Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

Association between sudden work recall and psychological health issues: a cross-sectional analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey: Dong-Woo Kim, June-Hee Lee, In-Ho Lee, Kyung-Jae Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e33. Published online September 8, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e33

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF: Background
The impact of global integration has led to an increase in non-standard work patterns, threatening workers' health. Psychological health problems, such as anxiety and fatigue, negatively affect workers' health and safety. Sudden work recall, a situation where workers are asked to return to work under unpredictable circumstances, is associated with uncertainty. Research on the relationship between sudden work recall and anxiety and fatigue is limited, and this study aims to investigate this relationship among Korean workers.
Methods
The study used data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. To analyze the pure effects of sudden work recall, the final sample was limited to 15,702 non-shift workers with a ‘good’ subjective health status. The presence of sudden work recall was categorized into three frequency groups: “several times a month,” “rarely,” and “never.” Anxiety and fatigue were each categorized into "yes" or "no" responses. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results
After adjusting for demographic and occupational characteristics, the odds ratio (OR) for anxiety in the 'several times a month' group was 4.066 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.787–5.931), indicating a significantly higher risk. Conversely, the OR for the 'rarely' group was 1.363 (95% CI: 0.921–2.017), which was not statistically significant. A similar pattern was observed for fatigue: the 'several times a month' group had a significantly higher risk (OR: 1.875; 95% CI: 1.490–2.359), but the 'rarely' group (OR: 0.955; 95% CI: 0.750–1.215) did not.
Conclusions
The relationship between sudden work recall and psychological health may not be a simple linear one. The results suggest that only a high frequency of sudden work recall is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and fatigue. Therefore, it is necessary to establish appropriate measures and to conduct additional research in this area.; 돌발적 업무 복귀 요청과 심리적 건강 문제의 연관성: 제 6차 근로환경조사를 이용한 단면 분석
목적
세계화로 인한 비정형적 근무 형태의 증가는 노동자의 건강을 위협하고 있다. 특히 불안과 피로와 같은 심리적 건강 문제는 삶의 질과 안전에 부정적인 영향을 미친다. 본 연구는 예측 불가능한 상황에서 갑자기 업무에 복귀하라는 요청을 받는 ‘돌발적 업무 복귀 요청’이 한국 노동자의 불안 및 피로와 어떤 연관성을 가지는지 조사하고자 한다.
방법
본 연구는 제6차 근로환경조사 자료를 활용했으며, 돌발적 업무 복귀 요청의 순수한 영향을 분석하기 위해 교대 근무자와 주관적 건강 상태가 ‘보통’ 이하인 근로자를 제외한 총 15,702명을 최종 분석 대상으로 선정했다. 돌발적 업무 복귀 요청의 빈도에 따라 ‘없음’, ‘드물게’, ‘한 달에 여러 번’으로 범주를 나누었으며, 다중 로지스틱 회귀분석을 통해 돌발적 업무 복귀 요청과 불안 및 피로 간의 연관성을 분석했다.
결과
인구통계학적 및 직업적 특성을 보정한 후, ‘한 달에 여러 번’ 돌발적 업무 복귀를 경험한 그룹은 불안(OR: 4.066, 95% CI: 2.787–5.931)과 피로(OR: 1.875, 95% CI: 1.490–2.359)의 위험이 유의미하게 높았다. 반면, ‘드물게’ 경험한 그룹은 불안(OR: 1.363, 95% CI: 0.921–2.017)과 피로(OR: 0.955, 95% CI: 0.750–1.215) 모두에서 통계적으로 유의미한 연관성이 나타나지 않았다.
결론
돌발적 업무 복귀 요구와 불안 및 피로의 관계는 단순히 선형적이지 않으며, 높은 빈도로 경험할 때만 유의미한 위험 증가와 관련이 있음을 시사한다. 돌발적인 업무 복귀 요청이 신체적 및 정신적 장애를 유발할 수 있는 가능성에 대한 연구는 제한적이며, 이러한 문제를 예방하기 위한 대책이 충분히 발전되지 않았다. 따라서 돌발적 업무 복귀와 관련된 근로자 건강 보호 및 예측 가능한 근무 환경 조성 분야에서 적절한 대책을 수립하고 추가적인 연구를 수행할 필요가 있다.

