Impact of Shiftwork on Retinal Vasculature Diameters over a 5-Year Period: A Preliminary Investigation Using the BCOPS Study Data.

Our aim was to investigate the impact of shiftwork on changes in central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), a measure of arteriolar width, and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), a measure of venular width, over five years. The participants were 117 officers (72.7% men) examined at the first (2011-2014) and second (2015-2019) follow-up examinations in the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study. Shiftwork data were obtained from the City of Buffalo, NY payroll records. Retinal diameters were measured using a standardized protocol. ANCOVA was used to compare mean change in CRAE and CRVE between the two examinations across shiftwork categories. Among men only, those who worked ≥70% hours on day shifts had a larger decrease in mean CRAE (-7.13 µm ± 2.51) compared to those who worked <70% day (-0.08 ± 0.96; p = 0.011). Among patrol officers, those who worked ≥70% day had a larger decrease in CRAE compared to those who worked <70% day (p = 0.015). Also, officers who worked ≥70% day had an increase in mean CRVE (µm) (4.56 ± 2.56) compared to those who worked <70% (-2.32 ± 1.32; p = 0.027). Over the five-year period, we observed adverse changes in arteriolar and venular diameters among officers who worked ≥70% on day shifts. The results should be interpreted with caution due to the small sample sizes.

The Relationship between Resistance Training Frequency and Muscle Quality in Adolescents.

Previous research has established the role of resistance training (RT) on muscle function in adolescents, but a lack of evidence to optimize RT for enhancing muscle quality (MQ) exists. This study examined whether RT frequency is associated with MQ in a nationally representative adolescent cohort. A total of 605 adolescents (12−15 year) in NHANES were stratified based on RT frequency. MQ was calculated as combined handgrip strength divided by arm lean mass (via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry). Analysis of covariance was adjusted for sex, race/ethnicity, and arm fat percentage; p < 0.05 was considered significant. RT frequency was associated with MQ for 2−7 day/week but not 1 day/week. When no RT was compared to 1−2 and 3−7 day/week, associations were present for 3−7 day/week but not 1−2 day/week. When comparing no RT to 1−4 and 5−7 day/week, associations existed for 5−7 day/week but not 1−4 day/week. Next, no RT was compared to 1, 2−3, and 4−7 day/week; associations were found for 4−7 day/week, while 2−3 day/week had a borderline association (p = 0.06); there were no associations for 1 day/week. Finally, no RT was compared to 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5−7 day/week; associations were present for all except 1 and 3 day/week. These prospective data suggest a minimum RT frequency of 2 day/week is associated with MQ in adolescents as indicated by the lack of differences in MQ between 1 day/week RT versus no RT.

Association Between the Metabolic Syndrome and Retinal Microvascular Diameters Among Police Officers.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the associations of the metabolic syndrome severity score (MSSS) and the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) components with central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE). METHODS: Participants in this cross-sectional study were 253 officers from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study (2011-2014). The MSSS is a z -score that represents the severity of MetSyn and was estimated using a sex/race-specific equation and the five MetSyn components. Associations of MSSS and the MetSyn with CRAE/CRVE were obtained using linear regression models or analysis of covariance. RESULTS: For every 1-standard deviation of MSSS, CRAE decreased by 2.3 µm (SE = 1.2, P = 0.0262) and CRVE increased by 3.4 µm (SE = 1.6, P = 0.0308) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: Officers with higher MSSS had narrower (ie, worse) arteriolar diameters and wider (ie, worse) venular diameters.

Prevalence of Self-Reported Prescription Opioid Use and Illicit Drug Use Among U.S. Adults: NHANES 2005-2016.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the self-reported prevalence of prescription opioid use and illicit drug use in the United States. METHODS: Self-reported prescription opioid use and illicit drug use (mostly nonopioid) were obtained for adults and adult workers (NHANES 2005-2016). RESULTS: Prevalence (95% CI) of prescription opioid use was 6.5% (6.0-7.0) (adults) and 4.1% (3.7-4.5) (workers). Prevalence of illicit drug use was 9.5% (8.8-10.1) (adults) and 10.2% (9.4-11.1) (workers). Among occupations, prevalence of prescription opioid use was highest in personal care (6.5%; 4.1-10.4) and healthcare practitioners (5.9%; 3.8-9.0); for illicit drug use, construction/extraction (18.0%; 15.1-21.3) and food preparation (15.8%; 12.5-19.7). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of prescription opioid use was elevated among some occupations. Judicious prescription strategies and targeted interventions are both needed. The prevalence of illicit drug use among certain occupational groups suggests the need to ensure access to therapy.

