Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume 15 (3); September 2003

Original Articles

Incidence and related factors of fatty liver among male workers: Jin Seok Kim, Jong Young Lee, Kuck Hyun Woo, Jay Young Ryu; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):310-322. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.310

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the incidence rate of fatty liver and it's related factors based on a three year follow up of multiphasic health screening participants.
METHODS
671 male workers who had participated in both initial and second multiphasic health screening were selected. Initial screening was performed during the year of 1996 to 1997 and second screening was performed during the year of 1999 to 2000. Among them, four hundred and thirty workers who didn't initially have a fatty liver were selected as the final study subjects. They were classified into 2 categories according to the initial and second hepatic ultrasonographic findings; stationary normal(307, 71.4%), and fatty liver incident(123, 28.6%). The incidence rate was calculated using the incidence density method.
RESULTS
The incidence rate of fatty liver among the male workers was 9.73 per 100 person-years. The white collar workers had a higher incidence rate(10.66) than the blue collar workers(8.14). The incidence density ratio of alcohol drinking to fatty liver incidence was 1.41, and the incidence density ratio of low vegetable diet was 1.63. The incidence density ratio of obesity was 1.78 for the 100-109% obesity index group, 2.83 for the 110-119% obesity index group, 4.25 for the >or=120% obesity index group over <100%. Smoking, regular exercise, salty food preference, and taking food supplement had no significant effect on the incidence of fatty liver. The fatty liver incident group had higher initial blood pressure, GPT, gamma GTP, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, uric acid, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels than the stationary normal group. However, there were no differences in the GOT, HDL-cholesterol or LDL-cholesterol levels. In the multiple logistic regression analysis, obesity index and serum triglyceride were found to be major factors in the incidence of fatty liver after controlling age, alcohol drinking, vegetable diet, daily coffee intake, blood pressure, HbA1c, total cholesterol, and uric acid levels.
CONCLUSION
The incidence rate of fatty liver among the male workers was 9.73 per 100 person-years. The lifestyles which gave rise to an increasing incidence of fatty liver were those involving excessive alcohol drinking, obesity, and low vegetable diet. Moreover, many cardiovascular disorder related health indices such as blood pressure, and the blood sugar, blood lipid and uric acid levels, were related to the incidence of fatty liver.

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Assessment of the Health Complaints among White-Collar and Blue-Collar Workers Using the Electronic Health Records
Veysel ALCAN, Caner DOĞRU
Karaelmas İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Dergisi.2023; 7(1): 1. CrossRef
Effects of Providing Health Education to Workers for the Management of Liver Disease Screened by Periodic Health Surveys
Mee-Ra Lee, Jin-Seok Kim
Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing.2013; 22(4): 324. CrossRef

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Prevalence of Antibody to Hepatitis C Virus among the Employees and their Partners in Korea: Seung Ho Ryu, Sung Ho Beck; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):299-309. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.299

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the prevalence and age-adjusted prevalence of anti-HCV antibody among the employees and their partners in Korea, and whether prevalence varies with job type.
METHOD
The blood serum of 29, 278 people, employees and their partners aged between 20 and 60 residing in Seoul or Kyung-gee province, were tested with Immunoradiometric Assay (IRMA) method using third generation anti-HCV serum.
RESULTS
Twenty-five among the 29, 278 people tested positive; a prevalence rate of 0.9 per 1, 000 (95% CI 0.6-1.3). The prevalences of different age groups were 0, 0.5, 1.3, and 4.2 per 1, 000 among the subjects in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s respectively, which shows the increasing rate of prevalence with age. Age adjusted prevalence among employees was 1.3 per 1, 000. The prevalences among different kinds of job were 1.9 per 1, 000 (95% CI: 0.5~7.0) for construction, 1.7 per 1, 000 (95% CI: 0.7~3.9) for finance, and 1.2 per 1, 000 (95% CI: 0.2~6.6) for telecommunication. No significant statistical difference was found in the prevalence according to job type(p>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Employees in Korea showed a lower prevalence rate of anti-HCV antibody than that of blood donors, health screening examinees and the general population. This result is in line with that of other studies abroad and is considered to be because employees may have lower rates of Hepatitis C risk activities, such as needle sharing, than unemployed.

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The Predictive Study for Hearing Loss using Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission in Mild Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Sang Yong Oh, Won Chul Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):290-298. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.290

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to predetermine the discrimination standard point of distortion product otoacoustic emission(DPOAE) amplitudes, which discriminates the degree of the mild noise-induced hearing loss, and to estimate the accuracy and predictability of the discrimination standard point of DPOAE amplitudes. Therefore we were able to determine the usability of the DPOAE test in screening exam for mild noise-induced hearing loss.
METHODS
This study was analyzed 50 high frequency-impaired ears(from 25dB HL to 40dB HL at 4000Hz for which the response of DPOAE was not disappeared) and 81 normal ears through the correlation test between the amplitudes of DPOAE test and the threshold of the pure-tone audiometry test.
RESULT
The discrimination between >or=25dB and CONCLUSION
DPOAE test is considered as a more efficient early prevention method against noise-induced hearing loss if this test is conducted as part of the special medical checkup of industrial workers exposed to noise.