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[Special Collection] Psychosocial stress measurement tools

Special Article

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; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e12. Published online May 7, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e12

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

Background
The Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) was developed in 2004. During this time, industrial structures have evolved, and societal awareness of occupational stress has changed. This study aims to develop and validate a revised version of the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS®19), tailored for workers, reflecting these changes.
Methods
The KOSS®19 was developed based on the 26-item KOSS–short form (SF) through a review by eight experts. A survey was conducted including 359 service industry workers, comprising the KOSS®19, Burnout, and Depression scales. The KOSS®19 subscales were restructured, and their reliability and validity were evaluated.
Results
The KOSS®19 composed of eight subscales: hazardous physical environment (2 items), high job demand (3 items), insufficient job control (2 items), low social support (2 items), job insecurity (2 items), organizational injustice (4 items), lack of reward (2 items), and work-life imbalance (2 items). The reliability and validity of the KOSS®19 were found to be satisfactory.
Conclusions
The KOSS®19 is a suitable tool for assessing occupational stress, effectively replacing the original KOSS and KOSS-SF.

직무 스트레스: 한국적 맥락에서의 척도 개발 및 타당화
목적
한국형 직무스트레스 척도(KOSS)가 2004년에 개발된 이후 산업 구조가 변화하고 직무 스트레스에 대한 사회적 인식도 달라졌다. 본 연구는 이러한 변화를 반영하여 한국형 직무스트레스 척도 개정판(KOSS®19)을 개발하고 타당성을 검증하는 것을 목적으로 한다.
방법
KOSS®19는 기존의 26문항 KOSS-SF를 기반으로 8명의 전문가 검토를 거쳐 개발되었다. 서비스업 종사자 359명을 대상으로 KOSS®19, 소진(Burnout) 척도, 우울 척도를 포함한 설문조사를 실시하였으며, KOSS®19의 요인을 재구성하고 신뢰도 및 타당도를 평가하였다.
결과
KOSS®19는 8개 요인으로 구성되었다: 위해물리환경(2문항), 높은직무요구 (3문항), 직무자율성결여(2문항), 낮은사회적지지(2문항), 직업불안정(2문항), 조직불공정(4문항), 보상부적절(2문항), 일-삶의불균형 (2문항). KOSS®19의 신뢰도 및 타당도는 만족할 만한 수준으로 확인되었다.
결론
KOSS®19는 직무 스트레스를 평가하는 데 적절한 도구로, 기존 KOSS 및 KOSS-SF를 효과적으로 대체할 수 있다.

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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

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Original Article

Effect of psychosocial safety climate on work-family conflict and psychological health among working couples: Nurfazreen Aina Muhamad Nasharudin, Zhao Rui; Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e27. Published online October 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e27

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background
The purpose of the study was to look into how work-family conflict (WFC), family-work conflict (FWC), and psychological health are affected by the psychosocial safety climate (PSC). First, the study suggested that for both husband and wife, PSC moderates the relationship between job demands and WFC. Second, the study predicted FWC mediates the relationship between WFC and depressive symptoms through the “crossover” process.
Methods
The study design used a multi-source sample that involved 350 teachers and their working spouses (n = 700). The analysis of mediation and moderation among job demands, WFC, FWC, PSC, and depressive symptoms was conducted using SPSS and structural equation modeling AMOS software.
Results
For the teacher’s sample, based on behavioral (β = 0.166, p < 0.05) and strain-based (β = 0.170, p < 0.05) aspects, the hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the PSC moderates the relationship between physical demand and WFC. The results also showed that the relationship between time-based WFC and emotional demand is moderated by PSC (β = 0.103, p < 0.05). Next, the analysis found that PSC moderates the association between cognitive demand and WFC of strain-based (β = 0.179, p < 0.05). For the spouse’s sample, according to the analysis, PSC moderates the relationship between strain-based WFC and physical demand (β = 0.091, p < 0.05). The study also revealed that FWC serves as a mediator in the relationship between WFC and depressive symptoms in both husbands (β = 0.233, p < 0.01) and wives (β = 0.135, p < 0.001).
Conclusions
Overall, this study contributes significant insights to the current literature by examining the impact of PSC on the psychological well-being of individuals and others through the crossover process.

