effectiveness in the workplace.
METHODS
The cardiovascular disease risk factors of 817 workers in the workplace were assessed, and periodic health examination was conducted. Sixty-four workers (7.8%) were selected as a moderate-risk group and high risk group, and performed the participatory approach program for cardiovascular disease preventive management.
RESULTS
The sixty-four workers who participated in the participatory approach program made a total of 246 action plans, 3.8 action plans per person and 115 action plans were achieved after three months, so that 46.7% of action plans have been achieved. In the intervention group that participated in the program, the rate of smoking decreased from 36.2% to 8.6% and systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased from 140.0+/-9.4 mmHg to 134.2+/-12.3 mmHg and from 92.6+/-7.1 mmHg to 80.0+/-9.8 mmHg respectfully. In addition, risk factor score also decreased by 0.3, whereas the control group who did not participate in the program also showed a significant reduction in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Regular exercise increased from 8.5% to 16.0%.
CONCLUSIONS
To improve the effectiveness of the participatory approach program for the management of cardiovascular disease risk factors, the need to continues implementing programs and analysis of the long-term effects are required.

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Effectiveness of a Participatory Program for Improving the Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Health of Older Farmers in Rural Korea
Ki-Youn Kim, Juhye Jin, Yeon-Ha Kim
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2023; 20(4): 3210. CrossRef
Effects of a Worksite-Based Self-Management Program in Traditional Retail Market Workers: Longitudinal Associations with Metabolic Parameters
Yeon-Ha Kim, Seong-Yong Yoon
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2022; 19(5): 2854. CrossRef
Developing a Health-Promotion Program Based on the Action Research Paradigm to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors among Blue Collar Workers
Won Ju Hwang, Jin Ah Kim
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(24): 4958. CrossRef
Effectiveness of Participatory Action-Oriented Training (PAOT) Methods for the Management Metabolic Syndrome in Korean Manufacture Workers for Three-years
Jungsuk Lee, Sin Kam, Seongyong Yoon
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2016; 25(4): 384. 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

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The Problem Drinking and Related Factors in Female Firefighters: Seung Won Yoo, Kyoo Sang Kim, Chung Yill Park, Min Gi Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):124-132. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.124

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
This study was conducted to investigate problem drinking and analyze factors associated with alcohol use among female firefighters, as well as to provide useful data for management of alcohol use by female firefighters.
METHODS
The study includeed 1,587 female firefighters from throught Koea. Data were collected from June to July in 2008 using self-administered questionnaires including a general questionnaire, work related questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Korean Occupational Stress Scale Short Form (KOSS-26), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Among 1,263 female firefighters (75.6%) surveyed, the results of 1,084 qualified questionnaires (70.5%) were analyzed using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and multiple logistic regression.
RESULTS
The prevalence of problem drinking (AUDIT score > or =8) in female firefighters was 12.5%. Multiple logistic analysis showed that being single, smoking and depression were correlated with problem drinking. Single female firefighter, present smokers and individuals positive for symptoms of depression had OR values of 2.11, 17.58 and 1.76, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS
Three factors were found to influnce the occurrence of problem drinking. Accordingly, smoking related education, counseling to cope effectively with depression and health promotion programs that consider psychological effects of job stress are needed to reduce work related factors that lead to problem drinking by female firefighters.

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The Relationship of Serum Vitamin D Levels and the Framingham Risk Score among Male Workers in the Manufacturing Sector: Seung Hyun Park, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Seok Son, Chan Woo Kim, Jae Youn Kim, Ja Hyun Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(2):115-123. Published online June 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.2.115

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
A growing body of evidence states that vitamin D deficiencies may adversely affect cardiovascular disease, however data from Korean workers are lacking. The purpose of this study was to investigate the vitamin D level of the Korean worker and the relationship between vitamin D levels and the Framingham Risk Score.
METHODS
11,448 male workers who visited a university hospital for health screening between March 2010 and August 2011, were enrolled in the study. We measured their of serum vitamin D(25(OH)D) levels and calculated their Framingham Risk Score.
RESULTS
The mean serum vitamin D(25(OH)D) level of the surveyed workers was 13.03+/-6.47 ng/mL. 12.4% of the total workers had adequate vitamin D levels. It was found that the lower the vitamin D level, the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease. The Framingham Risk Score and vitamin D levels were found to be significantly related (OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.14~1.68) through a multivariate logistic regression analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
87.6% of workers possessed inappropriate vitamin D levels. Management for this high risk group in regards to cardiovascular disease should be included in the evaluation and vitamin D levels should be corrected.

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Association of among alcohol consumption and blood vitamin D and lead concentrations: Based on 2010-2012 Korea national health and nutrition examination survey
Ho-Ki An, Jae-Yong Park, Hee-Jung Yoon
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(1): 498. CrossRef
Vitamin D status and associated occupational factors in Korean wage workers: data from the 5th Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (KNHANES 2010–2012)
Harin Jeong, Sujin Hong, Yunjeong Heo, Hosun Chun, Daeseong Kim, Jongtae Park, Mo-yeol Kang
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
Correlation between vitamin D and cardiovascular disease predictors in overweight and obese Koreans
Misung Kim, Woori Na, Cheongmin Sohn
Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition.2013; : 167. CrossRef

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