Journal of occupational and environmental medicine最新文献

Abstract: Objective: This abbreviated version of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine's (ACOEM) Work Disability Prevention and Management Guideline reviews the available evidence and provides recommendations to clinicians regarding interventions to help patients remain at or return to work.Methods: Systematic literature reviews were conducted. Studies were graded and evidence tables were created, with involvement of a multidisciplinary expert panel that evaluated the evidence and finalized recommendations for all clinical questions. Extensive peer review was performed. Consensus recommendations were formulated when evidence was lacking.Results: Evidence-based recommendations have been developed to guide work disability prevention and management.Conclusion: Clinicians should utilize quality evidence in determining treatment methods to prevent and alleviate work disability for workers.

Objective: This study aimed to share the process of epidemiologic survey and demonstrate the decisive factors for evaluating work-related Idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs) in Korea.

Methods: Data and reports of epidemiologic surveys were investigated and completed during 2010-2022.

Results: A total of 228 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases requested for an epidemiologic survey, of which 153 (67.1%) were work-related. The level of exposure intensity was more than intermediate and the exposure duration was more than 10 years in the work-related IPF, so the decisive factors for work-related IPF were exposure substances, intensity and duration.The main factors for work-related acute interstitial pneumonia or cryptogenic organising pneumonia were exposure latency and exposure intensity.

Conclusions: The results of this study indicated the process of the epidemiologic survey and important factors for evaluating work-related IIPs.

Objective: This study aimed to compare physiological changes when wearing a N95 and surgical mask at rest.

Methods: 42 subjects aged 18-55 (19 males; age 22.98 ± 3.83) were recruited. Respiratory and metabolic data were collected using indirect calorimetry under a hood. VO2, VCO2, and RER were measured. RR, MV, and HR were recorded using Hexoskin Smart Shirt apparatus. Testing consisted of 3 15-minute trials: no mask, surgical mask, and a N95 respirator. RPE was assessed. Results were analyzed using separate repeated measures ANOVAs.

Results: RER, MV, and RPE were significantly higher in both conditions. Highest RPE reported while wearing the N95 mask.

Conclusion: The use of a surgical or N95 face mask can cause small metabolic, respiratory, and RPE changes. Minor physiological changes were observed but remained within normally expected physiological parameters at rest.

Objectives: This study investigated the common health conditions leading to presenteeism and the economic impact among Japanese workers in the post-COVID-19 era.

Methods: Between February and March 2023, 10,000 workers responded to a web-based, cross-sectional survey on health problems that interfered with their work, degree of presenteeism, and teleworking status.

Results: Approximately 35.6% of workers faced health problems that impacted their work. The primary health problems leading to presenteeism were low back pain, neck pain/stiff shoulders, and mental illness, which varied slightly with age and work style. The estimated annual costs due to presenteeism per 1000 employees were $488,210 for low back pain, $346,308 for neck pain/stiff shoulders, and $327,137 for mental illness.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that presenteeism measures, primarily for musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems, are required to increase work productivity.

Objective: This study estimated risk of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and its components among police officers including differences by sex.

Methods: Police officers were examined at baseline and two follow-up examinations after 7 and 12 years. MetSyn was defined using the 2005 guidelines from AHA/NHLBI. Risk for incident MetSyn and its components at follow-up exams and risk ratios in males compared to females were estimated using modified Poisson regression.

Results: The 7 (n = 276) - and 12- (n = 191) year incidence of MetSyn was 20.4% and 22.2%, respectively. MetSyn components with lowest and highest incidence were reduced HDL cholesterol and abdominal obesity. The 7-year risk of developing glucose intolerance was two-fold higher in males compared to females.

Conclusion: Longitudinal analysis of incidence of MetSyn and its components is important for understanding future cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality.

Objective: This study examined and compared the truck stop needs and preferences of long-haul truck drivers (LHTD) based on gender.

Methods: LHTD were recruited from various provincial and federal trucking associations and trucking companies across Canada. A sample of 406 drivers completed an online survey that consisted of questions on demographics, health conditions and behaviours, and preferences for truck stop amenities.

Results: LHTD reported that parking, healthy and affordable foods, showers, washrooms, and exercise facilities with basic equipment are the most important amenities needed at truck stops. Compared to men, women were significantly more likely to desire a picnic area at truck stops; all other amenities were consistently desired by both genders.

Conclusions: Improvements to the truck stop environment are needed to support the health and wellness of LHTD.

Objective: To assess factors influencing Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) risk, incorporating maternal demographics, behaviors, medical conditions, pregnancy-related factors, and PM2.5 speciation pollutants exposures.

Methods: Using Florida de-identified birth records, logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess associations between maternal exposure to PM2.5 speciation metals during pregnancy and the risk of RDS, adjusting for various covariates.

Results: Our findings highlight the multifaceted nature of RDS risk, reaffirming known risk factors such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal health conditions. Complex interactions among pollutants and maternal health factors were observed, emphasizing the importance of considering synergistic effects in risk assessment. Additionally, race and ethnicity were identified as significant factors, with nuances observed within Hispanic subgroups.

Conclusion: Targeted interventions aimed at reducing exposure to harmful pollutants, particularly among high-risk populations, may help mitigate RDS burden.