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Masakazu TERAUCHI, Yuki IDENO, Kunihiko HAYASHI
Article ID: 2023-0116
Published: March 06, 2024
Advance online publication: March 06, 2024
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We investigated the relationship between shift work and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) among participants in the Japan Nurses’ Health Study (JNHS). Responses of 9,728 female nurses to the 6th follow-up questionnaire were cross-sectionally analyzed. EDS was defined as an Epworth Sleepiness Scale score ≥11. EDS-associated factors were evaluated using Poisson regression analysis after adjustment for multiple confounders. Of the participants (mean age, 52.2 ± 8.0 yr), 28.7% were engaged in shift work, and the overall prevalence of EDS was 24.6%. EDS-associated factors were investigated separately in women aged <40 yr (n=250), 40–59 yr (n=7,467), and ≥60 yr (n=2,011). Current engagement in shift work (prevalence ratio: 1.92 [95% confidence interval: 1.20–3.06], compared with no experience of shift work) and obesity (2.08 [1.11–3.88] for BMI ≥30 and 1.39 [1.02–1.90] for BMI of 25.0–30.0, compared with BMI of 18.5–25.0) showed an independent association with EDS in women aged ≥60 yr. The effect of shift work on EDS in female nurses differed by age, as shift work and obesity contributed to EDS only in older participants. Shift work should be assigned after full consideration of age, sleep, and health status to minimize medical errors.
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Mo-Yeol KANG
Article ID: 2023-0191
Published: January 29, 2024
Advance online publication: January 29, 2024
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Keita KIUCHI, Xin KANG, Ryota NISHIMURA, Manabu SASAYAMA, Kazuyuki MAT ...
Article ID: 2023-0144
Published: January 22, 2024
Advance online publication: January 22, 2024
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This study conducted an interview-based stress evaluation that considered the psychosocial models of work stress and verified the evaluation’s predictive validity. A four-stage assessment comprising a pre-survey, pre-interview questionnaire, stress assessment interview, and post-survey after one month was conducted with 50 Japanese workers. Additionally, 16 occupational health professionals provided stress evaluations based on recorded interview videos. Variables based on intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were computed in multiple ways to compare the agreement among the evaluators. The generalized estimating equation (GEE) was conducted to evaluate the prediction models. The overall ICC among the evaluators was 0.58. The GEE revealed that the mean score of the evaluators in the interview-based stress evaluation significantly predicted psychological symptoms (β=2.02, p=0.019), burnout (β=0.77, p<0.001), and well-being (β=–0.64, p=0.007) one month later, even after adjusting for the self-reported stress levels measured in the pre-survey. The predictive validity of the proposed interview-based stress evaluation was confirmed. Although there are several challenges in standardizing this evaluation, semi-structured interviews are an effective tool for understanding work stress.
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Takafumi ABE, Kenta OKUYAMA, Atsushi MOTOHIRO, Daijo SHIRATSUCHI, Mino ...
Article ID: 2023-0092
Published: January 16, 2024
Advance online publication: January 16, 2024
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This cross-sectional study investigated the association between different types of physical activity (PA) and occupational psychological and physical stress responses among workers in Japan. Stress responses were assessed using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. Work-related PA (time spent sitting, sitting bouts, standing, walking, engaging in heavy labor, and moderate-to-vigorous PA [MVPA]) and exercise-based PA (frequencies [times/wk] of flexibility and muscle-strengthening activity, and walking) were measured using a questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was performed to examine the association between each type of PA and stress responses. Participants who engaged in >108 min/d of work-related MVPA exhibited a statistically significant association with higher psychological stress responses when compared to those who engaged in 0–42 min/d of work-related MVPA. For exercise-based PA, participants who engaged in flexibility activity or walking five or more times/wk, or muscle-strengthening activity one to three times/wk, demonstrated significantly lower psychological stress responses compared to those who did not exercise. Participants who engaged in flexibility activity five or more times/wok demonstrated significantly lower physical stress responses compared to those who did not exercise. This study suggests that work-related MVPA is associated with higher psychological stress responses, while exercise-based PA is associated with lower psychological or physical stress responses.