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A study on the relationship between Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and liver function test in blue-collar workers: Jin Guhn Sohn, Hae Rhan Song, Kwang Young Lee, Jin Ha Kim, Ho Chan Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):281-289. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.281

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and the relationship between AUDIT score and liver function test.
METHODS
AUDIT questionnaires were distributed to 440 blue-collar workers. We compared liver function test with firstly, normal and hazardous drinking as defined by WHO, and secondly, with normal, hazardous and harmful drinking as measured by Kim et al.(1999). We also compared influencing factors on abnormal liver function.
RESULTS
By simple analysis in the normal BMI group, abnormal liver function was significantly affected by hazardous drinking (odds ratio 2.81) based on the guideline of WHO. By chi-square test for linear trend in the normal BMI group, abnormal liver function was significantly affected by hazardous drinking (odds ratio 1.23) and harmful drinking (odds ratio 2.14) based on the guideline of Kim et al.By multiple logistic regression analysis, abnormal liver function was significantly affected by AUDIT questionnaires No. 1-3 (odds ratio- high risk 2.39), age (odds ratio- thirties 1.95, forties 2.40, fifties 3.85), BMI (odds ratio- overweight 1.66, obesity 4.53), guideline by WHO (odds ratio- hazardous drinking 2.10), and guideline by Kim et al (odds ratio- harmful drinking 2.20) CONCLUSIONS: We found that the problem of alcohol drinking as measured by AUDIT was significantly associated with abnormal liver function. Therefore we suggest that AUDIT will be useful for the predictive test of abnormal liver function and screening test of hazardous and harmful drinking.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Effects of nutrition education on nutrition-related knowledge, dietary habits, and nutrient intakes of alcoholic patients
An Na Kim, Hyeon-Sook Lim
Journal of Nutrition and Health.2014; 47(4): 277. CrossRef
Nutrient Intake Status of Korean Drinkers: Analysis of Data from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), 2011
Hyung-Tae Kim, Sung-Soo Chun, Sun-Hee Joung, Mi-Eun Yun
Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association.2013; 19(4): 343. CrossRef
Psychometric Properties of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test: A Korean Version
Sun S. Kim, Elsie E. Gulick, Kyoung A. Nam, Seong-Ho Kim
Archives of Psychiatric Nursing.2008; 22(4): 190. CrossRef

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Importance of job demands, career development, role pressure, and economic-issue-related job stress as risk factors for work related musculoskeletal disorders in electronics assembly line workers: Sang Hwan Han, Soo Hun Cho, Ji Young Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):269-280. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.269

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the association of upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders with job demand-control and effort-reward related job stress.
METHODS
Questionnaires concerning symptoms, psychosocial factors and work conditions were completed by 436 workers from a refrigerator assembly line, mobile phone assembly line, and an office, musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremities were defined by the frequency, duration, and intensity of symptoms. A walk-through survey was performed to evaluate various physical work factors. Data were analyzed with the use of logistic regression.
RESULTS
A total of 382 workers completed the survey, for whom neck and shoulder symptoms were the most frequently reported, followed by finger and wrist, and then elbow symptoms. Both awkward working posture and forceful exertion were associated with an increase in shoulder/neck and finger/wrist symptoms. In addition, job stress factors such as monotony, low job clarity, low job control, low promotion prospect, economic issues, and retirement pressures were associated with increased neck/shoulder, elbow, and finger/wrist conditions. Women were more likely to report symptoms, and the association between musculoskeletal conditions and job stress factors was stronger in female assembly line workers and office workers than in male assembly line workers.
CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that musculoskeletal conditions of the upper extremities are associated with not only physical work factors but also job stress factors. In particular, economic issues and career development factors are important influences on workers in Korea.

