Association Between Commuting Time and Subjective Well-Being in Relation to Regional Differences in Korea

Background@#Long commuting times have a negative impact on mental health. However, few studies have explored the relationship between commuting time and well-being based on urbanization by region. Our study examines this relationship as well as the effect of regional differences on Korean workers. @*Methods@#We used data from the sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey. Commuting time and occupational factors were assessed using a questionnaire, and subjective well-being was assessed using the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index. Regions were divided into the cities and the provinces based on Korea’s administrative divisions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between commuting time and wellbeing. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for well-being were estimated, using participants commuting time of < 20 minutes as a reference group. @*Results@#The total number of workers was 29,458 (13,855 men, 15,603 women). We found higher aORs for low well-being among workers with long commuting times (aOR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.11–1.36 and aOR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.16–1.42 for 60–79 and ≥ 80 minutes, respectively). When stratified by sex and region, higher aORs for low well-being were found only in the workers who lived in cities. @*Conclusion@#Long commuting time was negatively associated with well-being in Korean wage workers living in the cities. Policies for reducing commuting time should be discussed to address the mental health of workers, especially those living in metropolitan cities.

Association between change in working time arrangements and sleep disturbance

Background@#Change in working time arrangement (WTA) can be harmful to workers' sleep and health. This study aimed to investigate the association between change in working time arrangement and sleep disturbance. @*Methods@#This study used data from the Fifth Korean Working Condition Survey and included 33,203 paid workers. We performed a stratified analysis by sex. After dividing the participants into 6 groups based on whether or not they experienced WTA changes, and their weekly working hours (≤40, 41–52, ≥53 hours), we calculated odds ratio (OR) using the weekly working hours ≤40 hours and with no WTA change as the reference group. @*Results@#Of the 33,203 paid workers, participants who experienced change in working time arrangement had higher prevalence of all three types of sleep disturbance symptoms (difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during sleep, and waking up with a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue) in both sexes. Compared to the reference group at 95% confidence interval (CI), the group with change in WTA showed elevated OR values of 1.91 (95% CI:1.73–2.11), 1.93 (95% CI: 1.74–2.14), 2.47 (95% CI: 2.26–2.71) for male workers; and 1.93 (95% CI: 1.73–2.16), 2.02 (95% CI: 1.80–2.27), 2.24 (95% CI: 2.01–2.50) for female workers, for difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during the sleep, waking up with a feeling of exhaustion, and fatigue, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Workers who experience change in work time arrangement show a high risk of sleep disturbance in both sexes.

Association between change in working time arrangements and sleep disturbance

Background@#Change in working time arrangement (WTA) can be harmful to workers' sleep and health. This study aimed to investigate the association between change in working time arrangement and sleep disturbance. @*Methods@#This study used data from the Fifth Korean Working Condition Survey and included 33,203 paid workers. We performed a stratified analysis by sex. After dividing the participants into 6 groups based on whether or not they experienced WTA changes, and their weekly working hours (≤40, 41–52, ≥53 hours), we calculated odds ratio (OR) using the weekly working hours ≤40 hours and with no WTA change as the reference group. @*Results@#Of the 33,203 paid workers, participants who experienced change in working time arrangement had higher prevalence of all three types of sleep disturbance symptoms (difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during sleep, and waking up with a feeling of exhaustion and fatigue) in both sexes. Compared to the reference group at 95% confidence interval (CI), the group with change in WTA showed elevated OR values of 1.91 (95% CI:1.73–2.11), 1.93 (95% CI: 1.74–2.14), 2.47 (95% CI: 2.26–2.71) for male workers; and 1.93 (95% CI: 1.73–2.16), 2.02 (95% CI: 1.80–2.27), 2.24 (95% CI: 2.01–2.50) for female workers, for difficulty in falling asleep, waking up repeatedly during the sleep, waking up with a feeling of exhaustion, and fatigue, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Workers who experience change in work time arrangement show a high risk of sleep disturbance in both sexes.

