Prevalence, Overlap, and Predictors of Functional Somatic Syndromes in a Student Sample

Background

Although at least 20 different functional somatic syndromes (FSS) have been described, and overlaps between individual FSS and a high comorbidity with depressive and anxiety disorders have been suggested, barely any studies have examined a broad array of FSS within one study. Moreover, information on psychosocial risk factors gained from prospective studies is scarce.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine prevalence rates, overlap, and comorbidity in 17 FSS and to estimate the influence of psychosocial risk factors on the development of FSS.

Methods

In total, 3,054 students (73.4 % women) completed a Web survey containing questions on FSS, comorbidity, and psychosocial risk factors at baseline. Of these, 429 completed the survey again 6 months later.

Results

The prevalence of any FSS was 9.5 %, with 227 (78.6 %) subjects fulfilling criteria for only one FSS, 49 (17.0 %) reporting two, and 12 (4.2 %) reporting three syndromes simultaneously. Only one person suffered from four FSS at the same time. “Major depressive syndrome” (15.6 %), “panic syndrome” (4.8 %), and “other anxiety syndromes” (19.7 %) frequently occurred among persons with FSS. Significant predictors of FSS were number of somatic symptoms (OR?=?1.15), impairment in daily activities (OR?=?3.17), depression (OR?=?1.13), and somatization (OR?=?1.15).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that FSS are common in nonclinical samples. The frequency of overlap and comorbidity in FSS was lower compared with previous research. A consideration of psychosocial risk factors is warranted in the prevention and management of FSS.     

Multiple Somatic Symptoms Predict Impaired Health Status in Functional Somatic Syndromes

Background

The relationship between functional somatic syndromes and multiple somatic symptoms is unclear.

Purpose

We assessed whether the number of somatic symptoms is a predictor of health status in three functional somatic syndromes (FSS).

Methods

In a population-based study of 990 UK adults we assessed chronic widespread pain (CWP), chronic fatigue (CF) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by questionnaire and medical record data. We assessed health status (Short Form 12 and EQ-5D), number of somatic symptoms (Somatic Symptom Inventory) and anxiety/depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) both at baseline and at follow-up 1 year later.

Results

The proportion of people with an FSS who also have multiple somatic symptoms (52–55 %) was similar in the three functional syndromes. The presence of multiple somatic symptoms was associated with more impaired health status both at baseline and at follow-up. This finding was not explained by severity of FSS. In the absence of multiple somatic symptoms, the health status of the FSS was fair or good. In multiple regression analysis, the number of somatic symptoms, the presence of a functional syndrome (CWP or CF) and anxiety/depression were predictors of EQ-5D thermometer at follow-up after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions

Multiple somatic symptoms in people with an FSS are associated with impaired health status and this cannot be explained by more severe functional syndrome or the presence of anxiety and depression.     

Factors Related to Non-recovery from Whiplash. The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT)

Background

Whiplash injuries show a variable prognosis which is difficult to predict. Most individuals experiencing whiplash injuries rapidly recover but a significant proportion develop chronic symptoms and ongoing disability.

Purpose

By employing longitudinal data, we investigated how psychological and physical symptoms, self-rated health, use of health services and medications, health behavior and demographic factors predict recovery from whiplash.

Method

Data from two waves of a large, Norwegian, population-based study (The Nord-Trøndelag Health Study: HUNT2 and HUNT3) were used. Individuals reporting whiplash in HUNT2 (baseline) were identified in HUNT3 11 years later. The characteristics of individuals still suffering from whiplash in HUNT3 were compared with the characteristics of individuals who had recovered using Pearson’s chi-squared test, independent sample t-tests and logistic regression.

Results

At follow-up, 31.6 % of those reporting whiplash at baseline had not recovered. These individuals (n?=?199) reported worse health at baseline than recovered individuals (n?=?431); they reported poorer self-rated health (odds ratio [OR]?=?3.12; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 2.20–4.43), more symptoms of anxiety (OR?=?1.70; 95 % CI, 1.15–2.50), more diffuse somatic symptoms (OR?=?2.38; 95 % CI, 1.61–3.51) and more musculoskeletal symptoms (OR?=?1.21; 95 % CI, 1.13–1.29). Individuals still suffering from whiplash also visited more health practitioners at baseline (OR?=?1.18; 95 % CI, 1.06–1.32) and used more medications (OR?=?1.24; 95 % CI, 1.09–1.40).