Citations

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Development and validation of a tool for the comprehensive risk assessment of musculoskeletal disorders (CRAMUD) among employees of a steel industry
Saeid Yazdanirad, Gholamhossein Pourtaghi, Mehdi Raei, Mohammad Ghasemi
Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science.2023; 24(3): 335. CrossRef
Job Stress at the Shipbuilding Industry
Kwan-Suk Lee, Da-Yeh Chung
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 177. CrossRef
A Case Study on Job Stress Prevention in Shipbuilding Industry
Chang-Ho Bae, Yu-Chang Kim
Journal of the Ergonomics Society of Korea.2012; 31(1): 197. CrossRef
Gender-related Factors Associated with Upper Extremity Function in Workers
Kyoo Sang Kim, Min Gi Kim
Safety and Health at Work.2010; 1(2): 158. CrossRef

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Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome through Occupational Disease Surveillance System in Busan, Ulsan, Kyungnam Province: Young hee Choi, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Choong Ryeol Lee, Hun Lee, Young Wook Kim, Chang Ho Chae, Sang Baek Koh, Euna Kim, Lu Jin Lee, Yang ho Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):261-268. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.261

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
The objectives of this study were to estimate the epidemiologic characteristics of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) due to occupational exposure of hand transmitted vibration and to identify the occupations and industries where such exposures arises, and the main sources of exposure.
METHODS
In April 2001 the Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-Nam Province occupational disease surveillance system was established to measure the incidence and prevalence of work-related HAVS and other occupational diseases in these Korean provinces. Occupational physicians of nine hospitals in Busan, Ulsan, and Kyung-nam Province were involved in this project between April 2001 and November 2002. Physicians collected information through questionnaires and interviews. Information gathered included age, occupation, types of vibration tools used and presence of subjective symptoms such as vibration-induced white finger (VWF), numbness and tingling.
RESULTS
A total 192 cases were reported with 188 males and 4 females. The shipbuilding industry was the most common type of industry and grinders were the most common source of exposure. Symptoms of neurological disorder were more common than those of vascular disorder.
CONCLUSIONS
The authors concluded that exposure to hand transmitted vibration is common and that HAVS is one of the most common occupational diseases in Korea. However, the range and extent of hand transmitted vibration and the overall prevalence of HAVS in Korea is still unknown. More extensive research on this syndrome in order to priorite necessary preventive measures is required.

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Investigation of Occupational Dermatological Problem with Additives in Polypropylene Manufacturing Process: Seung Ho Jeon, Kyong Min Lee, Kan Woo Yoon, Do Myung Paek, Jong Yeop Yoo, Hee Chul Eun; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):252-260. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.252

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVES
To investigate the causative agents for the dermatological problems associated with the polypropylene manufacturing process.
METHODS
The study subjects consisted of 44 male workers involved in the polypropylene manufacturing process. Twenty-seven of them had been exposed to additives, and the remaining 17 had not. Among the 27 exposed, 10 had been exposed previously, and 17 are currently being exposed through their duties. Patch test were performed with three different concentrations, 0.1%, 1% and 10% of 10 different additives that was diluted with Vaseline.
RESULTS
18 subjects (41%) had positive reactions to the patch tests. Exposed group had a higher reaction rate (51.9%) than the control group (23.5%). When the positive reactions were further classified, 7, 6 and 5 were compatible with probably irritant, probably allergic, and multiple hypersensitivity reactions respectively. The most frequent reactions were from Ultranox-626 followed by Millad 3988, Armoslip-E and Songstab Sc-100.
CONCLUSIONS
When considering the significantly higher probability of an allergic reaction rate among the currently exposed group compared to non- or previously-exposed groups, the nature of dermatological problems in a polypropylene plant is probably allergic. Ultranox-626, Millad3988, Armoslip-E and Songstab Sc-100 were the main causatives agents found in the process.

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Effects of Selenium on Apoptosis Induced by Methyl Mercury Chloride in RAW 264.7 Cells: Keun Snag Kwon, Dai Ha Koh, Jung Ho Youm, Wook Hee Yoon; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):237-251. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.237

Abstract PDF: OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the protective effects of selenium against the methyl mercury chloride (MeHgCl) induced cell apoptosis.
METHODS
The effect of selenium on the MeHgCl induced cell apoptosis was observed in mouse macrophage-derived RAW 264.7 cells, in vitro. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM).
RESULTS
MeHgCl exerted a dose dependent cytotoxicity, as demonstrated by the MTT assay, an assay dependent, in part, on mitochondrial function. Concurrent exposure to selenium provided complete protective effects against the cytotoxicity induced by MeHgCl. Pretreatment with selenium increased the protective effects of subsquent administrations of selenium in conjunction with MeHgCl, but pretreatment of selenium alone did not provide protection against MeHgCl when given alone. Selenium administered after exposure to MeHgCl did not repair the existing MeHgCl induced cytotoxicity.Furthermore, the apoptosis induced by MeHgCl was revealed by the DNA fragmentation, using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase Biotin-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, alterations to the nuclear morphology, by nuclei staining, and the plasma membrane lipid organization, as shown by cell flow cytometry. The apoptosis induced by MeHgCl was prevented by the concurrent exposure to selenium, or pretreatment with selenium, prior to the administration of selenium in conjunction with MeHgCl. However, no inhibittion of the MeHgCl induced apoptosis was observed with selenium pretreatment prior to exposure to MeHgCl alone, or with the administration of selenium after exposure to MeHgCl.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that the coexistence of selenium and MeHgCl are essential for the protective effects of selenium against the MeHgCl-induced apoptosis, and the cytotoxicity, in RAW 264.7 cells, and may involve selenium-MeHgCl binding.

