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Case Report
Unveiling a hidden hazard: lead poisoning from hobbyist activities and its long-term impact
Chiara Pucci, Luca Tomassini, Marco dell’Omo, Alessandra Deini, Daniele Lillacci, Cristiana Gambelunghe, Mauro Zampolini, Nicola Murgia, Angela Gambelunghe
Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e15.   Published online May 26, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e15
AbstractAbstract PDF
Background
Lead poisoning is a serious public health issue that can arise from various sources, including nonoccupational exposure. This can make it challenging to manage, as lead poisoning can arise from unexpected sources. This case study examined lead poisoning in a 52-year-old man linked to hobbyist activities involving lead pellets, highlighting the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with this uncommon source of exposure.
Case presentation
A 52-year-old man with a history of sports fishing presented with confusion, balance disorders, and memory loss. The initial medical evaluation revealed anemia and elevated lead levels. Further investigations, including imaging and blood tests, confirmed the presence of ingested lead pellets. The patient underwent chelation therapy, which led to a reduction in blood lead levels and improvement in symptoms. Follow-up over 46 months showed a gradual decrease in lead levels and partial recovery of cognitive function, although a few lead-related effects persisted.
Conclusions
This case underscores the need for awareness of non-traditional sources of lead exposure, such as hobbyist activities. Effective diagnosis and treatment, including chelation therapy, can significantly alleviate the effects of lead poisoning. Ongoing monitoring is essential to manage long-term health outcomes related to chronic lead exposure.

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Case Report
Three cases of congenital diseases in the children of female semiconductor workers at a company recognized by the Occupational Disease Adjudication Committee
Chandu Kim, Hoekyeong Seo, Jihyung Choi, Younghwa Choi, Yongjin Kim, Kyung-Eun Lee, Shinhee Ye
Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e9.   Published online April 23, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e9
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background
In August 2021, three female semiconductor workers applied for occupational disease compensation due to congenital diseases diagnosed in their children: patient A (immunoglobulin A nephropathy, vesicoureteral reflux, renal agenesis), patient B (renal agenesis, esophageal atresia with tracheoesophageal fistula), and patient C (congenital megacolon). The Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI) initially assessed the relatedness of these conditions to occupational exposure as low. However, the Occupational Disease Adjudication Committee of the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KWCWS) overturned this assessment, officially recognizing these cases as occupational diseases in March 2024—the first such recognition in South Korea.
Case presentation
The mother of Patient A worked in optical processes for 9 years, the mother of patient B worked in diffusion processes for 10 years, and the mother of patient C worked in molding and inspection processes for 7 years. Their jobs involved exposure to benzene, organic solvents, pyrolysis products, ionizing radiation, and X-rays. All three women continued working during pregnancy, and none had a family history of related illnesses.
Conclusions
OSHRI estimated that the occupational exposure levels of these workers were low and noted insufficient reproductive research focused on congenital anomalies in the Korean semiconductor industry before 2010. However, KWCWS cited frequent miscarriages among female semiconductor workers as indirect evidence of an increased risk of congenital anomalies. KWCWS ultimately concluded that substantial evidence supports an association between occupational exposure and congenital diseases in the children of female semiconductor workers. This case series highlights a landmark recognition of occupational disease related to congenital anomalies in the semiconductor industry, emphasizing the need for further reproductive health research and improved worker protections.
업무상질병판정위원회에서 업무상 질병으로 인정한 반도체 여성 노동자 자녀의 선천성 질환 사례 3건
배경
최근 3명의 여성 반도체 노동자가 자녀들의 선천성 질환에 대해 산업재해 질환 보상을 신청하였다: 노동자 자녀 A는 면역글로불린 A 신병증, 방광요관 역류, 무신장증을, 노동자 자녀 B는 무신장증 및 기관식도루를 동반한 식도 폐쇄증을, 그리고 노동자 자녀 C는 선천성 거대결장을 진단받았다. 산업안전보건연구원(OSHRI)은 반도체 산업에서의 직업적 노출과 이들 선천성 질환 간의 관련성이 낮다고 결론지었다. 그러나 근로복지공단(KWCWS)은 이 사례들을 직업병으로 인정하였다. 이에 본 연구는 2024년 3월 국내 최초로 직업병으로 인정된 여성 반도체 노동자 자녀의 선천성 질환 사례 3건을 보고하고자 한다.
증례
환자 A의 어머니는 9년 동안 광학 공정에서 근무했으며, 환자 B의 어머니는 10년 동안 확산 공정에서 근무하였다. 환자 C의 어머니는 7년 동안 성형 및 검사 공정에서 근무하였다. 이들의 업무는 벤젠, 유기 용제, 열분해 생성물, 이온화 방사선, X선 등에 노출되는 작업을 포함하고 있었다. 세 여성 모두 임신 중에도 계속 근무했으며, 관련 질환의 가족력은 없었다.
결론
산업안전보건연구원의 역학조사평가위원회는 세 노동자의 직업적 노출 평가 수준이 낮다고 평가했으며, 2010년 이전 한국 반도체 산업 내 생식 관련 연구가 부족하다고 판단하였다. 그러나 근로복지공단의 질병판정위원회는 여성 반도체 노동자들 사이에서 빈번히 보고된 유산이 자녀들에게 선천성 기형의 위험 증가를 간접적으로 입증하는 증거로 작용한다고 판단하였다. 근로복지공단 질병판정위원회는 여성 반도체 노동자의 직업적 노출과 자녀의 선천성 질환 사이의 연관성을 뒷받침하는 상당한 증거가 있다고 결론지었다. 이러한 사례 연구는 반도체 산업에서 선천성 기형과 관련된 직업병 인식의 중요한 전환점을 보여주며, 생식 건강 연구의 확대와 근로자 보호 강화를 위한 필요성을 강조한다.
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Original Article
Occupational disease issues in high-tech industries of South Korea: analysis of governmental data on the semiconductor and display industries
Chungsik Yoon, Jinjoo Chung, Jongran Lee, Kwonchul Ha, Joseph DiGangi, Jeong-Ok Kong
Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e6.   Published online March 24, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e6
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background
This study analyzed occupational diseases compensated through the government system in the Korean electronics industry and observed changes in the rationale for compensation.
Methods
Data from the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KWCWS) from 2012 to 2023 were analyzed to examine occupational disease issues in South Korea's semiconductor and display industries.
Results
KWCWS received 174 occupational disease claims between 2012 and 2023, with 88 (50.6%) approved. The case of a 22-year-old semiconductor worker who died from leukemia has raised awareness and appears to be leading to more claims and higher approval rates. Cancer-related claims, particularly for breast and blood cancers, were the most common. Since 2018, the approval rate for occupational diseases has increased to 60%, which may have been influenced by the Supreme Court's Principle of Presumption of Occupational Diseases and the government’s reduction of the burden of proof. However, approval rates remain lower in small- and medium-sized enterprises (38.0%) compared to large corporations (55.6%), likely because of better documentation and unionization in the latter. The semiconductor industry had more claims and approvals than the LCD industry, primarily due to its longer operational history and greater chemical exposure.
Conclusions
In South Korea, the increasing approval rate of occupational diseases in the electronics industry from 2012 to 2023 appears to reflect changes in how causal relationships and occupational health policies have been implemented and this is likely due to stakeholder involvement and relevant legal decisions.
반도체 및 디스플레이 산업의 정부자료 분석으로 본 한국 첨단 산업에서의 직업병 이슈
목적
본 연구는 한국 전자산업에서 산재보험 보상 승인된 직업병을 분석하고 보상 근거의 변화를 관찰하였다.
방법
2012년부터 2023년까지 근로복지공단의 데이터를 분석하여 한국의 반도체 및 디스플레이 산업에서 직업병의 신청과 승인을 연도별, 업종별, 규모별로 분석하였다.
결과
2012년부터 2023년까지 근로복지공단에 접수된 직업병 산재보상 신청은 174건이고 이 중 88건(51%)이 승인되었다. 2007년 한 반도체 노동자의 백혈병 사망을 계기로 직업병에 대한 인식이 높아져, 산재보상 신청 건수가 증가하고 승인률도 높아진 것으로 추정된다. 신청 상병은 암, 특히 유방암과 혈액암이 가장 많았다. 대법원이 직업병 추정 원칙을 판시하고 정부가 입증 부담을 완화한 것이 2018년 이후 직업병 승인률을 60%까지 증가하는데 기여하였다. 그러나 중소기업(38%)의 승인률은 대기업(56%)에 비해 여전히 낮은데, 이는 대기업에서 기록을 더 잘 보관하고 노조 조직률도 더 높은 것이 영향을 주었을 것이다. 반도체 산업은 LCD 산업보다 산재 신청 건수와 승인 건수가 더 많은데, 이는 반도체 산업의 역사가 더 길며 화학물질 노출이 더 크기 때문으로 추정된다.
결론
연구 기간 동안 전자업체에서의 대부분 직업병은 혈액암과 유방암과 같은 암이었고 직업병 산재 승인의 증가는 이해관계자의 참여와 사회 이슈화, 유연해진 법원 판결, 산재보험제도 등이 큰 영향을 미쳤을 것이다.
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Data Profile
Data profile: Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS)
Seong-Sik Cho, Jeehee Min, Heejoo Ko, Mo-Yeol Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e3.   Published online February 19, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e3
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
The Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS) was launched in 2022 as a longitudinal panel study to examine the interactions between work conditions, sleep health, and labour market performance among the Korean workforce. Baseline data were collected from 5,517 participants aged 19 to 70, encompassing diverse occupations. Follow-up surveys occur biannually, accommodating seasonal variations in sleep and health dynamics. To ensure stability, refreshment samples were integrated in later waves, maintaining a cohort size of 5,783 participants in wave 5. Key data include socio-demographics, employment characteristics, sleep patterns, health outcomes, and workplace performance. Early findings highlight critical associations, such as the adverse effects of occupational physical activity on productivity, the impact of emotional labour on health-related productivity loss, and the significance of sleep disruptions on mental health. The cohort’s design enables detailed analyses of longitudinal and cross-sectional trends, offering insights into how changing work environments influence health and productivity. The KWSHS could serve as a vital resource for evidence-based interventions aimed at improving occupational health and productivity in Korea's evolving labour landscape. Data access is available through the study’s principal investigator upon request.
한국 직업, 수면 및 건강 연구(KWSHS)
한국 직업, 수면 및 건강 연구(KWSHS)는 한국 노동자의 근로 조건, 수면 건강, 노동 시장 성과 간 상호작용을 조사하기 위해 2022년에 시작된 종단적 패널 연구이다. 기초 자료는 다양한 직업군을 포함하여 19세에서 70세까지의 5,517명을 대상으로 수집하였다. 후속 설문조사는 수면 및 건강 역학의 계절적 변동성을 고려하여 2년마다 실시하며, 코호트의 안정성을 유지하기 위해 후속 조사에서는 보충 표본을 추가하여 5차 웨이브에서는 총 5,783명의 코호트 규모를 유지하였다. 주요 자료에는 사회인구학적 정보, 고용 특성, 수면 패턴, 건강 결과 및 직장 성과 등이 포함된다. 초기 연구 결과는 직업적 신체활동이 생산성에 미치는 부정적 영향, 감정 노동이 건강 관련 생산성 손실에 미치는 영향, 그리고 수면 장애가 정신 건강에 미치는 중요성을 포함한 주요 연관성을 강조하고 있다. 본 코호트의 설계는 종단적 및 횡단적 추세에 대한 세부적인 분석을 가능하게 하여 변화하는 근로 환경이 건강 및 생산성에 미치는 영향을 심층적으로 이해할 수 있게 한다. KWSHS는 한국의 변화하는 노동 환경 속에서 직업 건강 및 생산성을 향상시키기 위한 근거 기반 개입을 위한 중요한 자원이 될 수 있다. 데이터 접근은 연구 책임자에게 요청을 통해 가능하다.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • The Impact of Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea (COMISA) on Work Ability: Results From Population‐Based Panel Data in Korea
    Heejoo Ko, Seong‐Sik Cho, Dong‐Wook Lee, Jaesung Choi, Min‐Seok Kim, Mo‐Yeol Kang
    Journal of Sleep Research.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Work ability and health-related productivity loss by chronotype: Results from population-based panel study
    Heejoo Ko, Seong-Sik Cho, Mo-Yeol Kang
    Sleep Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Review
List of occupational diseases among farmers in Korea: a literature review
Hansoo Song, Seok-Ju Yoo, Won-Ju Park, Seunghyeon Cho, Ki Soo Park, Joo Hyun Sung, Sang Jin Park, Seong-yong Yoon, Kyeongsoo Kim, Dong-phil Choi, Hye-min Kim, Bounggyun Ju, Kanwoo Youn
Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e2.   Published online February 19, 2025
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e2

