International journal of occupational medicine and environmental health最新文献

Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the effects of the participatory ergonomics (PE) program on reducing the ergonomic risk factors and increasing the work performance among the aging workers who work as ginger peelers in the Wat Puranawas community in Thailand.

Material and methods: Fourteen older workers who work in the Wat Puranawas community are recruited, by purposive sampling. Participants attend the PE program twice, each session lasts 60 min. The measuring instruments used are: the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), the Work Ability Index (WAI), and the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM). The Friedman test is used for comparing the difference in the outcome from 3 periods, the pre-test period, the post-test period (at 2 weeks after implementing the PE program), and the follow-up period (at 4 weeks after the conclusion of the PE program). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was also performed.

Results: The scores of the RULA and the scores of COPM in the domain of satisfaction and performance during ginger peeling are improved during the post-test and the follow-up period (p < 0.05). The scores of WAI show no statistical significance when comparing the 3 periods (p = 0.079).

Conclusions: The results indicate that the PE program can effectively reduce ergonomic risk factors and enhance the workability among aging workers who work as ginger peelers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):324-334.

Objectives: Environmental intolerance (EI) can negatively impact well-being and daily life, and even lead to disability. Healthcare can detect EI early and conduct interventions. This study explored ways of identifying environmental exposure-related health worries and EI during occupational health (OH) check-ups, and their associations with unselected working-age employees' perceived work ability, stress and overall health.

Material and methods: A crosssectional survey was conducted among 355 employees attending OH check-ups at an occupational health services (OHS) unit in Southern Ostrobothnia, Finland. Health worries about environmental exposures were measured using 2 single-item questions, one on exposures in general, the other on indoor air. Cutoffs were set for excessive worries. Environmental intolerance was defined using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Perceived stress, work ability and health were inquired. The analyses used descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test and linear regression.

Results: Participants with EI (N = 25, 7%) reported significantly poorer work ability and health, and higher stress than those without EI. Environmental intolerance was also associated with comorbid diseases such as asthma, migraine, mental disorders and irritable bowel syndrome. Those with excessive health worries about environmental exposure (N = 73, 21%) and indoor air (N = 182, 51%) outnumbered and mostly included those with EI. All the participants' (N = 355) increased health worry about environmental exposures was independently associated with poorer work ability and health, and higher perceived stress. The health worry questions for identifying EI were sensitively phrased, and the general question demonstrated good specificity.

Conclusions: The findings show that environmental exposure-related health worries can be detected by and EI identified by single questions. Their interrelation and association with poorer work ability and health suggest they are part of the same continuum of increasing environmental worries and exposure- related reactions. Identifying health worries enables early detection and interventions such as psychoeducation, to prevent any related disability and adverse health outcomes. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):364-377.

Objectives: This study examined whether trust in supervisor, co-workers, and the organization mediates the relationship between organizational context and employee well-being. The research aimed to identify which components of trust have the strongest mediating effect, which organizational context elements are most strongly related to trust, and which dimensions of well-being are best explained by this model.

Material and methods: The study involved 1113 employees from various Polish organizations, averaging 45 years of age, with 41% having higher education. Participants completed questionnaires measuring areas of worklife, authentic leadership, trust propensity, trust in supervisors, trust in co-workers, trust in organization, workplace well-being, job satisfaction, and work stress. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze relationships between 3 latent variables: well-functioning organization (WFO), full trust in the organization (FTO), and well-being in the workplace (WB).

Results: The best-fitting model showed that full trust in the organization completely mediates the relationship between a WFO and WB. The WFO explained 90% of the variance in FTO. The WFO most strongly explained trust in the organization as a whole (81%) and trust in supervisors (68%), with weaker explanation of trust in coworkers (37%). The FTO explained 87% of the variance in WB, which in turn was strongly associated with job satisfaction (70% of variance) and negatively with work stress (34% of variance).

Conclusions: A wellfunctioning organization characterized by value congruence, fair rewards, recognition, authentic leadership, and supportive peer groups strongly influences full organizational trust, which in turn enhances well-being and job satisfaction while reducing work stress. Trust serves as a complete mediator between organizational context and employee well-being, with trust in the organization and in supervisors playing particularly important roles in this relationship. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2025;38(4):335-351.

Objectives: In the study, the authors aimed to explore the relationship between self-compassion, assertiveness and job satisfaction among teachers. Specifically, they examined whether assertiveness mediated the relationship between self-compassion and job satisfaction, filling a gap in the existing research on teachers' well-being.

