International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health最新文献

Objective: Few studies have investigated the relationship between post-pandemic hybrid work-from-home (WFH), mental health, and work-life balance. We examined the association between hybrid WFH, mental distress, availability demands, work-life conflict, and life-work conflict.

Methods: Data from 24,763 office workers in the public sector in Norway were analyzed by linear and logistic regressions.

Results: Employees practicing flexible hybrid WFH (i.e., when needed/desired) were less likely to report mental distress (measured by the Hopkins Symptom-Checklist; HSCL-5) than those not practicing WFH. WFH being self-chosen was associated with less distress. Flexible WFH was also associated with availability demands, work-life conflict, and life-work conflict, which were, in turn, linked to distress. The risk of distress increased with the number of weekly days of flexible WFH. Workers with fixed agreements to regularly WFH did not report significantly less distress than those with no WFH. However, fixed WFH was associated with lower availability demands, not with work-life conflict, and was more often self-chosen than flexible WFH.

Conclusion: Flexible WFH may alleviate distress but may also indicate attempts to cope with taxing availability demands, and may even introduce stressors that could reverse beneficial effects. Our results should motivate nuanced, multifactorial assessments of WFH in organizational practice and research.

Purpose: Recent studies indicate a potential link between exposure to atmospheric particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and thyroid function, though epidemiological conclusions remain inconsistent. This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aims to clarify the connection between PM2.5 levels and the risks of thyroid function and thyroid cancer.

Methods: Using the medical subject headings "PM2.5" and "thyroid hormones" along with their associated free words, publications from the Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PubMed up to April 2024 were searched. The study protocol has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024554220).

Results: A total of 1322 articles were collected from databases, of which 27 studies were included in the analysis. The findings indicated that exposure to PM2.5 was a significant risk factor for hypothyroidism, increasing the incidence risk by 0.15 (95% CI 1.08, 1.23, P < 0.001). PM2.5 exposure levels were significantly higher in Asian populations than in European populations; each incremental increase in PM2.5 exposure resulted in a rise in TSH by 0.27 mIU/L (95% CI 0.07, 0.47, P = 0.008) and a decrease in FT4 by 0.21 pmol/L (95% CI - .35, - 0.07, P = 0.004). Additionally, in susceptible pregnant women, each incremental increase in PM2.5 exposure during pregnancy was associated with a rise in TSH levels by 0.08 mIU/L (95% CI - 0.02, 0.17, P < 0.001) and a decrease in FT4 levels by 0.09 pmol/L (95% CI - 0.23, 0.05, P = 0.210).

Conclusion: Our research establishes PM2.5 exposure as a risk factor for diminished thyroid function. In Asian populations, the average level of PM2.5 exposure is high, significantly affecting thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4). Particular attention to PM2.5 exposure levels during pregnancy is essential to reduce the risk of thyroid dysfunction.

Objectives: Compare home health care (HHC) with self-governing and conventional team structure regarding self-reported low back pain (LBP) and work-related factors.

Methods: A natural experiment was assessed using a cross-sectional design. Primary outcome was LBP intensity; secondary outcomes included LBP duration and work limitations as well as intensity, duration and work limitations of neck/shoulder pain, stress, productivity, influence at work, meaning at work, sickness absence, interpersonal collaboration, and variation in physical behaviour. Home health care (HHC) workers in the self-governing teams were surveyed about their appraisal of the self-governing structure. Data were collected through a questionnaire, except for physical behaviour, which was obtained via accelerometry. Differences between groups were analyzed using t-tests.

Results: From 10 HHC-teams across four municipalities, 125 HHC-workers completed the questionnaire (self-governing n = 60; conventional n = 65). LBP intensity was similar among HHC-workers in the two team structures (self-governing = 4.1; conventional = 4.0, 0-10 scale). Self-governing teams experienced significantly higher levels of (i) meaning at work (5.8 points, 0-100 scale), (ii) improved collaboration with manager (7.5 points, 0-100 scale) and (iii) improved collaboration with needs assessors (11.9 points, 0-100 scale) compared to conventional teams. No significant differences were found in the other outcomes.

Conclusions: The higher scores for self-governing teams in meaning at work, collaboration with manager and collaboration with needs assessors are positive. The lack of a lower report in LBP and neck/shoulder pain calls for more focused efforts to enhance HHC-workers' health in addition to the reorganization into the self-governing structure.

Purpose: Air pollution has been an important risk factor for human health. However, little is known about the impacts of air pollutants on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. We aimed to explore the association of long-term exposure to air pollutants with BPH among men.