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AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
A comprehensive list of occupational diseases among farmers is crucial for both compensation and prevention efforts. In Korea, most farmers are self-employed, and some occupational diseases are compensated through farmer safety insurance. However, it is not harmonized with industrial accident compensation insurance and does not adequately reflect the true burden of occupational diseases among farmers. To address this gap, the authors compiled a list of occupational diseases tailored to Korean farmers by reviewing the International Labor Organization’s list of occupational diseases, the Korean Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance List, the occupational disease lists of other countries, and relevant literature on farmers’ work-related diseases.
한국 농업인의 직업성 질병 목록: 문헌고찰
농업인의 직업병에 대한 포괄적인 목록은 질병보상과 예방을 위해 중요하다. 한국에서 농업인의 대부분은 자영업자로 근로자에게 적용되는 산업재해보상보험의 적용을 받지 못하고 일부 직업성질환에 대해서만 정책보험인 농업인안전보험을 통해 보상되고 있다. 그러나 이러한 보상은 산업재해보상보험과 조화를 이루지 못하고 있으며, 농업인에게 실제 부담을 주고 있는 직업성 질병을 반영하지 못하고 있다. 이러한 문제를 개선하기 위해 저자들은 국제노동지구의 직업병 목록, 한국의 산업재해보상보험법 상 업무관련성 질병 목록, 다른 국가들의 직업병 목록 및 농업인의 업무관련성 질병에 대한 문헌을 검토하여, 한국 농업인에게 적합한 직업병 목록을 작성하였다.
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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 PDF
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
Relationship between the use of hair products and urine benzophenone-3: the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) cycle 4
Siyoung Kim, Seong-yong Cho, Seongyong Yoon, Daehwan Kim, Hyun Woo Park, Jisoo Kang, Sung Woo Huh
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e20.   Published online August 6, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e20
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

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  • Environmental disease monitoring by regional Environmental Health Centers in Korea: a narrative review
    Myung-Sook Park, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Woo Jin Kim, Yun-Chul Hong, Won-Jun Choi, Seock-Yeon Hwang, Jiho Lee, Young-Seoub Hong, Yong-Dae Kim, Seong-Chul Hong, Joo Hyun Sung, Inchul Jeong, Kwan Lee, Won-Ju Park, Hyun-Joo Bae, Seong-Yong Yoon, Cheolmin Lee, Kyoung
    The Ewha Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • The Exposure Status of Environmental Chemicals in South Korea: The Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018–2020
    Sooyeon Hong, Ok-Jin Kim, Sun Kyoung Jung, Hye Li Jeon, Suejin Kim, Jihyon Kil
    Toxics.2024; 12(11): 829.     CrossRef
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Original Article
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 PDF
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
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 Material
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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Original Article
Telecommuting during the COVID-19: the role of job demand and control on health outcomes
Seung-Woo Ryoo, Jin-Young Min, Seok-Yoon Son, Baek-Yong Choi, Juho Choi, Kyoung-Bok Min
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e14.   Published online June 14, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e14
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic drastically modified the occupational system wherein telecommuting has risen as the major form of work. Few studies have incorporated Karasek’s job demand-control (JDC) model into explaining the health effects of telecommuting. This study aimed to investigate the health risk in South Korean telecommuters during the pandemic, and its distribution according to the job stress-related factors.

