• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.287-294
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• 2023

Background: Fruit and vegetable market is an abundant source of bioaerosols. Exposure to organic and inorganic waste and long-term inhalation of bioaerosols during working hours leads to chronic respiratory symptoms. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms and related factors among fruit and vegetable workers compared with the control group in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. Data were entered in EpiData 3.1 and exported to Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Logistic regressions were computed to depict the data and related factors. The culture method was done to count and compare bacterial and fungal concentrations between fruit and vegetable workers and office workers. Results: In this study, the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms (PR = 2.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.772-4.66) was significantly higher among fruit and vegetable workers (46.7%) than controls (23.4%). Sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.12-3.98), educational status (AOR = 1.34, 95% CI = 0.78-2.32), working hours per day (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.586-9.65), and working department (AOR = 3.20, 95% CI = 0.90-11.40) were associated with chronic respiratory symptoms. Bacterial and fungal concentrations were significantly higher in the air of the vegetable market (276 colony-forming unit) than the air in the workplace of controls (7 colony-forming unit). Conclusion: The fruit and vegetable market workers (greengrocers) had a higher prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms relative to office workers. Respiratory protective devices should be given to deliver preventive measures.

• 성인간호학회지
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.244-252
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was aimed to examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular risk factors among workers at small-sized companies having fewer than 50employees in Korea. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a secondary data analysis on workers' health examination data. Data from 21,784 employed workers were analyzed, including 16,488 males (mean age 38.7years)and 5,296 females (mean age 40.5 years). Participants were newly enrolled in annual health check-ups at a professional health clinic from 2009 to 2011. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify age-adjusted gender specific predicting factors of MetS incidence. Results: The prevalence of MetS was 13.4% in male and 7.7% in female workers. Logistic regression analysis showed that, when age was adjusted for, family history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) was a predicting factor in both male and female workers. For male workers, heavy alcohol drinking and non-manual occupation (office workers/drivers) predicted MetS. Conclusion: Health care providers should screen for MetS periodically in small work places especially for those with a family history of CVD. Educational counseling needs to be given to male workers with sedentary occupations with an aim to reduce heavy drinking and encourage lifestyle modification.

• 한국산업보건학회지
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.276-283
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• 2012

Objectives: This study was conducted to survey the viewpoints on the material safety data sheets(MSDS) training for safety and health managers(SHMs) and workers. Subjects and Methods: A surveillance was made using a self-reported questionnaire for 78 SHMs and 122 workers to survey their viewpoints on the MSDS training. Survey results were analyzed using the SPSS program(Version 12.0 SPSS Inc., USA). Results: The result of the study shows that there are contrasts with the cognition of SHMs' and workers' on the education of MSDS and the program preference for education efficiency of MSDS. Workers were significantly more interested in the MSDS education than the SHMs did. Workers preferred the education program which is easily to be understood, to voluntarily participate on MSDS education, but SHMs did the quiz program. Also we found that the SHMs wanted to learn the education program via the expert(37.3%) rather than education resources(33.3%) which were served by government or relevant agency. In contrast, workers wanted the audio-visual education program, which is mainly consisted of accident cases (33.3%), rather than periodical education program(22.1%). Conclusions: This study showed that effectiveness of MSDS education was associated with the program served by company, and the education program for the voluntary participation of the workers should be made practical and attractive.

• 한국직업건강간호학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.97-104
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine factors that affect satisfaction of the hospital services among injured workers. Methods: The subjects of this study were 532 injured workers. The questionnaires were selected as literature suggested for explaining satisfaction of the hospital services, general characteristics of injured workers, characteristics of the hospital services. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, multiple regression analysis by SPSS 19.0. Results: There were significant differences in satisfaction scores, depending on the types of disease, health status and possibility to return to work among the injured workers. Also, there were significant differences in satisfaction scores, in terms of medical facilities, food service, specialization of doctors and nurses, cleanliness of hospital, convenience of hospital teaching and counselling of doctors and nurses, supporting workers' compensation process, counselling of workers' compensation and unfair treatment. In the results of the standard multiple regression analysis, food service, medical facilities, specialization of doctors and nurses, health status and hospital cleanliness were significant factors for satisfaction scores of the hospital services. Conclusion: It is necessary to promote food service, medical facilities, specialization of doctors and nurses, hospital cleanliness, health status of injured workers for developing hospital services.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.104-111
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• 2022

