Your browser doesn't support javascript.
loading
Show: 20 | 50 | 100
Results 1 - 20 de 109
Filter
Add more filters

Country/Region as subject
Publication year range
1.
Occup Environ Med ; 79(4): 277-286, 2022 04.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33910983

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: There has been no research on sedentary behaviour in the occupational domain that occupies a large portion of the daily life. METHODS: We conducted a meta-analysis to investigate the association between sedentary work and colorectal cancer. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases up to 12 August 2020 for peer-reviewed journal articles that assessed the association between sedentary work and colon or rectal cancer. Pooled estimates of ORs were obtained using random effects models. Statistical tests for publication bias, heterogeneity and sensitivity analysis were applied. RESULTS: Of the 5 381 studies initially identified, 23 studies with 64 reports were eligible for inclusion. Sedentary work significantly increased the risk of colon cancer (pooled OR=1.21, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.31, p value ≤0.0001) and rectal cancer (pooled OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.16, p value=0.0395). The adjustment for leisure time physical activity attenuated the association and made the risk estimates non-significant for sedentary behaviour, but the association was independent of sex, control of body mass index and assessment of sedentary behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of association between sedentary work and the risk of colon or rectal cancer. Limiting excessive sedentary work could be an important means of preventing colon and rectal cancer.


Subject(s)
Colonic Neoplasms , Rectal Neoplasms , Body Mass Index , Colonic Neoplasms/epidemiology , Colonic Neoplasms/etiology , Humans , Rectal Neoplasms/epidemiology , Rectal Neoplasms/etiology , Sedentary Behavior
2.
Occup Environ Med ; 78(2): 86-91, 2021 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32912859

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to explore the association between physical activity and high-sensitivity C reactive protein, based on different types of physical activity-occupational and leisure time. METHODS: Using cross-sectional data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2015-2018, we explored the association between different types of self-reported physical activity and high levels of high-sensitivity C reactive protein (>3 mg/L). We estimated the ORs for high-level high-sensitivity C reactive protein using multiple logistic regression models after adjusting for covariates from 12 970 eligible subjects (mean age 44.8). RESULTS: Compared with subjects who did not engage in moderate-to-vigorous level of occupational physical activity (OPA), the group that engaged in moderate-to-vigorous level of OPA showed a significantly high OR (1.32, 95% CI (1.03 to 1.69)), whereas the group that engaged in moderate-to-vigorous level of leisure-time physical activity (LPA) yielded a low OR (0.84, 95% CI (0.69 to 1.01)). The group that engaged in moderate-to-vigorous level of OPA but not LPA showed a significantly high OR (1.76, 95% CI (1.27 to 2.45)) compared with subjects who engaged in moderate-to-vigorous level of LPA but not in OPA. CONCLUSIONS: OPA is directly associated with high C reactive protein levels, suggesting that it increases the risk of inflammation.


Subject(s)
C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Exercise , Occupations , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Leisure Activities , Male , Occupational Health , Republic of Korea
3.
Occup Environ Med ; 77(10): 699-705, 2020 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32576647

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: We studied the association between long working hours and decreased kidney function, which was determined using estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), among the working population in South Korea. METHODS: We analysed nationally representative cross-sectional data for 20 851 Korean workers ≥20 years of age. A negative binomial regression model was used to test differences in the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2) among workers divided into groups according to weekly working hours (<30, 30-40, 41-51 and ≥52 hours/week). Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between weekly working hours and eGFR, with adjustments made for age, sex/gender, income, education, shift work, occupation, smoking, alcohol use, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose and total serum cholesterol. RESULTS: A 1-hour increase in weekly working hours was associated with 0.057 mL/min/1.73 m2 (95% CI 0.005 to 0.109) decrease in eGFR among participants who worked ≥52 hours/week. Among participants without hypertension or diabetes, a 1-hour increase in weekly working hours was significantly associated with 0.248 and 0.209 mL/min/1.73 m2 decrease in eGFR among participants who worked 30-40 hours/week and 41-51 hours/week, respectively. CONCLUSION: Long working hours are associated with decreased kidney function. We expect that our findings could call for more research regarding this association and provide policy-oriented perspectives.


