The relationship between stressors and mental health among Japanese middle-aged women in urban areas

ABSTRACT

In middle age, some people may become mentally or emotionally unstable. Additionally, in Japan, mood disorders, such as depressive symptoms, occur mostly among middle-aged women (i.e., aged 40–49 years). However, few studies have examined stressors related to mental health. In the present study, we developed a stressor scale for middle-aged women and examined stressors correlated with middle-aged women’s mental health. In January 2015, an anonymous, self-administered survey was mailed to 1,000 randomly selected women aged 45 through 64 years living in Tokyo, Japan. Completed questionnaires were obtained from 329 women (32.9 percent). Factor analysis identified the following stressor categories: “relationship with my husband,” “uneasiness about old age,” “health concerns,” “work-life balance,” and “relationship with my friends.” “Uneasiness about old age” and “health concerns” were correlated negatively with participants’ mental health. Improving middle-aged women’s health requires interventions that relieve stressors resulting from age-related problems and promote a positive image of old age.     

Impact of occupational stress and other psychosocial factors on musculoskeletal pain among Chinese offshore oil installation workers

Aims: To explore the relation between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal pain in Chinese offshore oil installation workers.

Methods: Half of all offshore workers (being a representative sample) in a Chinese oil company were invited to complete a self-administered questionnaire providing information on sociodemographic characteristics, occupational stressors, type A behaviour, social support, coping style, health related behaviour, past injuries, and musculoskeletal pain. Factor analysis was used to identify the sources of occupational stress and the domains of type A behaviour and coping style. Logistic regression analyses were used to study the relations between psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal pain in each body region.

Results: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain over the previous 12 months varied between 7.5% for elbow pain and 32% for low back pain; 56% workers had at least one complaint. Significant associations were found between various psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal pain in different body regions after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Occupational stressors, in particular stress from safety, physical environment, and ergonomics, were important predictors of musculoskeletal pain, as was coping by eating behaviour.

Conclusions: These observations supported the widely accepted biopsychosocial model of musculoskeletal disorders and suggested that in future studies of work related musculoskeletal disorders, psychosocial factors must be given due consideration.

     

Systematic comparative content analysis of 17 psychosocial work environment questionnaires using a new taxonomy

Background: Many questionnaires have been developed to measure how psychosocial characteristics are perceived in a work environment. But the content validity of these questionnaires has rarely been questioned due to the absence of a reference taxonomy for characteristics of work environments.

Objectives: To propose an exhaustive taxonomy of work environment characteristics involved in psychosocial risks and to apply this taxonomy to questionnaires on workplace psychosocial factors.

Methods: The taxonomy was developed by categorizing factors present in the main theoretical models of the field. Questionnaire items most frequently cited in scientific literature were retained for classification.

Results: The taxonomy was structured into four hierarchical levels and comprises 53 categories. The 17 questionnaires analyzed included 927 items: 59 from the “physical environment” category, 116 from the “social environment” category, 236 from the “work activity” category, 255 from the “activity management” category, and 174 from the “organizational context” category.

Conclusions: There are major content differences among analyzed questionnaires. This study offers a means for selecting a scale on the basis of content.     

Gynecologic pain related to occupational stress among female factory workers in Tianjin,China

Abstract

Background: Dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and non-cyclic pelvic pain are health concerns for factory workers in China and may be increased by occupational stress.

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence and demographic and occupational factors associated with three types of gynecologic pain among female factory workers in Tianjin.

Methods: The study included 651 female workers from three factories in Tianjin, China. Logistic regression models were estimated to determine associations between occupational stress and gynecologic pain.

Results: Occupational stress including high job strain, exhaustion, and stress related to working conditions was a risk factor for gynecologic pain. High job strain and poor job security were associated with an increased risk for dysmenorrhea. Compulsory overtime and exhaustion were associated with increased non-cyclic pelvic pain. Working overtime and exhaustion were associated with increased dyspareunia.

