Association between non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol fractions and presence of allostatic load among industrial workers

Objectives: Non-high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (non-HDL-C) fraction is the total cholesterol (TC) minus HDL-C. It is not a routinely reported component of lipid profile and is used in lipoprotein lowering therapy and prediction of coronary artery disease, target organ damage and atherosclerosis. Allostatic load (AL) is an imbalance between repetitive chronic exposure to stress and adaptive response. The present study investigates the association between non-HDL-C and its fractions (non-HDL-C/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/TC, non-HDL-C/ triglyceride [TG] and non-HDL-C/low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C]) and the presence of AL to determine, which fractions of non-HDL-C predict the diagnostic accuracy and optimal cut points. Materials and Methods: The study design is cross-sectional and data were collected from 169 male industrial workers. AL was measured using neuroendocrine (cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate), cardiovascular (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate), metabolic (TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C) and anthropometric (waist-hip ratio and body mass index) factors. The fractions of non-HDL-C/HDL-C, nonHDL-C/TC, non-HDL-C/TG and non-HDL-C/LDL-C were calculated using non-HDL-C, HDL-C, TC, TG and LDL-C values. Results: About 43.2% and 56.8% of workers had low and high AL, respectively. The non-HDL-C and its fractions such as non-HDL-C/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/TC and non-HDL-C/LDL-C were significantly increased in the high AL group. Stepwise regression analysis was used to examine the association between non-HDL-C fractions and AL. The fractions of non-HDL-C (? = 0.785, P = 0.001), non-HDL-C/TC (? = ?0.336, P = 0.001) and nonHDL-C/LDL-C (? = 0.295, P = 0.001) influenced AL by 38.6%. The AUC with 95% CI in the high AL group was as follows: non-HDL-C 0.766 (0.696–0.837, P = 0.001); non-HDL-C/HDL-C 0.638 (0.555–0.721, P = 0.002); nonHDL-C/TC 0.635 (0.552–0.712, P = 0.003) and non-HDL-C/LDL-C 0.520 (0.433–0.607, P = 0.657). Non-HDL-C and its fractions were more precisely predicted in the high AL category of workers than in the low AL category. Non-HDL-C predicted the most precisely, followed by non-HDL-C/HDL-C, non-HDL-C/TC, non-HDL-C/ LDL-C and non-HDL-C/TG. Conclusion: According to the present study, non-HDL-C and its fractions such as non-HDL-C/HDL-C, nonHDL-C/TC and non-HDL-C/LDL-C should be considered regular lipid profiles and could be used as biomarkers to reduce the risk of AL.

Assessment of pulmonary function of industrial workers in four different industries of Gujarat

Background: Industrial workers working in various industries have exposure to different kind of pollutants. Exposure to various types of dust causes pneumoconiosis, a rising cause of impairment in factory workers. This study sought to analyze the effect of quantity and quality of dust variety and the duration of exposure on the pulmonary function test of the workers.Methods: Pulmonary function testing (PFT) was done using PC based spirometer in 4 different industries of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar cities. The PFT values obtained were compared with normal values and the number of workers with impaired PFT was found. Associations were observed between types and amount of exposure with pulmonary impairment.Results: Out of 909 workers, 408 (44.88%) had pulmonary impairment of which 330 (80.88%) presented with restrictive lung function. It was found that maximum restrictive lung functions were found in workers exposed to metallic dust (51.4%) followed by metallic gases (43.8%). Whereas office administrative workers not having any direct exposure were having less impairment (p<0.005). Also, with increased duration of work in the industry, pulmonary impairment was also increasing. (χ2=119.89; p<0.005).Conclusions: Exposure to various types of dust impairs lung functions. The severity increases with the increase in the amount and duration of exposure. Proper protective measures should be taken by the workers and regular check-ups should be done to know any pulmonary impairment. The workers with impairment should be removed from exposure and relocated.

