Predictors of Obesity in Michigan Operating Engineers

Blue collar workers are at risk for obesity. Little is known about obesity in Operating Engineers, a group of blue collar workers, who operate heavy earth-moving equipment in road building and construction. Therefore, 498 Operating Engineers in Michigan were recruited to participate in a cross-sectional survey to determine variables related to obesity in this group. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine personal, psychological, and behavioral factors predicting obesity. Approximately 45% of the Operating Engineers screened positive for obesity, and another 40% were overweight. Multivariate analysis revealed that younger age, male sex, higher numbers of self-reported co-morbidities, not smoking, and low physical activity levels were significantly associated with obesity among Operating Engineers. Operating Engineers are significantly at risk for obesity, and workplace interventions are needed to address this problem.     

A Preliminary Study of New Parents,Sleep Disruption,and Driving: A Population at Risk?

Background Drowsy driving is estimated to be a causal factor in 2–16 % of vehicular crashes. Several populations are reported to be at high risk for drowsy driving accidents, including shift workers, teenage drivers, medical residents, and pilots. Although new parents are known to have significant sleep disruption, no study has investigated vehicular accidents or near miss accidents in this population. Methods A preliminary cross-sectional, anonymous survey of parents who had given birth within the previous 12 months. Participants were asked about their sleep, including validated measures of sleep disruption, their driving patterns, and information about near miss traffic accidents and actual crashes. Results Overall, 72 participants were enrolled. A large proportion of participants had poor sleep including approximately 30 % with daytime sleepiness, 60 % with poor daytime function and two-thirds with poor sleep quality. The mean sleep duration was only 6.4 h. Although most participants drove <100 miles per week, 22.2 % reported at least one near miss accident and 5.6 % reported a crash. Sleep problems were more common in those with near miss accidents and actual crashes than in those without. Of note, poor sleep quality was associated with a sixfold increase in near miss accidents even after accounting for other factors. Conclusion Poor sleep is common in new parents and we provide preliminary evidence that sleep disruption in this population is associated with near miss motor vehicle accidents. Drowsy driving results in thousands of unnecessary serious injuries and fatalities each year; raising public awareness that new parents are a high-risk group is important.     

Insomnia and Its Relationship to Work and Health in a Working-Age Population

Because sleep may directly or indirectly be related to disability, we examined the prevalence of sleep problems in working-age people in the general population and explored the relationship among sleep, health, and work. A cross-sectional survey, mailed to 3,000 people aged 20–60, was employed, featuring criteria to define sleep problems and standardized items to assess work and health. Although the criteria for insomnia was met by 8% of the sample, the 3-month prevalence of sleep problems was 35%. Sleep was related to self-reported mental, physical, and social health as well as to health-care utilization. As for work, poor sleep was linked to absenteeism, employment status, work hours, and the psychosocial work environment. Moreover, poor sleep was associated with reduced work capacity, for example, reduced concentration, listlessness, and difficulties in making decisions. Multivariate analyses that controlled age, gender, and health factors found that not being employed and poor work-content increased the risk for sleep problems. We conclude that sleep problems are prevalent among working-age people and that there is a bilateral link between sleep and work. There is a need to develop treatment as well as preventive interventions oriented towards workers and the workplace.     

Obstacles to and Facilitators of Return to Work After Work-Disabling Back Pain: The Workers’ Perspective