Conclusions: As China’s population of female factory workers grows, research on the reproductive health of this population is essential.     

Prevalence of occupational injury and its contributing factors among rubber tappers in Galle,Sri Lanka

Background: Rubber tapping involves carrying heavy loads, navigating rough terrain, and using sharp tools. However, little is known about occupational injury among this vulnerable working population.

Objective: To assesses the prevalence, severity, and contributing factors associated with occupational injury among Sri Lankan rubber tappers and to identify possible interventions to improve occupational safety.

Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 300 Sri Lankan rubber tappers. The associations between tapper characteristics and injury within the last year were examined using log-binomial regression models. Short response answers were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Results: 300 tappers reported 594 injuries in the previous 12 months, and missed 1,080 days of work. The prevalence of one or more injuries was 49%. Factors associated with injury were being female, working an additional job, tapping with a two-handed approach, and depressive symptomology. Qualitative findings suggest three interventions to address injuries: (1) landscaping, (2) personal protective equipment, and (3) provision of eyeglasses.

Conclusions: Work-related injuries are common among Sri Lankan rubber tappers. These results highlight the importance of working with and including informal workers in the creation of Sri Lankan occupational health and safety regulations. We believe that the three interventions identified by respondents could help to reduce the risk of occupational injury among rubber tappers.     

Dietary patterns and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder among Iranian children

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to assess the relation of major dietary patterns identified by factor analysis to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in a group of Iranian school-age children.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in 375 school-age children in Tehran, Iran. We assessed usual dietary intakes by a semiquantitative food-frequency questionnaire. The presence of ADHD was diagnosed using the questionnaire of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. Major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of ADHD was 9.7% in this population. We identified four major dietary patterns: “healthy,” “Western,” “sweet,” and “fast food.” After controlling for potential confounders, children in the top quintile of the sweet dietary pattern score had greater odds for having ADHD compared with those in the lowest quintile (odds ratio 3.95, 95% confidence interval 1.16–15.31, P for trend = 0.03). Greater adherence to the fast-food dietary pattern was significantly associated with a higher risk of having ADHD (odds ratio 3.21, 95% confidence interval 1.05–10.90, P for trend = 0.03). No overall significant associations were seen between the healthy or Western dietary pattern and ADHD.ConclusionWe found significant independent associations between the sweet and fast-food dietary patterns and the prevalence of ADHD. Prospective studies are required to confirm these findings.     

Are Ergothioneine Levels in Blood Associated with Chronic Peripheral Neuropathy in Colorectal Cancer Patients Who Underwent Chemotherapy?

Abstract

Objective: Chronic Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) is highly prevalent among colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Ergothioneine (ET) – a dietary antioxidant -protected against CIPN in experimental models, but human studies are lacking. We explored whether whole blood ET levels were associated with chronic peripheral neuropathy among CRC patients who had completed chemotherapy.

Methods: At diagnosis, median ET-concentration in whole blood of 159 CRC patients was 10.2?μg/ml (7.2–15.8). Patients completed questionnaires on peripheral neuropathy 6 months after completion of chemotherapy. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) to assess associations of ET-concentrations and prevalence of peripheral neuropathy and used linear regression to assess associations with severity of peripheral neuropathy.

Results: Prevalence of total and sensory peripheral neuropathy were both 81%. Higher ET-concentrations tended to be associated with lower prevalence of total and sensory peripheral neuropathy, but not statistically significant (highest versus lowest tertile of ET: PR = 0.93(0.78, 1.11) for total neuropathy, and PR = 0.84(0.70, 1.02) for sensory neuropathy). ET-concentrations were not associated with severity of neuropathy.

Conclusion: Statistically significant associations were not observed, possibly because of limited sample size. Although data may putatively suggest higher levels of ET to be associated with a lower prevalence of neuropathy, analyses should be repeated in larger populations with larger variability in ET-concentrations.     