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Sarah M TAGGART, Olivier GIRARD, Grant J LANDERS, Karen E WALLMAN
Article ID: 2023-0139
Published: January 16, 2023
Advance online publication: January 16, 2024
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Mine industry workers (n=515) from various locations in Australia completed a questionnaire to assess the prevalence of symptoms associated with heat-related illness and water consumption habits during a summer season. Participants read from a pre-defined list and noted any heat-related symptoms that they had experienced. The most prevalent symptoms experienced were fatigue, headache, sweating, and dark coloured urine, with 77% of respondents reporting at least one symptom. Workers with shorter employment durations had higher rates of reporting multiple symptoms (rates ratios: 1.40–1.72). The most prevalent water consumption amounts over an 11–12 h shift were 2–4 L by 37.3% of total respondents, followed by 1–2 L by 36.5% of respondents. Employers should inform workers about the severe implications of heat-related illnesses, implement regular water breaks, and educate personnel about the importance of water intake. Providing employees with self-check methods of hydration status is recommended to increase awareness of their hydration status.
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Akihito SHIMAZU, Keiko SAKAKIBARA, Fuad HAMSYAH, Michiko KAWADA, Daisu ...
Article ID: 2023-0085
Published: December 29, 2023
Advance online publication: December 29, 2023
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Laughter is associated with better health and occurs most frequently during casual conversations. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impaired social interactions, which may have reduced the frequency of laughter and led to poor well-being among workers. This study investigated the relationship between laughter frequency and work engagement among Japanese employees during the pandemic. We conducted a web-based survey among Japanese employees (20–59 years) via an internet survey company in December 2021; 1,058 valid data were analysed. Of the respondents, 65.1% laughed at least once a week, but the frequency was much lower than that reported in previous studies conducted before the pandemic. Additionally, those who laughed at least once a week had significantly higher work engagement scores than those who laughed less than once a month. Although employees reduced their frequency of laughter during the pandemic, a certain frequency of laughter may be important for maintaining their work engagement.
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Oraphan TATHA, Akihito SHIMAZU, Kazuhiro WATANABE, Norito KAWAKAMI, Wi ...
Article ID: 2023-0017
Published: December 27, 2023
Advance online publication: December 27, 2023
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This study aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of a Thai-language version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). The 17-item version of UWES was translated into Thai and a survey was conducted with 507 registered nurses at a public regional hospital in Thailand. Results showed that the alpha and omega total coefficients for the vigor, dedication, and absorption subscales were acceptable. Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) indicated that the three-factor model performed the best for both versions of UWES-17-TH and UWES-9-TH. Both versions correlated positively with job resources and negatively with cognitive, emotional, and physical job demands, and with emotional exhaustion and physical symptoms. They were found to have acceptable reliability and validity and can be used to study work engagement in Thai contexts. For practical reasons, UWES-9-TH might be preferred since it is shorter than the full version. Further studies should include different occupational groups and more male participants.
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Ryohei KIDA, Yasuko OGATA, Satoko NAGAI
Article ID: 2023-0117
Published: December 27, 2023
Advance online publication: December 27, 2023
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Supportive measures for employees raising children may have increased workloads on other nurses, causing psychological stress. This study aimed to clarify the differences in working conditions and psychological status among female Japanese nurses based on child-rearing attributes. We used data from 1,600 female nurses at 10 Japanese hospitals collected by the study of the Work Environment for Hospital Nurses in Japan conducted in 2016. The variables included work conditions (number of night shifts per month, daily overtime, number of paid holidays per year, and social support received), psychological status (sense of coherence, emotional exhaustion, and work engagement), and sociodemographic characteristics. An analysis of covariance was performed on the differences between the three groups (without children, with preschool-age children, and with children of other ages groups). The group without children had a relatively higher workload (p<0.01) and lower social support (p<0.01 and p<0.05). Additionally, they had higher emotional exhaustion and lower work engagement (p<0.01). This study confirmed the uneven distribution of work environment by work-life balance measures.
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Alberto SCARSELLI, Marisa CORFIATI, Davide DI MARZIO, Alessandro MARIN ...
