American journal of industrial medicine最新文献

Background

Hired crop workers face harsh working conditions, including physical, economic, and social challenges. We present a population-based assessment of anxiety symptoms among a large national sample of hired crop workers in the United States.

Methods

In-person interviews were conducted with 6108 crop workers during 2018–2022. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-2) questions were included in the National Agricultural Workers Survey to provide weighted prevalences of anxiety symptoms and prevalence ratios for the association between anxiety symptoms and crop worker demographics and employment characteristics.

Results

The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 20.6% for scoring ≥ 1 on the GAD-2, and 7.7% for scoring ≥ 3 on the GAD-2. Women had a 73% excess risk of any anxiety (GAD-2 ≥ 1) and an 84% higher risk of severe anxiety (GAD-2 ≥ 3) than men. Men with a medium level of English language ability had a 28%−31% increased risk of anxiety symptoms compared to those with a lower English language ability. Not having workers' compensation insurance was associated with a 56% reduced risk of having severe anxiety symptoms among men. However, total family income, working directly for an agricultural employer or farm labor contractor, method of payment, unemployment insurance, and health insurance were not significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Compared to working in California, men working in the Northeast showed a 57% reduced risk of more severe anxiety symptoms.

Conclusions

Based on a large national sample of hired crop workers, nearly one in four crop workers suffered from anxiety, with women having a much higher prevalence than men, suggesting the need for mental health services for this population.

Background

Results from a 2014 survey of 2030 healthcare workers (76% female, mean age 48.6 years) in New York City included the association of current asthma and asthma exacerbation with the general activities of cleaning fixed surfaces and administering aerosolized medications. We extended that analysis to determine if specific products and tasks for these and other activities were associated with the same outcomes.

Methods

The survey instrument inquired about asthma-related outcomes, products used, and tasks performed. Polytomous logistic regression was used to model a three-category outcome for current asthma without and with exacerbation and no current asthma (referent). Inverse probability weights were applied in all regression models to adjust for selection and participation bias that may have resulted from a low response of 11.1% of invitees. A separate model was fit for each exposure variable and yielded adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

For cleaning fixed surfaces, two products and eight tasks had increased odds of at least one adverse outcome. Enzymes had an OR = 3.01 (95% CI 1.50, 6.04) for current asthma with exacerbation, and bleach had an OR = 1.92 (95% CI 1.22, 3.01) for current asthma without exacerbation. The eight general cleaning tasks included three (cleanup blood/spills, wipe furniture, wipe equipment) associated with both adverse outcomes, and five tasks associated only with current asthma without exacerbation. For aerosolized medication tasks, the small-volume nebulizer was associated with current asthma with (OR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.06, 3.34) and without (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.01, 2.72) exacerbation, and two other tasks (continuous delivery system, metered dose inhaler) were associated only with current asthma without exacerbation.

Conclusions

Products and tasks in healthcare were associated with current asthma and asthma exacerbation. Future analyses will explore quantitative exposure-assessment strategies for specific chemicals and mixtures.

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated social and economic inequities, with disproportionate job loss experienced by marginalized groups. This study offers a class-based perspective to understanding inequities in pandemic-related job loss in Michigan.

Methods

We used data from 2452 employed adults who participated in the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study (MI CReSS), a population-based sample of adults with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in Michigan. We defined seven social classes using an adaptation of Erikson and Goldthorpe's class scheme. Pandemic-related job loss was assessed through self-reported changes in employment status. Modified Poisson regression models were employed to estimate associations between social class and job loss, adjusting for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, essential worker status, survey modality, and pandemic phase.

Results

Thirty percent of respondents reported pandemic-related job loss. In fully-adjusted models, the self-employed class had a 66% (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.66, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26, 2.18) and the production class had a 60% (aPR 1.60, 95% CI = 1.23, 2.09) higher likelihood of job loss compared to the manager class. Education modified the relationship between class and job loss, with those with more education within each class having a lower prevalence of job loss.

Conclusion

Distinct social classes were strongly associated with pandemic-related job loss. Employment relations are a modifiable social determinant shaping vulnerability to economic disruption, underscoring the need for future research on class as a mechanism contributing to pandemic-related health and employment inequities.

Background

Persulfate salts in hair bleaches are a well-documented cause of occupational asthma (OA) among hairdressers, but little information is available on OA caused by hair products containing other low-molecular-weight chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of OA caused by oxidative hair dyes containing para-amino compounds (PACs).

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study was conducted among 98 hairdressers with OA ascertained by a positive specific inhalation challenge (SIC) with hair products completed between 2006 and 2018 in 14 European tertiary centers. Nine hairdressers (9%) with a positive SIC response to hair dyes containing PACs were identified and reviewed.

Results

Eight hairdressers developed a bronchial response during “work-simulation” SICs with hair dyes used at work, whereas one subject was challenged with pure para-phenylene diamine. The pattern of bronchial reactions was isolated late, dual, and isolated early in four, three, and two subjects, respectively. A significant post-challenge increase in nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness was detected in three of the seven (43%) subjects with both pre- and post-SIC measurements available. Among subjects with fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurements (n = 3) or sputum eosinophil counts (n = 4) available both before and after the SIC, none showed a significant increase in these airway inflammatory markers.

