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Most-cited are based on citations from 2023 ~ 2025.

Special Issue
Working hours and the regulations in Korea
Inah Kim, Jeehee Min
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e18.   Published online July 6, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e18
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material

South Korea has the highest policy priority for working hour regulations because it has longer annual working hours than other Organization for Economic Development Co-operation and Development countries and has fewer holidays. According to the results of the Working Conditions Surveys between 2006 and 2020, in 2020, 6% of wage earners worked for > 52 hours weekly. The percentage of workers exceeding 52 hours weekly has decreased over time; however, disparities exist based on age, industry, occupation, company type, and company size, particularly in service-, arts-, and culture-related occupations and workplaces with fewer than 5 employees. South Korea’s working hours system is greatly influenced by the 52-hour weekly maximum; sometimes, a maximum of 64–69 hours, including overtime, is theoretically possible. To ensure healthy working hours, it is important to actively protect workers who fall through the cracks, such as those in businesses with fewer than 5 employees.


Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Gender differences in the association between long working hours and the onset of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older workers in Korea: A population-based longitudinal study (2006–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Maturitas.2025; 193: 108175.     CrossRef
  • Association of precarious employment with depressive symptoms and insomnia: Findings from the Korean Working Conditions Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Psychiatric Research.2025; 181: 7.     CrossRef
  • Gender differences in the association between long work hours, weekend work, and insomnia symptoms in a nationally representative sample of workers in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Sleep Health.2025; 11(2): 191.     CrossRef
  • Challenges from 14 years of experience at Workers' Health Centers in basic occupational health services for micro and small enterprises in Korea: a narrative review
    Jeong-Ok Kong, Yeongchull Choi, Seonhee Yang, Kyunghee Jung-Choi
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The increasing importance of changes in nuptiality: policy mismatch and fertility decline in low-fertility Asian societies
    Jolene Tan, Qi Cui, Fumiya Uchikoshi
    Chinese Sociological Review.2025; : 1.     CrossRef
  • Association of long working hours with visceral adiposity index, anthropometric indices, and weight management behaviors: a study of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Family Practice.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Gender discrimination in the workplace and the onset of problematic alcohol use among female wage workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2025; 379: 118183.     CrossRef
  • Overwork and changes in brain structure: a pilot study
    Wonpil Jang, Sungmin Kim, YouJin Kim, Seunghyun Lee, Joon Yul Choi, Wanhyung Lee
    Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 82(3): 105.     CrossRef
  • Association of social jetlag with cigarette smoking, smoking intensity, and quitting intentions among Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Effect of long working hours on psychological distress among young workers in different types of occupation
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 179: 107829.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and diet quality and patterns: A latent profile analysis of a nationally representative sample of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107890.     CrossRef
  • Long Working Hours, Work-life Imbalance, and Poor Mental Health: A Cross-sectional Mediation Analysis Based on the Sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey, 2020–2021
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Journal of Epidemiology.2024; 34(11): 535.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and the onset of problematic alcohol use in young workers: A population-based longitudinal analysis in South Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 344: 141.     CrossRef
  • Sex differences in the association between social jetlag and hazardous alcohol consumption in Korean workers: A nationwide cross-sectional study
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Sleep Medicine.2024; 119: 549.     CrossRef
  • Association of low-quality employment with the development of suicidal thought and suicide planning in workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2024; 358: 117219.     CrossRef
  • Changes in Korea’s working time policy: the need for research on flexible working hours considering socioeconomic inequality
    Inah KIM
    Industrial Health.2024; 62(2): 77.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and engagement in preventive healthcare services in Korean workers: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107849.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
    S.-U. Baek, J.-U. Won, Y.-M. Lee, J.-H. Yoon
    Public Health.2024; 232: 188.     CrossRef
  • How does working time impact perceived mental disorders? New insights into the U-shaped relationship
    Xiaoru Niu, Chao Li, Yuxin Xia
    Frontiers in Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
    Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Nutrients.2024; 16(10): 1482.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and the development of suicidal ideation among female workers: An 8-year population-based study using the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Family (2012–2020)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Psychiatry Research.2024; 333: 115731.     CrossRef
  • Long working hours and preventive oral health behaviors: a nationwide study in Korea (2007–2021)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
    Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.2024; 29: 48.     CrossRef
  • Association between precarious employment and emergence of food insecurity in Korean adults: A population-based longitudinal analysis (2008–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Social Science & Medicine.2024; 362: 117448.     CrossRef
  • Association of Social Jetlag with the Dietary Quality Among Korean Workers: Findings from a Nationwide Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Nutrients.2024; 16(23): 4091.     CrossRef
  • Association between social jetlag and leisure-time physical activity and muscle strengthening exercise in young adults: findings from a nationally representative sample in South Korea
    S.-U. Baek, Y.-M. Lee, J.-U. Won, J.-H. Yoon
    Public Health.2024; 237: 30.     CrossRef
  • Association between husband's participation in household work and the onset of depressive symptoms in married women: A population-based longitudinal study in South Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Social Science & Medicine.2024; 362: 117416.     CrossRef
  • Long Working Hours and Unhealthy Lifestyles of Workers: A Protocol for a Scoping Review
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Merits.2024; 4(4): 431.     CrossRef
  • Work hours and the risk of hypertension: the case of Indonesia
    Friska Aulia Dewi Andini, Adiatma Y. M. Siregar
    BMC Public Health.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Prevalence of Traumatic Dental Injuries Due to Workplace Safety Accidents among Korean Workers by Occupational Group
    Ji-Young Son, Jae-Hyung Lim, Dong-Hun Han
    Asian Journal of Social Health and Behavior.2024; 7(3): 109.     CrossRef
  • Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
    Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Mo-Yeol Kang, Jungwon Kim, Eun-A Kim
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 3,753 View
  • 40 Download
  • 32 Web of Science
  • 30 Crossref
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Special Issue
Working hours and the regulations for night shift workers
Tae-Won Jang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e19.   Published online July 5, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e19
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material

There are several types of shift work in Korea: rotating shift, 24-hour shift, day-night shift, fixed night work, and.so on. As a result of analyzing the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and the 6th Korean Working Condition Survey, Korean shift workers accounted for 11.6%–13.9% of wage workers. Weekly working hours of shift workers were 57.69 ± 1.73 (24-hours shift) and 49.97 ± 0.67 (fixed night shift), which were significantly longer than day workers. To prevent health consequences of night work, many countries regulate the working hours of night work not to exceed 7–9 hours a day. However, Korea does not regulate working hours for night work, and some occupations may work more hours than the prescribed overtime hours. To prevent health consequences and reduce working hours for Korean night shift workers, it is necessary to regulate the working hours of night shift workers by law.


Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Gender differences in the association between long working hours and the onset of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older workers in Korea: A population-based longitudinal study (2006–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Maturitas.2025; 193: 108175.     CrossRef
  • Association of precarious employment with depressive symptoms and insomnia: Findings from the Korean Working Conditions Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Psychiatric Research.2025; 181: 7.     CrossRef
  • Association of long working hours with visceral adiposity index, anthropometric indices, and weight management behaviors: a study of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Family Practice.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Night Shift Stress: Evaluating Heart Rate Variability as a Marker in Security Guards
    Shouray Dey, A V Vinay, R Sindhu, Shishir Kumar Mahto, Sachin Kumar Patil
    Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 29(1): 49.     CrossRef
  • Gender discrimination in the workplace and the onset of problematic alcohol use among female wage workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2025; 379: 118183.     CrossRef
  • The association of shift work and TyG index among male workers in a chemical plant of Korea: a cross-sectional study
    Gwangin Baek, Yong-Jin Lee, Soon-Chan Kwon, Young-Sun Min, Jisuk Yun, Tae Jin Ahn, Eun-Chul Jang
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and diet quality and patterns: A latent profile analysis of a nationally representative sample of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107890.     CrossRef
  • Investigating night shift workers’ commuting patterns using passive mobility data
    Sungho Lim, Haesung Ahn, Seungchul Shin, Dongmin Lee, Yong Hoon Kim
    Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice.2024; 181: 104002.     CrossRef
  • Multimorbidity and its Associated Factors in Korean Shift Workers: Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
    Hye Chong Hong, Young Man Kim
    JMIR Public Health and Surveillance.2024; 10: e55014.     CrossRef
  • Sex differences in the association between social jetlag and hazardous alcohol consumption in Korean workers: A nationwide cross-sectional study
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Sleep Medicine.2024; 119: 549.     CrossRef
  • The Effect of 24 h Shift Work on the Nutritional Status of Healthcare Workers: An Observational Follow-Up Study from Türkiye
    Semra Navruz Varlı, Hande Mortaş
    Nutrients.2024; 16(13): 2088.     CrossRef
  • Changes in Korea’s working time policy: the need for research on flexible working hours considering socioeconomic inequality
    Inah KIM
    Industrial Health.2024; 62(2): 77.     CrossRef
  • Association between precarious employment and emergence of food insecurity in Korean adults: A population-based longitudinal analysis (2008–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Social Science & Medicine.2024; 362: 117448.     CrossRef
  • Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
    Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Mo-Yeol Kang, Jungwon Kim, Eun-A Kim
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 2,332 View
  • 18 Download
  • 15 Web of Science
  • 14 Crossref
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Special Issue
Statement by the Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine on the proposed reform of working hours in South Korea
Hee-Tae Kang, Chul-Ju Kim, Dong-Wook Lee, Seung-Gwon Park, Jinwoo Lee, Kanwoo Youn, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Hansoo Song, Sung-Kyung Kim, Sang-Baek Koh
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e17.   Published online July 5, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e17
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material

The current 52-hour workweek in South Korea consists of 40 hours of regular work and 12 hours of overtime. Although the average working hours in South Korea is declining, it is still 199 hours longer than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development average of 1,716 hours per year. In view to this, the South Korean government has now proposed to reform the workweek, mainly intending to increase the workweek to 69 hours when the workload is heavy. This reform, by increasing the labor intensity due to long working hours, goes against the global trend of reducing work hours for a safe and healthy working environment. Long working hours can lead to increased cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, industrial accidents, mental health problems, and safety accidents due to lack of concentration. In conclusion, the Korean government’s working hour reform plan can have a negative impact on workers’ health, and therefore it should be thoroughly reviewed and modified.


Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Gender differences in the association between long working hours and the onset of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older workers in Korea: A population-based longitudinal study (2006–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Maturitas.2025; 193: 108175.     CrossRef
  • Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
    Dong-Wook Lee, Inah Kim, Jungho Hwang, Sunhaeng Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Insung Chung, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Jaebum Park, Jungwon Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Youngki Kim, Eun-Soo Lee, Yangwoo Kim, Inchul Jeong, Hyunjeong Oh, Hyeoncheol Oh, Jea Chul Ha, Jeehee Min, Chul
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
    S.-U. Baek, J.-U. Won, Y.-M. Lee, J.-H. Yoon
    Public Health.2024; 232: 188.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and engagement in preventive healthcare services in Korean workers: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107849.     CrossRef
  • Long Working Hours, Work-life Imbalance, and Poor Mental Health: A Cross-sectional Mediation Analysis Based on the Sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey, 2020–2021
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Journal of Epidemiology.2024; 34(11): 535.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and the onset of problematic alcohol use in young workers: A population-based longitudinal analysis in South Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 344: 141.     CrossRef
  • Changes in Korea’s working time policy: the need for research on flexible working hours considering socioeconomic inequality
    Inah KIM
    Industrial Health.2024; 62(2): 77.     CrossRef
  • Effect of long working hours on psychological distress among young workers in different types of occupation
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 179: 107829.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and the development of suicidal ideation among female workers: An 8-year population-based study using the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Family (2012–2020)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Psychiatry Research.2024; 333: 115731.     CrossRef
  • Long working hours and preventive oral health behaviors: a nationwide study in Korea (2007–2021)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
    Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.2024; 29: 48.     CrossRef
  • Insight inTo Stress and POOping on work TIME (ITS POO TIME): an online and cross-sectional study protocol (Preprint)
    Phillip Tully, Suzanne Cosh, Gary Wittert, Sean Martin, Andrew Vincent, Antonina Mikocka-Walus, Deborah Turnbull
    JMIR Research Protocols.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
    Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Mo-Yeol Kang, Jungwon Kim, Eun-A Kim
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and cigarette smoking, leisure-time physical activity, and risky alcohol use: Findings from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2021)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2023; 175: 107691.     CrossRef
  • 1,657 View
  • 16 Download
  • 13 Web of Science
  • 13 Crossref
Close layer
Special Issue
The impacts of working time flexibilization on occupational safety and health: an expert survey
Daseul Moon, Hyunjoo Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e20.   Published online July 20, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e20
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material

The policy proposal by the current Korean government that proposes flexible overtime rules is causing social controversy. This study has explored the 612 experts’ opinions on the occupational safety and health impacts of the policy using an online self-report survey. They expected short-term overwork (87.25%), overwork inequality (86.44%), irregular working hours (84.31%), chronic overwork (84.15%), long working hours (83.66%), and unpredictability of working hours (81.86%) as a result of the policy change. They also responded that the policy change would increase industrial accident deaths (87.25%), mental illnesses (87.09%), deaths due to overwork or cardiovascular diseases (83.84%), and accidents (83.33%). They disagreed that the government’s flexibilization policy, while agreeing that the necessity of policies on regulating night work (94.77%), guaranteeing wages to eliminate overtime (90.36%), establishing working time regulations for the bogus self-employed (82.84%), and applying the 52-hour workweek system to all workplaces (76.47%). These expert opinions are consistent with previous research on the health effects of working hours.


Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Association between long working hours and engagement in preventive healthcare services in Korean workers: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107849.     CrossRef
  • Effect of long working hours on psychological distress among young workers in different types of occupation
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 179: 107829.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and diet quality and patterns: A latent profile analysis of a nationally representative sample of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107890.     CrossRef
  • Association of precarious employment with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among female workers: Findings from a nationwide longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 351: 931.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
    S.-U. Baek, J.-U. Won, Y.-M. Lee, J.-H. Yoon
    Public Health.2024; 232: 188.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and the development of suicidal ideation among female workers: An 8-year population-based study using the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Family (2012–2020)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Psychiatry Research.2024; 333: 115731.     CrossRef
  • Association of low-quality employment with the development of suicidal thought and suicide planning in workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2024; 358: 117219.     CrossRef
  • Long working hours and preventive oral health behaviors: a nationwide study in Korea (2007–2021)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
    Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.2024; 29: 48.     CrossRef
  • Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
    Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Mo-Yeol Kang, Jungwon Kim, Eun-A Kim
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 1,670 View
  • 28 Download
  • 9 Web of Science
  • 9 Crossref
Close layer
Special Article
Problems and suggested improvement plans for occupational health service in Korea
Dongmug Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e10.   Published online May 11, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e10
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material

The purpose of this paper was to review the problems relating to Korea’s occupational health services and suggest ways to improve them. Korea can be classified as a welfare state type of conservative corporatism partially interwoven with liberalism. While experiencing compressed economic growth, the economic sectors of developed (excess areas) and developing (deficient areas) countries are interwoven. Therefore, it is necessary to perfect conservative corporatism along with a complementary reinforcement of liberal contents and to apply a multilayered approach focusing on complementing the deficient areas. It is essential to form a national representative indicator related to occupational health, and a strategy for selection and concentration is needed. The proposed central indicator is the occupational health coverage rate (OHCR), which is the number of workers who have applied for mandatory occupational health services under the Occupational Safety and Health Act in the numerator with the total working population in the denominator. This paper proposes ways to raise the OHCR, which is currently at the level of 25%–40%, to 70%–80%, which is the level of Japan, Germany, and France. To achieve this target, it is necessary to focus on small businesses and vulnerable workers. This is an area of market failure and requires the active input of community-oriented public resources. For access to larger workplaces, the marketability of services should be strengthened and personal intervention using digital health resources should be actively attempted. Taking a national perspective, work environment improvement committees with tripartite (labor, management, and government) participation for improvement of the working environment need to be established at the center and in the regions. Through this, prevention funds linked to industrial accident compensation and prevention could be used efficiently. A national chemical substance management system must be established to monitor the health of workers and the general public.

한국의 직업보건서비스의 문제점과 개선 방안
한국의 직업보건서비스의 문제점을 살펴보고 개선 방안을 제시하고자 하였다. 발간된 논문과 보고서 및 2022년의 산업보건환경 변화에 따른 대응방안 연구(정책포럼)1의 결과를 중심으로 조사하였다. 한국은 보수적조합주의를 근간으로 한 자유주의가 가미된 형태의 복지국가유형으로 분류할 수 있고, 압축적 경제성장을 경험하면서 선진국과 개발도상국의 영역이 섞여 있어 과잉과 결핍이 혼재되어 있다. 따라서 한국의 직업보건서비스의 발전을 위해서는 보수조합주의적 완성도를 높이면서 부수적으로 자유주의적 내용을 보완하여야 하며, 동일한 발전단계에 대한 단일한 접근법 보다는 결핍영역에 대한 보완을 중심으로 한 중층적 접근법이 필요하다. 직업보건관련 중심적 지표를 형성하고 이에 대한 선택과 집중전략이 필요하며, 중심지표로는 현재 25~40% 수준에 머물러 있는 직업보건 적용율을 독일, 프랑스, 일본 수준인 70~80% 수준으로 제고하는 것을 목표로 삼기를 제안한다. 이렇게 하기 위해서는 소규모 사업장과 취약한 노동자에 대해 집중하여야 하며, 이 영역은 시장실패영역으로서 지역중심의 공공자원의 적극적 투입이 필요한데, 전국 보건소 숫자인 256개 정도의 지역에 지역 직업보건 지원센터를 건립할 것을 제안한다. 중규모 이상의 사업장에 대한 접근으로는 서비스의 수요에 기반한 시장성을 강화하고 디지털헬스를 이용한 개인영역의 중재를 적극 시도하여야 한다. 전국적차원에서 사업장 작업환경개선과 중재를 위한 노사정이 참여하는 작업환경개선위원회를 중앙과 지역에 설치하고, 이를 통해 산재보상과 예방을 연계한 예방기금을 효율적으로 사용하도록 한다. 국가 차원의 화학물질 관리체계를 구축하고, 근로자와 일반국민의 건강을 모니터링할 수 있어야 한다

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Perspectives from the new president of the Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine: future strategies for occupational and environmental medicine
    Sang Baek Ko
    Ann Occup Environ Med.2025; 37: e1.     CrossRef
  • Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
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    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Challenges from 14 years of experience at Workers' Health Centers in basic occupational health services for micro and small enterprises in Korea: a narrative review
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    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association of Precarious Employment With Unmet Healthcare Needs and Health Checkup Participation
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    American Journal of Preventive Medicine.2025; 68(6): 1120.     CrossRef
  • Association Between Precarious Employment and Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Study of Middle-Aged and Older Workers in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
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  • Precarious employment and the onset of depressive symptoms and problematic alcohol use in middle-aged or older workers: A Korean longitudinal study (2006–2022)
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    Social Science & Medicine.2024; 357: 117170.     CrossRef
  • Association of precarious employment with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among female workers: Findings from a nationwide longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 351: 931.     CrossRef
  • Association between precarious employment and the onset of depressive symptoms in men and women: a 13-year longitudinal analysis in Korea (2009–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Preventive Medicine.2023; 177: 107787.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Association between exposure to violence, job stress and depressive symptoms among gig economy workers in Korea
Min-Seok Kim, Juyeon Oh, Juho Sim, Byung-Yoon Yun, Jin-Ha Yoon
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e43.   Published online October 30, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e43
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Gig workers, also known as platform workers, are independent workers who are not employed by any particular company. The number of gig economy workers has rapidly increased worldwide in the past decade. There is a dearth of occupational health studies among gig economy workers. We aimed to investigate the association between exposure to violence and job stress in gig economy workers and depressive symptoms.

Methods

A total of 955 individuals (521 gig workers and 434 general workers) participated in this study and variables were measured through self-report questionnaires. Depressive symptoms were evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 when the score was greater than or equal to 10 points. The odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was calculated using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, working hours, education level, exposure to violence and job stress.

Results

19% of gig economy workers reported depressive symptoms, while only 11% of general workers reported the depressive symptoms. In association to depressive symptoms among gig economy workers, the mainly result of odds ratios for depressive symptoms were as follows: 1.81 for workers type, 3.53 for humiliating treatment, 2.65 for sexual harassment, 3.55 for less than three meals per day, 3.69 for feeling too tired to do housework after leaving work.

Conclusions

Gig economic workers are exposed to violence and job stress in the workplace more than general workers, and the proportion of workers reporting depressive symptoms is also high. These factors are associated to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, the gig workers associated between depressive symptoms and exposure to violence, job stress.

한국 긱경제 근로자에서 폭력 및 직무 스트레스 노출과 우울 증상관의 연관성
목적
긱경제 근로자 또는 플랫폼 근로자는 특정 회사에 고용되지 않은 독립적인 근로자들을 말한다. 긱경제는 그 규모가 커지고 있고, 종사하는 근로자들도 많아지고 있으나, 긱경제 노동자들의 산업 보건 연구가 부족한 실정이다. 우리는 긱경제 근로자에서 폭력 노출과 직무 스트레스에 노출되는 것이 우울 증상과 연관성이 있는지 조사하는 것을 목표로 했다.
방법
총 955명(긱 근로자 521명, 일반 근로자 434명)이 본 연구에 참여하였으며, 우울 증상은 PHQ-9(Patient Health Questionnaire-9) 점수가 10점 이상일 때로 평가하였다. 폭력 노출과 직무 스트레스는 자기보고식 설문지를 이용하여 측정하였다. 연령, 성별, 근무시간, 교육수준을 보정한 다변량 로지스틱 회귀분석을 이용하여 Odds Ratio, 95% Confidence Interval를 산출했다.
결과
긱 근로자의 19%가 우울 증상을 보고한 반면, 일반 근로자의 11%만이 우울 증상을 보고했습니다. 긱경제 근로자의 우울상과 관련하여 우울상 Odds ratio의 주요 결과는표3에서 ‘긱경제 근로자’ 1.89, ‘굴욕적 처우 경험’ 3.53, ‘성희롱 경험’ 2.65, ‘하루 세 끼 미만의 식사’ 3.55, ‘퇴근 후 집안일을 하기엔 너무 피곤함’ 3.69로 나타났다.
결론
긱경제 근로자는 일반 근로자에 비해 직장 내 폭력과 직무스트레스에 더 많이 노출되고, 우울 증상을 호소하는 근로자의 비율도 높다. 이러한 요인은 우울 증상과 관련이 있다. 더욱이, 긱경제 근로자들은 우울 증상과 폭력 노출, 직업 스트레스와 관련이 있다.

Citations

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  • Psychosocial work conditions and health status of digital platform workers in Taiwan: A mixed method study
    Yen-Ling Liu, Yawen Cheng, Ping-Hsiu Tsai, Yun-Chieh Yang, Ya-Chen Li, Wan-Ju Cheng
    Safety Science.2025; 182: 106722.     CrossRef
  • Mental disorders related to psychosocial factors among delivery workers: results of a web survey in Brazil
    Matheus F. dos Santos, Janaína S. de Siqueira, Fernando R. Feijó, Rita de Cássia P. Fernandes
    International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2025; 98(1): 99.     CrossRef
  • Occupational disease monitoring by the Korea Occupational Disease Surveillance Center: a narrative review
    Dong-Wook Lee, Inah Kim, Jungho Hwang, Sunhaeng Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Insung Chung, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Jaebum Park, Jungwon Kim, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Youngki Kim, Eun-Soo Lee, Yangwoo Kim, Inchul Jeong, Hyunjeong Oh, Hyeoncheol Oh, Jea Chul Ha, Jeehee Min, Chul
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Occupational stress(KOSS®19): scale development and validation in the Korean context
    Hansoo Song, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Inah Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Sang-Baek Koh, Sung-Soo Oh, Hee-Tae Kang, Da-Yee Jeung, Dae-Sung Hyun, Chunhui Suh, Sei-Jin Chang
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 37: e12.     CrossRef
  • Association Between Precarious Employment and Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Study of Middle-Aged and Older Workers in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of General Internal Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Vanessa Daufenback, Cecília Rocha, Claudia Maria Bógus, Isabela Camusso
    Appetite.2025; : 108161.     CrossRef
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    Sungjin Park, June-Hee Lee
    International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2024; 97(8): 871.     CrossRef
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    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Anxiety, mental health, job insecurity and workplace challenges: exploring the well-being of women gig workers in the gig economy
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    Mental Health and Social Inclusion.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Association between unpredictable work schedule and work-family conflict in Korea
Sang Moon Choi, Chan Woo Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Yong Tae Park
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e46.   Published online November 10, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e46
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

As unpredictable work schedule (UWS) has increased worldwide, various studies have been conducted on the resulting health effects on workers. However, research on the effect of UWS on workers' well-being in Korea is still insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between UWS and work-family conflict (WFC) using 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS).

Methods

Both UWS and WFC were measured using self-reported questionnaires, using data from the 6th KWCS conducted between 2020 and 2021, including 31,859 participants. UWS was measured by questions regarding the frequency of changes in work schedules and limited advanced notice. WFC was measured by questions regarding work to family and family to work conflicts. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the association between UWS and WFC.

Results

The prevalence of UWS was higher among men, those under 40 years old, service and sales workers and blue-collar workers, and those with higher salaries. Workplace size also influenced UWS prevalence, with smaller workplaces (less than 50 employees) showing a higher prevalence. The odds ratio (OR) for WFC was significantly higher in workers with UWS compared to workers without UWS after adjusting for gender, age, marital status, occupation, salary, education, weekly working hours, shift work, company size, and having a child under the age of 18 years, employment status (OR: 3.71; 95% confidence interval: 3.23–4.25).

Conclusions

The analysis of nationwide data revealed that UWS interferes with workers’ performance of family roles, which can lead to WFC. Our findings suggest that it is crucial to implement policies to address unfair work schedule management, promoting a healthier work-life balance and fostering a conducive environment for family responsibilities.

예측 불가능한 근무 일정과 일-가정 갈등의 연관성
목적
전 세계적으로 예측 불가능한 근무 일정(unpredictable work schedule, UWS)이 증가함에 따라, 근로자에게 미치는 건강 영향에 대한 다양한 연구가 진행되었다. 그러나, UWS가 근로자의 삶에 미치는 영향에 대한 국내 연구는 아직 미흡하다. 본 연구는 제6차 한국근로환경조사(Korean Working Conditions Survey, KWCS)를 이용하여 UWS와 일-가정 갈등(Work-Family Conflict, WFC)의 관계를 알아보고자 하였다.
방법
2020년과 2021년 사이에 수행된 제6차 KWCS의 데이터를 사용하여 총 31859명이 연구 대상으로 포함되었고 UWS와 WFC는 모두 자기기입식 설문을 통해 측정되었다. UWS는 업무 일정의 변경 빈도 및 제한된 사전통지에 관한 질문으로 측정되었으며, WFC는 업무로부터 발생하는 가족 갈등과 및 가족으로 발생하는 업무 갈등에 관한 질문으로 측정되었다. UWS와 WFC의 연관성을 조사하기 위해 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 수행하였다.
결과
UWS는 남성, 40세미만, 서비스 및 판매 종사자, 블루칼라 종사자, 그리고 더 높은 급여를 받는 사람들 사이에서 더 많았다. 작업장 규모도 UWS에 영향을 미쳤으며, 소규모 작업장(직원 수 50명 미만)에서 더 많았습니다. WFC의 오즈비는 성별, 연령, 결혼 여부, 직업, 급여, 교육, 주간 근로시간, 교대근무, 회사 규모, 18세 미만 자녀 여부, 정규직 여부를 보정한 후 나타난 결과에서 UWS가 없는 근로자에 비해 UWS가 있는 근로자에서 유의하게 높았다(OR: 3.78, 95% CI: 3.28-4.34).
결론
전국적인 자료를 분석한 결과, UWS가 근로자의 가족 역할 수행을 방해하여 WFC를 유발할 수 있는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 근로자에게 건강한 일과 삶의 균형을 제공하고 가족 역할을 수행하기 좋은 환경을 조성하기 위해 불공정한 근무 일정 관리를 해소시키는 정책의 필요성을 시사한다.

Citations

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  • Gender differences in the association between long working hours and the onset of depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older workers in Korea: A population-based longitudinal study (2006–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Maturitas.2025; 193: 108175.     CrossRef
  • Challenges from 14 years of experience at Workers' Health Centers in basic occupational health services for micro and small enterprises in Korea: a narrative review
    Jeong-Ok Kong, Yeongchull Choi, Seonhee Yang, Kyunghee Jung-Choi
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Yu-Jin Cha
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    Hongxu Zhu, Zhaohe Zhou, Yi Xu, Jing Chen, Daiqiong Lin, Shuang Li, Xuelian Chen
    Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The risk of insomnia by work schedule instability in Korean firefighters
    Saebomi Jeong, Jeonghun Kim, Sung-Soo Oh, Hee-Tae Kang, Yeon-Soon Ahn, Kyoung Sook Jeong
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024; 36: e24.     CrossRef
  • Association between husband's participation in household work and the onset of depressive symptoms in married women: A population-based longitudinal study in South Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
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Opinion
The use of ChatGPT in occupational medicine: opportunities and threats
Chayma Sridi, Salem Brigui
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e42.   Published online October 23, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e42
AbstractAbstract PDF

ChatGPT has the potential to revolutionize occupational medicine by providing a powerful tool for analyzing data, improving communication, and increasing efficiency. It can help identify patterns and trends in workplace health and safety, act as a virtual assistant for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals, and automate certain tasks. However, caution is required due to ethical concerns, the need to maintain confidentiality, and the risk of inconsistent or inaccurate results. ChatGPT cannot replace the crucial role of the occupational health professional in the medical surveillance of workers and the analysis of data on workers’ health.