Article ID: 2023-0128
Published: December 26, 2023
Advance online publication: December 26, 2023
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Given the recognized carcinogenicity of cadmium, several regulatory interventions have been carried out over the years to protect exposed workers. The aim of the study is to investigate the prevalence and extent of exposure to cadmium among Italian workers. Data was collected from a nation-wide occupational exposure registry (SIREP, 1996–2022). Gender-specific statistical analysis was carried out for some exposure-related variables (cadmium compound, activity sector, occupational group, firm size). Potentially exposed workers were estimated for some industrial sectors. Concurrent exposures were investigated using cluster analysis. Overall 4,264 measurements were analyzed. Four industrial sectors were found to be most involved by cadmium exposure: base metal manufacturing, fabricated metal products, machinery and equipment, and other transport equipment (55% of measurements). Jewellery/precious-metal workers, and glass/ceramic plant operators were found to be most at exposure risk. A total of 26,470 workers potentially exposed was estimated (69% men). Concurrent exposures to other occupational carcinogens were detected quite frequently (52% of workers). Several situations of exposure and co-exposure to cadmium deserve attention and awareness in order to minimize the risks associated with workers’ health. Recognition of potentially hazardous exposure conditions is an important step in prevention strategies to better protect workers against cancer-causing agents.
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Kozue YAGINUMA-SAKURAI, Chotoku SAITO, Yoshiko KASAHARA, Kanami TSUNO, ...
Article ID: 2023-0094
Published: December 01, 2023
Advance online publication: December 01, 2023
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Healthcare services provided by registered dietitians and dietitians have been changing because of evolving lifestyles and population dynamics, leading to subsequent changes in the occupational status and experiences of these professionals. However, few studies have examined occupational stress among registered dietitians and dietitians. This study involved a cross-sectional survey to investigate the status and associated factors of work engagement among registered dietitians and dietitians, whose professions differ based on licensing processes and scope of work. A total of 3,593 questionnaires were distributed, 1,890 responses were received, and 1,654 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Work engagement was measured using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between work engagement and each factor. The work engagement scores of dietitians were significantly lower than those of registered dietitians. Further, work engagement was associated with age, workplace, coworker support, and effort-reward ratio for both registered dietitians and dietitians. However, exercise habit was a significant factor associated with work engagement only among dietitians. Work engagement among registered dietitians was comparable to that of typical Japanese workers, whereas it was lower among dietitians. The findings highlight the importance of considering associated factors to improve work engagement further, especially among dietitians.
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Jaehyuk JUNG, Jae Bum PARK, Kyung-Jong LEE, Youngwook SEO, Inchul JEON ...
Article ID: 2023-0100
Published: November 07, 2023
Advance online publication: November 07, 2023
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Long commuting times can induce work-related low back pain (LBP), which can be exacerbated by reduced sports and leisure activities. However, there is a lack of empirical research on commuting time and work-related LBP in Korea. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between commuting time and work-related LBP as well as the effect of sports and leisure activities on Korean workers. We utilized data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey to analyze the relationship between commuting time and work-related LBP using multivariable logistic regression. The total number of included workers was 28,202. Workers without sports and leisure activities, and long commuting times (40–59, 60–79, and ≥80 min) showed significantly higher odds ratios for work-related LBP (1.29 [95% Confidence intervals=1.12–1.49], 1.42 [1.22–1.65], and 1.96 [1.68–2.28], respectively). However, in workers with sports and leisure activities, the results were significant only for commuting times of 60–79 and ≥80 min (1.41 [1.13–1.75], 1.60 [1.28–1.99], respectively). Long commuting times were associated with work-related LBP, and engagement in sports and leisure activities was found to play a role in mitigating the impact among Korean wage workers.
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Hiroki ARAO, Mitsuo HINOUE, Kunio HARA, Akiyoshi ITO
Article ID: 2023-0016
Published: October 23, 2023
Advance online publication: October 23, 2023
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The introduction and implementation of chemical risk assessment is difficult, especially at small and medium-sized manufacturing and construction companies. This study aimed to identify the factors that inhibit or facilitate such assessment. Twelve individuals in charge of risk assessment at one medium-sized client company and eight small and medium-sized contract companies and responsible for innovation in the manufacturing and construction industries were interviewed. The interview transcripts were analyzed via text mining using KH Corder ver. 3 and a co-occurrence network was used to identify the keywords’ connections and each factor in consideration of the interviews. Six factors inhibited or facilitated risk assessment: (1) education on hazardous work in the workplace, (2) improvement suggestions and reduction measures from client and staff, (3) cooperation between employees and contractors in the workplace, (4) thoroughly explanation of SDS content for better understanding, (5) risk awareness based on accident examples, and (6) difficulties imagining the hazards of chemical substances. Factors (1), (2), (3), and (5) were positive, facilitating factors; (4) and (6) were negative, inhibiting factors. This study highlights that it is necessary to educate workers about chemical substance risks using safety data sheets and accident examples in chemical risk assessment.