Dietary risk factors of non-communicable diseases among industrial common workers: a cross-sectional study

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death and morbidity throughout the world. Unhealthy diet is a risk factor for NCDs. There is a lack of studies on the prevalence of dietary risk factors among the industrial population in India particularly in North East India.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among industrial workers of a major industry in Assam. The sample size was 330 considering a prevalence of 50% and 95% confidence interval, and a design effect of 1.5. Data was collected using methods described in WHO STEPS instrument v3.1.Results: A total of 318 subjects consented to participate in the study. Consumption of less than 5 servings of fruit and/or vegetables on average per day was observed in majority 98.4% of the study participants. In a typical week, fruits and vegetables were consumed on 2.99 and 6.89 days respectively. Mean number of servings of fruit consumed on average per day was 0.5 and for vegetables were 2.33.46 (14.5%) of the study participants added extra salt always or often to their food before eating or while eating. 132 (41.5%) of the study participants always or often ate processed foods high in salt.Conclusions: Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was observed in 98.4% of industrial workers included in the study. Increasing awareness among this population about adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables to prevent NCDs is necessary.

Factors of Job Satisfaction among Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise

Abstract@#Introduction: Noise was evident to reduce job satisfaction among workers which will negative impacts to workers including increase job turnover, decrease motivation and increased number of accidents. This study aims to explore job satisfaction and its risk factors among workers working in a noisy workplace. Method: The study design was cross-sectional study which involved 167 workers in a cable manufacturing factory selected by simple random sampling. MSQ was used to assess employee’s satisfaction with their job on seven facets and sound level meter was used to measure workplace noise level. Results: All respondents were exposed to noise above permissible exposure limit. Most workers (49%) were moderately satisfied with their work. Factors that were rated as lowest level of satisfaction were work itself (the ability to work alone) (40%) and the way company system policies are implemented (40%). Factors with the highest level of satisfaction were their freedom to implement their judgement (responsibility) (51%) and the supervision quality of their superiors (51%). The most dominant facet predicting total satisfaction level was recognition followed by advancement and company policy and administration. All variables in socio-demographical and job characteristics were not significantly associated with their level of job satisfaction except noise. Noise was significant in predicting one facet of job satisfaction which was physical work condition. Conclusion: Overall, the average level of job satisfaction among respondents were moderate and they were exposed to occupational noise which was the only significant study variable correlated with their job satisfaction.

The Effects of industrial workers' food choice attribute on sugar intake pattern and job satisfaction with Structural Equcation Model

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This research analyzes the effects of the food choices of industrial workers according to their sugar intake pattern on their job satisfaction through the construction of a model on the relationship between sugar intake pattern and job satisfaction. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Surveys were collected from May to July 2015. A statistical analysis of the 775 surveys from Kyungsangnam-do was conducted using SPSS13.0 for Windows and SEM was performed using the AMOS 5.0 statistics package. RESULTS: The reliability of the data was confirmed by an exploratory factor analysis through a Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the measurement model was proven to be appropriate by a confirmatory factor analysis in conjunction with AMOS. The results of factor analysis on food choice, sugar intake pattern and job satisfaction were categorized into five categories. The reliability of these findings was supported by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.6 and higher for all factors except confection (0.516) and dairy products (0.570). The multicollinearity results did not indicate a problem between the variables since the highest correlation coefficient was 0.494 (P < 0.01). In an attempt to study the sugar intake pattern in accordance with the food choices and job satisfaction of industrial workers, a structural equation model was constructed and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: All tests confirmed that the model satisfied the recommended levels for the goodness of fit index, and thus, the overall research model was proven to be appropriate.

Structural relations of late night snacking choice attributes and health promotion behaviors according to dietary style of industrial workers

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This research was conducted to develop a construct model regarding the dietary style, late night snacking choice attributes and health promotion behaviors of industrial workers. SUBJECTS/METHODS: The surveys were collected during the period between January and February 2013. A statistical analysis of 888 industrial workers was conducted using SPSS 12.0 for Windows and SEM (Structural Equation Model) using AMOS (Analysis of Moment Structure) 5.0 statistics package. RESULTS: The results of the correlations between all variables showed significant positive correlations (P < 0.05). Results of factors analysis on dietary styles were categorized into five factors and health promotion behaviors were categorized into four. The reliability of these findings was supported by a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.6 and higher for all other factors. After obtaining the factors from processing an exploratory factor analysis and the end results supported the validity. In an attempt to study the late night snacking choice attributes in accordance to dietary styles and the health promotion behaviors of industrial workers, a structural equation model was constructed and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: All tests proved the model satisfied the recommended levels of the goodness on fit index, and thus, the overall research model was proved to be appropriate.