Background: The IMPPAC cohort (Implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychosocial aspects and work ability among Brazilian workers) seeks to understand the impact of the pandemic on Brazilian workers. This article describes the occupational profile, psychosocial aspects, and work ability determined during the baseline and follow-up measurements of the cohort. Methods: Workers were invited to participate through media advertisements, social networks, and emails. From June to September 2020, 1211 workers were included in the cohort. Follow-up measurements finished on October 2021 with 633 workers. Data were collected through standardized questionnaires using Google Forms. Psychosocial aspects were assessed using the COPSOQ II-Br. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (WAI). Results: At baseline and follow-up, high proportion of workers were in the risk zone with regard to work pace, emotional work demands, influence on work, work-family conflict, burnout, and stress. Approximately 75% of the workers reported good to excellent work ability at baseline and follow-up. Conclusion: The occupational profile, psychosocial aspects, and work ability of Brazilian workers from the IMPPAC cohort were described. Psychosocial aspects and WAI were similar at baseline and follow-up.

• 웰빙융합연구
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• 제7권3호
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• pp.25-30
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• 2024

Purpose: It is necessary to establish more systematic and efficient accident prevention measures in relation to the promotion of safety activities to prevent safety accidents of foreign workers at construction sites, especially as safety accidents of foreign workers continue to occur among industrial accidents occurring at domestic construction sites. In this study, I would like to suggest ways to respond to legal issues related to the recruitment of foreign workers and ways to promote safety management that can effectively reduce industrial accidents through various safety management measures. Research design, data and methodology: In order to establish systematic safety management measures for foreign workers, in-depth research was attempted by collecting and analyzing various data such as the current status of domestic industrial accidents, employment status of foreign workers, and disaster statistics. Results: In addition, I intend to establish and present a more systematic safety management plan by conducting various analysis and feasibility review such as risk assessment education in terms of accident prevention for foreign workers. Conclusions: By establishing and presenting more systematic management measures, such as foreign employment, employment by occupation, and on-site education, this safety management system can effectively prevent accidents for foreign workers and is expected to contribute to the prevention of accidents at domestic construction sites for both construction companies and construction officials.

• 한국직업건강간호학회지
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.47-56
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• 2013

Purpose: This study is to identify the factors that affect middle-aged workers' health promoting behaviors. Methods: 214 middle-aged workers participated in surveys, and the data were collected from August to September 2012 and analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis with PASW 18.0 program. Results: It was found that among the factors, the degree of job stress (t=7.69, p<.001) and depression (t=6.23, p<.001) were significantly high for type D individuals, while non type D showed meaningful degree of self-related health status (t=-3.66, p<.001) and health promoting behaviors (t=-4.71, p<.001). The notable variable that affected the health promoting behaviors of the middle-aged workers was depression for both type D (${\beta}$=-.357, p= .029) and non type D (${\beta}$=-.325, p<.001) individuals, and this variable accounted for 24.1% and 18.2% respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed that the middle-aged workers showed high degree of job stress and depression that influenced on their health promoting behaviors. Thus, they are recommended to receive health management programs that offer treatment through consulting considering their individual personalities.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.188-195
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• 2019

Background: Mine workers in South Africa face challenges relating to poor health and safety, including fatigue risks, and poor socioeconomic and living conditions. Fatigue results in impaired mental and physical performance. The aim of this study was to assess contributors to fatigue of mine workers in South Africa. Methods: Data collection took place at four gold mines and one platinum mine in South Africa. A total of 21 focus groups were held with individuals in management, union representatives, and mine workers, and 564 questionnaires were completed by mine workers to gather information about fatigue and potential contributors to fatigue at these mines. Results: Qualitatively (through focus groups), fatigue was attributed to extended working hours, harsh working conditions, high workloads, production pressure, and resource constraints, along with aspects relating to demographic and socioeconomic factors, living conditions, lifestyle, health, and wellness. Greater fatigue was significantly associated with younger age, indebtedness, a lack of exercise, poor nutrition, less sleep, increased alcohol use, poor self-reported health, more sick leave, higher stress, and lower job satisfaction. Conclusion: The aim of the study was achieved; numerous work-, sociodemographic-, lifestyle-, and wellness-related factors were linked to fatigue in the participating mine workers. Contributors to fatigue should be addressed to improve health, safety, and sustainability in the industry.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.34-43
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• 1977

