The aim of this study was to investigate the association between severe low back pain (LBP) and work load for care workers (CWs) who were working at newly-built special nursing homes, because it has long been known that LBP is very common among CWs, and we consider that measures to reduce serious LBP should be the top priority. A total of 258 questionnaires were distributed to all CWs employed at 7 nursing homes. There were 214 replies, a response rate of 82.9%. The average age of respondents was 28.8 years old. A total of 212 (59 males and 153 females) completed questionnaires were analyzed. The results of factor analysis were based on 22 original questions about physical and mental care work load. Sixteen questions and 5 subscales were explored. Factor 1 was characteristics and ADL of care receivers; Factor 2, violence by care receivers; Factor 3, communication with staff at workplace; Factor 4, problems with work environment; and Factor 5, communication with care receivers. Severe LBP was defined as a subject who had always suffered from LBP in the last one month. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the relationship of severe LBP and care work load. Adjustments were made for sex and job tenure. In Factor 1, "characteristics and ADL of care receivers", heavy weight showed significant association, with adjusted Odds Ratios of 6.63 (95%CI: 1.71-25.75). Therefore, to prevent LBP of CWs, it is necessary to make staff assignments and to provide assistive devices based on careful considerations of the characteristics and ADL of care receivers.
(San Ei Shi 2008; 50: 86-91)

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The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the working conditions of young workers and the meals they buy at convenience stores, and to consider the prevention of obesity. The subjects of this study were 284 workers under 29 yr of age employed at a transportation company in Ishikawa prefecture. Questionnaires were sent to participants, and 193 valid responses were obtained. Working types, night duty and working time were correlated with convenience store patronage, although working situations were not obviously associated with the content of meal selection at convenience stores. The study results revealed a tendency for the proportion of the fat in meals to be greater than 25% for the majority of working situations. It was also shown that foods selected with high frequency contained a high proportion of fat. There results suggest that this situation increases the risk of obesity. In addition, the more days per week convenience stores were patronized, the greater the number of participants felt "The need to improve meals." Therefore, we believe it is essential that young workers consider the prevention of obesity by observing nutritional information when selecting foods. An environment in which such information is easy to obtain at convenience stores should be arranged.
(San Ei Shi 2008; 50: 92-99)

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