Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Original Article

The relationship between fatigue and sickness absence from work: Minsun Kim, Jiho Kim, SeongCheol Yang, Dong-Wook Lee, Shin-Goo Park, Jong-Han Leem, Hwan-Cheol Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e32. Published online August 10, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e32

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Although many studies have been conducted on worker fatigue and sickness absence, the association between fatigue and sickness absence is unclear in Korean workers. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of worker fatigue on future sickness absence.
Methods
The study was conducted on workers who received medical check-ups at a university hospital for two consecutive years (2014–2015). During check-ups in the first year, the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) was used to assess fatigue levels, and during check-ups in the second year, sickness absence was surveyed to determine whether they had been absent from work due to physical or mental illness during previous 12 months. The χ² test was used to analyze relationships between sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, fatigue levels, and sickness absence. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by logistic regression analysis controlled for confounding factors.
Results
A total of 12,250 workers were included in the study, and 396 (3.2%) workers experienced more than one day of sickness absence during the study period. Adjusted ORs for sickness absence were 3.35 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.64–4.28) in the moderate-fatigue group and 6.87 (95% CI: 4.93–9.57) in the high-fatigue group versus the low-fatigue group. For men in the moderate- and high-fatigue groups, adjusted ORs for sickness absence were 3.40 (95% CI: 2.58–4.48) and 8.94 (95% CI: 6.12–13.07), and for women in the moderate- and high-fatigue groups, adjusted ORs for sickness absence were 2.93 (95% CI: 1.68–5.10) and 3.71 (95% CI: 1.84–7.49), respectively.
Conclusions
Worker fatigue is associated with sickness absence during the following 12 months, and this association appears to be stronger for men than women. These results support the notion that sickness absence can be reduced by evaluating and managing work-related fatigue.; 근로자의 피로와 질병 결근의 연관성
목적
근로자의 피로와 질병 결근에 관한 많은 연구가 이루어졌으나, 한국 근로자의 피로와 질병 결근의 연관성은 불분명합니다. 본 연구는 근로자의 피로가 미래의 질병 결근에 미치는 영향을 조사하기 위해 수행되었습니다.
방법
본 연구는 2년 연속(2014년-2015년) 대학병원에서 건강검진을 받은 근로자들을 대상으로 실시되었습니다. 첫번째 2014년 건강검진에서는 피로 심각도 척도를 이용하여 피로도를 평가했고, 다음해인 2015년 건강검진에서는 같은 근로자를 대상으로 지난 12개월 간 신체적 질환 또는 정신적 질환으로 인한 결근한 적이 있는지를 조사했습니다. χ2 분석으로 사회인구학적 특성과 직업적 특성, 피로도와 질병 결근의 연관성을 분석하였습니다. 오즈비는 교란 요인들을 통제 후 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 통해 측정되었습니다.
결과
연구 대상에는 총 12,250명의 근로자가 포함되었으며, 12개월 동안 396명(3.2%)의 근로자가 하루 이상의 질병 결근을 하였습니다. 질병 결근에 대한 조정된 오즈비는 낮은 피로 그룹에 비해 중간 피로 그룹에서 3.35 (95% CI: 2.64-4.28), 고피로 그룹에서 6.87 (95% CI: 4.93-9.57)였습니다. 남성의 질병 결근에 대한 조정된 오즈비는 중간 피로 그룹에서 3.40 (95% CI: 2.58-4.48), 고피로 그룹에서 8.94 (95% CI: 6.12-13.07)였으며, 여성의 질병 결근에 대한 조정된 오즈비는 중간 피로 그룹에서 2.93 (95% CI: 1.68-5.10), 고피로 그룹에서 3.71 (95% CI: 1.84-7.49)이었습니다.
결론
근로자의 피로는 이후 12개월 동안의 질병 결근과 관련이 있으며, 이 연관성은 여성보다 남성에게 더 강한 것으로 보입니다. 이러한 결과는 업무 관련 피로를 평가하고 관리함으로써 질병 결근을 줄일 수 있다는 개념을 뒷받침합니다.