The Effect of Nutrition Education on Nutrition Knowledge and Health Improvement in Dyslipidemic Industrial Employees

This study was designed to investigate the impact of a 12-week nutrition education program on 32 male industrial workers (average age: 44.5+/-3.8 yrs, work duration period: 20.1+/-5.6 yrs) diagnosed as having dyslipidemia in a medical checkup at their workplace. This program was implemented with a conceptual framework on strengthening self-efficacy for the improvement of the health conditions of the workers. Most of all, the study exhibited benefits in the industrial workers by ameliorating the risk factors associated with dyslipidemia via changes in dietary behaviors, nutritional knowledge, and attitudes, as well as anthropometric and biochemical parameters. After the nutrition education, overall lifestyle, including the ratios of smoking (P<0.05) and drinking (P<0.01), significantly improved. Exactly 65.6% of the subjects reported that their dietary habits changed. Body weight, BMI, percentage of body fat, and waist circumference all significantly decreased (P<0.001). The systolic (P<0.01) as well as diastolic blood pressures (P<0.001) decreased. Moreover, the degree of increase in serum HDL-cholesterol was appreciable (P<0.001), and the atherogenic index also decreased (P<0.01). Further, risk factors related to metabolic syndrome in subjects significantly decreased (P<0.001). The average scores for nutrition knowledge increased from 9.3 to 17.7 points (P<0.001). All of the participants agreed on the need for a nutrition education program at their workplace. Further, it should be pointed out that the participants strongly indicated the need for continuing nutrition intervention.

The Effects of 12-Weeks Intensive Intervention Program on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Adipocytokines and Nutrients Intakes in Industrial Male Workers

Adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin and resistin) are known to play a major role in development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and intervention program is effective in reducing CVD risk factors. However, intervention program to improve the CVD risk factors including adipocytokines has been less studied. This study investigated the effects of 12-weeks worksite intervention program on cardiovascular risk factors, adipocytokines and nutrients intakes in industrial workers. 157 industrial male workers (32 metabolic syndrome (MS) subjects, 125 healthy subjects using age-matched stratified random sampling) received 5 face-to-face counseling based on their health profiles. Anthropometry, biochemical parameters and nutrients intakes were measured. The diagnosis of MS was adapted from modified NCEP-ATP III criteria (2001) and Asia-Pacific definition criteria (2000) for waist circumference (WC). After the intervention program, WC, BMI, SBP, insulin, leptin and intakes of total energy and fiber were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while adiponectin was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in MS subjects. The WC, BMI, SBP, total cholesterol, LDL and HDL-cholesterol, HbA1c, leptin and intakes of total energy, protein and fat were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and adiponectin was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in normal subjects. Multiple linear regression revealed that adiponectin was positively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.01). Leptin was positively correlated with WC (p < 0.01), and resistin was positively correlated with HbA1c (p < 0.05) and intakes of total energy (p < 0.05), and negatively correlated with HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05). The results of the 12 weeks intervention showed a positive impact on adipocytokines and nutrients intakes of industrial workers to reduce cardiovascular risk factors. Further research is needed to verify a tailored long-term worksite intervention program including adipocytokines as a protective factor for the CVD.

Non-traumatic ocular findings in industrial technical workers in Delta State; Nigeria

Purpose: To determine the pattern of non-traumatic ocular disorders in industrial technical workers in the Delta state; Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the pattern of non-traumatic ocular disorders among industrial technical workers in 3 factories in Ughelli North local Government Area of Delta state; Nigeria was conducted between February; 2002 and May; 2002. In addition to the demographic; the workers were studied for the presence of any non-trauma related ocular findings. Visual acuity of these workers was obtained as well as ocular examination was performed by using the Snellen's chart; pen torch; ophthalmoscope; Perkins hand-held tonometer; Ishihara plates. Patients were refracted if their visual acuity was less than normal. Results: Five hundred technical workers were screened that included 200 (40) from the construction industry; 180 (36) from the rubber factory and 120(24) from the oil mill. All the workers studied were males. Ocular disorders were seen in 664 (66.4) of the eyes. The most common ocular disorders were pingueculum 215 (21.5); presbyopia 97 (9.7); refractive error 94 (9.4); pterygium 86 (8.6) and chronic conjunctivitis 45 (4.5). None of the workers was blind from non-traumatic causes. Only 36 (7.2) workers wore any protective eye devices at work. Conclusion: Non-traumatic ocular disorders are common in the industrialized technical workers in the Delta state of Nigeria. The use of protective eye devices is low in these workers and suggests that measures to implement ocular safety should be undertaken in these industries

