Factors associated with suicide ideation among subway drivers in Korea

BACKGROUND: There were several suicide events of subway drivers in Korea. The aim of this study is to explore work-related factors associated with suicide ideation among subway drivers. METHODS: We analyzed data from 980 male subway drivers. A section of the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI 2.1) was administered by trained interviewers to judge whether a driver has suicide ideation and to diagnose psychiatric disorders. A questionnaire was also administered to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, work environments, occupational stress, person under train (PUT) experience, and work-related problems. Occupational stress was examined by using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS). Logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between work-related factors and suicide ideation among subway drivers. RESULTS: Regarding work-related problems, conflict with passengers and sudden stops due to the emergency bell were significantly associated with suicide ideation. MDD, PTSD, and panic disorder were strongly associated with suicide ideation. In the analysis of occupational stress, insufficient job control (OR 2.34) and lack of reward (OR 2.52) were associated with suicide ideation even after being adjusted for psychiatric disorders and other work-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient job control and lack of reward were associated with suicide ideation among subway drivers. Strategies for drivers to have autonomy while working and to achieve effort-reward balance should be implemented. Furthermore, drivers who have experienced negative work-related problems should be managed appropriately.

The association between psychiatric disorders and work-related problems among subway drivers in Korea

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to find the prevalence and occupational risk factors for major psychiatric disorders among subway drivers in South Korea. METHODS: Of all 998 current subway drivers, 995 participated in this study. The Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI 2.1) was administered by trained interviewers to diagnose psychiatric disorders in all participants. The questions on socio-demographic characteristics and working conditions included some questions related to a person under train (PUT) experience and work-related problems. One-year prevalence and lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and panic disorder were diagnosed through the interview. The standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) of these three disorders were calculated in the sample of subway drivers using the 2011 Korean National Epidemiologic Survey data as a basis. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to determine the association between work-related factors and the prevalence of the psychiatric disorders. RESULTS: The standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) for a 1-year prevalence of MDD and PTSD among subway drivers were 1.1 (95% CI 0.7-1.7) and 5.6 (95% CI 3.1-8.8), respectively. Conflict with passengers was significantly associated with an increased risk for both MDD and PTSD in 1-year and in lifetime prevalence. Experiencing a sudden stop due to an emergency bell increased the risk of the lifetime prevalence of MDD (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.14-6.97) and PTSD (OR 7.53, 95% CI 1.77-32.02). The risk of PTSD significantly increased among drivers who once experienced a near accident in terms of both the 1-year prevalence (OR 8.81, 95% CI 1.96-39.3) and the lifetime prevalence (OR 6.36, 95% CI 2.40-16.90). CONCLUSIONS: PTSD and panic disorder were more prevalent among subway drivers than in the general population. We found that having a conflict with passengers, a near accident, and a breakdown while driving can be risk factors for psychiatric disorders among subway drivers. Therefore, a prompt and sensitive approach should be introduced for these high risk groups within the subway company.

Increasing Risk of Mental Health Problems Among Subway Drivers Experiencing Accidents on the Track / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the prevalence of Post traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and the comorbidity with panic disorder in subway drivers who experienced accidents on the track. In addition, this study examined the differences in panic disorder, stress levels, work-related problems, and sleep disturbances between drivers with and without an accident-experience. METHODS: 628 Seoul metropolitan subway drivers were participated in this study. We assessed mental health status of the subjects using the Clinician-administered PTSD scale (CAPS), panic disorder scale based on the DSM-IV criteria, Worker's Stress Response Inventory, and Sleep Questionnaire. RESULTS: The prevalence of PTSD and comorbid panic disorder was significantly higher among those drivers who had experienced accidents than in those who had not. Drivers with an accident experience showed significantly higher somatic, depressive, anger symptoms in the stress measures, and more sleep problems than those drivers without an accident experience. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of an accident on the track threatens both the work efficiency and the mental health of drivers. In order to reduce the negative effect of an extremely stressful event related to accidents, intervention programs for PTSD and panic disorder need to be developed and utilized.