Background: The global use of pesticides steadily increased until the early 2010s. Pesticides play a significant role in agriculture in Korea. Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. This study explored the potential association between organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticide exposure and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This study enrolled 1,317 individuals who participated in the Pesticide Exposure and Intoxication Study conducted by the Dankook University Hospital Center for Farmers’ Safety and Health from 2014 to 2019. Urinary levels of dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphat, diethylphosphate, and diethylthiophosphate were measured to assess organophosphate pesticide exposure and urinary levels cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid were measured to assess pyrethroid pesticide exposure. Results: The odds ratio for the 4th quartile group of organophosphate metabolites concentration was 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–2.09) compared to the 1st quartile group after adjustment for general factors. In addition, a positive trend was observed across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites concentration. A positive trend was noted across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites in males, while no significant association was observed in females. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed between metabolic syndrome and pyrethroid metabolites concentration. Conclusions A positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the concentrations of urinary organophosphate metabolites, consistent with previous research finding. This association may be attributed to the action of organophosphates as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, stimulating beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. This can lead to alterations in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, ultimately leading to metabolic syndrome development. Metabolic syndrome is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease; therefore, it is necessary to identify the risk factors unique to rural areas, such as pesticide exposure.

Background: The global use of pesticides steadily increased until the early 2010s. Pesticides play a significant role in agriculture in Korea. Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. This study explored the potential association between organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticide exposure and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This study enrolled 1,317 individuals who participated in the Pesticide Exposure and Intoxication Study conducted by the Dankook University Hospital Center for Farmers’ Safety and Health from 2014 to 2019. Urinary levels of dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphat, diethylphosphate, and diethylthiophosphate were measured to assess organophosphate pesticide exposure and urinary levels cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid were measured to assess pyrethroid pesticide exposure. Results: The odds ratio for the 4th quartile group of organophosphate metabolites concentration was 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–2.09) compared to the 1st quartile group after adjustment for general factors. In addition, a positive trend was observed across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites concentration. A positive trend was noted across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites in males, while no significant association was observed in females. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed between metabolic syndrome and pyrethroid metabolites concentration. Conclusions A positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the concentrations of urinary organophosphate metabolites, consistent with previous research finding. This association may be attributed to the action of organophosphates as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, stimulating beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. This can lead to alterations in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, ultimately leading to metabolic syndrome development. Metabolic syndrome is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease; therefore, it is necessary to identify the risk factors unique to rural areas, such as pesticide exposure.

Background: The global use of pesticides steadily increased until the early 2010s. Pesticides play a significant role in agriculture in Korea. Metabolic syndrome is more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. This study explored the potential association between organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticide exposure and metabolic syndrome. Methods: This study enrolled 1,317 individuals who participated in the Pesticide Exposure and Intoxication Study conducted by the Dankook University Hospital Center for Farmers’ Safety and Health from 2014 to 2019. Urinary levels of dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphat, diethylphosphate, and diethylthiophosphate were measured to assess organophosphate pesticide exposure and urinary levels cis-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane carboxylic acid, and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid were measured to assess pyrethroid pesticide exposure. Results: The odds ratio for the 4th quartile group of organophosphate metabolites concentration was 1.48 (95% confidence interval: 1.06–2.09) compared to the 1st quartile group after adjustment for general factors. In addition, a positive trend was observed across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites concentration. A positive trend was noted across the quartile groups of organophosphate metabolites in males, while no significant association was observed in females. Furthermore, no significant associations were observed between metabolic syndrome and pyrethroid metabolites concentration. Conclusions A positive correlation was observed between the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and the concentrations of urinary organophosphate metabolites, consistent with previous research finding. This association may be attributed to the action of organophosphates as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, stimulating beta cells in the islets of Langerhans. This can lead to alterations in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, ultimately leading to metabolic syndrome development. Metabolic syndrome is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease; therefore, it is necessary to identify the risk factors unique to rural areas, such as pesticide exposure.

Objective: Self perceived health status dose not only reflects an individual's perception of their overall well-being but is also known to be influenced by various aspects of life. Rural areas tend to have relatively lower quality of life compared to urban areas. Therefore, this study aims to investigate factors related to Self perceived health status among farmers. Methods: In the subjective health status questionnaire, responses of "very healthy" and "healthy" are classified as ‘good’, whereas "average", "unhealthy" or "very unhealthy" are classified as indicative of a 'poor' subjective health status. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to calculate odds ratios(OR), aiming to investigate factors related to self perceived health status. Results: The OR for self perceived health status as poor was statistically significant for females at 2.32(95% CI 1.47-3.67), for individuals working in greenhouses at 1.43(95% CI 1.01-1.98), for current smoker at 1.50(95% CI 1.02-2.08), and for those who experienced symptoms after pesticide exposure at 1.74(95% CI 1.13-2.67). An annual income of 50 million won or more had a statistically significant OR of 0.51(95% CI 0.28-0.91), education level of high school and above had an OR of 0.45(95% CI 0.32-0.63), and engaging in physical exercise had an OR of 0.61(95% CI 0.42-0.89). Conclusions The factors related to self perceived health status were identified as sex, smoking, cultivation type, presence of symptoms after pesticide exposure, annual income, education level, and exercise status. The significance of this study lies in providing foundational data for the development of health management programs for farmers.

