Journal of Occupational Health最新文献

{"title":"School refusal: a hidden challenge for working parents.","authors":"Natsu Sasaki","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf039","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf039","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>School refusal is rising globally and has reached an all-time high in Japan. It imposes critical work-family conflict on employed parents, with preliminary surveys linking it to job loss, depression, and anxiety. Despite its public health importance, work-family conflict due to school refusal has scarcely been studied in occupational health. This Opinion reviews existing research on parents of school-refusing children, discusses how occupational health professionals can support this underserved population, and outlines priorities for future research to mitigate the impacts on working-age parents' health and employment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12321320/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144591489","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of lung disorders following intratracheal instillation of polystyrene microplastics with different surface functional groups.","authors":"Taisuke Tomonaga, Hidenori Higashi, Hiroto Izumi, Chinatsu Nishida, Kazuma Sato, Yuiko Nakamura, Toshiki Morimoto, Yasuyuki Higashi, Takuma Kojima, Kazuo Sakurai, Kazuhiro Yatera, Yasuo Morimoto","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf006","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Microplastics have been detected in the atmosphere, raising concerns about their impact on the lungs. There have been reports on the effects of surface functional groups in evaluating the physicochemical properties of microplastics, but no reports have evaluated their chronic effects. We performed intratracheal instillation in rats to evaluate the acute and chronic effects on the lungs of microplastics with different surface functional groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Unmodified, NH2-modified, and COOH-modified polystyrene particles with a particle size of 1 μm were intratracheally instilled into the lungs of rats. Rats were dissected at 3 days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after exposure to analyze inflammatory cells and lung injury factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and to observe histopathological findings in the lungs.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant increase in the number of inflammatory cells in BALF was observed up to 1 week after exposure to the NH2-based modified polystyrene compared with the negative control group. A significant increase was observed 3 days after exposure, and histopathological findings in the lungs also showed an influx of inflammatory cells into the alveolar space in the acute phase, but not in the chronic phase. In in vitro studies using RAW cell lines, NH2-based modified polystyrene also induced the highest oxidative stress compared with unmodified and COOH-based modified polystyrene.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results suggest that these polystyrenes do not have high pulmonary toxicity, although there are differences in toxicity due to differences in surface functional groups only in the acute phase.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11894927/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143080399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of loud noise on sympathetic nervous system function, training efficacy, and workplace accuracy.","authors":"Toshitaka Yokoya, Chikage Nagano, Yukimi Endo, Yuichiro Tanaka, Jinro Inoue, Seichi Horie","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf050","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf050","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Noise is a pervasive environmental factor in manufacturing settings and is a well-known cause of noise-induced hearing loss. However, its effects on autonomic nervous system function and cognitive work performance have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to elucidate the impact of high-intensity noise exposure on autonomic activity and cognitive performance using objective physiological and behavioral indicators.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Task performance was assessed using two 15-minute sessions of the Uchida-Kraepelin test. Autonomic nervous system activity was evaluated through continuous monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV) and measuring salivary amylase activity at 3 time points: immediately before the first test, between the 2 test sessions, and immediately after the second test. All measurements were conducted on 2 separate days under the absence of noise or the presence of 90 dB(A) pink noise.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exposure to noise significantly increased low-frequency (LF) and the LF/(LF + high-frequency [HF]) ratio. HF and the coefficient of variation of R-R intervals (CVRR) showed no significant change. Salivary amylase activity was also significantly elevated during noise exposure, particularly after task completion. Performance on the Uchida-Kraepelin test revealed a significant decrease in the response volume ratio under noise exposure. The number and rate of incorrect responses remained unchanged.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>High-intensity noise exposure activates the sympathetic nervous system and impairs work performance by reducing processing speed while maintaining accuracy. These findings underscore the importance of considering noise not only as an auditory hazard but also as a factor affecting cognitive ergonomics and occupational performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12456168/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144958077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of the risk assessment of nursing occupational exposure to major public health emergencies based on the Likelihood Exposure Consequence method.","authors":"Rong Yan, Li Zeng, Su-Yun Li, Ya-Li Wan, Yun-Fang Liu","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf022","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf022","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To develop an occupational exposure risk assessment scale for nursing staff during major public health emergencies based on the Likelihood Exposure Consequence (LEC) method. The purpose was to provide managers with a reliable tool for assessing occupational exposure risk faced by nursing staff and to serve as a reference for the formulation of occupational protection standards.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The item pool of nursing occupational exposure risk factors was screened using the LEC and accident causation theory. This was achieved through a comprehensive literature review, semistructured interviews, and group discussions. The nursing occupational exposure risk assessment scale was developed in conjunction with the Delphi method. The LEC method was used to assess the risk of occupational exposure among nursing staff in hospital clinical fever settings and to determine the level of occupational exposure risk.