Brain Aging and Midlife Tofu Consumption

Objective: To examine associations of midlife tofu consumption with brain function and structural changes in late life.

Methods: The design utilized surviving participants of a longitudinal study established in 1965 for research on heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Information on consumption of selected foods was available from standardized interviews conducted 1965–1967 and 1971–1974. A 4-level composite intake index defined “low-low” consumption as fewer than two servings of tofu per week in 1965 and no tofu in the prior week in 1971. Men who reported two or more servings per week at both interviews were defined as “high-high” consumers. Intermediate or less consistent “low” and “high” consumption levels were also defined. Cognitive functioning was tested at the 1991–1993 examination, when participants were aged 71 to 93 years (n=3734). Brain atrophy was assessed using neuroimage (n=574) and autopsy (n=290) information. Cognitive function data were also analyzed for wives of a sample of study participants (n=502) who had been living with the participants at the time of their dietary interviews.

Results: Poor cognitive test performance, enlargement of ventricles and low brain weight were each significantly and independently associated with higher midlife tofu consumption. A similar association of midlife tofu intake with poor late life cognitive test scores was also observed among wives of cohort members, using the husband’s answers to food frequency questions as proxy for the wife’s consumption. Statistically significant associations were consistently demonstrated in linear and logistic multivariate regression models. Odds ratios comparing endpoints among “high-high” with “low-low” consumers were mostly in the range of 1.6 to 2.0.

Conclusions: In this population, higher midlife tofu consumption was independently associated with indicators of cognitive impairment and brain atrophy in late life.     

Frequency and influence of “not relevant” responses on the Dermatology Life Quality Index among adults with atopic dermatitis

Purpose

“Not relevant” responses (NRRs) on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) are common among adults with psoriasis and may be associated with underestimation of disease burden. Little is known about “not relevant” responses among adults with atopic dermatitis. We aimed to examine the frequency of NRRs on the DLQI and to determine whether NRRs are associated with underestimation of disease burden among adults with atopic dermatitis.

Methods

Adults with atopic dermatitis were identified and evaluated via online survey. We evaluated the frequency of NRRs on the DLQI, stratified by sociodemographic characteristics. To examine the association between NRRs and other measures of disease burden, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), Patient-Oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD), and Short-Form (SF)-12 scores were compared between those who responded “not relevant” versus “not at all”.

Results

Among 764 adults with atopic dermatitis, most had mild disease. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) POEM, PO-SCORAD, and DLQI scores were 5 (2–10), 24 (14–34), and 2 (1–6), respectively. Most (55.2%) also had at least one NRR, and 17.9% had 4 or more “not relevant” responses, with differences across several sociodemographic characteristics. There were no substantial differences in SF-12, POEM, and PO-SCORAD scores between those who responded “not relevant” versus “not at all”.

Conclusion

NRRs on the DLQI are common among adults with atopic dermatitis and differ across sociodemographic characteristics, suggesting issues with content validity. There is not a clear association between NRRs and other measures of disease severity among adults with mostly mild atopic dermatitis.

     

Prevalence of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from Fishery Workers

ObjectivesThis study aimed to characterize the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Escherichia coli isolates from the fecal samples of fishery workers who work in fish farms and often use antibiotics for the feeding fishes.MethodsSeventy-three E. coli strains isolated from the fecal samples of fishery workers and 180 isolates from a control group of restaurant workers were tested for antibiotic resistance by agar disk diffusion with 16 antimicrobial agents.ResultsAbout 30% of isolates from each group showed antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin, and 60% of isolates from fishery workers and 41% from restaurant workers were resistant to tetracycline. The isolates showed higher resistance to cephalothin and cefoxitin than to other cephem antibiotics and to gentamicin than to other aminogycosides. Our data indicated that fecal E. coli isolates from fishery workers showed higher antibiotic resistance than those of non-fishery workers (restaurant workers), especially to cephalothin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole (p < 0.05). However, rates of multidrug resistance were similar among the fishery workers and restaurant workers.ConclusionFrequent use of antibiotics may cause increased antibiotic resistance in the human microbiome.     

