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The most viewed articles in the last three months among those published since 2022.

Original Article
Burnout, stress, and their correlates among bank employees of South India: a cross-sectional study
Guruprasad Vinod, Srikant Ambatipudi
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e22.   Published online August 28, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e22
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background
The banking sector is one of the job sectors that experience high stress, workload, complex interpersonal relationships, and job burnout as it involves interaction with the public and financial responsibilities, which leads to high burnout and stress. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of burnout and stress among bank employees and to find the associated factors.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 282 bank employees of Kollam district, Kerala, India. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire related to the socio-demographic and professional details. We used the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) to screen for burnout levels. Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21) to screen for the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among study participants. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and logistic regression was used to identify the factors associated with the levels of burnout and stress.
Results
Of 282 study participants, moderate to high levels of burnout were observed in 232 participants (82.2%), and 74 participants (26.2%) had mild to extremely severe levels of stress. Daily average working duration showed an association with higher levels of burnout (adjusted odds ratio [ORAdj]: 2.391; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–5.10) and stress (ORAdj: 3.37; 95% CI: 1.58–7.16).
Conclusions
A high prevalence of burnout and stress was observed in the present study. The duration of working hours was associated with both burnout and stress. Therefore, regulating the working hours may help adequately manage stress and burnout, thereby improving the mental health of bank employees.

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Original Article
Association between multiple jobs and physical and psychological symptoms among the Korean working population
Seok-Yoon Son, Jin-Young Min, Seung-Woo Ryoo, Baek-Yong Choi, Kyoung-Bok Min
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e21.   Published online August 6, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e21
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

The prevalence of multiple job-holding (MJH) is expected to show an upward trend among Korean workers, yet its potential impact on workers’ health remains poorly discussed. This study aimed to explore the association between MJH and experience of physical and psychological symptoms in various aspects among active Korean workers and to identify its differences depending on workers’ gender.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study among South Korean workers aged 15–59 using data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The final study sample comprised 34,175 participants. MJH status and symptoms, such as musculoskeletal pain, headache or eyestrain, fatigue, insomnia, and anxiety, were measured by self-reported data. Logistic regression analyses were performed on the total sample and gender-stratified groups, with adjustments for the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of the participants.

Results

One hundred thirty-five men and 103 women were defined as multiple job-holders (MJHers) among the study sample. When adjusted for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, MJHers suffered more events of headache or eyestrain (odds ratio [OR]: 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–2.78) and anxiety (OR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.05–3.79). Gender-stratified analyses with adjustment showed that among women workers, MJH was associated with musculoskeletal pain (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.02–3.34), headache or eyestrain (OR: 2.53, 95% CI: 1.37–4.67), fatigue (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.29–4.40), insomnia (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.04–3.57), and anxiety (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.11–7.20).

Conclusions

We found a significant association between MJH and various symptoms. Women MJHers were revealed to be a more vulnerable population than their men counterparts. Further research should account for the social context of MJH, and appropriate monitoring and intervention for maintaining the well-being of MJHers are needed.

한국인 근로자 집단에서의 다중직업종사와 육체적, 정신적 증상 간 연관성
목적
한 근로자가 동시에 두 개 이상의 직업을 가지는 행위인 ‘다중직업종사’ 현상은 한국인 근로자들 간 그 비중이 점차 증가할 것으로 전망된다. 그러나, 다중직업종사가 근로자의 다양한 육체적, 정신적 증상에 미칠 수 있는 영향에 대한 논의는 부족한 실정이다. 이에, 본 연구에서는 한국인 근로자 집단을 대상으로 하여 다중직업종사와 근로자의 건강 간 연관성을 다양한 관점에서 탐구하였다. 나아가 이러한 연관성이 근로자의 성별에 따라 관찰되는 차이에 대하여 확인하였다.
방법
본 연구는 제6차 근로환경조사 자료를 활용한 단면 연구로, 만 15세 이상 59세 이하인 한국인 근로자 34,175명을 대상으로 수행되었다. 다중직업종사 상태 및 육체적, 정신적 증상으로서 근골격계 통증, 두통 및 눈의 피로, 전신피로, 불면 및 불안의 유무는 자가 보고된 자료로 확인하였다. 연구대상 집단 전체 및 각 성별 집단을 대상으로, 근로자들의 인구사회학적 특성 및 직업 특성을 보정한 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였다.
결과
연구대상 집단 중 135명의 남성과 103명의 여성이 다중직업종사자로 정의되었다. 인구사회학적 특성 및 직업 특성을 보정한 분석 결과 다중직업종사자에서 두통 및 눈의 피로 (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.23-2.78)와 불안 (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.05-3.79)의 위험이 더 큰 것으로 나타났다. 성별을 통한 층화 후 분석 결과 여성 근로자 집단에서 다중직업종사는 근골격계 통증 (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.02-3.34), 두통 및 눈의 피로 (OR 2.53, 95% CI 1.37-4.67), 전신피로 (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.29-4.40)와 불안 (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.11-7.20) 간 유의한 연관성을 보였다.
결론
본 연구에서 다중직업종사와 근로자의 다양한 증상 간 유의한 연관성이 있음을 확인하였다. 다중직업종사의 건강 영향은 여성 근로자 집단에서 보다 저명한 것으로 나타났다. 후속 연구는 다중직업종사 현상에 대한 사회적 맥락을 보다 고려해야 할 것이다. 또한 다중직업종사자들의 건강 유지를 위한 모니터링 및 중재가 적절히 수행되어야 함을 제안한다.
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Original Article
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.   Published online September 6, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e25
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFPubReaderePub
Background
The rise in single-person households is a global phenomenon with well-documented implications for both physical and mental well-being. However, there remains a scarcity of studies focusing specifically on the health impacts of single-person households on workers. This study aims to address this gap by comparing insomnia symptoms between single- and multi-person household workers, shedding light on the health implications of household composition.
Methods
This study utilized data from the Sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey. Insomnia symptoms were categorized into normal sleep and insomnia symptom groups utilizing the 3-item Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale. Multiple logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the association between single-person household wage workers and insomnia symptoms.
Results
In comparison to wage workers from multi-person households, those from single-person households exhibited heightened risks of reporting insomnia symptoms. In the fully adjusted model, the odds ratios for symptoms of insomnia among single-person household wage workers was 1.173 (95% confidence interval: 1.020–1.349).
Conclusions
This study underscores that single-person household wage workers in Korea face an elevated risk of insomnia symptoms compared to their counterparts in multi-person households.

목적
기존 연구에 의하면 1인 가구와 건강 문제는 부정적인 연관성을 보이는 것으로 알려져 있으나 1인 가구 임금 근로자들에 대한 연구는 부족해 보인다. 이에 임금 근로자들을 대상으로 1인 가구의 불면증 증상의 실태를 파악하고 다인 가구 임금 근로자들과 비교하여 1인 가구 근로자가 건강에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 연구해보고자 한다.
방법
이 연구는 제6차 근로환경조사의 원시자료를 이용한 단면 연구이다. 불면증 증상의 경우 Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale (MISS)를 사용하여 평가되었다. 다인 가구 임금 근로자군과 비교했을 때 1인 가구 임금 근로자군과 불면증 증상 간의 연관성을 연구하기 위해 다중 로지스틱 회귀분석을 실시하였다.
결과
다인 가구 임금 근로자군과 비교했을 때 1인 가구 임금 근로자군의 불면증 증상에 대한 교차비(OR)은 1.173 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.020-1.349)로 나타났다.
결론
연구 결과 한국의 1인 가구 임금 근로자는 다인 가구 임금 근로자에 비해 불면증 증상을 보일 위험이 높은 것으로 나타났다. 1인 가구 근로자의 증가 추세는 근로자의 건강에 영향을 미치는 요인으로서 관심이 필요할 것으로 생각된다.
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Erratum
Erratum: Korean translation and validation of the Workplace Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment (PERMA)-Profiler
Seong Pil Choi, Chunhui Suh, Jae Won Yang, Byung Jin Ye, Chae Kwan Lee, Byung Chul Son, Maro Choi
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e26.   Published online November 18, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e26
Corrects: Ann Occup Environ Med 2019;31:e17
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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 MaterialPubReaderePub
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.
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Original Article
Occupation classification model based on DistilKoBERT: using the 5th and 6th Korean Working Condition Surveys
Tae-Yeon Kim, Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Byungyoon Yun, Domyung Paek, Kyung Ehi Zoh, Kanwoo Youn, Yun Keun Lee, Yangho Kim, Jungwon Kim, Eunsuk Choi, Mo-Yeol Kang, YoonHo Cho, Kyung-Eun Lee, Juho Sim, Juyeon Oh, Heejoo Park, Jian Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e19.   Published online August 6, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e19
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Accurate occupation classification is essential in various fields, including policy development and epidemiological studies. This study aims to develop an occupation classification model based on DistilKoBERT.