Apolipoprotein E Phenotypes and the Relationship Among Lipid Levels, Nutrient Intakes, Lifestyles and Risk Factors Between Subjects with and without Hyperlipidemic Risk

This study was performed to investigate Apolipoprotein E phenotypes and the relationship among lipid levels, nutrient intakes, lifestyles and risk factors between subjects with and without hyperlipidemic risk. The data were collected from 675 industrial male workers who had completed annual medical examination. Compared to the normal group, the hyperlipidemic risk group in Apo E3 and E4 had significantly higher BMI (p < 0.05) and showed significantly higher body fat (%), waist circumference and WHR in all types of Apo E (p < 0.05). In addition, the hyperlipidemic risk group had significantly higher total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglyceride and AI than the normal group in all types of Apo E (p < 0.05). Intakes of protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin C and niacin in Apo E3 were significantly lower in the hyperlipidemic risk group than in the normal group (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, after adjustment for other factors, Apo E2 + E4, waist and WHR were the significant risk factors associated with hyperlipidemia, but protein intakes were associated with significantly lower risks of hyperlipidemia (p < 0.05). In conclusion, genetic factor (Apo E2 or Apo E4), anthropometric index and nutrient intake seem to influence hyperlidemic risk. Further studies and efforts will be needed to evaluate the independent relationships among hyperlipidemic risk factors.

Blood Lipid Levels, Nutrient Intakes and Health-Related Lifestyles of Industrial Male Workers According to Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association among nutrient intakes and health-related lifestyles with cardiovascular disease risk assessed by blood lipid profile according to Apolipoprotein E genotypes. Middle-aged industrial male workers who had completed their annual medical examination were recruited and data of 675 subjects who finished the nutrient survey were used in the analysis. Anthropometric parameters, dietary assessment (FFQ), health-related lifestyles and blood profiles were used for statistical analyses. Apo E genotype groups were classified into the following three genotypes: Apo E2 group (including E2/E2, E2/E3, E2/E4), Apo E3 group (including E3/E3), Apo E4 group (including E3/E4, E4/E4). The frequency of Apo E2, E3, and E4 allele were 13.3%, 75.0% and 11.7% respectively. There were no significant differences in the anthropometric parameters depending on different Apo E genotypes. Also, no significant differences in the nutrient intakes were found according to the genotype groups. The nutrient intakes of all subjects were similar to or higher than the level of KDRIs (Dietary Reference Intakes For Koreans) except for intakes of calcium (67.44% of KDRIs), vitamin A (73.83% of KDRIs) and vitamin B2 (78.02% of KDRIs). Also, there were no significant differences of health-related lifestyles according to Apo E genotype groups. As for the lipid profiles, Apo E4 group had significantly higher total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations than the Apo E2 group (p < 0.05). We confirmed that plasma total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations were greatly influenced by Apo E genotypes. However, nutrient intakes and health-related lifestyles were not associated with Apo E genotypes.

Nutritional and Health Status of Women Workers by Working Fields / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional and health status of women industrial workers by working fields. One hundred forty eight (105 lead and 43 office) workers were recruited from March 2005 to October 2005. Information on age, education, smoking and drinking status were collected using questionnaire and nutrient intake and diet quality of workers were assessed by average of two-day 24 hr recall method. Biochemical indexes including blood lead level (PbB), indexes for iron status, serum calcium (Ca) and serum lipid profiles were analyzed from fasting venous blood or serum. Results showed that education level of lead workers was lower than that of office workers (p < 0.05), but nutrient intake levels were not significantly different by working fields. Overall nutritional status of the subject were good except for calcium, vitamin B2, C and folic acid intakes. PbB of lead workers were significantly higher than that of office workers while mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and serum Ca levels were significantly lower in lead workers. MCHC was positively correlated with zinc intake (r = 0.166) and serum Ca was positively correlated with vitamin C intake (r = 0.179). This study confirms that lead workers need extra care to keep their health and nutritional management especially for the nutrients known to interact with lead. Tailored nutrition education for workers at specific working fields needs to be more focused for the improvement of health status of industrial workers.