Dietary patterns and changes in frailty status: the Rotterdam study

Purpose

To determine the associations between a priori and a posteriori derived dietary patterns and a general state of health, measured as the accumulation of deficits in a frailty index.

Methods

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis embedded in the population-based Rotterdam Study (n = 2632) aged 45 years. Diet was assessed at baseline (year 2006) using food frequency questionnaires. Dietary patterns were defined a priori using an existing index reflecting adherence to national dietary guidelines and a posteriori using principal component analysis. A frailty index was composed of 38 health deficits and measured at baseline and follow-up (4 years later). Linear regression analyses were performed using adherence to each of the dietary patterns as exposure and the frailty index as outcome (all in Z-scores).

Results

Adherence to the national dietary guidelines was associated with lower frailty at baseline (β ?0.05, 95% CI ?0.08, ?0.02). Additionally, high adherence was associated with lower frailty scores over time (β ?0.08, 95% CI ?0.12, ?0.04). The PCA revealed three dietary patterns that we named a “Traditional” pattern, high in legumes, eggs and savory snacks; a “Carnivore” pattern, high in meat and poultry; and a “Health Conscious” pattern, high in whole grain products, vegetables and fruit. In the cross-sectional analyses adherence to these patterns was not associated with frailty. However, adherence to the “Traditional” pattern was associated with less frailty over time (β ?0.09, 95% CI ?0.14, ?0.05).

Conclusion

No associations were found for adherence to a “healthy” pattern or “Carnivore” pattern. However, Even in a population that is relatively young and healthy, adherence to dietary guidelines or adherence to the Traditional pattern could help to prevent, delay or reverse frailty levels.

     

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Loggers in the Ark-La-Tex Region

ABSTRACT

Background: The U.S. logging sector is among the most dangerous industrial sectors, with high fatality and non-fatal injury rates. Limited research has addressed work-related musculoskeletal disorders among logging machine operators (LMOs). The purpose of this study was to estimate the 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms and the associated work-related risk factors among LMOs in the Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas (Ark-La-Tex) logging region.

Methods: A self-administered 93-item questionnaire with six different sections: (1) demographics, (2) lifestyle and medical background, (3) work experience, (4) job training, (5) occupational heat-related stress, and (6) occupational injuries and MSS was administered to LMOs (n = 88) using Qualtrics Mobile Survey Software®. Poisson regression models were used to estimate crude prevalence ratios (PR), adjusted PR [aPR], and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results: Regarding organizational, ergonomic, and handling equipment occupational factors and 12-month MSS prevalence, the adjusted model controlled for age, BMI, smoking status, and drinking status. For organizational, the most problematic factors for the lower back were performing a task over and over (63.2%) and working very fast, for short periods (60.0%). For ergonomics, the most problematic factor for the lower extremities was awkward or cramped conditions (58.1%) and for the lower back was bending/twisting back awkward (55.9%). Last, for handling equipment, the most problematic for both the lower back and lower extremities was handling or grasping small objects (57.1%).

Conclusion: Our findings revealed associations between work-related MSS and specific job factors (e.g., organizational, ergonomic, handling equipment, etc.), extreme environmental conditions or environmental, and personal risk factors. In particular, study findings suggest lower back and lower extremities MSS are associated with the a majority of job-related risk factors, lower extremities with extreme environmental conditions, and neck and upper back with personal risk factors.     

Ergonomic stressors and upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders in automobile manufacturing: a one year follow up study

Aims: To estimate the one year cumulative incidence and persistence of upper extremity (UE) soft tissue disorders, in a fixed cohort of automotive manufacturing workers, and to quantify their associations with ergonomic exposures.