The association between dependent self-employment and self-reported depression/anxiety and sleep disorder in South Korea

BACKGROUND: Dependent self-employment is precarious employment, which can be vulnerable to mental health problems. This study aimed to investigate the association of dependent self-employment with depression, anxiety, and sleep disorder in South Korea. METHODS: This study used data from the Fourth Korean Working Conditions Survey and included 32,691 paid workers. Dependent self-employment and self-reported depression/anxiety, and sleep disorder were investigated using a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between dependent self-employment and mental health problems. RESULTS: Of the 32,691 paid workers, 2,371 (7.3%) were dependent self-employed workers. The odds ratio (OR) of dependent self-employment for self-reported depression/anxiety was 1.78 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29–2.45) and the OR of dependent self-employment for self-reported sleep disorder was 1.26 (95% CI: 1.01–1.59) compared to other paid workers. CONCLUSIONS: Dependent self-employment is related to an increased risk of self-reported depression/anxiety and sleep disorder in South Korea.

Effects of changes in occupational stress on the depressive symptoms of Korean workers in a large company: a longitudinal survey

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies on occupational stress and depression among Korean workers are scarce. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between changes in occupational stress and the presence of depression. METHODS: This study analyzed data from a survey conducted with workers in a large Korean company (2015–2016). Occupational stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale, and depression was screened using the WHO-5 Well-being Index. The levels of occupational stress were grouped in quartiles based on subjects’ occupational stress scores in 2015, and changes in occupational stress were measured using the score changes between the 2015 and 2016 surveys. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the presence or absence of depression in 2015 and 2016: a non-depressed group whose mental health did not change, a non-depressed group whose mental health deteriorated, a depressed group that continued to be depressed, and a depressed group whose symptoms of depression were alleviated. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) of the subjects’ deterioration in mood or alleviation of depression by occupational stress levels and changes. RESULTS: The OR for developing depressive symptoms was 2.51 (95% CI 1.46–4.33) and 2.73 (95% CI 1.39–5.36) in the third and the fourth quartiles of occupational stress, respectively, compared to the first quartile. When the occupational stress score increased by 1 point, the OR for increasing depressive symptoms was 1.07 (95% CI 1.04–1.10). There was no significant difference in the alleviation of depressive symptoms between the groups by level of occupational stress. However, when the occupational stress score decreased by 1 point, the OR for alleviating depressive symptoms was 1.08 (95% CI 1.05–1.11). CONCLUSION: The results showed that increased occupational stress increased the presence of depressive symptoms, and that reduced occupational stress suppressed the development of depressive symptoms. More attention should be paid to stress management among workers.

Outcomes of Pulmonary Resection and Mediastinal Node Dissection by Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Stage IIIA N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of pulmonary resection and mediastinal node dissection (MND) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) following neoadjuvant therapy for stage IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: From November 2009 to December 2013, a total of 35 consecutive patients with pathologically or radiologically confirmed stage IIIA N2 lung cancer underwent pulmonary resection and MND, performed by a single surgeon, following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Preoperative patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative drainage, postoperative complications, and mortality were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: VATS was completed in 17 patients. Thoracotomy was performed in 18 patients, with 13 planned thoracotomies and 5 conversions from the VATS approach. The median age was 62.7±7.9 years in the VATS group and 60±8.7 years in the thoracotomy group. The patients in the VATS group tended to have a lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (p=0.077). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the method of diagnosing the N stage, tumor response and size after induction, tumor location, or histologic type. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. More total and mediastinal nodes were dissected in the VATS group than in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). The median chest tube duration was 5.3 days (range, 1 to 33 days) for the VATS group and 7.2 days (range, 2 to 28 days) for the thoracotomy group. The median follow-up duration was 36.3 months. The 5-year survival rates were 76% in the VATS group and 57.8% in the thoracotomy group (p=0.39). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 40.3% and 38.9% in the VATS and thoracotomy groups, respectively (p=0.8). CONCLUSION: The VATS approach following neoadjuvant treatment was safe and feasible in selected patients for the treatment of stage IIIA N2 NSCLC, with no compromise of oncologic efficacy.

