Recent Trend and Associated Factors of Harmful Alcohol Use Based on Age and Gender in Korea

BACKGROUND: Previous studies suggest that the impact of social factors on harmful alcohol use between men and women may be different. We aimed to explore the gender-based difference in temporal trend and social risk factors associated with harmful alcohol use. METHODS: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007–2014) was used to explore the recent trend of harmful alcohol use in the general population. Among all current alcohol drinkers aged 20–64 years, the frequencies of harmful alcohol use in each age group, year of birth, marriage, income, education, and occupation were analyzed based on gender. RESULTS: A total of 34,478 people (14,544 men and 19,834 women) who reported drinking alcohol in the last month at the time of interview were included in the analysis. The proportion of harmful alcohol use in men decreased (P for trend = 0.002) during the study period, whereas significant change was not observed in women (P for trend = 0.173). The prevalence of harmful alcohol use was highest in men aged 35–49 years and women aged 20–34 years. For both men and women, lower level of education and service occupation were the common risk factors of harmful alcohol use. Additionally, low income was a risk factor of harmful alcohol use in women but not in men. Marriage increased the risk of harmful alcohol use in women but decreased in men. CONCLUSION: Public health interventions in reducing harmful alcohol use should consider the different high-risk groups between men and women.

Factors Associated with Performance of Occupational Health Services in Small-sized Workplaces / 산업간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study is to identify factors associated with performance of occupational health services in small-sized workplaces in Korea. METHODS: The data were collected from a random sample of 1,158 occupational health managers working for small-sized workplaces across the nation in which occupational health services were supported by Korean Industrial Health Association. A structured questionnaire was self-administrated by occupational health managers about characteristics of workplaces, occupational health managers, and performance level of occupational health services. RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that factors associated with performance of occupational health services in small-sized workplaces included supervisor being designated, occupational health manager having received safety and health training, and employer's concern with activities of health management. CONCLUSION: Government should make efforts to raise the level of employer's concern to occupational health activities. And it is needed to promote health managing staff as a core personnel to self-management for occupational health system.

Factors Associated with Performance of Occupational Health Services in Small-sized Workplaces / 한국직업건강간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study is to identify factors associated with performance of occupational health services in small-sized workplaces in Korea. METHODS: The data were collected from a random sample of 1,158 occupational health managers working for small-sized workplaces across the nation in which occupational health services were supported by Korean Industrial Health Association. A structured questionnaire was self-administrated by occupational health managers about characteristics of workplaces, occupational health managers, and performance level of occupational health services. RESULTS: Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that factors associated with performance of occupational health services in small-sized workplaces included supervisor being designated, occupational health manager having received safety and health training, and employer's concern with activities of health management. CONCLUSION: Government should make efforts to raise the level of employer's concern to occupational health activities. And it is needed to promote health managing staff as a core personnel to self-management for occupational health system.