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Shou-Chien HSU, Yun-Ju CHEN, Hao-Yi FAN, Chih-Wei WANG, Han-Jui LEE, Y ...
Article ID: 2023-0093
Published: October 20, 2023
Advance online publication: October 20, 2023
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This report focuses on the occupational health risks associated with the use of artificial stones containing high levels of crystalline silica in the production of kitchen countertops. It presents the case of a 43-yr-old man who developed severe silicosis due to his occupation involving cutting and polishing quartz stone raw materials. A retrospective analysis of the patient’s medical records and occupational history was conducted. The diagnosis of severe silicosis, moderate restrictive lung disease, and bilateral pneumothorax was based on clinical manifestations, pulmonary function test, radiological findings, and histological reports. The patient underwent lung transplantation, and his pulmonary function improved post-surgery. The study highlights the significant health risks associated with procedures involving artificial stones and emphasizes the importance of awareness and protective measures for employees and workers. Clinicians should be cautious when diagnosing respiratory symptoms in patients with a history of occupational exposure to artificial stones containing high levels of crystalline silica.
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Kenta TOMONAGA, Akira OGAMI, Hajime ANDO, Toshiteru OKUBO
Article ID: 2023-0009
Published: October 11, 2023
Advance online publication: October 11, 2023
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Understanding the effects of lifestyle and radiation on health is important for the health management of disaster recovery workers. International research has demonstrated the relationship between natural disasters and diseases. The lifestyle and working conditions following the Great East Japan Earthquake potentially increased the incidence of cardiovascular disease and obesity among affected individuals. The aim of this study was to analyze the body mass index (BMI) of 1,341 emergency workers who responded to the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The BMI of each emergency worker was measured immediately after the accident and compared with that measured at the initial survey conducted 5 years later to determine the effect of lifestyle habits on BMI. Awareness of the frequency of eating out and caloric intake helped maintain their BMI, while evacuation contributed to the increase in BMI. Prevention of obesity, which can trigger or exacerbate certain health conditions, such as heat exhaustion, infection, and cerebro-cardiovascular disease, requires diet counseling, with a focus on maintaining adequate caloric intake; moreover, special consideration should be provided to evacuated workers.
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Michiko KAWADA, Akihito SHIMAZU, Daisuke MIYANAKA, Masahito TOKITA, Ke ...
Article ID: 2023-0028
Published: September 26, 2023
Advance online publication: September 26, 2023
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This study aimed to demonstrate the empirical distinctiveness of boredom at work and work engagement in relation to their potential antecedents (job demands and job resources) and consequences (psychological distress and turnover intention) based on the Job Demands-Resources model. A three-wave longitudinal survey was conducted among registered monitors of an Internet survey company in Japan. The questionnaire included scales for boredom at work, work engagement, psychological distress, and turnover intention as well as participants’ job characteristics and demographic variables. The hypothesized model was evaluated via structural equation modeling with 1,019 participants who were employed full-time. As expected, boredom at work was negatively associated with quantitative job demands and job resources and positively associated with psychological distress and turnover intention. In contrast, work engagement was positively associated with job resources and negatively associated with turnover intention. Thus, boredom at work and work engagement had different potential antecedents and were inversely related to employee well-being and organizational outcomes. However, contrary to expectations, qualitative job demands were not significantly associated with boredom at work. Further investigation is needed to understand the relationship between boredom and qualitative job demands, which require sustained cognitive load and the use of higher skills.
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Shuhei IZAWA, Nanako NAKAMURA-TAIRA, Chihiro MORIISHI, Toru YOSHIKAWA, ...
