International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health最新文献

Objectives: Burnout is a work-related syndrome with growing relevance in occupational health. This study explored the association between job stress factors and burnout in Korean workers at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Material and methods: A total of 1024 employees from SMEs (50-299 workers) receiving outsourced occupational health services completed a cross-sectional survey. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale short form (KOSS), and burnout was assessed with the Korean version Burnout Syndrome Scale (KBOSS), aligned with International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria. Burnout was evaluated across 3 dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Burnout syndrome was defined as meeting all 3 dimensions. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between job stress factors and burnout.

Results: Burnout syndrome was found in 3.3% of participants. Key findings with statistical measures include: 1) burnout syndrome association - high job demand (Q3: OR = 12.62, 95% CI: 2.03-78.41, p < 0.05) and high overall job stress (Q4: OR = 17.56, 95% CI: 1.40-220.76, p < 0.05); 2) exhaustion predictors - high job demand (Q3: OR = 10.71, 95% CI: 3.64-31.48, p < 0.001), inadequate compensation (Q4: OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02-4.16, p < 0.05), and poor workplace culture (Q4: OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.11-6.24, p < 0.05); 3) paradoxical findings - low job autonomy associated with reduced exhaustion (Q4: OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11-0.48, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Specific job stressors differentially impact burnout dimensions in Korean SMEs: Job demand and overall stress critically predict burnout syndrome, while inadequate compensation and poor workplace culture significantly affect exhaustion. The counterintuitive protective effects of reduced autonomy warrant further investigation. Organizations should prioritize evidence-based workload management and compensation fairness aligned with ICD-11 diagnostic patterns. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):528-44.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning remains a significant public health concern, often leading to both acute and delayed neurological and cardiac complications.This article presents the official position statement of the Section of Clinical Toxicology of the Polish Medical Society regarding the management of acute CO poisoning, with particular emphasis on oxygen therapy. The cornerstone of CO poisoning treatment is the immediate initiation of normobaric oxygen therapy using 100% oxygen at the highest possible flow rate, preferably via a non-rebreather mask. Oxygen administration should continue until the carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level drops to approx. 3%, but for no less than 6 h. In pregnant patients, extended oxygen therapy is recommended due to slower fetal CO elimination. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is not mandatory in all cases but should be considered in selected patients-primarily those with persistent neurological or cardiac symptoms or metabolic acidosis despite normobaric oxygen, regardless of COHb levels. In pregnant women, HBOT is always indicated, irrespective of COHb concentration or clinical presentation. When indicated, the first HBOT session should be performed as soon as possible - ideally within 6 h of exposure-taking into account the availability of hyperbaric facilities and transport logistics. This article provides detailed, practical recommendations for the management of CO poisoning, highlighting the essential role of normobaric oxygen therapy and the complementary use of HBOT in appropriately selected cases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):457-73.

The inventory Work-related Coping Behavior and Experience Patterns (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster - AVEM) serves as a valuable preventive tool for the early identification of individuals at risk of burnout and occupational health issues by evaluating their work-related patterns, which may be either health-promoting or indicative of increased health risk. The aim of this narrative review was to map and synthesize research on AVEM conducted in Poland across occupational groups. A structured search of selected databases and search engines was performed, resulting in the identification of 29 sources whose findings were synthesized and compared with international evidence. The results showed that the overall proportion of Polish participants assigned to risk patterns was significantly higher than in the international context, particularly among teaching and healthcare professionals, indicating greater vulnerability to burnout and occupational health issues in these occupations. Beyond people-centered professions, women, older workers, individuals with an additional job, those living in smaller towns and villages, and those experiencing mobbing also emerged as highly vulnerable groups. These individuals also tended to be extrinsically motivated and exhibited higher levels of neuroticism, elevated stress, and poorer mental and physical health. In contrast, having a hobby and a better perceived material standing were mainly associated with healthy patterns. Individuals assigned to healthy patterns tended to be intrinsically motivated and reported higher job satisfaction, greater levels of fluid and emotional intelligence, and more adaptive personality traits. There is a clear need for targeted workplace interventions across professions in Poland to address the heightened risk of occupational health issues. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):434-56.

Objectives: Exposure to nighttime light pollution has a multidimensional environmental impact and is associated with harmful health effects. This study aimed to characterize individual interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure among adults in Poland and to identify factors associated with the implementation of individual interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure.

Material and methods: This is a secondary analysis of data obtained from the nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted in December 2024 in a representative sample of 5006 adults (18-64 years) in Poland. Respondents were asked about the implementation of 5 different interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure.