Methods

This study used data from the 5th and 6th Korean Working Conditions Surveys conducted in 2017 and 2020, respectively. A total of 99,665 survey participants, who were nationally representative of Korean workers, were included. We used natural language responses regarding their job responsibilities and occupational codes based on the Korean Standard Classification of Occupations (7th version, 3-digit codes). The dataset was randomly split into training and test datasets in a ratio of 7:3. The occupation classification model based on DistilKoBERT was fine-tuned using the training dataset, and the model was evaluated using the test dataset. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score were calculated as evaluation metrics.

Results

The final model, which classified 28,996 survey participants in the test dataset into 142 occupational codes, exhibited an accuracy of 84.44%. For the evaluation metrics, the precision, recall, and F1 score of the model, calculated by weighting based on the sample size, were 0.83, 0.84, and 0.83, respectively. The model demonstrated high precision in the classification of service and sales workers yet exhibited low precision in the classification of managers. In addition, it displayed high precision in classifying occupations prominently represented in the training dataset.

Conclusions

This study developed an occupation classification system based on DistilKoBERT, which demonstrated reasonable performance. Despite further efforts to enhance the classification accuracy, this automated occupation classification model holds promise for advancing epidemiological studies in the fields of occupational safety and health.

DistilKOBERT를 기반으로 한 직업 분류 모델 개발: 제5차, 6차 한국근로실태조사를 이용하여
목적
정확한 직업분류는 정책 개발 및 역학 연구를 포함한 다양한 분야에서 중요하다. 본 연구는 자연어처리모델인 DistilKoBERT를 기반으로 한 직업 분류 모델을 개발하는 것을 목표로 한다.
방법
본 연구는 2017년과 2020년에 실시된 제5차와 제6차 근로환경조사 (KWCS)의 데이터를 활용하였다. 대한민국 근로자를 국가적으로 대표하는 총 99,665명의 참가자가 포함되었고, 직무 내용과 관련된 자연어 응답과 그에 맞는 대한민국 표준직업 분류코드(7차 개정, 3자리 코드)를 연구에 사용하였다. 데이터셋은 7:3의 비율로 훈련 및 테스트 데이터셋으로 무작위로 분할되었고, 사전 학습된 DistilKoBERT을 훈련 데이터셋을 통해 파인튜닝하여 모델을 학습시키고, 테스트 데이터셋을 사용하여 그 기능을 평가하였다. 정확도, 정밀도, 재현율 및 F1 점수가 평가 지표로 계산되었다.
결과
테스트 데이터셋의 28,996명의 참가자를 142개의 직업 코드로 분류한 최종 모델은 84.44%의 정확도를 보였다. 샘플 크기를 기준으로 가중치를 적용하여 계산한 모델의 정밀도, 재현율 및 F1 점수는 각각 0.83, 0.84 및 0.83 이었다. 최종 모델은 서비스, 판매 종사자 그룹에서 높은 정밀도를 보여주었지만 관리자 그룹에서는 낮은 정밀도를 보였다. 또한 훈련 데이터셋에서 표본의 수가 많았던 직업에서 대체로 높은 정밀도를 보였다.
결론
본 연구는 DistilKoBERT를 기반으로 합리적인 성능을 보이는 직업 분류 모델을 개발하였다. 분류의 정확성을 향상시키기 위한 추가적인 노력이 필요하지만, 자동화된 직업 분류 모델은 직업 안전 및 보건 분야의 유행병 연구를 발전시키는 데 기여할 것이라 기대된다.
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Original Article
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
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e24.   Published online September 10, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e24
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background
Firefighters are exposed to shift work, as well as unpredictable emergency calls and traumatic events, which can lead to sleep problems. This study aimed to investigate the risk of insomnia by work schedule instability in Korean firefighters.
Methods
This study used the Insomnia Severity Index to assess the insomnia in firefighters. The work schedule stability was classified with the frequency of the substitute work and the timing of notification for work schedule changes. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of insomnia by work schedule stability with covariates including sex, age, education, smoking, alcohol, caffeine intake, shift type, job, and underlying conditions.
Results
Of the 8,587 individuals, 751 (8.75%) had moderate to severe insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 15). The prevalence of insomnia was statistically significantly higher as the frequency of substitute work increased: <1 time per month (6.8%), 1–2 times (9.5%), 3–5 times (13.4%), and more than 5 times (15.7%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of insomnia was statistically significantly higher when the timing of the schedule change notification was urgent or irregular: no change or several weeks before (5.4%), several days before (7.9%), one day before or on the day (11.2%), irregularly notification (11.6%) (p < 0.001). In comparison to the group with good frequency of the substitute work/good timing of schedule change notification group, the adjusted odds ratios of insomnia were 1.480 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.237–1.771) for Good/Bad group, 1.862 (95% CI: 1.340–2.588) for Bad/Good group, and 1.885 (95% CI: 1.366–2.602) for Bad/Bad group.
Conclusions
Work schedule instability was important risk factor of insomnia in firefighters. It suggests that improving the stability of work schedules could be a key strategy for reducing sleep problems in this occupational group.
한국 교대근무 소방관에서 근무 스케줄 불안정성에 따른 불면증 유병 위험
목적
한국 교대근무 소방관에서 근무 스케줄 불안정성이 불면증 유병 위험을 평가하였다.
방법
한국판 불면증 심각도 평가척도를 이용하여 불면증을 평가하였다. 근무 스케줄 안정성으로는 월별 대체 근무 횟수 및 근무일정 변경 통보 시점으로 분류하였다. 월별 대체 근무 횟수 및 근무일정 변경 통보 시점을 각각 좋음, 나쁨으로 분류하고, 두 요인을 조합하여 좋음/좋음, 좋음/나쁨, 나쁨/좋음, 나쁨/나쁨의 4개 그룹으로 나누었다. 통계분석은 카이제곱검정, t-검정, 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 사용하였다.
결과
8,587명 중 751명(8.75%)은 중등도 이상의 불면증이 있었다. 별 대체근무 일수가 증가할수록, 근무 일정 변화를 미리 고지하지 않을수록 불면증 유병률이 유의하게 높았다. 4개의 그룹으로 나누어 근무 예측 가능성과 불면증의 연관성을 분석한 결과, 대체 근무 빈도가 “좋음”그룹/근무일정 변경 통보 시점이 “좋음” 그룹과 비교하여 불면증의 보정 비차비는 “좋음/나쁨” 그룹은 1.480(95%신뢰구간: 1.237~1.771), “나쁨/좋음” 그룹은 1.862(95% CI: 1.340~2.588), “나쁨/나쁨”그룹은 1.885(95% CI: 1.366~2.602)였다.
결론
근무 스케줄 안정성이 좋지 못할수록 불면증의 위험성이 높았다.
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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 MaterialPubReaderePub

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  
  • 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;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and the onset of problematic alcohol use in young workers: A population-based longitudinal analysis in South Korea
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
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    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
  • Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
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    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
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
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e18.   Published online July 10, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e18
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFPubReaderePub
Background

Disturbance of circadian rhythms caused by shift work has adverse effects on insulin resistance. Many previous studies have confirmed that shift work and insulin resistance are related using homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance, one of the insulin resistance indicators. However, the triglycerides and glucose index (TyG index) has recently been studied as an insulin resistance indicator. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of shift work and TyG index, one of the indirect indicators of insulin resistance, using results of health checkups in one workplace.