Methods: We leveraged the nationally representative data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, a total of 8,826 participants aged 45 years and above from 125 Chinese cities were enrolled in 2015. Annual fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), coarse particles (PM_2.5-10), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone were estimated using satellite-based models. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of BPH associated with air pollutants. The restricted cubic spline model was performed to explore the exposure-response relationships with BPH.

Results: Of the 8,826 participants (mean age: 60.3 years), the prevalence of BPH was 14.5%. Each 10 µg/m³ rise in PM_2.5 (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence intervals: 1.01-1.07) and PM_2.5-10 (1.06, 1.02-1.10) were associated with prevalent BPH. Compared with the lowest quartile levels, higher PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10 exposure were related to an increased risk of BPH. There were non-linear relationship between PM_2.5-10 and NO₂ exposure with prevalent BPH. The association with BPH was more pronounced in participants who were overweight/obesity.

Conclusion: This study suggests that long-term air pollutants exposure, especially for PM_2.5 and PM_2.5-10, is associated with BPH among middle-aged and older men. Our findings provide epidemiological evidence for policymakers and researchers to improve prostate health by reducing air pollution.

Objective: The potential contribution of psychosocial work exposures to skin problems is largely overlooked in the occupational health literature. To address this knowledge gap, we examined cross-sectional and prospective associations between six psychosocial work exposures (i.e., quantitative demands, job control, social support, emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict) and self-reported skin problems.

Methods: Data came from a probability sample of the general working population in Norway surveyed in 2016 (N = 7833) and 2019 (N = 8038). The prospective sample comprised 3430 participants. Data were analysed with ordered logistic regression, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, and exposure to cleaning products, water, and dry indoor air.

Results: Cross-sectional analyses indicated statistically significant associations with skin problems for emotional demands, role conflict, and interpersonal conflict in 2016 and 2019, and for social support in 2019. In prospective analyses, emotional demands (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.01-1.23), role conflict (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.00-1.29), and interpersonal conflict (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01-1.52) significantly predicted subsequent skin problems. Interpersonal conflict (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.57) was a significant predictor above and beyond baseline levels of skin problems. Quantitative demands and job control was generally non-significant, except for a significant interaction in the 2019 sample.

Conclusion: Exposure to certain psychosocial work stressors may be a risk factor for experiencing skin problems, particularly if you are exposed to interpersonal conflict. Preventive efforts to reduce the occurrence of skin problems in work settings should also target psychosocial stressors.

Objective: Bone tissue is the chief target for lead (Pb) in chronic exposure. This study aimed to demonstrate the relation between the blood lead levels (BLL) and serum levels of 1,25 dihydroxy cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and type I collagen cross-linked C-telopeptide (CTX-1) as a biomarker of bone turnover among some Egyptian workers occupationally exposed to Pb in the smelting process. The study also targeted to identify any clinical manifestations indicative of skeletal system affection and their association with the performed investigations.

Methods: A total of 48 smelter workers and 48 administrative controls participated in the study. All subjects underwent comprehensive medical and occupational history taking and detailed clinical examinations, with a particular focus on symptoms indicative of skeletal system involvement. These symptoms included generalized bony aches, low back pain, joint pain, restricted joint movement, a history of fractures from minor trauma, and delayed fracture healing. BLL, as well as serum levels of vitamin D3 and CTX-1, were measured in all participants.

Results: Smelter workers exhibited significantly higher prevalence of bony aches, low back pain, joint pain, and past fractures from minor trauma compared to controls. The BLL and serum CTX-1 levels were significantly elevated in the exposed group, while serum vitamin D3 levels were notably lower. Logistic regression analysis revealed that BLL significantly predicted bony aches and low back pain. Additionally, serum vitamin D3 and CTX-1 levels were significant predictors of low back pain and joint pain, respectively, among exposed workers. The measured parameters were significantly correlated with one another and with the duration of employment in the exposed group.

Conclusion: Significant associations between manifestations of skeletal system affection, BLL, and serum levels of vitamin D3 and CTX-1 were detected among smelter workers with chronic occupational exposure to Pb.

Purpose: The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, a branch of the Dutch Military, is characterised by a diverse range of mentally and physically demanding occupational tasks. The employability of the personnel depends on the balance between occupational demands and personal resources, which can be measured through the work ability score. Therefore, this study investigates personal and work-related determinants of work ability in a branch of the Dutch Military.

Methods: We gathered cross-sectional data through a survey distributed among all operational Royal Netherlands Marechaussee personnel (n: 7,658). We used binomial logistic regression analysis to estimate the relationship between determinants in four domains (i.e., personal, workload, work characteristics, and work experience) and the dichotomised work ability scores (poor to moderate vs. good to excellent).