This study attempts to examine the performances of Myun Health Workers-the frontline workers in the Korean rural health care delivery system. The time-activity approach was mainly utilized as a measuring tool. This study was undertaken in September 1976 with 35 Myun Health Workers at the Kang Wha County. The pretested time-activity approach sheets were filled out daily for one month by those Myun Health Workers themselves. Statistical means and variances of analysis were utilized for statistical method in comparing some activities and functions converged into time distribution Findings: 1. The workers's average working hours derived in this study is 8 hours and 48 minutes per day, which takes half an hour longer than normal schedule. 2. They spend 56% working hour for direct services, in other words, the main function, 22% for supportive function, and 22% for other activities, the unrelated health services. 3. Considering the total working hours of main function, out-center activity is far more than in-center services with the ratio of 70% to 30% respectively, which proves, therefore, that the main activity of the workers is home visiting. 4. It takes 20 minutes purely for home visiting and takes 14 minutes for transportation. 5. This research also indicates that such factors as characteristics of the health workers and myun influence in shaping the structures of the worker's function and activity: a. The workers whose working site is located in myun office spend 15% among total working hours in carring out official myun activities, which is incidentally unrelated to health services, while the health subcenter have no rooms for administrative jobs for myun office. b. The workers whose office is in health subcenter contribute much time in doing main function and those working in special project distribute more time in performing supportive function. c. The types of workers are another dominant factor to influence the components of worker's functions and activities. MCH workers and MPW I spend much time for manipulating main function. d. MPW II, whose function is reorganized by special project in 2 myuns shows different pattern of time distribution compared to the TB worker orFP worker in the ordinary area. MPW II distributes their time evenly in performing MCH program, T.B. Program, F.P. program and education activity, while the unipurpose workers engage in carring out only their dominant role. e. Another variables which involve the variation of the worker's activity can be illustrated with the variables like target population, size of myun and convenience for transportation, among which the latter two are remarkable factors in determining the time for out-center service.

• 한국치위생학회지
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• 제12권2호
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• pp.275-284
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• 2012

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the oral health behavior of shipbuilding company workers in some regions in a bid to provide information on the oral health plans for industrial fields. Methods : The subjects in this study were 310 workers in 10 shipbuilding companies and suppliers in Jeolla Namdo Province, on whom a self-administered survey was conducted. Results : 1. Concerning general information about the subjects who participated in the research, gender was possessed 94.8% by men and 5.2% by women. Age was the largest in 31~40 years old with 44.2%. Marital status was the largest in the married with 64.5%. It was the largest in under high school graduate with 71.9% for academic background, in 2,000,000 won~3,000,000 won with 49.0% for monthly family income, and in cooking with 33.9% for work field. 2. Research subjects' toothbrushing time was indicated to be the largest in after having breakfast. It was indicated to be twice a day with 41.3% for toothbrushing frequency. 90.3% of the respondents are not using auxiliary oral hygiene devices. 3. Recognition on periodontal health status was found larger in workers whose response was that their own periodontal health status is 'healthy' than workers who responded that their status is 'not healthy.' Workers, who don't have subjective symptom on periodontal status, were indicated to be larger. 4. Ratio of subjects with tooth scaling experience accounted for 59.7%. The ratio of tooth scaling experience was indicated to be different depending on academic background and monthly family income. Conclusions : Academic credential, monthly family income and the line of work were identified as the main factors to affect oral health care of the shipbuilding workers. Oral health education and dynamic implementation of corporate oral health promotion which are designed to meet the needs of workers are required.