Methods

A nationwide population-based cross-sectional study of South Korean laborers was conducted, utilizing the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (2020–2021). Following the previously described concept of telecommuting, 14,478 white-collar employees were eligible study participants. Telecommuting, job demand, job control, and various health indicators were measured by the responses to the survey. Participants were stratified into 4 job profiles classified by the JDC model. We conducted multiple logistic regression analyses between telecommuting and health-related outcomes to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

One hundred forty-six low-strain, 223 active, 69 passive, and 148 high-strain workers were screened as telecommuters. Compared to office workers, telecommuters had a higher proportion in high job control groups. Subgroup analysis demonstrated different relationships between telecommuting and health, where only active telecommuters showed a higher prevalence of depression (OR: 1.980, 95% CI: 1.126–3.481), and high-strain telecommuters were affected in most outcomes including insomnia (OR: 2.555, 95% CI: 1.473–4.433), musculoskeletal pain (OR: 2.786, 95% CI: 1.719–4.517), headache/eye strain (OR: 3.074, 95% CI: 1.992–4.745) and presenteeism (OR: 1.932, 95% CI: 1.193–3.131).

Conclusions

This study revealed significantly increased odds of multiple health outcomes among South Korean telecommuters during the COVID-19 pandemic era. High-strain job holders were prominently susceptible to the negative health impacts of telecommuting. Occupational health management towards telecommuters should approach mitigating high job demand and low job control.

코로나19 시기 재택근무: 건강 결과에 대한 직무 요구와 직무 재량의 역할
목적
코로나19 팬데믹으로 인해 재택근무는 직무 체계에서 주요한 업무 형태로 떠올랐다. 재택근무가 노동자의 건강에 미치는 영향을 설명하는데 있어 직무 요구-재량 모델을 도입한 연구가 부족하다. 본 연구는 팬데믹 기간 동안 한국 재택근무자들의 건강 위험과 상기 직무 스트레스 관련 요인에 따른 분포를 조사하는 것을 목표로 했다.
방법
본 연구는 제6차 근로환경조사(2020~2021년)를 활용하여 한국 노동자에 대한 전국 인구 기반 횡단면 연구를 실시했다. 이전 연구에서 확립한 재택근무 개념에 따라 14,478명의 화이트 칼라 피고용인 노동자들을 적격집단으로 선정했다. 설문조사 응답 결과를 토대로 재택근무, 직무 요구, 직무 재량 및 다양한 건강 지표를 측정했다. 연구대상자들을 직무 요구-재량 모델에 따라 분류된 네 가지 직무 유형으로 구분하였고, 다중 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하여 재택근무 여부에 따른 건강 변수의 오즈비(OR)와 95% 신뢰구간(CI)을 측정하였다.
결과
저-긴장 노동자 146명, 능동적 노동자 223명, 수동적 노동자 69명, 고-긴장 노동자148명이 재택근무자로 분류되었다. 통근근무자와 비교했을 때, 재택근무자들은 직무 재량이 높은 군에서 그 비중이 높았다. 층화분석 결과 재택근무와 건강 사이의 연관성은 군별로 상이하였는데, 오직 능동적 재택근무자들만이 통근근무자들보다 높은 우울증 유병률을 보였고 (OR 1.980, 95% CI 1.126-3.481) 고-긴장 재택근무자들이 가장 많은 결과 변수에서 유의한 오즈비를 보였다; 불면증 (OR 2.555, 95% CI 1.473-4.433), 근골격계 통증 (OR 2.786, 95% CI 1.719-4.517), 두통/안구 피로 (OR 3.074, 95% CI 1.992-4.745), 상병 시 근무 (OR 1.932, 95% CI 1.193-3.131).
결론
본 연구에 따르면 코로나19 팬데믹 기간 동안 한국 재택근무자들에서 다수의 건강 문제가 발생할 오즈가 유의하게 증가하였다. 그중 고-긴장 업무에 종사하는 노동자들은 재택근무가 건강에 미치는 부정적인 영향에 가장 취약하였다. 따라서 재택근무자들에 대한 산업보건 관리는 높은 직무 요구와 낮은 직무 재량을 완화하는 방향으로 접근해야 할 것이다.

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  • Impact of Teleworking on Work‐Related and Home‐Related Stress at During the First Global Lockdown–The International COVISTRESS Study
    Sébastien Couarraze, Guillaume Decormeille, Louis Delamarre, Fouad Marhar, Karen Gbaglo, Raimundo Avilès Dorlhiac, Mickael Berthon, Andy Su‐I Liu, Samuel Antunes, Bruno Pereira, Julien S Baker, Morteza Charkhabi, Ukadike C Ugbolue, Reza Bagheri, José J. G
    Brain and Behavior.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
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    Hansoo Song, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Inah Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Sang-Baek Koh, Sung-Soo Oh, Hee-Tae Kang, Da-Yee Jeung, Dae-Sung Hyun, Chunhui Suh, Sei-Jin Chang
    Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 37: e12.     CrossRef
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Original Article
The impact of long working hours on daily sodium intake
Kyungho Ju, Yangwoo Kim, Seung Hee Woo, Juhyeong Kim, Inah Kim, Jaechul Song, Soo-Jin Lee, Jeehee Min
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e9.   Published online April 1, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e9
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

Citations

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  • Association of long working hours with visceral adiposity index, anthropometric indices, and weight management behaviors: a study of Korean workers
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Family Practice.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Gender discrimination in the workplace and the onset of problematic alcohol use among female wage workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
    Social Science & Medicine.2025; 379: 118183.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and poor cardiovascular health assessed by the American Heart Association’s “Life’s essential 8”: findings from a nationally representative sample of Korean workers (2014–2021)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Postgraduate Medical Journal.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association Between Food Insecurity and Poor Cardiovascular Health Assessed by the Life’s Essential 8 Metric: A Population-Based Study of Korean Adults
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Nutrients.2025; 17(13): 2148.     CrossRef
  • Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
    Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Nutrients.2024; 16(10): 1482.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Cooking oil fume exposure and Lung-RADS distribution among school cafeteria workers of South Korea
Minjun Kim, Yangho Kim, A Ram Kim, Woon Jung Kwon, Soyeoun Lim, Woojin Kim, Cheolin Yoo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e2.   Published online January 31, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e2
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

Citations

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  • Exposure to cooking fumes in cafeteria workers in Korean schools: a pilot study
    Daesung Lim, Yong Min Cho
    Annals of Work Exposures and Health.2025; 69(1): 109.     CrossRef
  • Lung Cancer Risk in Female School Cooks: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study in the Republic of Korea
    Jungwon Jang, Eun Mi Kim, Jaiyong Kim, Jeehee Min, Inah Kim
    Safety and Health at Work.2025; 16(1): 105.     CrossRef
  • Radiological Changes in Chest Computed Tomography Findings of School Cooks: A Comparative Study With Age-matched Controls
    Jung Hee Hong, Jin Young Kim, Kiook Baek
    Safety and Health at Work.2025; 16(2): 228.     CrossRef
  • Cancer-related Keywords in 2023: Insights from Text Mining of a Major Consumer Portal
    Wonjeong Jeong, Eunkyoung Song, Eunzi Jeong, Kyoung Hee Oh, Hye-Sun Lee, Jae Kwan Jun
    Healthcare Informatics Research.2024; 30(4): 398.     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 Material
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.

