Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Review article

Impacts of heat on sleep quality among heat-exposed workers: a systematic review: Maarthi Raja, Vidhya Venugopal, D. C. Mathangi, Suvarna Jyothi Kantipudi, K. Mahesh Kumar, Somnath Panda, Latha Perumal Kamalakkannan; Ann Occup Environ Med 2026;e3. Published online January 8, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2026.38.e3 [Accepted]

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Climate change is intensifying occupational heat exposure, posing risks not only for heat-related illness but also for sleep, which is essential for recovery, safety, and productivity. Heat-exposed workers are highly vulnerable due to prolonged exposure, limited access to cooling, and poor housing. This systematic review aimed to synthesise global evidence on how occupational heat exposure affects sleep quality among workers across different occupations and settings. A systematic review was conducted following Synthesis without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched (2000–2025) for studies involving adult workers (≥18 years) reporting both heat exposure and sleep outcomes. The review was registered with PROSPERO (ID: CRD420251125735). Of 7,108 records screened, 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies spanned Asia, Australia, North America, and global cohorts. Heat exposure consistently impaired sleep quality and duration. Using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Actigraphy, and self-reports, common complaints included difficulty falling asleep (64%), restlessness (54%), non-restorative sleep (54%), night sweats (36%), and reduced total sleep time (45%). Night-time temperatures above 25°C and high workplace wet bulb globe temperature values were strongly linked with reduced sleep efficiency and delayed sleep onset. Vulnerable groups included shift workers, petrochemical and steel labourers, women, older adults, and low-income workers in urban heat islands and poorly ventilated housing. Occupational heat exposure disrupts sleep, compounding daytime strain and creating a dual burden for workers. Integrating sleep into heat stress management through cooling interventions, better housing, and revised work–rest schedules is critical for worker well-being in a warming climate

99 View
1 Download

Original Article

Development of criteria for health examination of high-risk occupational groups and application to female fishers: Delphi study: Hye-min Kim, Jungwon Kim, Kunhyung Kim, Hansoo Song; Ann Occup Environ Med 2026;38:e2. Published online January 8, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2026.38.e2

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material: Background
The objective of this study was to establish criteria for designing health examination programs and selecting appropriate examination items for high-risk occupational groups and to apply these criteria specifically to female fishers.
Methods
The first Delphi survey comprised five domains and 15 specific criteria for identifying relevant health screening items for high-risk occupations. The second survey included open-ended questions addressing inconsistencies identified in the first survey and sought suggestions for additional items. In the third Delphi survey, specific health screening items were proposed for female fishers, and experts directly evaluated these items according to the finalized selection criteria.
Results
Twenty-eight experts participated in this study. The first and second Delphi rounds facilitated the finalization of selection criteria for health screening items, consisting of five domains: Domain 1, Priority of target disease; Domain 2, Applicability of early detection and intervention; Domain 3, Scientific evidence of medical test method; Domain 4, Acceptability of medical test method; and Domain 5, Effectiveness of examination. Content validity ratios for these criteria ranged between 0.429 and 1.000. Based on the established criteria, experts evaluated eight proposed screening items for female fishers in the third round of the Delphi survey. Bone density, bioelectrical impedance analysis, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and fundoscopy were evaluated as appropriate; however, no agreement was reached on the early detection and intervention areas for degenerative lumbar disease, knee osteoarthritis, and upper extremity disease, as well as on the effectiveness for upper extremity disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Conclusion
This study successfully established comprehensive criteria for selecting diseases targeted by health examinations in high-risk occupational groups. The practical application of these criteria proved effective in assessing the appropriateness of specific health screening items.; 고위험 직업군 건강검진 기준 개발 및 여성 어업종사자에의 적용: 델파이 조사
배경
본 연구의 목적은 고위험 직업군을 위한 건강검진 프로그램 설계 기준과 적절한 검사 항목을 선정하는 기준을 수립하고, 이를 여성 어업종사자에게 구체적으로 적용하는 것이었다.
방법
첫 번째 델파이 조사에서는 고위험 직업군의 건강검진 항목을 선정하기 위한 5개 영역과 15개의 기준을 설정하였다. 두 번째 조사에서는 첫 번째 조사에서 발견된 불일치를 해소하고 추가 항목에 대한 제안을 받기 위해 개방형 질문을 포함하였다. 세 번째 델파이 조사에서는 여성 어업종사자에게 적용할 건강검진 항목을 제안하고, 전문가들이 최종 선정 기준에 따라 해당 항목을 평가하였다.
결과
본 연구에는 28명의 전문가가 참여하였다. 첫 번째와 두 번째 델파이 조사에서는 건강검진 항목 선정 기준이 확정되었으며, 이 기준은 다음의 5개 영역으로 구성되었다: <영역 1: 대상 질병의 우선순위>, <영역 2: 조기 발견 및 개입의 적용 가능성>, <영역 3: 의학적 검사 방법에 대한 과학적 근거>, <영역 4: 의학적 검사 방법의 수용 가능성>, <영역 5: 검사의 효과성>. 각 기준의 내용 타당도 비율은 0.429에서 1.000 사이였다. 확립된 기준에 따라, 세 번째 델파이 조사에서 여성 어업종사자를 위한 8개 건강검진 항목이 평가되었으며, 골밀도, 생체 전기 저항 분석, 심혈관 질환 위험 인자, 안저 검사는 적절한 항목으로 평가되었으나, 퇴행성 요추 질환, 무릎 골관절염, 상지 질환 및 만성 폐쇄성 폐질환의 조기 발견 및 개입 영역과 상지 질환과 만성 폐쇄성 폐질환의 효과성에 대해서는 전문가들 간의 합의가 이루어지지 않았다.
결론
본 연구는 고위험 직업군의 건강검진을 위한 질병 선정 기준을 성공적으로 확립하였다. 이 기준을 실제로 적용함으로써 특정 건강검진 항목의 적절성을 평가하는 데 효과적임을 확인하였다.