Material and methods: A total of 208 teachers (192 women, 16 men) aged 24-64 years, with an average teaching experience of 21 years, participated in the study. The participants were recruited using snowball sampling. Self-compassion was measured with the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS), assertiveness with the Teacher Assertiveness Questionnaire, and job satisfaction with the Job Satisfaction Scale. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Spearman's correlation and mediation analysis using Process tool (model 4).

Results: Self-compassion was positively correlated with both assertiveness (r = 0.21, p < 0.01) and job satisfaction (r = 0.18, p < 0.05). Assertiveness was also positively related to job satisfaction (r = 0.21, p < 0.01). Mediation analysis demonstrated a total mediating effect of assertiveness in the relationship between self-compassion and job satisfaction, with the model explaining 8.3% of the variance in job satisfaction.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that selfcompassion promotes teachers' assertiveness, which in turn increases job satisfaction. This highlights the importance of supporting self-compassion and assertiveness as resources protecting against occupational stress and burnout. However, the cross-sectional nature of the study limits causal inference, so future research should consider longitudinal models and different educational contexts. These findings provide practical insights for the design of interventions aimed at promoting teacher well-being. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):405-416.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination decisions and reasons for vaccine refusal among young Poles - a population with the lowest uptake in the country.

Material and methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using the computerassisted personal interview method on a representative sample of 1560 individuals aged 15-39 years. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between selected factors and COVID-19 vaccination status.

Results: The likelihood of vaccination was significantly higher among women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.64), individuals aged 25-39 years (OR = 2.47), those with higher education (OR = 4.84), married (OR = 2.18), parents (OR = 2.35) and deeply religious respondents (OR = 4.97). The strongest predictor was fear of COVID-19 infection (OR = 28.14). Among vaccine-hesitant individuals, the most common concerns were vaccine safety (40%) and efficacy (35%). Others perceived COVID-19 as a mild illness (27%), believed prior infection provided sufficient immunity (22%), or preferred natural methods (14%). Vaccination status correlated with attitudes toward vaccines and the pandemic. The strongest positive correlations were with beliefs that vaccination protects others (r_s = 0.59), COVID-19 vaccines are a medical success (r_s = 0.51), and that experts promoting vaccines are credible (r_s = 0.45). Negative correlations were linked to misinformation, such as claims about genetic effects, unethical experimentation, or dangerous ingredients. The reasons for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine cluster into 2 groups: modifiable and non-modifiable. This division assumes that it is possible to intervene to modify some factors, while others are beyond our control.

Conclusions: Vaccine hesitancy is shaped not only by lack of knowledge but also by mistrust and social polarization. Therefore, public health strategies should combine educational efforts with communication delivered through trusted channels. Otherwise, polarization may persist - with only part of the hesitant group open to change. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(4):378-390.

Objectives: To evaluate the health effects of low-dose formaldehyde exposure in occupational settings, focusing on dermatological and respiratory symptoms and the influence of work tenure.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 414 workers undergoing annual health check-ups at a medical center in Taiwan with 242 individuals categorized as exposed (high exposure [N = 57], low exposure [N = 185]) and 172 as controls. Formaldehyde exposure was assessed through environmental monitoring, with all exposure levels <10% of the permissible exposure limits. Self-reported clinical symptoms, complete blood count (CBC) parameters, and pulmonary function were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess exposure-related health effects, adjusting for potential confounders. Tenure was analyzed as both a continuous and categorical variable to assess its impact on health outcomes.

Results: The exposure group reported significantly higher rates of irritationrelated symptoms (9.5% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.009) and skin symptoms (1.7% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) compared to controls. After adjusting for confounders, allergic rhinitis (OR = 16.78, 95% CI: 4.00-70.55, p < 0.001) and allergic dermatitis (OR = 18.83, 95% CI: 2.52-140.56, p = 0.004) remained significantly associated with formaldehyde exposure. No significant differences were found in CBC parameters or pulmonary function between groups.

Conclusions: Even at low exposure levels, formaldehyde was associated with an increased risk of allergic conditions and irritation-related symptoms. While pulmonary function remained unchanged, the higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis and dermatitis suggests potential immune sensitization. These findings emphasize the importance of workplace exposure monitoring and preventive measures. Future longitudinal studies incorporating biomarkers are needed to clarify causal relationships and refine occupational health policies. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):236-248.

Objectives: Knowledge of the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the rescue profession is crucial for designing psycho-education to minimize the risk of its occurrence and increase the chance of providing effective assistance. The aim of the study was to analyze risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing PTSD among paramedics.

Material and methods: The study was conducted on 113 male paramedics. The study used the Impact of Event Scale - Revised, the Male Role Norms Scale and the Social Support Scale.