Conclusion

Poor self-rated health seems to be a strong risk factor for whiplash injuries becoming chronic. Diffuse somatic symptoms, musculoskeletal symptoms and symptoms of anxiety at baseline are important prognostic risk factors. Knowledge of these maintaining risk factors enables identification of individuals at risk of non-recovery, facilitating adequate treatment for this vulnerable group.     

The Latent Structure of Medically Unexplained Symptoms and Its Relation to Functional Somatic Syndromes

Background

Medically unexplained symptoms are the hallmark of somatoform disorders and functional somatic syndromes.

Purpose

Although medically unexplained symptoms represent a common phenomenon both in the general population as well as in medical settings, the exact latent structure of somatic symptoms remains largely unclear.

Method

We examined the latent structure of medically unexplained symptoms by means of the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15) questionnaire (i.e., a popular symptom checklist) and provide support for the construct validity of our model. The data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis in a general population sample (study 1; N?=?414) and in a sample of primary care patients (study 2; N?=?308). We compared four different latent structure models of medically unexplained symptoms: a general factor model, a correlated group factor model, a hierarchical model, and a bifactor model.

Results

In study 1, a bifactor model with one general factor and four independent specific symptom factors (i.e., gastrointestinal, pain, fatigue, and cardiopulmonary symptoms) showed the best model fit. This bifactor model was confirmed in the primary care sample (study 2). Additionally, the model explained 59 % of the variance of the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In this structural equation model, both the general factor (14 %) as well as the gastrointestinal symptom factor (42 %) significantly predicted the IBS.

Conclusion

The findings of both studies help to clarify the latent structure of somatic symptoms in the PHQ-15. The bifactor model outperformed alternative models and demonstrated external validity in predicting IBS.     

Work–Family Conflict and Self-Rated Health: the Role of Gender and Educational Level. Baseline Data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil)

Purpose

This study examined gender differences in the association between work–family conflict and self-rated health and evaluated the effect of educational attainment.

Method

We used baseline data from ELSA-Brasil, a cohort study of civil servants from six Brazilian state capitals. Our samples included 12,017 active workers aged 34–72 years. Work–family conflict was measured by four indicators measuring effects of work on family, effects of family in work and lack of time for leisure and personal care.

Results

Women experienced more frequent work–family conflict, but in both genders, increased work–family conflict directly correlated with poorer self-rated health. Women’s educational level interacted with three work–family conflict indicators. For time-based effects of work on family, highly educated women had higher odds of suboptimal self-rated health (OR?=?1.54; 95 % CI?=?1.19–1.99) than less educated women (OR?=?1.14; 95 % CI?=?0.92–1.42). For strain-based effects of work on family, women with higher and lower education levels had OR?=?1.91 (95 % CI 1.48–2.47) and OR?=?1.40 (95 % CI 1.12–1.75), respectively. For lack of time for leisure and personal care, women with higher and lower education levels had OR?=?2.60 (95 % CI?=?1.95–3.47) and OR?=?1.11 (95 % CI?=?0.90–1.38), respectively.

Conclusion

Women’s education level affects the relationship between work–family conflict and self-rated health. The results may contribute to prevention activities.

     

Rural and Small Town Breast Cancer Survivors’ Preferences for Physical Activity

Background

Recent data suggests that only 35 % of rural and small town breast cancer survivors are achieving physical activity (PA) guidelines after treatment.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine preferences for PA counseling and programming and barriers to program participation in a sample of rural and small town breast cancer survivors.

Methods

Survivors (n?=?524) residing in rural and small town areas of Alberta, Canada completed a mailed self-report survey that assessed demographic variables, PA, and PA counseling and programming preferences.

Results

Seventy-eight percent of survivors indicated they would have possibly (i.e., yes or maybe) been interested in being counseled about PA at the time of diagnosis, while 70 % would possibly be interested in being counseled about PA at this current time. Overall, 85 % felt they would possibly be able to participate in a PA program. Receiving chemotherapy was negatively associated with wanting to receive PA counseling (odds ratio [OR]?=?0.58; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.39 to 0.86), PA program interest (OR?=?0.43; 95 % CI, 0.28 to 0.67), and PA program ability (OR?=?0.44; 95 % CI, 0.26 to 0.75). Preferred activities involved walking (51 %), flexibility and related activities (e.g., yoga, stretching) (36 %), and strength training (27 %).