224 View
11 Download

Original Article

Factors affecting heat-related illness symptoms among school food service workers: a cross-sectional study in Korea: Nahyun Kim, Dongwhan Suh, Jia Ryu, Woo Chul Jeong, Yun-Keun Lee, Jinwoo Lee, Hyunjoo Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e30. Published online September 2, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e30

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material: Background
School food service workers are highly likely to develop heat-related illnesses because of their work environment. However, studies that have examined the risk of heat-related illnesses among them are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the status of heat exposure, implementation of heat wave countermeasures, and prevalence of heat-related illness symptoms among school food service workers in Korea, and to explore the relationship between them.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey of school food service workers from May 25 to June 12, 2023, via three labor unions. We analyzed 6,244 valid responses. We assessed general characteristics, heat-related illness symptoms (heat rash, heat cramps, heat edema, heat exhaustion, heat syncope), duration of heat exposure during heat waves, and heat wave preventive measures. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed, with adjustments for age, occupation, hypertension, diabetes, and school type.
Results
More than one-third of school food service workers reported heat exposure between May and September exceeding 4 hours daily, and 94.6% experienced at least one heat-related illness symptom during the last year. A dose-response relationship was observed between heat exposure duration and heat-related illness symptoms (p for trend < 0.001). School food service workers who did not have increased rest periods or did not reduce high-heat prepared foods showed significantly higher odds ratios for heat-related illness symptoms.
Conclusions
School food service workers experience substantial heat exposure and a high prevalence of heat-related illness symptoms. The risk of heat-related illness symptoms was associated with extended duration of heat exposure. Increasing rest periods and reducing high-heat food preparation were effective preventive measures. These findings underscore the need for improved heat exposure management and implementation of effective preventive measures to protect the health of school food service workers, with particular attention to appropriate rest periods.; 학교 급식 종사자의 온열질환 증상 위험요인
목적
학교 급식 종사자는 다수의 열원이 존재하는 협소한 공간에서 근무하기 때문에 온열질환 발생 가능성이 높다. 학교 급식 종사자의 작업 중 열 노출 현황, 폭염 대응책 시행, 온열질환 증상 유병률을 조사하고 이들의 관계를 탐구하고자 하였다.
방법
2023. 5. 25- 6. 12까지 학교 급식 관련 3개 노동조합을 통해 온라인 설문조사를 실시해 6,244개의 유효한 응답을 얻었다. 일반적 특성과 온열질환 증상 경험, 폭염 시 근무 중 고온노출 시간, 폭염피해 예방 조치 경험을 조사했다. 온열질환 증상 경험에 관련된 요인을 확인하기 위해 연령, 직종, 고혈압, 당뇨병, 학교 유형을 보정한 다중 로지스틱 회귀분석을 수행했다.
결과
학교 급식 종사자의 3분의 1 이상이 5월부터 9월 사이 일일 4시간을 초과하는 열 노출을 보고했으며, 94.6%가 지난 1년 동안 적어도 하나의 온열질환 질환 증상을 경험했다. 하루 중 고온 노출 시간에 따라 온열질환 증상 경험의 위험은 양반응 관계로 증가했다(P for trend<0.001). 폭염 피해 예방 조치를 경험한 것에 비해 그렇지 않은 경우 온열질환 증상 경험의 위험은 휴게시간 증가(OR=1.86), 고열 제조 반찬 줄임(OR=1.59)에서 통계적으로 유의하게 증가했다.
결론
학교 급식 종사자들은 상당한 열 노출과 높은 온열질환 증상 유병률을 보였다. 온열질환 증상의 위험은 고온 노출이 심할수록 증가하는 것으로 확인되었다. 휴식시간 증가와 고열 제조 음식 조리 감소가 효과적인 예방 조치였다. 이러한 결과는 학교 급식 종사자들의 건강을 보호하기 위한 개선된 열 노출 관리와 효과적인 예방 조치 시행의 필요성을 강조하며, 특히 적절한 휴식시간에 특별한 주의를 기울여야 함을 시사한다.

