Relationship between workplace violence and work-related depression/anxiety, separating the types of perpetrators: a cross-sectional study using data from the fourth and fifth Korean Working Conditions Surveys (KWCS).

Background: Work is an inseparable element of a person's life, and violence in the workplace has various effects on individual workers and companies. While most studies have focused on specific industries, very few studies have investigated the influence of workplace violence by co-workers. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between workplace violence and work-related depression/anxiety in various occupations by differentiating the perpetrators of violence as co-workers and clients. Methods: This study was conducted based on data from the 4th and 5th Korean Working Conditions Surveys (KWCS). The experience of workplace violence was classified in terms of the perpetrator: workplace violence by co-workers and that by clients. Work-related depression and anxiety were assessed using questions about health problems related to depression and anxiety and whether the problems were related to work. Descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed using the SPSS 26.0. Results: After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics (age, education, income, subjective health status) and occupational characteristics (occupation, weekly working hours, type of employment, size of workplace, and shift work), male workers with experience of workplace violence by co-workers were found to be at a higher risk of work-related depression/anxiety (odds ratio [OR], 11.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8.65-15.36). The same was confirmed for female workers (OR, 10.89; 95% CI, 7.90-15.02). Conclusions: Employees who experienced workplace violence from co-workers were found to be more vulnerable to work-related depression/anxiety. Continuous contact between the victim and the perpetrator may occur, and the possibility of a secondary assault can frighten the victim. Appropriate prevention and intervention measures that focus on the perpetrators of violence are needed.

Comparing risk of depression between day and night/shift workers using the PHQ-9: a study utilizing the 2014, 2016, and 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.

BACKGROUND: In today's work scenario, the number of shift workers, including those in night shifts, is increasing. Shift work can adversely affect workers' health in the long run, but studies on the relationship between shift work and depression have shown inconsistent results. This study aimed to determine whether the number of night/shift workers at risk of depression, as predicted by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), is higher than that of day workers. METHODS: This study was conducted based on data from the 6th and 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Work schedules were classified into 2 types: day work and night/shift work. This study used the PHQ-9, a self-reported depression screening test, to identify workers at risk of depression. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, and descriptive statistics, χ2 test, and logistic regression analysis were employed. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, educational level, working hours per week, and income, men engaging in night/shift work were at a higher risk of depression (odds ratio [OR]: 1.407, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.937-2.113). The same was confirmed for women (OR: 1.564, 95% CI: 1.176-2.081). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the OR for those engaged in night/shift work with a PHQ-9 score of 10 or more increased. Considering the large volume of psychiatric history and symptoms in Korea, additional research is needed. Additionally, further discussion on ways to provide realistic help to night/shift workers is warranted.

The exposure level of environmental harmful substances related to the secondhand smoke in Korean non-smoker adults: data from the second Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS 2012-2014): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to find the exposure level of environmental harmful substances related to the secondhand smoke (SHS) using a nationally representative data of the general population in Korea. METHODS: Total 3,533 people were included in this study. We compared the proportion exceeding 95 percentile of the concentrations of harmful substances by sex according to SHS exposure. 16 kinds of substances related to tobacco smoke were analyzed including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, and environmental phenol. For 16 kinds of substances, the odds ratios (ORs) for exceeding 95 percentile of each harmful substance were calculated by multiple logistic regression according to SHS exposure. Age, education level, marital status, body mass index, drinking, and exercise were adjusted as covariates. Cotinine level was additionally adjusted to increase reliability of our results. RESULTS: SHS was associated with high exposure of mercury, methylhippuric acid, fluorene, and cotinine. In women, SHS was associated with mercury, methylhippuric acid, fluorene, and cotinine, while in men, it was associated with cotinine. After adjusting covariates, ORs of blood mercury, methylhippuric acid and hydroxyfluorene in the exposed gruop were greater than that in the non-exposed group. Especially in female, methylhippuric acid and hydroxyfluorene showed consistent result. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding demonstrates that SHS is related to several harmful substances. Therefore, to reduce the health effects of SHS, it is necessary to educate and publicize the risk of SHS. Future studies are necessary to more accurately analyze factors such as exposure frequency, time, and pathway of SHS.