Outcomes of Pulmonary Resection and Mediastinal Node Dissection by Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Following Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Stage IIIA N2 Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND@#We evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of pulmonary resection and mediastinal node dissection (MND) by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) following neoadjuvant therapy for stage IIIA N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).@*METHODS@#From November 2009 to December 2013, a total of 35 consecutive patients with pathologically or radiologically confirmed stage IIIA N2 lung cancer underwent pulmonary resection and MND, performed by a single surgeon, following neoadjuvant chemoradiation. Preoperative patient characteristics, surgical outcomes, postoperative drainage, postoperative complications, and mortality were retrospectively analyzed.@*RESULTS@#VATS was completed in 17 patients. Thoracotomy was performed in 18 patients, with 13 planned thoracotomies and 5 conversions from the VATS approach. The median age was 62.7±7.9 years in the VATS group and 60±8.7 years in the thoracotomy group. The patients in the VATS group tended to have a lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (p=0.077). There were no differences between the 2 groups in the method of diagnosing the N stage, tumor response and size after induction, tumor location, or histologic type. Complete resection was achieved in all patients. More total and mediastinal nodes were dissected in the VATS group than in the thoracotomy group (p < 0.05). The median chest tube duration was 5.3 days (range, 1 to 33 days) for the VATS group and 7.2 days (range, 2 to 28 days) for the thoracotomy group. The median follow-up duration was 36.3 months. The 5-year survival rates were 76% in the VATS group and 57.8% in the thoracotomy group (p=0.39). The 5-year disease-free survival rates were 40.3% and 38.9% in the VATS and thoracotomy groups, respectively (p=0.8).@*CONCLUSION@#The VATS approach following neoadjuvant treatment was safe and feasible in selected patients for the treatment of stage IIIA N2 NSCLC, with no compromise of oncologic efficacy.

Are There Any Additional Benefits to Performing Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Scans and Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Patients with Ground-Glass Nodules Prior to Surgery? / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: A ground-glass nodule (GGN) represents early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. However, there is still no consensus for preoperative staging of GGNs. Therefore, we evaluated the need for the routine use of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) scans and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during staging. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was undertaken in 72 patients with 74 GGNs of less than 3 cm in diameter, which were confirmed via surgery as malignancy, at the Samsung Medical Center between May 2010 and December 2011. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 59 years. The median GGN diameter was 18 mm. Pure and part-solid GGNs were identified in 35 (47.3%) and 39 (52.7%) cases, respectively. No mediastinal or distant metastasis was observed in these patients. In preoperative staging, all of the 74 GGNs were categorized as stage IA via chest CT scans. Additional PET/CT scans and brain MRIs classified 71 GGNs as stage IA, one as stage IIIA, and two as stage IV. However, surgery and additional diagnostic work-ups for abnormal findings from PET/CT scans classified 70 GGNs as stage IA, three as stage IB, and one as stage IIA. The chest CT scans did not differ from the combined modality of PET/CT scans and brain MRIs for the determination of the overall stage (94.6% vs. 90.5%; kappa value, 0.712). CONCLUSION: PET/CT scans in combination with brain MRIs have no additional benefit for the staging of patients with GGN lung adenocarcinoma before surgery.

Association between employment status and self-rated health: Korean working conditions survey

BACKGROUND: This research was conducted with an aim of determining the association between employment status and self-rated health. METHODS: Using the data from the Third Korean Working Conditions Survey conducted in 2011, We included data from 34,783 respondents, excluding employers, self-employed workers, unpaid family workers, others. Self-rated health was compared according to employment status and a logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Among the 34,783 workers, the number of permanent and non-permanent workers was 27,564 (79.2 %) and 7,219 (20.8 %). The risk that the self-rated health of non-permanent workers was poor was 1.20 times higher when both socio-demographic factors, work environment and work hazards were corrected. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, perceived health was found to be worse in the non-permanent workers than permanent workers. Additional research should investigate whether other factors mediate the relationship between employment status and perceived health.