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    Brain Sciences.2025; 15(4): 392.     CrossRef
  • Correspondence on “The use of ChatGPT in occupational medicine: opportunities and threats”
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  • ChatGPT in Occupational Medicine: A Comparative Study with Human Experts
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Original Article
The relationship between visual display terminal usage at work and symptoms related to computer vision syndrome
Soonsu Shin, Eun Hye Yang, Hyo Choon Lee, Seong Ho Moon, Jae-Hong Ryoo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e1.   Published online January 9, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e1
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Although it is well known that the usage of visual display terminal (VDT) at the workplace causes computer vision syndrome (CVS), previous studies mainly focused on computer use and the health of white-collar workers. In this study, we explored the relationship between the usage of VDT including various devices, and symptoms related to CVS in a large population including pink-collar workers and blue-collar workers.

Methods

21,304 wage workers over the age of 20 years were analyzed from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. To investigate the association between VDT use at work and symptoms related to CVS among wage workers, odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

In the group with the highest VDT usage at work, the OR of headache/eyestrain was 2.16 (95% CI: 1.86–2.52). The OR of suspected CVS patients was significantly increased in the highest group of usage of VDT at work (OR: 1.69; 95% CI, 1.39–2.06). Compare with the reference group, the OR for headache/eyestrain in the highest group of VDT usage was 2.81 (95% CI: 2.13–3.70) in white-collar workers, 1.78 (95% CI: 1.32–2.40) in pink-collar workers, and 1.59 (95% CI: 1.18–2.15) in blue-collar workers.

Conclusions

We observed a relationship in which the use of VDT in the workplace increases the risk of headache/eyestrain regardless of occupational classification. Our findings emphasize the importance of paying attention to the health of VDT workers and making plans to improve their working conditions.

영상표시단말기 작업과 컴퓨터 시각 증후군의 증상간의 관계
목적
다양한 산업과 직군에서 컴퓨터만이 아니라 스마트폰, 태블릿 등의 영상표시단말기(Video display terminal)의 사용이 증가하고 있다. 영상표시 단말기를 사용하는 사람들은 흔히 눈의 긴장, 두통, 상지 통증 등의 증상을 겪으며 이러한 증상들의 집합은 컴퓨터 시각 증후군(Computer vision syndrome)이라고 정의되어 왔다. 컴퓨터 시각 증후군에 대한 이전 연구들은 특정 직업만을 대상으로 한 연구가 많았다. 또한, 지금까지 컴퓨터 이외의 다른 기기들을 포함하여 컴퓨터 시각증후군에 대해 조사한 연구는 없었다. 본 연구에서는 제6차 근로환경조사를 통하여 작업 중 다양한 영상표시단말기의 사용과 컴퓨터 시각 증후군의 증상들의 관계에 대해 연구해보았다. 인구집단을 화이트칼라 근로자, 핑크칼라 근로자, 블루칼라 근로자로 나누어서 분석하여 영상표시단말기 사용이 근로자들의 건강에 미치는 영향을 파악해보고자 한다.
방법
이번 연구에서는 6차 근로환경조사에 참여한 인원 중 20세 이상의 임금 근로자 21,304명을 연구 참여자로 포함시켰다. 이들의 작업 중 영상표시단말기 사용을 적음, 보통, 많음 세 군으로 나누어 독립변수로 사용하였고, 지난 12개월 동안 두통/눈 긴장이 있는지, 상지의 통증이 있는지, 혹은 둘 다 있는 경우 컴퓨터 시각 증후군 의심환자로 정의하여 종속변수로 사용하여 로지스틱 회귀분석을 진행하였다. 통계적 유의수준은 P<0.05 으로 고려하였다.
결과
로지스틱 회귀분석에서 영상표시 단말기 사용이 많았던 군에서 적었던 군 보다 두통/눈 긴장의 오즈비(Odds ratio)가 2.16 (95% 신뢰구간: 1.86-2.52)로 높게 나타났다. 컴퓨터 시각증후군 의심환자는 영상표시 단말기 사용이 많았던 군에서 적었던 군과 비교해 오즈비가 1.69 (95% 신뢰구간: 1.39-2.06)로 유의미하게 높았다. 기준군과 비교하여 영상표시단말기의 사용이 많았던 군의 두통/눈 긴장의 오즈비는 화이트칼라 근로자에서 2.81 (95% 신뢰구간: 2.13–3.70), 핑크칼라 근로자에서 1.78 (95% 신뢰구간: 1.32–2.40) 및 블루칼라 근로자에서 1.59 (95% 신뢰구간: 1.18–2.15)이었다.
결론
영상표시단말기의 사용은 근로자들에게서 두통/눈긴장의 위험을 높이며, 컴퓨터 시각 증후군 의심환자의 위험을 높였다. 화이트칼라 근로자뿐만 아니라 핑크칼라 근로자, 블루칼라 근로자에서도 영상표시단말기의 사용이 많은 군에서 두통/눈긴장의 위험이 증가하였다. 이러한 결과는 영상표시단말기 취급근로자들의 건강에 주의를 기울여야함을 시사한다.

Citations

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  • Computer vision syndrome: a comprehensive literature review
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    Future Science OA.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Effect of job satisfaction on depression after adjusting for satisfaction with other life domains
SeongCheol Yang, Ji Hoon Kim, Minju Jung, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Jong-Han Leem, Shin-Goo Park
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e8.   Published online March 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e8
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Studies on the association between job satisfaction and depression have often been reported. However, no study has examined how job satisfaction impacts depression while considering satisfaction with other aspects of life. In this study, we evaluated the effect of job satisfaction on depression after adjusting for satisfaction with other domains of life.

Methods

We used data from the 16th wave of the Korean Welfare Panel Study. A total of 3568 current employees without depression who completed a survey were included. Depression was measured using the abbreviated version of the CES-D scale. Various types of satisfaction, including job satisfaction, were measured using single-item questions and a 5-point Likert scale. The association between job satisfaction and depression after considering satisfaction with other life domains was analyzed using a multiple logistic regression model.

Results

Crude models showed a significant association between job satisfaction and depression in males (odds ratio [OR]: 7.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.11–15.23) and females (OR: 7.12; 95% CI: 4.40–11.50). When adjusted for sociodemographic factors, health-related factors, and work-related factors, the association remained significant in males (OR: 6.20; 95% CI: 3.10–12.41) and females (OR: 6.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.79–10.40). However, when satisfaction with other life domains was included, the association remained significant only in females (OR: 3.55; 95% CI: 1.93–6.50).

Conclusions

This study shows an association between job satisfaction and depression in Korean employees. However, when satisfaction with other life domains was considered, this association remained significant only in women. Regular screening of job satisfaction should be considered as a means of preventing and managing depression among female employees.

삶의 다른 영역의 만족도들을 보정한 후 일 만족도가 우울에 미치는 영향
목적
과거의 많은 연구들에서 일 만족도와 우울 사이에 연관성이 있음이 밝혀졌다. 그러나, 삶의 다른 영역의 만족도들까지 고려하여 일 만족도가 우울에 미치는 영향을 조사한 연구는 현재까지 없었다. 이번 연구는 삶의 다른 영역의 만족도들을 보정하여 일 만족도와 우울 사이의 연관성을 평가하였다.
방법
본 연구는 한국복지패널 (Korean Welfare Panel Study)의 16차 조사자료를 활용하였다. 우울증을 진단받은 적이 없고 설문을 완료한 총 3568명의 임금 근로자가 선정되었다. 우울은 축약형 CES-D를 이용하여 평가했으며, 직업 만족도를 포함한 여러 만족도들은 5점 리커트 척도로 구성된 단일 문항으로 평가했다. 삶의 다른 영역의 만족도들에 대해 보정하여 직업 만족도와 우울간의 연관성을 분석하기 위해 다중 로지스틱 회귀분석을 수행하였다.
결과
보정되지 않은 모형에서 우울에 대한 오즈비는 남성의 경우 일 만족 그룹에 비해 일 불만족 그룹에서 7.90 (95% CI: 4.11-15.23), 여성의 경우 7.12 (95% CI: 4.40-11.50)였다. 사회인구학적 요인, 건강 요인, 직업 관련 요인에 대해 보정했을 때도 남성에서 오즈비 6.20 (95% CI: 3.10-12.41), 여성에서 오즈비 6.28 (95% CI: 3.79-10.40)이었다. 그러나, 추가로 삶의 다른 영역의 만족도들에 대해 보정하여 분석했을 때는, 여성에서만 일 만족도와 우울 간에 유의미한 연관성이 나타났다 (OR=3.55, 95% CI: 1.93-6.50).
결론
연구결과에 따르면, 삶의 다른 영역의 만족도들을 고려하여 분석했을 때 일 만족도와 우울 사이의 연관성은 여성에서만 유의미했다. 우울을 예방하기 위한 한 방법으로, 직장에서 여성 근로자들에 대해 정기적으로 직업 만족도를 확인하고 관리해야 할 것이다.

Citations

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  • Psychometric properties of the Burnout Assessment Tool - General version in nursing workers
    Lacir José Santin Júnior, Bianca Gonzalez Martins, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos, Ana Claudia Souza Vazquez, Maria Helena Palucci Marziale, Isabel Amelia Costa Mendes, Neyson Pinheiro Freire, Wilmar B. Schaufeli, Hans De Witte, Fernanda Ludmilla Ro
    Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Lacir José Santin Júnior, Bianca Gonzalez Martins, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos, Ana Claudia Souza Vazquez, Maria Helena Palucci Marziale, Isabel Amelia Costa Mendes, Neyson Pinheiro Freire, Wilmar B. Schaufeli, Hans De Witte, Fernanda Ludmilla Ro
    Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Propiedades psicométricas del Burnout Assessment Tool – Versión general en trabajadores de enfermería
    Lacir José Santin Júnior, Bianca Gonzalez Martins, Juliana Alvares Duarte Bonini Campos, Ana Claudia Souza Vazquez, Maria Helena Palucci Marziale, Isabel Amelia Costa Mendes, Neyson Pinheiro Freire, Wilmar B. Schaufeli, Hans De Witte, Fernanda Ludmilla Ro
    Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Kemal Koksal, Seval Aksoy Kuru
    Current Psychology.2025; 44(10): 8523.     CrossRef
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    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
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    Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Risk of insomnia symptoms according to Work-Family Conflict by workers’ characteristics
Kwanghyun Seo, Seungjun Ryu, Saebomi Jeong, Hee-Tae Kang, Sung-Kyung Kim, Sang-Baek Koh, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Sung-Soo Oh
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e36.   Published online August 23, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e36
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Work-Family Conflict means that the demands of work and family roles cannot be met simultaneously, so one cannot concentrate on one’s work or family role. This conflict can negatively affect mental health and cause insomnia symptoms.

Methods

This study was conducted on 20,442 subjects. Insomnia symptoms were assessed using the Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale, and other variables were assessed using the questionnaire method. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of Work-Family Conflict on insomnia symptoms, and subgroup logistic regression analyses were also performed.

Results

The number of people with insomnia symptoms was 4,322 (15.1%). Compared with Low Work-Family Conflict, the odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of insomnia symptoms were 1.84 (95% confidence interval: 1.56–2.16) in High work-to-family conflict, 1.16 (1.02–1.32) in High family-to-work conflict, and 3.19 (2.87–3.55) in High Work-Family Conflict. The ORs were higher for men than women in High WFC but higher for women than men in High Work-Family Conflict.

Conclusions

The risk of insomnia symptoms was highest in High Work-Family Conflict.

근로자 특성별 일-가정 갈등에 따른 불면증 증상의 발생 위험
목적
일-가정 갈등이 근로자의 불면증 증상 발생에 미치는 영향을 확인하고자 한다.
방법
이 연구는 20,442명의 피험자를 대상으로 수행되었다. 불면증 증상은 Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale을 사용하여 평가하였고, 기타 변수는 설문지 방법을 사용하여 수집하였다. 일-가정 갈등이 불면증 증상 발생에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 수행하였으며, 하위그룹 로지스틱 회귀 분석 또한 수행하였다.
결과
불면증이 있는 사람은 4,322명(15.1%)이었다. 전체 일-가정 갈등이 낮은 근로자와 비교했을 때, 불면증 증상 발생에 대한 오즈비는 WFC가 높은 근로자에서 1.84(95% 신뢰 구간 1.56-2.16), FWC가 높은 근로자에서 1.16(95% CI 1.02-1.32), 전체 일-가정 갈등이 높은 근로자에서 3.19(95% CI 2.87-3.55)이었다. 남성과 여성을 나누어 분석했을 때, WFC가 높은 근로자에서는 남성이 여성보다 오즈비가 높았으나 전체 일-가정 갈등이 높은 근로자에서는 여성이 남성보다 오즈비가 높았다.
결론
전체 일-가정 갈등이 높은 근로자에서 불면증 증상의 발생 위험이 가장 컸다.

Citations

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  • Female workers with long working hours are more likely to have depressive symptoms when having family-to-work conflict
    Garin Lee, Ji-Hwan Kim, Seung-Sup Kim
    International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2024; 97(2): 199.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and engagement in preventive healthcare services in Korean workers: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107849.     CrossRef
  • Difficulty Falling Asleep, Nocturnal Awakening, Sleep Dissatisfaction, and Irritability in the General Population
    Tetsuya Akaishi
    The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine.2024; 263(4): 261.     CrossRef
  • Association between single-person household wage workers in South Korea and insomnia symptoms: the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS)
    Yoon Ho Lee, Yong-Jin Lee, Eun-Chul Jang, Young-Sun Min, Soon-Chan Kwon
    Ann Occup Environ Med.2024; 36: e25.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Relationship between shellfish consumption and urinary phthalate metabolites: Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015-2017)
Jisoo Kang, Seong-yong Cho, Jinseok Kim, Seongyong Yoon, Jong-min An, Gayoung Kim, Si young Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e2.   Published online February 6, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e2
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Phthalates are endocrine disrupting chemicals that are widely used in the production of items of daily life such as in polyvinylchloride plastics, insecticides, and medical devices. This study aimed to determine the association between phthalate exposure and shellfish consumption using data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3 (2015–2017), which is a nationally representative survey.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed the KoNEHS cycle 3 data of 3,333 (1,526 men and 1,807 women) adults aged more than 19 years. Data related to the variables of sociodemographic factors, health-related behaviors, dietary factors, seafood consumption frequency, and urinary phthalate metabolites concentrations were collected. The concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites of all the participants were divided into quartiles to define high and low concentration groups based on the 75th percentile concentration. A χ2 test was conducted to analyze the distribution of independent variables. To analyze the relationship between shellfish consumption and phthalate exposure, the odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Total adults with shellfish consumption frequency of over once a week showed the following adjusted ORs for high concentrations of the following metabolites compared with the group that consumed shellfish once a week or less: 1.43 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.06) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP), 1.43 (95% CI: 1.01–2.03) for mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (MECPP), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.10–2.24) for ∑di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (∑DEHP), 2.01 (95% CI: 1.46–2.77) for mono-carboxyoctyl phthalate (MCOP), 1.56 (95% CI: 1.11–2.18) for mono-carboxy-isononly phthalate (MCNP), and 2.57 (95% CI: 1.85–3.56) for mono (3-carboxypropyl) phthalate (MCPP).