2,276 View
136 Download

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

Abstract Abstract 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; 11(5): 731. CrossRef
Work-related risk factors of sleep apnea: evidence from the Korean work, sleep, and health study
Heejoo Ko, Seong-Sik Cho, Hye-Eun Lee, Jeehee Min, Mo-Yeol Kang
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2025; 98(9-10): 797. CrossRef
Association between work stress and sleep disturbances: the mediating role of pre-sleep arousal symptoms
Jeehee MIN, Hoje RYU, Seong-Sik CHO, Mo-Yeol KANG
Industrial Health.2025; 63(5): 478. CrossRef
Associations of self-rated health, depression, and work ability with employee control over working time
Heejoo Ko, Seong-Sik Cho, Jaesung Choi, Mo-Yeol Kang
Epidemiology and Health.2025; 47: e2025036. CrossRef
Workplace Psychosocial Safety Climate and Sleep Health: Association With Sleep Quality and Insomnia Symptoms
Jiwon Kim, Seong‐Sik Cho, Maureen F. Dollard, May Young Loh, Mo‐Yeol Kang
Journal of Sleep Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between psychosocial safety climate and depression risk among Korean workers
Soo Kyung Cho, Seong-Sik Cho, Maureen F. Dollard, May Young Loh, Mo-Yeol Kang
Epidemiology and Health.2025; 47: e2025044. CrossRef
Associations of sleep duration and sleep quality with lifestyle inflammation score in a nationwide Korean survey
Jaegeun Cho, Eunvin Kang, Se Eun Kim, Young-Joo Won
Scientific Reports.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Altered cortical myelination based on gray-to-white matter signal intensity contrast in shift workers
Jonghun Lee, Youjin Kim, Junbeom Lee, Joon Yul Choi, Wanhyung Lee
Brain Structure and Function.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

8,458 View
396 Download
9 Web of Science
9 Crossref

Original Article

Burnout, stress, and their correlates among bank employees of South India: a cross-sectional study: Guruprasad Vinod, Srikant Ambatipudi; Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e22. Published online August 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e22

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

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

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Riesgos psicosociales en el sector bancario: evidencia científica y propuestas de intervención organizacional frente al estrés laboral
Pablo Santana Briones, Erick Manuel Cantos Santana
Revista Científica Multidisciplinaria SAPIENTIAE.2026; : 368. CrossRef
Associations of long working hours with the use of combustible cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products among young adults: a population-based study of South Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Postgraduate Medical Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

13,776 View
563 Download
1 Web of Science
2 Crossref

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

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary 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.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

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
Occupational stress(KOSS®19): scale development and validation in the Korean context
Hansoo Song, Hyoung Ryoul Kim, Inah Kim, Jin-Ha Yoon, Sang-Baek Koh, Sung-Soo Oh, Hee-Tae Kang, Da-Yee Jeung, Dae-Sung Hyun, Chunhui Suh, Sei-Jin Chang
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 37: e12. CrossRef