Results: The results showed that nearly 40% of the respondents suffer from PTSD. The paramedics who met the criteria for PTSD did not differ in their acceptance of male norms or the level of perceived social support from the paramedics who did not develop PTSD symptoms. Multiple regression analyses showed that the number of types of events experienced in the course of professional duties and male cultural norms related to social status were predictors of PTSD. Logistic regression analysis revealed that acceptance of male norm of anti-femininity increased the likelihood of developing PTSD.

Conclusions: The results showed that men who performed stereotypically male professions could be less likely to seek specialist help in PTSD situations because such behavior does not fit the role of a strong, assertive man in social perception. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):280-295.

Objectives: This study investigates the prevalence of cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) risk factors among male night-shift workers in South Korea, focusing on drivers and security guards, who constitute a significant portion of the older worker population.

Material and methods: Using data from the 2016 nationwide workers' special health examination, the authors analyzed health habits, past illnesses, and body measurements related to CCVDs among male drivers (N = 8862) and security guards (N = 7156) in their 60s.

Results: The age of the drivers and security guards were mean ± standard deviation 63.19±2.62 years and 64.93±2.72 years, respectively. The drivers exhibit unhealthier lifestyle habits and a higher prevalence of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity compared to security guards. Additionally, drivers have unhealthier body measurement values and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome (OR = 1.844, 95% CI: 1.722-1.974, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: These findings underscore the heightened risk of CCVD among drivers compared to security guards among older night-shift workers in South Korea, highlighting the need for tailored health policies for this demographic. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):296-308.

Objectives: Benzene exposure is associated with multiple adverse health effects on the human's biological systems including its cardiac, pulmonary, respiratory, renal, liver, and other organs' function. The purpose of this study is to assess the adverse health effects of benzene exposure on the cardiac functions in subjects affected by a flaring incident at the British Petroleum (BP) refinery in Texas City, Texas, USA.

Material and methods: A total of 1790 evaluable subjects who were exposed to benzene were included in the study. Using the patients' medical charts, the authors analyzed the data on various heart rate parameters as well as on the pulmonary function, the serum levels of β2-microglobulin, and the amount of urinary excretion of phenol.

Results: Of the 1790 subjects, 1083 experienced some type of cardiac function abnormality as assed by electrocardiogram (EKG) testing following their exposure to benzene. Normal cardiac function was preserved in 707 subjects despite their exposure to benzene. Regardless of the changes in their overall cardiac function, most benzene exposed subjects experienced some changes in various heart rate parameters such as P wave duration, PR interval, PR segment, QRS duration, QT interval, QTC interval, P wave axis, QRS axis, and T wave axis. Similarly, alterations in their pulmonary function test (PFT), β2-microglobulin levels, and urinary excretion of phenol were observed in benzene exposed subjects regardless of the changes in cardiac function. Furthermore, the incidence of the abnormality of various heart rate parameters was found to be 2-10 fold higher in the benzene exposed subjects compared with the general population.

Conclusions: Environmental benzene exposure from the BP flaring incident pose significant health risks including specific alteration in cardiac and pulmonary functions in those subjects exposed to benzene. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):249-263.

Exposure to air pollution is a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This bibliometric analysis with data mining methods aimed to identify the most common air pollutants and health effects mentioned in research on the health effects of air pollution published in 1960-2022. The OpenAlex database and OpenAlexR package were used to retrieve abstracts of scientific papers on the health impact of air pollution published in 1960-2022. Publication year, type of air pollutant, type of diseases analyzed in the study, and affiliation of the authors were analyzed using data mining methods. Out of 41 525 papers published in 1960-2022, 22.3% (N = 9255) listed particulate matter 2.5 (PM_2.5) in the abstract at least once, 13.2% (N = 55 011) listed PM₁₀, 11.6% listed carbon monoxide (CO) (N = 4829), 11.5% (N = 4784) listed nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), 7.5% listed sulfur dioxide (SO₂) (N = 3106), and 7.1% of papers listed ozone (O₃) (N = 2943). Respiratory diseases were the most common health effects. Most of the papers (N = 1880) were focused on PM_2.5. The most common co-occurrence patterns included the impact of PM_2.5 on lung, heart, and asthma. In total, in 1960-2022 authors from 165 different countries published at least 1 paper on the health effects of air pollution. This study provided bibliometric data on the number and topics of papers on the health impact of air pollution published in the past 60 years. Most of the papers were published by authors from the global North with a very limited number of papers on air pollution and health published by the authors from Africa and South America. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(3):222-235.