Conclusions

The concentrations of urinary phthalate metabolites (MEOHP, MECPP, ∑DEHP, MCOP, MCNP, and MCPP) were higher in adults with a higher frequency of shellfish consumption.

국민환경보건 기초조사 제3기(2015-2017) 자료를 이용한 조개류 섭취와 요중 프탈레이트 대사체간의 관계
목적
프탈레이트(phthalate)는 내분비계 장애물질(endocrine disrupting chemicals, EDCs)로서, 일상생활에서 가소제, 살충제, 의료기기 등으로 광범위하게 사용되고 있다. 프탈레이트는 해양 생태계에서 널리 발견되며, 조개류는 해양생태계오염의 대표적인 지표로 사용된다. 현재까지 해양 생태계의 프탈레이트의 오염에 대한 다양한 연구가 수행되고 있으나 국내에서 프탈레이트 노출과 조개류 섭취와 관련된 연구는 아직 이루어진 바가 없다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 우리나라 인구를 대표하는 자료인 국민환경보건 기초조사 제3기(2015-2017) 자료를 이용하여 요중 프탈레이트 대사체와 조개류 섭취와의 연관성을 분석하고자 했다.
방법
본 연구는 국민환경보건 기초조사 제3기(2015-2017) 자료를 이용하여 만 19세 이상 성인 3,333명(남자1,526명과 여자1,807명)을 대상으로 진행하였다. 사회인구학적 변수 및 건강행태 관련 변수 및 식이 요인과 해산물의 섭취 빈도, 요중 프탈레이트 대사체 농도를 변수로 두어 각 변수 간의 분포 차이를 분석하였다. 로지스틱 회귀분석을 사용하여 조개류 섭취빈도에 따라 요중 프탈레이트 대사체 고농도군에 속할 OR값을 계산하였다.
결과
조개류 섭취의 경우 주 1회 초과군에서 MEOHP의 고농도군에 해당될 adjusted ORs은 1.43(95%CI: 1.01-2.06), MECPP 1.43(95%CI: 1.01-2.03), ∑DEHP 1.57(95%CI: 1.10-2.24), MCOP 2.01(95%CI: 1.46-2.77), MCNP 1.56(95%CI: 1.11-2.18), MCPP 2.57(95%CI: 1.85-3.56)으로 조사되었다.
결론
성인에서 조개류 섭취 빈도가 많을수록 요중 프탈레이트 대사체(MEOHP, MECPP, ∑DEHP, MCOP, MCNP, MCPP) 농도가 높았다.

Citations

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    Jonathan M. Acevedo, Linda G. Kahn, Kristyn A. Pierce, Vittorio Albergamo, Anna Carrasco, Robbie S.J. Manuel, Marissa Singer Rosenberg, Leonardo Trasande
    International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health.2025; 265: 114539.     CrossRef
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    Ziqian Zhang, Miao Liu, Lei Zhao, Linlin Liu, Wenting Guo, Jie Yu, Huihua Yang, Xuefeng Lai, Xiaomin Zhang, Liangle Yang
    Environmental Pollution.2023; 330: 121760.     CrossRef
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    Tianchao Xu, Jie Cui, Ran Xu, Jingwen Cao, Meng-yao Guo
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  • Relationship between the use of plastics in refrigerator food storage and urine phthalate metabolites: the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 3
    Jisoo Kang, Seong-yong Cho, Seongyong Yoon
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
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  • 5 Web of Science
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Original Article
Association between serum perfluoroalkyl substances concentrations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among Korean adults: a cross-sectional study using the National Environmental Health Survey cycle 4
Yong Tae Park, Eui Yup Chung, Chang Ho Chae, Young Hoon Lee
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e10.   Published online April 8, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e10
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in industry and daily life due to their useful properties. They have a long half-life, accumulate in the body, and there is evidence that they are associated with biomarkers of lipid metabolism and liver damage. This may suggest non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) caused by PFAS. However, since there has been no study analyzing the relationship between PFAS and NAFLD in the entire population in Korea. We sought to confirm the relationship between serum PFAS concentration and NAFLD prevalence in Korean adults using the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4.

Methods

The study was conducted on 2,529 subjects in 2018–2019 among KoNEHS participants. For the diagnosis of NAFLD, the hepatic steatosis index (HSI) was used, and the geometric mean and concentration distribution of serum PFAS were presented. Logistic regression was performed to confirm the increase in the risk of NAFLD due to changes in PFAS concentration, and the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated.

Results

In both adjusted and unadjusted models, an increased odds ratio was observed with increasing serum concentrations of total PFAS and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in the non-obese group. In the adjusted model, the odds ratios for serum total PFAS and PFOS were 6.401 (95% CI: 1.883–21.758) and 7.018 (95% CI: 2.688–18.319).

Conclusions

In this study, a higher risk of NAFLD based on HSI was associated with serum total PFAS, PFOS in non-obese group. Further research based on radiological or histological evidence for NAFLD diagnosis and long-term prospective studies are necessary. Accordingly, it is necessary to find ways to reduce exposure to PFAS in industry and daily life.

대한민국 성인의 혈청 과불화화합물 농도와 비알코올성 지방간 질환의 연관성 : 제4기 국민환경보건 기초조사를 이용한 단면연구
목적
과불화 화합물(이하 PFAS)는 그 유용한 특성들로 인하여 산업 및 일상생활에 널리 사용되는 물질이다. 이들은 긴 반감기를 지녀 생체 내에 축적되며, 지질 대사 및 간 손상의 바이오마커들과 연관이 있다는 여러 증거들이 있다. 이는 PFAS와 비알코올성 지방간(이하 NAFLD)의 연관성을 시사할 수 있다. 그러나 국내 전체 인구를 대상으로 PFAS와 NAFLD간의 연관성을 분석한 연구는 없었기에 제4주기 국민환경보건 기초조사를 이용하여 대한민국 성인에서 혈청 PFAS의 농도와 NAFLD 유병률 간의 연관성을 확인하고자 하였다.
방법
제4주기 국민환경보건 기초조사 참여자 중 2018-2019년 대상자 2595명을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였다. NAFLD의 진단을 위해 Hepatic Steatosis Index(이하 HSI)를 사용하였으며, 혈청 PFAS의 기하평균 및 농도 분포를 제시하였다. PFAS의 농도 변화에 따른 NAFLD의 위험도 증가를 확인하기 위하여 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였으며 이에 대한 교차비와 95% 신뢰구간을 산출하였다.
결과
조정되지 않은 모델 및 조정된 모델의 비만하지 않은 그룹에서 혈청 총 PFAS, PFOS의 농도 증가에 따른 교차비의 증가를 확인할 수 있었다. 조정된 모델에서 혈청 총 PFAS 및 PFOS의 교차비는 각각 6.401 (95% CI 1.883–21.758) and 7.018 (95% CI 2.688-18.319)으로 나타났다.
결론
본 연구에서 HSI에 기초한 NAFLD의 더 높은 위험은 비만하지 않은 군에서 혈청 총 PFAS 및 PFOS와 유의한 연관성을 보였다. PFAS에 의한 NAFLD 발생의 위험에 대한 영상 또는 조직 병리에 기반한 추가 연구가 필요하며, 일상 생활 및 산업 전반에 있어 PFAS에의 노출을 줄이기 위한 방법의 모색이 필요하다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Effects of mixed exposure to PFAS on adolescent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Integrating evidence from human cohorts, toxicogenomics, and animal models to uncover mechanisms and potential target sites
    Xiushuai Du, Dan-Lin Li, Xueming Xu, Yitian Wu, Zhiyuan Du, Gang Liang, Yue-Zu Li, Ya-Jie Zheng, Yu Qin, Kelei Qian, Jing Xu, Liping Gao, Gonghua Tao, Chen-Wei Pan, Weiwei Zheng
    Journal of Hazardous Materials.2025; 485: 136854.     CrossRef
  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposures are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, particularly fibrosis
    Se-Hyun Hwang, Yun-Hee Choi, Da-An Huh, Lita Kim, Kangyeon Park, Jiyoun Lee, Hyeon Jeong Choi, Woohyun Lim, Kyong Whan Moon
    Environmental Pollution.2025; 372: 126085.     CrossRef
  • PFAS compounds PFOA and Gen X are teratogenic to sea urchin embryos
    Alexandra T. Lion, Sophie M. Bodine, Kelley R. McCutcheon, Mayank Ghogale, Santhan Chandragiri, Deema Abayawardena, Bikram D. Shrestha, Abigail Descoteaux, Kathryn Alvarez, J'nesse A. Balkman, Breelyn Cocke, Athula H. Wikramanayake, Jennifer Schlezinger,
    Developmental Biology.2025; 525: 139.     CrossRef
  • Diabetes and male fertility disorders
    Andrea Graziani, Raffaele Scafa, Giuseppe Grande, Alberto Ferlin
    Molecular Aspects of Medicine.2024; 99: 101303.     CrossRef
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Original Article
The impact of long working hours on daily sodium intake
Kyungho Ju, Yangwoo Kim, Seung Hee Woo, Juhyeong Kim, Inah Kim, Jaechul Song, Soo-Jin Lee, Jeehee Min
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e9.   Published online April 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e9
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Long working hours are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. The study examines how occupational factors like working hours, shift work, and employment status correlate with dietary choices and sodium intake, impacting hypertension risk.

Methods

This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2020. The dataset included 8,471 respondents, all of whom were wage workers aged 20 or older and reported working at least 36 hours per week. Individuals who have been previously diagnosed with or are currently diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia were excluded. The average daily sodium intake was assessed via a 24-hour dietary recall method. Average weekly working hours were categorized into 3 groups: 36–40 hours, 41–52 hours, and over 52 hours. Multiple logistic regression models were used.

Results

Study findings revealed that 83.7% of participants exceeded the recommended daily sodium intake of 2 g set by the World Health Organization. After adjusting for confounding factors, a positive correlation was observed between average working hours and daily sodium intake. Among males, statistical significance was found in the group with average weekly working hours of 41–52 hours (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.30) and the group exceeding 52 hours (PR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.09–1.38) when comparing the fourth quartile of daily sodium intake to the combined quartiles of Q1, Q2, and Q3. Among females, no significance was noted.

Conclusions

Long working hours were associated with increased sodium intake, primarily among male workers. This connection is likely attributed to having less time for home-cooked meals, resulting in higher fast food consumption and dining out. A workplace intervention promoting healthy eating and reducing stress is essential to lower sodium consumption and mitigate hypertension risk.

장시간 근무가 일일 소듐 섭취량에 미치는 영향
목적
장시간 근무는 심혈관 질환의 증가와 관련이 있다고 알려져 있지만, 그 메커니즘은 명확히 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구는 주당 평균 근로시간, 교대근무 및 고용 형태 등의 직업적 요인과 식습관 변화 간의 관계를 확인하고, 특히 고혈압의 알려진 위험 요인인 과다한 소듐 섭취와의 관련성을 조사하였다.
방법
본 연구는 2013년부터 2020년까지 실시된 대한민국 국민건강영양조사의 데이터를 사용하였다. 연구대상자는 20세 이상의 임금 근로자, 주당 최소 36시간 이상 근무하는 자로 선정하였다. 이 외에도 다양한 인구학적, 직업 변수가 설문 조사를 통해 수집되었으며, 평균 일일 소듐 섭취량은 24시간 회상법을 통해 조사되었다. 주당 평균 근무 시간은 36-40시간, 41-52시간 및 52시간 이상의 세 집단으로 분류되었다. 다중 로지스틱 회귀 모델이 분석에 사용되었다.
결과
연구대상자 중 83.7%가 세계보건기구(WHO)에서 권장한 일일 나트륨 섭취량인 2g을 초과한 것이 확인되었다. 교란변수 보정 후에도 주당 평균 근로시간과 일일 소듐 섭취 간의 통계적 유의성이 확인되었다. 남성에 대하여, 주당 평균 근무 시간이 41-52시간인 그룹 (PR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30)과 52시간을 초과한 그룹 (PR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09-1.38)이 일일 소듐 섭취량 4분위에서 1, 2, 3분위를 포함한 그룹과와 비교하여 통계적으로 유의미한 관련이 있었다. 여성에 대하여는 통계적으로 유의미하지 않았다.
결론
장시간 근무는 주로 남성 근로자에서 소듐 섭취 증가와 관련이 있었다. 이는 가정에서 조리하는 시간이 줄어들어 패스트 푸드 및 외식 소비가 증가하는 것에 기인한 것으로 생각된다. 과량의 소듐 섭취는 고혈압의 알려진 위험 요인이므로, 직장에서의 적극적인 개입을 통해, 더 건강한 식습관과 개선된 근무 환경을 통해 소듐 섭취를 줄이는 것이 필요하다.

Citations

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  • Association of long working hours with visceral adiposity index, anthropometric indices, and weight management behaviors: a study of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Family Practice.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Gender discrimination in the workplace and the onset of problematic alcohol use among female wage workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2025; 379: 118183.     CrossRef
  • Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
    Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Nutrients.2024; 16(10): 1482.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Mediation analysis of chronotype, sleep-related factors, and depressive symptoms among workers: a cross-sectional study
Seo Young Kim, Hyo Jeong Kim, Seong-Sik Cho, Min Young Park, Mo-Yeol Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e47.   Published online November 20, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e47
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

This study aimed to examine the impact of chronotype on depressive symptoms and explore the mediating effects of sleep quality, pre-sleep cognitive arousal, and social jetlag in a sample of wage earners.