Methods

Based on medical examination data collected in February 2019, a total of 3,794 subjects from one chemical plant in Korea were selected for this study. Cut-off value of TyG index for predicting development of diabetes mellitus (DM) was 4.69. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed after adjusting for age, employment period, obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, drinking, physical activity, hypertension, stroke, heart disease.

Results

As a result of logistic regression analysis, compared to day workers, odds ratio (OR) with a TyG index above cut-off value for predicting development of DM in shift workers was 1.220 after adjusting for age, employment period, obesity, abdominal obesity, smoking, drinking, physical activity, hypertension, stroke, heart disease (Model 1, OR: 1.276; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.099–1.482; Model 2, OR: 1.232; 95% CI: 1.055–1.438; Model 3, OR: 1.220, 95% CI: 1.030–1.444).

Conclusions

There was a significant association between shift work and TyG index among male workers in a chemical plant. More research studies on the association between shift work and TyG index are needed in the future.

한국의 한 화학 공장의 남성 근로자들에서 교대 근무와 TyG index의 관련성
목적
교대 근무와 인슐린 저항성이 관련이 있다는 연구가 기존에 있었으나, 인슐린 저항성의 지표로 기존에는 homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)을 이용하였다. 하지만 최근, 인슐린 저항성 지표 중 하나인 Triglycerides and Glucose (TyG) index가 당뇨병 발생의 예측을 위한 지표로서 기존 다른 인슐린 저항성 지표보다 우수하다는 연구들이 발표되었다. 이에 본 연구는 한국의 한 화학공장의 근로자들을 대상으로 교대근무와 당뇨병 발생의 예측인자로서의 TyG index의 관련성을 확인하고자 하였다.
방법
2019년 2월 한국의 한 화학공장 사업장에서 실시된 건강검진 기록을 활용하여 총 3,794명의 자료를 대상으로 자료를 수집하였다. 변수로 대상자의 일반적 특성 및 교대근무 여부, 근무 기간 등 직업적 특성이 포함되었다. 기존 연구를 토대로, 당뇨병 발생의 예측을 위한 TyG index의 컷오프 값은 4.69로 설정하였다. 다중 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 사용하여 교대 근무와 TyG index 사이의 연관성을 조사하였다.
결과
교대 근무와 TyG index 사이에 유의미한 연관성이 있었다. (OR 1.220, 95% CI 1.030-1.444)
결론
교대 근무와 TyG index 사이에 유의미한 연관성이 있었다. TyG index가 당뇨병 발생의 예측인자로서 가치가 있다는 근거를 토대로 하여서, 교대 근로자들의 당뇨병 발생의 관리를 위해서 TyG index를 이용하는 것을 고려할 필요가 있을 것이다.
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Original Article
Relationship between organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides and metabolic syndrome in Korean farmers
Sungbeom Kim, Sangchul Roh, Min-Gi Kim, Jeongbae Rhie, Jisue Yoon, Sun-In Moon
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e23.   Published online September 20, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e23
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFPubReaderePub
Background
The global use of pesticides steadily increased until the early 2010s. Pesticides play a significant role in agriculture in Korea. Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. This study explored the potential association between organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticide exposure and metabolic syndrome.
Methods
This study enrolled 1,317 individuals who participated in the Pesticide Exposure and Intoxication Study conducted by the Dankook University Hospital Center for Farmers’ Safety and Health from 2014 to 2019. Urinary levels of dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphat, diethylphosphate, and diethylthiophosphate were measured to assess organophosphate pesticide exposure and urinary levels cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid were measured to assess pyrethroid pesticide exposure.
Results
The odds ratio for the 4th quartile group of organophosphate metabolites concentration was 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–2.09) compared to the 1st quartile group after adjustment for general factors. In addition, a positive trend was observed across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites concentration. A positive trend was noted across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites in males, while no significant association was observed in females. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed between metabolic syndrome and pyrethroid metabolites concentration.
Conclusions
A positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the concentrations of urinary organophosphate metabolites, consistent with previous research finding. This association may be attributed to the action of organophosphates as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, stimulating beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. This can lead to alterations in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, ultimately leading to metabolic syndrome development. Metabolic syndrome is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease; therefore, it is necessary to identify the risk factors unique to rural areas, such as pesticide exposure.
한국 농업인의 유기인계 및 피레스로이드계 농약과 대사증후군 간의 관계
목적
농약 사용량은 2010년대 초까지 전세계적으로 꾸준히 증가하였으며, 농약은 한국 농업에서 중요한 부분을 차지하고 있다. 대사 증후군은 농촌 지역에서 도시 지역에 비하여 높은 유병률을 보인다. 유기염소계 농약과 대사 증후군 사이의 관련성은 일부 연구된 바 있으나, 다른 종류의 농약 노출과 대사 증후군 사이의 관련성에 대한 연구는 제한적이다. 따라서 본 연구는 유기인계 및 피레스로이드계 농약의 노출과 대사 증후군 사이의 관련성을 조사하고자 한다.
방법
2014년부터 2019년까지 단국대학교병원 농업안전보건센터에서 실시한 농약 노출 및 중독 연구에 참여한 1,317명을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였다. 유기인계 농약 노출 평가를 위해 DMP, DMTP, DEP, DETP의 소변 농도를 측정하였고, 피레스로이드계 농약 노출 평가를 위해 cis-DCCA, trans-DCCA, DBCA, 3-PBA의 소변 농도를 측정하였다. 다변량 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하여 농약 노출과 대사증후군 유병률 사이의 관계를 조사하였다.
결과
유기인계 대사체 농도에 따라 4분위 그룹으로 분류하였을 때, 4분위 그룹의 대사증후군 유병률이 오즈비 1.66(95% CI 1.22-2.28)으로 1분위 그룹에 비하여 높았다. 또한, 유기인계 대사체 농도와 대사증후군 유병률은 유의한 경향성을 보였다. 피레스로이드계 대사체 농도에 따라 4분위 그룹으로 분류하였을 때, 3분위 그룹의 대사증후군 유병률이 오즈비 1.51(95% CI 1.11-2.07)로 1분위 그룹에 비하여 높았다. 피레스로이드계 대사체 농도와 대사증후군 사이에 유의한 경향성은 나타나지 않았다.
결론
유기인계 농약 대사체 농도와 대사 증후군의 유병률 사이에 양의 상관 관계가 관찰되었으며, 이전 연구 결과를 보충하는 결과로 나타났다. 대사 증후군의 유병률이 증가하는 기전은 불분명하나, 유기인계 농약은 acetylcholinesterase inhibitor로 작용하므로 랑게르한스 섬의 베타 세포를 자극하고 이에 따른 지질 대사 및 인슐린 저항성의 변화로 인해 나타날 수 있을 것으로 추정된다. 대사 증후군은 심혈관 질환의 주요 원인 중 하나이며, 농촌 지역에서는 의료 접근이 비교적 취약하며 농약과 같은 특수한 위험 요인이 있기 때문에 이러한 위험 요인들을 식별하고 예방하여야 한다.
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Original Article
Mental health symptoms among dependent contractors in Korea: a cross-sectional study based on the Fifth Korean Working Condition Survey
Seong-Uk Baek, Sung-Shil Lim, Sehyun Yun, Won-Tae Lee, Min-Seok Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e1.   Published online February 10, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e1
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Recently, there has been a call to improve the holistic welfare of dependent contractors (DCs). Thus, our study examined the relationship between DCs and mental health symptoms and how this relationship was modified by age, sex, and income status of workers.

Methods

A total of 27,980 workers from the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey are included in our study. The participants who reported having depression or anxiety over the last 12 months are defined those who had mental health symptoms. We performed exact matching for age group and sex, followed by conditional logistic regression with survey weights. Finally, stratified analyses by age, sex and income level were conducted.

Results

DCs were found to be at increased risk of depression/anxiety compared to other workers. The odds ratio (OR) is 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06–2.17). In the stratified analyses, vulnerable groups were middle-aged (OR [95% CI]: 1.68 [1.10–2.54]), female (OR [95% CI]: 1.85 [1.20–2.84]), and low-income (OR [95% CI]: 3.18 [1.77–5.73]) workers.