Citations

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  • Prevalence of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss among Truck Drivers: a Cross-Sectional Study in Lucknow
    Anupam Mehrotra, Sheo P. Shukla, Arvind K. Shukla, Manish K. Manar, Shivendra K. Singh, Monica Mehrotra
    Noise and Health.2025; 27(124): 72.     CrossRef
  • 4,387 View
  • 197 Download
  • 1 Web of Science
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Case Report
Prostate cancer in workers exposed to night-shift work: two cases recognized by the Korean Epidemiologic Investigation Evaluation Committee
Sungkyun Park, Seongwon Ma, Hoekyeong Seo, Sang Gil Lee, Jihye Lee, Shinhee Ye
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e52.   Published online December 7, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e52
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

In 2019, the International Agency for Research on Cancer re-evaluated the carcinogenicity of night-shift work and reported that there is limited evidence that night-shift work is carcinogenic for the development of prostate cancer. Therefore, in 2020 and 2021, the Korean Epidemiologic Investigation Evaluation Committee concluded that 2 cases of prostate cancer were occupational diseases related to the night-shift work. Here, we report the 2 cases of prostate cancer in night-shift workers which were first concluded as occupational diseases by the Korean Epidemiologic Investigation Evaluation Committee.

Case presentation

Patient A: A 61-year-old man worked as a city bus driver for approximately 17 years, from 2002 to 2019, and was exposed to night-shift work during this period. In March 2017, the patient was diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer through core-needle biopsy after experiencing stinging pain lasting for 2 months. Patient B: A 56-year-old man worked as an electrician and an automated equipment operator in a cement manufacturing plant for 35 years from 1976 to 2013 and was exposed to night-shift work during this period. In 2013, the patient was diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer through core needle biopsy at a university hospital because of dysuria that lasted for 6 months.

Conclusions

The 2 workers were diagnosed with high-grade prostate cancer after working night shifts for 17 and 35 years respectively. Additionally, previous studies have reported that high-grade prostate cancer has a stronger relationship with night-shift work than low or medium-grade prostate cancer. Therefore, the Korean Epidemiologic Investigation Evaluation Committee concluded that night-shift work in these 2 patients contributed to the development of their prostate cancer.

야간교대근무 근로자에서 발생한 전립선암 2례
배경
2019년 국제암연구소(IARC)은 야간교대근무의 발암성을 재평가하였고 야간교대근무와 전립선암이 양의 연관성을 가지고 있다고 보고하였다. 2020년과 2021년에 역학조사평가위원회는 두 명의 야간교대근무 근로자에서 발생한 전립선암이 야간교대근무와 관련된 직업병이라고 결론지었다. 따라서 국내에서 처음으로 직업병으로 인정된 야간교대근무 근로자에서 발생한 전립선암 2건의 사례를 소개하고자 한다.
증례
남성 근로자 A는 만 61세에 두 달간 지속된 찌르는 듯한 증상으로 비뇨기과를 방문하였고전립성특이항원 검사와 전립선 중심바늘생검을 받은 후 전립선암을 진단받았다. 근로자 A 는 2002년부터 2019년까지 시내버스를 운행하였고, 약 17년간 야간교대근무를 하면서 하루에 10시간 이상, 주당 6일간 업무를 수행하였다. 남성 근로자 B는 6개월간 지속된 배뇨곤란 증상으로 병원에서 중심바늘생검을 통해 전립선암을 진단받았다. 근로자 B는 1976년부터 2013년까지 시멘트 제조공장에서 전기기사와 자동화기기 오퍼레이터로 근무하였으며, 약 35년간 야간교대근무에 노출되었다. 근로자 A와 B는 전립선암 조직검사에서 Gleason’s score가 높은 공격적인 전립선암을 진단받았고, 업무 중 디젤엔진배출물질에도 노출되었다.
고찰
국제암연구소는 야간교대근무가 전립선암 발암성에 미치는 영향에 대해 제한적인 근거가 있다고 하였다. 이 외에도 2018년에 보고된 프랑스의 환자-대조군 연구는 긴 교대시간 길이(>10시간), 최소 6박 연속 야간근무, 장기간(20년 이상 또는 1,314일 이상)의 영구적인 야간근무가 공격적인 전립선암과 특히 유의한 연관성이 있다고 하였다. 몇 건의 메타분석 연구에서도 야간교대근무가 전립선암과 유의하다는 결과가 있었고, 특히 아시아 국가 남성에서 그 결과가 유의하다고 하였다. 또한, 디젤엔진배출물질과 전립선암이 유의한 연관성이 있다는 문헌이 일부 확인되었다. 따라서, 역학조사평가위원회는 두 근로자에서 발생한 전립선암에 대한 업무관련성의 과학적 근거가 상당하다고 판단하였다. 따라서, 야간교대근무가 전립선암 발병에 기여하는 위험성을 인지하고, 야간교대근무 근로자를 대상으로 작업시간 조절과 전립선암의 조기발견을 위한 적절한 건강검진 제공에 대한 고려가 필요하다.

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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 PDF

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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Original Article
Association between exposure to violence, job stress and depressive symptoms among gig economy workers in Korea
Min-Seok Kim, Juyeon Oh, Juho Sim, Byung-Yoon Yun, Jin-Ha Yoon
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e43.   Published online October 30, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e43
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

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    Hansoo Song, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Inah Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Sang-Baek Koh, Sung-Soo Oh, Hee-Tae Kang, Da-Yee Jeung, Dae-Sung Hyun, Chunhui Suh, Sei-Jin Chang
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Original Article
Association between shift work and the risk of hypothyroidism in adult male workers in Korea: a cohort study
Seonghyeon Kwon, Yesung Lee, Eunhye Seo, Daehoon Kim, Jaehong Lee, Youshik Jeong, Jihoon Kim, Jinsook Jeong, Woncheol Lee
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e41.   Published online October 19, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e41
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Shift work has been reported to have several harmful effects on the human body. However, a small number of studies have evaluated the association between shift work and adverse effects on the thyroid. In our longitudinal study, we examined the causal association between shift work and the risk of hypothyroidism.

Methods

A Kangbuk Samsung Cohort Study was conducted on 112,648 men without thyroid disease at baseline who were followed up at least once between 2012 and 2019. Shift work status and shift schedule types were categorized using standardized questionnaires. Hypothyroidism was defined using the reference ranges of serum thyroid-stimulating hormones and free thyroxine levels. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for incident hypothyroidism were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses with the daytime work group as the reference.