Successful Treatment with Empirical Erlotinib in a Patient with Respiratory Failure Caused by Extensive Lung Adenocarcinoma / 대한중환자의학회지

We herein describe a 70-year-old woman who presented with respiratory failure due to extensive lung adenocarcinoma. Despite advanced disease, care in the intensive care unit with ventilator support was performed because she was a newly diagnosed patient and was considered to have the potential to recover after cancer treatment. Because prompt control of the cancer was needed to treat the respiratory failure, empirical treatment with an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor was initiated before confirmation of EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma, and the patient was successfully treated. Later, EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma was confirmed.

The association between Korean workers’ presenteeism and psychosocial factors within workplaces

BACKGROUND: Presenteeism, a concept that has recently undergone active study, is the act of attending work while sick. This study investigates the association between presenteeism and various psychosocial factors within workplaces. METHODS: This study analyzed 29246 wage earners from the third Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS, 2011) data using the logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between presenteeism and various psychosocial factors within workplaces. RESULTS: Among the 29246 wage earners, 6347 (21.7 %) showed presenteeism. Those who experienced age discrimination at work (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.77: 95 % CI 1.56–2.00), educational background discrimination (aOR 1.35: 95 % CI 1.22–1.51), regional discrimination (aOR 1.55: 95 % CI 1.31–1.83), sexual discrimination (aOR 1.65: 95 % CI 1.41–1.94), employment type discrimination (aOR 2.13: 95 % CI 1.89–2.40), physical violence (aOR 1.92: 95 % CI 1.45–2.55), sexual harassment (aOR 2.90: 95 % CI 2.01–4.19), job insecurity (aOR 1.36: 95 % CI 1.18–1.56), work–life imbalance (aOR 1.38: 95 % CI 1.29–1.47), low job satisfaction (aOR 2.04: 95 % CI 1.91–2.17), no colleague support (aOR 1.11: 95 % CI 1.02–1.21), job stress (aOR 1.89: 95 % CI 1.76–2.02), emotional labor (aOR 1.50: 95 % CI 1.41–1.60), high work intensity (aOR 1.31: 95 % CI 1.23–1.38), and 3 groups of job strain that are passive group (aOR 1.09: 95 % CI 1.00–1.18), active group (aOR 1.39: 95 % CI 1.28–1.51), and high strain group (aOR 1.35: 95 % CI 1.24–1.46) showed an increased risk of presenteeism compared to their respective counterparts (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study results confirmed the association between presenteeism and various psychosocial factors within workplaces. Considering that presenteeism negatively affects productivity and the mental and physical health of individuals, managing various psychosocial factors within workplaces is proposed to reduce presenteeism.

Successful Treatment with Empirical Erlotinib in a Patient with Respiratory Failure Caused by Extensive Lung Adenocarcinoma / 대한구급학회지

We herein describe a 70-year-old woman who presented with respiratory failure due to extensive lung adenocarcinoma. Despite advanced disease, care in the intensive care unit with ventilator support was performed because she was a newly diagnosed patient and was considered to have the potential to recover after cancer treatment. Because prompt control of the cancer was needed to treat the respiratory failure, empirical treatment with an oral epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitor was initiated before confirmation of EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma, and the patient was successfully treated. Later, EGFR-mutant adenocarcinoma was confirmed.

The impact of occupational experience on cognitive and physical functional status among older adults in a representative sample of Korean subjects

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the impact of occupation on cognitive and physical function within an occupational window of the past 15 years using a nationally representative sample in Korea. METHODS: A total of 4,408 subjects aged 60 and older were selected from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Functional health was evaluated using the Korean versions of the Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL), and Activities of Daily Living (K-ADL) measures. RESULTS: The prevalence of lower function was higher among women than among men, and employed persons had better cognitive and physical function compared with the retired and unemployed. Longer work duration during the past 15 years significantly and positively affected all measures of function in men, whereas it only improved physical function in women. Manual laborers exhibited improved functional capacity with longer work durations over the past 15 years, although they presented lower functional scores compared with non-manual laborers. There was a curvilinear relationship of work duration with cognitive and physical function among men and manual laborers. CONCLUSION: In our population, longer work duration, especially for men and for manual laborers, appears to be a significant contributor to the cognitive and physical function of older people.