Subject(s)
Glomerular Filtration Rate , Time Factors , Workload/standards , Adult , Body Mass Index , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Linear Models , Male , Middle Aged , Nutrition Surveys , Republic of Korea , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Workload/psychology , Workload/statistics & numerical data
4.
Public Health Nutr ; 23(18): 3356-3367, 2020 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32183914

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Adequate energy and nutrient intakes are important for workers who spend at least one-third of their day working. We investigated differences in these intakes among Korean workers because few studies have reported on energy or nutrient intakes, related to working conditions (long working hours, shift work and non-standard work). DESIGN: Dietary intake was assessed using 1-d 24-h recall. Energy and nutrient intakes were evaluated using age- and sex-specific dietary reference intakes for Korean citizens. Occupational characteristics were obtained from self-reported Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) data (occupational classification, working hours, shift work and non-standard workers). An age, education and household income-adjusted logistic regression model was applied to investigate differences in inappropriate energy and nutrient intakes, by sex and occupation. SETTING: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: From KNHANES (2007-2016), 11 145 participants (5401 males; 5744 females) were included, finally. RESULTS: Males with long working hours had higher inappropriate carbohydrate, protein, water, vitamin B2 and phosphate intakes than those who worked ≤60 h/week. Long working hours among females were significantly associated with total energy and nutrient 'under-intake'. Male shift and non-standard workers had higher inappropriate protein, water, mineral and vitamin intakes. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that white- and male pink-collar workers had significantly increased risks of water and vitamins A, C, B1 and niacin 'under-intake'. CONCLUSIONS: We found different rates of inappropriate energy and micronutrient intakes according to working conditions. Younger workers with long hours and shift work schedules were vulnerable to inappropriate energy and nutrient intakes.


Subject(s)
Diet , Energy Intake , Workload , Adult , Cross-Sectional Studies , Eating , Female , Humans , Male , Micronutrients , Nutritional Status , Republic of Korea , Vitamins
5.
J Korean Med Sci ; 35(10): e64, 2020 Mar 16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32174063

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Individual particulate respirator use may offer protection against exposure to particulate matter < 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5). Among elderly Korean women, we explored individual particulate respirator use and cardiopulmonary function. METHODS: Recruited in Seoul, Korea, 21 elderly, non-smoking women wore particulate respirators for six consecutive days (exlcuding time spent eating, sleeping, and bathing). We measured resting blood pressure before, during, and after respirator use and recorded systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, pulse pressure, and lung function. We also measured 12-hour ambulatory blood pressure at the end of the 6-day long experiment and control periods. Additionally, we examined physiological stress (heart rate variability and urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) while wearing the particulate respirators. Person- and exposure-level covariates were also considered in the model. RESULTS: After the 6-day period of respirator use, resting blood pressure was reduced by 5.3 mmHg for systolic blood pressure (P = 0.013), 2.9 mmHg for mean arterial blood pressure (P = 0.079), and 3.6 mmHg for pulse pressure (P = 0.024). However, particulate respirator use was associated with changes in physiological stress markers. A parasympathetic activity marker (high frequency) significantly decreased by 24.0% (P = 0.029), whereas a sympathetic activity marker (ratio of low-to-high frequency) increased by 50.3% (P = 0.045). An oxidative stress marker, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, increased by 3.4 ng/mg creatinine (P = 0.021) during the experimental period compared with that during the control period. Lung function indices indicated that wearing particulate respirators was protective; however, statistical significance was not confirmed. CONCLUSION: Individual particulate respirator use may prevent PM2.5-induced blood-pressure elevation among elderly Korean women. However, the effects of particulate respirator use, including physiological stress marker elevation, should also be considered. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003526.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Environmental Exposure , Particulate Matter , Respiratory Protective Devices , Aged , Blood Pressure , Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory , Dust , Environmental Exposure/prevention & control , Female , Heart Rate , Humans , Republic of Korea
6.
Tohoku J Exp Med ; 246(3): 191-197, 2018 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30487372