Results

During the 501,237 person-years of follow-up, there were 6,306 incident cases of hypothyroidism (incidence density, 1.26 per 100 person-years). The multivariable-adjusted HR of incident hypothyroidism for the shift work total group that included all shifts compared with the daytime work group was 1.27 (95% CI: 1.15–1.40). For the fixed evening, fixed night, rotating shift, and other shift workers, the multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CI) were 1.11 (0.76–1.61), 2.18 (1.20–3.93), 1.39 (1.23–1.56), and 1.00 (0.82–1.22), respectively. In subgroup analyses by age, the association between shift work and hypothyroidism was more pronounced in younger participants (< 40 years; HR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16–1.47).

Conclusions

Our large-scale cohort study showed an association between shift work and the incidence of hypothyroidism, especially in younger workers with night shifts.

한국 성인 남성 근로자에서 교대근무와 갑상선 기능 저하증 위험의 연관성: 코호트 연구
목적
교대 근무는 인체에 여러 가지 해로운 영향을 미치는 것으로 보고되어 왔다. 그러나 소수의 연구만이 교대 근무와 갑상선에 대한 이상 반응 사이의 연관성을 평가하였다. 따라서 이번 종단 연구에서는, 교대 근무와 갑상선 기능 저하증의 위험 간의 인과 관계를 평가하고자 한다.
방법
본 강북삼성 코호트 연구는 2012년과 2019년 사이에 최소 한 번 이상 추적 검사를 받았고, 연구 시작 시점에서 갑상선 질환이 없는 112,648명의 남성을 대상으로 수행되었다. 표준화된 설문지를 이용하여 교대근무 현황 및 교대근무 유형을 분류하였다. 갑상선 기능 저하증은 혈청 갑상선 자극 호르몬과 유리 티록신 수치의 참고치를 기준으로 정의되었다. 갑상선 기능 저하증에 대한 위험비(HR)와 95% 신뢰구간(CI)은 주간 근무 그룹을 기준으로 콕스 비례위험 회귀분석을 사용하여 추정되었다.
결과
501,237인년의 추적 조사 기간 중 6,306건의 갑상선 기능 저하증 케이스가 발생하였다 (발생밀도, 100인년당 1.26). 주간 근무 그룹과 비교하여 모든 교대 근무 유형을 포함한 그룹에 대한 갑상선 기능 저하증의 다변량 조정 위험비는 1.27 (95% 신뢰구간, 1.15–1.40)이었다. 고정 저녁, 고정 야간, 윤번 교대 및 기타 교대 근무 그룹의 경우 다변량 조정 위험비 (95% 신뢰구간)는 각각 1.11 (0.76–1.61), 2.18 (1.20–3.93), 1.39 (1.23–1.56) 및 1.00 (0.82–1.22)이었다. 연령에 따른 하위집단 분석에서 교대근무와 갑상선 기능 저하증의 연관성은 젊은 참가자들에게서 더 두드러졌다 (<40세; 위험비, 1.31; 95% 신뢰구간, 1.16–1.47).
결론
본 대규모 코호트 연구를 통해 특히 야간 근무를 하는 젊은 근로자들에서, 교대 근무와 갑상선 기능 저하증 발생 사이의 연관성을 확인할 수 있었다.

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  • Outdoor light at night exposure was associated with hypothyroidism in pregnant women: A national study in China
    Hong-Xing Zou, Li-Wen Hu, Zheng Zhang, Alexander E.P. Heazell, Xueran Wang, Wentao Yue, Xiao-Fan Lu, Xiao-Yi Liu, Shuo Zhang, Le-Bing Wang, Enjie Zhang, Shaofei Su, Shen Gao, Shuanghua Xie, Jianhui Liu, Yue Zhang, Ruixia Liu, Guang-Hui Dong, Chenghong Yin
    Science of The Total Environment.2025; 958: 178017.     CrossRef
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Original Article
The relationship between skeletal muscle mass and the KOSHA cardiovascular risk in obese male workers
Hyo Won Chong, JunSeok Son, Changho Chae, Changho Jae
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e40.   Published online October 4, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e40
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Efforts for the prevention and management of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in workers have been actively pursued. Obesity is one of the important risk factors related to CVDs. Obesity has various metabolic characteristics, and some individuals can be metabolically healthy. Body composition including skeletal muscle mass is known to have protective effect in obesity. The study aims to investigate the association between skeletal muscle mass and Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) CVD risk among obese male manufacturing workers in Korea and to identify appropriate indicators of skeletal muscle mass for predicting risk of CVDs.

Methods

The study was conducted on 2,007 obese male workers at a manufacturing industry aged more than 19 years. Skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle mass percent (SMM%) and skeletal muscle to body fat ratio (MFR) were used to evaluate body composition and these indicators were divided into quartiles. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the KOSHA CVD risk groups according to quartiles of skeletal muscle mass indicators were estimated using ordinal logistic regression analysis.

Results

The OR for the KOSHA CVD risk groups in the highest quartile of SMI was 1.67 (95% CI: 1.42–1.92), while the ORs for the KOSHA CVD risk groups in the highest quartiles of SMM%, SMM/body mass index (BMI), and MFR were 0.47 (95% CI: 0.22–0.72), 0.51 (95% CI: 0.05–0.76), and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.23–0.74), respectively.

Conclusions

We found that high SMI increase the likelihood of high risk of CVDs, while high SMM%, SMM/BMI, and MFR lower the likelihood of high risk of CVDs. Accurate evaluation of skeletal muscle mass can help assess the cardiovascular risk in obese male workers.

비만 남성 근로자에서 골격근량과 KOSHA 심혈관질환 위험도와의 연관성
목적
근로자의 심혈관질환의 예방과 사후관리를 위한 노력이 활발이 이루어지고 있다. 비만은 심혈관질환과 관련한 중요한 위험인자로 알려져 있다. 비만은 다양한 대사 특성을 나타내며 일부는 대사적으로 건강하다. 기전 중 하나로 골격근량을 포함한 체성분 구성의 대사적 보호 효과가 알려져 있다. 본 연구를 통해 국내 제조업 비만 남성 근로자를 대상으로 골격근량과 KOSHA 심혈관질환 위험도 간의 연관성을 확인하고, 심혈관질환 위험도를 예측할 수 있는 적절한 골격근량 지표를 확인하고자 하였다.
방법
제조업에 근무하는 19세 이상의 비만 남성 근로자 2,007명을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였다. 체성분을 평가하기 위해 골격근량, skeletal muscle index (SMI), skeletal muscle mass percent (SMM%) 및 skeletal muscle to body fat ratio (MFR) 지표를 사용하였으며 4분위수로 나누었다. 순서형 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하여 골격근량 지표의 사분위수에 대한 KOSHA 심혈관질환 위험도의 교차비와 95% 신뢰구간을 산출하였다.
결과
순서형 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행한 결과, SMI 의 높은 사분위수에서 심혈관질환 위험군의 교차비는 1.67 (95% CI, 1.42-1.92) 으로 나타났다. SMM%, SMM/BMI 및 MFR 의 높은 사분위수에서 MHO 군의 심혈관질환 위험군의 교차비는 각각 0.47 (95% CI, 0.22-0.72), 0.51 (95% CI, 0.05-0.76), 및 0.48 (95% CI, 0.23-0.74) 으로 나타났다.
결론
본 연구에서 높은 SMI 에서 KOSHA 심혈관질환 위험도가 높게 나타날 가능성이 높으며, 높은 SMM%, SMM/BMI 및 MFR 에서 KOSHA 심혈관질환 위험도가 높게 나타날 가능성이 낮았다. 정확한 골격근량의 평가는 비만 남성 근로자의 심혈관질환 위험도를 가늠하는데 도움이 될 것으로 보인다.

