{"title":"Letter to the Editor \"WOEMA Position Paper and Call-to-Action: California needs more physicians specializing in Occupational and Environmental Medicine (OEM)\".","authors":"Philip Harber","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003465","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003465","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":"67 9","pages":"e671"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144984062","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}
Koji Hara, Tomohisa Nagata, Masaaki Matoba, Tomoyuki Miyazaki
{"title":"The Impact of Productivity Loss From Presenteeism and Absenteeism on Mental Health in Japan.","authors":"Koji Hara, Tomohisa Nagata, Masaaki Matoba, Tomoyuki Miyazaki","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003431","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Mental health issues among employees cause significant productivity losses through presenteeism and absenteeism. This study aimed to quantify productivity losses caused by employees with mental health issues in Japan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Participants were recruited to match the Japanese population distribution by gender, age, and region. Mental health status and productivity loss were assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The results were extrapolated to estimate nationwide impact calculated using probabilistic sensitivity analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We analyzed 27,507 individuals. Productivity loss due to mental health-related presenteeism was estimated at $46.73 billion, and absenteeism at $1.85 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of Japan's GDP and over seven times the medical costs for mental disorders. Women in their 20s reported more mental health issues than men.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results highlight the urgent need for businesses and governments to enhance workplace mental health measures.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"699-704"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12379787/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144176287","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}
Grant M Tinsley, Jacob A Mota, Michael J Conner, Alex Jesko, Kealey J Wohlgemuth, Christian Rodriguez
{"title":"Reference Values for Body Composition, Graded Exercise Testing, Hemodynamics, and Pulmonary Function in Male and Female Firefighters.","authors":"Grant M Tinsley, Jacob A Mota, Michael J Conner, Alex Jesko, Kealey J Wohlgemuth, Christian Rodriguez","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003444","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003444","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This analysis establishes reference values for health and performance indicators in a large sample of US firefighters.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data from 3867 firefighters (3651 males and 216 females) were analyzed to establish percentiles for anthropometrics, body composition, graded exercise, hemodynamics, and pulmonary function.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median characteristics of all male firefighters included: age, 38 years; body mass index, 29.2 kg/m 2 ; body fat percentage, 24%; and VO 2 max 32 mL/kg/min. The median characteristics of all female firefighters included: age, 33 years; body mass index, 25.7 kg/m 2 ; body fat percentage, 29%; and VO 2 max, 31 mL/kg/min. Reference values stratified by decade of age were also established.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The presented values can be used to contextualize the performance of individual firefighters and fire departments and to promote evidence-based discussions regarding physical evaluations and standards for occupational readiness.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"723-731"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12379772/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144013517","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}
Nils D K H Tritschler, Laurenz L Meier, Achim Elfering
{"title":"Lack of Recovery From Work and Changes for the Worse in Working Conditions-The Role of Vitality as a Mediator of Lack of Detachment and Sleeping Problems in a 12-Wave Panel Study.","authors":"Nils D K H Tritschler, Laurenz L Meier, Achim Elfering","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003434","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003434","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Despite extensive research on occupational stress and impaired recovery, the reverse effects of lack of recovery on work conditions remain largely underexplored.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Panel questionnaire data from N = 4,322 Swiss workers were collected annually across 12 years. Lack of detachment, sleeping problems, vitality, and changes in working conditions were analyzed using growth curve models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 2007 to 2019, lack of detachment and sleeping problems increased while vitality and working conditions deteriorated. Vitality predicted the deterioration of working conditions and mediated the detrimental influence of lack of detachment and sleeping problems on working conditions.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Individuals' recovery status decreased between 2007-2019, while incomplete recovery antecedes a loss of work design quality. Thus, reversed effects of recovery should be a focus of occupational health promotion.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"776-784"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12379783/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144176282","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":"Association Between Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19 Infection and Work Environment in a Semiconductor Packaging Plant in Taiwan.","authors":"Fu-Jen Cheng, Yi-Ping Chuang, Hsiu-Yung Pan, Ting-Min Hsieh, Bing-Mu Hsu, Ping-Chi Hsu","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003452","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003452","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the associations of lifestyle, work environment, and health status with subacute COVID-19 symptoms or postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyles, work environment, health status, and coronavirus infection history and sequelae symptoms in a semiconductor packaging plant workers in Taiwan. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the risks of subacute COVID-19 and PASC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study included 333 subjects, with an average age of 37.6 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that night shift work, exercise habit, and prolonged treatment were significant independent predictors of PASC.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Night shift work and prolonged medical treatment were positively associated with PASC, and exercise was negatively associated with PASC. Optimizing work environments and shift schedules can reduce PASC risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"e655-e661"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12379786/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144259733","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}
Maryline Krummenacher, Mika Tarvainen, Estelle Montet, Michelle C Turner, Irina Guseva Canu
