The Relationship between the Korean Occupational Stress Scale and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness among Male Firefighters.
- Author:
Sang Jun PARK
1
;
Dong Kyun LIM
;
Mi Young LEE
;
In Sung CHUNG
Author Information
1. Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dongsan Medical Center of Keimyung University, Korea. ichungs70@gmail.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Carotid intima-media thickness;
Job stress;
Firefighters
- MeSH:
Atherosclerosis;
Cardiovascular Diseases;
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness;
Climate;
Firefighters;
Humans;
Logistic Models;
Male;
Questionnaires;
Risk Factors
- From:Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
2012;24(4):420-430
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between job stress and the common carotid intima-media thickness as an indicator of atherosclerosis (cardiovascular disease) among male firefighters in a metropolitan city. METHODS: Between November and December 2011, a total of 838 participants were analyzed using a questionnaire, which included the participants' general characteristics, job-related factors, health-related behaviors, and job stress. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF). The job stress data was merged with the clinical laboratory data and common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) by a medical examination. The relationship between job stress and the CIMT was examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for the general and cardiovascular risk factors revealed, the organizational system (adjusted OR 1.381 95% CI=1.005~1.898) to be associated with the right CIMT. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for general and cardiovascular risk factors and job types, the occupational climate (adjusted OR 1.392, 95% CI=1.009~1.922) was also associated with the right CIMT. CONCLUSIONS: The level of job stress, particularly in regard to the organizaional system, shows a correlation with the right CIMT. Therefore, further preventive efforts and studies of firefighters will be needed to reduce job stress and help prevent cardiovascular disease.
