Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Research Article

The association between psychiatric disorders and work-related problems among subway drivers in Korea: Se-eun Kim, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jong-Ik Park, Hae Woo Lee, Jongin Lee, Junsu Byun, Hyeon Woo Yim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2014;26:39. Published online November 1, 2014; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-014-0039-7

Objectives

This study aimed to find the prevalence and occupational risk factors for major psychiatric disorders among subway drivers in South Korea.

Methods

Of all 998 current subway drivers, 995 participated in this study. The Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI 2.1) was administered by trained interviewers to diagnose psychiatric disorders in all participants. The questions on socio-demographic characteristics and working conditions included some questions related to a person under train (PUT) experience and work-related problems. One-year prevalence and lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder were diagnosed through the interview. The standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) of these three disorders were calculated in the sample of subway drivers using the 2011 Korean National Epidemiologic Survey data as a basis. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between work-related factors and the prevalence of the psychiatric disorders.

Results

The standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) for a 1-year prevalence of MDD and PTSD among subway drivers were 1.1 (95% CI 0.7-1.7) and 5.6 (95% CI 3.1-8.8), respectively. Conflict with passengers was significantly associated with an increased risk for both MDD and PTSD in 1-year and in lifetime prevalence. Experiencing a sudden stop due to an emergency bell increased the risk of the lifetime prevalence of MDD (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.14-6.97) and PTSD (OR 7.53, 95% CI 1.77-32.02). The risk of PTSD significantly increased among drivers who once experienced a near accident in terms of both the 1-year prevalence (OR 8.81, 95% CI 1.96-39.3) and the lifetime prevalence (OR 6.36, 95% CI 2.40-16.90).

Conclusions

PTSD and panic disorder were more prevalent among subway drivers than in the general population. We found that having a conflict with passengers, a near accident, and a breakdown while driving can be risk factors for psychiatric disorders among subway drivers. Therefore, a prompt and sensitive approach should be introduced for these high risk groups within the subway company.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Impact of Railway Critical Incidents on Train Drivers and Effectiveness of Critical Incident Management and Support Protocols
Cécile Bardon, Luc Dargis, Brian L. Mishara
Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine.2022; 64(2): e70. CrossRef
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Survivors of a Cohort of Road Accident Victims in Benin: Results of a 12-Month Cross-Sectional Study
Donatien Daddah, Yolaine Glèlè Ahanhanzo, Alphonse Kpozehouen, Bella Hounkpe Dos Santos, Edgard-Marius Ouendo, Alain Levêque
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Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef

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Original Article

Increasing Risk of Mental Health Problems Among Subway Drivers Experiencing Accidents on the Track: Jong Min Woo, Tae Young Kang, Jeong Eun Lee; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(1):36-43. Published online March 31, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.1.36

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study examined the prevalence of Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and the comorbidity with panic disorder in subway drivers who experienced accidents on the track. In addition, this study examined the differences in panic disorder, stress levels, work-related problems, and sleep disturbances between drivers with and without an accident-experience.
METHODS
628 Seoul metropolitan subway drivers were participated in this study. We assessed mental health status of the subjects using the Clinician-administered PTSD scale (CAPS), panic disorder scale based on the DSM-IV criteria, Worker's Stress Response Inventory, and Sleep Questionnaire.
RESULTS
The prevalence of PTSD and comorbid panic disorder was significantly higher among those drivers who had experienced accidents than in those who had not. Drivers with an accident experience showed significantly higher somatic, depressive, anger symptoms in the stress measures, and more sleep problems than those drivers without an accident experience.
CONCLUSIONS
The experience of an accident on the track threatens both the work efficiency and the mental health of drivers. In order to reduce the negative effect of an extremely stressful event related to accidents, intervention programs for PTSD and panic disorder need to be developed and utilized.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A Phenomenological Study on the Lived Experience of Train Operators Exposed to Person under Train (PUT)
Youngjoo Kim, Heeseung Choi
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2017; 28(1): 98. CrossRef
Factors associated with suicide ideation among subway drivers in Korea
Junsu Byun, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Hye-Eun Lee, Se-Eun Kim, Jongin Lee
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
The association between psychiatric disorders and work-related problems among subway drivers in Korea
Se-eun Kim, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Jong-Ik Park, Hae Woo Lee, Jongin Lee, Junsu Byun, Hyeon Woo Yim
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2014;[Epub] CrossRef
A Study on the Cause of Job Stress of Urban Railroad Drivers: Focused on Railroad Companies of Daejeon, Daegu, Incheon and Seoul Metro 9
Taesoo Park, Jinsun Lee, Hongki Kim
Journal of the Korean society for railway.2013; 16(4): 340. CrossRef
Occupational Diseases in Korea
Seong-Kyu Kang, Eun A Kim
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S4. CrossRef
Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
Journal of Korean Medical Science.2010; 25(Suppl): S87. CrossRef

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Case Report

A case of mental ill health caused by job stress after job reallocation: Jong Min Woo, Gyung Mee Kim, Seong Ah Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2003;15(2):205-212. Published online June 30, 2003; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2003.15.2.205

Abstract PDF

BACKGROUND
Recently, social concern about occupational stress and disputes, which are surrounded with judgements of work relatedness for various psychiatric sequels, is increasing. OBJECTIVE: We present a case of work-related illness judgement in which panic disorder and adjustment disorder with conversion symptoms were associated with work stress due to job reallocation.
METHODS
We performed psychiatric assessment including mental status examination and neuropsychological test batteries. We also assessed job stress profiles using the Korean version of the Occupational Stress Inventory(K-OSI).
RESULTS
The patient showed no specific psychological or physical problems and had previously demonstrated suitable coping skills. However, the patients case, who was sensitive to emotional stress, suffered chronic stress symptoms after a role change from a car mechanic to office manager which required continuous interaction with customers and a strong emotional burden. Panic attack and conversion symptoms were judged to be associated with disharmony between individual characteristics and environmental needs.
CONCLUSION
It is noteworthy that this is the first reported case considered as a psychiatric illness related with psychological work stress. A further study will be attempted to assign standards of judgment for similar cases through systematic source collection and tool development.

Citations

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Occupational Psychiatric Disorders in Korea
Kyeong-Sook Choi, Seong-Kyu Kang
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