Conclusions

Our study's results reinforce those of other studies that show that DCs are at greater risk of experiencing mental health issues than other workers and that and this risk is greater for middle-aged, female, and low-income workers. These results suggest that appropriate policy efforts should be made to improve the psychological well-being of DCs.

한국의 특수형태근로종사자의 정신건강증상: 제5차 한국근로실태조사에 근거한 단면 연구
목적
최근 특수형태근로종사자의 법적 지위와 근로환경에 대한 사회적 관심이 증가하고 있다. 우리의 연구 목표는 특수형태근로종사자와 정신 건강 증상 사이의 관계를 조사하며,이 관계가 근로자의 연령, 성별 및 소득수준에 따라 구분된 층화 그룹에 따라 어떻게 변화되는지를 조사하는 것이다.
방법
본 연구에는 제5차 한국 근로 환경 조사의 총 27,980명의 임금근로자가 포함되었다. 정신건강증상을 가진 근로자는 지난 12개월 이내 우울증 혹은 불안감으로 인한 건강장애를 경험했다고 대답한 근로자로 정의되었다. 참여 근로자를 연령 그룹과 성별에 따라 매칭하였으며, 설문 조사 가중치를 사용한 조건부 로지스틱 회귀를 수행하여 분석하였다. 연령, 성별, 소득수준에 따라 그룹별로 층화분석이 추가적으로 진행되었다.
결과
특수형태근로종사자로서의 지위는 정신 건강 증상의 위험 증가와 관련이 있었다 (오즈비 1.52, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.06-2.17). 층화분석에서 취약 그룹은 40대와 50대의 중년 (오즈비 1.68, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.10-2.54), 여성 (오즈비 1.85, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.20-2.84) 및 저소득층 (오즈비 3.18, 95% 신뢰구간: 1.77-5.73)에 속하는 근로자로 분석되었다.
결론
우리의 연구는 특수형태근로자로서 일하는 것이 그 자체로 불안감이나 우울감과 관련이 있다는 이전 연구 결과를 재확인하였다. 또한 중장년층, 여성, 저소득층에서 그 영향이 더 크다는 사실도 처음으로 밝혀냈다. 본 연구는 특수형태근로종사자의 정신 건강을 보호하기 위한 적절한 정책적 노력이 필요함을 시사한다.

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  • 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
  • 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 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
  • Characteristics and Socio-Demographic Distribution of Precarious Employment Among Korean Wage Workers: A Proposition of Multidimensional Approach Using a Summative Score
    Seong-Uk Baek, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Taeyeon Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Safety and Health at Work.2023; 14(4): 476.     CrossRef
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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 MaterialPubReaderePub
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.
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Case Report
Recognized cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in automobile workers by the Korean Epidemiologic Investigation Evaluation Committee
Yongjin Kim, Jong-Hyeop O, Hyungyoel Cho, Shinhee Ye
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e28.   Published online October 17, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e28
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFPubReaderePub
Background
Three automobile company workers (one from Factory D and two from Factory E) were diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The Korean Epidemiologic Investigation and Evaluation Committee determined that there is considerable scientific evidence supporting the association between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and combined exposure to heavy metals, organic solvents, and diesel exhaust at the manufacturing plant. Case presentation: Patient A, who primarily engaged in engine processing and completed vehicle inspection at Factory D, was exposed to considerable amounts of heavy metals and organic solvents during medium- and large-engine processing, welding, and painting for over 23 years. Additionally, the patient was likely exposed to diesel exhaust for 33 years from forklifts delivering engines in the workshop. Patients B and C, who were responsible for engine assembly, ignition testing, and engine shipment at Factory E since around 1990, were exposed to lead and benzene from gasoline during engine ignition tests in the engine department for 15 and 16 years, respectively. They also encountered welding fumes, heavy metals, and organic solvents during welding and painting tasks. In addition, Patients B and C were continuously exposed to diesel exhaust from logistics vehicles on standby during work hours for 25 and 30 years, respectively. Conclusions: Although the specific level of lead exposure causing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis remains undetermined, numerous studies have consistently reported a relationship between lead exposure and disease development. Limited evidence suggests that exposure to organic solvents and diesel exhaust may increase the risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Therefore, the Epidemiological Investigation and Evaluation Committee concluded that the three patients’ work-related exposure to heavy metals, organic solvents, and diesel exhaust is significantly supported by scientific evidence as a cause of their amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
일개 자동차 회사 근로자에서 발생한 근위축성 측삭경화증: 3개 사례보고
배경
일개 자동차 회사의 3명의 근로자(공장 D에서 1명, 공장 E에서 2명)가 근위축성 측삭경화증(Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) 진단을 받았다. 역학조사평가위원회는 근로자에서 중금속, 유기용제, 디젤 배기가스에 대한 복합 노출과 근위축성 측삭경화증 발병 사이에 상당한 과학적 증거가 있다고 판단하였다.
증례
근로자 A는 공장 D에서 주로 엔진 가공 및 완성 차량 검사 업무를 담당하며, 약 23년 동안 중대형 엔진 가공, 용접 및 도장 작업 중 상당한 양의 중금속 및 유기용제에 노출되었다. 또한, 약 33년동안 지게차로 엔진을 운반하는 업무를 하며 발생하는 디젤 배기가스에 노출되었다. 근로자 B와 C는 1990년대 초부터 공장 E에서 엔진 조립, 엔진 착화테스트 및 엔진 출하 업무를 담당했으며, 각각 약 15년, 약 16년 동안 엔진 착화테스트 업무를 하며 휘발유에 포함된 납 및 벤젠 등에 노출되었다. 그리고 용접 및 도장 작업을 하며 용접 흄, 중금속 및 유기용제 등에 노출되었다. 또한 근로자 B와 C는 각각 약 25년, 약 30년 동안 작업 중 인근에 대기 중인 물류 차량으로부터 지속적으로 디젤 배기가스에 노출되었다.
결론
근위축성 측삭경화증을 발생시킬 수 있는 납 노출 수준은 명확하게 밝혀지지 않았지만, 비교적 많은 연구에서 납 노출과 질병의 발병 사이 관계를 일관되게 보고하고 있었다. 유기용제 및 디젤 배기가스에 대한 노출이 근위축성 측삭경화증의 발생 위험을 증가시킬 수 있다는 제한적인 증거도 있었다. 따라서, 역학조사평가위원회는 3명의 근로자가 근무 중 노출된 중금속, 유기용제 및 디젤 배기가스가 근위축성 측삭경화증의 원인이라는 과학적 근거가 상당하다고 판단하였다.
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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 PDFPubReaderePub
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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  • 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
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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 PDFPubReaderePub
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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Case Report
Glioblastoma in a paper industry worker exposed to high concentrations of formaldehyde: a case report
Youngshin Lee, Jiwoon Kwon, Miyeon Jang, Seongwon Ma, Kyo Yeon Jun, Minjoo Yoon, Shinhee Ye
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e17.   Published online July 5, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e17
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Formaldehyde was classified as a Group I Carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2006. While the IARC has stated that there is a lack of evidence that formaldehyde causes brain cancer, three meta-analyses have consistently reported a significantly higher risk of brain cancer in workers exposed to high levels of formaldehyde. Therefore, we report a case of a worker who was diagnosed with glioblastoma after being exposed to high concentrations of formaldehyde while working with formaldehyde resin in the paper industry.

Case presentation

A 40-year-old male patient joined an impregnated paper manufacturer and performed impregnation work using formaldehyde resin for 10 years and 2 months. In 2017, the patient experienced a severe headache and visited the hospital for brain magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed a mass. In the same year, the patient underwent a craniotomy for brain tumor resection and was diagnosed with glioblastoma of the temporal lobe. In 2019, a craniotomy was performed owing to the recurrence of the brain tumor, but he died in 2020. An exposure assessment of the work environment determined that the patient was exposed to formaldehyde above the exposure threshold of 0.3 ppm continuously for more than 10 years and that he had high respiratory and dermal exposure through performing work without wearing a respirator or protective gloves.