Introduction Back pain entails considerable costs, particularly because many injured workers are absent from work for long periods. Factors that influence return to work among workers with back pain are still, however, not well understood. This qualitative study aimed at documenting affected workers’ perspective on the: 1—difficulties caused by back pain, and 2—most important obstacles to and facilitators of return to work. Methods Two focus groups composed of workers having suffered from work-disabling back pain were held: a group of participants who had returned to work (n = 9) and a group of participants who had not returned or had recently returned to work (n = 10). The verbatim accounts of the discussions were transcribed and a content analysis was carried out that included a ranking of items. Results Difficulties caused by back pain were related to: (1) personal, (2) family, (3) social, (4) occupational, and (5) financial factors, and (6) health services. Obstacles to and facilitators of return to work were of 4 different types: (1) occupational factors, (2) factors associated with the utilization of health services, (3) clinical, and (4) personal factors. Persistent pain, lack of access to information or support groups, and lack of collaboration and understanding from employer were the most important obstacles identified, whereas knowledge of one’s limits and physical training were perceived to be the most important facilitators of return to work, ahead of work-related factors. Differences between groups’ perceptions were attributed mainly to control beliefs. Conclusions Personal, clinical, occupational and health services factors are perceived by workers with back pain to play a crucial role in determining whether they return to work or not.     

Self-reported Work Ability and Work Performance in Workers with Chronic Nonspecific Musculoskeletal Pain

Purpose To assess self-reported work ability and work performance of workers who stay at work despite chronic nonspecific musculoskeletal pain (CMP), and to explore which variables were associated with these outcomes. Methods In a cross-sectional study we assessed work ability (Work Ability Index, single item scale 0–10) and work performance (Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, scale 0–10) among 119 workers who continued work while having CMP. Scores of work ability and work performance were categorized into excellent (10), good (9), moderate (8) and poor (0–7). Hierarchical multiple regression and logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the relation of socio-demographic, pain-related, personal- and work-related variables with work ability and work performance. Results Mean work ability and work performance were 7.1 and 7.7 (poor to moderate). Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed that higher work ability scores were associated with lower age, better general health perception, and higher pain self-efficacy beliefs (R² = 42 %). Higher work performance was associated with lower age, higher pain self-efficacy beliefs, lower physical work demand category and part-time work (R² = 37 %). Logistic regression analysis revealed that work ability ≥8 was significantly explained by age (OR = 0.90), general health perception (OR = 1.04) and pain self-efficacy (OR = 1.15). Work performance ≥8 was explained by pain self-efficacy (OR = 1.11). Conclusions Many workers with CMP who stay at work report poor to moderate work ability and work performance. Our findings suggest that a subgroup of workers with CMP can stay at work with high work ability and performance, especially when they have high beliefs of pain self-efficacy. Our results further show that not the pain itself, but personal and work-related factors relate to work ability and work performance.     

Job stress and poor sleep quality: data from an American sample of full-time workers

Given the associations between poor quality sleep and health, it is important to consider whether job stressors are related to sleep-related outcomes. Studies from Europe and Japan suggest that these stressors negatively impact sleep, but there are few studies of job stressors and sleep quality that draw upon large representative samples of workers in the USA. Using data collected via telephone interviews from a nationally representative random sample of 1715 American full-time employees, this research considers three dependent variables of past-month poor sleep quality: number of days the respondent had difficulty initiating sleep, number of days of difficulty maintaining sleep, and number of days of non-restorative sleep. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate a count data model of the associations between the frequency of these three types of poor sleep quality and the job stressors of work overload, role conflict, autonomy, and repetitive tasks, while controlling for socio-demographic characteristics. The average American worker reported 5.3 days of difficulty falling asleep, 6.6 days of trouble staying asleep, and 5.0 days of trouble waking up for work in the past month. Across the three types of poor sleep quality, work overload was positively associated with the frequency of poor sleep quality. Role conflict was positively associated with difficulty initiating sleep and non-restorative sleep. Repetitive tasks were associated with more days of difficulty initiating sleep and maintaining sleep. Job autonomy was negatively associated with non-restorative sleep. Given that sleep quality is associated with other health outcomes, future research should continue to explore the associations between job-related stressors, sleep quality, and workers' health status.     