Results: Among all respondents (N = 5006), the most common intervention to reduce nighttime light exposure was the use of blackout curtains in the bedroom (41.4% of respondents), followed by limiting screen time in the evening (17.6% of respondents). Among the respondents, 14.7% declared turning off indicator lights on electronic devices or using light bulbs with a warmer color. The least common method was using an eye mask (3.9% of respondents). In total, 65% of respondents had implemented ≥1 individual intervention to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution. Age 18-44 years, having a full-time or part-time job, good financial situation, having sleep problems, and looking for health-related information were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the implementation of ≥1 intervention to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution. The most important factor associated with the intervention to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution was active seeking health information (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.9-2.48, p < 0.001). There was no significant impact of gender, educational level or place of residence (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: This study revealed a gap in the implementation of individual interventions to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution among adults in Poland. There is an urgent need to promote the prevention of environmental hazards like light pollution among adults in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):559-71.

Objectives: To determine the level of association between the reporting of respiratory symptoms by individuals living near and away from the railway used for coal transportation, and risk factors related to living conditions, health history, environmental characteristics, and air quality in the area.

Material and methods: Prospective longitudinal study with 3 cross-sectional moments over a year and a half. A structured survey was conducted, through which individuals with respiratory symptoms and associated risk factors were identified. Particular matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) and particular matter 10 (PM₁₀) concentrations were obtained from air monitoring stations available in the area. Pooled logistic models were estimated to identify factors influencing the probability of experiencing respiratory disease symptoms.

Results: Over 60% of households are located near unpaved roads with heavy traffic, and dwelling conditions are not suitable for human lodging with low or no exchange of air from the outside to the inside, and critical overcrowding. The results showed a higher risk of respiratory symptoms in children with a history of asthma or malnutrition living in homes with large windows that allow air to enter and exit, and in adults with a history of asthma, hypertension, or cigarette smoking. No significant association was found between the population's respiratory symptoms and the concentration of particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), which may be related to limitations in terms of the availability of air monitoring stations near the communities that were part of the study.

Conclusions: There are various factors associated with the respiratory symptoms of communities located around the road used for coal transportation by train, including the history of certain diseases in the population and characteristics of the indoor and outdoor environment of households. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):545-58.

Objectives: People face stressful situations in different ways and exhibit different work-related behaviors and experiences that can be assigned to a pattern (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster - AVEM). The aim of the study was to determine the mental health and work ability of female kindergarten teachers and their relationship to their individual AVEM patterns.

Material and methods: In the cross-sectional study, 185 German teachers (D) and 107 Ukrainian teachers (UA) filled out AVEM-questionnaire. Mental health and work ability were recorded using questionnaires. Group comparisons were carried out between the kindergarten teachers in both countries.

Results: A total of 126 German and 83 Ukrainian kindergarten teachers could be clearly assigned to 1 of the 4 AVEM patterns: A - effort (18.3% G vs. 38.6% UA), B - burnout (24.6% D vs. 24.1% UA), G - health (17.5% D vs. 25.3% UA) and S - protection (39.7% D vs. 12.0% UA, p < 0.001). German kindergarten teachers rated their work ability (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] 7.3±1.7 pts) lower than Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (M±SD 8.0±1.4 pts, p < 0.001). Both groups cope equally well with physical demands, but Ukrainian teachers cope better with mental demands (M±SD 3.7±0.7 pts vs. 3.4±0.8 pts, p = 0.005). Mental health was subjectively impaired in 16.7% of German and 9.6% of Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (p = 0.160). Overall, German teachers rated their mental health worse with M±SD 11.8±5.3 pts (General Health Questionnaire total score) than their Ukrainian colleagues with M±SD 8.9±4.6 pts (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: The analysis of individual AVEM patterns can be a helpful basis for identifying health-endangering patterns as well as resources and thus establishing measures to maintain the health of teachers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):495-511.

Night workers have demonstrated an increased risk of bone fracture. The mechanisms underlying the observed bone changes among night workers remain unclear. They have been attributed to hormonal changes resulting from exposure to light during nighttime, sleep restrictions and distur- bances in expression of circadian rhythms genes. An additional factor that may contribute to increased bone loss among night workers is the con- sumption of caffeinated products. The aim of the work was to review the epidemiological evidence on the association between caffeine consumption and bone density or fracture risk and to sum up the current knowledge on the association between night shift work and osteoporosis among workers. A search of the literature was conducted in order to identify proper studies using PubMed, Scopus, Elsevier, and Springer databases. A total of 31 articles were identified. The articles were divided to 2 groups of papers assessing the bone fracture risk and osteoporosis among caffeinated beverages drinkers (24 studies) and assessing bone strength in night shifts workers (7 studies). Findings from studies assessing the relationship between caffeine consumption and bone strength appear inconsistent. However, the results of the some presented studies highlight that high caffeine intake increases bone loss. Thus development of osteoporosis among night workers exposed to light during nighttime might be accelerated by high caffeine consumption. No epidemiological study has examined the effect of caffeine intake on the bone fracture risk among night shifts workers yet. There is a great need to better understand the etiology of osteoporosis among workers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):474-94.

