International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health最新文献

Purpose: To evaluate the body of evidence of the effects of work-directed interventions on return-to-work for people on sick leave due to common mental disorders (i.e., mild to moderate depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and reactions to severe stress).

Methods: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with an a priori developed and registered protocol (Prospero CRD42021235586). The certainty of evidence was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations.

Results: We reviewed 14,794 records published between 2015 and 2021. Of these, eight RCTs published in eleven articles were included in the analysis.

Population: Working age adults (18 to 64 years), on sick leave due to mild to moderate depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders or reactions to severe stress.

Intervention: Work-directed interventions.

Comparator: No comparator, Standard care, or other measures.

Outcome: return to work, number of days on sick leave, income. Overall, the effects of work-focused CBT and work-focused team-based support on RTW resulted in increased or faster return-to-work compared with standard care or no intervention (low certainty of evidence). The effects of Individual Placement and Support showed no difference in RTW compared with standard care (very low certainty of evidence).

Conclusion: Interventions involving the workplace could increase the probability of RTW. Areas in need of improvement in the included studies, for example methodological issues, are discussed. Further, suggestions are made for improving methodological rigor when conducting large scale trials.

Background: Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a widely observed metabolic disorder that is increasingly prevalent worldwide, leading to substantial societal consequences. Previous studies have conducted two separate meta-analyses to investigate the relationship between MetS and air pollutants. However, these studies yielded conflicting results, necessitating a thorough systematic review and meta-analysis to reassess the link between different air pollutants and the risk of developing MetS.

Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search of relevant literature in databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science up to October 9, 2023. The search was specifically restricted to publications in the English language. Following the screening of studies investigating the correlation between air pollution and MetS, we utilized random-effects models to calculate pooled effect sizes along with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We would like to highlight that this study has been registered with PROSPERO, and it can be identified by the registration number CRD42023484421.

Results: The study included twenty-four eligible studies. The results revealed that an increase of 10 μg/m³ in annual concentrations of PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃ was associated with a 29% increase in metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk for PM1 (OR = 1.29 [CI 1.07-1.54]), an 8% increase for PM2.5 (OR = 1.08 [CI 1.06-1.10]), a 17% increase for PM₁₀ (OR = 1.17 [CI 1.08-1.27]), a 24% increase for NO₂ (OR = 1.24 [CI 1.01-1.51]), a 19% increase for SO₂ (OR = 1.19 [CI 1.04-1.36]), and a 10% increase for O₃ (OR = 1.10 [CI 1.07-1.13]).

Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate a significant association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₁, PM_2.5, PM₁₀), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), and the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Moreover, the results suggest that air pollution exposure could potentially contribute to the development of MetS in humans.

Background: Respiratory diseases have been associated with the exposure of populations to some environmental pollutants such as pesticides. To assess effects of pesticides on farmers' respiratory health, this study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary function of cotton farmers exposed to synthetic and natural pesticides in the Central-West region of Burkina Faso.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2022 among 281 conventional and 189 organic cotton farmers. After collecting information on pesticide use conditions, pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were performed on each farmer according to the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society guidelines, in order to assess chronic respiratory effects among cotton producers. Binary logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with the occurrence of ventilatory changes.

Results: Both conventional and organic cotton farmers reported similar chronic respiratory symptoms in different proportions. The main reported were rhinitis (54.45% conventional vs. 34.92% organic), chest pains (41.28% conventional vs. 23.81% organic), cough (33.45% conventional, 24.34% organic), breathlessness (31.67% conventional, 4.23% organic) (p<0.05). 16.18% and 27.50% of conventional male and female cotton farmers, respectively, had a restrictive defect. Among organic cotton farmers, 15.85% and 18.69%, respectively, of males and females had a restrictive defect. Furthermore, a significant increase in the predicted average percentage of FEV1/FVC ratio was observed among organic cotton farmers after salbutamol's use (p = 0.039). The type of cultivated cotton was not associated with ventilatory changes neither in the univariate analysis, nor in the multivariate analysis. Other factors such as farmers' age, BMI and insecticides use frequency per year were also important. Farmers who used insecticides more than 6 times per season had an increased risk of developing an obstructive defect (OR = 1.603; 95%CI: 0.484-5.309) compared to those who used them 6 times or less.

Conclusion: Chronic respiratory signs and ventilatory impairments were found among conventional and, to our knowledge, for the first time among organic cotton producers. However, these health effects were more prevalent among conventional cotton farmers than organic ones.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between childhood polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) exposure and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence.

