International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health最新文献

Purpose: Little is known about the relationship between conflict at work and incident chronic low back pain (CLBP). Thus, this retrospective cohort study analyzed the association between conflict at work and the five-year incidence of CLBP in adults living in Germany.

Methods: This study included individuals aged 18-65 years reporting conflict at work for the first time in one of 1,293 general practices in Germany between 2005 and 2022 (index date). Patients not reporting conflict at work were matched (5:1) to those reporting conflict at work using a propensity score based on multiple demographic and clinical variables. In people not reporting conflict at work, the index date was a randomly selected consultation in 2005-2022. CLBP corresponded to two diagnoses of LBP at least three months apart. The relationship between conflict at work and incident CLBP was studied using Cox regression models.

Results: There were 16,925 patients reporting (mean [SD] age 39.5 [13.0] years; 63% women) and 84,625 patients not reporting conflict at work (mean [SD] age 39.6 [12.9] years; 64% women). Conflict at work was not associated with incident CLBP in the overall population (HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 0.99-1.14). However, there was a positive and significant association for CLBP without sciatica, individuals aged 18-30 years, and those with no history of low back pain before the index date.

Conclusion: Conflict at work may be a predisposing factor for CLBP without sciatica, highlighting the need to prevent conflict in the workplace. Further research is warranted to corroborate these results in other countries.

Background: Mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is an effective biomarker to evaluate the effects of cationic metals on mtDNA integrity and function. In this study, we explored the relationships between individual and combined urinary metal concentrations and mtDNAcn among workers.

Methods: Blood mtDNAcn and urinary metal concentrations were quantified in a cohort of 328 participants. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were applied to explore potential non-linear association, while generalized linear models (GLMs) were utilized to assess the associations between urinary metal levels and blood mtDNAcn. We further explored the combined effects of multiple metals on mtDNAcn through quantile g-computation (GQC) and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR).

Results: The dose-response relationship between nickel (Ni) and mtDNAcn exhibited an inverted U-shaped pattern. Notably, GLMs revealed significant reductions in mtDNAcn associated with Ni and silver (Ag) in the second quartile. An overall inverse association between urinary metal mixture and mtDNAcn was observed in the BKMR model when urine dilutions were SG-adjusted. Cre-adjusted lead (Pb) was identified as the primary contributor to decreased mtDNAcn, while SG-adjusted lithium (Li) was indicated as the most substantial contribution to mtDNAcn.

Conclusions: Urinary metal concentrations were associated with decreased mtDNAcn following SG adjustment. Future research should investigate these associations in a larger population with improved calibration techniques.

Objective: The association between high-dose ionizing radiation and the incidence of hypertension is well-established, whereas the impact of low-dose ionizing radiation (<20 mSv) on hypertension remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to assess the risk of hypertension among petroleum workers workers following long-term exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation (<20 mSv).

Methods: The study began in July 2013 and was followed up to December 2019. The subjects were petroleum and petrochemical workers in Karamay, Xinjiang (n = 2658). The radiation type is ionizing radiation (X-rays, γ-rays), with a dose range of 0-110.84 mSv. This study identifies hypertension cases based on the "Chinese Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension". logistic regression is the primary statistical methods employed in this study.

Results: Compared with the unexposed group, long-term low-dose ionizing radiation exposure is a risk factor for the incidence of hypertension (RR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.40-3.06). middle (5.17-20.00 mSv) (RR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.39-4.99), cutoff (20.00-48.33 mSv) (RR = 3.02, 95% CI = 1.38-6.13) and high cumulative exposure dose (48.33-110.84 mSv) (RR = 3.05, 95% CI = 1.46-5.96) are all associated with the incidence of hypertension, and the risk of hypertension increases with the increase of exposure dose. Low (>0-5.17 mSv), middle (5.17-20.00 mSv), cutoff (20.00-48.33 mSv)and high cumulative exposure dose (48.33-110.84 mSv) systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase with the increase of cumulative exposure dose (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: This study found that low-dose ionizing radiation (<20 mSv) is associated with the incidence of hypertension among petroleum workers. The cumulative exposure dose is related to the risk of hypertension in petroleum workers, as well as to their systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Purpose: The rising prevalence of ASD has prompted extensive research into potential environmental risk factors, with air pollution particularly emerging as a major concern. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of air pollutants and time of exposure (particularly, PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃) and the risk of ASD was therefore performed.

Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines and PROSPERO registration (Ref: CRD42023464592), a thorough literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The analysis included 27 studies encompassing 369,460 participants, 47,973 of whom were diagnosed with ASD.

Results: Preconception exposure to air pollutants showed a protective trend for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, and O₃ with a 10%, 5%, and 19% reduced risk of ASD, whereas NO₂ had a 28% higher likelihood of ASD. During gestation, PM_2.5 exposure increased ASD risk by 15%, with 13% and 9%, 25% and 7%, and 25% and 10% increases in ASD risk with PM_2.5 and NO₂ for the first, second, and third trimesters, respectively. In the first year of life, 20%, 8%, 33%, and 14% increases in risk were found for PM_2.5, PM₁₀, NO₂, and O₃, respectively, while such risk estimates increased to 179%, 60%, 12%, and 179% for the second year of life.

Conclusions: In this meta-analysis, the relationships between air pollutants and ASD risk revealed significant associations, particularly for PM_2.5 and NO₂. Exposure during preconception exhibited a protective trend, while postnatal exposure, particularly during the second year of life uncovered substantially higher ASD risk.

Background: In an effort to combat burnout, a study investigates Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training for nurses. The goal is to reduce stress and improve job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing patient care. These findings may inspire the development of mindfulness-based support systems for healthcare professionals to promote overall well-being in the workplace.

Materials and methods: A single-blinded, randomized controlled trial with 60 emergency medical center nurses was conducted to assess the effectiveness of an eight-session MBSR program in reducing stress and burnout. The randomization process, utilizing sealed envelopes, ensured unbiased allocation to intervention or control groups. The training program included group sessions focused on meditation, yoga, and discussions, with participants receiving educational materials and CDs for home practice. Collected data included demographics, Maslach Burnout Inventory, and Occupational Stress Questionnaire results. Statistical analysis, utilizing SPSS version 21, featured Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests to evaluate outcomes.

Results: Following MBSR Training, the intervention group displayed statistically significant differences in all occupational stress subscales compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Post-intervention, the intervention group also exhibited significant differences in burnout subscale scores (P < 0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion: MBSR can boost resilience and job satisfaction, enhancing patient care. Healthcare organizations should integrate MBSR programs for nursing staff well-being and combat stress and burnout. Research should probe long-term impacts and effective delivery methods for sustained stress relief in nursing.

Trial registration: This study has registered in Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials by the number of IRCT20131112015390N5 on Jun 2022.

Purpose: We estimated the static and dynamic effects of promotion to managerial positions on mental health and satisfaction using the recent estimation method; we addressed the gap in extant research by considering the heterogeneity in treatment timing to reconfirm evidence regarding the causal effects of promotion.

Methods: We used a modified estimation method of two-way fixed effects recommended by (Callaway and Sant'Anna, J Econom 225:200-230, 2021). To check for robustness, we compared the analyses using propensity sample matching, an alternative treatment timing heterogeneity-robust analysis, and a normal two-way fixed effects event study. We used four years of complete panel data on a sample of 1454 Japanese males (5816 overall).

Results: The results indicated that becoming a manager worsened mental health with a two-year lag. We tested the effects of promotion to managerial positions on variables shown in previous studies to have negative effects on mental health (e.g., increased working hours) and positive effects (e.g., increased job role clarity) as outcomes to explore the mechanisms. Some of both variables indicate statistical significance. These results were robust.

Conclusion: The promotion to managerial positions deteriorated mental health with a two-year lag. Promotion to managerial positions exhibited both positive and negative effects. The findings have potential implications for firms' human resources allocation.

Objectives: Previous studies have indicated that maternal occupational psychosocial stressors may affect the risk of asthma in the offspring, but their results are inconsistent. Maternal occupational ergonomic strain is associated with predictors of fetal lung development, including preterm birth and low birthweight; however, it is not known, whether ergonomic strain during pregnancy is a risk factor for asthma in offspring. The aim was to investigate maternal psychosocial stressors and ergonomic strain during pregnancy relative to the risk of offspring asthma.

Methods: Live- and firstborn singletons (1996-2018) and their mothers were identified from Danish nationwide registers. Job code at time of conception was assigned to each mother and linked with exposure estimates from job exposure matrices (JEMs) of psychosocial stressors and ergonomic strain. Diagnoses of childhood asthma were retrieved from the Danish National Patient Register. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) of asthma were estimated using Poisson regression; adjusted for maternal asthma, age at conception, socioeconomic position, and body mass index, and calendar year.