Conclusions

This case report represents the first instance where the epidemiological investigation and evaluation committee of the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute in Korea recognized the scientific evidence of work-related brain tumors due to long-term exposure to high concentrations of formaldehyde during impregnated paperwork. This case highlights the importance of proper workplace management, informing workers that prolonged exposure to formaldehyde in impregnation work can cause brain tumors and minimizing exposure in similar processes.

고농도 포름알데히드에 노출된 제지 산업 근로자에서 발생한 교모세포종: 사례보고
배경
포름알데히드는 2006년 국제암연구소(IARC)에서 1군 발암 물질로 분류되었다. IARC는 포름알데히드가 뇌종양을 유발한다는 증거가 부족하다고 밝혔지만, 세 건의 메타 분석에서 고농도의 포름알데히드에 노출된 근로자의 뇌종양 위험도가 상당히 높다고 일관되게 보고했다. 이에 포름알데히드 수지를 사용하는 제지 산업에서 근무하던 중 고농도의 포름알데히드에 노출되어 교모세포종 진단을 받은 근로자의 사례를 보고하고자 한다.
증례
40세 남성 환자는 함침지 제조업체에 입사하여 10년 2개월 동안 포름알데히드 수지를 사용한 함침 작업을 수행했다. 2017년 9월, 환자는 심한 두통을 느껴 병원을 방문하여 촬영한 뇌 자기공명영상(MRI)의 결과에서 종양이 발견되었다. 같은 해에 환자는 뇌종양 절제를 위해 개두술을 시행하였고 측두엽의 교모세포종을 진단받았다. 2019년 뇌종양 재발로 개두술을 시행하였지만 치료에도 불구하고 2020년 사망하였다. 환자의 작업환경 노출 평가 결과, 10년 이상 지속적으로 노출 기준치인 0.3ppm 이상의 포름알데히드에 노출되었고, 호흡기나 보호 장갑을 착용하지 않고 작업을 수행해 호흡기 및 피부 노출이 높았던 것으로 확인되었다.
고찰
본 사례는 국내 산업안전보건연구원 역학조사평가위원회가 함침 작업 중 고농도 포름알데히드에 장기간 노출되어 업무상 뇌종양이 발생하였다는 과학적 근거를 인정한 첫 사례이다. 이 사례를 통해 함침 작업에서 포름알데히드에 장기간 노출되면 뇌종양이 발생할 수 있음을 근로자에게 알리고 유사한 공정에서 노출을 최소화하는 등 적절한 작업환경관리의 필요성을 강조한다.
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Original Article
The effect of long working hours on developing type 2 diabetes in adults with prediabetes: The Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study
Eunhye Seo, Yesung Lee, Eunchan Mun, Dae Hoon Kim, Youshik Jeong, Jaehong Lee, Jinsook Jeong, Woncheol Lee
Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e4.   Published online March 14, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e4
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Long working hours are known to account for approximately one-third of the total expected work-related diseases, and much interest and research on long working hours have recently been conducted. Additionally, as the prevalence of prediabetes and the high-risk group for diabetes are increasing worldwide, interest in prediabetes is also rising. However, few studies have addressed the development of type 2 diabetes and long working hours in prediabetes. Therefore, the aim of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the relationship between long working hours and the development of diabetes in prediabetes.

Methods

We included 14,258 prediabetes participants with hemoglobinA1c (HbA1c) level of 5.7 to 6.4 in the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study. According to a self-reported questionnaire, we evaluated weekly working hours, which were categorized into 35–40, 41–52, and > 52 hours. Development of diabetes was defined as an HbA1c level ≥ 6.5%. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the development of diabetes were estimated using Cox proportional hazards analyses with weekly working 35–40 hours as the reference.

Results

During a median follow-up of 3.0 years, 776 participants developed diabetes (incidence density, 1.66 per 100 person-years). Multivariable-adjusted HRs of development of diabetes for weekly working > 52 hours compared with working 35–40 hours were 2.00 (95% CI: 1.50–2.67). In subgroup analyses by age (< 40 years old, ≥ 40 years old), sex (men, women), and household income (< 6 million KRW, ≥ 6 million KRW), consistent and significant positive associations were observed in all groups.

Conclusions

In our large-scale longitudinal study, long working hours increases the risk of developing diabetes in prediabetes patients.

당뇨전단계 성인의 제 2형 당뇨로 진행에 대한 장시간 근무의 영향: 강북삼성 코호트 연구
목적
이 연구의 목적은 당뇨전단계라는 고위험그룹에서 장시간 노동과 당뇨로의 진행 사이의 관계를 종단적 연구로 평가하는 것이다.
방법
연구는 강북 삼성 종합 건진 센터에서 2012년 1월 1일부터 2018년 12월 31 일 사이에 최소 두번의 건강검진을 받은 수검자 중, HbA1c 수치가 5.7~6.4인 당뇨전단계 기준을 만족하는 14,258명을 포함했다. 참가자들은 자체 보고된 설문지를 사용하여 3개 그룹 (35-40시간, 41-52시간 및 >52시간)으로 나뉘었고 당뇨로의 진행은 HbA1c 수치 ≥6.5%로 정의되었다. 당뇨 발병에 대한 위험 비율(HR) 및 95% 신뢰 구간(CI)은 주당 35-40시간 근무하는 그룹을 기준으로 Cox 비례 위험 분석을 사용하여 추정되었다.
결과
중앙값 3.0년의 추적 기간 동안 776명의 참가자가 당뇨(발병률, 100인년당 1.66)로 발전했습니다. 주당 근무시간이 35-40시간인 그룹과 비교하여 52시간 초과 근무한 그룹의 다 변수 조정 당뇨 발생 위험비율은 2.00(95% 신뢰구간 [1.50–2.67])이었다. 연령(40세 미만, 40세 이상), 성별(남성, 여성) 및 가계 소득(600만원, 600만원)에 따른 하위 그룹 분석에서 모든 그룹에서 일관되고 유의한 연관성이 관찰되었다.
결론
이 대규모 종단 연구는 당뇨전단계에서 긴 근무 시간이 당뇨 발병과 관련이 있음을 보여주었다.

Citations

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  • 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
  • Working Hours, Shift, and Remote Work by Industry and Occupation in U.S. Full-time Workers
    Guang X. Chen
    Workplace Health & Safety.2024; 72(9): 392.     CrossRef
  • 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
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Ya-Wen Lin, Pei-Chun Chen, Che-Huei Lin, Ming-Hung Lin, Fadwa Alhalaiqa
    PLOS ONE.2024; 19(7): e0304442.     CrossRef
  • Relationship between Marriage and Prediabetes among Healthcare Workers: Mediating Effect of Triglycerides
    Yong-Hsin Chen, Jia-June Lin, Hsiu-Mei Tang, Ching-Wen Yang, Gwo-Ping Jong, Yi-Sun Yang
    Medicina.2024; 60(9): 1418.     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
  • Working hours and the onset of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms: A 10-year nationwide longitudinal study in South Korea (2012–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Taeyeon Kim, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Psychiatry Research.2023; 326: 115344.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and physical inactivity in middle-aged and older adults: a Korean longitudinal study (2006–2020)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Won-Tae Lee, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.2023; 77(6): 355.     CrossRef
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    Sangjun Lee, Kwang-Pil Ko, Jung Eun Lee, Inah Kim, Sun Ha Jee, Aesun Shin, Sun-Seog Kweon, Min-Ho Shin, Sangmin Park, Seungho Ryu, Sun Young Yang, Seung Ho Choi, Jeongseon Kim, Sang-Wook Yi, Daehee Kang, Keun-Young Yoo, Sue K. Park
    Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health.2022; 55(5): 464.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Exploring the impact of age and socioeconomic factors on health-related unemployment using propensity score matching: results from Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015–2017)
Ye-Seo Lee, Dong-Wook Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e16.   Published online July 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e16
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Previous reports showed that age and socioeconomic factors mediated health-related unemployment. However, those studies had limitations controlling for confounding factors. This study examines age and socioeconomic factors contributing to health-related unemployment using propensity score matching (PSM) to control for various confounding variables.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2015–2017. We applied a 1:1 PSM to align health factors, and examined the association between health-related unemployment and age or socioeconomic factors through conditional logistic regression. The health-related unemployment group was compared with the employment group.