Results: The survey had a 20% response rate with 1538 respondents. Our study included a slightly higher percentage of reservists and civilians than the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee's workforce. Forty per cent of participants rated their work ability as poor or moderate. Good or excellent work ability was related to older age (> 50 years compared to < 29 years), lower physical workload, no shift work, less fatigue, more autonomy, task clarity, and social support.

Conclusions: We found that 40% of survey respondents rated their work ability as low or moderate. In the future, factors like shift work, autonomy, task clarity, and social support may be used to improve work ability in this population.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of a 12-week ergonomic training and exercise program on musculoskeletal pain and ergonomic risks among supermarket cashiers.

Methods: This study cohort comprised 77 cashiers, aged between 18 and 45, who were experiencing musculoskeletal pain. Of these, 60 participants completed the study after random assignment to either the intervention group, which received ergonomic training and exercise, or the control group, which received only ergonomic training. The study lasted 12 weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline (week 0) and 12 weeks post-intervention. The outcomes included the Visual Analogue Scale, the Extended Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E), and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment. The clinical trial registration number is NCT06407440.

Results: Musculoskeletal pain in the upper back, lower back, and hips/thighs decreased significantly after the intervention, while there were no significant changes in the control group, except for a reduction in upper back pain. A significant improvement in activity limitations was observed in the intervention group, particularly in the upper back and lower back. Consultations with health professionals for upper and lower back pain (NMQ-E) decreased significantly in the intervention group. Symptoms in the past 7 days showed a significant decrease in the intervention group, especially for the upper back, lower back, and hips/thighs, with no significant change in the control group.

Conclusion: The integrated approach of ergonomic training and exercise programs has the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal discomfort among supermarket cashiers. These interventions may prove an effective strategy for enhancing the well-being of workers in physically demanding retail environments.

Purpose: World Trade Center (WTC) rescue/recovery workers were exposed to materials hazardous to health. Previous studies found lower than expected mortality among WTC rescue/recovery workers when compared to general populations, possibly due to healthy worker effects, better healthcare access and/or incomparability of the groups. We compared mortality rates in WTC-exposed law enforcement officers (LEOs) with rates in LEOs employed by the Buffalo, NY, Police Department. We also compared both cohorts to the general population.

Methods: Follow-up began at the later of one year after enrollment date or 1/1/2005 and ended at the earlier of death date or 12/31/2018. Analyses were restricted to ages 40-79 years (N = 11,476 WTC LEOs, N = 1668 non-WTC LEOs). We estimated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) in each cohort using stratum-specific US mortality rates. Relative rates (RRs) and 95% CIs were estimated for the WTC vs. the Buffalo cohort using Poisson regression models adjusted for sex, race, age-group, and calendar-period.

Results: 185 deaths were observed in the WTC cohort and 186 in the Buffalo cohort. All-cause and cause-specific SMRs were significantly lower in the WTC cohort. Similarly, the adjusted all-cause mortality RR for the WTC vs. Buffalo cohorts was 0.30 (95% CI = 0.23-0.40). The cause-specific mortality RRs were all significantly < 1.

Conclusion: We found lower overall and cause-specific mortality rates in WTC LEOs compared with both the general population and Buffalo LEOs. These results suggest that factors other than healthy worker effects, such as access to healthcare via the WTC Health Program, contribute to lower mortality rates in WTC rescue/recovery workers.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify distinct patterns of pesticide poisoning in Brazil through the cluster analysis of epidemiological data from 2011 to 2019.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of 49,233 confirmed pesticide poisoning cases was conducted using multiple correspondence analysis and hierarchical clustering. Data from the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System were analyzed by region, demographics, and exposure types.

Results: Three distinct clusters were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by severe cases, predominantly involving suicide attempts (~90%), required treatment (99.1%) and fatality rates (93.2% of all cases). Exposures were mostly domestic and occurred via ingestion, with a strong prevalence in the Northeast. Cluster 2 consisted mainly of pediatric cases, marked by accidental and acute domestic exposures, and showed minimal representation in the Southeast and South regions. Cluster 3 had a male predominance (80.1%) and was strongly associated with occupational and chronic exposures, involving cutaneous and respiratory routes, and was most prevalent in the Central-West.

Conclusion: The study reveals significant regional and demographic disparities in pesticide poisoning across Brazil. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and stricter pesticide regulations to address regional vulnerabilities and mitigate pesticide-related harm.