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  • Association of whole-body and regional body fat mass indexes with depressive symptoms and suicidal behaviors in Korean adults: The moderating role of age
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Affective Disorders.2025; 385: 119362.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Risk of insomnia symptoms according to Work-Family Conflict by workers’ characteristics
Kwanghyun Seo, Seungjun Ryu, Saebomi Jeong, Hee-Tae Kang, Sung-Kyung Kim, Sang-Baek Koh, Kyoung Sook Jeong, Sung-Soo Oh
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e36.   Published online August 23, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e36
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

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  • Female workers with long working hours are more likely to have depressive symptoms when having family-to-work conflict
    Garin Lee, Ji-Hwan Kim, Seung-Sup Kim
    International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2024; 97(2): 199.     CrossRef
  • Association between long working hours and engagement in preventive healthcare services in Korean workers: Findings from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107849.     CrossRef
  • Difficulty Falling Asleep, Nocturnal Awakening, Sleep Dissatisfaction, and Irritability in the General Population
    Tetsuya Akaishi
    The Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine.2024; 263(4): 261.     CrossRef
  • Association between single-person household wage workers in South Korea and insomnia symptoms: the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS)
    Yoon Ho Lee, Yong-Jin Lee, Eun-Chul Jang, Young-Sun Min, Soon-Chan Kwon
    Ann Occup Environ Med.2024; 36: e25.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Particulate matter concentration effects on attention to environmental issues: a cross-sectional study among residents in Korea’s Pohang Industrial Complex
Hye-seung Ryu, Jea Chul Ha, Insung Chung, Seonhee Yang, Hyunjoo Kim, Sung-Deuk Choi
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e31.   Published online August 10, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e31
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

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  • Long-term joint exposure of outdoor air pollutants and impaired kidney function in Korean adults: A mixture analysis based on a nationwide sample (2007–2019)
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology.2025; 116: 104712.     CrossRef
  • Association between exposure to ambient particulate matter and high sensitivity C-reactive protein: A nationwide study in South Korea, 2015–2018
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Atmospheric Environment.2024; 339: 120856.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Association between lone work and self-rated health status: using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Eunseun Han, Ui-Jin Kim, Yongho Lee, Sanghyuk Lee, Seunghon Ham, Wanhyung Lee, Won-Jun Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e29.   Published online July 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e29
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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


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  • Association Between Precarious Employment and Cognitive Decline: A Longitudinal Study of Middle-Aged and Older Workers in Korea
    Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of General Internal Medicine.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Association between single-person household wage workers in South Korea and insomnia symptoms: the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS)
    Yoon Ho Lee, Yong-Jin Lee, Eun-Chul Jang, Young-Sun Min, Soon-Chan Kwon
    Ann Occup Environ Med.2024; 36: e25.     CrossRef
  • 1,960 View
  • 14 Download
  • 3 Web of Science
  • 2 Crossref
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Original Article
Environment-wide association study of elevated liver enzymes: results from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey 2018–2022
Youngchan Chi, Jong-Tae Park, Sewhan Na, Kyeongmin Kwak
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e27.   Published online July 31, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e27
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material
Background

Environmental exposure is characterized by low concentration, chronic, and complex exposure. Traditional epidemiological studies show limitations in reflecting these characteristics since they usually focus on a single or very limited number of exposure factors at a time. In this study, we adopted the methodology of environment-wide association study (EWAS) to figure out the association of human liver function with various environmentally hazardous substances.

Methods

We analyzed 2,961 participants from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 4 (2018–2020). Using generalized linear model (GLM) analysis, we analyzed the association of 72 variables with 3 liver function indices (aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], and gamma glutamyl transferase [GGT]). Finally, we visualized our results with Manhattan plot.

Results

In GLM analysis, perfluorooctanesulfonate were positively associated with ALT (odds ratio [OR]: 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–3.46; p adjusted = 0.0147) and perfluorodecanoic acid showed positive association with GGT (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 1.36–5.5; p adjusted = 0.0256). Plasma mercury showed positive association with GGT (OR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14–1.84; p adjusted = 0.0315). Using a plastic container while keeping food in the refrigerator was associated with elevated GGT compared to using a glass container (OR: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.16–1.95; p adjusted = 0.0153). 2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl phthalate, showed a negative trend with all 3 indices, with AST (OR: 0.54; 95% CI: 0.39–0.73; p adjusted = 0.00357), ALT (OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.34–0.75; p adjusted = 0.036), GGT (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.4–0.76; p adjusted = 0.00697). Bisphenol S and frequent use of sunblock cream showed negative association with ALT (OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.66–0.89), and GGT (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.11–0.55), respectively.

Conclusions

We conducted an exploratory study on environmental exposure and human liver function. By using EWAS methodology, we identified 7 factors that could have potential association with liver function.


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  • Exposome-wide association study of cognitive function in US older adults using the NHANES data
    Hyuna Jang, Jiyun Lee, Vy Kim Nguyen, Hyeong-Moo Shin
    Exposome.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Liver Toxicity Induced by Exposure to Bisphenol Analogs at Environmentally Relevant Levels: Insights from a Literature Review on Multiple Species
    Tai L. Guo, Fatma Eldefrawy, Kevin M. Guo
    Livers.2025; 5(2): 24.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Incidence rates of injury, musculoskeletal, skin, pulmonary and chronic diseases among construction workers by classification of occupations in South Korea: a 1,027 subject-based cohort of the Korean Construction Worker’s Cohort (KCWC)
Seungho Lee, Yoon-Ji Kim, Youngki Kim, Dongmug Kang, Seung Chan Kim, Se-Yeong Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e26.   Published online July 24, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e26
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

The objective of this study is to investigate the differences in incidence rates of targeted diseases by classification of occupations among construction workers in Korea.

Methods

In a subject-based cohort of the Korean Construction Worker’s Cohort, we surveyed a total of 1,027 construction workers. As occupational exposure, the classification of occupations was developed using two axes: construction business and job type. To analyze disease incidence, we linked survey data with National Health Insurance Service data. Eleven target disease categories with high prevalence or estimated work-relatedness among construction workers were evaluated in our study. The average incidence rates were calculated as cases per 1,000 person-years (PY).

Results

Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes had the highest incidence rate of 344.08 per 1,000 PY, followed by disease of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue for 208.64 and diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue for 197.87 in our cohort. We especially found that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was more common in construction painters, civil engineering welders, and civil engineering frame mold carpenters, asthma in construction painters, landscape, and construction water proofers, interstitial lung diseases in construction water proofers.

Conclusions

This is the first study to systematically classify complex construction occupations in order to analyze occupational diseases in Korean construction workers. There were differences in disease incidences among construction workers based on the classification of occupations. It is necessary to develop customized occupational safety and health policies for high-risk occupations for each disease in the construction industry.