Sleep Quality Among Latino Farmworkers in North Carolina: Examination of the Job Control-Demand-Support Model

Sleep problems are associated with physical and mental health disorders and place individuals at an increased risk of workplace injuries. The demand-control-support model posits that job demands and the capacity to control work processes influence workers’ level of distress, thereby affecting their physical and mental health; supervisor support can buffer the negative effect of high demands and low control. Data on the sleep quality and the organization of work of Latino men were collected in agricultural areas in North Carolina in 2012. 147 Mexican-born farmworkers ages 30 and older, most of whom had H-2A visas, provided information about sleep quality and organization of work. Most (83 %) farmworkers reported good sleep quality. The association between working more than 40 h per week and reporting poor sleep quality approached statistical significance. Additional research is needed to understand whether job demands, job control, and social support affect farmworkers’ sleep quality.     

Job characteristics and the subjective oral health of Australian workers

Abstract : The way in which work is structured and organised is associated with the health and well-being of workers.
Objectives : To examine the associations between hours worked, job security, skill maintenance and work and home interference and subjective oral health; and to compare findings for different occupational groups.
Methods : Data were collected in 1999 from a random stratified sample of households in all Australian States and Territories using a telephone interview and a questionnaire survey. Subjective oral health was evaluated with the short form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), which assesses the adverse impact of oral conditions on quality of life.
Results : Data were obtained for 2,347 dentate adults in the workforce. In the 12 months preceding the survey, 51.9% had experienced oral pain and 31.0% reported psychological discomfort from dental problems. Males, young adults, Australian-born workers, and those in upper-white collar occupations reported lower mean OHIP-14 scores (ANOVA p <0.001). Having controlled for the effects sex, age, country of birth and socio-economic factors in a linear multiple regression analysis, hours worked, skill maintenance and work and home interference were significantly associated with OHIP-14 scores for all workers. While part-time work was associated with higher OHIP-14 among upper white-collar workers, working >40 hours a week was associated with higher OHIP-14 scores for other workers.
Conclusions : Aspects of the work environment are associated with the subjective oral health of workers. Because these contexts are subject to only limited control by individual workers, their influence is a public health issue.     

Job characteristics and the subjective oral health of Australian workers

The way in which work is structured and organised is associated with the health and well-being of workers. OBJECTIVES: To examine the associations between hours worked, job security, skill maintenance and work and home interference and subjective oral health; and to compare findings for different occupational groups. METHODS: Data were collected in 1999 from a random stratified sample of households in all Australian States and Territories using a telephone interview and a questionnaire survey. Subjective oral health was evaluated with the short form Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), which assesses the adverse impact of oral conditions on quality of life. RESULTS: Data were obtained for 2,347 dentate adults in the workforce. In the 12 months preceding the survey, 51.9% had experienced oral pain and 31.0% reported psychological discomfort from dental problems. Males, young adults, Australian-born workers, and those in upper-white collar occupations reported lower mean OHIP-14 scores (ANOVA p < 0.001). Having controlled for the effects sex, age, country of birth and socioeconomic factors in a linear multiple regression analysis, hours worked, skill maintenance and work and home interference were significantly associated with OHIP-14 scores for all workers. While part-time work was associated with higher OHIP-14 among upper white-collar workers, working >40 hours a week was associated with higher OHIP-14 scores for other workers. CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of the work environment are associated with the subjective oral health of workers. Because these contexts are subject to only limited control by individual workers, their influence is a public health issue.     

Subjective poor sleep and white blood cell count in male Japanese workers

Sleep deprivation has been shown to be associated with an increase in inflammatory makers such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relation between subjective poor sleep and white blood cell (WBC) count, an inflammatory marker. The subjects were 208 male Japanese workers in a synthetic fiber-manufacturing plant, who responded to a cross-sectional survey of a questionnaire on basic attributes, life style, and sleep. All male workers in the plant took an annual health checkup. WBC count was also examined in the checkup. The WBC count was greater in shift workers than in daytime workers. Shift workers complained of poor sleep more frequently, though their sleeping hours were longer. Multiple regression analysis showed that poor sleep as well as smoking habit, BMI and age were independent factors for an increase in WBC count, while sleeping hours and work pattern (shift work) were not significant factors. The present finding that poor sleep was associated with higher WBC count in male workers might suggest the importance of quality of sleep, particularly among shift workers.     