Article ID: 2023-0068
Published: September 15, 2023
Advance online publication: September 15, 2023
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Mental health problems are prevalent among the working population and must be resolved. We conducted a web-based large-scale study of workers, including a baseline survey and two follow-up surveys, to investigate the associations between self-care behaviors in daily life (e.g., stress coping, sleep, diet, and exercise), work environment improvements, and mental health among Japanese employees from various industries. In this protocol, we demonstrate the study design and demographic data of the participants in the baseline survey. Invitations to participate in this study were sent to 421,825 internet monitor registrants in February 2022. Overall, 20,000 registrants who met the inclusion criteria participated in the survey. There were large variations in occupations and working styles (e.g., physical work, night work, and teleworking) among the participants, and we also found significant differences between male and female participants in the demographic data. An overview of the survey data suggests that the demographic characteristics of the participants in this study are comparable to those reported in previous studies on Japanese employees. We plan to use these survey data in the future to examine the associations of daily lifestyles and work environments with the mental health of Japanese employees.
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Fuad HAMSYAH, Daisuke MIYANAKA, Masahito TOKITA, Michiko KAWADA, Naana ...
Article ID: 2023-0070
Published: September 08, 2023
Advance online publication: September 08, 2023
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This study aimed to validate the Indonesian version of the Recovery Experience Questionnaire (REQ-I) to assess how individuals unwind and recuperate from work during their off-job times, specifically in terms of psychological detachment, relaxation, mastery, and control. The translated and back-translated REQ, which has gone through semantic and face validation processes, was administered through an internet survey using 740 Indonesian workers from various backgrounds. Furthermore, confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted to evaluate factorial validity. Construct validity was evaluated based on the correlation coefficients between recovery experience and potential consequences variables, while internal consistency and test-retest reliability were investigated to evaluate the reliability. The result of CFA showed that the hypothesized four-factor model was the most suitable for the data. Meanwhile, construct validity was supported by expected correlations of recovery experiences with possible consequences. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for each of the four subscales was sufficient at 0.85-0.92. Test-retest reliability of each of the four subscales with three months intervals was confirmed with sufficient intraclass correlation coefficients at 0.60-0.66. This current study confirmed that REQ-I was an adequate measure of recovery experiences used in the Indonesian context.
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Hitoshi NAKASHIMA, Jyunya TAKAHASHI, Nobuyuki FUJII, Tsutomu OKUNO
Article ID: 2023-0038
Published: August 11, 2023
Advance online publication: August 11, 2023
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Blue light emitted during arc welding is known to potentially cause photoretinopathy. To help prevent retinal injury, it is important to identify the hazards associated with various welding conditions. The present work conducted experiments involving gas metal arc welding of mild steel under various conditions, and measured the spectral radiance of the arcs. The effective radiance values, as used by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) to quantify exposure level of blue light, were subsequently calculated from the data. The resulting values were in the range of 5.0–118 W/cm2/sr, corresponding to hazardous levels according to ACGIH guidelines. The effective radiance was increased at higher welding currents and when pulsed currents were used rather than steady currents. The blue light hazard was also affected by the type of shielding gas employed. These data confirm that it is very hazardous to stare at arcs during gas metal arc welding of mild steel. As such, appropriate eye protection is necessary during arc welding, and directly staring at the arc should be avoided.
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Naw Awn J-P, Agus Dwi SUSANTO, Erlang SAMOEDRO, Muchtaruddin MANSYUR, ...
Article ID: 2023-0010
Published: July 05, 2023
Advance online publication: July 05, 2023
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This study examined physicians’ participation and performance in the examinations administered by the Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis (AIR Pneumo) program from 2008 to 2020 and compared radiograph readings of physicians who passed with those who failed the examinations. Demography of the participants, participation trends, pass/fail rates, and proficiency scores were summarized; differences in reading the radiographs for pneumoconiosis of physicians who passed the examinations and those who failed were evaluated.By December 2020, 555 physicians from 20 countries had taken certification examinations; the number of participants increased in recent years. Reported background specialty training and work experience varied widely. Passing rate and mean proficiency score for participants who passed were 83.4% and 77.6 ± 9.4 in certification, and 76.8% and 88.1 ± 4.5 in recertification examinations. Compared with physicians who passed the examinations, physicians who failed tended to classify test radiographs as positive for pneumoconiosis and read a higher profusion; they likely missed large opacities and pleural plaques and had a lower accuracy in recognizing the shape of small opacities. Findings suggest that physicians who failed the examination tend to over-diagnose radiographs as positive for pneumoconiosis with higher profusion and have difficulty in correctly identifying small opacity shape.