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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
Validating the polish version of the psychosocial safety climate PSC-12 scale (PSC-12-PL): a multisample and multilevel study
Paweł Jurek, Michał Olech, Ali Afsharian, Maureen F. Dollard
Safety Science.2025; 191: 106956. CrossRef

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Original Article

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; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e50. Published online December 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e50

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF

Background

The rise in telecommuting or non-face-to-face work owing to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has fueled conversations regarding the “right to disconnect.” Although evidence suggests that receiving work-related communications through telecommunication devices outside of work hours may lead to various symptoms and illnesses, limited research has been undertaken on these symptoms. This study therefore aims to investigate the correlation between receiving work communications through telecommunication devices after work hours and the occurrence of work-related headaches and eyestrain in full-time, non-shift white-collar workers.

Methods

This study used data from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. The frequency of using telecommunication devices for work purposes outside of working hours was divided into five categories: “Every day,” “Several times a week,” “Several times a month,” “Rarely,” and “Never.” Work-related headaches and eyestrain were categorized based on a “yes” or “no” response to the survey questions. Descriptive statistics, χ² tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0.

Results

After adjusting for sex, age, income level, education, occupation, workplace size, work hours, and sleep disorders, the odds ratio (OR) of work-related headaches and eyestrain based on frequency of telecommunication device usage were as follows: “rarely” (OR: 1.292; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111–1.503), “several times a month” (OR: 1.551; 95% CI: 1.249–1.926), “several times a week” (OR: 1.474; 95% CI: 1.217–1.784), and “every day” (OR: 1.548; 95% CI: 1.321–1.813).

Conclusions

Employees who use telecommunication devices for work after regular hours are more susceptible to experiencing work-related headaches and eyestrain compared to those who do not. However, there is a dearth of research examining the physical and mental health impacts of using telecommunication devices for after-hours work. Furthermore, the existing preventative measures in Korea are insufficient. Consequently, it is imperative to develop effective measures and conduct additional research to address this issue.

근무시간 외 통신기기를 통한 업무 연락 수신과 업무 관련 두통/눈의 피로의 연관성
목적
코로나19의 영향으로 재택근무, 비대면 업무가 증가하면서 “연결차단권”에 대한 논의가 계속되고 있다. 근무시간 외에 통신기기를 통한 업무 연락 수신은 다양한 증상과 질병을 유발할 수 있을 것으로 생각된다. 그러나 각각의 증상에 대한 연구는 제한적이다. 이에 본 연구에서는 교대근무를 하지 않는 정규직 사무직 근로자를 대상으로 근무시간 외 통신기기를 통한 업무 연락 수신과 업무 관련 두통/눈의 피로 발생 간의 상관관계를 조사하고자 한다.
방법
제6차 한국 근로환경조사의 데이터를 바탕으로 근무시간 외 업무 목적으로 통신기기를 사용하는 빈도를 5가지 항목: "매일", "일주일에 여러 번", "한 달에 여러 번", "드물게”, "전혀 없었음"으로 나누어 조사하였다. 업무 관련 두통/눈의 피로는 "예" 또는 "아니오" 응답에 따라 두 가지 범주로 분류하였다. SPSS 27.0을 사용하여 기술 통계, 카이제곱 검정, 다중회귀분석을 시행하였고, 근무시간 외 업무 목적의 통신기기 사용 빈도에 따른 업무 관련 두통/눈의 피로의 odds ratio를 구하였다.
결과
근무시간 외 업무 목적의 통신기기 사용 빈도에 따른 업무 관련 두통/눈의 피로의 odds ratio는 “드물게”(odds ratio [OR]:1.292, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.111-1. 503), “한 달에 여러 번”(OR:1.551, 95% CI:1.249-1.926), “일주일에 여러 번”(OR:1.474, 95% CI:1.217-1.784), “매일”(OR:1.548, 95% CI:1.321-1.813)로 나타났다.
결론
근무시간 외에 통신기기를 통해 업무 관련 연락을 받는 근로자는 그렇지 않은 근로자에 비해 업무 관련 두통/눈의 피로의 위험이 더 크다. 그러나 근무 시간 외 통신기기를 통한 업무 연락 수신이 근로자의 신체적, 정신적 건강에 미치는 영향을 조사한 연구는 제한적이며, 관련 예방 및 중재 조치 또한 미흡하다. 따라서 해당 분야에 대한 후속 연구 및 실효성 있는 대책 마련이 필요할 것으로 생각된다.

