Factors associated with metabolic syndrome among Korean office workers

Physical activity and metabolic syndrome: A population base study (forest and tree model algorithms)

BACKGROUND & AIM

Lifestyle changes, prominently low mobility in recent years, have increased the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and cardiovascular disease risk. This study aimed to determine the relationship between physical activity and MetS using modern statistical methods in a population-based study.

METHODS

The target population included 10,663 people aged 40-70 years in phase 1 of the Persian Kharameh cohort study conducted in 2017. The data used in this study had questions about physical activity, demographic, anthropometrics, blood pressure, and biochemical data.

RESULTS

Participants who their activity was within the fourth quarter were 36% less likely to develop MetS than the participants in the first quarter. In the decision-Tree algorithm with all variables, physical activity was significant after gender and comorbidity. With a lack of comorbidities and physical activity less than 2338 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) and age greater than 53 years, the probability was 26.7% for the male population. For the female population, if associated with comorbidities, a history of diabetes in first-degree relatives, or both, the chance of developing MetS was estimated to be 70.4%. In the decision-tree algorithm, 56.0% of the predictions for MetS were due to gender. After gender, the presence of comorbidities, age, occupation, family history of diabetes, place of residence, and physical activity was discovered as the essential variables in predicting and identifying factors associated with MetS, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Modern statistical methods can be used in similar research due to better presentation of results in applied clinical laws. An essential approach for treating the syndrome and preventing its complications is a lifestyle change, including educating about physical activity and promoting it.

Diets, Lifestyles and Metabolic Risk Factors among Corporate Information Technology (IT) Employees in South India

(1) Information Technology (IT) Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), the largest employment sector of India, contributes to rapid economic growth. However, the work of IT employees is sedentary, and the food environments of their worksites expose them to an obesogenic environment. This study aimed to assess their metabolic and lifestyle risk factors. (2) Methods: To examine the health and nutrition status of IT employees, anthropometric, biochemical and clinical assessments were conducted among 183 employees from three IT organizations of varied operational sizes. Their health-, diet- and physical activity-related practices were assessed using a questionnaire. The prevalence of MetS was assessed. Selected biomarker levels were assessed and associated with their self-perceived stress levels. (3) Results: The median age of the employees was 30 years (26-35 years). While 44.02% of employees were overweight, 16.85% of employees were obese. About 3.89% of employees were found to be diabetic, and HDL-C levels were lower than recommended in 64.93% of employees. In all, 29.87% of the study population were considered to have metabolic syndrome since they had metabolic risk scores ≥ 3. Those with metabolic syndrome were significantly older (p = 0.000), and levels of MDA (p = 0.003), homocysteine (p = 0.001), IL-6 (p = 0.017) and IL-4 (p = 0.000) were significantly higher among them. Although the prevalence of MetS was significantly lower among those aged >30 years, the lifestyle risk factors were significantly higher among them. (4) Conclusions: The assessed parameters indicate a high risk of developing NCDs among employees in the IT industry in India. This shows the need for the modification of lifestyle and workplace food and physical activity environments.

Metabolic syndrome and its relationship with shift work in petrochemical workers

BACKGROUND: The metabolic syndrome is a complex of interdependent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Shift work might have an impact on metabolic variables, and be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. To date, only few studies have been done on the prevalence of MetS in industrial work environments in Iran, and most of them have been conducted on a small sample size. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of shift work on prevalence of metabolic syndrome in one of the petrochemical companies in Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 692 male workers of a petrochemical company in south-west Iran. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to criteria recommended by Adult Treatment Panel III. In order to determine correlation between MetS and its factors with shift work odds ratio (ORs) for the MetS, 95% confidence level (95% CL), chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Overall 15.1% of workers were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and 80% of them were shift workers. A significant difference for prevalence of metabolic syndrome and mean values for body mass index, blood pressure, fast blood sugar, waist circumference among shift workers and non-shift workers were identified (p < 0.001). Compared with the day workers, shift workers had a significantly higher risk of MetS (odds ratio = 4.852; 95% CI 2.34–9.974). CONCLUSIONS: There is an association between metabolic syndrome and shift work in petrochemical workers. Promising intervention strategies are needed for prevention of metabolic disorders for shift workers.