Process of Change, Self Efficacy and Decisional Balance Corresponding to Stage of Change in Smoking Cessation in Industrial Workers / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The study was performed to identify the process of change, decisional balance and self-efficacy corresponding to the stage of smoking cessation behavior based on Transtheoretical Model in industrial workers. METHOD: A convenience sample of 146 industrial workers except for the never smokers, were recruited at a H industry in Ulsan. Data were collected from February 1 to 28, 2002. The research instruments were Stages of Change of Smoking Cessation Measure(DiClemente et al, 1991), Process of change(Prochaska, 1988), Smoking Abstinence Self Efficacy (SASE: DiClemente et al, 1985) and Decisional balance(SDB; Kim, 1999). RESULT: The results of this study were as follows; 1. The subjects were distributed in each stage of smoking cessation change: There were 64 subjects (43.0%) in the precontemplation stage, 35 subjects(23.5%) in the contemplation stage, 28 subjects(18.8%) in the preparation stage, 14 subjects(10.1%) in the action stage and 7 subjects(4.7%) in the maintenance stage. 2. Analysis of variance showed that experiental process(F=2.808, p=.042), behavioral process (F=4.567, p=.004) self-efficacy(F=9.809, p=.000), pros(F=11.107, p=.000), cons(F=6.686, p=.000), pros- cons(F=3.446, p=.018) were significantly associated with the stages of smoking cessation change. 3. Through discriminant analysis, it was found that 'PROS' was the most influential variable in discriminating the four stages of change. CONCLUSION: This study can provide the basis of staged matching smoking cessation program using TTM for more effective and useful intervention.

A Study of the Eating Habits and Nutrient Intake of Industrial Workers Who Work Day and Night Shifts / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to examine the eating habits and nutrient intake of industrial workers who work day and night shifts. In the area of percentage of skipped meals, the day shift workers responded that they usually skipped breakfast and the night shift workers often skipped lunch and dinner. The day shift workers answered that they skipped meals because of lack of time. The night shift workers cited poor appetite as their main reason for skipping meals. The intake of calories, Vitamin B2 and calcium of the industrial workers who worked day and night shift was lower than the Korean RDA. The intake of iron of the male night shift workers was lower than the Korean RDA. The intake of calories, protein, calcium, iron, Vitamin B2 and niacin, vitamin C of the female night shift workers was lower than the Korean RDA. In the area of nutrient intake, the night shift workers both male and female got lower scales than the day shift workers. The nutrient intake of the female night shift workers was the worst. Because they cook for themselves and live alone, their nutrient intake and eating habits were bad. The night shift workers were worse than the day shift workers and the female night shift workers were the worst. Considering the above results, night shift workers should correct their poor eating habits, their nutrient intake and have a well-balanced diet.

Comparative blood lead (Pb) level profile of some agro-industrial workers

A total of 485 subjects belonging to nine (9) population groups were studied for blood Lead (Pb) determination. Out findings show that: (1) Population groups who are exposed purely to airborne lead vapor and gaseous materials show an aggregation of blood Lead level values while those population groups who are furtherly exposed to Lead particulates which can contaminate their food and water shows a clearly marked scattering of blood Lead level values. (2) FAR and POL apparently dont run a high health risk to lead; SC, PA, AFW and OR workers show a higher health risk, while PF, CF and BCF workers have the highest health risk to the toxic materialProper preventive measures are necessary as well as education of workers on the hidden hazards of their work

A Study on the Food Behaviors and Nutritional Status of Industrial Workers / 대한지역사회영양학회지

This study inrestigated the dietary behavior, nutritional intake, and health status of industrial workers. Two hundred seventy workers(165 men and 105 women) in Masan, who were provided food services were selected as survey subjects. They were given questionnaires on nutrition knowledge, food frequency questionnaires, and blood analysis were conducted through an annual health examination from May to August 1998. The average age of the subjects was 35.7+/-11.8 years, and 80% the of women were in their teens and 20's and 80% of men were in their 30's and 40's. The nutrition knowledge score was higher in women than in men, while food habit score was higher in men than in women. As age increase, the degree of life stress became lower and food habit score was higher in men than in women. As age increases, the degree of life stress became lower and food habit was improved. In women, all nutrient intakes were avobe the recommended dictary allowances(RDA), and in men intakes of only vitamin E and calcium were under RDA. Levels of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood glucose, blood pressure, body mass index were positively related to age. The number of subjects suspected of havins chronic disease was the highest for those in their 40's. The results indicate that nutritional status of industrial workers in the present study was fairly good probably due to food services, but their health status should be supervised as their age increases.