한국 건설업 종사자의 손상, 근골격계 질환, 피부, 호흡기 및 만성질환의 건설 직종에 따른 발생률: 한국 건설업 종사자 코호트(KCWC) 의 1027명 대상자 기반 세부 코호트 분석
목적
본 연구의 목적은 한국 건설업 종사자에 있어 주요 질환의 건설 직종별 발생률 차이를 알아보는 것이다.
방법
한국 건설업 종사자 코호트(KCWC)의 대상자 기반 세부 코호트로 총 1,027명의 건설업 종사자가 1:1면접설문조사를 통해 입적되었다. 직업적 노출요인으로 직종은 크게 건설산업환경과 직무 두 가지 축으로 분류되었다: 직업적 노출(설문조사) 자료와 국민건강보험공단 청구 맞춤형 자료를 연계하여 질환의 평균 발생률을 분석하였다. 주요 질환은 건설업 종사자에서 유병률이 높거나 업무 관련성이 있을 것으로 추정되는 11개의 대상 질환을 평가하였다. 질환별 평균 발생률은 1,000인년당 발병 사례수(명)으로 계산하였다.
결과
손상, 중독 및 외인에 의한 특정 기타 결과가 1,000인년당 344.08명으로 가장 높은 발생률을 보였고, 그 다음으로 근골격계 및 결체조직의 질환이 1,000인년당 208.64명, 피부 및 피하조직 질환이 1,000인녕당 197.87명 순으로 높았다. 특히, 만성 폐쇄성 폐질환이 건축 도장공, 토목 용접공, 토목 형틀목공에서 타 직종에 비해 상대적으로 높은 발생률을 보였고, 천식은 건축 도장공, 조경, 건축 방수공에서, 간질성 폐질환은 건축 방수공에서 상대적으로 높은 발생률을 보였다.
결론
본 연구는 한국 건설업 종사자의 주요 직업성 질환 및 호발 질환 등을 복잡한 건설산업의 직종을 체계적으로 분류하여 분석한 최초의 연구로 연구진들은 건설업 종사자의 질환별 발생률에 있어 직종별 차이를 확인하였다. 건설 산업에서 각 질환별 고위험 직종별로 맞춤형 산업안전보건정책 개발이 필요하다.

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    The Open Public Health Journal.2024;[Epub]     CrossRef
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Special Issue
The impacts of working time flexibilization on occupational safety and health: an expert survey
Daseul Moon, Hyunjoo Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e20.   Published online July 20, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e20
AbstractAbstract PDFSupplementary Material

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


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    Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107890.     CrossRef
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    Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
    Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 351: 931.     CrossRef
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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 Material

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


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Original Article
Relationship between job stress and impaired fasting glucose in male steel industry workers: a cross-sectional study
Hyun-Kyo Lee, Inho Lee, Jisuk Yun, Yong-Jin Lee, Eun-Chul Jang, Young-Sun Min, Soon-Chan Kwon
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e12.   Published online June 2, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e12
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between job stress and impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) of male workers in a manufacturing industry.

Methods

Data were collected from 5,886 male workers in a manufacturing industry who participated in the medical examination from June 19 to August 14, 2020 through self-reported questionnaires. The general characteristics of the subjects, shift work, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia, and job stress were included. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) consisting of 8 items and 43 questions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the IFG association with job stress.

Results

Among the various factors that can cause job stress, only high job demand was associated with a risk of IFG (odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.82) especially in non-shift worker. For all other factors, no statistically significant results were obtained.

Conclusions

In this study of male workers engaged in the Korean steel manufacturing industry, the 'job demand' item among job stress of non-shift worker was related to IFG.

철강 공장에 근무하는 남성 근로자의 직무 스트레스와 공복혈당장애와의 관계: 단면연구
목적
제2형 당뇨와 직무 스트레스와의 관계를 다룬 여러 연구가 있었으나 공복혈당장애와의 관계를 조사한 연구 결과는 존재하지 않았다. 본 연구는 단일 철강 사업장에서 직무스트레스와 공복혈당장애의 관련성을 확인하되 한국형 직무스트레스 각각 항목과의 연관성을 파악하고자 하였다.
방법
2020년 6월 19일부터 8월 14일까지 건강검진에 참여한 제조업 남성 근로자 5,886명을 대상으로 자체 보고 설문지를 통해 자료를 수집하였다. 변수로 대상자의 일반적인 특성 및 교대근무, 재직년수, 고혈압, 이상지질혈증, 직무스트레스 점수가 포함되었다. 직무스트레스는 8개 항목과 43개 질문으로 구성된 한국직업스트레스척도(KOSS)를 이용하여 측정되었다. 다중 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 사용하여 직무 스트레스와 IFG의 연관성을 조사하였다.
결과
직무스트레스를 유발할 수 있는 다양한 요인 중, 비 야간작업자의 높은 직무요구도만이 IFG(OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13-1.82)의 위험 증가와 관련이 있었다. 다른 모든 요인의 경우 통계적으로 유의한 결과가 얻어지지 않았다.
결론
철강 제조업에 종사하는 남성 근로자들을 대상으로 한 본 연구에서 직무 스트레스 중 ‘직무 요구’ 항목은 비 야간작업자의 공복혈당장애와 관련이 있었다. 향후 다양한 직업군을 대상으로 한 후속 연구가 필요할 것이다.
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Original Article
Correlation of commute time with the risk of subjective mental health problems: 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS)
Hyo Choon Lee, Eun Hye Yang, Soonsu Shin, Seoung Ho Moon, Nan Song, Jae-Hong Ryoo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e9.   Published online May 11, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e9
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by  
  • Study on the influence of commuting time on workers' health status and its mechanism
    Yu Gan, Jing Zhang
    Journal of Transport & Health.2025; 41: 102010.     CrossRef
  • Association between commute time and loneliness: An analysis based on 2023 Seoul survey data
    Baek-Yong Choi, Ji-Hyeon Lee, Seok-Yoon Son, Seung-Woo Ryoo, Jin-Young Min, Kyoung-Bok Min
    Journal of Transport & Health.2025; 43: 102059.     CrossRef
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Original Article
Relationship between visual display terminal working hours and headache/eyestrain in Korean wage workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey
Gayoung Kim, Seong-yong Cho, Jinseok Kim, Seongyong Yoon, Jisoo Kang, Si young Kim
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e8.   Published online May 9, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e8
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Prolonged use of visual display terminal (VDT) can cause eyestrain, dry eyes, blurred vision, double vision, headache and musculoskeletal symptoms (neck, shoulder, and wrist pain). VDT working hours among workers have greatly increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between VDT working hours and headache/eyestrain in wage workers using data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) (2020–2021) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We analyzed the sixth KWCS data of 28,442 wage workers aged 15 years or older. The headache/eyestrain that occurred in the last year was assessed. The VDT work group included workers who use VDT always, almost always, and three-fourth of the working hours, while the non-VDT work group included workers who use VDT half of the working hours, one-fourth of the working hours, almost never, and never. To analyze the relationship between VDT working hours and headache/eyestrain, the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among the non-VDT work group, 14.4% workers experienced headache/eyestrain, whereas 27.5% workers of the VDT work group experienced these symptoms. For headache/eyestrain, the VDT work group showed adjusted OR of 1.94 (95% CI: 1.80–2.09), compared with the non-VDT work group, and the group that always used VDT showed adjusted OR of 2.54 (95% CI: 2.26–2.86), compared with the group that never used VDT.

Conclusions

This study suggests that during the COVID-19 pandemic, as VDT working hours increased, the risk of headache/eyestrain increased for Korean wage workers.