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Original Article

Risk Factors for Absenteeism due to Work related Musculo-skeletal Disorders among Korean Employees: Sang Gil Lee, Jong Eun Kim, Young Ki Kim, Oh Jun Kwon, Dong Mug Kang; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):239-251. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.239

OBJECTIVES
Absenteeism due to musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) of workers is an important index of occupational health. Since research on its causes is rare in Korea, the risk factors for absenteeism due to MSDs should be studied.
METHODS
Using the 2nd Korean working condition survey data, we investigated the prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs. We also analyzed the risk factors for absenteeism by multiple logistic regression analysis in Korean employees.
RESULTS
Prevalence of absenteeism due to MSDs was 0.7% in all employees, 0.5% in men, and 0.9% in women. In logistic regression analysis, gender, age, presence of a representative worker organization, working on tight deadlines, and pace of work dependent on automated equipment/machine were risk factors of absenteeism due to MSDs for both sexes. For males, working time, working at a very high speed were additional risk factors. For females, pace of work dependent on numerical production, performance, and targets were additional risk factors. Although not included in the multiple logistic regression analysis, handling heavy loads in both sexes and average monthly income for women were risk factors in the univariate analysis.
CONCLUSIONS
For absenteeism due to MSDs, the presence of a representative worker organization, along with work pace and its determinants were important risk factors.

Citations

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Won-Ho Kim
Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine.2019; 14(3): 109. CrossRef
Effect of Physical Therapy Based Tailored Exercise Program on Pain, Accident incidence Rates, and Lost Days of Work in Manufacturing Worker: Single Subject Design
Kwon-Woo Lee, Won-Ho Kim
Journal of The Korean Society of Physical Medicine.2017; 12(2): 113. CrossRef
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Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(3): 1928. CrossRef
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Journal of the Korea Safety Management and Science.2014; 16(3): 101. CrossRef

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Original Article

The Prevalence of Work Related Sickness Absences According to the Second Korean Working Condition Survey: Ki Hun Hong, Dae Seong Kim, Oh Jun Kwon, Eun A Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2011;23(4):428-438. Published online December 31, 2011; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2011.23.4.428

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
Worker's health is an important index used to evaluate working conditions and to prioritize prevention policies. However, this index has never before been calculated in Korea. The purpose of this study was to calculate the prevalence of health problems caused by work related sickness absences using the second Korean Working Condition Survey (KWCS) conducted in 2010.
METHODS
The second KWCS was conducted from June to October 2010 as a household survey for employed workers. The work related sickness absence rate was estimated using gender, age, business size, occupational status, level of education, and level of income. A logistic regression was performed in order to evaluate the relationship of the work related sickness absence with general characteristics and work-related conditions.
RESULTS
The rate of work related sickness absence was 1.8(+/-0.2)% for all workers, with 6.0(+/-0.3)% of it being in agriculture, forestry, and fishing, and 2.2(+/-0.5)% in manufacturing. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) were the most common work related disorder [1.01(+/-0.12)%], followed by psychiatric disorders [0.18(+/-0.05)%], and respiratory disorders [0.14(+/-0.04)%]. The highest odds ratio (OR) for the work related sickness absence rate was in self-employed workers with employees (OR=2.23, 95%CI=1.05~4.74).
CONCLUSIONS
The work related sickness absence rate for all workers, both self-employed and employed, including agriculture, forestry and fishing workers, and wholesale and retail trade workers was 1.8(+/-0.2)%. Because the KWCS was based on a self-reported questionnaire survey, this figure might be overestimated. In addition, it might omit chronic occupational disease and death cases.

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Association of Exposure to Chemicals with Dyspnea among Employed Workers: Analysis of the 3rdKorean Working Conditions Survey
Moon-Young Park, Sung-Ho Hwang, Kimyong Hong, Se-Eun Oh, Kyoung-Mu Lee
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2016; 26(1): 64. CrossRef

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Original Article

Current Status of Sickness Absences and Early Leaves from Work among Workers with Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Each Body Part, and Relevant Factors: Dong Hoon Lee, Shin Goo Park, Jong Han Leem, Hwan Cheol Kim, Dong Hyun Kim, Jeong Hoon Kim, Seung Jun Lee, Gee Woong Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2010;22(4):364-370. Published online December 31, 2010; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2010.22.4.364