Results

Among the 9,917 participants (5,817 women, 4,100 men), 1,182 (853 women, 329 men) were in the health-related unemployment group. Total 911 pairs (629 women pairs and 282 men pairs) were retained after PSM for health factors. The results of conditional logistic regression showed that older age, low individual and household income levels, low education level, receipt of the Basic Livelihood Security Program benefits and longest-held job characteristics were linked to health-related unemployment, despite having similar health levels.

Conclusions

Older age and low socioeconomic status can increase the risk of health-related unemployment, highlighting the presence of age discrimination and socioeconomic inequality. These findings underscore the importance of proactive management strategies aimed at addressing these disparities, which are crucial for reducing the heightened risk of health-related unemployment.

연령과 사회경제적 요인이 건강 관련 실업에 미치는 영향: 성향점수매칭을 활용한 한국 국민건강영양조사(2015-2017)자료 분석 결과
목적
이전 연구들에서 연령 및 사회경제적 요인들이 건강 관련 실업을 연관되어 있다는 것을 보여주었으나, 이러한 연구들은 교란 요인을 통제하는 데 한계가 있었다. 본 연구는 다양한 교란 변수를 통제하기 위해 성향점수매칭을 사용하여 건강 관련 실업에 기여하는 요인들을 분석하고자 하였다.
방법
2015년부터 2017년까지 조사된 국민건강영양조사 자료를 활용하였으며, 건강 관련 실업군을 취업군과 비교하였다. 우리는 1:1 성향점수매칭을 적용하여 두 군 간의 건강관련 요인을 통제하였으며, 조건부 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 통해 건강 관련 실업과 연령 및 사회경제적 요인 간의 관련성을 조사하였다.
결과
9,917명의 참가자(5,817명의 여성, 4,100명의 남성) 가운데 건강 관련 실업군은 1,182명(853명의 여성, 329명의 남성), 취업군은 5,777명(2,894명의 여성, 2,883명의 남성)이었다. 성향점수매칭 후 조건부 로지스틱 회귀의 결과, 고령, 낮은 개인 및 가구 소득, 낮은 교육 수준, 기초생활수급상태, 최장일자리의 성격이 건강 관련 실업과 연관되었다.
결론
고령과 낮은 사회경제적 지위는 건강 관련 실업의 위험을 증가시킬 수 있으며, 이는 연령 차별 및 사회경제적 불평등을 시사한다. 따라서 건강 관련 실업 위험을 완화하기 위해서는 이러한 차별을 해소하기 위한 적극적인 관리 방안이 필요하다.
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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 MaterialPubReaderePub

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

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  • 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;[Epub]     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
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    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
  • 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
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Original Article
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
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e13.   Published online April 30, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e13
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

After the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the widespread adoption of working from home, or teleworking, has prompted extensive research regarding its effects on work productivity and the physical and mental health of employees. In this context, our study aimed to investigate the association between working from home and health-related productivity loss (HRPL).

Methods

An online survey was conducted with a sample of 1,078 workers. HRPL was estimated by the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health version. Workers that have been working from home in the last 6 months were categorized into the “work from home” group. Generalized linear models were used to compare the mean difference of HRPL between “work from home” and “commuters” group. Stratified analyses were conducted based on various factors including gender, age, income level, occupation, education level, previous diagnosis of chronic disease, presence of preschool children, living in studio apartment, living alone, commuting time, working hours and regular exercise.

Results

The overall HRPL was higher in the “work from home” group than in the “commuters” group with a mean difference of 4.05 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–8.01). In the stratified analyses, significant differences were observed in workers with chronic diseases (mean difference: 8.23, 95% CI: 0.38–16.09), who do not live alone (mean difference: 4.84, 95% CI: 0.35–9.33), and workers that do not exercise regularly (mean difference: 4.96, 95% CI: 0.12–9.80).

Conclusions

Working from home is associated with an increased HRPL in the Korean working population, especially among those with chronic diseases, those who do not live alone, and those who do not exercise regularly.

재택근무와 건강 관련 노동생산성 손실 간의 연관성
목적
코로나-19 감염증 팬데믹 이후 재택근무 및 원격근무가 널리 퍼지면서 재택근무 생산성 및 노동자의 신체적, 정신적 건강에 대한 영향을 파악하고자 하는 연구가 다수 진행되었다. 이러한 맥락에서 본 연구는 재택근무와 건강 관련 노동생산성 손실 간의 관련성을 조사하고자 하였다.
방법
1,078명의 근로자를 대상으로 온라인 설문을 실시하였다. 건강 관련 노동생산성 손실은 “Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire: General Health version(WPAI:GH)”를 이용하여 측정하였다. 지난 6개월 간 재택근무를 한 경우 재택근무자로, 그렇지 않은 경우 통근 근무자로 분류되었다. 재택근무자와 통근 근무자 간의 건강 관련 노동생산성 손실의 평균 차이를 비교하기 위해 일반 선형 모델을 사용하였다. 성별, 연령, 소득 수준, 학력, 만성 질병 진단 여부, 미취학 아동의 존재, 원룸 거주 여부, 독거 여부, 통근 시간, 근무 시간, 꾸준한 운동 등의 요인에 대한 층화 분석을 시행했다.
결과
재택근무자의 건강 관련 노동생산성 손실을 통근 근무자보다 높았으며 그 차이는 4.05(95% 신뢰구간: 0.09–8.01)이었다. 층화 분석에서는 만성 질병을 진단받은 적이 있는 경우(평균 차: 8.22, 95% 신뢰구간: 0.38–16.09), 독거 중이 아닌 경우(평균 차: 4.84, 95% 신뢰구간: 0.35–9.33), 그리고 운동을 꾸준히 하지 않는 경우(평균 차: 4.96, 95% 신뢰구간: 0.12–9.80) 유의한 차이가 확인되었다.
결론
국내 노동 인구에서 재택근무는 건강 관련 노동생산성 손실과 관련이 있으며 특히 만성 질환이 있는 근로자, 동거인이 있는 근로자, 운동을 정기적으로 하지 않는 근로자에서 더욱 그러한 것으로 나타났다.
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Original Article
Relationship between of working hours, weekend work, and shift work and work-family conflicts among Korean manufacturers
Yohan Lee, SooYoung Lee, Yoon-Ji Kim, Youngki Kim, Se-Yeong Kim, Dongmug Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e20.   Published online August 8, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e20
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

In the manufacturing industry, work-family conflict (WFC) is related to working hour characteristics. Earlier studies on the relationship between working hour characteristics and WFC in the manufacturing industry have been limited to some regions in Korea. No study has addressed the data on a national scale. Thus, this study investigated the impact of weekly working hours, weekend work, and shift work on WFC using national-scale data.

Methods

This study was based on the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey of 5,432 manufacturers. WFC consists of 5 variables; WFC1 “kept worrying about work”; WFC2 “felt too tired after work”; WFC3 “work prevented time for family”; WFC4 “difficult to concentrate on work”; WFC5 “family responsibilities prevented time for work”. As WFC refers to the inter-role conflict between the need for paid work and family work, WFC has been measured in two directions, work to family conflict (WTFC: WFC1, 2, 3) and family to work conflict (FTWC: WFC4, 5). With these WFC variables, we conducted multiple logistic analyses to study how working hours, weekend work, and shift work impact WFC.

Results

Korean manufacturers’ prolonged working hours increased all aspects of WFCs. Odds ratios (ORs) of WFCs based on working hours (reference of under 40 hours) of 41–52, 53–60, over 61 were 1.247, 1.611, 2.279 (WFC1); 1.111, 2.561, 6.442 (WFC2); 1.219, 3.495, 8.327 (WFC3); 1.076, 2.019, 2.656 (WFC4); and 1.166, 1.592, 1.946 (WFC5), respectively. Shift-work in the WFC2 model showed a significantly higher OR of 1.390. Weekend work ‘only on Saturday’ had significant ORs with WFC2 (1.323) and WFC3 (1.552).

