{"title":"Recruitment Challenges for Physician Training in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.","authors":"Max J Blumberg, Robert J Harrison","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003406","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to characterize experiences of current and recent trainees of occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) to inform recruitment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In fall 2023, a survey was sent to 115 current OEM residents and approximately 250 alumni from the previous 5 years regarding demographics, career motivations, and experience with application/training process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The response rate was 54% (62/115) for current residents and approximately 22% (56/~250) for alumni. Only 20% learned about OEM before internship and 41% applied to only one program. The top 3 features of training programs were quality/support of faculty, research opportunities, and family/geographic preference. Eighty-four percent support a combined/paired internship program.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The survey highlights challenges in recruitment to OEM, suggesting the need for increased outreach to medical students, opening/reopening programs in new geographic areas, and exploring combined/paired internship programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e536-e539"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143757049","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}
Alexander W Bae, Chi-Ju Lai, Yichen Yu, Nicole Krupa, David Hostler, Wai Cheong Tam, Mary G Carey, Wendy M Brunner, Dillon J Dzikowicz
{"title":"Structural Heart Abnormalities Are Prevalent on the 12-Lead Electrocardiogram Among Firefighters.","authors":"Alexander W Bae, Chi-Ju Lai, Yichen Yu, Nicole Krupa, David Hostler, Wai Cheong Tam, Mary G Carey, Wendy M Brunner, Dillon J Dzikowicz","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003409","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003409","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is the leading cause of death among on-duty firefighters in the US. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of pathoanatomical substrates related to SCD in a cohort of firefighters over 9 years using 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECG).</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Twelve-lead ECGs were collected from 2011-2019 as part of a health program. Measurements (eg, QRS duration) and interpretation statements (eg, left ventricular hypertrophy) were obtained using automated software (MUSE, GE Healthcare). Descriptive, comparative, and longitudinal analyses were performed ( P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1041 firefighters (mean age = 47.1 ± 13.6) were screened, recording 3142 ECGs. Among the ECGs ( n = 465) used for this analysis, 42.6% ( n = 198) had conduction abnormalities and 14.2% ( n = 66) with coronary disease indicators. There were no time-dependent changes.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Routine 12-lead ECGs among firefighters may help detect structural heart defects that may increase the risk of SCD.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e555-e561"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059392","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}
Zhen-Chao Ni, Li Lv, Jian-Ting Xu, Huan Luo, Li-Cong Shao, Jia-Hao Chen, Xing-Nan Ye, Rong-Feng Lin, Xu-Dong Wu
{"title":"Clinical Characterization of Long COVID Among Chinese Healthcare Workers: A Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study.","authors":"Zhen-Chao Ni, Li Lv, Jian-Ting Xu, Huan Luo, Li-Cong Shao, Jia-Hao Chen, Xing-Nan Ye, Rong-Feng Lin, Xu-Dong Wu","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003413","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Since the outbreak of COVID-19, the pandemic has profoundly affected global health and socioeconomic systems. Many recovered patients continue to experience \"long COVID\" symptoms, affecting their daily life and work performance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We utilized questionnaires to investigate long COVID symptoms among healthcare workers and their impact on daily life and work.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the healthcare workers, 17% reported long COVID symptoms. Among these, 64.6% experienced neurological symptoms, 57.3% had psychological symptoms, 43% exhibited respiratory symptoms, 44.4% demonstrated cardiovascular symptoms, 58.8% had musculoskeletal symptoms, 31.8% presented with skin symptoms, 31.8% had endocrine symptoms, 34.3% had digestive symptoms, and 70.7% reported general symptoms.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Our study reveals that 17% of healthcare workers experience long COVID, with neurological and psychological symptoms being particularly prominent, significantly impacting their daily life and work.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e576-e581"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144047458","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":"What if You Let Them Stand? A 2-Year Follow-up on Sit-Stand Desk.","authors":"Hélio Silva, Sabrina C Teno, Pedro B Júdice","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003438","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003438","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Excessive sitting time is linked to adverse health outcomes, with sit-stand desk (SSD) emerging as effective workplace interventions. However, evidence on long-term impact is scarce. This study evaluates the effects of SSD on physical behaviors after 18 and 24 months.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten office workers were analyzed: five after 18 months (G-18 m) and five after 24 months (G-24 m) of SSD usage. Physical behaviors, which are sitting, standing, stepping, and sit-to-stand transitions, were objectively measured using activPAL pre- and post-SSD implementation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant reductions in workplace sitting time were observed: G-18 m (-78.32 minutes, P = 0.019) and G-24 m (-84.36 minutes, P < 0.001). Both groups increased standing and stepping during work hours. No changes occurred during leisure time ( P > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SSD use was associated with sustained reductions in workplace sitting time over 24 months, suggesting a potential role in long-term health promotion. These findings support SSD adoption and emphasize the need for larger-scale studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"674-683"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048270","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}
Elisabeth Anne Stelson, Glorian Sorensen, Lisa Berkman, Sarah Ballou, Dean Hashimoto, Laura D Kubzansky, Erika L Sabbath