{"title":"Which Device Is Most Suitable for Measuring Heart Rate Variability in the Field? A Comparative Evaluation of Two Leading Options.","authors":"Maryline Krummenacher, Mika Tarvainen, Estelle Montet, Michelle C Turner, Irina Guseva Canu","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003479","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003479","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of the study was to compare the Polar H10 and Bittium Faros™ heart rate variability monitors for use in occupational and environmental health research, considering data collection, storage, transfer, resource needs, and limitations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A literature review, device testing, and expert interviews were conducted to assess device performance and usability.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Polar H10 is affordable, records RR intervals for up to 20 hours offline, and requires a smartwatch and app for extended storage. Bittium Faros™ is a certified electrocardiogram monitor that records full waveforms, supports long measurements, and enables automatic data transfer. Both devices can be worn with a chest strap, but placement issues may affect data quality. Patch electrodes improve stability but may cause skin irritation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This assessment highlights key device differences to guide HRV monitor selection for occupational and environmental epidemiological studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"717-722"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12379770/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144499977","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}
Makiko Kuroishi, Tomohisa Nagata, Ryutaro Matsugaki, Ayako Hino, Seiichiro Tateishi, Mayumi Tsuji, Shinya Matsuda, Yoshihisa Fujino, Koji Mori
{"title":"The Relationship Between Home-Based Telework and Work Engagement: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Makiko Kuroishi, Tomohisa Nagata, Ryutaro Matsugaki, Ayako Hino, Seiichiro Tateishi, Mayumi Tsuji, Shinya Matsuda, Yoshihisa Fujino, Koji Mori","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003442","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003442","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined the relationship between the frequency of home-based telework and work engagement, considering workers' preferences for telework.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a prospective cohort study from 2020 to 2021 in Japan.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 18,170 workers completed the survey. Home-based telework performed 1-3 days per week was associated with higher work engagement compared to no home-based telework. In analyses stratified by home-based telework preference, those who preferred to telework had higher work engagement at all frequencies compared to who did not telework. Who did not prefer home-based telework showed no association between telework frequency and work engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Low- and moderate-intensity telework have beneficial effects on work engagement. Who preferred home-based telework, work engagement was higher at all frequencies compared to those who did not telework.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"711-716"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144059062","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":"Frailty Transitions and Work-related Falls: A Prospective Cohort Study Among Older Workers.","authors":"Ryutaro Matsugaki, Masayoshi Zaitsu, Akira Ogami","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003536","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003536","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine longitudinal associations between changes in frailty status and risk of work-related falls among older workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A prospective cohort study was conducted on Japanese workers aged 60-75 years in a tertiary industry. Frailty was assessed using the Frailty Screening Index at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Participants were categorized into four groups: stable non-frail, frailty recovery, newly frail, and persistently frail. Work-related falls in the past 12 months were self-reported at the 2-year follow-up visit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The persistently frail group was significantly associated with a higher risk of falls; frailty recovery was not associated with increased risk. Newly frail participants exhibited a trend toward increased falls, although the difference was not statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Frailty management is an essential part of work-related fall-prevention strategies for older workers.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145071403","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}
Nancy L Sloan, Christopher R Dasaro, Moshe Z Shapiro, Henry S Sacks, Iris G Udasin, Jacqueline M Moline, Benjamin J Luft, Denise J Harrison, Michael A Crane, Andrew C Todd, Susan L Teitelbaum
{"title":"A Longitudinal Assessment of Hearing Loss in the World Trade Center General Responder Cohort.","authors":"Nancy L Sloan, Christopher R Dasaro, Moshe Z Shapiro, Henry S Sacks, Iris G Udasin, Jacqueline M Moline, Benjamin J Luft, Denise J Harrison, Michael A Crane, Andrew C Todd, Susan L Teitelbaum","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003428","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003428","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>In analyses without adjustment for World Trade Center (WTC) noise exposure, people with WTC and neighborhood exposures from the September 11, 2001, attacks have experienced slightly elevated risks of hearing loss. We investigated incident hearing loss in the WTC General Responder Cohort by their levels of WTC exposure, their WTC noise exposure and previous occupation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Adjusted multivariable log binomial regression models assessed persistent (≥10 months) hearing loss associated with WTC exposures using 22 years of the monitoring visit data ( n = 45,537).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the lowest exposure level without WTC noise exposure, WTC noise exposure increased hearing loss risk (adjusted relative risk range: 1.19 [95% confidence interval 1.08, 1.30] to 1.58 [1.43, 1.76]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The results clarify the importance of WTC noise when evaluating the associations of WTC exposures on hearing loss.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"747-756"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056070","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}
Cian Sweeney, Liam Sweeney, Fran Pilkington-Cheney, David J Clayton, Angus M Hunter, Emma L Sweeney
{"title":"A Qualitative Investigation Into the Exercise Habits, Motivators, and Barriers Faced by HealthCare Shift Workers.","authors":"Cian Sweeney, Liam Sweeney, Fran Pilkington-Cheney, David J Clayton, Angus M Hunter, Emma L Sweeney","doi":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003429","DOIUrl":"10.1097/JOM.0000000000003429","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Many healthcare shift workers do not meet recommended physical activity guidelines. As a pillar of physical activity, this study explored exercise habits, motivators, and barriers encountered by healthcare shift workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve healthcare shift workers in the United Kingdom were interviewed via semi-structured, one-to-one interviews. Data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Healthcare shift workers experience multiple biopsychosocial barriers to exercise, including inconsistent working schedules, psychophysical fatigue, emotionally challenging shifts, and familial commitments. Exercise habits and motivators were highly individualized. Occupational promotion of exercise, including on-site exercise opportunities, education on exercise prescription, and financially incentivized exercise programs were enablers. Time management and planning were crucial for sustained exercise engagement.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Organizations requiring shift work should promote a breadth of exercise types, and on-site exercise opportunities, at a low economic burden to promote physical activity engagement within their workforce.</p>","PeriodicalId":94100,"journal":{"name":"Journal of occupational and environmental medicine","volume":" ","pages":"757-765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144061759","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}