Methods: At baseline and at follow up, cases of UE musculoskeletal disorders were determined by interviewer administered questionnaire and standardised physical examination of the upper extremities. The interview obtained new data on psychosocial strain and updated the medical and work histories. An index of exposure to ergonomic stressors, obtained at baseline interview, was the primary independent variable. Cumulative incidence and persistence of UE disorders (defined both by symptoms and by physical examination plus symptoms) were analysed in relation to baseline ergonomic exposures, adjusting for other covariates. The incidence of new disorders was modelled using multivariate proportional hazards regression among workers who were not cases in the first year and the prevalence on both occasions was modelled by repeated measures analysis.

Results: A total of 820 workers (69% of eligible cohort members) was examined. Follow up varied slightly by department group but not by baseline exposure level or other characteristics. Among the non-cases at baseline, the cumulative incidence of UE disorders was 14% by symptoms and 12% by symptoms plus examination findings. These rates increased with index of physical exposures primarily among subjects who had the same jobs at follow up as at baseline. Increased exposure during follow up increased risk of incidence. The persistence of UE disorders from baseline to follow up examination was nearly 60% and somewhat associated with baseline exposure score.

Conclusions: These longitudinal results confirm the previous cross sectional associations of UE musculoskeletal disorders with exposure to combined ergonomic stressors. The exposure-response relation was similar for incident cases defined by symptoms alone and those confirmed by physical examination.

     

Perceived Importance of Dietary Protein to Prevent Weight Gain: A National Survey among Midlife Women

ObjectiveEvaluate reported use of the practice of “eating more protein” to prevent weight gain among midlife women.DesignCross-sectional national survey.ParticipantsOne thousand eight hundred twenty-four midlife women (40-60 y) from the 9 United States geographic regions, primarily married (71%), white (76%), and well educated; half were premenopausal (49%).OutcomesFrequency of dietary practices to prevent weight gain, Weight Efficacy Lifestyle score, self-reported weight change and body mass index over the past 2 years, and current protein intake.AnalysisLinear regression models determined associations between weight change, protein intake, and reported use of the practice of “eating more protein” to prevent weight gain.ResultsMost women correctly identified good protein sources, and the majority could indicate the daily percent dietary energy recommended from protein. “Eating more protein” to prevent weight gain was reported by 43% of women as a practice to prevent weight gain and was associated with weight loss over a 2-year period and with increased percent energy from protein.Conclusions and ImplicationsReported use of the practice of “eating more protein” was associated with weight loss over 2 years. Education regarding dietary protein requirements may enhance the use of this practice.     

Physical and psychosocial factors associated with depression among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the prevalence of depression and physical and psychosocial factors associated with depression among adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: The sample included 421 patients with T2DM at a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center in a southern state. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to measure the severity of depression.

Results: The multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that the likelihood of depression increased as the level of pain increased and as the level of ambulation difficulties increased. The likelihood of depression increased as the number of traumatic events increased and as the number of SES-related stressors increased. Expectedly, the likelihood of depression decreased as levels of self-esteem increased.

Conclusions: The findings support that health care providers developing care plans for individuals with diabetes need to include assessments and interventions that address both the physical and psychosocial needs of patients.     

Spanish-Speaking Dairy Workers in New York,Pennsylvania, and Vermont

Abstract

A New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) study surveyed 294 dairy farms in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. The study utilized a quarterly telephone survey to assess the proportion of Spanish-speaking workers on these farms, and also to contrast the hazard level of work tasks and prevalence of lost work time between Spanish-and English-speaking workers.

The total workforce followed in the study was comprised of 14.4 percent Spanish-speaking workers, with larger farms having a higher proportion than smaller farms (19.9% versus 4.6%, respectively). Of the 294 farms, 22.5 percent had at least one Spanish-speaking worker, which differed, greatly between larger and smaller farms (51.5% versus 7.3%).