An epidemiologic review on occupational sleep research among Japanese workers

Epidemiologic sleep research on Japanese workers has been increasing in recent years. It is timely to give an overview of the sleep issues facing the Japanese working population by reviewing the accumulated epidemiological evidence, which will contribute to the promotion of a sound occupational health policy and the development of occupational sleep research in epidemiology. This paper reviews 24 studies, 13 for non-shift and 11 for shift Japanese workers, identified by using MEDLINE and Japan Cetra Revuo Medicina. The results reviewed are as follows: 1) the prevalence of insomnia and other sleep problems is substantially varied, 5 to 45% for non-shift and 29 to 38% for shift workers, 2) poor sleep quality is related to health, occupational activities and personal relations, 3) the risk or associated factors are identified in pathophysiology (e.g., hypertension), lifestyle behaviors (e.g., diet, alcohol, tobacco), job-related conditions (e.g., job stress, social support, job dissatisfaction, workload, shift schedules) and psychopathology (e.g., depressed mood). The methodological limitations found in the studies and the strategies of future epidemiologic sleep research in workers are discussed.     

Direction of shift rotation among three-shift workers in relation to psychological health and work-family conflict

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the direction of shift rotation was related to the need for recovery, fatigue, sleep quality, work-family conflict, and leisure time among three-shift workers. METHODS: Data of 95 workers in forward-rotating three-shift work and 681 workers in backward-rotating three-shift work, with 32 months of follow-up, in the Maastricht cohort study (N=12,095) were used. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were carried out. RESULTS: A backward rotation schedule was prospectively related to an increased need for recovery [relative risk (RR) 2.88, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.06-7.81] and poor general health (RR 3.21, 95% CI 1.32-7.83), as compared with a forward rotation schedule. Adjustment for demographic and health variables and the characteristics of the work environment did not alter these relations considerably. Furthermore, a forward rotation schedule was prospectively related to less work-family conflict and better sleep quality over the 32 months of follow-up. Finally, high levels of fatigue, need for recovery, poor sleep quality, poor general health, insufficient leisure time, and work-family conflict at first measurement were associated with an increased risk of leaving shiftwork during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Optimization of shiftwork schedules, in terms of shift rotation, seems a promising method for decreasing the negative impact accompanying shiftwork. Future studies should investigate whether these findings for three-shift workers are applicable to other shiftwork schedules as well. Furthermore, this study clearly illustrates the existence of secondary selection processes among shiftworkers and thereby emphasizes the complexity of valid shiftwork research.     

Mental health in mine workers: a literature review

The mining environment is hazardous for worker’s health. It can affect the mental health, triggering symptoms and diseases, such as anxiety, job stress, depression, sleep disorders, mental fatigue and other. The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the scientific literature about the mental health in mine workers and to summarize the findings. The method used was scoping review. The principal outcomes were the following: evidence in the last 12 years in the topic was focused in four themes 1) Psychological problems & personal factors (38.2%); 2) Psychosocial problems & health related factor (23.6%); 3) Well-being (21.1%) and 4) Physical problems & organization factors (17.1%). Several affections, symptoms, characteristics or disorders were inquired about mine worker’s mental health, such as job strain, unsafety experiences, poor quality of sleep, non-subjective well-being, job unsatisfaction, social-relations conflict, risk of accidents and injuries, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), substance abuse, dangerous working conditions and demanding job organization, and so on. For those factors, Mining could expose to serious mental health problems to a part of their workers. It’s necessary to deepen the elaboration of international policies and carry out more scientific research and suggestions to make programs on the topic.     