Methods

A total of 3,917 waged workers were surveyed online in July 2022. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were used to assess the relationship between chronotype (morningness, intermediate, and eveningness) and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire ≥ 5), and the mediating effects of Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Pre-Sleep Arousal Scale (PSAS). All analyses were adjusted for age, education level, income level, marital status, coffee consumption, alcohol consumption, physical activity, occupation, employment status, and working hours to calculate odds ratios (ORs).

Results

The chronotypes of all the participants were divided into morningness (4.7%), intermediate (93.5%), and eveningness (1.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an increased risk of depression in the eveningness chronotype (OR: 2.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51, 5.86). Regarding the mediation analysis, ISI mediated 28.44% (95% CI: 16.39–40.5), PSQI for 31.25% (95% CI: 19.36, 43.15), and PSAS-Cognitive Score (PSAS-C) for 23.58% (95% CI: 10.66, 36.50) of the association between chronotype and depressive symptoms. However, social jetlag did not significantly mediate this relationship. (percentage mediated = 0.75%, 95% CI: −3.88, 5.39)

Conclusions

Evening chronotypes exhibit an increased risk of depressive symptoms, which ISI, PSQI, and PSAS-C partially mediated. This suggests that interventions to improve sleep quality and maintain adequate sleep habits may effectively prevent and treat depression in employees with an eveningness chronotype.

직장인의 크로노타입이 우울 증상에 미치는 영향과 수면 관련 요인의 매개 분석
목적
본 연구는 국내 임금 근로자를 대상으로 크로노타입이 우울 증상에 미치는 영향과 수면의 질, 수면 전 인지적 각성, 사회적 시차 등의 매개 효과에 대해 분석하고자 한다.
방법
2022년 7월 온라인 설문조사를 통해 모집한 만 19세 이상의 임금 근로자 3917명을 대상으로 분석을 시행하였다. 로지스틱 회귀분석으로 성별을 층화하여 크로노타입 (아침형, 중간형, 저녁형)과 우울증상 간의 관계를 살펴본 후, 매개효과 분석을 통해 불면척도, 수면의 질, 수면 전 각성 척도, 사회적 시차의 각각의 우울 증상에 대한 매개 효과를 계산했다. 모든 분석은 연령, 교육수준, 소득, 결혼 여부, 동거인 여부, 커피, 흡연, 음주, 신체활동, 직종, 고용형태, 근무 시간을 보정하였다.
결과
참가자는 아침형(4.7%), 중간형(93.5%), 저녁형(1.8%)으로 나뉘었다. 인구사회학적 특성 및 업무 관련 요인을 통제한 다중 로지스틱 회귀분석 결과, 저녁형 그룹에서 우울증상 오즈비는 2.95 (95% 신뢰구간: 1.51–5.86)로 아침형 그룹에 비해 높게 나타났다. 매개 분석 결과에서 불면 척도는 28.44% (95% 신뢰구간 16.39–40.5), 수면의 질은 31.25% (95% 신뢰구간 19.36–43.15), 수면 전 인지적 각성척도은 23.58% (95% 신뢰구간 10.66–36.50)를 매개하였다. 그러나 사회적 시차는 매개 효과가 0.75% (95% 신뢰구간 -3.88–5.39)로 유의하지 않은 것으로 나타났다.
결론
본 연구 결과에 따르면 저녁형 크로노타입을 가진 근로자들이 아침형 근로자보다 우울증상의 위험도가 증가하는 것으로 나타났으며, 이에 대한 매개 효과 분석에서는 불면 척도, 수면의 질과 수면 전 인지적 각성이 우울 증상을 부분적으로 매개하는 것으로 나타났다. 이는 저녁형 크로노타입 근로자들과 같은 우울증의 상대적 고위험군에서 수면의 질을 개선하고 수면 습관을 적절히 유지하도록 개입하는 것이 우울증의 예방 및 치료에 효과적일 수 있음을 시사한다.

Citations

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  • Data profile: Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS)
    Seong-Sik Cho, Jeehee Min, Heejoo Ko, Mo-Yeol Kang
    Ann Occup Environ Med.2025; 37: e3.     CrossRef
  • Increased risk of herpes zoster associated with stress and sleep deprivation: Evidence from korea health panel survey
    Youjin Kim, Wanhyung Lee
    Journal of Psychiatric Research.2025; 184: 333.     CrossRef
  • The prevalence and clinical correlation factors of cognitive impairment in patients with major depressive disorder hospitalized during the acute phase
    Huiyuan Zhao, Jinhong Chen
    Frontiers in Psychiatry.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between the safety climate and occupational injury in the Korean working population: a cross-sectional study
    Jeehee Min, Tae-Won Jang, Hye-Eun Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang, Seong-Sik Cho
    Epidemiology and Health.2024; 46: e2024082.     CrossRef
  • 1,052 View
  • 23 Download
  • 4 Web of Science
  • 4 Crossref
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Original Article
Combined effect of work from home and work during nonwork time on sleep disturbance
Jiyoung Lim, Hyundong Lee, Jae Bum Park, Kyung-Jong Lee, Inchul Jeong, Jaehyuk Jung
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e28.   Published online July 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e28
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, being exposed to work from home and work during nonwork time simultaneously can lead to sleep disturbance; however, their combined effect is unclear. We aimed to investigate the combined effect of work from home and work during nonwork time on sleep disturbance.

Methods

This study used data from the Sixth Korean Working Condition Survey and included 27,473 paid workers. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between work from home, work during nonwork time, and sleep disturbance according to sex. We re-classified participants into 4 groups based on their working from home (No/Yes) and working during nonwork time (No/Yes). The relative excess risk due to interaction was calculated to examine the effect of exposure to both telecommuting and non-regular work hours on sleep disturbance.

Results

Workers exposed to work from home and work during nonwork time had significantly higher risks of sleep disturbance for all, men, and women workers (OR [95% CI]: 1.71 [1.46–2.02], 1.79 [1.43–2.23], and 1.64 [1.29–2.08] for work from home and 3.04 [2.70–3.42], 3.61 [3.09–4.22], and 2.41 [2.01–2.90] for work during nonwork time, respectively). Compared to those who were not exposed to both factors, when workers had both job factors, the ORs (95% CI) of sleep disturbance for all, men, and women were 3.93 (2.80–5.53), 5.08 (3.21–8.03), and 2.91 (1.74–4.87), respectively. The relative excess risk due to interaction of work from home and work during nonwork time was not significant for sleep disturbance.

Conclusions

Work from home and work during nonwork time were each associated with sleep disturbance, but the interaction between the two factors on sleep disturbance was not observed in both men and women.


Citations

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  • Relationship Between Sedentary Lifestyle and Handgrip Strength Among Korean Workers
    Junsu Yang, Wanhyung Lee
    Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2025; 67(4): e239.     CrossRef
  • Association between work from home and health-related productivity loss among Korean employees
    Hyo Jeong Kim, Dong Wook Lee, Jaesung Choi, Yun-Chul Hong, Mo-Yeol Kang
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • 886 View
  • 11 Download
  • 4 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
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Original Article
Association of heavy metal complex exposure and neurobehavioral function of children
Minkeun Kim, Chulyong Park, Joon Sakong, Shinhee Ye, So young Son, Kiook Baek
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e23.   Published online July 6, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e23
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Exposure to heavy metals is a public health concern worldwide. Previous studies on the association between heavy metal exposure and neurobehavioral functions in children have focused on single exposures and clinical manifestations. However, the present study evaluated the effects of heavy metal complex exposure on subclinical neurobehavioral function using a Korean Computerized Neurobehavior Test (KCNT).

Methods

Urinary mercury, lead, cadmium analyses as well as symbol digit substitution (SDS) and choice reaction time (CRT) tests of the KCNT were conducted in children aged between 10 and 12 years. Reaction time and urinary heavy metal levels were analyzed using partial correlation, linear regression, Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and quantile G-computation analysis.

Results

Participants of 203 SDS tests and 198 CRT tests were analyzed, excluding poor cooperation and inappropriate urine sample. Partial correlation analysis revealed no association between neurobehavioral function and exposure to individual heavy metals. The result of multiple linear regression shows significant positive association between urinary lead, mercury, and CRT. BMKR, WQS regression and quantile G-computation analysis showed a statistically significant positive association between complex urinary heavy metal concentrations, especially lead and mercury, and reaction time.

Conclusions

Assuming complex exposures, urinary heavy metal concentrations showed a statistically significant positive association with CRT. These results suggest that heavy metal complex exposure during childhood should be evaluated and managed strictly.

소아 신경 행동 기능과 중금속 복합 노출의 관련성
목적
중금속 노출은 많은 국가에서 공중보건 관련해서 큰 과제이다. 중금속 노출에 따른 신경계의 영향을 보기 위한 과거 연구들 에서는 노출의 경우 단일 중금속에 대한 노출을, 노출에 따른 결과로는 임상적 징후 또는 질환의 진단을 중점으로 이루어졌다. 본 연구는 중금속 복합 노출과 준임상적 수준을 포함한 신경 행동 기능의 관계를 확인하기 위해 계획되었다.
방법
소변 중 수은, 납, 카드뮴 분석과 한국형 컴퓨터 신경행동검사중 부호 숫자 짝짓기 검사와 선택 반응 시간 검사를 211명의 10-12세의 소아들에게 시행한 자료를 바탕으로, 반응 시간과 소변 중 중금속 수치를 성별과 연령을 보정하여 편상관분석과 회귀분석으로 분석하였다. 그 중 유의미한 결과가 확인되는 항목에 대해 복합노출에 대한 분석을 Bayesian Kernel Machine regression, Weighted Sum Regression analysis, Quantile G-computation 기법을 활용하여 심층 분석하였다.
결과
부호숫자 짝짓기 검사의 경우 203건, 선택반응 검사의 경우 198건에 대해 분석을 수행하였다. 부호숫자 짝짓기 검사의 경우 단일 중금속과 편상관분석 및 다중회귀분석에서 유의미한 관련성이 보이지 않았다. 선택반응 검사의 경우 편상관분석상 개별 중금속과는 별다른 관계를 보이지 않았으나 다중회귀분석에서 수은 및 납과 유의미한 관련성을 보였다. 복합노출에 대한 분석방법인 Bayesian Kernel Machine regression, Weighted Sum Regression analysis, Quantile G-computation 기법에서 소변 중 중금속과 선택 반응 시간 검사의 반응시간 간에 양의 상관관계를 보였으며, 세 분석에서 비교적 일관되게 복합노출 시 수은과 납이 선택 반응 시간 검사의 반응시간에 양의 상관관계를 보였다. 카드뮴의 경우 뚜렷한 양의 상관관계를 보이지 않거나 그 기여도가 적었다.
결론
본 연구 샘플의 요중 수은, 납, 카드뮴의 범위는 임상적인 증상을 나타낼 수 있는 것으로 알려진 여러 기준 수준에 비해 매우 낮은 수준에 있으나, 그 범위 내에서도 선택 반응 검사와 중금속의 복합노출은 통계적으로 유의한 반응시간 차이를 보였다. 위 결과는 소아 중금속 복합 노출이 매우 낮은 농도 수준에서도 신경계에 영향을 미친다는 가능성을 제시하며, 이는 중금속 노출에 대한 더욱 민감하고 엄격한 관리가 필요함을 보여주는 결과이다.

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    Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering.2024; 9: 100619.     CrossRef
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    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Special Issue
Association between irregular working hours and work-related musculoskeletal pain: results from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Munyoung Yang, Jun-Pyo Myong, Jongin Lee, Min Young Park, Mo-Yeol Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e21.   Published online July 3, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e21
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Recently, irregular working hours have become controversial issues in Korea. The health impact of irregular working hours on the work-related musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is scarcely researched before. We sought to investigate the association between irregular working hours and work-related MSP among South Korean workers.

Methods

This study used data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey in 2020. The prevalence of work-related MSP was analyzed using the χ2 test. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association between irregular working hours and work-related MSP. We conducted stratified analysis by gender, weekly working hours, and workers’ control over their working hours. We calculated the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of work-related MSP for irregular working hours combined with weekly working hours.

Results

The OR for work-related MSP was significantly higher in the population with irregular working hours than in the population with regular working hours (OR: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–1.58). Irregular and long (> 52 hours/week) working hours have the highest risk of work-related MSP in both genders (in men, OR: 3.48 [95% CI: 2.53–4.78]; in women, OR: 2.41 [95% CI: 1.46–4.00]).

Conclusions

Irregular working hours were associated with work-related MSP in Korea. The association was magnified with long working hours. Reform of the Korean Labor Standards Act leading to increase irregular working hours may induce adverse health outcome.


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  • Challenges from 14 years of experience at Workers' Health Centers in basic occupational health services for micro and small enterprises in Korea: a narrative review
    Jeong-Ok Kong, Yeongchull Choi, Seonhee Yang, Kyunghee Jung-Choi
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Impact of architecture students’ study-rest schedules on pain and upper extremity functionality
    Yagmur Karaman Polat, Gulay Aras Bayram, Nesrin Yagcı
    WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Effect of long working hours on psychological distress among young workers in different types of occupation
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 179: 107829.     CrossRef
  • Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
    Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Mo-Yeol Kang, Jungwon Kim, Eun-A Kim
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Cooking oil fume exposure and Lung-RADS distribution among school cafeteria workers of South Korea
Minjun Kim, Yangho Kim, A Ram Kim, Woon Jung Kwon, Soyeoun Lim, Woojin Kim, Cheolin Yoo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e2.   Published online January 31, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e2
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Cooking oil fumes (COFs) from cooking with hot oil may contribute to the pathogenesis of lung cancer. Since 2021, occupational lung cancer for individual cafeteria workers has been recognized in South Korea. In this study, we aimed to identify the distribution of lung-imaging reporting and data system (Lung-RADS) among cafeteria workers and to determine factors related to Lung-RADS distribution.

Methods

We included 203 female participants who underwent low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening at a university hospital and examined the following variables: age, smoking status, second-hand smoke, height, weight, and years of service, mask use, cooking time, heat source, and ventilation. We divided all participants into culinary and non-culinary workers. Binomial logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors on LDCT of Category ≥ 3, separately for the overall group and the culinary group.

Results

In this study, Lung-RADS-positive occurred in 17 (8.4%) individuals, all of whom were culinary workers. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed and no variables were found to have a significant impact on Lung-RADS results. In the subgroup analysis, the Lung-RADS-positive, and -negative groups differed only in ventilation. Binary logistic regression showed that the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of the Lung-RADS-positive group for inappropriate ventilation at the workplace was 14.89 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.296–67.231) compared to appropriate ventilation as the reference, and the aOR for electric appliances at home was 4.59 (95% CI: 1.061–19.890) using liquid fuel as the reference.