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Soomi LEE, Brian D. GONZALEZ, Brent J. SMALL
Article ID: 2020-0291
Published: December 05, 2020
Advance online publication: December 05, 2020
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Potential insomnia in healthcare workers is a public health concern as it may degrade the quality of patient care. We examined the prevalence of insomnia symptoms in healthcare workers and their perceived need for a sleep intervention. Participants were 62 nurses working full-time at a U.S. hospital. These nurses were asked about background characteristics, perceived stress, sleep concerns, and need for a sleep intervention. They also participated in 14-day ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and actigraphy sleep study. A qualitative analysis showed that the majority (92%) of participants reported at least one sleep concern with insomnia-related concerns being most prevalent (68%). Quantitative analyses indicated that those with insomnia-related concerns had higher perceived stress overall and lower EMA sleep sufficiency and sleep quality. Moreover, participants with insomnia concerns had shorter actigraphy-measured nap duration prior to non-workdays than those without. Nearly all (95%) expressed interest in participating in a sleep intervention; an online format and mindfulness contents were most preferred. Our results suggest a high prevalence of insomnia symptoms and a high interest in a sleep intervention in nurses. Information obtained from this study could be used to deliver a tailored sleep intervention for nurses whose role in public health is essential.
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Susy PURNAWATI, Norito KAWAKAMI, Akihito SHIMAZU, Dewa Putu SUTJANA, N ...
Article type: Field Report
Article ID: 2015-0260
Published: 2016
Advance online publication: August 06, 2016
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RETRACTION The following article withdrrawn due to the request of the authors on December 17,2016.
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Li FANG, Shu-Hui FANG, Yun-Ho CHUNG, Chin-Lin FANG
Article ID: 2014-0013e
Published: October 06, 2014
Advance online publication: October 06, 2014
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This article has been retracted by the Editorial Board of INDUSTRIAL HEALTH due to violation of our publishing policies and procedures as of September 26, 2014.
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Li FANG, Shu-Hui FANG, Yun-Ho CHUNG, Chin-Lin FANG
Article ID: 2014-0013
Published: May 07, 2014
Advance online publication: May 07, 2014
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This article has been retracted by the Editorial Board of INDUSTRIAL HEALTH due to violation of our publishing policies and procedures as of September 26, 2014.
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Juha OKSA, Soile PAASOVAARA, Tommi OLLILA
Article ID: MS1262
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: June 13, 2012
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This study evaluated whether cold-induced deterioration in neuromuscular function can be restored by intermittently increasing the workload. We examined the level of muscular strain, agonist-antagonist co-activation, the occurrence of EMG gaps and neuromuscular efficiency in wrist flexor and extensor muscles at 21°C (TN) and 4°C (C
10) with a 10%MVC workload. During second exposure to 4°C (C
50) the workload was increased every fourth minute to 50%MVC. The results indicated that muscular strain and co-activation was the highest and the amount of EMG gaps and neuromuscular efficiency the lowest at C
10. By intermittently increasing the workload at C
50 we were able to reduce muscular strain and co-activation (
p<0.05) and induce a trend like increase in EMG gaps and enhance neuromuscular efficiency in relation to C
10 (NS). It may be concluded that intermittently increasing the workload, i.e. breaking the monotonous work cycle was able to partially restore neuromuscular function.
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Daniela PELCLOVÁ, Zdenka FENCLOVÁ, Stepánka VLCKOVÁ, Jindriska LEBEDOV ...
Article ID: MS1274
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: June 13, 2012
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Leukotrienes (LTs) are involved in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis and were increased in exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of the patients with pneumoconiosis. However the possible influence of extra-pulmonary disorders on the EBC markers is not known. Therefore in parallel with EBC, LTs’ levels in the plasma and urine were measured in patients with pneumoconiosis (45x asbestos exposure, 37x silica exposure) and in 27 controls. Individual LTs B4, C4, D4 and E4 were measured by liquid chromatography - electrospray ionization - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). In EBC, LT D4 and LT E4 were increased in both groups of patients (
p<0.001 and
p<0.05), comparing with the controls. Both LT B4 and cysteinyl LTs were elevated in asbestos-exposed subjects (
p<0.05). Asbestosis with more severe radiological signs (s1/s2-t3/u2) and lung functions impairment has shown higher cysteinyl LTs and LT C4 in the EBC (
p<0.05) than mild asbestosis (s1/s0-s1/s1). In addition, in the subjects with asbestosis, cysteinyl LTs in EBC correlated with TLC (-0.313,
p<0.05) and TLCO/Hb (-0.307,
p<0.05), and LT C4 with TLC (-0.358,
p<0.05). In pneumoconioses, EBC appears the most useful from the 3 fluids studied.