Conclusions

Hair dyes containing PACs may contribute substantially to OA among hairdressers. This possibility should be considered carefully when evaluating hairdressers with work-related asthma symptoms. However, there is a need for further investigation of the underlying inflammatory and immunological mechanisms.

Background

Firefighters responding to wildland and wildland−urban interface (WUI) fires increasingly navigate a hazardous landscape of environmental pollutants and occupational risks that may influence their health risk perceptions, yet their firsthand experiences and work-related safety concerns are insufficiently understood.

Methods

Between December 2024 and February 2025, we conducted seven focus groups and four key informant interviews with 51 Florida Forest Service personnel, whose service averaged 11.5 years. Qualitative analysis of interview data employed a coding reliability thematic approach informed by a postpositivist paradigm.

Results

Four primary themes emerged: (1) Safety risks associated with heavy equipment operations and inadequate immersive training; (2) environmental hazards from complex smoke mixtures, invasive species, anthropogenic contaminants, and expanding WUI conditions; (3) systemic deficiencies in personal protective equipment availability, decontamination infrastructure, and cultural norms that valorize soiled gear; and (4) acute and chronic health burdens, including respiratory irritation, cardiovascular strain, mental health stressors, and perceived elevated cancer risk. Preinterview survey data documented that 72.5% of respondents self-reported wearing no respiratory protection during fireground activities. Health conditions reported included hypertension (24.0%), arthritis (11.8%), and asthma (9.8%). Approximately 8.0% reported having depressive disorder, and 7.8% reported having kidney disease. Among all participants, 46.9% were obese.

Conclusion

Findings highlight critical gaps in occupational health practices, resource allocation, and cultural attitudes within the wildland firefighting workforce. Integration of technical interventions, such as enhanced respiratory protection, realistic equipment training, and station-based laundering facilities with culturally informed strategies to shift perceptions of risk and of gear cleanliness should be validated in population-based studies.

Background

Every 45 seconds a person dies by suicide. Significantly more men than women die by suicide and most are of working age. Some industries such as the construction industry have higher rates of suicide. MATES in Construction is an Australian programme established in 2008 to reduce suicide rates in the construction industry.

The purpose of this study was to gain insight into the role-relationships between participants, staff and the MATES in Construction (MATES) organisation in an industry-based suicide prevention programme in the Australian construction industry.

Methods

Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 28 MATES programme volunteers. The data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.

Results

From the data two themes were constructed. Firstly, MATES staff relatability builds worker trust and facilitates engagement in the programme. As peer workers, MATES staff were trusted and modelled the desired outcomes of the programme. Secondly, the authentic industry base of the programme enhances worker trust and engagement. MATES could be trusted because it was part of the construction industry as an industry-owned and -led organisation supported by both employers and unions. Union endorsement was seen as particularly important by workers.

Conclusions

The relatability of MATES staff and MATES' industry base were seen as important drivers of worker engagement and participation in the programme. This study provides new insights into the importance of peer roles, authenticity, connection, and positionality of public health interventions as facilitators of engagement and participation in community-based preventive interventions.

Objective

Workers' compensation insurance is an important financial resource for workers, and a key source of occupational injury and illness surveillance and research data. Underutilization of workers compensation is an ongoing concern. Using statewide data for a general working population, we estimated the portion of workers whose work-related injury or illness (WRII) was paid by workers' compensation and assessed workers' compensation utilization by industry, occupation, demographic and health characteristics, and over time.

Methods

We combined 5 years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System telephone survey data (2017–2022, excluding 2020) from Washington State for workers (n = 31,171) and identified respondents with WRII (n = 1463). We estimated the percent of workers who utilized workers' compensation to pay for treatment of their WRII, and calculated adjusted prevalence ratios to estimate underutilization controlling for sociodemographic, work and health factors. Estimates were weighted to be representative of the Washington adult population.

Results

Of the 5.1% of Washington workers who experienced a WRII within the past 12 months, just over half (51.3%, 95% CI: 48.1%, 54.5%) reported that their WRII was paid by workers' compensation insurance. Controlling for other sociodemographic, work and health factors, workers' compensation utilization was lower among workers who were younger, male, graduated from college, reported poorer mental health, and could not afford medical care. Workers' compensation utilization was lower among most service-related industries and occupations. Annual estimates of utilization statewide changed little over time.

Conclusion

Underutilization of workers' compensation insurance is substantial. Workers' compensation data are more likely to miss younger workers, and workers in service-related industries and occupations.

Background

The job demand-control (JDC) psychosocial work model has demonstrated effects on objective cognitive performance, but its association with subjective memory is still poorly understood. We examined longitudinal associations of JDC characteristics with objective (general cognitive function/episodic memory) and subjective (perceived memory) cognition.

Methods

Using the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) data, 3497 workers aged 50+ were followed from 2006–2008 to 2018. Self-reported job demand and job control were dichotomized and later combined into quadrants reflecting high/low job strain and active/passive jobs. Analyses used covariate-adjusted generalized estimating equations.

Results

High job control was significantly positively associated with general cognitive function (regression coefficient: 0.409, p < 0.001), episodic memory (0.373, p < 0.001), and subjective memory (0.057, p = 0.034). “Low demand and high control” (low strain work) exhibited significant, positive associations with all cognitive outcomes. “High demand and high control” (active work) was significantly positively associated with objective cognitive outcomes.

Conclusions

Opportunities for enhancing job control may promote objective cognition and subjective memory health in the US aging workforce.