Methods: Participants included 998 school-age children aged 7-12 years (514 girls and 484 boys). Metabolite concentrations of four PAHs (1-hydroxypyrene [1-OHPyr], 2-hydroxynaphthalene [2-OHNap], 2-hydroxyfluorine [2-OHFlu], and 9-hydroxyphenanthrene [9-OHPhe]) were measured in urine samples at baseline (Dec 2014-Dec 2015). During adolescence, we measured emotional and behavioral problems in study participants. We used logistic regression models to assess the effects of different levels of PAH metabolite concentrations on emotional and behavioral problems for boys and girls, separately.

Results: Boys exposed to 1-OHPyr and 2-OHFlu had a significantly higher risk of externalizing problems (OR: 2.62, 95% CI: 1.09 ~ 6.29; OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.15 ~ 7.42). 2-OHNap exposure faced a higher risk of internalizing problems (OR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.28 ~ 11.58; OR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.13 ~ 11.63) and externalizing problems (OR: 4.27, 95% CI: 1.44 ~ 12.70; OR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.49 ~ 14.73). Moreover, boys exposed to 9-OHPhe exhibited a significant risk of anxiety (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01 ~ 7.97; OR: 3.00, 95% CI: 1.04 ~ 8.68). Similarly, girls exposed to 9-OHPhe had a significant risk of anxiety (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.25 ~ 4.64).

Conclusion: Childhood PAH exposures are associated with emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence, and boys seem more susceptible than girls.

Objective: This study investigates anxiety risk and work-related factors among platform workers. The recent growth in the platform industry is a worldwide trend, with delivery workers in Korea representing typical platform workers.

Methods: This cross-sectional study used the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey to assess anxiety risk among 532 delivery workers compared to general employees. It identified associations between work-related factors and anxiety, including job demands and autonomy, legal protection, and emotional labor.

Results: Delivery workers exhibited significantly higher anxiety (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23-2.28) and work-related anxiety (OR = 2.17 95% CI = 1.48-3.18) risk than the general workforce, and a significantly higher risk of having unfavorable work environment factors. Their anxiety risk was significantly associated with work-related factors, such as long shifts, quick return, time pressure, job stress, absence of union, work-family conflict, and emotional labor.

Conclusions: This study identified high levels of anxiety among Korean delivery workers and associated occupational factors. It highlights the importance for industry and government interventions to enhance mental health support, mitigate poor employment conditions, and ensure legal safeguards.

Purpose: The impact of air pollution on semen quality has been confirmed, yet the joint effect remains unclear. We evaluate the individual and joint associations of particulate (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) and gaseous pollutants (NO₂, SO₂, O₃ and CO) with semen quality.

Methods: We included 5,114 men in this study from 2014 to 2022. The individual and joint associations were measured by multiple linear regression models.

Results: Sperm motility and semen volume were inversely associated with pollutant concentrations during every stage of sperm development, especially at lag days 0-9 and 10-14 (all P < 0.05). Stratified analyses showed that the study pollutants (except CO) had a positive effect on semen concentration during the stage of sperm development, especially in spring and autumn, while a decreased total sperm number was associated with CO (all P < 0.05). However, joint associations of particulate and gaseous pollutants with semen quality parameters were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05).

Conclusions: During all stages of sperm development, particulate and gaseous pollutants had individual negative impacts on sperm motility and semen volume, and these impacts were less pronounced in spring and autumn. Our findings highlight the importance and necessity of reducing the exposure to pollutants especially in the critical stage of sperm development to improve semen quality.

Background: Previous studies have primarily focused on the links between fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and bone health among the general population instead of PM_2.5 components and the specific population. We aimed to investigate the associations between PM_2.5 components and bone health among middle-aged and elderly women.

Methods: A total of 748 middle-aged and elderly women were randomly sampled from 32 streets/villages in Hubei Province. The concentrations of ambient PM_2.5 and its components were extracted across various residential areas from the Tracking Air Pollution in China (TAP) dataset. Bone mineral density measurements were obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans of study participants. Multivariable logistic and linear models were employed to assess the relationship between PM_2.5 and its components and bone loss.