7,054 View
216 Download
2 Web of Science
2 Crossref

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

Abstract Abstract 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

Citations to this article as recorded by

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; 101(1200): 980. 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
OECD Ülkelerinde Kadın Sağlığı Araştırmalarının: Eğilimlerini Analiz Etmek, Boşlukları ve Gelecek Yönelimlerini Belirlemek
Merve Tekinarslan
KutBilim Sosyal Bilimler ve Sanat Dergisi.2025; 5(1): 19. CrossRef
Sex Differences in the Association Between the Korean Healthy Eating Index and Liver Enzymes Among Korean Adults
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Nutrients.2025; 17(14): 2372. CrossRef
The physical activity paradox in the development of metabolic syndrome: Based on the Korea National Health and nutrition examination survey
Hyung Doo Kim, Tae-Won Jang
Preventive Medicine Reports.2025; 57: 103203. CrossRef
Shift work and dietary behaviors among Korean workers
Chung Ho Kim, Wanhyung Lee
Journal of Occupational Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Flexible screen-printed graphene oxide-based biosensor for sweat sodium detection
L. Marini, P. Chithra Lekha, Roop L. Mahajan, T. Devasena
Current Applied Physics.2025; 80: 145. CrossRef
Association Between Exposure to Age Discrimination and Nutritional Risk: Findings from a Nationwide Sample of Older Adults in South Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Nutrients.2025; 17(23): 3643. CrossRef
Associations of long working hours with the use of combustible cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated tobacco products among young adults: a population-based study of South Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Postgraduate Medical Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
Nutrients.2024; 16(10): 1482. CrossRef

4,641 View
209 Download
11 Web of Science
12 Crossref

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

Abstract Abstract 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.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

The relationship between worry about technological progress and job engagement - Differences by type of job characteristics
Sojin Yoon, Na Yeon Lee, Yerim Lim, Sehee Hong
Technology in Society.2026; 85: 103163. CrossRef
Metabolic risk stratification of night shift workers in a large retail workplace through clustering and SHAP interpretation
InHo Lee, SangHee Hong, EunChul Jang, JuneHee Lee, JeongBeom Lee
Frontiers in Public Health.2026;[Epub] CrossRef
Association of precarious employment with depressive symptoms and insomnia: Findings from the Korean Working Conditions Survey
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Journal of Psychiatric Research.2025; 181: 7. CrossRef
Gender differences in the association between long work hours, weekend work, and insomnia symptoms in a nationally representative sample of workers in Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
Sleep Health.2025; 11(2): 191. CrossRef
Association Between Shift Working and Brain Morphometric Changes in Workers: A Voxel-wise Comparison
Joon Yul Choi, Sungmin Kim, Yongho Lee, Dohyeon Kim, Wanhyung Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2025; 16(2): 236. CrossRef
What Activity is the Most Dangerous to Work in? Estimation of the Risk Level of Economic Activities in Ecuador
Antonio R. Gómez-García, Raúl Gutierrez-Álvarez, Alywin H. Chang-León, José A. García-Arroyo
Safety and Health at Work.2025; 16(2): 172. CrossRef
Effects of Work Demands and Rewards of Nurses on Exhaustion and Sleep Disturbance: Focusing on Comparison With Other Shift Workers
Kyung Jin Hong
Nursing Open.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
The evolution of age-friendly jobs in a rapidly ageing economy
Hyeongsuk Kim, Chulhee Lee, Karen Eggleston
The Journal of the Economics of Ageing.2025; 31: 100575. CrossRef
Relationship Between Musculoskeletal Disorders and Productivity Loss Among Hospital Nurses: An Analytical Cross‐Sectional Study With Secondary Data Analysis
Minkyung Kang, Inah Kim, Chang Park, Ari Min
Journal of Nursing Scholarship.2025; 57(5): 789. CrossRef
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders and digitalization: past adoption, current utilization, and future concerns
Young-Mee Kim, Sung-il Cho
BMC Public Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Gender Differences in the Association Between Workplace Sexual Harassment and Psychological Well-Being: a Nationwide Study of Korean Workers
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Journal of General Internal Medicine.2025; 40(16): 4105. CrossRef
Association between shift work and brain age gap: a neuroimaging study using MRI-based brain age prediction algorithms
Youjin Kim, Joon Yul Choi, Evgeny Petrovskiy, Wanhyung Lee
Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Present but Overlooked: A Scoping Review of Instruments and Approaches for Measuring Presenteeism Related to Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Use
Kirrilly Thompson, Md Abdul Ahad, Gianluca Di Censo, Sonia Hines, Nicholas Rich, Alice McEntee, Jacqueline Bowden
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Impact of Changes in Type of Employment on Absenteeism/Presenteeism Among Korean Workers
Yunjun Park, Wanhyung Lee
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2025; 67(11): e807. CrossRef
Synergy and Attenuation of Work-Related Factors in Musculoskeletal Disorders: The Combined Risk Based on Data from the Korean Working Conditions Survey
Eun-Soo Lee, Myong-Hwan Kim, Dongmug Kang, Youn-Hyang Lee, Yoon-Ji Kim, Se-Yeong Kim, Youngki Kim
Medicina.2025; 61(11): 1969. CrossRef
Altered cortical myelination based on gray-to-white matter signal intensity contrast in shift workers
Jonghun Lee, Youjin Kim, Junbeom Lee, Joon Yul Choi, Wanhyung Lee
Brain Structure and Function.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Association between multiple jobs and physical and psychological symptoms among the Korean working population
Seok-Yoon Son, Jin-Young Min, Seung-Woo Ryoo, Baek-Yong Choi, Kyoung-Bok Min
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Commuting time, working time, and their link to insomnia symptoms among Korean employees: A cross-sectional study
Hoje Ryu, Suhwan Ju, Hye-Eun Lee, Seong-Sik Cho
Sleep Health.2024; 10(4): 434. CrossRef
Interaction between old age and precarious employment on poor mental well‐being in workers: Evidence from a nationally representative sample in Korea
Seong‐Uk Baek, Yu‐Min Lee, Jong‐Uk Won, Jin‐Ha Yoon
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupation classification model based on DistilKoBERT: using the 5th and 6th Korean Working Condition Surveys
Tae-Yeon Kim, Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Byungyoon Yun, Domyung Paek, Kyung Ehi Zoh, Kanwoo Youn, Yun Keun Lee, Yangho Kim, Jungwon Kim, Eunsuk Choi, Mo-Yeol Kang, YoonHo Cho, Kyung-Eun Lee, Juho Sim, Juyeon Oh, Heejoo Park, Jian Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Long Working Hours, Work-life Imbalance, and Poor Mental Health: A Cross-sectional Mediation Analysis Based on the Sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey, 2020–2021
Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
Journal of Epidemiology.2024; 34(11): 535. CrossRef
Association between sickness presenteeism and depressive symptoms: a cross-sectional study using the 6th Korean working conditions survey
Myeong-Hun Lim, Min-Seok Kim, Seong-Uk Baek, Tae-Yeon Kim, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health.2024; 97(5): 537. CrossRef
The association of job training duration and risk of depression among wage workers: an analysis of the mediating factors
Dong Geon Kim, Dong Kyu Kim, Kiook Baek
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Psychological Well-being Interactively Affected by Long Working Hours and Caregiving Activities
Min Young Park, Jongin Lee
Safety and Health at Work.2024; 15(4): 458. CrossRef
The role of supervisor support in the association between night work and depressive symptoms: a gender-stratified analysis of 22,422 full-time wage workers in Korea
Hee Won Kim, Ji-Hwan Kim, Garin Lee, Hye-Lin Lee, Hayoung Lee, Seung-Sup Kim
Epidemiology and Health.2024; 46: e2024079. CrossRef