ABSTRACT

Many Korean bus drivers work long hours, which causes fatigue and increased risk of accidents during driving. Their fatigue due to long working hours may cause a significant accident accompanied by injuries of the general population. The present study aimed to evaluate the fatigue and accident risk in Korean commercial bus drivers. The subjects were 16 city and express bus drivers with various work schedules: 2 shifts (2 shifts in a day), WR (duty-off), W2R (duty-duty-off), and W4R2 (duty-duty-duty-duty-off-off). We measured the subjects' heart rate in their workplace during their work and calculated relative heart rate (RHR) and maximum acceptable work time (MAWT), the maximum amount of time for which workers can sustain their workload without physical fatigue. Fatigue and risk index, which is a tool for assessing the risk from fatigue in the safety critical workers, was calculated using the subjects' work schedule. RHR ranged from 9.7 to 21.8% and MAWT was shorter than each subject's actual work hours. Fatigue (45.2-54.4) and risk indices (1.8) were high in WR schedule, which were higher than recommended value (30-35 for fatigue index and < 1.6 for risk index). According to these findings, Korean bus drivers worked long hours beyond their physical abilities, and the fatigue and risk indices were high, especially in WR schedule. It is necessary to prepare the policies to reduce the fatigue and accident risk in the Korean bus drivers including regulation for bus drivers' driving time restriction.


Subject(s)
Accidents , Asian People , Automobile Driving , Fatigue/diagnosis , Adult , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Work Schedule Tolerance
7.
J Korean Med Sci ; 33(19): e144, 2018 May 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29736160

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Many studies have tried to develop predictors for return-to-work (RTW). However, since complex factors have been demonstrated to predict RTW, it is difficult to use them practically. This study investigated whether factors used in previous studies could predict whether an individual had returned to his/her original work by four years after termination of the worker's recovery period. METHODS: An initial logistic regression analysis of 1,567 participants of the fourth Panel Study of Worker's Compensation Insurance yielded odds ratios. The participants were divided into two subsets, a training dataset and a test dataset. Using the training dataset, logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, and support vector machine models were established, and important variables of each model were identified. The predictive abilities of the different models were compared. RESULTS: The analysis showed that only earned income and company-related factors significantly affected return-to-original-work (RTOW). The random forest model showed the best accuracy among the tested machine learning models; however, the difference was not prominent. CONCLUSION: It is possible to predict a worker's probability of RTOW using machine learning techniques with moderate accuracy.


Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational/statistics & numerical data , Machine Learning , Adult , Databases, Factual , Decision Trees , Female , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Return to Work/statistics & numerical data , Support Vector Machine
8.
J Korean Med Sci ; 33(3): e16, 2018 Jan 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29215803

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to update the prediction equations for spirometry and their lower limits of normal (LLN) by using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method and to compare the outcomes with the values of previous spirometric reference equations. METHODS: Spirometric data of 10,249 healthy non-smokers (8,776 females) were extracted from the fourth and fifth versions of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES IV, 2007-2009; V, 2010-2012). Reference equations were derived using the LMS method which allows modeling skewness (lambda [L]), mean (mu [M]), and coefficient of variation (sigma [S]). The outcome equations were compared with previous reference values. RESULTS: Prediction equations were presented in the following form: predicted value = e{a + b × ln(height) + c × ln(age) + M - spline}. The new predicted values for spirometry and their LLN derived using the LMS method were shown to more accurately reflect transitions in pulmonary function in young adults than previous prediction equations derived using conventional regression analysis in 2013. There were partial discrepancies between the new reference values and the reference values from the Global Lung Function Initiative in 2012. CONCLUSION: The results should be interpreted with caution for young adults and elderly males, particularly in terms of the LLN for forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity in elderly males. Serial spirometry follow-up, together with correlations with other clinical findings, should be emphasized in evaluating the pulmonary function of individuals. Future studies are needed to improve the accuracy of reference data and to develop continuous reference values for spirometry across all ages.


Subject(s)
Lung/physiology , Spirometry/standards , Adult , Algorithms , Female , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Male , Nutrition Surveys , Reference Values , Regression Analysis , Republic of Korea , Vital Capacity , Young Adult
9.
J Korean Med Sci ; 33(1): e2, 2018 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29215811