International research needs for improving sleep and health of workers

Research needs in identifying preventive measures dealing with working time arrangements and associated sleep problems are reviewed. These needs are based on the recognition of a range of risk factors for health involving disturbed circadian rhythms leading to various levels of sleep deficits. The review takes account of recent joint change approaches that address both working time arrangements and various relevant intervening factors. As examples of such approaches, voluntary industry-based guidelines for improving shift work are examined. Also reviewed is evidence indicating the effects of improved working time arrangements and sleep hygiene on the tolerance of workers working irregular shifts. Trends in action-oriented risk assessment are further discussed as the effects on health and sleep of these workers may be modified by complex aspects related to working situations, family and social conditions, personal characteristics and social support. Generally relevant are not only the relationships between sleep-affecting factors and health, but also advances in taking the various support measures. The effective use of participatory steps is found important in dealing with working time arrangements and associated health and sleep problems together. It is thus considered important to study (a) the efficacy of joint change approaches addressing complex sleep and health factors, (b) effective procedures for action-oriented health risk assessment in various work life situations, and (c) the relevance of innovative participatory steps to improving health and tolerance of workers. Future research topics mentioned by the participants of the international symposium on night and shift work held in Santos in 2003 are presented, and international efforts to promote research into these aspects in field conditions are discussed. Interactive research involving local people appears crucial.     

Effects of sleep hygiene education and behavioral therapy on sleep quality of white-collar workers: a randomized controlled trial

Because poor sleep quality can reduce quality of life and increase prevalence of illness in workers, interventions are becoming increasingly important for businesses. To evaluate how sleep quality is affected by one-on-one behavioral modification when combined with group education, we conducted a randomized, controlled trial among day-shift white-collar employees working for an information-technology service company in Japan. Participants were randomly allocated to groups receiving either sleep hygiene group education (control group), or education combined with individual sleep modification training (one-on-one group). Occupational health professionals carried out both procedures, and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). PSQI scores were obtained before and after the intervention period, and changes in scores were compared across groups after adjustments for age, gender, job title, smoking and drinking habits, body-mass index, and mental health as assessed using K6 scores. The average PSQI score for the control group decreased by 0.8, whereas that of the one-on-one group decreased by 1.8 (difference of 1), resulting in a significantly greater decrease in score for the one-on-one group (95% confidence interval: 0.02 to 2.0). These results show that, compared to sleep hygiene group education alone, the addition of individual behavioral training significantly improved the sleep quality of workers after only three months.     

Need adjustment of utilization of occupational health promotion for reducing back pain? Results of an employee survey of the metal industry

We analysed data of a cross-sectional survey of 974 employees in the German metal industry to determine the degree to which worksite health promotion matches the needs of employees. 27% of study participants have already taken part in individually oriented health promotion, and another 48% want to participate most readily in activities aiming at preventing and reducing musculo-skeletal complaints. Recent participation (within a fourteen-month period) in these classes was low among male blue collar workers (7%) compared to male and female white collar employees (18 and 26%). Among blue collar workers the percentage of subjects who suffered from chronic back pain and did not recently participate in the relevant classes of the company health insurance plan (unserved prevalence) was 30%, compared to 17 and 26% in male and female white collar employees. Participants were less exposed to work-related predictors of chronic back pain than non-participants. Participants were, however, more often afflicted with chronic back pain than non-participants. In addition, the intention to participate was strongly associated with this type of complaint. Shift work was the most important single explanation for the low participation rates of blue collar workers. Suggestions are advanced to neutralise the adverse effects of shift work on participation, to strengthen the primary preventive functions of individual worksite health promotion, and to integrate it with structural measures of health and safety at work.     