Conclusions

Rural and small town survivors appear to be interested in and able to participate in PA counseling and programs. PA initiatives targeted to the preferences of breast cancer survivors living in nonurban areas may be more likely to facilitate and maintain PA behavior.     

The association between interleukin-6 polymorphisms and rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the functional interleukin-6 (IL-6) promoter ?174 G/C and ?572 G/C polymorphisms confer susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in ethnically different populations.

Methods

Meta-analysis was conducted on the associations between these IL-6 polymorphisms and RA.

Results

A total of nine studies involving 3,851 subjects (RA 2,053 and controls 1,798) were considered in this study and ethnicity-specific meta-analysis was performed on European subjects. In all study subjects, meta-analysis revealed a trend toward to an association between RA and the IL-6 ?174 G allele (odds ratio [OR]?=?0.699, 95?% confidence interval [CI]?=?0.463–1.054, p?=?0.088). Stratification by ethnicity indicated a significant association between RA and the IL-6 ?174 G/C polymorphism in Europeans using the dominant (OR?=?0.329, 95?% CI?=?0.155–0.699, p?=?0.004) and recessive (OR?=?0.823, 95?% CI?=?0.679–0.997, p?=?0.047) models. Meta-analysis of the IL-6 ?572 G/C polymorphism showed no association between RA and the IL-6 ?572 G allele in all study subjects (OR?=?1.641, 95?% CI?=?0.613–4.397, p?=?0.324).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows that the IL-6 ?174 G/C polymorphism may confer susceptibility to RA in Europeans.     

The Association of Sensory Responsiveness with Somatic Symptoms and Illness Anxiety

Background

Somatoform Disorders or Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders are a major public health problem.The pathophysiology underlying these disorders is not yet understood.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore if sensory responsiveness could contribute to a better understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying two key symptoms of Somatoform Disorders, namely somatic symptoms and illness anxiety.

Methods

We measured vibrotactile perception thresholds with the HVLab Perception Meter and examined their association with somatic symptoms, illness anxiety and trait anxiety. A sample of 205 volunteers participated in the study.

Results

Sensory responsiveness was neither associated with somatic symptoms (β?=??0.01; 95 % confidence interval (CI), ?0.37, 0.39) nor trait anxiety (β?=??0.07; 95 % CI, ?0.30, 0.07). However, lower vibrotactile perception thresholds were associated with increased scores of the overall illness anxiety scale (β?=??0.65; 95 % CI, ?1.21, ?0.14) and its constituent subscale disease conviction (β?=??2.07; 95 % CI, ?3.94, ?0.43).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that increased sensory responsiveness is associated with illness anxiety and hence should be examined further as potential target within the etiopathology of somatoform disorders.

     

The relevance of Tim-3 polymorphisms and F protein to the outcomes of HCV infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the major causes of liver inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3) polymorphisms and the alternate reading frame protein (F protein) with the outcomes of HCV infection. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs10053538, rs12186731, and rs13170556) of Tim-3 were genotyped in this study, which included 203 healthy controls, 558 hepatitis C anti-F-positive patients, and 163 hepatitis C anti-F-negative patients. The results revealed that the rs12186731 CT and rs13170556 TC and CC genotypes were significantly less frequent in the anti-F-positive patients [odds ratio (OR)?=?0.54, 95 % confidence interval (CI)?=?0.35–0.83, p?=?0.005; OR?=?0.26, 95 % CI?=?0.18–0.39, p?<?0.001; and OR?=?0.19, 95 % CI?=?0.10–0.35, p?<?0.001, respectively), and the rs13170556 TC genotype was more frequent in the chronic HCV (CHC) patients (OR?=?1.70, 95 % CI?=?1.20–2.40, p?=?0.002). The combined analysis of the rs12186731 CT and rs13170556 TC/CC genotypes revealed a locus-dosage protective effect in the anti-F-positive patients (OR?=?0.22, 95 % CI?=?0.14–0.33, p _trend?<?0.001). Stratified analyses revealed that the frequencies of the rs12186731 (CT?+?TT) genotypes were significantly lower in the older (OR?=?0.31, 95 % CI?=?0.15–0.65, p?=?0.002) and female (OR?=?0.30, 95 % CI?=?0.17–0.52, p?<?0.001) subgroups, and rs13170556 (TC?+?CC) genotypes exhibited the same effect in all subgroups (all p?<?0.001) in the anti-F antibody generations. Moreover, the rs13170556 (TC?+?CC) genotypes were significantly more frequent in the younger (OR?=?1.86, 95 % CI?=?1.18–2.94, p?=?0.007) and female (OR?=?2.38, 95 % CI?=?1.48–3.83, p?<?0.001) subgroups of CHC patients. These findings suggest that the rs12186731 CT and rs13170556 TC/CC genotypes of Tim-3 provide potential protective effects with the F protein in the outcomes of HCV infection and that these effects are related to sex and age.     