Conclusions

The rate of Lung-RADS-positive was significantly higher among culinary workers who performed actual cooking tasks than among nonculinary workers. In addition, appropriate ventilation at the workplace made the LDCT results differ. More research is needed to identify factors that might influence LDCT findings among culinary workers, including those in other occupations.

한국 학교 급식소 종사자의 조리흄 노출과 Lung-RADS 분포
목적
2021년부터 한국에서는 개별 학교 급식 종사자의 폐암 산업재해가 인정되고 있다. 본 연구에서는 급식 종사자들의 Lung-imaging reporting and data system ( Lung-RADS ) 분포를 확인하고, Lung-RADS 분포와 관련된 요인을 탐색해보고자 한다.
방법
2020년도에 울산대학병원에서 저선량 CT를 촬영한 여성 참가자 중 203명을 대상으로 나이, 흡연 여부, 간접 흡연 여부, 키, 체중, 근무 년수, 마스크 착용 여부, 조리 시간, 열원, 환기방식 등의 변수를 조사하였다. 참가자를 조리직, 비조리직으로 분류하였다. 범주 3이상에 대한 영향을 확인하기 위해 이분형 로지스틱을 전체집단 조리직 집단에 나누어 실시하였다.
결과
Lung-RADS 양성은 17 (8.4%)명에게서 발생했고 모두 조리직에 해당했다. 이분형 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행한 결과 전체집단에서 Lung-RADS 결과에 유의미한 영향을 주는 변수는 확인할 수 없었다. Subgroup 분석에서 Lung-RADS 양성, 음성군은 직장 내 환기방식에서만 차이가 있었다. 이분형 로지스틱 회귀분석 결과 직장에서 환기를 철저히 한 것을 참고치로 했을 때 부적절한 환기에 대한 Lung-RADS 양성의 오드비가 14.89이고 가정에서 액화연료 사용을 참고치로 했을 때 전기 요리기구 사용의 오드비는 4.59이였다.
결론
실제 조리업무를 시행하는 조리직의 경우 비조리직에 비해 Lung-RADS 양성 비율이 유의하게 높았다. 또한 조리실 환경에서 환기를 철저하게 하는 것이 Lung-RADS 소견에 영향을 주었다.

Citations

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  • Exposure to cooking fumes in cafeteria workers in Korean schools: a pilot study
    Daesung Lim, Yong Min Cho
    Annals of Work Exposures and Health.2025; 69(1): 109.     CrossRef
  • Lung Cancer Risk in Female School Cooks: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in the Republic of Korea
    Jungwon Jang, Eun Mi Kim, Jaiyong Kim, Jeehee Min, Inah Kim
    Safety and Health at Work.2025; 16(1): 105.     CrossRef
  • Radiological Changes in Chest Computed Tomography Findings of School Cooks: A Comparative Study With Age-matched Controls
    Jung Hee Hong, Jin Young Kim, Kiook Baek
    Safety and Health at Work.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Wonjeong Jeong, Eunkyoung Song, Eunzi Jeong, Kyoung Hee Oh, Hye-Sun Lee, Jae Kwan Jun
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Original Article
Association between lone work and self-rated health status: using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Eunseun Han, Ui-Jin Kim, Yongho Lee, Sanghyuk Lee, Seunghon Ham, Wanhyung Lee, Won-Jun Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e29.   Published online July 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e29
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Lone workers are generally defined as individuals who work alone without supervision, including self-employed people. While lone workers are considered a vulnerable group in some countries, there is a lack of research on their health status in domestic studies. Globally, the number of lone workers has been increasing, and this trend has been further accelerated since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with the rise of remote work.

Methods

The study analyzed data from 44,281 participants, excluding unpaid family workers, soldiers, and those with missing data. Lone workers were defined as individuals who reported having no colleagues with the same job at their current workplace. Self-rated health status was categorized as “good” or “poor.”

Results

This study found a statistically significant higher number of lone workers among women compare to men. The largest occupational category for lone workers was service and sales workers, followed by agriculture and fisheries workers. A majority of non-lone workers reported working 40 hours or less per week, while the majority of lone workers reported working 53 hours or more per week. In addition, lone workers had significantly poorer health status evaluations compared to non-lone workers (odds ratio: 1.297; 95% confidence interval: 1.165–1.444).

Conclusions

Further research is needed to investigate the causal relationship between lone work and health, using data collected after the COVID-19 pandemic.


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  • Association Between Precarious Employment and Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Study of Middle-Aged and Older Workers in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
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    Ann Occup Environ Med.2024; 36: e25.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Development of algorithm for work intensity evaluation using excess overwork index of construction workers with real-time heart rate measurement device
Jae-young Park, Jung Hwan Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang, Tae-Won Jang, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Se-Yeong Kim, Jongin Lee
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e24.   Published online July 19, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e24
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

The construction workers are vulnerable to fatigue due to high physical workload. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between overwork and heart rate in construction workers and propose a scheme to prevent overwork in advance.

Methods

We measured the heart rates of construction workers at a construction site of a residential and commercial complex in Seoul from August to October 2021 and develop an index that monitors overwork in real-time. A total of 66 Korean workers participated in the study, wearing real-time heart rate monitoring equipment. The relative heart rate (RHR) was calculated using the minimum and maximum heart rates, and the maximum acceptable working time (MAWT) was estimated using RHR to calculate the workload. The overwork index (OI) was defined as the cumulative workload evaluated with the MAWT. An appropriate scenario line (PSL) was set as an index that can be compared to the OI to evaluate the degree of overwork in real-time. The excess overwork index (EOI) was evaluated in real-time during work performance using the difference between the OI and the PSL. The EOI value was used to perform receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to find the optimal cut-off value for classification of overwork state.

Results

Of the 60 participants analyzed, 28 (46.7%) were classified as the overwork group based on their RHR. ROC curve analysis showed that the EOI was a good predictor of overwork, with an area under the curve of 0.824. The optimal cut-off values ranged from 21.8% to 24.0% depending on the method used to determine the cut-off point.

Conclusion

The EOI showed promising results as a predictive tool to assess overwork in real-time using heart rate monitoring and calculation through MAWT. Further research is needed to assess physical workload accurately and determine cut-off values across industries.

실시간 심박수 측정 장치를 이용한 건설업 근로자 과로 예측 알고리즘
목적
건설업 근로자는 육체적 업무강도가 높아 이에 따른 피로와 그에 따른 사고 및 건강 악영향 우려가 높다. 이 연구에서는 일개 사업장 건설업 근로자를 대상으로 과로와 심박수 사이의 관계를 탐색하고 실시간 심박수 모니터링을 이용하여 과로를 방지하는 방법을 제안하였다.
방법
서울의 일개 건설업 현장에서 근무하는 근로자를 대상으로 2021.08.-2021.10.까지 근무 중 심박수를 측정하였다. 총 66명의 한국인 근로자가 손목시계 형 장치를 이용하여 심박수 측정에 참여하였다. 안정시 심박수와 최대 심박수 추정치를 바탕으로 상대심박수(RHR)를 산출하였고, 이를 바탕으로 피로 없이 근무할 수 있는 최대시간(MAWT)를 계산하여 이를 바탕으로 업무 부담(workload)를 추정하였다. 이를 통해 산출한 누적 업무량으로 과로 지수(Overwork index)를 산출한 후 적정 업무 부담(PSL)과의 차이인 초과 과로 지수(Excess overwork index)를 정의하였다. EOI 값을 이용해 일평균 상대심박수 30%값을 기준으로 정의한 과로군-비과로군을 예측할 수 있는 최적 절단값을 ROC 분석을 통해 산출하였다.
결과
근로자 60명의 심박수 측정값을 분석한 결과 28(46.7%)가 일평균 상대심박수를 기준으로 과로군으로 분류되었다. ROC 분석 결과 EOI값이 과로를 예측하는데 유용함을 확인하였고 AUC값은 0.824였다. 최적 절단 값은 최적화 방법에 따라 21.8%에서 24.0%로 나타났다.
결론
실시간 심박수 모니터링과 MAWT를 이용해 산출한 EOI값은 과로를 예측하는데 유용한 지표임을 확인하였다. 단, 건설업을 비롯하여 다른 육체적 부담이 큰 업종에서 최적 절단값을 찾기 위해서는 추가 연구가 필요하다.

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    Siddhartha Roy, Devi Prasad Mishra, Hemant Agrawal, Ram Madhab Bhattacharjee
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    Zhen Hu, Heng Zhong, Siyuan Li, Siyi Li, Yuzhong Shen, Changquan He, Zhizhou Xu
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Original Article
Correlation of commute time with the risk of subjective mental health problems: 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS)
Hyo Choon Lee, Eun Hye Yang, Soonsu Shin, Seoung Ho Moon, Nan Song, Jae-Hong Ryoo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e9.   Published online May 11, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e9
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Studies conducted so far on the link between commute time and mental health among Koreans remain insufficient. In this study, we attempted to identify the relationship between commute time and subjective mental health using the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS).

Methods

Self-reported commute time was divided into four groups: ≤ 30 (group 1), 30–60 (group 2), 60–120 (group 3), and > 120 minutes (group 4). Subjective depression was defined as a score of 50 points or less on the WHO-5 well-being index. Subjective anxiety and fatigue were defined as answering ‘yes’ to the questionnaire on whether they had experienced it over the past year. The analysis of variance, t-test, and χ2 test was used to analyze the differences among the characteristics of the study participants according to commute time, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for depression, anxiety, and fatigue according to commute time were calculated using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, monthly income, occupation, company size, weekly working hours, and shift work status.

Results

Long commute times showed increased ORs and graded increasing trends for depression, anxiety, and fatigue. The ORs for depression increased significantly in group 2 (1.06 [1.01–1.11]), group 3 (1.23 [1.13–1.33]), and group 4 (1.31 [1.09–1.57]) compared to group 1 (reference). The ORs for anxiety increased significantly in group 2 (1.17 [1.06–1.29]), group 3 (1.43 [1.23–1.65]) and group 4 (1.89 [1.42–2.53]). The ORs for fatigue increased significantly in group 2 (1.09 [1.04–1.15]), group 3 (1.32 [1.21–1.43]), and group 4 (1.51 [1.25–1.82]).

Conclusions

This study highlights that the risk of depression, anxiety, and fatigue increases with commute time.

통근 시간과 주관적 정신건강문제 위험의 상관관계 : 제6차 한국근로환경조사
목적
한국인들의 통근 시간과 정신 건강의 관계에 대해 지금까지 수행된 연구는 매우 부족하다. 본 연구에서는 제6차 한국근로환경조사 자료를 이용하여 통근 시간과 주관적 정신건강의 관계를 규명하고자 하였다.
방법
자가 보고된 통근 시간은 30분 이하(1군), 30분-60분(2군), 60분-120분(3군), 120분 초과(4군)의 4개 그룹으로 분류하였다. 주관적 우울은 WHO-5 웰빙 지수 50점 이하인 경우로 정의하였다. 주관적 불안과 피로는 지난 1년간 이러한 증상을 경험한 적이 있는지에 대한 설문지에 '그렇다'고 대답한 경우로 정의하였다. 분산분석, T-검정 및 카이-제곱 검정을 사용하여 출퇴근 시간, 우울, 불안, 피로에 따른 연구 참여자들의 특성 차이를 분석하였다. 성별, 연령, 월 소득, 직업, 회사 규모, 주당 근로 시간, 교대근무 상태를 보정한 다변량 로지스틱 회귀모형을 이용하여, 통근 시간에 따른 우울, 불안, 피로에 대한 오즈비와 95% 신뢰구간을 산출하였다.
결과
긴 통근 시간은 우울, 불안, 피로에 대한 오즈비 증가 및 점진적인 상승 추세를 보여주었다. 우울에 대한 오즈비는 2군(1.06[1.01-1.11]), 3군(1.23[1.13-1.33])과 4군(1.31[1.09-1.57])에서 1군(참조군)에 비해 유의하게 증가하였다. 불안에 대한 오즈비는 2군(1.17[1.06-1.29]), 3군(1.43[1.23-1.65])과 4군(1.89[1.42-2.53])에서 유의하게 증가했다. 피로에 대한 오즈비는 2군(1.09[1.04-1.15]), 3군(1.32[1.21-1.43])과 4군(1.51[1.25-1.82])에서 유의하게 증가했다.
결론
본 연구는 출퇴근 시간이 증가함에 따라 우울증, 불안, 피로의 위험이 증가한다는 것을 강조한다.

Citations

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  • Study on the influence of commuting time on workers' health status and its mechanism
    Yu Gan, Jing Zhang
    Journal of Transport & Health.2025; 41: 102010.     CrossRef
  • Association between commute time and loneliness: An analysis based on 2023 Seoul survey data
    Baek-Yong Choi, Ji-Hyeon Lee, Seok-Yoon Son, Seung-Woo Ryoo, Jin-Young Min, Kyoung-Bok Min
    Journal of Transport & Health.2025; 43: 102059.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Developing a short standard questionnaire for assessing work organization hazards: the Healthy Work Survey (HWS)
BongKyoo Choi, Youngju Seo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e7.   Published online April 27, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e7
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

At present, no short standard questionnaire exists for assessing and comparing major work organization hazards in the workplaces of the United States.

Methods

We conducted a series of psychometric tests (content validity, factor analysis, differential-item functioning analysis, reliability, and concurrent validity) to validate and identify core items and scales for major work organization hazards using the data from the 2002–2014 General Social Surveys (GSSs), including the Quality of Worklife (QWL) questionnaire. In addition, an extensive literature review was undertaken to find other major work organization hazards which were not addressed in the GSS.

Results

Although the overall validity of the GSS-QWL questionnaire was satisfactory in the psychometric tests, some GSS-QWL items of work-family conflict, psychological job demands, job insecurity, use of skills on the job, and safety climate scales appeared to be weak. In the end, 33 questions (31 GSS-QWL and 2 GSS) were chosen as the least, but best validated core questions and included in a new short standard questionnaire (called the Healthy Work Survey [HWS]). And their national norms were established for comparisons. Furthermore, based on the literature review, fifteen more questions for assessing other significant work organization hazards (e.g., lack of scheduling control, emotional demands, electronic surveillance, wage theft) were included in the new questionnaire. Thus, the HWS includes 48 questions in total for assessing traditional and emerging work organization hazards, which covers seven theoretical domains: work schedule/arrangement, control, support, reward, demands, safety, and justice.

Conclusions

The HWS is a short standard questionnaire for assessing work organization hazards which can be used as a first step toward the risk management of major work organization hazards in the workplaces of the US.