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two rounds of expert inquiry were conducted to obtain the results. The recovery rates of the questionnaires deemed effective were 100%. The coefficients pertaining to expert authority were 0.807 and 0.835, and the coefficients associated with expert opinion coordination were 0.785 and 0.808, respectively. In the assessment of nursing occupational exposure risk in fever clinics, 9 risk factors were identified, with a Danger (D) value of ≥70 and risk level of ≥3. These risk factors encompassed personnel, technical, environmental, and management aspects. Considering the prevailing unsafe factors, it is recommended to enhance personnel management training, bolster protection skills, upgrade environmental facilities, improve the supervision system, and implement other appropriate rectification measures.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The scale is both scientifically rigorous and have the ability to present evidence in order to enhance the occupational environment for nursing personnel and guarantee their occupational safety. Additionally, it can function as a policy reference for enhancing the response mechanism of the medical and health systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090990/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144009573","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multicomponent occupational lifestyle intervention to improve physical activity, musculoskeletal health, and work environment among Japanese teleworkers (TELEWORK study): protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Aya Wada, Jihoon Kim, Satoru Kanamori, Takahiko Yoshimoto, Rumi Tsukinoki, Naoki Kagi, Wataru Umishio, Ryo Asaoka, Tomoko Shiomitsu, Kayo Kawamata, Natsumi Yoshioka, Kaori Yoshiba, Masahiko Gosho, Yoshio Nakata, Yuko Kai","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf014","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Teleworking from home was widespread during the 2019 coronavirus disease pandemic. This working practice is expected to maintain popularity among employers and employees. Compared with in-person workers, teleworkers tend to be less physically active and have more musculoskeletal pain. Interventions specific to reducing health risks among teleworkers have not been identified. This study will examine the effects of an occupational lifestyle intervention encompassing 3 components: physical activity promotion, musculoskeletal health, and work environment improvement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cluster randomized trial will have a target sample size of 500 participants. The target population is healthy adults aged 18-64 years who telework at least once per week. Randomization will be conducted on a stratified block basis for clusters of 20 to 100 individuals within the recruited companies. The intervention period will be 12 weeks and comprise individual (online lectures, feedback, and periodic email messages), sociocultural (team building through step competition), physical (poster and tabletop pop-up), and organizational (encouraging message from an executive) strategies. The intervention group will be compared with a wait-list control group. The primary outcome will be the number of steps taken, as assessed by an accelerometer, and the secondary outcomes will be musculoskeletal pain and a telecommuting environment. The study protocol was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (ID: UMIN000053861) (https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr.cgi?function=brows&action=brows&recptno=R000061478&type=summary&language=J).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Study enrollment began in March 2024, and the intervention will be completed by March 2025.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results of this study are expected to provide helpful data for promoting healthy teleworking practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11985020/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143657408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Adverse effects of nanoparticles on humans.","authors":"Slamet Wardoyo","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf021","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf021","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12045709/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143803242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Developing a device to determine the permeation of chemicals through whole protective boots.","authors":"Hiroyuki Miyauchi, Shinobu Yamanoto, Takamasa Aoki","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf031","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To develop a device to evaluate the permeation resistance of chemical-protective boots continuously in contact with liquid chemicals, and to compare the permeation time of the component material test pieces with the permeation time of the whole boot and thus evaluate its performance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The permeation time was calculated for toluene, dichloromethane, and acetone in 4 types of boot, according to Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) T 8117:2005.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The permeation test for whole boots showed shorter permeation times than those of the component materials, according to JIS T 8117:2005. The permeation time of toluene was more than twice that of boots C and D. The permeation time of dichloromethane was more than twice that of boots A and C and more than 3 times shorter for boot A.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The differences between the whole-boot tests and the material tests were thought to be related to variations in thickness, type of material, difference in adhesion, and penetration from pinwheels. This method enables the determination of the permeation of chemicals and other performance characteristics of the whole boot, which cannot be determined using testing of material specimens alone. By using this device for testing, appropriate boots that are protective against specific chemicals and can prevent chemically induced damage to the feet can be more efficiently selected.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12372587/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144266408","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between employment status and long-term changes in psychological stress across the COVID-19 pandemic period in Japan: NIPPON DATA2010.","authors":"Makiko Abe, Hisatomi Arima, Nagako Okuda, Hirokazu Taniguchi, Atsushi Satoh, Nobuo Nishi, Naoki Aono, Aya Higashiyama, Harumitsu Suzuki, Yukiko Okami, Keiko Kondo, Kaori Kitaoka, Aya Kadota, Tomonori Okamura, Takayoshi Ohkubo, Akira Okayama, Katsuyuki Miura","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf045","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>There is a growing interest in understanding the long-term impact of employment status on psychological stress. We aimed to explore the association between socioeconomic status and psychological stress over a long-term follow-up period across the COVID-19 pandemic, employing the Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress Scale (K6).