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Carmela Romana Natalina CORRAO, Adele MAZZOTTA, Giuseppe LA TORRE, Mar ...
Article ID: MS1324
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: June 13, 2012
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Many work activities include hazards to workers, and among these biological risk is particularly important, mostly because of different types of exposure, contact with highly dangerous agents, lack of limit values able to compare all exposures, presence of workers with defective immune systems and therefore more susceptible to the risk. Bioaerosols and dust are considered important vehicles of microganisms at workplaces and interaction with other occupational agents is assumed. Moreover, biological risk can be significant in countries with increasing economic development or particular habits and some biological agents are also classified as carcinogenic to human. Specific emerging biological risks have been recently pointed out by Risk Observatory of the European Agency for Safety and Health at work, and we must consider the worker’s attitude and behaviour, influenced by his own perception of risk more than his real knowledge, that could over-underestimate the risk itself. Therefore, biological risk at work requires a complex approach in relation to risk assessment and risk management, made more difficult due to the wide variety of biological agents, working environments and working techniques that can determine the exposures.
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Takashi MUTO, Yasuo HARUYAMA, Toshiaki HIGASHI
Article ID: MS1343
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: June 13, 2012
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The mental health problems of employees have become a major occupational health issue in Japan. External employee assistance program providers (EAP) have become important in mental health care for workers, but their activities are poorly documented. This descriptive study was undertaken to clarify the status and future tasks of EAP in Japan. The subjects were all EAP (n=27) registered in the Japanese Chapter of Employee Assistance Professionals Association. The questionnaire survey was conducted in January 2007. We received 13 replies, a response rate of 54.2%. Most EAP provided seminars, stress checks, stress management, counseling, and support for a return to work. The number of EAP contracted with small-scale enterprises was small. EAP communicated infrequently with companies. To promote the use of EAP, their advertising, education and training of staff, accumulation of scientific evidence, development of an official certification system for staff, and improvement of contents of EAP services were cited.
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Siying WU, Huangyuan LI, Wei ZHU, Shaowei LIN, Wenli CHAI, Xiaorong WA ...
Article ID: MS1250
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: May 30, 2012
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The present study analyzes the effect of work stressors, personal strain and coping resources on burnout among Chinese medical professionals. A total of 2,721 medical professionals were selected using the stratified cluster sampling method. A Chinese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey was used to measure burnout, whereas the Occupation Stress Inventory-Revised Edition was used to evaluate work stressors, personal strain, and coping resources. The structural equation model (SEM) was established to test the effect of work stressors, personal strain, and coping resources on burnout. Among the predictive factors for burnout, work stressors and personal strain were the primary risk factors, whereas coping resources make up the important protective factor. The result from SEM indicated that work stressors had both direct and indirect effects on burnout, with the indirect effect mediated by both personal strain and coping resources. Coping resources only affected burnout indirectly, as mediated by personal strain, whereas personal strain affected burnout independently. The results suggest that work stressors, personal strain, and coping resources play important roles in burnout among medical professionals. To prevent burnout, such countermeasures as controlling the work stressors, reducing personal strain, and strengthening coping resources are recommended.
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Markus MELLOH, Achim ELFERING, Cornelia ROLLI SALATHÉ, Anja KÄSER, Tho ...