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the necessity of job retention in achieving return-to-work (RTW) goals, many workers leave their jobs after returning to work. The objective of this study was to examine the impacts of RTW type and period on job retention in Korean workers with occupational injuries and diseases. METHODS: Data were derived from the Panel Study of Worker's Compensation Insurance, including data from 2,000 systemically sampled workers who had finished recuperation in 2012; three waves of survey data were included in the analyses. Workers who returned to work (n = 1,610) were included in the analysis of the relationship between RTW type and job retention, and 664 workers who returned to their original workplaces were included in the analysis of the relationship between RTW period and job retention. The participants completed a questionnaire, and administrative data were provided by workers' compensation insurance. RESULTS: A Cox proportional-hazards regression analysis showed an increased hazard ratio (HR) for non-retention of 2.66 (95% confidence interval, 2.11-3.35) in reemployed workers compared to that in workers returning to their original workplaces. Among workers returning to their original workplaces, HRs for non-retention were increased in workers with a RTW period of 13-24 months (3.03 [1.52-6.04]) and > 24 months (5.33 [2.14-13.25]) compared to workers with a RTW period of ≤ 3 months. CONCLUSION: RTW type and period were significantly related to job retention, suggesting that policies for promoting job retention rate should be implemented.


Subject(s)
Occupational Diseases/pathology , Occupational Injuries/pathology , Return to Work/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Databases, Factual , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Proportional Hazards Models , Surveys and Questionnaires , Workplace/statistics & numerical data
10.
Occup Environ Med ; 73(5): 329-35, 2016 05.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26920855

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to identify inequalities in cause-specific mortality across different occupational groups in Korea. METHODS: The cohort included Korean workers enrolled in the national employment insurance programme between 1995 and 2000. Mortality was determined by matching death between 1995 and 2009 according to a nationwide registry of the Korea National Statistical Office. The cohort was divided into nine occupational groups according to the Korean Standard Occupational Classification (KSOC). Age-standardised mortality rates of each subcohort were calculated. RESULTS: The highest age-standardised mortality rate was identified in KSOC 6 (agricultural, forestry and fishery workers; male (M): 563.0 per 100 000, female (F): 206.0 per 100 000), followed by KSOC 9 (elementary occupations; M: 499.0, F: 163.4) and KSOC 8 (plant, machine operators and assemblers; M: 380.3, F: 157.8). The lowest rate occurred in KSOC 2 (professionals and related workers; M: 209.1, F: 93.3). Differences in mortality rates between KSOC 2 and KSOC 9 (M: 289.9, F: 70.1) and the rate ratio of KSCO9 to KSCO2 (M: 2.39, F: 1.75) were higher in men. The most prominent mortality rate difference was observed in external causes of death (M: 96.9, F: 21.6) and liver disease in men (38.3 per 100 000). Mental disease showed the highest rate ratio (M: 6.31, F: 13.00). CONCLUSIONS: Substantial differences in mortality rates by occupation were identified. Main causes of death were injury, suicide and male liver disease. Development of policies to support occupations linked with a lower socioeconomic position should be prioritised.


Subject(s)
Cause of Death , Employment , Liver Diseases/mortality , Occupations , Suicide , Work , Wounds and Injuries/mortality , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Mental Disorders/mortality , Middle Aged , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Sex Factors , Social Class , Young Adult
11.
Neurol Sci ; 36(6): 907-12, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25652435

ABSTRACT

Intracranial aneurysms suffer various interactions between hemodynamics and pathobiology, and rupture when this balance disrupted. Aneurysm wall morphology is a result of these interactions and reflects the quality of the maturation. However, it is a poorly documented in previous studies. The purpose of this study is to observe aneurysm wall thickness and describe the characteristics of translucent aneurysm by analyzing clinical and morphological parameters. 253 consecutive patients who underwent clipping surgery in a single institute were retrospectively analyzed. Only middle cerebral artery aneurysms (MCA) which exposed most part of the dome during surgery were included. Aneurysms were categorized based on intraoperative video findings. Aneurysms more than 90 % of super-thin dome and any aneurysms with entirely super-thin-walled daughter sac were defined as translucent aneurysm. A total of 110 consecutive patients with 116 unruptured MCA aneurysms were included. Ninety-two aneurysms (79.3 %) were assigned to the not-translucent group and 24 (20.7 %) to the translucent group. The relative proportion of translucent aneurysm in each age group was highest at ages 50-59 years and absent at ages 30-39 and 70-79 years. There was a trend that translucent aneurysms were smaller in size (p = 0.019). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that translucent aneurysm was strongly correlated with height <3 mm (p = 0.003). We demonstrated that the translucent aneurysms were smaller in size and the aneurysm height <3 mm was related. These results may provide information in determining treatment strategies in patients with small size aneurysm.