Mental Health Treatment Reported by US Workers before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: United States (2019-2020).

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a significant and unprecedented exacerbation of community mental health challenges. We compared the prevalence of mental health treatment (MHT) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among US workers. Self-reported MHT data (N = 30,680) were obtained from the Sample Adult data of the National Health Interview Survey (2019 and 2020). MHT was defined as having taken prescription medications for mental health issues or receiving counseling from a mental health professional in the past 12 months. We calculated age-adjusted prevalence estimates and employed t-tests to compare MHT in 2019 and 2020 using SAS-callable SUDAAN 11.0. The prevalence of MHT significantly increased from 16.3% in 2019 to 17.6% in 2020 (difference = 1.3, p = 0.030). The prevalence of taking prescription medications for mental health issues significantly increased in 2020 compared to 2019 (12.5% to 13.6%, difference = 1.1, p = 0.037). The prevalence of receiving counseling significantly increased but only among those who worked 30-49 h/week, difference = 1.2, p = 0.022. US workers, especially those with typical work hours, appeared to experience higher mental distress during the first year of the pandemic compared to the year prior to the pandemic period. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address mental health issues in these workers.

Adverse childhood experiences and police mental health.

Purpose ­: The purpose of this study is to examine cross-sectional associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health among police officers. Design/methodology/approach ­: The sample was from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study data (132 male and 51 female officers). Standardized surveys were administered to participants. Regression coefficients were obtained from models adjusted for age, sex, race and alcohol intake. All statistical tests were performed using a statistical significance level at p < 0.05. Findings ­: Regression analyses showed significant positive associations between ACEs and mental health (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]: ß = 1.70, p < 0.001 and depressive symptoms: ß = 1.29, p < 0.001). Resiliency significantly modified the association between ACEs and PTSD. A positive and significant association was observed among officers with lower resiliency (ß = 2.65, p < 0.001). The association between ACEs and PTSD was stronger among male officers compared to females (ß = 2.66, p < 0.001 vs. ß = 0.59, p ≤ 0.248, respectively). Research limitations/implications ­: Child abuse and development of PTSD or depression could not be traced through time as this was a cross-sectional study. Recall bias may affect results. Practical implications ­: PTSD and depression associated with ACEs can affect the interpretation of threat and can exacerbate emotional regulation in officers. An inquiry should be expanded regarding work assignments of victimized officers, such as child exploitation and pornography investigation. Originality/value ­: There are few studies on ACEs and the mental health of police officers. The present study is among the first to associate multiple police mental health issues with ACEs.

Dying for the job: police mortality, 1950-2018.

Purpose ­: This study is a mortality assessment on police officers (68-years, 1950-2018) and includes all causes of death. Design/methodology/approach ­: The authors investigated 1,853 police deaths (1950-2018) using sources of mortality that included the National Death Index, NY State, and available records from the Buffalo NY police department. Standardized Mortality Ratios were calculated. Death codes were obtained from 8th and 9th International Classification of Disease revisions in accordance with the year of death. Findings ­: Compared to the US general population, white male police officers from 1950-2018 had elevated mortality rates for some causes of death, including diseases of the circulatory system, malignant neoplasms, cirrhosis of the liver, and mental disorders. Black and female officers had lower mortality rates for all causes of death compared to the general population. Research limitations/implications ­: The findings of elevated risk for chronic disease among police need to be studied in relation to stress, lifestyle, and exposure to chemical and physical agents. There is a special need to further study officers from minority populations as larger samples become available. Practical implications ­: The results of this study will provide police and occupational health practitioners with objective evidence to determine the health impact of work on law enforcement officers. Originality/value ­: This study is longest running mortality assessment on police officers ever conducted (1950-2018) and includes white, black, and female officers.

Temporal trends in prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors among U.S. older workers: NHIS 2004-2018.