Spanish workers were significantly younger, worked significantly longer hours and had significantly fewer years of employment than their English-speaking counterparts. Work hour differences were more pronounced on the larger farms. Lost work time, due to on-farm injuries, did not differ between the Hispanic workers and the non-Hispanic workers. After correcting for both age and length of farm employment, Spanish-speaking workers were far less likely to perform managerial functions than their English-speaking counterparts (OR = 22 p < .01).     

Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli Strains Isolated From Healthy Poultry and Swine Farm Workers Using Antibiotics in Korea

ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to compare the antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli isolates from faecal samples of workers who often use antibiotics.MethodsA total of 163E coli strains isolated from faecal samples of livestock workers (poultry and swine farm workers) and restaurant workers in the same regions as a control group were analyzed by agar disc diffusion to determine their susceptibility patterns to 16 antimicrobial agents.ResultsMost of the tested isolates showed high antimicrobial resistance to ampicillin and tetracycline. The isolates showed higher resistance to cephalothin than other antibiotics among the cephems. Among the aminoglycosides, the resistance to gentamicin and tobramycin occurred at higher frequencies compared with resistance to amikacin and netilmicin. Our data indicated that faecal E coli isolates of livestock workers showed higher antibiotic resistances than nonlivestock workers (restaurant workers), especially cephalothin, gentamicin, and tobramycin (p < 0.05). Moreover, the rates of the livestock workers in the association of multidrug resistance were also higher than the rates of the restaurant workers.ConclusionThis study implies that usage of antibiotics may contribute to the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in commensal E coli strains of humans.     

Epicondylitis among cooks in nursery schools

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of epicondylitis among cooks in nursery schools in a cross sectional study because they are suspected to have strenuous workloads on the hands and arms. METHODS: Prevalence of epicondylitis among 209 nursery school cooks and 366 control workers aged 40-59 were studied. Both groups consisted of women workers chosen from 1299 subjects who agreed to participate from 1329 social welfare employees in a city. All workers were interviewed with a questionnaire and had a clinical examination of the tenderness to palpation of epicondyles and epicondylar pain provoked by resisted extension and flexion of the wrist. RESULTS: Nursery school cooks had a significantly higher prevalence of epicondylitis (11.5%) than the controls (2.5%). In a logistic regression model, job title of the cook was also found to have a strong association with epicondylitis (odds ratio (OR) 5.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.4 to 11.9) after adjustment for age, body length, and body mass index. Weaker associations were also found between epicondylitis and suspected job stress or workload scores for mechanical workload and psychosocial stressors based on factor analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study supported the hypothesis that nursery school cooks had a higher prevalence of epicondylitis than other workers with less strenuous hand and arm tasks. It was suggested that risk factors of epicondylitis would be multifactorial, including mechanical workload and psychosocial factors.

 

     

Occupational exposure of pharmaceutical workers to drug actives and excipients and their effect on Staphylococcus spp. nasal carriage and antibiotic resistance

Abstract

Background: Pharmaceutical manufacturing workers are exposed to significant amounts of product ingredients, including antibiotics. Such exposure could affect their nasal microflora.

Objective: To assess the effect of exposure to various unidentified pharmaceutical ingredients in cephalosporin-manufacturing and non-cephalosporin plants on the nasal carriage of Staphylococcus spp. and their antibiotic resistance.

Methods: Nasal swab samples were collected from 39 workers in both plants on three different occasions. Staphylococci were isolated and identified to genus level. Antibiotic resistance profiles were determined and subsequent identification to species level was performed.

Results: There was complete absence of S. aureus in the samples collected from workers in both facilities. Multiple drug resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MDR CONS) prevalence rates were higher in the non-cephalosporin plant than in the cephalosporin plant, with resistance towards six classes of antibiotics. S. epidermidis was the prevalent species in the non-cephalosporin plant and S. haemolyticus prevailed in the cephalosporin-producing plant.

Conclusions: The observed prevalence of CONS in both production plants was the same. However, exposure to intermittent non-cephalosporin pharmaceuticals results in higher prevalence of MDR CONS compared to continuous exposure to cephalosporin.