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Association between sudden work recall and psychological health issues: a cross-sectional analysis of the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey
Dong-Woo Kim, June-Hee Lee, In-Ho Lee, Kyung-Jae Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2025; 37: e33. CrossRef
Managing the Right to Disconnect—A Scoping Review
John Hopkins
Sustainability.2024; 16(12): 4970. CrossRef

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Original Article

Occupational stress changes and new-onset depression among male Korean manufacturing workers: Jiho Kim, Hwan-Cheol Kim, Minsun Kim, Seong-Cheol Yang, Shin-Goo Park, Jong-Han Leem, Dong-Wook Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e33. Published online August 17, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e33

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF

Background

Studies on the association between occupational stress and depression have been frequently reported. However, the cross-sectional designs of studies limited insight into causal associations. In this study, we investigated the longitudinal association between occupational stress and new-onset depression among employees in a single manufacturing plant.

Methods

The annual health checkup data of employees at a manufacturing plant in Korea were collected. A total of 1,837 male employees without depression who completed a health checkup during two consecutive years were included. Occupational stress was measured using a short form of the Korea Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS-SF), and depression was assessed using a Patient Health Questionnaire-2. The association between occupational stress change over the two years and newly developed depression was investigated using two logistic regression models.

Results

Across all sub-factors of KOSS-SF, employees who reported increased occupational stress had a higher risk of new-onset depression. Newly developed depression was significantly associated with job demand (odds ratio [OR]: 4.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.37–7.96), job insecurity (OR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.89–5.48), occupational climate (OR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.91–5.31), lack of reward (OR: 2.28; 95% CI: 1.26–4.12), interpersonal conflict (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.18–3.86), insufficient job control (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 1.05–3.56), and the organizational system (OR: 1.84; 95% CI: 1.01–3.36).

Conclusions

For every sub-factor of the KOSS-SF, occupational stress increase and persistent high stress were associated with the risk of developing new-onset depression. Among the seven sub-factors, job demand had the most significant effect. Our results show that occupational stress should be managed to promote employee mental healthcare.

한국 남성 제조업 근로자의 직무 스트레스 변화와 우울증 발생의 관계
목적
직무 스트레스와 우울증의 연관성에 대한 연구는 지속적으로 보고되고 있다. 그러나 국내 연구는 부족한 실정이며 주로 단면적 분석 설계에 국한되고 있다. 이 연구에서 우리는 단일 제조업 공장의 근로자들에서 직무 스트레스와 새롭게 발병하는 우울증 사이의 종단적 연관성을 조사하였다.
방법
국내 한 제조업 공장 근로자들의 연간 건강검진 자료를 수집하였다. 2년 연속 건강검진을 완료한 이들 중 우울증이 없는 남성은 총 1837명이었다. 직무 스트레스는 Korea Occupational Stress Scale KOSS Short Form (KOSS-SF)으로 측정하였고, 우울증은 Patient Health Questionnaire-2(PHQ-2)로 평가하였다. 1년 간의 직무 스트레스 변화와 새로 발생한 우울증과의 연관성을 로지스틱 회귀 모델을 사용하여 분석했다.
결과
KOSS-SF의 모든 하위 영역에서 직무 스트레스가 증가했다고 보고한 근로자는 새로운 우울증 발병 위험이 더 높았다. 새로 발생한 우울증의 위험은 각각 직무 요구[교차비(OR)=4.34, 95% 신뢰 구간(CI)= 2.37–7.96], 직무 불안정(OR=3.21, 95%CI=1.89–5.48), 직장문화(OR=3.18, 95%CI=1.91–5.31), 보상 부적절(OR=2.28, 95%CI=1.26–4.12), 관계 갈등(OR=2.14, 95%CI=1.18–3.86), 직무 자율성 결여(OR=1.93, 95%CI=1.05–3.56) 및 조직체계(OR=1.84, 95%CI=1.01–3.36) 순이었다.
결론
KOSS-SF의 모든 하위 영역에서 직무 스트레스 증가와 높은 스트레스 상태의 지속은 새로운 우울증 발병 위험과 관련이 있었다. 7가지 하위 영역 중 직무 요구가 가장 큰 영향을 미쳤다. 우리의 결과는 근로자 정신 건강을 증진하기 위해 직무 스트레스를 관리해야 함을 시사한다

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