The Association of Job Characteristics and Stress Indicators in TV Manufacturing Plant Workers / 대한산업의학회지

This study was conducted to evaluate the association of job characteristics and stress indicators, from May 1st to 10th, 1996. The study population was 210 workers (clerical workers, 67; engineers, 82; assembly line workers, 61) engaged in a television manufacturing company. A questionnaire method was used to collect the data regarding to job demand, job control, behavioral type, life style and psychiatric symptoms. Clinical examination was conducted to measure blood pressure, serum cholesterol, fasting blood sugar and HbA1c. Percentage of high subjective job strain group was significantly higher in clerical workers(9.0 %) than in engineers(4.9 %) and in assembly line workers(3.3 %) (p < 0.01). Mean values of fasting blood sugar and HbA1c were significantly different between types of occupation and were the highest in clerical workers (p < 0.05). Significant association was found between perceived job characteristics and psychiatric symptom score (p < 0.01). The more job demand and the less job control was, the higher psychiatric symptom score was reported. Diastolic blood pressure was significantly related to job control (p < 0.05). The more job control was, the higher blood pressure was reported. In multiple regression analysis, job demand, job control and age were significant variables explaining the psychiatric symptoms and R2 was 0.23. Perceived job characteristics and type of occupation were not significant in explaining diastolic blood pressure and cholesterol. Type of occupation, job demand, age and BMI were significant variables explaining lasting blood sugar and R2 was 0.25. Type of occupation was the only significant variable explaining HbA1c and R2 was 0.07. According to this result, occupational type and subjective job characteristics must be considered in study of job stress. As a result of multiple analysis, subjective job characterics are significantly related to psychiatric symptoms and type of occupation is significantly related to fasting blood sugar and HbA1c.

Effects of Organic Solvents on Hearing in Video Tape Manufacturing Workers / 예방의학회지

This study was performed to evaluate the effects on hearing of video tape manufacturing workers exposed to organic solvents. The experimental groups included solvents exposed group 51 and unexposed group 57 workers. All workers was examined air and bone conduction sensitivity by pure tone audiometer. The mean age of solvents exposed group was 34.1 and nonexposed group was 35.8. The mean duration of solvents exposed group was 7.3years. High frequency hearing loss prevalence of both groups was 23.5% in the group exposed to organic solvents and 17.5% in nonexposed group. There is no statistical significants in the prevalence of high frequency hearing loss. According to comparison of mean auditory threshold value by frequencies, on the air conduction test, right was statistically significant in the 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000Hz, except 8000Hz. Left 250, 500, 1000Hz was statistically significant. On the bone conduction test, left250, both 500, 1000, 2000, 4000Hz, except right 250Hz, was statistically significant difference. Generally, auditory sensitivity threshold of the exposed group was higher than the nonexposed group.

Relationship of Physical Fitness with Age and Body Fat, Work Pattern, Life Style among Male Workers of an Electronic Manufacturing Company / 대한산업의학회지

This is pilot study to evaluate the relationship of physical fitness with age, body fat, work pattern and life style among 20-9 aged male workers (n=417). Physical fitness was measured by maximum oxygen uptake, forced vital capacity, 1 second forced expiratory volume, grip strength, back strength, sit ups and trunk flexion. Life style was self-reported on a questionnaire about regular exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, degree of stress, and percent of body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance fat meter. Age was significantly and negatively related to physical fitness except grip strength. Obesity was next to most significant factor for physical fitness, it was associated with maximum oxygen uptake, grip strength, back strength, trunk flexion. Regular exercise was associated with maximum oxygen uptake. Others was insignificantly related to physical fitness. Performance of physical fitness test was significantly correlated with age, obesity and regular exercise.