Adena Cohen-Bearak, Omonyele L Adjognon, David C Mohr, Ekaterina Anderson, Leslie Chatelain, Barbara Bokhour
{"title":"\"I'm dealing with my Whole Health right now\": A Qualitative Study of VA Employees Participating in Employee Whole Health.","authors":"Adena Cohen-Bearak, Omonyele L Adjognon, David C Mohr, Ekaterina Anderson, Leslie Chatelain, Barbara Bokhour","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003488","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003488","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Examining individual experiences of participation in an employee wellness program at the Veterans Health Administration.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 employees from seven VA Medical Centers. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>1) Activities: employees participated in a variety of activities; choice of activities varied due to their role at work. 2) Impact: employees found that participating in EWH helped reduce stress, schedule in breaks, put themselves first, connect with others, and improved productivity. 3) Barriers and facilitators: barriers were often outside of employees' control.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>If the organizational culture supports employee wellness participation through positive messaging and policies; there is social support for participation from colleagues and supervisors; and the activities are convenient in terms of timing and physical location, employee wellness participation is much more likely.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661455","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":"The Impact of Flexible Work on Young Workers' Health: Longitudinal Evidence from South Korea.","authors":"Sungjin Park, June-Hee Lee","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003491","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003491","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the association between flexible work arrangements (FWA) and changes in self-rated health (SRH) among young adults using a repeated measures design.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This longitudinal study used data from 5,361 South Korean young adults (aged 19-28) participating in the 2021 and 2022 waves of the Youth Panel 2021. Generalized estimating equations assessed the relationship between time-varying FWA participation and SRH. Covariates included age group, sex, education level, and weekly working hours.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FWA was significantly associated with an increased odds of poor SRH (Odds ratio = 1.52, 95% confidence interval: 1.16-1.99, p = 0.002), even after adjusting for demographic factors and working hours.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>FWA may negatively impact young workers' health. Policies should integrate workload management and promote sustainable working conditions to balance flexibility with well-being, particularly for early-career workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661460","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":"Evaluation of small airway effect in cleaning workers with impulse oscillometry.","authors":"Betül Gültekin, Nejdiye Güngördü, Ilgım Vardaloğlu Koyuncu, Kevser Sak, Enes Furkan Aykaç, Buket Çalişkaner Öztürk, Nihal Enşen, Şermin Börekçi, Bilun Gemicioğlu","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003487","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003487","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to detect small airway pathologies in cleaning workers at an early stage by impulse oscillometry (IOS).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was cross-sectional and involved 121 cleaning workers and 123 controls between September 2022 and January 2023.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Airway disease-related measurements (R5%, R20 %, R5-20%, AX, Fres) determined by IOS were statistically significantly higher in cleaning workers. The mean and median values of FEV1/FVC (%), PEF (%), MMEF (%), FEF25 (%), and FEF75 (%) were significantly lower in cleaning workers compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Using General Linear Models (GLM) adjusted for work duration, sex, age, BMI, and smoking, occupational differences in lung function and IOS were not significant, showing these factors explain the effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>IOS can be used for the early detection of airway diseases.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661458","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":"The Relationship between Musculoskeletal Pain with Depression and Burnout Among Fast-food Chain Workers in Taiwan: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Yu-Shan Huang, Cheng-Fu Lin, Yu-Tse Tsan, Shu-Yi Wang, Tz-Pin Tiao, Yen-Hui Lin, Wen-Chao Ho, Wei-Min Chu","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003492","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003492","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examines the relationship between musculoskeletal pain, burnout, and depression among Taiwanese fast-food chain employees, focusing on specific pain sites.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Musculoskeletal pain, burnout, and depression were assessed using validated Chinese versions of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and Brief Symptom Rating Scale. Multivariate logistic regression analyzed correlations, adjusting for confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>3,018 participants completed the survey. Factors associated with depression included trunk pain, seniority, work hours, and sleep. Trunk pain, work hours, and sleep were linked to personal burnout. Trunk and upper extremities pain, gender, work hours, and sleep were associated with work-related burnout.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Trunk pain, work hours, and sleep correlate with depression and burnout. Managers should assess work conditions, address pain sources, and adjust work hours to improve employee well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661461","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}
Nedonya Abreek- Sarhan, David Ezra, Bilal Sarhan, Leonid Kalichman, Deborah Alperovitch-Najenson
{"title":"Seniority vs. Age in Work-Related Musculoskeletal Pain Among Preschool Educators.","authors":"Nedonya Abreek- Sarhan, David Ezra, Bilal Sarhan, Leonid Kalichman, Deborah Alperovitch-Najenson","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003509","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003509","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the impact of professional seniority compared to age on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in preschool educators, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic conditions nationwide.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>310 preschool teachers and assistants from regular and special kindergartens completed the Modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, demographics, and job-related variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant effects of age-adjusted seniority on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) in the neck, wrist/hand, and lower back regions were identified. For neck pain, age-adjusted seniority increased the odds by 9.2% for each additional year (OR = 1.09, p = .015). Each additional year of seniority for hand/wrist pain raised the odds by 17.2% (OR = 1.17, p < .001). Regarding the lower back, seniority increased the odds by 7.6% (OR = 1.08, p = .040).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Professional seniority, rather than age, is more strongly associated with MSP in the neck, hands/wrists, and lower back. The cumulative effects significantly contribute to MSP.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661459","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}
Juan Gonzalez-Alegre, Marta Arespa Castello, Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Chaparro