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluated K6 scores from the 2021 follow-up survey of NIPPON DATA2010 using a self-administered questionnaire. The association between employment status and changes in K6 scores over 11 years was examined. Multiple regression analyses were used to estimate both crude and adjusted differences in K6 score changes across various socioeconomic factors including employment category, annual household income, marital status, and household size. Analyses were stratified by age, gender, and prefectural population size.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study included 1532 participants with an average age of 54.9 years. Over 11 years (2010-2021), participants in both gender and age groups showed increases in mean K6 scores (men: 2.79 to 3.06; women: 3.15 to 3.56; <65 years: 3.27 to 3.47; ≥65 years: 2.37 to 3.08). Nonemployed participants, particularly homemakers, showed significantly greater increases in K6 scores, compared with full-time employees, especially among women, younger individuals, and those in densely populated areas, with a significant interaction with age.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nonemployed individuals, especially homemakers, experienced greater psychological stress over the past 11 years than did their fully employed counterparts. Public interventions, including strengthened social connections and telemental health services, may help mitigate these disparities, enhance mental well-being, and foster a sense of belonging.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12416884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144775596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Relationship between top management engagement, occupational health professional involvement in management reviews, and workplace health promotion program outcomes: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Yuki Kumakawa, Tomohisa Nagata, Kiminori Odagami, Takahiro Mori, Koji Mori","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf043","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf043","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examined whether management-level discussions on Health and Productivity Management (HPM) and the involvement of occupational health professionals in discussions are associated with workplace health promotion (WHP) program outcomes, as indicated by HPM evaluation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 2495 corporations that submitted the 2020 HPM Survey Sheets. Corporations were categorized into 3 groups based on the presence or absence of HPM discussions at management-level meetings and the attendance of occupational health professionals. The overall score and the deviation score for \"assessment and improvement\" were used as indicators of program outcomes. Multiple regression analyses were performed, adjusting for industry sector, company size, and number of occupational physicians and occupational health nurses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Corporations without HPM discussions at management-level meetings showed significantly lower scores on both indicators (overall score coefficient: -11.70; 95% CI, -12.83 to -10.53; \"assessment and improvement\" coefficient: -11.30; 95% CI, -12.50 to -9.97). In contrast, corporations with HPM discussions attended by occupational health professionals demonstrated significantly higher scores than those without such attendance (overall score coefficient: 5.39; 95% CI, 4.61-6.18; \"assessment and improvement\" coefficient: 5.15; 95% CI, 4.28-6.02). These associations remained significant after adjusting for covariates.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings indicate that discussions about HPM at management-level meetings and the involvement of occupational health professionals are associated with WHP program outcomes. These results suggest that collaboration between top management and occupational health professionals in management reviews may contribute to the successful implementation of WHP programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12353588/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144698869","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Occupation as a risk factor for progression of chronic kidney disease: a retrospective cohort study.","authors":"Daisuke Takada, Susumu Kunisawa, Akira Kikuno, Tomoko Iritani, Yuichi Imanaka","doi":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf047","DOIUrl":"10.1093/joccuh/uiaf047","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains uncertain in the majority of affected individuals, but the influence of socioeconomic status on CKD progression has recently gained attention. We compared the risk of CKD progression among 18 occupational classifications using an annual health checkup database.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used the annual health checkup data and health insurance claims data of the Japan Health Insurance Association in Kyoto prefecture between April 2012 and March 2016. The primary outcome for survival analysis was defined as a more than 30% change in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) from the first health checkup. We used the Cox proportional hazards model for time-to-event analyses to estimate the hazard ratios and 95% CIs for the primary outcome, adjusting for age, sex, eGFR, body mass index, blood pressure, blood sugar, dyslipidemia, uric acid, urinary protein, and existence of kidney disease at first health checkup.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analyzed 239 506 employees, and 1736 (0.7%) individuals whose eGFR had decreased by 30% or more; the mean follow-up period was 2.8 years. When we compared the risk with that for \"manufacturing,\" 5 categories of industries (\"information and communications\"; \"transport and postal services\"; \"accommodations, eating and drinking services\"; \"living-related and personal services and amusement service\"; \"medical, health care and welfare\") were associated with a decline in the increased risk of eGFR after adjusting for the confounding factors and/or mediators.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>We provide evidence that the risk of CKD progression depends on occupational type. Further research is needed to confirm the mechanism and causal relationships involved.</p>","PeriodicalId":16632,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Occupational Health","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12449068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144873651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}