Perda auditiva induzida pelo ruído em trabalhadores industriais da Regiäo Metropolitana de Salvador, Bahia / The noise-induced hearing loss in industrial workers of Metropolitan Region, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

O presente trabalho constitui-se em um estudo de prevalência, realizado a partir de dados audiométricos referentes a 7.925 trabalhadores de 44 empresas industriais de nove diferentes ramos de atividade. A prevalência de perda auditiva foi de 45,9% na população estudada. Em relação à perda auditiva do tipo induzida pelo ruído (PAIR), somando as perdas bilaterais e unilaterais, observou-se uma prevalência de 35,7%. Para cada ramo, as prevalências foram as seguintes: 58,7% no editorial/gráfico, 51,7% no mecânico, 45,9% no de bebidas, 42,3% no químico/petroquímico, 35,8% no metalúrgico, 33,5% no siderúrgico, 29,3% no de transportes, 28,0% no de alimentos e 23,4% no têxtil. Chamam atenção as altas prevalências de PAIR unilateral - 18% dos trabalhadores avaliados. O presente estudo permitiu delinear um quadro extremamente alarmante, dada a magnitude da prevalência de perda auditiva do tipo induzida pelo ruído, apontando a importância da implementação, por parte das empresas, de Programas de Conservação Auditiva.

An audiometric evaluation was conducted in 7,925 workers of fourty-four industrial companies in nine different fields of activity. The hearing loss prevalence was 45.9%. The noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) prevalence was 35.7% considering bilateral and unilateral losses. For each field of activity, the prevalence estimates were: 58.7% in the graphic, 51.7% in the mechanic, 45.9% in the beverage industry, 42.3% in the chemical/ petrochemical, 35.8% in the metallurgy, 33.5% in the metallurgy of iron and steel, 29.3% in the transport companies, 28.0% in the alimentation industry and 23.4% in the textile industry. Unilateral NIHL was surprisingly high - 18% of the examined workers. These results reveal a serious situation and the authors recommend the implementation of Hearing Conservation Programs in industrial companies.

Relationship Between Fatigue Symptomes and Life Style Factors Among Industrial Workers / 대한산업의학회지

For the purpose of obtaining reference materials for the prevention and management of mental health promoting in industrial workers, this survey was investigated the relationship between subjective fatigue symptoms and its related factors such as demographic, job and health related variables. 442 cases of industrial workers which occurred in 7 factories of machine an4 metal manufacturing industrial in Taejon industrial area surveyed by self-recorded questionnaire. The results were as follows : 1. In the complaint raters of fatigue, "eye strain" was the highest (21.9%) and followed by "feel like tying" (12.4%) and "feel a pain in the low back" (12.4%), "feel drowsy" (12.2%), "yawning a lot"(11.8%) and "whole body feels tired" (11.1%) in the descending order. 2. In the average weighted scores of fatigue complaints, dullness and steepness group (I) was the highest, followed by difficulty in concentration group(II) and bodily projection of fatigue group(III) in the descending order. 3. The average weighted scores of fatigue complaints by general characteristics were significantly higher in the lower age group, lower education group and unmarried divorce group. But there was no significant difference in sex. 4. By the working condition, the fatigue scores were significantly higher in manual worker and shift worker than in clerical worker and day worker. 5. By the life style, the fatigue scores were significantly lower in 7-8 sleeping hour group and every day eating breakfast group than in other groups. But fatigue score of everyday alcohol drinking group and the lower health practice indecies group were significantly higher than that of other groups. 6. By the health status and psychological factors, the fatigue scores were higher in unhealthy group, unsatisfaction income level group, unsatisfaction worker contents group and the group of badly self-control in work. 7. In the stepwised multiple regression, factors affecting the fatigue symptoms scores were depression symptom score, health status, marital status, job satisfaction, job repeatedness and body mass index.