海南省百岁老人健康自评状况及其影响因素研究

目的 了解海南省百岁老人健康自评情况,探讨其相关影响因素。方法 2014年6月至2016年12月采用全样本横断面方法,对海南省18个市（县）991例百岁老人入户调查和健康查体,采集一般人口学资料、主要现患疾病、日常生活活动能力、心理健康水平、睡眠质量等资料,并采用五分类法对百岁老人健康自评。结果 991例百岁老人有157例（15.8%）健康自评为好,228例（23.0%）自评为差。多因素logistic回归显示,老人中慢性疼痛、视力障碍、抑郁、日常生活活动能力和睡眠质量自评与健康自评相关（P<0.05）。结论 海南省百岁老人健康自评为好者的比例较低,其主要影响因素为慢性疼痛、视力障碍、抑郁、睡眠质量和日常生活活动能力,应对相关因素进行综合干预。     

A community-based cross-sectional study of sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults

Background

Sleep quality has been widely studied among western countries. However, there is limited population-based evidence on insomnia in Chinese adult populations, especially in middle-aged and older adults. The aims of present study are to (1) examine the prevalence of poor sleep among Chinese middle-age and older adults, (2) compare the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) seven domain scores across different physical health statuses, (3) explore factors associated with insomnia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a multi-instrument questionnaire. In total, 1563 residents aged 45 or older in the community were interviewed. The Chinese version of the PSQI was used to assess sleep quality while poor sleep was defined as a total PSQI score >5. Socio-demographic, lifestyle and physical health data were also collected.

Results

The prevalence of poor sleep among adults aged over 45 years was 20.67 %. Clusters logistic regression analysis identified that migrant workers, single marital status, lower education level, no physical exercise, illness within 2 weeks, and a higher total number of chronic diseases contribute to increased risk of poor sleep (P < 0.05). Among three clusters, physical health has the biggest independent contribution on sleep quality.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that poor sleep was common in middle-aged and older adults. It was associated with identity of migrant worker, education level, exercise, illness within 2 weeks and number of chronic disease. Being ill within 2 weeks and having more chronic diseases were the major physical health-related factors contributing to poor sleep in the middle-aged and older people. Physical health may be a major determinant in sleep quality.

     

Exploring Sleep Quality and Related Factors in Chinese Midlife Women

We investigated the percentage of women with poor sleep quality and its related factors among mainland Chinese women. Sleep quality and menopausal status were self-reported. We explored the contribution of possible risk factors, including sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, lifestyle, psychological status, stressful life events, and vasomotor symptoms. We found that 38.6% of midlife Chinese women were poor sleepers. This percentage was higher in comparison with women from other Asian countries. Our multiple logistic regression showed that anxiety, comorbidities, perceived stress, and vasomotor symptoms were risk factors for poor sleep quality.     

Multivariate analysis on the relationship between subjective symptoms and risk factors for the development of symptoms including working conditions, life habits and physical status in forestry workers using chain saw]

To determine the risk factors of the subjective symptoms experienced by chain saw workers, we surveyed 206 forestry workers using this device in their work. The strength of the relationship between their symptoms and such potential risk factors as occupational, behavioral, and physical factors was evaluated by a multiple logistic regression model. It was found that many years of chain saw operation, and numerous hours of chain saw operation per day, increased the risk of white finger, numbness of hands and arms, chillness of hands and arms and difficulty in joint movement, indicating that these symptoms were closely related to vibration exposure. Many years of forestry work before chain saw work also increased the risk of joint pain, suggesting that bone and joint disorders are related to heavy manual work not using a chain saw. A second job involving manual labor increased the risk of weakness in the arms, stiffness of the shoulders, and lumbago. Infrequent bathing was associated with increased risk of pain in hands and arms and lumbago. Older workers had a higher prevalence of stomach discomfort. No risk factor was found to significantly increase the risk of easy fatigability, forgetfulness and sleep disorder. It was found that not only exposure to vibration but also other factors contributed to the prevalence of pain in hands and arms, joint pain, weakness in arms, stiffness of shoulder, and lumbago. Second job and infrequent bathing appeared to be related to the occurrence of certain subjective symptoms. These contributory factors should be taken into account when evaluating subjective symptoms encountered in field studies of forestry workers.