Purpose: This study identified factors that affect lecture evaluation by analyzing sophomores from Dankook University, examining each cluster’s characteristics, and comparing differences among trajectories. Methods: This study identified factors that affect lecture evaluation by analyzing sophomores from Dankook University, examining each cluster’s characteristics, and comparing differences among trajectories. Results: The lecture evaluation score decreased as the teaching hours per instructor in a year increased by an hour, and the number of instructors per lecture increased by one individual. During trajectory analysis, the first trajectory had lower lecture evaluation scores overall but relatively high appropriateness of the textbook and punctuality of class, whereas the second trajectory had higher lecture evaluation scores overall for all four items. Conclusion The two trajectories showed differences in teaching methods (understanding of lecture content and usefulness of the lecture) rather than in external factors (appropriateness of the textbook and punctuality of class). Therefore, to improve lecture satisfaction, enhancing instructors’ instructional competencies through lectures and adjusting the teaching hours by assigning an adequate number of instructors per lecture are recommended.

BACKGROUND: Night shift work induces physiological and psychological stress by altering sleep and biological rhythms and is associated with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Few studies have been conducted on the control of hypertension and diabetes. This study aimed to examine the effect of night shift work on the control rate of hypertension and diabetes. METHODS: Subjects comprised workers aged 20–65 years who underwent specific health examination at a single facility in seven different affiliated examination centers from 1 January to 31 December 2016. Workers were categorised into day workers and night shift workers. Demographic and medical history were taken, and physical examination was done. Blood pressure (BP) and fasting glucose were measured. The control rate of each disease was evaluated based on treatment goals presented in the treatment guidelines of the Korean Society of Hypertension and the Korean Diabetes Association (systolic BP < 140 mmHg and diastolic BP < 90 mmHg; fasting glucose ≤ 130 mg/dL). RESULTS: Among 631,418 subjects, 11.2% (70,450) were night shift workers. Of whom 6.1% (4,319) were taking antihypertensive medication and 2.5% (1,775) were taking diabetes medication. Among patients taking antihypertensive medications, the proportion of those whose BP was controlled to suit treatment goals was 81.7% (26,635) of day workers and 77.4% (3,343) of night shift workers, which was significantly different (p < 0.001). Among patients taking diabetes medications, the proportion of those whose blood glucose was controlled to suit treatment goals was 37.4% (4,489) of day workers and 36.5% (647) of night shift workers, but the difference was not significant. The control rates for patients taking antihypertensive medications (odds ratio [OR]: 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68–0.80) were lower among night shift workers than day workers with adjustment for age, sex, smoking history, alcohol consumption, exercise, and obesity. However, there were no differences in control rates for patients taking diabetes medications (OR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87–1.10) between day workers and night shift workers. CONCLUSIONS: Night shift work can have an effect on the uncontrolled BP in workers taking antihypertensive medications. Therefore, additional efforts for disease control are necessary for night shift workers with hypertension.
Alcohol Drinking ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Fasting ; Glucose ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Obesity ; Periodicity ; Physical Examination ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stress, Psychological ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Peripheral neuritis caused by acrylamide is well-known, and many Korean grouting workers are frequently exposed to acrylamide in grouting agents that are injected into cracked concrete. We recently encountered two cases of dermal and neural toxicity in Korean grouting workers with exposure to grouting agents that contained a high concentration of acrylamide. CASE PRESENTATION: The first case involved a 44-year-old man with 8 years of waterproofing experience. The patient developed peeling skin on both hands while grouting, which progressed to systemic neurological symptoms, such as reduced sensory function and strength. The patient was diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy caused by acrylamide exposure, and fully recovered after conservative treatment and withdrawal of exposure to the grouting agent. The second case involved a 34-year-old man with 10 years of grouting experience. The patient initially experienced weakness in both legs, which progressed to weakness in his arms and uncontrolled phonation. After being hospitalized, he was diagnosed with cerebellar ataxia and peripheral neuropathy caused by acrylamide exposure, and was discharged after conservative treatment. Our follow-up investigation revealed that both workers were recently exposed to grouting agents that contained higher concentrations of acrylamide, compared to the agents that they had previously been using. CONCLUSIONS: Both workers had workplace acrylamide exposure through dermal contact plus inhalation of dust and vapor, which led to the neural toxicity and dermatitis. Therefore, government studies are needed to investigate the current status of workplace acrylamide use, and to protect workers from the hazardous effects of using acrylamide-containing grouting agents.
Acrylamide* ; Adult ; Arm ; Cerebellar Ataxia ; Dermatitis ; Dust ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Korea ; Leg ; Neuritis ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Phonation ; Sensation ; Skin