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  • Occupational stress(KOSS®19): scale development and validation in the Korean context
    Hansoo Song, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Inah Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Sang-Baek Koh, Sung-Soo Oh, Hee-Tae Kang, Da-Yee Jeung, Dae-Sung Hyun, Chunhui Suh, Sei-Jin Chang
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 37: e12.     CrossRef
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Original Article
The association of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure and kidney function in Korean adolescents using data from Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4 (2018–2020): a cross-sectional study
Jisuk Yun, Eun-Chul Jang, Soon-Chan Kwon, Young-Sun Min, Yong-Jin Lee
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e5.   Published online March 15, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e5
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals widely used in various products in everyday life. Due to its unique strong binding force, the half-life of PFAS is very long, so bioaccumulation and toxicity to the human body are long-standing concerns. In particular, effects on kidney function have recently emerged and there are no studies on the effect of PFAS on kidney function through epidemiological investigations in Korea. From 2018 to 2020, the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4, conducted an epidemiological investigation on the blood concentration of PFAS for the first time in Korea. Based on this data, the relationship between PFAS blood concentration and kidney function was analyzed for adolescents.

Methods

We investigated 5 types of PFAS and their total blood concentration in 811 middle and high school students, living in Korea and included in KoNEHS cycle 4, and tried to find changes in kidney function in relation to PFAS concentration. After dividing the concentration of each of the 5 PFAS and the total concentration into quartiles, multivariable linear regression was performed to assess the correlation with kidney function. The bedside Schwartz equation was used as an indicator of kidney function.

Results

As a result of multivariable linear regression, when observing a change in kidney function according to the increase in the concentration of each of the 5 PFAS and their total, a significant decrease in kidney function was confirmed in some or all quartiles.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study of Korean adolescents based on KoNEHS data, a negative correlation between serum PFAS concentration and kidney function was found. A well-designed longitudinal study and continuous follow-up are necessary.

제 4기 국민환경보건 기초조사(2018-2020) 자료를 바탕으로 한 대한민국 청소년의 과불화 화합물 노출과 신장기능과의 상관관계 연구
목적
과불화 화합물은 일상생활에서 다양한 제품에 널리 쓰이는 화학물질이다. 특유의 강한 결합력으로 인한 반감기가 매우 길기 때문에 이로 인한 생물농축과 인체에 끼치는 독성작용은 오랫동안 큰 관심사이다. 최근에는 특히 신기능에 미치는 영향이 주목받고 있으나 국내에서는 대규모 역학조사를 통한 PFAS가 신기능에 미치는 영향에 대한 조사가 전무한 실정이다. 2018년부터 2020년까지 실시된 국민환경보건 기초조사는 국내 최초로 과불화 화합물의 혈중농도에 대한 대규모 역학조사를 실시했다. 이 자료를 바탕으로 국내 최초로 청소년을 대상으로 하여 과불화 화합물의 혈중농도와 신장기능의 관계를 분석하였다.
방법
제 4기 국민환경보건 기초조사에 포함된 국내에 거주하는 중, 고등학생 828명을 대상으로 5종의 과불화 화합물의 혈중 농도를 조사하고 농도에 따른 신장기능의 변화를 알아보고자 하였다. 5종의 과불화 화합물 각각의 농도와 총 합의 농도를 사분위수로 나눈 후 다중선형회귀분석을 실시하여 신기능과의 상관관계를 분석하였다.
결과
다중선형회귀분석 결과 5종의 과불화 화합물 각각의 농도와 총 합의 농도 증가에 따라 일부 또는 전체 사분위수에서 통계적으로 유의한 신장기능의 감소가 확인되었다.
결론
제 4기 국민환경보건 기초조사 자료를 바탕으로 한국 청소년을 대상으로 한 이번 단면연구에서는 혈중 과불화 화합물의 농도와 신기능 사이에 음의 상관관계가 있음을 발견하였다. 잘 설계된 종단연구와 지속적인 추적관찰이 필요하다.

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    Arwa A. Elsheikh, Amany Mohamed Shalaby, Mohamed Ali Alabiad, Noha Ali Abd-Almotaleb, Eman El-Sayed Khayal
    Environmental Science and Pollution Research.2025; 32(9): 4989.     CrossRef
  • Environmental disease monitoring by regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea: a narrative review
    Myung-Sook Park, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Woo Jin Kim, Yun-Chul Hong, Won-Jun Choi, Seock-Yeon Hwang, Jiho Lee, Young-Seoub Hong, Yong-Dae Kim, Seong-Chul Hong, Joo Hyun Sung, Inchul Jeong, Kwan Lee, Won-Ju Park, Hyun-Joo Bae, Seong-Yong Yoon, Cheolmin Lee, Kyoung
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association Between Perfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Exposure and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Korean Adults: Results From the KoNEHS 2018–2020: A Cross‐Sectional Study
    Jisuk Yun, Young‐Sun Min
    American Journal of Industrial Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • An insight into the environmental and human health impacts of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): exploring exposure pathways and their implications
    Mohammad Hadi Dehghani, Mina Aghaei, Parnia Bashardoust, Mohammad Rezvani Ghalhari, Danial Nayeri, Milad Malekpoor, Samira Sheikhi, Zhixiong Shi
    Environmental Sciences Europe.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association of Combined Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Metals with Chronic Kidney Disease
    Issah Haruna, Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2024; 21(4): 468.     CrossRef
  • Leveraging Machine Learning for a Comprehensive Assessment of PFAS Nephrotoxicity
    Anirudh Mazumder, Kapil Panda
    Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal.2024; 9(3): 62.     CrossRef
  • Clinical, histological, molecular, and toxicokinetic renal outcomes of per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure: Systematic review and meta-analysis
    Jidapa Hanvoravongchai, Methasit Laochindawat, Yusuke Kimura, Nathan Mise, Sahoko Ichihara
    Chemosphere.2024; 368: 143745.     CrossRef
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  • 41 Download
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Original Article
Relationship between the use of hair products and urine benzophenone-3: the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4
Siyoung Kim, Seong-yong Cho, Seongyong Yoon, Daehwan Kim, Hyun Woo Park, Jisoo Kang, Sung Woo Huh
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e20.   Published online August 6, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e20
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Benzophenone-3 is a type of ketone with 2 benzene rings attached to a carbonyl group (C=O) and one benzene ring attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH). As an endocrine-disrupting chemical, benzophenone-3 is known to be associated with reproductive, developmental, thyroid, and endocrine toxicities. Benzophenone-3 is commonly used in hair products, cosmetics, and ultraviolet (UV) filters because of its characteristic property to absorb UV light. This study aims to investigate the association between the use of hair products and urine benzophenone-3 using the data from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4 (2018–2020), which represents the Korean population.

Methods

Using the KoNEHS cycle 4 survey, the data of 3,796 adults aged ≥ 19 years were analyzed. Based on the 75th percentile concentration of urine benzophenone-3, the participants were divided into the low- and high-concentration groups. Chi-square test was conducted to analyze the association of urine benzophenone-3 with distribution of general characteristics, use of personal care products, consumption of marine foods, and use of plastic products as the variable. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for the high-concentration group of urine benzophenone-3 based on the use of hair products.

Results

Women with < 6 times or ≥ 6 times of hair product usage had significantly higher adjusted ORs compared to those who did not use hair products. The calculated ORs were 1.24 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–1.38) for women with < 6 times of usage and 1.54 (95% CI: 1.33–1.79) for women with ≥ 6 times of usage.

Conclusions

This study revealed the association between the use of hair products and the concentration of urine benzophenone-3 in the general Korean population.

제4기 (2018-2020) 국민환경보건 기초조사를 이용한 헤어제품사용과 요중 벤조페논-3(benzophenone-3)과의 관계
목적
벤조페논-3은 2개의 벤젠고리가 카르보닐기(C=O)에 결합된 케톤 형태로 이루어져 있으며, 한개의 벤젠고리에 히드록시기(-OH)가 결합된 형태를 가지고 있다. 벤조페논-3은 내분비계교란화합물(Endocrine disrupting chemical)로서 생식독성, 발달독성, 갑상선 및 내분비계 독성 등을 가지고 있는 것으로 알려져 있다. 벤조페논-3은 자외선을 흡수하는 특성이 있어, 헤어제품(hair product), 화장품, 자외선차단제 등에 사용된다. 본 연구에서는 대한민국 인구집단를 대표하는 국민환경보건기초조사(KoNEHS) 4주기(2018-2020)의 데이터를 이용하여 헤어제품 사용과 요중 벤조페논-3과의 연관성을 확인하고자 한다.
방법
KoNEHS 4주기의 데이터에서 19세 이상 성인 3,796명의 참가자를 분석하였다. 요중 벤조페논-의 75번째 백분위 수 농도를 기준으로 저농도군과 고농도군으로 나누었다. 연구대상의 요중 벤조페논- 3농도와 일반적 특성, 개인 및 위생용품사용, 해양생물 섭취, 플라스틱용품사용 간의 분포 및 평균을 비교하기 위하여 독립 t-검정과 χ2 테스트를 실시하였다. 헤어제품에 대한 요중 벤조페논-3 대한 승산비(ORs)는 일반적 특성, 개인 및 위생용품사용, 해양생물 섭취, 그리고 플라스틱용품 사용을 보정한 후 로지스틱 회귀분석을 사용하여 계산하였다.
결과
본 연구에서는 여성에서 헤어제품 ‘주 6회 미만 사용군’과 ‘주 6회 이상 사용군’은 ‘사용안함군’에 비해 요중 벤조페논-3 고농도군에 속할 OR 값이 증가하였다. 계산된 OR값은 ‘주 6회 미만 사용군’ 1.24(95% CI: 1.12-1.38), ‘주 6회 이상 사용군’ 1.54 (95% CI: 1.33-1.79)이었다.
결론
본 연구를 통해서 헤어제품 사용과 요중 벤죠페논-3과의 연관성을 확인할 수 있었다.

Citations

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  • Environmental disease monitoring by regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea: a narrative review
    Myung-Sook Park, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Woo Jin Kim, Yun-Chul Hong, Won-Jun Choi, Seock-Yeon Hwang, Jiho Lee, Young-Seoub Hong, Yong-Dae Kim, Seong-Chul Hong, Joo Hyun Sung, Inchul Jeong, Kwan Lee, Won-Ju Park, Hyun-Joo Bae, Seong-Yong Yoon, Cheolmin Lee, Kyoung
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Exposure Status of Environmental Chemicals in South Korea: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018–2020
    Sooyeon Hong, Ok-Jin Kim, Sun Kyoung Jung, Hye Li Jeon, Suejin Kim, Jihyon Kil
    Toxics.2024; 12(11): 829.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Relationship between crustacean consumption and serum perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4
Sung Woo Huh, Seong-yong Cho, Seongyong Yoon, Daehwan Kim, Hyun Woo Park, Jisoo Kang, Keon Woo Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e12.   Published online April 19, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e12
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are non-aromatic organic compounds, whose hydrogen atoms in the carbon chain substituted by fluorine atoms. PFASs exhibit developmental toxicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, immunotoxicity, and hormone toxicity. PFASs are used in the production of disposable food packages, aircraft and automobile devices, cooking utensils, outdoor gear, furniture and carpets, aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), cables and wires, electronics, and semiconductors. This study aimed to determine the association between crustacean consumption and serum PFASs.

Methods

Adult participants (2,993) aged ≥ 19 years were extracted from the 4th cycle data of the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS). Based on the 50th percentile concentrations of serum PFASs, participants were divided into the low-concentration group (LC) and the high-concentration group (HC). General characteristics, dietary factors, coated product usage, and personal care product usage, an independent t-test and χ2 test were analyzed. The odds ratio (OR) of serum PFAS concentration against crustacean consumption was estimated via logistic regression analysis adjusting for general characteristics, dietary factors, coated product usage, and personal care product usage.

Results

The OR for the HC of serum PFASs was higher in individuals with ≥once a week crustacean consumption than in those with < once a week crustacean consumption. Estimated ORs were perfluorohexanesulfonic acid 2.15 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.53–3.02), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) 1.23 (95% CI: 1.07–1.41), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA) 1.42 (95% CI: 1.17–1.74) in males, and perfluorooctanoic acid 1.48 (95% CI: 1.19–1.84), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid 1.39 (95% CI: 1.27–1.52), PFNA 1.70 (95% CI: 1.29–2.26) and PFDeA 1.43 (95% CI: 1.32–1.54) in females.

Conclusions

This study revealed the association between the crustacean consumption and concentrations of serum PFASs in general Korean population.

제4기(2018-2020) 국민환경보건 기초조사 자료를 이용한 갑각률 섭취와 혈청 괍불화화합물(PFAS)과의 관계
목적
과불화화합물은 탄소 사슬에 결합 되어 있는 수소 원자가 불소 원자로 대체된 비방향족 유기 화합물이다. PFAS 는 발달 독성, 발암성, 간 독성, 생식 독성, 면역 독성, 신경 독성 및 호르몬 독성 등을 가진다. PFAS는 일회용 식품 포장, 항공, 자동차, 조리기구, 아웃도어 용품, 가구 및 카펫, 수성막포, 케이블 및 배선, 전자 및 반도체 생산에 사용된다. 본 연구에서는 국가를 대표하는 조사인 한국 국민환경보건 기초조사(KoNEHS) 4주기의 데이터를 사용하여 갑각류 섭취와 혈청 PFAS노출과의 연관성을 확인하려고 한다.
방법
KoNEHS 4주기의 데이터에서 19세 이상 성인 2,993명의 참가자를 분석하였다. 혈청 PFAS 의 50번째 백분위 수 농도를 기준으로 저농도군과 고농도군으로 나누었다. 연구대상의 혈청 PFAS 농도와 일반적 특성, 식이요인, 코팅용품 사용, 미용제품 사용간의 분포 및 평균을 비교하기 위하여 독립 t-검정과 χ2 테스트를 실시하였다. 갑각류 섭취에 대한 혈청 PFAS의 승산비는 일반적 특성, 식이요인, 코팅용품 사용, 미용제품 사용을 보정한 후 로지스틱 회귀분석을 사용하여 계산하였다.
결과
본 연구에서는 갑각류 주1회이상 섭취군은 주1회미만 섭취군에 비해 혈청 PFAS 고농도군에 속할 OR 값이 증가하였다. 남성에서는 PFHxS 2.15(95% confidence interval [CI]; 1.53-3.02), PFNA 1.23(95% CI; 1.07-1.41), PFDeA 1.42(95% CI; 1.17-1.74), 여성에서는 PFOA 1.48(95% CI; 1.19-1.84), PFOS 1.39(95% CI; 1.27-1.52), PFNA 1.70(95% CI; 1.29-2.26), PFDeA 1.43(95% CI; 1.32-1.54) 이었다.
결론
갑각류 섭취 횟수가 많을수록 혈청 PFAS (PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, PFDeA) 농도가 증가하였다.