Modern Health Worries, Subjective Health Complaints, Health Care Utilization, and Sick Leave in the Norwegian Working Population

Background

Modern health worries (concerns about aspects of modern life affecting health) heve been associated with subjective health complaints and health care utilization.

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between modern health worries (MHW) and subjective health complaints (SHC), health care utilization, and sick leave related to such complaints in the Norwegian working population.

Methods

A sample of the Norwegian working population (N?=?569) answered a questionnaire which included the Subjective Health Complaints Inventory and a Norwegian version of the Modern Health Worries Scale.

Results

Ninety-one percent of the participants reported at least one complaint in the past 30 days, and 96 % of the participants reported concerns for at least one of the items in the MHW scale. Women reported significantly more and more severe complaints compared to men and significantly more concern about aspects of modern life affecting health. Participants who reported a high level of MHW showed nearly twice the risk of reporting a high level of SHC (odds ratio (OR)?=?1.83; 95 % confidence interval (CI)?=?1.30–2.71; p?=?0.001), and they showed twice the risk for self-certified sick leave related to SHC (OR?=?2.04; 95 % CI?=?1.01–3.92; p?=?0.048). High levels of MHW showed no significant association with health care utilization or doctor-certified sick leave.

Conclusions

Subjective health complaints and concerns about aspects of modern life affecting health are very common, even among healthy workers. Women have more complaints and more concerns compared to men. Within the health care system, it may be advantageous to pay close attention to the association between high levels of MHW and high levels of SHC.     

Associations Between Supportive Leadership and Employees Self-Rated Health in an Occupational Sample

Background

Protecting the health of the work force has become an important issue in public health research.

Purpose

This study aims to explore potential associations between supportive leadership style (SLS), an aspect of leadership behavior, and self-rated health (SRH) among employees.

Method

We drew on cross-sectional data from a cohort of industrial workers (n?=?3,331), collected in 2009. We assessed employees' ratings of supportive, employee-oriented leadership behavior at their job, their SRH, and work stress as measured by the effort–reward model and scales measuring demands, control, and social support. Logistic regression estimated odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between the perception of poor SLS and poor SRH controlling for work-related stress and other confounders. Sensitivity analyses stratified models by sex, age, and managerial position to test the robustness of associations.

Results

Perception of poor SLS was associated with poor SRH [OR 2.39 (95 % CI 1.95–2.92)]. Although attenuated following adjustment for measures of work-related stress and other confounders [OR 1.60 (95 % CI 1.26–2.04)], the magnitude, direction, and significance of this association remained robust in stratified models in most subgroups.

Conclusion

SLS appears to be relevant to health in the workplace. Leadership behavior may represent a promising area for future research with potential for promoting better health in a large segment of the adult population.     

Association between ADAM33 T1 polymorphism and susceptibility to asthma in Asians

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the ADAM33 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain 33) T1 (rs2280091), T2 (rs2280090), and ST+7 (rs574174) polymorphisms confer susceptibility to asthma.

Methods

A meta-analysis stratified by ethnicity and age was conducted on associations between the ADAM33 T1, T2, and ST+7 polymorphisms and asthma.

Results

Eleven studies, which included 4,124 patients and 7,094 controls, were available for the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed an association between asthma and the ADAM33 T1 GG genotype [odds ratio (OR)?=?2.257, 95?% confidence interval (CI)?=?1.577–3.228, p?=?8.42?×?10^?7]. Stratification by ethnicity indicated an association between this genotype and asthma in Asians (OR?=?2.683, 95?% CI?=?1.799–4.001, p?=?1.31?×?10^?7), and stratification by age indicated an association between it and asthma in adults (OR?=?1.895, 95?% CI?=?1.005–3.573, p?=?0.048). However, no association was found between asthma and the ADAM33 T2 and ST+7 polymorphisms.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis demonstrates that the ADAM33 T1 polymorphism confers susceptibility to asthma in Asians, but no association was found between the ADAM33 T2 and ST+7 polymorphisms and asthma susceptibility.     