Article ID: MS1335
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: May 30, 2012
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This study examines predictors of sickness absence in patients presenting to a health practitioner with acute/subacute low back pain (LBP). Aims of this study were to identify baseline-variables that detect patients with a new LBP episode at risk of sickness absence and to identify prognostic models for sickness absence at different time points after initial presentation. Prospective cohort study investigating 310 patients presenting to a health practitioner with a new episode of LBP at baseline, three-, six-, twelve-week and six-month follow-up, addressing work-related, psychological and biomedical factors. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify baseline-predictors of sickness absence at different time points. Prognostic models comprised ‘job control’, ‘depression’ and ‘functional limitation’ as predictive baseline-factors of sickness absence at three and six-week follow-up with ‘job control’ being the best single predictor (OR 0.47; 95%CI 0.26–0.87). The six-week model explained 47% of variance of sickness absence at six-week follow-up (
p<0.001). The prediction of sickness absence beyond six-weeks is limited, and health practitioners should re-assess patients at six weeks, especially if they have previously been identified as at risk of sickness absence. This would allow timely intervention with measures designed to reduce the likelihood of prolonged sickness absence.
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Bruno LEMKE, Tord KJELLSTROM
Article ID: MS1352
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: May 30, 2012
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The WBGT heat stress index has been well tested under a variety of climatic conditions and quantitative links have been established between WBGT and the work-rest cycles needed to prevent heat stress effects at the workplace. While there are more specific methods based on individual physiological measurements to determine heat strain in an individual worker, the WBGT index is used in international and national standards to specify workplace heat stress risks. In order to assess time trends of occupational heat exposure at population level weather station records or climate modelling are the most widely available data sources. The prescribed method to measure WBGT requires special equipment which is not used at weather stations. We compared published methods to calculate outdoor and indoor WBGT from standard climate data, such as air temperature, dew point temperature, wind speed and solar radiation. Specific criteria for recommending a method were developed and original measurements were used to evaluate the different methods. We recommend the method of Liljegren
et al. (2008) for calculating outdoor WBGT and the method by Bernard
et al. (1999) for indoor WBGT when estimating climate change impacts on occupational heat stress at a population level.
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Akihito SHIMAZU, Wilmar B. SCHAUFELI, Kazumi KUBOTA, Norito KAWAKAMI
Article ID: MS1355
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: May 30, 2012
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This study investigated the distinctiveness between workaholism and work engagement by examining their longitudinal relationships (measurement interval=7 months) with well-being and performance in a sample of 1,967 Japanese employees from various occupations. Based on a previous cross-sectional study (Shimazu & Schaufeli, 2009), we expected that workaholism predicts future
unwell-being (i.e., high ill-health and low life satisfaction) and poor job performance, whereas work engagement predicts future well-being (i.e., low ill-health and high life satisfaction) and superior job performance. T1–T2 changes in ill-health, life satisfaction and job performance were measured as residual scores that were then included in the structural equation model. Results showed that workaholism and work engagement were weakly and positively related to each other. In addition, workaholism was related to an increase in ill-health and to a decrease in life satisfaction. In contrast, work engagement was related to a decrease in ill-health and to increases in both life satisfaction and job performance. These findings suggest that workaholism and work engagement are two different kinds of concepts that are oppositely related to well-being and performance.
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Huashi ZHOU, Yukinori KUSAKA, Taro TAMURA, Narufumi SUGANUMA, Ponglada ...
Article ID: 207-MS1316
Published: 2012
Advance online publication: February 03, 2012
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29 physicians (A1-Group) and 24 physicians (A2-Group) attending the 1st and 2nd “Asian Intensive Reader of Pneumoconiosis” (AIR Pneumo) training course, respectively, and 22 physicians (B-Group) attending the Brazilian training course took the examination of reading the 60-film set. The objective of the study was firstly to investigate the factor structure of physiciansf proficiency of reading pneumoconiosis chest X-ray, and secondly to examine differences in factor scores between groups. Reading results in terms of the 8-index of all examinees (Examinee Group) were subjected to the exploratory factor analysis. A 4-factor was analyzed to structure the 8-index: the specificity for pneumoconiosis, specificity for large opacities, specificity for pleural plaque and shape differentiation for small opacities loaded on the Factor 1; the sensitivity for pneumoconiosis and sensitivity for large opacities loaded on the Factor 2; the sensitivity for pleural plaque loaded on the Factor 3; the profusion increment consistency loaded on the Factor 4. 4-Factor scores were compared between each other of the three groups. The Factor 2 scores in A1 and A2 groups were significantly higher than in B-Group. Four factors could reflect four aspects of reading proficiency of pneumoconiosis X-ray, and it was suggested that 4-factor scores could also assess the attained skills appropriately.
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