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    Soonsu Shin, Dajeong Ham, Sanghyuk Bae
    Chemosphere.2025; 373: 144161.     CrossRef
  • Environmental disease monitoring by regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea: a narrative review
    Myung-Sook Park, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Woo Jin Kim, Yun-Chul Hong, Won-Jun Choi, Seock-Yeon Hwang, Jiho Lee, Young-Seoub Hong, Yong-Dae Kim, Seong-Chul Hong, Joo Hyun Sung, Inchul Jeong, Kwan Lee, Won-Ju Park, Hyun-Joo Bae, Seong-Yong Yoon, Cheolmin Lee, Kyoung
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Exposure Status of Environmental Chemicals in South Korea: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018–2020
    Sooyeon Hong, Ok-Jin Kim, Sun Kyoung Jung, Hye Li Jeon, Suejin Kim, Jihyon Kil
    Toxics.2024; 12(11): 829.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Exploring the association between non-regular employment and adverse birth outcomes: an analysis of national data in Japan
Tasuku Okui, Naoki Nakashima
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e6.   Published online March 18, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e6

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AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

As few studies have explored the association between non-regular or precarious employment in parents and adverse birth outcomes, this study aimed to investigate this association using national data in Japan.

Methods

This study utilized the census data from 2020 and birth data from the vital statistics in 2021 and 2022 in the analysis. Adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth, term low birth weight (TLBW), and small-for-gestational-age, were examined. Data linkage was conducted between birth data and census data to link parental employment statuses and educational attainments with birth data. Rates of adverse birth outcomes were calculated for each parental employment status. Additionally, regression analysis was used to determine adjusted risk ratios (RRs) of parental employment statuses for each birth outcome.

Results

After data linkage, 334,110 birth records were included in the statistical analysis. Rates for non-regular workers were consistently higher than those for regular workers across all adverse birth outcomes for maternal employment status. Results of regression analyses indicated that the risks of preterm birth for non-regular workers were statistically significantly higher than those for regular workers, both in mothers and fathers with a RR (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 1.053 (1.004–1.104) and 1.142 (1.032–1.264), respectively. Furthermore, the risk of TLBW birth for non-regular workers was statistically significantly higher than that for regular workers in fathers (RR [95% CI]: 1.092 [1.043–1.143]).

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrate that non-regular workers have a higher risk of some adverse birth outcomes compared to regular workers.


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  • Assisted reproductive technology in Japan: A summary report for 2022 by the Ethics Committee of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology
    Yukiko Katagiri, Seung Chik Jwa, Akira Kuwahara, Takeshi Iwasa, Masanori Ono, Keiichi Kato, Hiroshi Kishi, Yoshimitsu Kuwabara, Fuminori Taniguchi, Miyuki Harada, Akira Iwase, Norihiro Sugino
    Reproductive Medicine and Biology.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Particulate matter concentration effects on attention to environmental issues: a cross-sectional study among residents in Korea’s Pohang Industrial Complex
Hye-seung Ryu, Jea Chul Ha, Insung Chung, Seonhee Yang, Hyunjoo Kim, Sung-Deuk Choi
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e31.   Published online August 10, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e31
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

With modernization, air pollution has become increasingly serious, and its effects on health have been revealed. As a result, public interest in environmental pollution has become critical for regulating air pollution. In our study, we aim to evaluate the impact of air pollution levels on public attention to environmental issues and examine whether awareness of the residential environment’s impact on health acts as a mediator in this relationship.

Methods

We conducted an analysis on 400 individuals surveyed in the preliminary feasibility study on adverse health effects in the Pohang Industrial Complex, to examine the relationship between particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and attention to environmental issues. Logistic regression analysis was performed, and mediation analysis was used to determine whether awareness of the residential environment’s impact on health mediated the relationship.

Results

The logistic regression analysis results showed that PM2.5 levels were associated with attention to environmental issues (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.3–3.5; p = 0.003) and awareness of health impacts (AOR: 3.4; 95% CI: 1.6–7.1; p = 0.001). The PM2.5 levels showed 9.9% (95% CI: 5.4–14.0) increase in the prevalence of high attention to environmental issues, of which, only 1.0% (95% CI: 0.2–2.3) were mediated by health impact awareness. In the overall analysis, 10% of the total effect of PM2.5 on attention to environmental issues was mediated by health impact awareness.

Conclusions

According to this study’s results, there was a correlation between air pollution levels and attention to environmental issues. Awareness of the health impacts of air pollution partially mediated the effect of air pollution levels on attention to environmental issues. In future studies, it is recommended to identify other mediators to further understand this structure.

미세먼지(Particular matter)농도가 환경문제에 대한 관심에 미치는 영향 : 포항시 거주민을 대상으로 한 단면연구
목적
근현대화가 진행되어오면서 대기오염은 심각해지고 대기오염에 의한 건강영향이 밝혀지면서 대기오염을 규제하기위해 환경오염에 대한 대중의 관심도가 중요해졌다. 이번 연구에서는 대기오염 수치가 환경오염에 대한 관심도에 미치는 영향을 평가하고 그 구조로써 건강영향에 대한 인식이 매개체로써 작용하는지 탐구하고자 하였다.
방법
포항 산업단지 건강피해 예비타당성 위해소통 설문조사에서 파악된 400명에 대하여 분석을 시행하였다. PM2.5와 환경오염에 대한 관심의 관계에 대해서 보기위해 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였고, 그 구조를 파악하기 위해 매개분석을 사용하여 건강영향에 대한 인식이 매개체로써 작용하는지 확인하였다.
결과
로지스틱 분석 결과 PM2.5 수치는 환경에 대한 관심과 관련이 있었고([AOR]: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3, 3.5, P = 0.003), 건강영향에 대한 인식도와도 관련이 있었다(AOR: 3.4, 95% CI: 1.6, 7.1, P = 0.001). PM2.5수치는 전체 환경에 대한 관심도에 비교위험(%)이 9.9 (95 % CI: 5.4, 14.0)인데 전체에서 1.0 (95 % CI: 0.2, 2.3) 만이 건강영향 인식도에 의해 매개되는 비교위험이다. 전체 분석 결과에서 PM2.5가 환경에 대한 관심에 미치는 전체 영향의 10%가 건강영향 인식에 매개되었다.
결론
연구결과에 따르면 대기오염 수준은 환경오염에 대한 관심도와 관련이 있었다. 건강영향에 대한 인식은 대기오염수준이 환경오염에 대한 관심도에 미치는 영향의 일부를 매개하였다.

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  • Long-term joint exposure of outdoor air pollutants and impaired kidney function in Korean adults: A mixture analysis based on a nationwide sample (2007–2019)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology.2025; 116: 104712.     CrossRef
  • Association between exposure to ambient particulate matter and high sensitivity C-reactive protein: A nationwide study in South Korea, 2015–2018
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Atmospheric Environment.2024; 339: 120856.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Association between discrimination in the workplace and insomnia symptoms
Suhwan Ju, Seong-Sik Cho, Jung Il Kim, Hoje Ryu, Hyunjun Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e25.   Published online July 23, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e25
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

In Korea, little research has focused on the relationship between discrimination in the workplace and sleep health. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association between such discriminatory experiences and insomnia, a common sleep disorder, using Korean employees’ data.

Methods

This study used data from the 6th Korea Working Conditions Survey. Discrimination experiences due to age, ethnic background, nationality, race, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, educational level, hometown, and employment status were investigated. The Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale estimated insomnia symptoms. The association between discrimination experience and insomnia symptoms were analyzed using survey-weighted logistic regression analysis.

Results

Based on experiences of discrimination over the past 12 months, insomnia symptoms were associated with discrimination experience due to religion (odds ratio [OR]: 3.70; 95% confidential interval [CI]: 1.58–8.69), sex (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.87–3.37), age (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.88–2.81), hometown (OR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.44–2.97), employment status (OR: 1.69; 95% CI: 1.37–2.10), and educational level (OR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.31–2.14). Furthermore, the prevalence of insomnia symptoms increased with the number of discrimination experiences.

Conclusions

In this study, discrimination experiences due to religion, sex, age, hometown, employment status, and educational level were significantly associated with insomnia symptoms. Furthermore, as the number of discrimination experiences increased, so did the prevalence of insomnia. Preventing workplace discrimination may improve workers’ sleep health.

직장에서의 차별 경험과 불면증 증상 간의 연관성
목적
한국에서 차별 경험과 수면 장애 간의 연관성에 대한 연구가 거의 없었다. 따라서, 이 연구의 목적은 직장에서의 차별 경험과 불면증 증상의 연관성을 조사하는 것이다.
방법
이 연구는 제6차 근로환경조사의 자료를 활용하였다. 나이, 출신민족, 국적, 인종, 성, 종교, 장애, 성적 지향성, 학벌, 출신 지역, 고용 형태 등 총 11개 종류의 차별에 대한 경험 유무를 조사하였다. 수면 장애는 minimal insomnia symptom scale (MISS)을 사용하여 불면증 증상의 유무를 조사하였다. 둘 사이의 연관성을 평가하기 위해 가중치를 이용한 로지스틱 회귀분석을 사용하였다.
결과
종교(odds ratio [OR], 3.70; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.58–8.69), 성 (OR, 2.51 ; 95% CI, 1.87–3.37), 나이 (OR, 2.30 ; 95% CI, 1.88–2.81), 출신 지역 (OR, 2.07 ; 95% CI, 1.44–2.97), 고용 형태 (OR, 1.69 ; 95% CI, 1.37–2.10), 학벌 (OR, 1.67 ; 95% CI, 1.31–2.14)에 대한 차별 경험과 불면증 증상 간의 연관성이 확인되었다. 또한, 경험한 차별의 종류가 많을수록 불면증 증상의 유병률이 증가하는 경향이 확인되었다.
결론
이 연구에서 직장에서의 종교, 성별, 나이, 고향, 고용상태, 교육수준에 대한 차별 경험과 불면증 증상 간의 연관성이 확인되었다. 직장에서의 차별을 예방함으로써 근로자들의 수면 건강을 향상시킬 수 있을 것이다.

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  • Gender discrimination in the workplace and the onset of problematic alcohol use among female wage workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2025; 379: 118183.     CrossRef
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Original Article
The relationship between shift work pattern and thyroid stimulating hormone in female workers
Hun Jeong, Chang Ho Chae, Jun Ho Lee, Hyo Won Chong
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e14.   Published online June 22, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e14
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Shift work is known to cause changes in the circadian rhythm of the human body and adversely affect not only physical health but also mental health. Some studies have demonstrated the correlation between shift work and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), a hormone that changes according to the diurnal rhythm, but few studies have reported the different TSH levels according to the shift work type. This study aimed to investigate changes in TSH according to the shift work type.

Methods

This study included 1,318 female workers who had a medical checkup at a university hospital in Changwon from 2015 to 2019. Shift work types were classified as non-shift work, regular 2 shifts, and irregular three shifts, and a TSH ≥ 4.2 mIU/L was defined as abnormal. A general linear model (GLM) was used to compare the TSH levels and the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in each year, and a binary logistic analysis was performed using a generalized estimation equation (GEE) to compare the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism over the 5-year period.

Results

Of the 1,318 participants included in this study, 363, 711, and 244 were non-shift, two-shift, and irregular three-shift workers, respectively. In the GEE analysis, after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the odds ratios (ORs) were 1.81 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15–2.86; p = 0.011) in 2 shifts and 2.02 (95% CI: 1.23–3.32; p = 0.006) in irregular three shifts, compared to non-shift.

Conclusions

Our results showed that shift work had a higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism than non-shift work and that there was a significant difference in the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism according to the shift work type. These findings suggest that the shift work type can be considered in future thyroid function tests and evaluations.

여성근로자에서 교대근무유형과 갑상선 자극 호르몬과의 연관성
목적
교대근무는 인체의 일중리듬에 변화를 일으키고 심혈관 질환, 소화기 질환 및 대사증후군과 같은 신체적 건강 뿐만 아니라 수면장애, 우울감 등을 포함한 정신건강에도 유해한 영향을 끼치는 것으로 알려져 있다. 일중리듬에 의해 변화하는 호르몬 중 하나인 갑상선 자극 호르몬(TSH)의 농도가 교대근무와의 연관성을 보여주는 연구들이 있으나 교대근무 유형에 따른 차이를 살펴본 연구는 부족한 실정이다. 본 연구는 교대근무의 유형에 따른 TSH의 변화를 알아보고자 하였다.
방법
2015년부터 2019년까지 창원의 일개 대학병원의 건강진단을 받은 1,318명의 여성근로자를 대상으로 연구를 진행하였다. 교대근무유형은 비교대근무, 규칙적 2교대 및 불규칙 3교대로 분류하였으며 TSH ≥ 4.2mIU/L인 경우 이상이 있는 것으로 정의하였다. 연도별로 TSH의 농도를 비교하기 위하여 일반선형모델을 사용하였으며 5년간의 불현성 갑상선기능저하증의 위험도를 비교하기 위하여 일반화추정방정식을 사용하여 이분형 로지스틱 분석을 시행하였다.
결과
연구 대상자 1,318명 중 비교대근무자는 총 363명, 2교대 근무자는 총 711명, 불규칙 3교대 근무자는 총 244명이었다. 연령, 체질량지수(BMI), 흡연, 음주를 보정하고 일반화추정방정식을 사용하여 이분형 로지스틱 분석을 시행한 결과, 비교대근무자를 기준으로 하였을 때, OR은 2교대 근무자에서 1.81(95% CI 1.15-2.86, P=0.011), 불규칙 3교대 근무자에서 2.02(95% CI 1.23-3.32, P=0.006)로 나왔다.
결론
본 연구의 결과는 교대근무가 비교대근무에 비해 불현성 갑상선기능저하증의 위험도가 높았으며 교대근무의 유형에 따른 불현성 갑상선기능저하증의 위험도에 있어 유의미한 차이를 보였다. 이는 이전 연구들의 결과를 뒷받침할 뿐만 아니라 향후 갑상선 기능 검사 및 평가에 있어 교대근무의 유형이 고려대상이 될 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

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    Johanna Samulin Erdem, Mrinal K. Das, Evi De Ryck, Øivind Skare, Jenny-Anne S. Lie, Merete Bugge, Barbara Harding, Ingrid L. Jorgensen, Ingrid Sivesind Mehlum, Manolis Kogevinas, Karl-Christian Nordby, Shan Zienolddiny-Narui
    Environmental Research.2025; 276: 121503.     CrossRef
  • Age-Related Features of the Function of the Hypothalamic—Pituitary—Thyroid (HPT) Axis in Nonhuman Primates under Constant Lighting
    N. D. Goncharova, A. M. Ermolaeva, O. A. Chigarova, T. E. Oganyan, N. V. Timoshenko
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