A Rare Case of Pulmonary Papillary Adenoma in Old Aged Woman: A Brief Case Report

No abstract available.

Clinical Value of Endobronchial Ultrasound Findings for Predicting Nodal Metastasis in Patients with Suspected Lymphadenopathy: A Prospective Study

We evaluated whether sonographic findings can provide additional diagnostic yield in endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), and can more accurately predict nodal metastasis than chest computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans. EBUS-TBNA was performed in 146 prospectively recruited patients with suspected thoracic lymph node involvement on chest CT and PET/CT from June 2012 to January 2013. Diagnostic yields of EBUS finding categories as a prediction model for metastasis were evaluated and compared with findings of chest CT, PET/CT, and EBUS-TBNA. In total, 172 lymph nodes were included in the analysis: of them, 120 were malignant and 52 were benign. The following four EBUS findings were predictive of metastasis: nodal size > or =10 mm, round shape, heterogeneous echogenicity, and absence of central hilar structure. A single EBUS finding did not have sufficient diagnostic yield; however, when the lymph node had any one of the predictive factors on EBUS, the diagnostic yields for metastasis were higher than for chest CT and PET/CT, with a sensitivity of 99.1% and negative predictive value of 83.3%. When any one of predictive factors is observed on EBUS, subsequent TBNA should be considered, which may provide a higher diagnostic yield than chest CT or PET/CT.

The Clinical, Radiological, and Bronchoscopic Findings and Outcomes in Patients with Benign Tracheobronchial Tumors

PURPOSE: We evaluated the characteristics of and treatment outcomes in patients with benign tracheobronchial tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of patients with benign tracheobronchial tumors who underwent bronchoscopic intervention with mechanical removal and Nd: YAG laser cauterization, and evaluated the characteristics and treatment outcomes of 55 patients with hamartomas, leiomyomas, papillomas, typical carcinoids, or schwannomas seen between April 1999 and July 2012. RESULTS: The most common tumors were hamartoma (n=24), leiomyoma (n=16), papilloma (n=7), typical carcinoid (n=5), and schwannoma (n=3). Forty-one patients (75%) had symptoms. On chest computed tomography, 35 patients (64%) had round or ovoid lesions, accompanied by atelectasis (n=26, 47%) or obstructive pneumonia (n=17, 31%). Fatty components (n=9, 16%) and calcifications (n=7, 13%) were observed only in hamartomas, leiomyomas, and typical carcinoids. At bronchoscopy, the typical findings were categorized according to tumor shape, surface, color, and visible vessels. Fifty (91%) patients underwent complete resection. Forty patients (73%) achieved successful bronchoscopic removal defined as complete resection without complications or recurrence. Recurrences occurred in four papillomas, one leiomyoma, and one typical carcinoid. The proportions of tumor types (p=0.029) differed between the successful and unsuccessful removal groups, and a pedunculated base (p<0.001) and no spontaneous bleeding (p=0.037) were more frequent in the successful removal group. CONCLUSION: We described clinical, radiological, and typical bronchoscopic findings in patients with benign tracheobronchial tumors; these findings might help to differentiate such tumors. Bronchoscopic intervention was a useful treatment modality, and tumor type, pedunculated base, and vascularity may influence successful tumor removal.

