{"title":"Employment-Grade Differences in Factors for Work Performance: The Japanese Civil Servants Study.","authors":"Takamasa Fuchigami, Takashi Tatsuse, Masaaki Yamada, Michikazu Sekine","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003424","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003424","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to determine the factors associated with job performance and assess job grade differences in these factors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was based on the fifth Japanese Civil Servants Study, which included 3325 participants. Logistic regression analyses were performed by job grade.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The associations between high job performance and job grade were as follows: in the low-grade group, older age, middle or high job control, low job support, meaningful work, and no depression; in the intermediate-grade group, high job demands and no depression; and in the high-grade group, higher workplace justice, meaningful work, and no depression.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Individual factors were associated with higher job performance in lower grades and workplace psychosocial resources in higher grades. This difference may be key to developing and implementing measures to improve job performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"732-739"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056872","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Martha Shepherd, Pen-Che Ho, Jon Harris-Shapiro, Hau Liu, Dena Bravata, Christopher Whaley, David Hines
{"title":"The Effects of a Digital Digestive Care Management Program on Employee Absenteeism: A Case-Control Study.","authors":"Martha Shepherd, Pen-Che Ho, Jon Harris-Shapiro, Hau Liu, Dena Bravata, Christopher Whaley, David Hines","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003441","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003441","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>60 to 70 million people in the US have chronic gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Employers bear a significant economic burden for GI conditions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a digital digestive care program on absenteeism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using propensity score matching between participants and nonparticipants, we evaluated sick days of public school system employees who were offered a digital digestive care program as part of their health benefits.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline annual sick days were comparable for the 237 participants and 400 nonparticipants. Among employees aged 50 years and older, during the intervention period, participants had significantly fewer sick days than nonparticipants (1.7 days [SD, 4.2], P = 0.02), an approximate direct salary savings of $672/employee annually.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Digital digestive care is promising for decreasing sick days among older workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e612-e615"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12379769/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061337","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rachel J Topazian, Aleksandra Wec, Joseph Ali, Shannon Frattaroli, Paul Locke, Jennifer A Taylor, Cassandra K Crifasi
{"title":"Ethical Use of Wearable Device Data in Occupational Settings: Perspectives From the Fire Service.","authors":"Rachel J Topazian, Aleksandra Wec, Joseph Ali, Shannon Frattaroli, Paul Locke, Jennifer A Taylor, Cassandra K Crifasi","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003446","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003446","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Despite interest in using wearable technology to improve firefighter health and safety, there is little evidence on data privacy preferences in the fire service.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted interviews and focus groups with career firefighters and fire department and union leaders in Maryland and Virginia and with national-level leaders (March to November 2023).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We conducted 4 focus groups and 35 interviews (65 participants). Leaders were optimistic about using wearable data to help firefighters obtain benefits, improve safety, conduct prevention, and advance administrative priorities. Firefighters described tradeoffs between safety and autonomy, privacy, and job status. Firefighters opposed using wearables on calls, whereas leadership was supportive. Participants identified implementation barriers and conditions for ethical implementation of wearables.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Wearable data could protect health and safety but must be utilized in a way that respects autonomy and privacy preferences.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e621-e629"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144055627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yinjiao Wang, Yu Lou, Shenao Zhang, Aihong Cao, Peng Du
{"title":"Occupational Dust Exposure as a Determinant of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Burden in Coal Miners: A Cross-Sectional MRI-Based Study.","authors":"Yinjiao Wang, Yu Lou, Shenao Zhang, Aihong Cao, Peng Du","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003535","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003535","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigates the correlation between cumulative coal mine dust exposure and cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) burden in coal miners.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study of 500 coal miners underwent brain MRI. CSVD burden was assessed using neuroimaging markers. Occupational dust exposure was quantified as cumulative dust exposure (CDE). Logistic regression identified independent predictors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CSVD burden scores ranged from 0-3, with majority showing mild-moderate burden. Cumulative dust exposure significantly correlated with CSVD severity (r = 0.345, p < 0.001). CDE was independently associated with increased CSVD burden (OR = 1.027; p = 0.001). Multinomial regression revealed 6.2% increased odds of severe CSVD per unit CDE increase.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Cumulative coal dust exposure is significantly associated with increased CSVD burden in coal miners, emphasizing the need for occupational dust control and vascular risk management.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Miriam R Siegel, Kristen Van Buren, Amel Omari, Carissa M Rocheleau, Nicholas J Somerville
{"title":"Maternal differences in healthcare provider-led conversations about patients' work prior to pregnancy, Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, 2016-2021.","authors":"Miriam R Siegel, Kristen Van Buren, Amel Omari, Carissa M Rocheleau, Nicholas J Somerville","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003532","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003532","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To describe characteristics of women with a recent live birth who are, and are not, asked about their work by healthcare providers before pregnancy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We analyzed 2016-2021 data from 48 jurisdictions participating in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System. Questionnaires asked mothers about provider-led conversations about their work. We descriptively compared weighted percentages with 95% confidence intervals across demographic and occupational characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 157,724 participants, 36% reported not being asked about their work by a provider in the year before pregnancy. Higher proportions of younger and lower-income mothers, certain Asian and Native groups, and mothers in some occupations and industries posing a risk of occupational hazards reported no provider-led conversations about their work.