The relationship between working hours and the intention to quit smoking in male office workers: data from the 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2017)

Background

The intention to quit smoking is one of the most important factors in smoking cessation. Long working hours is also a constant issue, and many studies have shown an association between the working hours and diseases, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. This study evaluated the relationship between working hours and the intention to quit smoking among Korean male office workers, and blue collar workers for comparison.

Methods

This study was based on the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2017). A total of 1,389 male workers were smokers, and then office workers and blue collar workers were selected. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for the intention to quit smoking according to smoking-related characteristics and working hours after adjusting for age group, body mass index (kg/m²), marital status, household income (quartile), educational level, drinking, exercise, smoking-related characteristics (smoking initiation age, smoking amount, and attempt to quit smoking more than 1day in the past year) and working hours.

Results

The percentage of workers who had the intention to quit smoking in 6 months was higher in office workers (38.9% for office workers and 29.4% for blue collars, p = 0.017). Blue collar workers had higher percentages of workers who worked more than 52 hours per week (19.8% for office workers and 38.9% for blue collar workers, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that working > 52 hours per week was significantly associated with a lower intention to quit smoking within 6 months among male office workers (OR = 0.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.66).

Conclusions

Working more than 52 hours per week was positively related with a lower intention to quit smoking among currently smoking male office workers. Further studies are needed considering more work-related variables such as job stress and physical load.

Gender Differences of Health Behaviors in the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome for Middle-Aged Adults: A National Cross-Sectional Study in South Korea

This study examined gender differences in health behaviors for the risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among middle-aged adults using nationally representative data from the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2018). The sample included data from 8677 middle-aged adults. The Health Practice Index measured health behaviors, including smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, sleeping, eating breakfast, working hours, nutritionally balanced diet, and mental stress. Complex sample multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between the Health Practice Index (HPI) and MetS. Men and women with poor or moderate HPI scores had significantly higher risks of having MetS than those with good HPI scores. Controlling for covariates, high-risk alcohol use (p < 0.001) and physical activity (p = 0.008) were associated with the risk of MetS in men and women, respectively. Men reporting alcohol use and women lacking a healthy diet were, respectively, 2.056 times (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.056, 95% CI: 1.681–2.514) and 1.306 times (adjusted OR = 1.306, 95% CI: 1.075–1.587) more likely to have increased risks of MetS. Given these gender differences in health behaviors, developing tailored interventions could be beneficial in preventing MetS among middle-aged men and women.

Health promotion program for office workers with SEM based on the WHO’s healthy workplace framework

This study attempts to develop and verify the effectiveness of a health promotion program for office workers based on the social ecological model and the World Health Organization’s Healthy Workplace Framework. This study involved 272 office workers of a small and medium-sized enterprise in Korea. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni correction using SPSS/WIN 23.0. Workplace environmental support was provided to all workers, while a 6-month intensive core program based on social support was implemented for the intensive management group. Based on the participation rate, individuals were divided into the core and dropout groups. In all office workers, there were negative changes in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and job stress during the period. Meanwhile, the intensive group showed significant changes in body mass index and diastolic blood pressure. The study suggests that the organization’s support for a healthy environment and an individual’s continued participation based on social support are essential for the effectiveness of a health promotion program for office workers.

Analysis of the association between health-related and work-related factors among workers and metabolic syndrome using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016)

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed health-related factors for metabolic syndrome (Mets) among workers in South Korea.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

This analysis included 4,666 adults aged 19–64 years to analyzed health-related risk factors for Mets from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016). The sociodemographic, working, health-related, and biochemical characteristics were presented as percentages (%) by chi-square tests. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and associations between health-related factors characteristic of workers and the odds ratios of Mets.