Presenteeism among self-employed workers: Korean working conditions survey

OBJECTIVE: Presenteeism has become a public concern recently. Thus, we aimed to understand the relationship between self-employed workers and presenteeism using a nationally representative sample of Korean workers. METHODS: Using data from the Korean Working Conditions Survey conducted in 2011, a total of 43,392 workers including paid employees and self-employed workers were analyzed. The effect of employment status on presenteeism was analyzed using logistic regression analysis. The independent variables were socioeconomic characteristics, working conditions, and working environments. RESULTS: Among the 43,392 workers, 34,783 were paid and 8,609 were self-employed. Self-employed workers were more likely to exhibit presenteeism than were paid workers. An elevated odds ratio of 1.27 (95% CI 1.19-1.36) was found for presenteeism among self-employed workers. CONCLUSION: Being self-employed was significantly related with exhibiting presenteeism. Additional research should investigate whether other factors mediate the relationship between employment status and presenteeism as well as ways to reduce presenteeism among self-employed workers.

The First Pediatric Case of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis Diagnosed by Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration / 소아감염

Endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) now provides an important alternative diagnostic modality in patients with intrathoracic tuberculosis lymphadenopathy. The procedure is well tolerated in the outpatient setting, provides access to the mediastinal and hilar lymph node locations commonly in tuberculosis and also allows bronchial washing to be performed at the same procedure. However, there is no report of EBUS-TBNA applied to children to diagnose tuberculosis. We report a case of EBUS-TBNA applied to children who had intrathoracic tuberculosis lymphadenopathy.

Usefulness of Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration for Diagnosis of Sarcoidosis

PURPOSE: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an accurate and minimally invasive technique used routinely for investigation of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy. However, few studies have addressed its role in comparison to the traditional diagnostic approaches of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB), endobronchial biopsy (EBB), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. We evaluated the usefulness of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis compared to TBLB, EBB, and BAL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with suspected sarcoidosis (stage I and II) on chest radiography and chest computed tomography were included. All 33 patients underwent EBUS-TBNA, TBLB, EBB, and BAL during the same session between July 2009 and June 2011. EBUS-TBNA was performed at 71 lymph node stations. RESULTS: Twenty-nine of 33 patients, were diagnosed with histologically proven sarcoidosis; two patients were compatible with a clinical diagnosis of sarcoidosis during follow-up; and two patients were diagnosed with metastatic carcinoma and reactive lymphadenopathy, respectively. Among 29 patients with histologically proven sarcoidosis in combination with EBUS-TBNA, TBLB, and EBB, only EBUS-TBNA and TBLB revealed noncaseating granuloma in 18 patients and one patient, respectively. The overall diagnostic sensitivities of EBUS-TBNA, TBLB, EBB, and BAL (CD4/CD8 > or =3.5) were 90%, 35%, 6%, and 71%, respectively (p<0.001). The combined diagnostic sensitivity of EBUS-TBNA, TBLB, and EBB was 94%. CONCLUSION: EBUS-TBNA was the most sensitive method for diagnosing stage I and II sarcoidosis compared with conventional bronchoscopic procedures. EBUS-TBNA should be considered first for the histopathologic diagnosis of stage I and II sarcoidosis.

Association between work-related health problems and job insecurity in permanent and temporary employees

OBJECTIVES: This research was conducted with an aim of determining the correlation between job insecurity and an employee's work-related health problems among permanent and temporary workers. METHODS: Using the data from the First Korean Working Conditions Survey conducted in 2006, a total of 7,071 workers, excluding employers and the self-employed, were analyzed. Work-related health problems were categorized as backache, headache, abdominal pain, muscular pain, stress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety or depression. Each problem was then analyzed for its relationship to job insecurity through logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 7,071 workers, 5,294 (74.9%) were permanent workers and 1,777 (25.1%) were temporary workers. For the permanent workers, presence of high or moderate job insecurity appeared more closely linked to backache, headache, abdominal pain, muscular pain, stress, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and depression compared to absence of job insecurity. However, for the temporary workers, only depression appeared to be associated with the presence of high job insecurity. CONCLUSION: The study showed that the presence of job insecurity is correlated with work-related health problems. The deleterious effects of job insecurity appeared to be stronger in permanent than temporary workers. Additional research should investigate ways to effectively reduce job insecurity.