Results: Per interquartile range (IQR) increase in nitrate (NO₃^-) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentrations were associated with 1.65 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.13, 2.30] and 1.77 (95% CI: 1.26, 2.49) times higher odds of osteoporosis, respectively. Long-term exposure to sulfate (SO₄^2-), NO₃^-, and NH₄⁺ was negatively associated with T-scores and bone mineral density in L1-L4 lumbar vertebrae. In addition, the elderly, women who have experienced menarche after the age of 14, and postmenopausal women were more susceptible to the water-soluble inorganic salts of PM_2.5.

Conclusion: The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive policies addressing air quality, with a specific focus on vulnerable populations such as middle-aged and elderly women. Public health interventions aimed at reducing ambient PM_2.5 concentrations and minimizing exposure to its harmful components are crucial in mitigating the adverse impact on skeletal health and improving the overall well-being of communities.

Background: Household air pollution arising from combustion of unclean fuels during cooking activities causes serious respiratory health effects. This study investigated patterns of household cooking fuel use and its effect on respiratory health status of women and children.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in rural households of Ballabgarh, Haryana during December 2019 to January 2020 among 18-45 years old women and their children having age between 6 and 59 months. A total of 450 households were selected using simple random sampling. Cooking fuel use was categorised as unclean (Wood, dung cakes, crop residues) and clean (LPG and electricity). The classification of mixed fuel use (predominantly unclean or clean) was based upon duration of unclean fuel use ≥ 2.5 h per day. The clinical history and physical examination was done using a semi-structured questionnaire. Assessment of respiratory health status of women participants was done using peak expiratory flow meter and presence of pneumonia in children was evaluated as per Integrated Management of Neonatal and Childhood Illnesses (IMNCI) guidelines.

Results: Overall use of unclean cooking fuels was predominant in 59.6% of households and 71.8% of households had mixed fuel use. Only clean fuel use was in 11.3% of households. Nasal stuffiness, breathing difficulty and cough were observed among 13.1%, 10.5% and 8.5% among women while the common respiratory symptoms in children were cough (27.8%) and runny nose (22.9%). As compared to clean fuels, women using unclean fuels were more likely to have any respiratory symptom (aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.5-6.0) and impaired pulmonary functions (adjusted OR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-2.9). Cooking fuel use was not associated with respiratory symptoms and presence of pneumonia in children living in the households.

Conclusion: Cooking with unclean fuel continues to be prevalent in the households of rural Ballabgarh and adversely affects the respiratory health of women indicating strengthening of initiatives promoting clean fuel use.

Purpose: In the contemporary workplace, enduring fatigue has become a standard for employees. This investigation assesses whether such working conditions exacerbate the depletion of employees' personal resources. The need for recovery serves as an indicator of the necessity to mitigate post-work fatigue. A high need for recovery signifies that employees must commence a new workday while already fatigued.

Methods: This research recruited two cohorts of nurses, categorized by a high need for recovery and a low need for recovery, to examine the correlation between work effort and hair cortisol concentrations in each group.

Results: Hair cortisol concentrations serve as a biological marker of cumulative cortisol secretion over a specific time frame, reflecting overall personal resource expenditure during this interval. Findings revealed a notable positive correlation between intrinsic work effort (over-commitment) and hair cortisol levels exclusively among nurses with a high need for recovery.

Conclusion: These outcomes imply that active effort amidst fatigue may lead to excessive strain. This insight enriches the classic 'effort-recovery' model by illustrating how an employee' s personal volition can influence the accumulation of fatigue.

Background: Most individuals spend a significant amount of their time at work, and the dynamics at work can potentially influence their overall life, especially health and mental health. The present study tried to understand the association of the nature of work categorized as physically demanding, psychologically demanding, and environmentally hazardous on life satisfaction, cognitive functioning, and depressive symptoms among working middle-aged and older adults in India.

Method: We used data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), Wave 1, collected between 2017 and 2018. The study sample consists of 28,653 working adults aged between 45 and 70. The study measures were assessed using standard tools. Linear regression analysis was employed.

Results: The results indicate that individuals working in less physically demanding (β = 0.06, 99% CI = 0.02-0.09) and not hazardous environments (β = 0.15, 99% CI = 0.09-0.20) had better life satisfaction. Also, not being involved in hazardous work environments increased the likelihood of good cognitive functioning and reduced depressive symptoms (β= -0.17, 99% CI= -0.20- -0.15). However, samples involved in works requiring less psychological demand had an increased likelihood of reduced life satisfaction and increased depressive symptoms.

Conclusion: This study's results highlight the importance of creating a conducive working environment for the ageing adults.