Subject(s)
Aneurysm, Ruptured/pathology , Intracranial Aneurysm/pathology , Middle Cerebral Artery/pathology , Adult , Aged , Aneurysm, Ruptured/diagnosis , Female , Hemodynamics/physiology , Humans , Intracranial Aneurysm/diagnosis , Intraoperative Period , Male , Microscopy , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies
12.
Am J Ind Med ; 58(1): 61-8, 2015 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25345911

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Korea is one of the highest indium-consuming countries worldwide. The present study aims to determine the relationship between interstitial lung disorders and indium exposure in Korea. METHODS: In 50 indium workers from seven plants, the effect of serum indium on the lungs was determined using laboratory tests, spirometry, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). RESULTS: Higher serum indium and Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) levels were associated with HRCT-detected interstitial lung changes. Workers with high serum indium levels (≥3 µg/L) had longer exposure durations and a higher prevalence of HRCT-detected interstitial lung changes. KL-6 and surfactant protein-D (SP-D) levels were significantly higher in the highest serum indium quartile than the lowest quartile. Significant dose-effect relationships existed between serum indium levels and KL-6, SP-D levels and the prevalence of HRCT-detected interstitial lung changes. CONCLUSIONS: Workforce medical surveillance should be established to prevent indium-induced interstitial lung disease in Korea.


Subject(s)
Indium/adverse effects , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/chemically induced , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/chemically induced , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Adult , Analysis of Variance , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Female , Humans , Interviews as Topic , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/blood , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/diagnostic imaging , Lung Diseases, Interstitial/urine , Male , Middle Aged , Mucin-1/blood , Occupational Diseases/blood , Occupational Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Occupational Diseases/urine , Prevalence , Radiography , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Risk Factors , Smoking/epidemiology , Spirometry , Tomography Scanners, X-Ray Computed , Young Adult
13.
Ann Hum Biol ; 42(6): 569-75, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25541276

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Most humans are exposed to environmental contaminants via inhalation. Various toxic inhalants cause lung damage with pathologic changes to the airway system. Lung function decline is an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. AIM: To consider the potential burden of cadmium on pulmonary disease, this study examined the relationship between blood cadmium levels and airflow obstruction in a Korean general population. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys from 2008-2011 were used. Male participants were selected who were older than 40 years, who had completed a reliable pulmonary function test and for who measurements of blood cadmium levels were available (n = 1974). The pulmonary function tests were undertaken and airflow obstruction was defined when forced vital capacity/forced expiratory volume in 1 second ratio < 0.7. RESULTS: In an age-adjusted logistic regression model, blood cadmium levels correlated with the risk of obstructive airflow pattern in total participants as well as in smokers or never smokers. Further adjustment for BMI, current occupation and educational level did not attenuate these associations among total participants, smokers and never smokers (OR = 2.53, 95% CI = 1.83-3.50 in total; OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.55-3.02 in smokers; OR = 3.71, 95% CI = 1.48-9.33 in never smokers). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, blood cadmium level was associated with airflow obstruction independently of smoking history and that association was still significant in never smokers. Careful attention is needed for the general population who are potentially exposed to cadmium.


Subject(s)
Cadmium/blood , Environmental Pollutants/blood , Forced Expiratory Volume , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/epidemiology , Lung Diseases, Obstructive/etiology , Vital Capacity , Adult , Aged , Humans , Logistic Models , Male , Middle Aged , Nutrition Surveys , Republic of Korea , Risk Factors
15.
J Korean Med Sci ; 29 Suppl: S3-11, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25006321

ABSTRACT

In the Workers' Compensation Insurance (WCI) system in Korea, occupational diseases (ODs) are approved through deliberation meetings of the Committee on Occupational Disease Judgment (CODJ) after disease investigations when workers or medical institutions requested the Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service (COMWEL) for medical care benefits. Insufficient data presented by employers or workers or lack of objective evidence may increase the possibility of disapproval. The expertise of accident investigation staff members should be reinforced and employers' and related institutions' obligations to cooperate and submit data should be specified under the law. The deliberation meetings of the CODJ are held separately for musculoskeletal, cerebro-cardiovascular, and medical diseases, and the judgments of ODs are made by the chairperson of COMWEL and six committee members by majority vote by issue. To reinforce the expertise of the members of the CODJ, periodic education and a system to accredit the committee members after appropriate education should be introduced. To fairly and quickly compensate for diseases that occur in workers, the criteria for the recognition of occupational diseases should be continuously amended and the systems for disease investigations and judgments should be continuously improved.


Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational/economics , Occupational Diseases/economics , Workers' Compensation/economics , Humans , Insurance, Accident/economics , Insurance, Health/economics , Organization and Administration , Republic of Korea
16.
J Korean Med Sci ; 29 Suppl: S47-51, 2014 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25006324

ABSTRACT

The respiratory system is one of the most important body systems particularly from the viewpoint of occupational medicine because it is the major route of occupational exposure. In 2013, there were significant changes in the specific criteria for the recognition of occupational diseases, which were established by the Enforcement Decree of the Industrial Accident Compensation Insurance Act (IACIA). In this article, the authors deal with the former criteria, implications of the revision, and changes in the specific criteria in Korea by focusing on the 2013 amendment to the IACIA. Before the 2013 amendment to the IACIA, occupational respiratory disease was not a category because the previous criteria were based on specific hazardous agents and their health effects. Workers as well as clinicians were not familiar with the agent-based criteria. To improve these criteria, a system-based structure was added. Through these changes, in the current criteria, 33 types of agents and 11 types of respiratory diseases are listed under diseases of the respiratory system. In the current criteria, there are no concrete guidelines for evaluating work-relatedness, such as estimating the exposure level, latent period, and detailed examination methods. The results of further studies can support the formulation of detailed criteria.


Subject(s)
Lung Diseases/economics , Occupational Diseases/economics , Workers' Compensation/economics , Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic/economics , Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic/pathology , Asbestosis/economics , Asbestosis/pathology , Asthma/economics , Asthma/pathology , Humans , Occupational Exposure , Pneumoconiosis/economics , Pneumoconiosis/pathology , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/economics , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/pathology , Republic of Korea
17.
Int Arch Occup Environ Health ; 86(4): 471-7, 2013 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22592394

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study are to investigate the prevalence of major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Korean subway drivers, and find the association between these disorders and the drivers' person-under-train (PUT) experiences. METHODS: A total of 826 subway drivers who participated in a cross-sectional work and health survey were included for this study. The Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview 2.1 was applied to assess major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD. The date of PUT, whether victim died, and how many PUTs the drivers experienced were asked using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) for lifetime prevalence of panic disorder and PTSD in subway drivers were 13.3 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 6.6-22.4) and 2.1 (95 % CI 1.1-3.4), respectively. In lifetime prevalence, after adjusting for age, education, income, and working career, the drivers who experienced PUT had significantly higher risks for panic disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 4.2, 95 % CI 1.2-16.6) and PTSD (OR = 4.4, 95 % CI 1.3-16.4). In 1-year prevalence, the drivers who experienced PUT had a significantly higher risk for PTSD (OR = 11.7, 95 % CI 1.9-225.8). There was no significant value of SPR and OR in major depressive disorder. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Korean subway drivers are at higher risk for panic disorder and PTSD compared to the general population, and PUT experience is associated with panic disorder and PTSD. Drivers who have experienced PUT should be treated quickly, sympathetically, and sensitively by a psychological professional and their colleagues, so they can return to work soon.


Subject(s)
Accidents, Occupational , Depressive Disorder, Major/epidemiology , Panic Disorder/epidemiology , Railroads , Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/epidemiology , Adult , Confidence Intervals , Cross-Sectional Studies , Health Surveys , Humans , Middle Aged , Odds Ratio , Prevalence , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Young Adult
18.
J Korean Med Sci ; 28(4): 569-74, 2013 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23579165

ABSTRACT

Recent studies in Western countries have reported a significant association between glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and bone mineral density (BMD) in the absence of dialysis among the general population. However, there have been few studies regarding renal function and BMD among Korean or Asian subjects with moderate to severe (stage 3 or 4) chronic kidney disease (MS-CKD). The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between MS-CKD and BMD in the general Korean population. BMD, serum creatinine and other measures were obtained from 3,190 subjects (1,428 males and 1,762 females; the fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey). GFR was estimated using the Cockcroft-Gault formula, with adjustment for body surface area. After adjustment for all variables, multiple regression analysis showed that BMD in the femur neck, total femur and lumbar spine were positively associated with eGFR in both males and females. Additional analysis showed that MS-CKD was also significantly associated with osteoporosis in both males and females (odds ratio [OR] 2.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-4.20 in males; and OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.33-2.88 in females). Individuals with MS-CKD may be at higher risk of osteoporosis even among Asians.