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the relationship between job type and the risk for spontaneous abortion to assess the reproductive toxicity of female workers in the semiconductor industry. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was administered to current female workers of two semiconductor manufacturing plants in Korea. We included female workers who became pregnant at least 6 months after the start of their employment with the company. The pregnancy outcomes of 2,242 female workers who experienced 4,037 pregnancies were investigated. Personnel records were used to assign the subjects to one of three groups: fabrication process workers, packaging process workers, and clerical workers. To adjust for within-person correlations between pregnancies, a generalized estimating equation was used. The logistic regression analysis was limited to the first pregnancy after joining the company to satisfy the assumption of independence among pregnancies. Moreover, we stratified the analysis by time period (pregnancy in the years prior to 2008 vs. after 2009) to reflect differences in occupational exposure based on semiconductor production periods. RESULTS: The risk for spontaneous abortion in female semiconductor workers was not significantly higher for fabrication and packaging process workers than for clerical workers. However, when we stratified by time period, the odds ratio for spontaneous abortion was significantly higher for packaging process workers who became pregnant prior to 2008 when compared with clerical workers (odds ratio: 2.21; 95% confidence interval: 1.01–4.81). CONCLUSIONS: When examining the pregnancies of female semiconductor workers that occurred prior to 2008, packaging process workers showed a significantly higher risk for spontaneous abortions than did clerical workers. The two semiconductor production periods in our study (prior to 2008 vs. after 2009) had different automated processes, chemical exposure levels, and working environments. Thus, the conditions prior to 2008 may have increased the risk for spontaneous abortions in packaging process workers in the semiconductor industry. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1186/s40557-017-0204-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Abortion, Spontaneous* ; Chemical Processes ; Clergy ; Employment ; Female ; Female* ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Occupational Exposure ; Odds Ratio ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Product Packaging ; Semiconductors*

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify the emotional labor and workplace violence status among toll collectors by assessing and comparing the same with that in workers in other service occupation. It also aimed to analyze the relationship between emotional labor and workplace violence. METHODS: This study examined emotional labor and workplace violence status in 264 female toll collectors from August 20 to September 4, 2015. The emotional labor was assessed using the Korean Emotional Labor Scale (K-ELS), and a questionnaire was used to examine the presence or absence, and type and frequency of workplace violence experienced by the subjects. A linear regression analysis was also performed to analyze the relationship between workplace violence and emotional labor. RESULTS: The scores on “emotional demanding and regulation (p < 0.001),”“overload and conflict in customer service (p = 0.005),”“emotional disharmony and hurt (p < 0.001),” and “organizational surveillance and monitoring (p < 0.001)” among the sub-categories of emotional labor were significantly high and indicated “at-risk” levels of emotional labor in those who experienced workplace violence, whereas they were “normal” of emotional labor in those who did not. Even after being adjusted in the linear regression analysis, the emotional labor scores for the above 4 sub-categories were still significantly high in those who experienced workplace violence. On comparing the present scores with 13 other service occupations, it was found that toll collectors had the highest level in “emotional disharmony and hurt,”“organizational surveillance and monitoring,” and “organizational supportive and protective system”. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the toll collectors engaged in a high level of emotional labor. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between emotional labor and the experience of workplace violence among the toll collectors.
Female ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Occupations ; Stress, Psychological ; Workplace Violence*

We examined associations between hospital quality in the workers' compensation system and injured patients' return to work after controlling for injury severity, occupational factors, and demographic factors. Return to work data of injured workers were constructed from 2 datasets: 23,392 patients injured in 2009-2011 from the Korea Workers' Compensation & Welfare Service and return to work data from Korea Employment Information Services. After de-identifying the data, quality scores were matched for each hospital that cared for injured patients. Injury severity was measured by Abbreviated Injury Scales. Relative risk and 95% confidence interval were calculated using log binomial regression models. After adjusting for age, sex, injury severity, occupation, factory size, city, and hospital type, the relative risk (95% confidence interval) for the total score was 1.04 (1.02-1.06), 1.06 (1.04-1.09), and 1.07 (1.05-1.10) in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles, respectively, compared to the 1st quartile. The RR (95% CI) in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles was 1.05 (1.02-1.07), 1.05 (1.02-1.08), and 1.06 (1.04-1.09) for the process score; and 1.02 (1.01-1.04), 1.05 (1.03-1.07), and 1.06 (1.04-1.09) for the outcome score compared to the 1st quartile score, respectively. In conclusion, our study design with blinded merge methods shows that total, process, and outcome qualities are related to the return to work of injured workers after controlling for other factors.
Adult ; Databases, Factual ; Demography ; Disability Evaluation ; Female ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Diseases/*pathology/rehabilitation ; Odds Ratio ; *Quality Assurance, Health Care ; Republic of Korea ; *Return to Work ; Risk ; Severity of Illness Index ; Workers' Compensation