{"title":"Physical Health Consequences of Vicarious Trauma: Prospective Relationship Between Hospital Patient Care Worker Vicarious Trauma Symptoms and Gastrointestinal Disorders.","authors":"Elisabeth Anne Stelson, Glorian Sorensen, Lisa Berkman, Sarah Ballou, Dean Hashimoto, Laura D Kubzansky, Erika L Sabbath","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003432","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003432","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Vicarious trauma (VT) is \"secondhand\" trauma healthcare workers experience when interacting with trauma survivors. The prospective relationship between workers' VT symptoms and physical health has not been studied.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Survey data from 775 hospital workers were linked to health insurance expenditures to identify stress-related conditions known as disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) occurrence within 1-year follow-up. VT symptoms (modeled continuously and categorically) and conditional odds of developing DGBI were assessed with multilevel logistic regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Conditional odds of DGBI increased 4% for every one-point increase in VT symptom score (95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 1.11; P = 0.17). Participants with high versus low VT symptoms had 3.40-times the conditional odds of DGBI (95% confidence interval, 1.44 to 8.06; P = 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Workers with high versus low VT symptoms had significantly higher odds of developing DGBIs, indicating that VT may adversely impact workers' physical health.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"654-665"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144176285","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}
Luis Reinoso-Barbero, Pilar Muñoz-Dueñas, Inmaculada Cano, Sofia Araujo, Laura Gómez-Paredes, Juan Muñoz-Gutiérrez, Cristina Perez-Herreras, Félix Gómez-Gallego
{"title":"Effectiveness of a Workplace Health Promotion Program in Reducing Obesity: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Luis Reinoso-Barbero, Pilar Muñoz-Dueñas, Inmaculada Cano, Sofia Araujo, Laura Gómez-Paredes, Juan Muñoz-Gutiérrez, Cristina Perez-Herreras, Félix Gómez-Gallego","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003408","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003408","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a workplace health promotion program targeting obesity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Weight loss, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal circumference were measured before and after the program during medical check-ups at a single workplace.Thirty-six employees (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) received 6 months of free telemedicine endocrinology consultations. This metrics were compared with 164 workers (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2 ) using the Student t test and odds ratio.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants lost more weight (1.98 kg on average vs 0.11 kg), OR: 1.5 (0.72-3.12), BMI (0.84 kg/m 2 vs 0.03 kg/m 2 ), OR: 2.16 (0.99-4.68), and abdominal circumference (1.06 cm vs 0.55 cm), OR: 1.07 (0.51-2.25) than nonparticipants.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The program was slightly more effective than standard verbal and written medical advice given during check-ups. Studies with bigger sample sizes are needed to support these findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e549-e554"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144048556","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":"Efficacy of mHealth-Based Workplace Health Promotion Strategy in Improving Cardiorespiratory Fitness in a Healthcare Setting: Correspondence.","authors":"Hinpetch Daungsupawong, Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003437","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003437","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e596"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061761","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":"To PEP or Not to PEP: An Innovative Alternative.","authors":"Hasan Nezam, Sajjad A Savul, Amy J Behrman","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003386","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003386","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e595"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143588797","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}
Miranda Carver Martin, Linda Forst, Michael Siciliano, Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli, Paul Monaghan
{"title":"Dissemination of Heat Safety Practices Among Florida Farmworker Crews.","authors":"Miranda Carver Martin, Linda Forst, Michael Siciliano, Nezahualcoyotl Xiuhtecutli, Paul Monaghan","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003421","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003421","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of heat-related illness (HRI) safety training tailored for farmworker harvesting crews.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We surveyed 52 farmworkers in three crews on heat safety knowledge, self-reported behaviors, and heat illness symptoms. Each provided a pre and post shift urine sample for analysis of specific gravity. One crew received an HRI training program and a \"buddy system\" to remind co-workers to rest and hydrate.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The intervention crewmembers exchanged more heat safety reminders during the day and reported more rest and hydration. Social network analysis shows how coworkers disseminated heat safety messages. There was no difference in urine specific gravity among intervention or control crews.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Social networks within harvesting crews can be leveraged to disseminate heat safety messages. Dehydration measures indicate training is not sufficient to protect workers from symptoms of HRI.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e518-e524"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144039802","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}
Kristin Yeoman, Brian Chin, Edward Krieg, Tashina Robinson, Gerald Poplin
{"title":"Health Conditions in Wyoming Miners as Reflected in Wyoming Miner's Hospital Insurance Claims, 2014-2023.","authors":"Kristin Yeoman, Brian Chin, Edward Krieg, Tashina Robinson, Gerald Poplin","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003411","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study examines the prevalence of health conditions for which miners enrolled in a state-funded insurance program sought care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a retrospective analysis of claims data submitted to the Wyoming Miner's Hospital during 2014-2023. Using International Classification of Diseases codes and identifiers unique to each miner, we calculated the number of unique miners with claims submitted for major disease categories and common diagnoses within each category.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and diseases of the endocrine and cardiovascular systems were the most prevalent conditions, affecting 72.7%, 34.2%, and 31.1% of enrolled miners, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This population of miners has a substantial burden of health conditions that can adversely impact health and well-being. Mine safety and health professionals can use analyses of claims data to identify priorities for improving miner health and well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e562-e567"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143995512","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}