Conclusions

An increase in working hours leads to the spending of less time attending to problems between work and family, causing both WTFC and FTWC to increase. As weekends, evenings, and nighttime are considered to be family-friendly to people, working on weekends and shift-work were highly correlated to WTFC.

한국 제조업 노동자에서 근무시간, 주말근무 및 교대근무와 일-가정 양립의 관계
목적
현대 사회에서는 야간 근무를 포함하여 다양한 업무를 수행하는 교대 근무자가 증가하고 있다. 교대 근무는 장기적으로 근로자의 건강에 악영향을 미칠 수 있지만 교대 근무와 우울증의 관계에 대한 연구 결과는 일관성이 없는 것으로 나타났다. 본 연구는 PHQ-9로 예측한 우울증에 걸릴 위험이 높은 국내 야간 및 교대 근무 근로자 수가 주간 근로자보다 많은지 여부를 확인하고자 한다.
방법
본 연구는 제 6 차 및 제 7 차 국민 건강 영양 조사 자료 중 2014, 2016년 및 2018년의 자료를 바탕으로 진행되었다. 근무 일정은 주간 근무와 야간 및 교대근무로 구분 하였다. 이 연구는 우울증에 걸릴 위험이 있는 근로자를 결정하기 위해 자가 보고 우울증 선별 검사 인 PHQ-9를 사용하였다. SPSS 23.0을 이용하여 통계 분석을 수행하였고 통계적 방법으로는 기술 통계, 카이 제곱 분석, 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 사용 하였다.
결과
연령, 교육 수준, 주당 근무 시간 및 수입으로 보정 후 분석하였을 때, 야간 및 교대 근무 근로자에서 우울증 위험군에 해당하는 경우가 유의하게 더 높았으며(odds ratio [OR] = 1.407 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.937–2.113)), 이는 여성에서도 마찬가지로 나타났다(odds ratio [OR] = 1.564 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.176–2.081)).
결론
본 연구를 통해 야간 및 교대근무 근로자에서 PHQ-9 점수가 10점 이상인 우울증 위험군에 해당하는 경우가 유의하게 높음을 확인할 수 있었다. 현재 한국의 정신 병력과 증상의 유병률을 고려할 때 야간 근로자에게 현실적인 도움을 제공 할 수 있는 방법에 대한 추가 논의와 함께 추가 연구가 필요하다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • 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
  • Food Manufacturing Workers and Structural Causality among Work Environment, Work–Family Conflict, Musculoskeletal Pain, Sleep-Related Problems, and Burnout
    Jun Won Kim, Byung Yong Jeong
    Applied Sciences.2024; 14(17): 7489.     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 physical inactivity in middle-aged and older adults: a Korean longitudinal study (2006–2020)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Won-Tae Lee, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.2023; 77(6): 355.     CrossRef
  • Working hours and the onset of suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms: A 10-year nationwide longitudinal study in South Korea (2012–2022)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Min-Seok Kim, Myeong-Hun Lim, Taeyeon Kim, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Psychiatry Research.2023; 326: 115344.     CrossRef
  • The role of work–family conflict in the association between long working hours and workers’ sleep disturbance and burnout: results from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    BJPsych Open.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between unpredictable work schedule and work-family conflict in Korea
    Sang Moon Choi, Chan Woo Kim, Hyoung Ouk Park, Yong Tae Park
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Mediating Effect of Work–Family Conflict on the Relationship Between Long Commuting Time and Workers' Anxiety and Insomnia
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Safety and Health at Work.2023; 14(1): 100.     CrossRef
  • Association Between Commuting Time and Subjective Well-Being in Relation to Regional Differences in Korea
    Jaehyuk Jung, Kwon Ko, Jae Bum Park, Kyung-Jong Lee, Yong Hyuk Cho, Inchul Jeong
    Journal of Korean Medical Science.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Effect of psychosocial safety climate on work-family conflict and psychological health among working couples
Nurfazreen Aina Muhamad Nasharudin, Zhao Rui
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e27.   Published online October 25, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e27
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background
The purpose of the study was to look into how work-family conflict (WFC), family-work conflict (FWC), and psychological health are affected by the psychosocial safety climate (PSC). First, the study suggested that for both husband and wife, PSC moderates the relationship between job demands and WFC. Second, the study predicted FWC mediates the relationship between WFC and depressive symptoms through the “crossover” process.
Methods
The study design used a multi-source sample that involved 350 teachers and their working spouses (n = 700). The analysis of mediation and moderation among job demands, WFC, FWC, PSC, and depressive symptoms was conducted using SPSS and structural equation modeling AMOS software.
Results
For the teacher’s sample, based on behavioral (β = 0.166, p < 0.05) and strain-based (β = 0.170, p < 0.05) aspects, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the PSC moderates the relationship between physical demand and WFC. The results also showed that the relationship between time-based WFC and emotional demand is moderated by PSC (β = 0.103, p < 0.05). Next, the analysis found that PSC moderates the association between cognitive demand and WFC of strain-based (β = 0.179, p < 0.05). For the spouse’s sample, according to the analysis, PSC moderates the relationship between strain-based WFC and physical demand (β = 0.091, p < 0.05). The study also revealed that FWC serves as a mediator in the relationship between WFC and depressive symptoms in both husbands (β = 0.233, p < 0.01) and wives (β = 0.135, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Overall, this study contributes significant insights to the current literature by examining the impact of PSC on the psychological well-being of individuals and others through the crossover process.

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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 MaterialPubReaderePub

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.


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    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     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 PDFPubReaderePub
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.

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  • 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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Data Profile
Data resource profile: the Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS)
Yoonho Cho
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e49.   Published online November 23, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e49
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFPubReaderePub

The Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) is a state-approved statistical survey that has been conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI) every 3 years since 2006 to monitor changes in the working conditions of Koreans. This cross-sectional national survey involves a sample of 50,000 employed people aged 15 or older. KWCS measures various working conditions through > 130 survey questions, including questions regarding working hours, labor intensity, work–life balance, degree of exposure to risk factors, and subjective health status. Professional survey interviewers visit households and conduct face to face interviews. KWCS provides data and statistics for occupational safety and health polices and research in Korea. Furthermore, OSHRI holds academic conferences every year, awards high-quality academic papers, and supports researchers using data. Microdata is publicly available through the OSHRI website (https://oshri.kosha.or.kr).

자료원 프로파일: 근로환경조사
KWCS는 국가승인통계로 대한민국에 거주하는 만15세 이상 취업자 5만명을 표본으로 매 3년마다 실시하는 단면적 조사로, 2006년부터 산업안전보건연구원에서 실시하고 있다. KWCS는 전문조사원에 의해 가구를 방문하여 1:1 면접 조사로 이루어지며, 근무시간, 노동강도, 일과 삶의 균형, 유해위험요인에 대한 노출 정도, 주관적 건강상태 등 다양한 근로환경에 대해 130여개 이상의 문항에 대해 조사한다. 조사 결과는 정책 수립과 연구자를 위한 기초 자료로 제공하고 있으며, 마이크로데이터는 산업안전보건연구원 홈페이지(OSHRI.OR.KR)를 통해 공개하고 있다.