PURPOSE: This study examined trends in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD risk factors among U.S. older adults and workers. We also investigated correlations between the temporal prevalence of CVD and selected risk factors (hypertension, obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and treated diabetes) among participants. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National Health Interview Survey (2004-2018) for U.S. adults aged greater than or equal to 50 years (n = 207,539), of which 84,180 were employed. Temporal trends in prevalence were assessed by fitting weighted regression models to the age-standardized prevalence to the 2010 U.S. POPULATION: The relationship between temporal prevalence of CVD with each risk factor was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Among all older adults, the prevalence of CVD significantly declined (ß = -0.16, P < .001) during 2004-2018; similar decline was observed among employed adults (ß = -0.16, P = .001). Temporal prevalence in CVD was positively correlated to physical inactivity (r = 0.73, P = .002) and smoking (r = 0.81, P < .001), but not to any of the other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Among employed adults aged greater than or equal to 50 years, the prevalence of CVD, physical inactivity, and smoking dramatically declined over the past 15 years. The temporal decline in prevalence of CVD was significantly associated with decline prevalence of physical inactivity and smoking.

Occupational injury and psychological distress among U.S. workers: The National Health Interview Survey, 2004-2016.

INTRODUCTION: Injuries at work may negatively influence mental health due to lost or reduced working hours and financial burden of treatment. Our objective was to investigate, in U.S. workers (a) the prevalence of serious psychological distress (SPD) by injury status (occupational, non-occupational, and no injury) and injury characteristics, and (b) the association between injury status and SPD. METHODS: Self-reported injuries within the previous three months were collected annually for 225,331 U.S. workers in the National Health Interview Survey (2004-2016). Psychological distress during the past 30 days was assessed using the Kessler 6 (K6) questions with Likert-type scale (0-4, total score range: 0-24). SPD was defined as K6 ≥ 13. Prevalence ratios (PR) from fitted logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between injury and SPD after controlling for covariates. RESULTS: The prevalence of SPD was 4.74%, 3.58%, and 1.56% in workers reporting occupational injury (OI), non-occupational injury (NOI), and no injury, respectively. Workers with head and neck injury had the highest prevalence of SPD (Prevalence: OI = 7.71%, NOI = 6.17%), followed by workers with scrape/bruise/burn/bite (6.32% for those with OI). Workers reporting OI were two times more likely to have SPD compared to those without injury (PR = 2.19, 95%CI: 1.62-2.96). However, there was no significant difference in SPD between workers with OI and workers with NOI (PR = 0.98, 95%CI: 0.65-1.48). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SPD varied by injury status with the highest being among workers reporting OI. We found that the workers reporting OI were significantly more likely to have SPD than those without injury, but not more than those with NOI. Practical Applications: Mental health management programs by employers are necessary for workers who are injured in the workplace.

Associations of Sleep Measures with Retinal Microvascular Diameters among Police Officers.

PURPOSE: We examined cross-sectional associations of sleep measures with central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) and investigated whether sex and race/ethnicity modified these associations. METHODS: Participants (N = 202; 78% white; 71% men) were enrolled in the Buffalo Cardio-metabolic Occupational Police Stress study (2011-2014). Wrist actigraphy was used to assess sleep measures including sleep duration, sleep efficiency, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, number of awakenings, and longest wake episode. CRAE and CRVE were obtained from fundus photography of retina and were averaged from both eyes per officer. RESULTS: We observed significant associations between sleep efficiency and CRVE (ß = -2.81 µm; P= .046), and between longest wake episode and CRVE (ß = 3.24 µm; P= .021). Adjustments for demographics, lifestyles, and physical and psychological factors attenuated these associations. Sex modified the independent associations of sleep onset latency and longest wake episode with CRVE. One standard deviation (SD) increase in sleep onset latency was associated with 4.81 µm larger CRVE (P= .028) (P-interaction = 0.098), and one SD increase in longest wake episode was associated with 4.62 µm larger CRVE (P= .032) (P-interaction = 0.115) among men. Race/ethnicity also modified the association between longest wake episode and CRVE (P-interaction = 0.088). A significant association was observed only among white officers (ß = 4.96 µm; P= .025). CONCLUSIONS: We found that poor sleep quality, measured by longest wake episode, was positively and independently associated with retinal venular diameter among white and male officers. Longitudinal studies are warranted to assess whether poor sleep quality is a risk factor for retinal diameter changes.

Associations between adiposity measures and 25-hydroxyvitamin D among police officers.