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to identify current status of sickness absence and early leaves from work as a result of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms.
METHOD
From January to December in 2007, 4,975 workers were recruited into this study and surveyed over this time period; workers came from 116 small and medium sized companies in Incheon. Among the study populations, only those who met the NIOSH criteria for work-related musculoskeletal symptoms on each symptom locations were included in the final analysis. The survey used a structured self-administered questionnaire, which asked questions about musculoskeletal symptoms regarding locations, sickness absences and early leaves from work. Other information gathered from participants included sociodemographical characteristics, and work-related characteristics.
RESULTS
The rates of sickness absences and early leaves in each symptom locations were highest (14.9%) among workers with waist symptoms. Men had higher rates of sickness absences and early leaves form work than women; manufacturing workers had higher rates of sickness absences and early leaves form work than office workers. After confounding variables that had significant difference in univariate analysis on each symptom locations were adjusted, the odds ratios for sickness absence and early leaves divided by pain intensity were 4.361(neck), 4.140(shoulder), 3.151(arm/wrist), 3.085(leg/foot), and 2.731(waist), respectively; these differences were statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
The rates of sickness absence and early leaves in each work-related musculoskeletal symptom locations were highest among workers with waist symptoms, and the intensity of pain was identified to have a considerable effect on the rates of sickness absences and early leaves. Based on these results, we think that there are needs to be early interventions on workers with waist symptoms.

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A study on Related Factor and Knowledge of Back Pain in Workers Employed at Cement factory
Gi-Yeol Kim, Jung-Lim Oh, Kyoung-Ok Hwang
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(1): 536. CrossRef
Study of the relationship between fire fighter's musculoskeletal disorder related observable symptoms and their absence from disease and accident
Seo-Yeon Choi, Il-Gyu Park, Dong-Ho Rie
Journal of the Korea Safety Management and Science.2013; 15(4): 89. CrossRef

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Original Article

Fatigue as a Predictor of Medical Utilization, Occupational Accident and Sickness Absence: Sei Jin Chang, Sang Baek Koh, Dongmug Kang, Seong Ah Kim, Jin Joo Chung, Chul Gab Lee, Myung Geun Kang, Sook Jung Hyun, Jung Jin Cho, Bong Suk Cha, Jong Ku Park; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2005;17(4):318-332. Published online December 31, 2005; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2005.17.4.318

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
This study examined the relationship of fatigue to medical utilization, occupational accident and sickness absence. Subjects and METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Study for Development and Standardization of Occupational Stress (NSDSOS Project, 2002~2004). A total of 30,146 employees categorized within the Korean Standard Industrial Classification and the Korean Standard Occupational Classification were recruited. A structured-questionnaire was used to assess the participants' sociodemographics, job-related factors, health-related behaviors, personality trait, self-perceived fatigue (MFS) and the frequency of medical utilization, occupational accident and sickness absence. Data on medical utilization and occupational accident were confirmed from company health records. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to elucidate the relationship of self-perceived fatigue to medical utilization, occupational accident and sickness absence.
RESULTS
In logistic regression analyses, self-perceived fatigue was associated with medical utilization (outpatient), occupational accident and sickness absence although the strength of the associations was higher in the blue collar workers except for medical utilization. For medical utilization, the white collar workers' adjusted odds ratios of outpatient utilization for workers scoring in the third quartile and the highest quartile, compared to workers scoring in the lowest quartile were 1.50 (95% CI: 1.20-1.87) and 2.16 (95% CI: 1.69-2.75), respectively. The blue collar workers' adjusted odds ratios of outpatient utilization for workers scoring in the second (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06-1.43), third (OR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.22- 1.66) and highest quartile (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.55-2.17), respectively, compared to workers scoring in the lowest quartile were statistically significant. However, no associations were found between fatigue and inpatient utilization for either the white or blue collar workers. The blue collar workers' adjusted odds ratios of being injured for workers scoring in the second, third and highest quartile were 1.41 (95% CI: 1.00-2.00), 1.57 (95% CI: 1.10-2.22) and 2.41 (95% CI: 1.69-3.44), respectively, compared to those scoring in the lowest quartile, but, those of the white collar workers were not significant. There was more likely to an increased risk of sickness absence in workers scoring in the second, third and highest quartile compared to those scoring in the lowest quartile in both white and blue collar workers, but the magnitudes of risk were higher in the blue collar workers than the white collars workers.
CONCLUSION
This result suggests that fatigue is a determinant predictor of medical utilization, occupational accident and sickness absence, and that the pattern of risks for the three outcomes differs according to the occupational type. Some limitations of this study and considerations for future study were also discussed.

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