코로나 19 유행 시기의 임금근로자에서 영상표시단말기(VDT) 작업시간과 두통/눈피로의 연관성: 제 6차 근로환경조사(KWCS)
목적
영상표시단말기(VDT)를 장시간 사용하면 눈의 피로, 안구 건조, 시야 흐림, 복시, 두통 및 근골격계 증상(목, 어깨 및 손목 통증)을 유발할 수 있다. 코로나19의 유행 동안 근로자들의 VDT 근로시간이 크게 증가했다. 본 연구는 코로나19 유행 시기에 실시된 제6차 KWCS(2020-2021) 자료를 활용하여 임금근로자의 VDT 근로시간과 두통/눈피로의 연관성을 조사하고자 하였다.
방법
본 연구는 15세 이상 임금근로자 28,442명을 대상으로 제6차 KWCS 자료를 분석하였다. 두통/눈피로는 지난 1년 동안 발생 여부로 확인하였다. 근무시간 내내, 거의 모든 근무시간, 근무시간 3/4 동안 VDT를 사용할 경우 VDT 작업군으로 분류하였고, 근무시간 절반, 근무시간 1/4, 거의 없음, 전혀 사용하지 않는 경우 VDT 비작업군으로 분류하였다. VDT 근무시간과 두통/눈피로의 관계를 분석하기 위해 로지스틱 회귀분석을 이용하여 승산비(OR)와 95% 신뢰구간(CI)을 계산하였다.
결과
본 연구는 15세 이상 임금근로자 28,442명을 대상으로 제6차 KWCS 자료를 분석하였다. 두통/눈피로는 지난 1년 동안 발생 여부로 확인하였다. 근무시간 내내, 거의 모든 근무시간, 근무시간 3/4 동안 VDT를 사용할 경우 VDT 작업군으로 분류하였고, 근무시간 절반, 근무시간 1/4, 거의 없음, 전혀 사용하지 않는 경우 VDT 비작업군으로 분류하였다. VDT 근무시간과 두통/눈피로의 관계를 분석하기 위해 로지스틱 회귀분석을 이용하여 승산비(OR)와 95% 신뢰구간(CI)을 계산하였다.
결론
본 연구는 코로나19 세계적 유행 기간 동안 VDT 근로시간이 증가함에 따라 한국 임금근로자의 두통/눈피로 위험이 증가함을 시사한다.
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Original Article
The relationship between visual display terminal usage at work and symptoms related to computer vision syndrome
Soonsu Shin, Eun Hye Yang, Hyo Choon Lee, Seong Ho Moon, Jae-Hong Ryoo
Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e1.   Published online January 9, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e1
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDFSupplementary Material
Background

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

Methods

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

Results

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

Conclusions

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

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

Citations

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  • Computer vision syndrome: a comprehensive literature review
    Fares Kahal, Ahmad Al Darra, André Torbey
    Future Science OA.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
  • Evaluation of PVD exposure and its influence on visual fatigue in the administrative staff of a public hospital in Riobamba - Ecuador in 2023
    Abigail Torres, Santiago Salazar
    Salud, Ciencia y Tecnología.2024; 4: 1049.     CrossRef
  • Effects of Low-Intensity Wearable Ultrasound Technology on Pain, Muscle Tone, and Body Temperature in Women: Randomized Control Trials
    SungYeon Oh, Jaeho Yu
    The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy.2024; 36(3): 85.     CrossRef
  • Digital Eye Strain: Updated Perspectives
    Andrew Pucker, Aaron Kerr, Jennifer Sanderson, Chris Lievens
    Clinical Optometry.2024; Volume 16: 233.     CrossRef
  • A pilot study of the impact of repeated blink refrainment on ocular surface temperature and the interblink period
    Wing Li, Andrew D. Graham, Meng C. Lin
    Optometry and Vision Science.2024; 101(11): 652.     CrossRef
  • Objective Assessment of Active Display Screen Fixation Among Office Workers Using an Innovative Nonwearable Acquisition System: A Pilot Study
    Edoardo Marelli, Davide Ruongo, Simone Dalola, Emma Sala, Cesare Tomasi, Vittorio Ferrari, Marco Ferrari, Giuseppe De Palma
    Applied Sciences.2024; 14(23): 11307.     CrossRef
  • 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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Original Article
Use of work-related communication technology outside regular working hours and work-family conflict (work interference with family and family interference with work): results from the 6th Korean working conditions survey
Baek-Yong Choi, Jin-Young Min, Seung-Woo Ryoo, Kyoung-Bok Min
Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e44.   Published online December 22, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e44
AbstractAbstract AbstractAbstract in Korean PDF
Background

Recently, use of work-related communication technology—smartphones, tablets, and laptops—is increasing rapidly by development of technology with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Some studies have suggested that work-related communication technology has a significant link with work-family conflict (WFC) but these studies included only limited number of participants and lacked essential covariates. Therefore, this study analyzes this association using large representative data sample and selected waged workers who were married-couples with children.

Methods

This study was conducted based on data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Surveys (KWCS). A total of 17,426 waged workers having a marriage partner and one or more children were selected. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether WFC was associated with communication technology use. The odds ratios (ORs) for WFC were stratified by sex and working hours.

Results

In fully adjusted model, WFC was higher those who used communication technology outside regular working hours compared with those who did not use it (OR: 1.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.39–1.97). When stratified by sex and working hours, the effect was greater in women than in men (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.42–2.26 vs. OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.17–1.97) and women who worked over 52 hours per week had the highest OR (3.40; 95% CI: 1.25–9.26).

Conclusions

This study revealed that the work-related communication technology use outside regular working hours was associated with WFC. The association were greater among those having longer working hours and female workers. These results suggest that appropriate policy should be implemented to reduce working hours and right to disconnect after work, particularly in female workers.

근무 시간 외 업무 관련 통신기기 사용과 일-가정 갈등 (일-가정 방해 갈등, 가정-일 방해 갈등): 제6차 근로환경조사를 이용하여
목적
최근 스마트폰, 태블릿, 노트북과 같은 통신기기의 발달과 2019년 코로나19 팬데믹으로 인하여 업무 관련 통신기기의 사용이 꾸준히 늘고 있다. 선행연구에 따르면 업무 관련 통신기기의 사용과 일-가정 갈등과의 연관성이 제시되고 있으나, 연구대상자 수가 제한적이며 필수적인 보정변수가 적용되지 못하였다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 대표성을 갖춘 제6차 근로환경조사를 이용하고 배우자와 자녀가 있는 근로자만을 대상으로 하여 그 연관성에 대한 분석하고자 하였다.
방법
본 연구는 제6차 근로환경조사를 이용하였고, 일-가정 갈등의 유발 요소가 있는 배우자와 자녀가 있는 17,426명의 임금근로자를 선별하였다. 통계분석 방법으로는 로지스틱 회귀분석을 시행하여 정규 근무 시간 외 업무 관련 통신기기 사용으로 인한 일-가정 갈등 사이의 연관성을 분석하였다. 또한 성별 및 근로시간에 따른 층화 분석을 시행하였다.
결과
모든 보정변수를 적용하였을 때, 위 연관성은 통계적으로 유의하였으며 통신 기기를 사용하지 않은 군에 비해 통신기기를 사용한 군에서 일-가정 갈등이 유발될 오즈비는 1.66배 (95% CI:1.39-1.97)로 나타났다. 성별과 근로시간에 따라 층화하여 분석하였을 때 남성 (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.17–1.97)보다 여성 (OR: 1.79; 95% CI: 1.42–2.26)에서 일-가정 갈등의 위험이 더 큰 것으로 나타났다. 특히, 주당 근로시간 52시간을 초과한 여성 군의 경우 일-가정 갈등이 발생할 위험이 가장 높은 것으로 분석되었다 (3.40; 95% CI: 1.25–9.26).
결론
본 연구에 따르면, 근무 시간 외 업무 관련 통신기기의 사용과 일-가정 갈등 사이의 연관성이 있으며 그 영향은 여성 및 장시간 근로자에서 더욱 크게 나타났다. 따라서 이러한 결과를 보았을 때, 장시간 근로를 감소시키기 위한 꾸준한 노력이 필요하며, 또한 여성근로자에서 퇴근 이후 연결되지 않을 권리 보장을 위한 정책 도입에 관한 지속적인 관심이 필요할 것이다.

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