OBJECTIVE: Studies show that serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), a biomarker for vitamin D status, are lower in persons with higher adiposity levels and that police officers have been found to have a high prevalence of obesity. The purpose of this study was to examine relationships between several adiposity measures and 25(OH)D, and also compare those measures to determine the best one that predicts insufficiency of 25(OH)D (<20 ng/mL) among police officers in the Northeast area of the United States. METHODS: Participants were 281 police officers (71.5% men) from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress Study (2011-2016). Associations of body mass index (BMI), abdominal height (AbHt), waist circumference (WC), WC-to-height ratio (WCHtR), percent body fat (PBF), and fat mass index (FMI) with 25(OH)D were obtained using multiple regression models after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, season, multivitamin supplement use, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the predictive ability of each adiposity measure to identify insufficient 25(OH)D concentrations. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity (BMI ≥ 30) was 50.7% in men and 21.3% in women. Mean levels of 25(OH)D were 32.4 ng/mL in men and 34.4 ng/mL in women. After adjustment for covariates, PBF and FMI among men were inversely associated with 25(OH)D: PBF (ß ± SE = -2.40 ± 1.01, P = .018); FMI (-2.21 ± 0.93, .018). Among women, no adiposity measure was associated with 25(OH)D. PBF was the best predictor of insufficient 25(OH)D concentrations regardless of gender (AUC = 0.878). CONCLUSION: Adiposity measures were inversely associated with 25(OH)D, but differed between female and male officers.

Subclinical Markers of Cardiovascular Disease Among Police Officers: A Longitudinal Assessment of the Cortisol Awakening Response and Flow Mediated Artery Dilation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) with change in brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD%) in police officers over a 7-year period. METHODS: Baseline CAR was obtained from four saliva samples taken 15 minutes apart immediately after awakening. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the change in FMD% (FMD%Follow-up-FMD%Baseline) across tertiles of area under the cortisol curve with respect to increase (AUCI). Regression analysis was use to assess trend. RESULTS: Officers (n = 172; 81% men) had a mean ±â€ŠSD age of 41 ±â€Š7.6 years. Men in the lowest AUCI tertile (ie, atypical waking cortisol pattern) had a significantly larger 7-year mean decline in FMD% (mean ±â€ŠSE: -2.56 ±â€Š0.64) compared with men in the highest tertile (-0.89 ±â€Š0.69) (P = 0.0087). CONCLUSIONS: An awakening cortisol AUCI predicted worsening of FMD% approximately 7 years later among male officers.

Association Between Blood Pressure and Retinal Vessel Diameters Among Police Officers in the US Northeast.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine relationships of blood pressure with central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE) among 242 police officers. METHODS: Computerized retinal images of each eye were taken. Mean values of CRAE and CRVE were compared across hypertension status categories using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Associations of mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) with CRAE and CRVE were obtained using regression models. RESULTS: CRAE was significantly narrower in officers with uncontrolled hypertension (142.8 ±â€Š2.7 µm), compared with those with controlled hypertension (153.6 ±â€Š2.7 µm, P = 0.0013) and those with no hypertension (156.4 ±â€Š1.0 µm, P ≤ 0.0001) after covariate adjustment. CRAE decreased by 3.43 µm for each 5 mm Hg increase in MABP (P ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled hypertension was significantly associated with narrower retinal arterioles. No association was observed with retinal venules.

Social avoidance in policing: Associations with cardiovascular disease and the role of social support.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to examine the association of social avoidance among police, cardiovascular disease (CVD) (metabolic syndrome (MetSyn)), and social support. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Participants were officers from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress study (n = 289). Social avoidance (defined as the tendency to avoid social contact) and other subscales from the Cook-Medley Hostility Scale were analyzed. The mean number of MetSyn components across tertiles of the Cook-Medley scales was computed using analysis of variance and analysis of covariance. Social support was measured with the Social Provisions Scale, categorized as high or low based on the median. FINDINGS: The mean number of MetSyn components increased significantly across tertiles of social avoidance (1.51 ± 0.18, 1.52 ± 0.12, and 1.81 ± 0.12); the only Cook-Medley subscale that remained significantly associated with MetSyn following adjustment for age and gender. Participants high in social avoidance reported significantly lower social support (79.9 ± 8.5 vs 85.8 ± 8.6; p = 0.001). RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The study is cross-sectional and therefore precludes causality. The authors were unable to determine the direction of associations between social avoidance and MetSyn. The measure of social support was unidimensional, including only perceived support; additional types of social support measures would be helpful. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study suggests that occupational-based police social isolation is associated with health outcomes and lower support. Several suggestions are made which will help to improve communication between the police and public. Examples are the use of social media, training in communication techniques, and changing the police role to one of public guardians. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Social avoidance is the least studied the Cook-Medley subscale associated with CVD. It is important for the health of officers to maintain a social connection with others.