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  • Association between multiple jobs and physical and psychological symptoms among the Korean working population
    Seok-Yoon Son, Jin-Young Min, Seung-Woo Ryoo, Baek-Yong Choi, Kyoung-Bok Min
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Commuting time, working time, and their link to insomnia symptoms among Korean employees: A cross-sectional study
    Hoje Ryu, Suhwan Ju, Hye-Eun Lee, Seong-Sik Cho
    Sleep Health.2024; 10(4): 434.     CrossRef
  • Interaction between old age and precarious employment on poor mental well‐being in workers: Evidence from a nationally representative sample in Korea
    Seong‐Uk Baek, Yu‐Min Lee, Jong‐Uk Won, Jin‐Ha Yoon
    International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Occupation classification model based on DistilKoBERT: using the 5th and 6th Korean Working Condition Surveys
    Tae-Yeon Kim, Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Byungyoon Yun, Domyung Paek, Kyung Ehi Zoh, Kanwoo Youn, Yun Keun Lee, Yangho Kim, Jungwon Kim, Eunsuk Choi, Mo-Yeol Kang, YoonHo Cho, Kyung-Eun Lee, Juho Sim, Juyeon Oh, Heejoo Park, Jian Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     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;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between sickness presenteeism and depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional study using the 6th Korean working conditions survey
    Myeong-Hun Lim, Min-Seok Kim, Seong-Uk Baek, Tae-Yeon Kim, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2024; 97(5): 537.     CrossRef
  • The association of job training duration and risk of depression among wage workers: an analysis of the mediating factors
    Dong Geon Kim, Dong Kyu Kim, Kiook Baek
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Original Article
Impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in Korean line workers: a cross-sectional study
Bounggyun Ju, Jaehoo Lee, Hye-min Kim, Chul Gab Lee, Hansoo Song
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e11.   Published online April 15, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e11
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Occupational neck disability is a prevalent issue, especially among line workers, who are often exposed to elevated levels of cervical ergonomic stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of neck posture and insulating stick use on neck disability in a specific occupational group in Korea.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 483 line workers in Gwangju and Jeonnam, Korea. Data were collected using the Neck Disability Index, Cervical Degenerative Index, and a structured questionnaire focusing on demographic and occupational factors. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for neck posture and factors related to neck disability.

Results

Neck disability prevalence was 17.2% among the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that factors related to neck disability included age over 60 years (adjusted OR: 3.08; 95% CI: 1.63–5.83), depression (adjusted OR: 8.33; 95% CI: 3.85–18.00), a history of cervical trauma (adjusted OR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.04–4.40), and radiological degenerative changes in the cervical spine (adjusted OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.26–4.33). In particular, the adjusted OR of neck disability among live-line workers was 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12–3.92) when compared with support workers (model 1). Other analysis models showed that use of insulating sticks for more than 10 hours per week (adjusted OR: 2.46; 95% CI: 1.32–4.61) and higher neck extension (adjusted OR: 2.98; 95% CI: 1.14–3.46) were significant work-related risk factors (model 2,3).

Conclusions

Neck posture, age, depression, cervical trauma history, degenerative changes in the cervical spine, and use of insulating sticks are significant risk factors for neck disability among line workers in Korea. These findings highlight the need to improve the working environment and reduce the burden of cervical ergonomic stress among line workers.

한국 배전보수원의 목 부담자세와 절연스틱사용이 목 장애에 미치는 영향
목적
직업성 목 장애는 특히 높은 수준의 목 부담에 자주 노출되는 배전보수원 사이에서 흔한 문제다. 본 연구는 배전보수원을 대상으로 목 부담자세와 절연스틱사 용이 목 장애에 미치는 영향을 알아보고자 한다.
방법
본 단면연구는 광주와 전남 지역의 배전보수원 483명을 대상으로 실시되었다. 목 장애 지수, 경추퇴행성 지수, 인구통계학적 및 직업적 요인에 초점을 맞춘 구조화된 설문지를 사용하여 데이터를 수집했다. 목 부담자세와 목 장애 관련 요인에 대한 보정 교차비와 95% 신뢰구간(CI)을 알아보기 위해 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하였다.
결과
목 장애 유병률은 활선작업자(22.6%)에서 가장 높았으며, 연령이 높아질수록 증가하는 경향을 보였다. 목 장애 관련 요인은 우울증(8.13, 95% CI: 4.02~16.43), 경추 외상 병력(3.53, 95% CI: 1.88~6.63), 경추 방사선학적 퇴행성 변화(2.35, 95% CI: 1.36-4.07)였다. 직업적 요인으로 활선작업자의 보정교차비는 2.10 (95% CI: 1.12-3.92)이었고, 절연스틱을 주당 10시간 이상 사용하는 경우 보정교차비는 2.46 (95% CI: 1.32-4.61)이었다. 또한, 높은 목 신전 부담의 보정교차비는 1.98 (95% CI: 1.14-3.46)이었다.
결론
연령, 우울증, 경추 외상, 경추의 퇴행성 변화와 같은 일반적 요인뿐만 아니라 활선작업, 절연스틱 사용, 목 부담 자세와 같은 직업적 요인은 국내 배전보수원의 목 장애를 유발하는 위험 요인이다. 이러한 결과는 배전보수원의 작업환경 개선의 필요성을 시사한다.
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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 PDFPubReaderePub
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.

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  • 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 alcohol consumption on hearing loss in male workers with a focus on alcohol flushing reaction: the Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study
Jaehong Lee, Youshik Jeong, Jihoon Kim, Seonghyeon Kwon, Eunhye Seo, Jinsook Jeong, Woncheol Lee
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e1.   Published online January 22, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e1
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary MaterialPubReaderePub
Background

Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health.

Methods

The study was conducted from January 2012 to December 2019, targeting 114,114 participants who visited Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers. Data were collected through pure-tone audiometry tests and alcohol-related questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis. Based on previous studies indicating a potential protective effect of light drinking on hearing loss, this group was designated as the reference. Additionally, stratified analyses were conducted based on the presence of alcohol flushing reaction and different working hours.

Results

The hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for hearing loss was higher in the heavy drinking group (1.23 [1.11–1.37]) compared to the moderate drinking group (1.09 [0.98–1.20]). Stratified analyses revealed a significantly elevated the hazard ratio of hearing loss in groups with alcohol flushing reaction compared to those without this factor.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that moderate or heavy alcohol consumption in male workers can increase the risk of hearing loss, particularly in those with alcohol flushing reaction. These findings underscore the importance of addressing alcohol-related factors concerning hearing health among male workers.

알코올 안면홍조 중심으로 살펴본 남성 근로자에서 음주습관이 청력손실에 미치는 영향: 강북삼성 코호트연구
목적
청력손실은 세계보건기구(WHO)가 인구 20% 가까이로 그 유병률을 추정할 만큼 흔한 만성질환임에도 불구하고 개인의 생활습관 요인, 특히 음주에 따른 연관성은 아직 명확하게 밝혀진 바 없다. 한국건강증진개발원에 따르면 대한민국의 음주 인구는 80%에 육박하며 남성의 고위험 음주율이 특징적으로 높았다. 따라서 우리는 청력손실과 관련된 근로자 건강 증진을 도모하고자 남성 근로자에서 음주습관 및 청력손실 간 연관성 평가 및 알코올 안면홍조 추가 변수 분석을 수행하였다.
방법
연구는 2012년 1월부터 2019년 12월 사이 강북삼성병원 종합건강검진센터에 방문한 114,114명의 수검자들을 대상으로 이루어졌다. 순음청력검사 및 음주 설문으로 데이터를 수집하였고 통계 분석은 Cox 회귀분석을 실시하였다. 과거 연구들에서 가벼운 음주가 오히려 청력손실에 보호효과를 나타내었으므로 해당 그룹을 참조(reference)로 지정하였다. 추가적으로 알코올 안면홍조 여부에 따른 층화분석을 시행하였다.
결과
청력손실의 위험비(95% 신뢰구간)는 중간 음주 그룹 1.09(0.98-1.20)에 비해 대량 음주 그룹이 1.23(1.11-1.37)로 더 높았다. 층화분석에서는 알코올 안면홍조가 있는 음주 그룹에서의 청력손실 위험비가 그렇지 않은 음주 그룹보다 유의하게 높은 경향을 보였다.
결론
우리는 연구를 통해 남성 근로자들에서 중간 또는 대량 음주는 청력손실의 발생 위험을 높일 수 있고, 특히 알코올 안면홍조가 있는 남성 근로자들은 그 위험도가 더 증가함을 밝혀낼 수 있었다.
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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 PDFPubReaderePub
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.
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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 MaterialPubReaderePub
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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  • Association between receiving work communications outside of work hours via telecommunication devices and work-related headaches and eyestrain: a cross-sectional analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey
    Yoon-Soo Jang, Jae-Han Lee, Na-Rae Lee, Dong-Woo Kim, June-Hee Lee, Kyung-Jae Lee
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub]     CrossRef
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