Results: Maternal employment in occupations with low decision authority (IRR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.00-1.16) and high ergonomic strain (IRR: 1.09, 95% CI 1.02-1.16) was associated with increased risk of asthma among male offspring. Largely similar, but less consistent, associations were observed among female offspring due to low decision authority.

Conclusion: We found a minor increased risk of asthma among offspring whose mothers worked in an occupation with low decision authority or high ergonomic strain, most pronounced among male offspring.

Purpose: Prolonged sitting time (ST) has been suggested as a risk factor for CVD. Particularly, occupational ST (OST) is determined by occupation-specific activities and can impact the health status of workers. However, there is limited information on the impact of OST across different occupations among Japanese workers. This study aimed to examine how OST and occupation associate to CVD risks.

Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, a total of 1874 workers were included in this study. ST was assessed using the Worker's Living Activity-time Questionnaire during working and non-working days. CVD risks were evaluated using a combination of questionnaires and medical checkup records. We conducted multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses to assess the associations between occupations (clerical support, professionals, service, and sales) and OST (categorized as long, middle, or short) with CVD risks. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, smoking status, alcohol consumption, exercise habits, and either OST or occupation, depending on the primary exposure.

Results: The results indicated that workers in services and sales had significantly lower odds ratios (ORs) for hypertension (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.69) and CVD risk (OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.47-0.78) compared to clerical support, while professionals showed higher ORs for dyslipidemia (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.16-1.91). When analyzed by OST categories, the short OST group showed reduced risks for obesity (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.59-1.00) compared to the long OST group.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need to consider both occupation and OST when assessing health risks, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions for specific occupational groups.

Purpose: This study analyzed longitudinal data to examine whether occupational sitting time is associated with increases in body mass index (BMI) and five-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.

Methods: We included 2,000 employed men and women (aged 31-60) from the German Study on Mental Health at Work (S-MGA) for a BMI analysis and 1,635 participants free of CVD at baseline (2011/2012) for a CVD analysis. Occupational sitting time was categorized into five groups (< 5, 5 to < 15, 15 to < 25, 25 to < 35, and ≥ 35 h per week). BMI change was measured from baseline (2011/2012) to follow-up (2017). Incident CVD included hypertension, heart disease, myocardial infarction, and stroke (all self-reported). Multiple linear regression examined the association between sitting time and BMI change, while modified Poisson regression analyzed CVD incidence, adjusting for age, sex, occupation, shift work, leisure activity, and smoking by sex. Covariates were self-reported.

Results: Over five years, the average BMI change was 0.49 (SD 1.9). We found no association between baseline occupational sitting time and BMI changes, with consistent results in sensitivity analyses. During this period, 245 participants developed cardiovascular disease. There was no increased risk of CVD among those with more sitting time compared to less. No differences in risk were found between women and men.

Conclusion: There was no association between occupational sitting time and five-year changes in BMI or incident CVD.

Purpose: Mental health is a global public health challenge, with mental disorders being a major cause of morbidity. Particularly, taxi drivers face unique challenges related to long working hours, economic instability, and hazardous working conditions. To summarise the existing scientific literature on mental disorders in taxi drivers and identify associated variables.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were examined from inception to April 2024 following the PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently selected original studies. We included observational studies published in English or Spanish or Portuguese, which assessed the mental health of taxi drivers. The Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHBLI) was used to assess the quality of the articles.

Results: From an initial pool of 618 studies, eleven met the inclusion criteria and were included in the present systematic review. The findings indicate a considerable prevalence of mental health issues among taxi drivers in comparison to the general population. The prevalence of depression ranged from 14.3 to 60.5% and were driven by a number of factors, including perceived mental strain, lack of respect from operators, a stressful personal life, insufficient sleep, poor working conditions, work-family conflict and low work engagement. Anxiety was reported by 24.1-47% of drivers, with a lack of sufficient sleep being identified as a primary contributing factor. The prevalence of stress ranged from 19 to 55%, with key contributing factors including discrimination, smoking, limited language proficiency, sleep disorders and younger age. Furthermore, 33% of drivers displayed elevated levels of psychological distress, frequently linked to traumatic experiences and occupational hazards.

Conclusions: Rates of depression, anxiety, stress and psychological distress are higher in taxi drivers than in general population, therefore prevention strategies should target this group.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration no. CRD42023360073.