Subject(s)
Bone Density , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/physiopathology , Adult , Aged , Creatinine/blood , Female , Femur/physiopathology , Femur Neck/physiopathology , Glomerular Filtration Rate , Humans , Lumbar Vertebrae/physiopathology , Male , Middle Aged , Nutrition Surveys , Odds Ratio , Osteoporosis/etiology , Regression Analysis , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/complications , Republic of Korea , Severity of Illness Index
19.
Int J Occup Environ Health ; 19(4): 344-51, 2013.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24588041

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Korea has no surveillance system for work-related infectious disease. However, these diseases are compensated by the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service (KCOMWEL). OBJECTIVES: To understand the nature and distribution of compensated occupational infectious diseases in Korea. METHODS: We used the KCOMWEL electronic database to analyze compensated cases of work-related occupational infectious disease. We reviewed and confirmed diagnoses excluding denied claims, secondary infections, dermatoid diseases, duplicated cases and those with missing information. We calculated the distribution of work-related infectious disease in Korea by occupation, calendar year, gender, age, and employment duration, as well as the annual compensated claim rates (per million). RESULTS: We included 1,062 compensated cases of work-related infectious disease. The most common was scrub typhus (n = 567, 53.4%), followed by tuberculosis (n = 227, 21.4%), viral hepatitis (n = 55, 5.2%), and viral influenza (n = 53, 5.0%). A sudden increase in scrub typhus was observed in 2009. Unskilled laborers, including short-term contract workers in public sectors, were most commonly affected by these diseases, followed by health care professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Workers employed in forestry care in the public sectors and in hospitals were most vulnerable to infections. Proper surveillance systems to monitor infectious diseases among vulnerable working groups and improved prevention measures are needed.


Subject(s)
Communicable Diseases/epidemiology , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Workers' Compensation/statistics & numerical data , Workplace/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Age Factors , Communicable Diseases/microbiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Occupational Diseases/microbiology , Occupational Health , Occupations/statistics & numerical data , Republic of Korea/epidemiology , Sex Factors , Time Factors
20.
Epidemiol Health ; : e2023099, 2023 Nov 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37974042

ABSTRACT

Objectives: While issues related to mental health, including suicide, have been frequently reported among finance workers, no formal investigation has been undertaken. This study was conducted to analyze correlations between indicators of performance pressure, which is a characteristic of the finance sector, and mental health. Methods: An online survey was administered to 1,181 participants. Brief questionnaires were employed to ask general questions about participant characteristics, work environment, and the presence of performance pressure, suicidal thoughts/plans/attempts, depression (indicated by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and anxiety (measured with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7). Frequency analysis, chi-square testing, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed. Results: Of the 1,181 respondents, 797 (83.54%) reported feeling pressure to perform at work, while 252 (26.42%) admitted to occasional willingness to achieve results even through illegal activities. Multivariate logarithmic regression analysis was employed to examine the correlation between performance pressure and mental health. This analysis revealed that those expressing willingness to achieve. Results: through illegal activities exhibited higher levels of suicidal ideation (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.63; 99% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-2.55), plans (aOR, 1.75; 99% CI, 1.01-3.01), and attempts (aOR, 2.72; 99% CI, 1.06-6.98). Additionally, these individuals demonstrated higher levels of depression (aOR, 2.02; 99% CI, 1.34-3.06) and anxiety (aOR, 2.84; 99% CI, 1.81-4.46). Conclusion: Performance pressure is prevalent within the finance industry. This pressure serves as a major source of stress for employees and is evident in 3 representative indicators of mental health: suicide, depression, and anxiety.

SELECTION OF CITATIONS
SEARCH DETAIL