7,349 View
69 Download
25 Crossref

[Special Collection] Working hours as a social determinants of workers' health

Brief Communication

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

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

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

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Metabolic risk stratification of night shift workers in a large retail workplace through clustering and SHAP interpretation
InHo Lee, SangHee Hong, EunChul Jang, JuneHee Lee, JeongBeom Lee
Frontiers in Public Health.2026;[Epub] 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
Effect of long working hours on psychological distress among young workers in different types of occupation
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Preventive Medicine.2024; 179: 107829. CrossRef
Association between long working hours and diet quality and patterns: A latent profile analysis of a nationally representative sample of Korean workers
Seong-Uk Baek, Jong-Uk Won, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Preventive Medicine.2024; 180: 107890. CrossRef
Association of precarious employment with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among female workers: Findings from a nationwide longitudinal study in Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Journal of Affective Disorders.2024; 351: 931. CrossRef
Association between long working hours and metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease: a nationwide population-based study in Korea
S.-U. Baek, J.-U. Won, Y.-M. Lee, J.-H. Yoon
Public Health.2024; 232: 188. CrossRef
Association between long working hours and the development of suicidal ideation among female workers: An 8-year population-based study using the Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women & Family (2012–2020)
Seong-Uk Baek, Yu-Min Lee, Jin-Ha Yoon
Psychiatry Research.2024; 333: 115731. CrossRef
Association of low-quality employment with the development of suicidal thought and suicide planning in workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
Social Science & Medicine.2024; 358: 117219. CrossRef
Long working hours and preventive oral health behaviors: a nationwide study in Korea (2007–2021)
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won
Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.2024; 29: 48. CrossRef
Special Series I: Working hours as a social determinant of workers’ health
Kyunghee Jung-Choi, Tae-Won Jang, Mo-Yeol Kang, Jungwon Kim, Eun-A Kim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2023;[Epub] CrossRef

5,350 View
52 Download
9 Web of Science
10 Crossref

Original Article

Hotel housekeepers and occupational health: experiences and perceived risks: Xènia Chela-Alvarez, Oana Bulilete, Encarna Garcia-Illan, MClara Vidal-Thomàs, Joan Llobera; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e29. Published online October 25, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e29

Search