Objectives: The aim of this article is to investigate the psychophysiological responses of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) pilots during flight simulations with high mission complexity. In particular, it focuses on the responses of the sympathetic and parasympathetic parts of the autonomic nervous system.

Material and methods: Fourteen pilots aged 26-31 years took part in the study. The research was conducted using a UAV flight simulator. During the test, data was collected from electrocardiogram sensor and piezoelectric (lead zirconate titanate - PZT) respiration sensor as well as the pilot's mission performance was assessed. In addition, the test subjects were subjected to a simple reaction speed test after the completed exercise.

Results: For missions classified as having low difficulty, the mean RR interval (meanRR) was 1004.03 milliseconds, with a standard deviation (SD) = 18.5 ms. This corresponds to an mean heart rate of about 59.8 bpm (SD = 1.1), which is 16.9% longer than the RR intervals observed during high difficulty missions (meanRR±SD 859±59.75 ms). The values of respiratory rate per minute for the different levels of difficulty were M±SD 17.3±0.87 for low, 18.1±1.04 for medium, and 18.8±0.41 for high mission difficulty.

Conclusions: A correlation between the effects of an unmanned aircraft flight simulator and the pilot's body was proven. By means of tests using electrocardiogram, PZT and reaction time measurements, it was proven that the flight simulator directly induces stressful stimuli that affect the subject's body. By analyzing the individual results, it was also proven that the sympathetic part of the nervous system is activated as the level of mission difficulty increases. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):391-404.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the relationship between burnout and fatigue and the employment of nurses in several workplaces.

Material and methods: The study group consisted of 234 professionally active female and male nurses employed in medical facilities in various regions of Poland. The study was conducted using an online survey consisting of 2 parts: the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) questionnaire and an original questionnaire including questions about demographic, professional and fatigue data.

Results: More than half of the nurses (54.70%) worked in an additional place of work. Among those who took on additional work, as many as 87.50% (112 people) reported feeling tired in the last 6 months and 50% (64 people) in this group noticed a negative impact of additional work on their mental health. The analysis also showed a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.038) between employment in an additional place and the occurrence of headache in employees.

Conclusions: Financial factors are the main reason for nurses taking up additional employment. Analysis of the results showed that working in >1 place significantly increases the level of fatigue compared to employment in 1 facility. Nurses employed in >1 full-time position were characterized by a higher level of burnout and increased emotional exhaustion. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):352-363.

Objectives: This study analyses screen-use profiles among Polish adolescents and their relationship to body image and weight reduction behavior. The authors aimed to identify different screen-use profiles, determine the prevalence of these profiles in the population, and explore the relationships between these screen time profiles, adolescents' body image, and weight reduction behavior.

Material and methods: The analysis drew upon data from 5322 students aged 13 years, 15 years, and 17 years who participated in the 2021/2022 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study. The HBSC questionnaire contains data on various screen-related activities, including gaming, social media usage, internet browsing, and the consumption of audiovisual material, as well as their body image perception and dieting behavior. Using the k-means clustering method, 5 distinct screen-use profiles were identified.

Results: The following screen-use profiles were identified: moderate users (40.1%), game-oriented users (21.1%), social-media-oriented users (20.3%), intensive game and social media users (11.1%), and intensive users (7.4%). Girls predominated in the social media clusters, while boys were overrepresented in the gaming clusters. Adolescents in the 2 intensive-use profiles (intensive game and social media users and overall intensive users) exhibited a more than twofold increase in the likelihood of perceiving themselves to be fat and engaging in dieting practices, even after adjusting for BMI, in comparison with students classified in other groups. A higher BMI Z-score independently predicted both body dissatisfaction (OR = 2.36) and active dieting (OR = 2.67).

Conclusions: A significant association was found between screen use patterns and both body image perceptions and dieting behaviors among adolescents in the intensive-use groups. This finding highlights the profound psychosocial impact of all forms of screen-based media and underscore the need for targeted interventions promoting media literacy and healthy digital habits, especially among older adolescents, girls, and urban youth. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):417-433.