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Mental Disorders and Fitness for Work in Korea: Choong Ryeol Lee, Yang ho Kim, Cheol In Yoo, Ji Ho Lee, Hun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):224-236. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.224

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study investigated the actual state of people with mental disorders in Korea, in order to present an alternative proposal for their work fitness and vocational rehabilitation.
METHODS
The authors conducted this study through a review of statistics on the prevalence of mental disorder, labor laws, and the literatures related with work fitness and vocational rehabilitation of people with mental disorders.
RESULTS
According to recent surveys, about 3 million people in Korea are likely to have mental disorders which could lead to discrimination in social life and dishonor in occupational career, either in the present or near future. Therefore, evaluation of work fitness and vocational rehabilitation for persons with mental disorders are important. At present, work fitness for psychiatric patients is evaluated without suitable guidelines regarding the kinds and severity of mental disorders that impede work capacity. Furthermore, mental disorder-specific fitness for work is not under consideration.
CONCLUSION
It is true that most psychiatric patients have some limitation in performing their job. However, judging from the results of some research, proper displacement, apprehension of co-workers, and adjusted workplace could help them complete their tasks properly despite their troublesome psychiatric symptomatology. The government must help all citizens to do their best in their social life, and show a deep interest in the employment of all disabled people including those with psychiatric disorders. Above all we have to change our attitudes and preconceptions against people with mental disorders. Some labor laws, which presently impede employment of people with psychiatric disorders, need to be revised in their favor. Future work capacity evaluation should be done on the basis of ability to function in the workplace rather than symptomatology.

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The Relations among Attitude, Competency, and Appropriateness of Work on Student Suicide in Health Teachers
Jae Soon Yoo, Dallong Han, Chul-Gyu Kim
The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education.2016; 22(4): 473. CrossRef
The Stigma of Mental Illness in Korea
Jong-Ik Park, Mina Jeon
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association.2016; 55(4): 299. CrossRef
Employment Discrimination Against Schizophrenia
Mary V. Seeman
Psychiatric Quarterly.2009; 80(1): 9. CrossRef

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The occupational hazards of interns & residents during training: Hye Ran Song, Jin Ha Kim, Joo Hyun Byeon, Kaung Young Lee, Duck Hi Lee, Ho Chan Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(3):213-223. Published online September 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.3.213

Abstract PDF

OBJECTS: Residents are exposed to various hazards and harassed by sleep deficiency due to overwork. This study was performed to outline the health condition of residents and develop the ways of improving it.
METHODS
A questionnaire was distributed to 881 army doctors who enrolled at the Korea Third Military Academy and The Armed Force Health Service School in 2000 with the exception of medical doctors who joined the armed service without going through intern and resident periods , dental and oriental medical doctors. 784 (89.0%) of the 881 questionnaires were returned of which 704 cases (79.9%). This should actually be 89.0% were regarded for analyses as being reliable data.
RESULTS
More than 20% of residents were exposed to radiation, laser, disinfectants, anesthetic gas, and anticancer drugs during their training periods with preventive measures for each of these hazards taken in about 10% of the cases of the lesser hazards but in about 35% for the hazards from radiation and laser. 91.1% of residents had experience of needlestick injuries during their training periods with over 36.3% being exposed to patients with infection during that time. The cases contracting HBV and HCV diseases due to pricking are 2.3 and 0.6% respectively. The average number of night duties per month during a one-year resident's period was about 19. The average sleeping time on duty during a one-year residents was less than 4 hours .28.4% of respondents were not satisfied with their occupation, 96.5% felt tired from overwork and 69.5% wanted to change their occupation to another that would pay the same salary.
CONCLUSION
Residents are exposed to harmful physical , chemical and biological factors, but the preventive care seldom undertaken. In addition, their overwork brings about lack of sleep which causes them problems when giving medical treatment to patients during their training periods. Despite the resident's interest in an occupation as a doctor, many intend to select other occupations if they can receive the same salary. According to the above results, preventative systems and measures should be prepared with environmental improvements for residents, and proper rewards for their overwork should be accomplished.

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Mental Health of Healthcare Workers who Experience Needlestick and Sharps Injuries
Jang‐Wook Sohn, Byoung‐Gwon Kim, Soo‐Hyun Kim, Changsu Han
Journal of Occupational Health.2006; 48(6): 474. CrossRef

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