{"title":"Is honesty the fee for vulnerability? Gender-based evaluation of workers' sick leave determinants around the COVID-19 pandemic.","authors":"Juan Gonzalez-Alegre, Marta Arespa Castello, Miguel Ángel Sánchez-Chaparro","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003496","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003496","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>We analyze the main determinants of workers' absence due to sickness around the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain with a particular focus on the role of gender.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>For each quarter, we estimate a logistic regression model to measure sickness absence determinants. We make use of microdata from the Economically Active Population Survey, published quarterly by the National Statistical Office, which identifies workers failing to attend their jobs due to illness for an entire week and includes relevant information about individual and job characteristics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sick leave frequencies among female workers are more homogeneous across sectors and employment statuses and more predictable, particularly during the pandemic. In contrast, male workers exhibit a more erratic pattern.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Male workers seem to exhibit a greater propensity for opportunistic use of sickness protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644481","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":"Impact of changes in type of employment on absenteeism/presenteeism among Korean workers.","authors":"Yunjun Park, Wanhyung Lee","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003501","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003501","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine how transitions between paid employment and self-employment are associated with absenteeism and presenteeism among Korean workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 105,065 participants in the 2010-2017 Korean Working Conditions Survey were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for demographic, occupational, and health-related covariates, estimated odds ratios(ORs) and 95% confidence intervals(CIs) for absenteeism and presenteeism across employment transition groups. Weighted prevalence rates were calculated for chronic absenteeism/presenteeism.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Workers transitioning from paid employment to self-employment showed the highest prevalence of presenteeism (OR:1.222, 95%CI:1.167-1.279), while those shifting from self-employment to paid employment exhibited higher odds of absenteeism (OR:1.128, 95%CI:1.006-1.264). Chronic cases were notably more common among workers transitioning to self-employment.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Employment transitions are significantly associated with absenteeism and presenteeism. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing health and productivity during employment transitions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644480","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}
David Wambui, Martha Fiellin, Claire Majka, Carolina Espineli, Jennifer Flattery, Ximena Vergara
{"title":"Prevalence and Risk Factors for Long COVID among California Workers Captured by a Doctor's First Report-Based Surveillance System.","authors":"David Wambui, Martha Fiellin, Claire Majka, Carolina Espineli, Jennifer Flattery, Ximena Vergara","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003497","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003497","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To understand prevalence and risk factors for long COVID among California workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a cross-sectional study design, we analyzed 4,496 Doctor's First Reports of Occupational Injury or Illness (DFRs) used for tracking work-related COVID-19 exposure or illnesses. Logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>With a prevalence of 11%, long COVID cases were slightly higher among male workers, workers aged between 45 - 54 years, and those in essential industries. Over 30 days of lost work was 13 times more prevalent among long COVID cases compared to acute cases. Age, presenting symptoms, and working in mixed essential industries increased long COVID risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings highlight long COVID burden on workers' health and productivity. Proactive measures are crucial to safeguard workers' health.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644483","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":"Does Job Strain Influence Prolong Fatigue? Survey in Kaohsiung City using Checklist Individual Strength and Chinese version New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire.","authors":"Hsiao-Ching Lai, Chia-Pin Lin, Chun-Ying Lee, Hung-Yi Chuang, Chen-Cheng Yang, Kazuhiro Watanabe, Peng-Ju Huang, Chih-Hsing Hung, Norito Kawakami","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003500","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003500","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to assess a broader range of psychosocial factors and explore the relationship between fatigue and the Chinese version New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study involving laborers from Occupational Health Services and outpatients at Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital. The self-administered questionnaire included the Checklist Individual Strength and the Chinese version New Brief Job Stress Questionnaire.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The multiple linear regression revealed younger age and non-shift work being associated with a higher score of fatigue. Meanwhile, higher job demand was linked to higher levels of fatigue, while lower job control was linked to higher levels of fatigue.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Younger workers and higher job demands have a higher risk of fatigue. Strategies for improving labor workers' well-being and performance should address these psychosocial factors accordingly.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144644479","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}
Maymouna Myriam Ka, France Labrèche, Mark S Goldberg, Vikki Ho
{"title":"The incidence of postmenopausal breast cancer in relation to occupational exposure to textile fibers and dusts in Montreal, Canada, 2008-2011.","authors":"Maymouna Myriam Ka, France Labrèche, Mark S Goldberg, Vikki Ho","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003495","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003495","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To estimate the associations between occupational exposure to textile fibers/dusts, and incidence of postmenopausal invasive breast cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A population-based case-control study conducted in Montreal (2008 - 2011) identified hospital cases (N = 695) and population controls (N = 608) from the electoral list. Occupational hygienists examined participants' occupations and tasks, and attributed exposures to several textile fibers. For all tumors and according to biomolecular subtypes, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were estimated using logistic regression models with different exposure indices, adjusting for potential confounders.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Ever exposure to cotton dust was associated with an increased risk (OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 0.95-2.16) as was ever exposure to treated textile fibers before age 36 years and/or before first full-term pregnancy (OR = 1.39, 95%IC = 0.97-2.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These suggestive associations and the rapid evolution of textile fibers treatment warrant additional scrutiny, especially among younger women.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144639135","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}