Shiftwork and the Retinal Vasculature Diameters Among Police Officers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate associations of central retinal arteriolar equivalent (CRAE), a measure of retinal arteriolar width, and central retinal venular equivalents (CRVE), a measure of retinal venular width, with shiftwork in 199 police officers (72.9% men). METHODS: Shiftwork (day, afternoon, night) was assessed using electronic payroll records. Four digital retinal images per officer were taken. Mean diameters of the retinal vasculature were compared across shifts using analysis of variance (ANOVA)/analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). RESULTS: Among all officers (mean age = 46.6 ±â€Š6.8 years), shiftwork was not significantly associated with CRAE or CRVE. However, among current and former smokers, night-shift officers had a wider mean (±standard error [SE]) CRVE (230.0 ±â€Š4.5 µm) compared with day shift officers (215.1 ±â€Š3.5 µm); adjusted P = 0.014. CONCLUSIONS: Night shift schedule in current and former smokers is associated with wider retinal venules. Reasons for this association are not known. Longitudinal studies are warranted.

Police work stressors and cardiac vagal control.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines relationships between the frequency and intensity of police work stressors and cardiac vagal control, estimated using the high frequency component of heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of 360 officers from the Buffalo New York Police Department. Police stress was measured using the Spielberger police stress survey, which includes exposure indices created as the product of the self-evaluation of how stressful certain events were and the self-reported frequency with which they occurred. Vagal control was estimated using the high frequency component of resting HRV calculated in units of milliseconds squared and reported in natural log scale. Associations between police work stressors and vagal control were examined using linear regression for significance testing and analysis of covariance for descriptive purposes, stratified by gender, and adjusted for age and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: There were no significant associations between police work stressor exposure indices and vagal control among men. Among women, the inverse associations between the lack of support stressor exposure and vagal control were statistically significant in adjusted models for indices of exposure over the past year (lowest stressor quartile: M = 5.57, 95% CI 5.07 to 6.08, and highest stressor quartile: M = 5.02, 95% CI 4.54 to 5.51, test of association from continuous linear regression of vagal control on lack of support stressor ß = -0.273, P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports an inverse association between lack of organizational support and vagal control among female but not male police officers.

Associations Between Body Fat Percentage and Fitness among Police Officers: A Statewide Study.

BACKGROUND: Police work is generally sedentary although there may be situations that require physical endurance and strength, such as foot chases and arresting suspects. Factors such as excessive body fat can impede an officer's physical ability to deal with such occurrences. Our objective was to examine associations between officers' body fat percentage (BF%) and performance on a standardized fitness protocol. METHODS: Data were obtained from fitness screening among 1,826 male and 115 female officers in a large US police agency. The screening consisted of a 2.4-km run, push-ups, sit-ups, and sit-and-reach test. Sex-specific body fat percentages were estimated from skinfold thickness measured using calipers. Linear regression models were used to examine unadjusted and adjusted mean scores of fitness tests across BF% tertiles. RESULTS: The prevalence of overall fitness was 4.3 times greater in male officers and 3.6 times greater in female officers having the lowest BF% tertile compared with the highest tertile (30.3% vs 7.1% and 46.0% vs 12.8%, respectively). BF% was linearly and positively associated with the time of 2.4-km run (p < 0.001), and linearly and inversely associated with the number of push-ups (p < 0.001), sit-ups (p < 0.001), and the distance of sit-and-reach (p < 0.001) in men. Similar associations were observed in women with the exception of sit-and-reach (p = 0.122). Associations were independent of age, race/ethnicity, rank, and duty station. CONCLUSION: Overall, BF% was inversely associated with fitness levels in male and female officers. Future longitudinal studies should be initiated to explore the potentially causal relationship between BF% and fitness in law enforcement officers.

Fatigue and on-duty injury among police officers: The BCOPS study.