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Healthcare providers can more routinely ask patients about work to assess for possible occupational hazards to pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12498297/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071447","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A preliminary study on the occupational characteristics and health status of ride-hailing drivers in China.","authors":"Zehong Huo, Xiaoshun Wang, Xin Song, Binshuo Hu, Zhihui Wang, Siyuan Wang, Rui Guan, Hong Yu, Xiaowen Ding, Dongsheng Niu, Tenglong Yan","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003534","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003534","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine occupational traits and health profiles for ride-hailing drivers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ride-hailing drivers were recruited from a major Chinese platform. Demographic characteristics, occupational data, and musculoskeletal conditions were collected via questionnaire. Health examinations included blood tests, electrocardiogram, and imaging tests. Abnormalities were classified using clinical reference ranges. Prevalence and distribution of abnormalities were analyzed across demographic and occupational groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 658 enrolled drivers, predominant occupational risks were prolonged work hours, high stress and insufficient sleep. Health examinations revealed high prevalence of: obesity, hypertension, hematologic abnormalities, metabolic dysregulation, urinary pathologies, cardiovascular abnormalities, and musculoskeletal pain in the neck and shoulder.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ride-hailing drivers with occupational features of extended work hours, physical inactivity, and insufficient sleep exhibited prevalent comorbidities including obesity, metabolic syndrome, musculoskeletal pain, and urinary disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Menstruation-Related Diseases, Work Performance, and Oral Contraceptive: Nationwide Online survey.","authors":"Yuto Maeda, Takahiro Tabuchi, Takeo Fujiwara","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003533","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003533","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to compare the effect of Menstruation-related diseases (MRDs), including premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and dysmenorrhea, on work performance (WP). Besides, we investigate whether oral contraceptives (OCs) mitigate these impacts in the general population.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The data from a nationwide online-based survey conducted in Japan were analyzed (N = 4,818). Regression analyses examined the relationship between MRDs and presenteeism or absenteeism and the mitigating effect of OCs. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) for severe work-functioning impairment were calculated model-based.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PMDD most substantially increased the risk of presenteeism and absenteeism. The PAFs were significant for PMS and PMDD and approximate 15% in total. OCs significantly alleviated presenteeism only among women with PMDD.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>PMS and PMDD impaired WP more profoundly than dysmenorrhea. OCs mitigated MRDs' effect on WP in women with PMDD.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Josh B Kazman, D Alan Nelson, Anwar Ahmed, Francis G O'Connor, Patricia A Deuster, James Mancuso, Stephen Lewandowski
{"title":"Exertional heat illness complications and prognosis among service members.","authors":"Josh B Kazman, D Alan Nelson, Anwar Ahmed, Francis G O'Connor, Patricia A Deuster, James Mancuso, Stephen Lewandowski","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003528","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003528","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine exertional heat illness (EHI) complications and their associations with post-EHI outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In retrospective cohort of 24,121 service-members (SM) with first-time EHI in 2012-2022, we analyzed six EHI complications: rhabdomyolysis, acute kidney injury (AKI), neurological symptoms, acidosis, respiratory/cardiovascular distress, other organ damage. Post-EHI outcomes included medical military separation and chronic diseases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Using clustering, SM were placed into six clusters based on patterns of complications: mild (81%; no complications), AKI/no rhabdomyolysis (5%), rhabdomyolysis/no AKI (6%), rhabdomyolysis/AKI (5%) and neurological symptoms (2%). AKI and/or rhabdomyolysis clusters were associated with being male, obese, no chronic conditions, reduced medical separation risk, and increased AKI risk; the smaller neurological cluster had more females, chronic conditions, and separation risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EHI clusters have differential associations with both pre-EHI demographics/history and post-EHI outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071491","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Association between line-manager' assessment for their subordinates' health condition and subordinate's self-rated mental health status.","authors":"Tomohisa Nagata, Kumi Saito","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003531","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to examine the relationship between line-managers' assessments of their subordinates' health conditions and subordinates' self-rated mental health status.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants in this cross-sectional study comprised 20 line-managers and 156 of their subordinates in a worksite. Managers assessed their employees' health conditions and the impact on work performance, while subordinates completed questionnaires for mental health status, independently. Multilevel logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A significant relationship was found between line-managers' assessments and subordinates' self-rated depression. Higher odds ratios were observed for depression when health- and work-related issues were rated by managers as \"slightly problematic\" and \"problematic\" compared to \"not problematic.\"</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Line-managers play a crucial role in recognizing and addressing depression among employees in the workplace.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Amel Omari, Anne M Foreman, Emily J Haas, Susan M Moore, Scott A Damon, Kristin J Marks, Alyssa N Troeschel, Ju-Hyeong Park, Jean M Cox-Ganser, Anna Reilly, Arundhati Bakshi, Shannon Soileau, Colette R Jacob, Ginger L Chew
{"title":"Perceptions about messaging and constructs relevant to personal protective equipment (PPE) use during mold cleanup among persons affected by Hurricane Ida-Louisiana, USA, 2021.","authors":"Amel Omari, Anne M Foreman, Emily J Haas, Susan M Moore, Scott A Damon, Kristin J Marks, Alyssa N Troeschel, Ju-Hyeong Park, Jean M Cox-Ganser, Anna Reilly, Arundhati Bakshi, Shannon Soileau, Colette R Jacob, Ginger L Chew","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003529","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003529","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Research suggests that PPE is underused during mold cleanup after hurricanes, despite mold's association with adverse health outcomes. This study aims to improve understanding of decision-making around PPE use to shape messaging after natural disasters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A convenience sample of adult residents and workers in Louisiana parishes affected by Hurricane Ida responded to closed- and open-ended questions about mold cleanup perceptions. Content analysis drew on the Health Belief Model (HBM).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Qualitative findings indicate that perceived barriers to PPE use included discomfort and inconvenience. Many respondents understood important concepts related to respirator user seal checks and/or fit tests; some responses indicated misunderstandings. Many sample residents (n = 150/238, 63%) and workers (n = 40/68, 59%) had not encountered state-driven health messages about mold cleanup.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Results could inform message development for promoting recommended PPE use in hurricane-affected areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12453076/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071456","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}