Change in Work–Time Control and Work–Home Interference Among Swedish Working Men and Women: Findings from the SLOSH Cohort Study

Purpose

The aim is to study the influence of change in work–time control (WTC) on work–home interference (WHI) while adjusting for other work-related factors, demographics, changes at work and WHI at baseline among women and men. An additional aim was to explore sex differences in the relation between change in WTC and WHI.

Methods

The study included working participants of the Swedish Longitudinal Occupational Survey of Health (SLOSH) study of the third (2010) and fourth (2012) waves (n?=?5440). Based on a seven-item index, four groups of WTC were formed: stable high (40 %), stable low (42 %), increasing (9 %), or decreasing (9 %) WTC over the 2 years. WHI was measured by four items and individuals were categorised in whether suffering or not suffering of WHI. Sex-stratified logistic regression analyses with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the odds of experiencing WHI by change in WTC.

Results

Controlling for demographics and work-related factors, women with stable low (OR?=?1.46; 95 % CI 1.14–1.88) and women and men with decreasing WTC (women OR?=?1.99; 95 % CI 1.38–2.85; men OR?=?1.80; 95 % CI 1.18–2.73) had higher odds of WHI than those with a stable high WTC. Additionally, adjusting for changes at work and WHI at baseline did not alter the results substantially. Interaction analysis did not reveal any significant sex difference in the relation between WTC and WHI.

Conclusions

For both women and men decreased and for women only, low control over working hours resulted in WHI also after adjusting for work-related factors and demographics.

     

A randomized phase II study of autologous cytokine-induced killer cells in treatment of hepatocelluar carcinoma

Purpose

This prospective study aims to explore the benefit of cytokine-induced killer cell (CIK) treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma patients, which has not yet been thoroughly studied before.

Methods

From January 2004 to May 2009, 132 patients who were initially diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A, B or C, Child–Pugh scores of A or B and without prior treatment were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to either arm 1 (n?=?66) to receive CIK treatment plus standard treatment, or arm 2 (n?=?66) to receive standard treatment only. The primary end point was overall survival (OS) and the secondary endpoint was progression-free survival as evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analyses and treatment hazard ratios with the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The 1-year (OS: 74.2 % vs. 50.0 %, 95 % CI: 63.6–84.8 % vs. 37.8–62.2, p?=?0.002), 2-year (OS: 53.0 % vs. 30.3 %, 95 % CI: 40.8–65.2 % vs. 19.1–41.5 %, p?=?0.002), 3-year (OS: 42.4 % vs. 24.2 %, 95 % CI: 30.4–54.4 % vs. 13.8–34.6 %, p?=?0.005) and median overall and progression-free survivals of arm 1 patients were significantly higher than those of arm 2. Therefore, in patients who are not suitable for surgery, significant benefit is obtained from CIK treatment. The main adverse effects of CIK included fever, allergy and headache pain.

Conclusions

Hepatocellular carcinoma patients who were not suitable for surgery demonstrate prolonged overall and progression-free survival from CIK treatment.     

Stress Underestimation and Mental Health Outcomes in Male Japanese Workers: a 1-Year Prospective Study

Purpose

Being appropriately aware of the extent of stress experienced in daily life is essential in motivating stress management behaviours. Excessive stress underestimation obstructs this process, which is expected to exert adverse effects on health. We prospectively examined associations between stress underestimation and mental health outcomes in Japanese workers.

Methods

Web-based surveys were conducted twice with an interval of 1 year on 2359 Japanese male workers. Participants were asked to complete survey items concerning stress underestimation, depressive symptoms, sickness absence, and antidepressant use.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that high baseline levels of ‘overgeneralization of stress’ and ‘insensitivity to stress’ were significantly associated with new-onset depressive symptoms (OR?=?2.66 [95 % CI, 1.54–4.59], p?<?.01) and antidepressant use (OR?=?4.91 [95 % CI, 1.22–19.74], p?<?.05), respectively, during the 1-year follow-up period.

Conclusions

This study clearly demonstrated that stress underestimation, including stress insensitivity and the overgeneralization of stress, could exert adverse effects on mental health.