RESULTS

An increased prevalence of Mets was associated with male day workers compared to male shift workers (1.726-fold increase, 95% CI: 1.077–2.765), and with ≥ 8 hrs/day sleep duration compared to < 6 hrs/day sleep duration in female workers (2.133-fold, 95% CI: 1.041–4.368). In addition, reduced odds of high Mets were associated with male workers consumed of breakfast 5–7 times/wk compared to those consumed < 1 time/wk (0.593-fold decrease, 95% CI: 0.372–0.944).

CONCLUSIONS

Health-related factors (sleep duration, frequency of breakfast) and working type in Korean workers may affect the prevalence of Mets.

Influence of Health Behaviors and Occupational Stress on Prediabetic State among Male Office Workers

This study examined the influence of health behaviors and occupational stress on the prediabetic state of male office workers, and identified related risks and influencing factors. The study used a cross-sectional design and performed an integrative analysis on data from regular health checkups, health questionnaires, and a health behavior-related survey of employees of a company, using Spearman&rsquo;s correlation coefficients and multiple logistic regression analysis. The results showed significant relationships of prediabetic state with health behaviors and occupational stress. Among health behaviors, a diet without vegetables and fruits (Odds Ratio (OR) = 3.74, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.93⁻7.66) was associated with a high risk of prediabetic state. In the subscales on occupational stress, organizational system in the 4th quartile (OR = 4.83, 95% CI = 2.40⁻9.70) was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of prediabetic state. To identify influencing factors of prediabetic state, the multiple logistic regression was performed using regression models. The results showed that dietary habits (&beta; = 1.20, p = 0.002), total occupational stress score (&beta; = 1.33, p = 0.024), and organizational system (&beta; = 1.13, p = 0.009) were significant influencing factors. The present findings indicate that active interventions are needed at workplace for the systematic and comprehensive management of health behaviors and occupational stress that influence prediabetic state of office workers.

Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Job Rank

Background:

The occupation of the people can influence the development of metabolic syndrome.

Objective:

To determine the association between metabolic syndrome and its determinants with the job rank in workers of a large car factory in Iran.

Methods:

3989 male workers at a large car manufacturing company were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Demographic and anthropometric data of the participants, including age, height, weight, and abdominal circumference were measured. Blood samples were taken to measure lipid profile and blood glucose level. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in each participant based on ATPIII 2001 criteria. The workers were categorized based on their job rank into 3 groups of (1) office workers, (2) workers with physical exertion, and (3) workers with chemical exposure. The study characteristics, particularly the frequency of metabolic syndrome and its determinants were compared among the study groups.

Results:

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our study was 7.7% (95% CI 6.9 to 8.5). HDL levels were significantly lower in those who had chemical exposure (p=0.045). Diastolic blood pressure was significantly higher in those who had mechanical exertion (p=0.026). The frequency of metabolic syndrome in the office workers, workers with physical exertion, and workers with chemical exposure was 7.3%, 7.9%, and 7.8%, respectively (p=0.836).

Conclusion:

Seemingly, there is no association between metabolic syndrome and job rank.

Program Development and Effectiveness of Workplace Health Promotion Program for Preventing Metabolic Syndrome among Office Workers

This paper aims to develop and analyze the effects of a socio-ecological model-based intervention program for preventing metabolic syndrome (MetS) among office workers. The intervention program was developed using regular health examinations, a “health behavior and need” assessment survey among workers, and a focus group study. According to the type of intervention, subjects took part in three groups: health education via an intranet-based web magazine (Group 1), self-monitoring with the U-health system (Group 2), and the target population who received intensive intervention (Group 3). The intervention programs of Group 1 and Group 2, which relied on voluntary participation, did not show significant effects. In Group 3, which relied on targeted and proactive programs, showed a decrease in waist circumference and in fasting glucose (p < 0.001). The MetS score in both males (−0.61 ± 3.35 versus −2.32 ± 2.55, p = 0.001) and females (−3.99 ± 2.05 versus −5.50 ± 2.19, p = 0.028) also showed a statistically significant decrease. In light of the effectiveness of the intensive intervention strategy for metabolic syndrome prevention among workers used in this study, companies should establish targeted and proactive health care programs rather than providing a healthcare system that is dependent on an individual’s voluntary participation.