INTRODUCTION: Policing involves inherent physical and psychological dangers as well as occupational stressors that could lead to chronic fatigue. Although accounts of adverse events associated with police fatigue are not scarce, literature on the association between chronic fatigue and on-duty injury are limited. METHODS: Participants were officers from the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress (BCOPS) Study. A 10-item questionnaire was administered to assess how tired or energetic the officers generally felt irrespective of sleep hours or workload. The questionnaire consisted of five positively worded and five negatively phrased items that measured feelings of vigor/energy and tiredness, respectively. Total as well as separate scores for positive and negative items were computed by summing scores of individual items. Payroll records documenting each officer's work history were used to assess occurrence of injury. Poisson regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR) of injury. RESULTS: Nearly 40% of officers reported feeling drained. Overall prevalence of on-duty injury during the past year was 23.9%. Injury prevalence showed a significant increasing trend across tertiles of total fatigue score: 19.6, 21.7, and 30.8% for lowest, middle and highest tertiles, respectively (trend p-value=0.037). After controlling for potential confounders, a 5-unit increase in total fatigue score was associated with a 12% increase in prevalence of injury which was marginally significant (p=0.075). A 5-unit increase in fatigue score of the positively worded items was associated with a 33% increase in prevalence of injury (PR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.04-1.70, p=0.022). CONCLUSION: Officers who do not feel active, full of vigor, alert, or lively had a significantly higher prevalence of non-fatal work place injury compared to their counter parts. Practical applications: With additional prospective evidence, workplace interventions designed to enhance level of energy may reduce feelings of tiredness and hence may prevent workplace injury.

Prevalence of work-site injuries and relationship between obesity and injury among U.S. workers: NHIS 2004-2012.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have reported associations between obesity and injury in a single occupation or industry. Our study estimated the prevalence of work-site injuries and investigated the association between obesity and work-site injury in a nationally representative sample of U.S. workers. METHODS: Self-reported weight, height, and injuries within the previous three months were collected annually for U.S. workers in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2004-2012. Participants were categorized as normal weight (BMI: 18.5-24.9kg/m(2)), overweight (BMI: 25.0-29.9), obese I (BMI: 30.0-34.9), and obese II (BMI: 35+). The prevalence of injury and prevalence ratios from fitted logistic regression models was used to assess relationships between obesity and injury after adjusting for covariates. Sampling weights were incorporated using SUDAAN software. RESULTS: During the 9-year study period from 2004 to 2012, 1120 workers (78 workers per 10,000) experienced a work-related injury during the previous three months. The anatomical sites with the highest prevalence of injury were the back (14.3/10,000±1.2), fingers (11.5±1.3), and knees (7.1±0.8). The most common types of injuries were sprains/strains/twists (41.5% of all injuries), cuts (20.0%), and fractures (11.8%). Compared to normal weight workers, overweight and obese workers were more likely to experience work-site injuries [overweight: PR=1.25 (95% CI=1.04-1.52); obese I: 1.41 (1.14-1.74); obese II: 1.68 (1.32-2.14)]. These injuries were more likely to affect the lower extremities [overweight: PR=1.48, (95% CI=1.03-2.13); obese I: 1.70 (1.13-2.55); obese II: 2.91 (1.91-4.41)] and were more likely to be due to sprains/strains/twists [overweight: PR=1.73 (95% CI=1.29-2.31); obese I: PR=2.24 (1.64-3.06); obese II: PR=2.95 (2.04-4.26)]. CONCLUSIONS: Among NHIS participants, overweight and obese workers were 25% to 68% more likely to experience injuries than normal weight workers. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Weight reduction policies and management programs may be effectively targeted towards overweight and obese groups to prevent or reduce work-site injuries.

Prevalence and trends of leisure-time physical activity by occupation and industry in U.S. workers: the National Health Interview Survey 2004-2014.

PURPOSE: Studies describing prevalence and trends of physical activity among workers in the United States are scarce. We aimed to estimate prevalence and trends of "sufficient" leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during the 2004-2014 time period among U.S. workers. METHODS: Data were collected for U.S. workers in the National Health Interview Survey. LTPA was categorized as sufficiently active (moderate intensity, ≥150 minutes per week), insufficiently active (10-149 minutes per week), and inactive (<10 minutes per week). Prevalence of LTPA was adjusted for age using 2010 U.S. working population as a standardized age distribution. RESULTS: Prevalence trends of "sufficient" LTPA significantly increased from 2004 to 2014 (45.6% to 54.8%; P < .001). Among industry groups, the highest prevalence of "sufficient" LTPA was observed among workers in Professional/Scientific/Technical Services (62.1%). The largest increases were observed among workers in Public Administration (51.3%-63.4%). Among occupational groups, "sufficient" LTPA prevalence was lowest in farming/fishing/forestry (30.8%) and highest in life/physical/social science (66.4%). Prevalence of LTPA significantly increased from 2004 to 2014 in most occupational and industry groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among U.S. workers, trends of "sufficient" LTPA significantly increased between 2004 and 2014. Overall, a larger proportion of white-collar compared to blue-collar workers were engaged in "sufficient" LTPA.