     

Associations between PXK and TYK2 polymorphisms and systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether phox homology domain containing serine/threonine kinase (PXK) and tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) confer susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Materials and methods

The authors conducted meta-analyses on associations between SLE susceptibility and the rs6445975 polymorphism of PXK and the rs2304256, rs12720270, rs280519, and rs1272036 polymorphisms of TYK2.

Results

A total of 13 separate comparisons studies were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis identified an association between SLE and the 2 allele of the rs6445975 polymorphism in the overall population [odds ratio (OR)?=?1.151, 95?% confidence interval (CI)?=?1.086–1.291, P?=?1.8E?06]. Stratification by ethnicity identified a significant association between this polymorphism and SLE in Europeans (OR?=?1.198, 95?% CI?=?1.118–1.285, P?=?3.4E?07), but not in Asians. Meta-analysis identified a significant negative association between SLE and the 2 allele of the rs2304256 polymorphism in the overall population (OR?=?0.808, 95?% CI?=?0.659–0.990, P?=?0.040), and a significant negative association was found in Europeans, but not in Asians.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis shows that the rs6445975 polymorphism of PXK and the rs2304256 polymorphism of TYK2 are associated with the development of SLE in Europeans.     

Workplace Psychosocial Factors Associated with Work-Related Injury Absence: A Study from a Nationally Representative Sample of Korean Workers

Background

Little is known about the association between psychosocial factors and injury absence in the workplace.

Purpose

This study aims to assess the association of comprehensive workplace psychosocial factors with work-related injury absence among Korean workers.

Methods

The data (n?=?7,856) were derived from the First Korean Working Conditions Survey conducted in 2006 with a representative sample (n?=?10,043) of the Korean working population. The survey instrument contained questions about hours of work, physical risk factors, work organization, and the effect of work on health/injury. Work-related injury absence was indicated by a dichotomous variable with at least 1 day absence during the preceding 12 months. Logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratio and confidence interval (CI). Incremental adjustments for sociodemographic, health behavior, and occupational confounding variables were employed in the models.

Results

The overall 1-year prevalence of work-related injury absence in this study was 1.37 % (95 % CI, 1.11–1.63 %). Those who experienced violence at work (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 7.05 (95 % CI, 2.69-18.5)), threat of violence at work (aOR, 4.25 (95 % CI, 1.32–13.64)), low job autonomy (aOR, 1.79 (95 % CI, 1.17–2.74)), and high job strain (aOR, 2.38 (95 % CI, 1.29–4.42) had an increased risk of injury absence, compared with their respective counterparts (p?<?0.05). Among all job types, skilled workers in Korea were at a near fourfold risk of work absence due to occupational injuries, compared with managers in low-risk jobs.

Conclusion

Workplace violence and increased job strain were two key workplace psychosocial factors associated with work-related injury absence.     

Impact of an Educational Programme on Reproductive Health Among Young Migrant Female Workers in Shenzhen,China: an Intervention Study

Background

Reproductive health and sexually transmitted diseases (STD) account for a high proportion of health problems in the rural-to-urban young female migrant workers in China. Improving these conditions remains highly challenging.

Purpose

To developed an educational programme to advance the reproductive health of the female workers.

Method

An intervention study was conducted between July 2010 and April 2011 in Shenzhen. Two commune factories were selected to participate and provided a control cluster receiving routine local government health services and a second cluster receiving an educational intervention in addition to the routine services. The intervention included distribution and free access to educational study materials. The factory workers’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviour in the area of reproductive health and STD were the main study outcomes.

Results

Compared with the control cluster, at the 6-month follow-up assessment, the intervention cluster had a significantly higher proportion of correct answers to queries about human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) (standardised coefficients of multiple linear regression (B) 0.047; P?=?0.020) and awareness of places providing free contraceptives (odds ratio [OR] 2.011, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.635–2.472; P?<?0.001), and a significantly lower proportion accepting premarital sex (OR 0.492, 95 % CI 0.416–0.582; P?<?0.001), practising premarital sex (OR 0.539, 95 % CI 0.478–0.608; P?<?0.001) or suffering from gynaecological disorders (OR 0.801, 95 % CI 0.697–0.921; P?=?0.002).

Conclusion

A community-based educational intervention targeting unmarried female migrant workers appears to be effective in substantially improving their knowledge of reproductive health and their attitudes and behaviour towards health, and in reducing prevalence of STD.