A Study on the Medical Insurance Utilization of Workers Suffering from Low Back Pain in an Area / 예방의학회지

To find the medical insurance utilization of workers when suffering from low back pain, an analysis was made toward the data of medical insurance benefits matched with the general characteristics of 10,183 workers, who were registered continuously from 1993 to 1995 at a medical insurance cooperation for industrial workers. The results were as follows; 1. The period prevalence of the medical insurance utilization for low back pain for 3 years from 1993 to 1995 was calculated as 17.1% for male workers and 19.4% for female workers. Most common cause of utilization was other dorsopathies including the herniation of lumbar discs. 2. The utilization rate increased significantly as the present age and the age joining the company got older(p<0.001). As the duration of employment got longer, the utilization rate of the male showed the tendency to increase and that of the female increased significantly(p<0.05). Among male workers employed at cement and concrete manufacturing companies showed higher utilization rate and among female laborers showed significantly higher utilization rate than clerical workers(p<0.01). 3. Annual utilization rate for low back pain didn't show any difference, but the portion of other dorsopathies among cause of utilization showed the tendency to increase from 1993 to 1995. 4. The mean number of claims for outpatient medical care for low back pain differed significantly by age, working duration, type of industries, income level(p<0.05), and the mean of total visiting days for care of low back pain differed siginificantly by working duration. In conclusion, considering the fact that the medical insurance utilization for low back pain increased annually and other dorsopathies including the herniation of dorsopathies were increasing, an effective preventive or management program for low back pain toward worker employed at industries were required.

The Relationship between Noise Exposure Level in Worksite and Workers' Stress symptoms / 예방의학회지

Health services on industrial noisy environment have been provided only for noise-induced hearing loss management until now. But gradually, modern diseases and death have come to be related to stress and mental health deeply, therefore noise-induced mental disorder, like a stress became very important. In this point, the purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between noise exposure level in worksite and workers' stress symptoms. This study included a survey of 786 manual workers selected from 89 worksites in 21 factories in Puchon. The results were as follows: 1. For demographic characteristics, most of the workers were males(80.8%), the 20~29 years old were 34.5% and those who graduated from high school were 65.3%. The workers whose monthly income ranged from 500,000 to 800,000 won were 37.5% and who have a religion were 47.9%. 2. For occupational characteristics, workers who had worked 1~5 years in the factories were 33.0%. Those who felt much for them workload were 43.9% and who worked more than 8 hours a day were 73.9 %. Those who were dissatisfied with their job and pay were 31.9% and 50.6%. The workers who responded ventilation condition of their worksites were bad were 51.9% and the dissatisfied with working environment of their wofksites were 45.9%. 3. Workers who were suffering from tinnitus were 53.3% and those who perceived hearing loss were 50.l%. Persons who reported they always wore earplugs at work were 35.4%. Those who felt earplugs bigger than their ears were 30.6% and those who experienced eardiseases caused by earplugs were 25.6%. 4. For the noise exposure level in worksite, workers who were exposed to 80-90dB were 30.3%, 90-100dB were 26.4% and 50~70dB were 19.2%. 5. workers' stress symptoms were significantly related to marital status and their monthly income p< 0.05). Workers who were single and had lower monthly income showed higher PSl (Psychiatric symptom Index) scores than those who were married and had higher monthly income. Higher PSl scores were also significantly related to l~2 days night-work per week, much for them workload, dissatisfaction with their job, and bad relationship with their bosses and coworkers. 6. Higher PSl scores were significantly related to severe tinnitus and perceived hearing loss p<0.001). Workers who felt the earplugs they use did not fit their ears showed significantly higher PSl scores(p<0.01). Workers who reported that they did not feel they need earplugs showed significantly higher PSl scores(p<0.05). Increased experience of eardisease caused by earplugs that did not fit were also significantly related to higher PSl scores(p<0.001). 7. The higher noise exposure level in worksite from 80dB was, the more severe stress symptoms including PSl subparts were reported; Anxiety, Anger, Depression, and cognitive disorder(p<0.001). 8. According to the results of stepwise multiple regression analysis, factors affecting workers' PSl scores were perceived hearing loss(R2=0.160), noise exposure level jn worksite(R2=0.110), relationship with coworkers, amount of workload, monthly income and relationship with bosses orderly and the total R2 of this 6 factors was 0.371. 9. The most significant factors that have impact on manual workers' stress symptoms were perceived hearing loss and noise exposure level in worksite, especially noise exposure level in the worksite was the most affective factor on the depression symptom.