1
|
Kiani MM, Takian A, Farzadfar F, Rezaei S, Zandian H. The Relationships between Social Capital, Metabolic, and Behavioral Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases: A Systematic Review. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 52:1803-1817. [PMID: 38033831 PMCID: PMC10682582 DOI: 10.18502/ijph.v52i9.13563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Contextual risk factors such as social capital have a vital role in affecting behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs. We aimed to systematically identify the relationship between different aspects of social capital (SC) with metabolic, and behavioral risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Methods This is a systematic review. The period of study was 2000-2021. We searched the English international databases, i.e. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies that reported NCDs' metabolic and behavioral risk factors as independent variables, were excluded. We also included studies if they analyzed the association between SC and metabolic and behavioral risk factors of NCDs. Results After the primary and quality appraisal process, 97 studies were entered in the final phase of the analysis. Five out of 18 studies reported an inverse association between SC and the level of alcohol drinking. Twenty-seven out of 32 studies reported a significant inverse association between SC and smoking and tobacco use, while only one study reported a significant positive association. Nine studies reported a significant inverse association between SC and high blood pressure. Three studies showed a significant inverse association between SC and diabetes. Seventeen studies indicated a significant positive association between SC and physical activity. Thirteen out of 17 studies reported a significant inverse association between SC, body mass index (BMI) and overweight. Conclusion High SC, people's participation and interaction are vital in tackling NCDs. Evidence shows positive effects of SC on prevention, control and improvement of NCDs' metabolic and behavioral risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehdi Kiani
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Takian
- Department of Health Management, Policy and Economics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Health Equity Research Center (HERC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Global Health and Public Policy, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farshad Farzadfar
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahabeddin Rezaei
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Zandian
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tashiro S, Kato K, Kitazawa M, Fujihara K, Kodama S, Tashiro M, Matsuda K, Otsuka M, Sato K, Sone H. Differences in occupational stress by smoking intensity and gender in cross-sectional study of 59 355 Japanese employees using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ): the Niigata Wellness Study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e055577. [PMID: 35396288 PMCID: PMC8995962 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It has been hypothesised that smoking intensity may be related to occupational stress. This study aimed to investigate whether stress, including problems with superiors or co-workers, is a driver of smoking. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 59 355 employees (34 865 men and 24 490 women) across multiple occupations who completed a self-reported questionnaire-based occupational stress survey between April 2016 and March 2017 in Niigata Prefecture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Stress scores for the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire subscales summed up after assigning high points for high stress and converted to Z-scores based on the mean of all participants. Heavy smokers (HS) smoked ≥15 cigarettes/day and light smokers (LS) smoked <15 cigarettes/day and were compared with non-smokers (NS) by gender. RESULTS The main subscale items that were significantly associated with smoking status in both genders included 'physical burden', 'irritation' and 'physical symptoms'. In the analysis that included smoking intensity, the stress score for 'co-workers' support' was significantly lower for LS men than NS men (NS 0.091±0.98, LS -0.027±1.00, HS 0.033±0.99), and was significantly higher for HS women than NS women (NS -0.091±1.00, LS -0.080±1.05, HS 0.079±1.03). However, the stress score for 'co-workers' support' was low among LS women aged ≤39 years in the manufacturing industry. CONCLUSIONS It was speculated that LS men and some LS women gained 'co-workers' support' using smoking as a communication tool while reducing the degree of smoking. The existence of such 'social smokers' suggested that to promote smoking cessation, measures are essential to improve the communication between workers in addition to implementing smoking restrictions in the workplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shigemi Tashiro
- Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
- Niigata Association of Occupational Health, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kiminori Kato
- Department of Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promotion of Health Checkup, Graduate School of Medical and Dental sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Masaru Kitazawa
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuya Fujihara
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Satoru Kodama
- Department of Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases and Promotion of Health Checkup, Graduate School of Medical and Dental sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Minoru Tashiro
- Niigata Association of Occupational Health, Niigata, Japan
| | | | - Masato Otsuka
- Niigata Association of Occupational Health, Niigata, Japan
| | - Koji Sato
- Niigata Association of Occupational Health, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hirohito Sone
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Seif Rabiei MA, Bahrami Mashouf S, Sanaei Z. Status of social capital and its relationship with the success rate of smoking cessation in patients referred to the smoking cessation clinic of Farshchian Cardiovascular Hospital in Hamadan. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2047807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Ali Seif Rabiei
- Department of community medicine, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | | | - Zahra Sanaei
- Department of community medicine, Education Development Office, Hamadan University of Medical Science, Hamadan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Work-Related Factors Affecting the Occurrence of Presenteeism - Recent Research Trends and Future Directions. J UOEH 2021; 43:61-73. [PMID: 33678787 DOI: 10.7888/juoeh.43.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Productivity loss due to presenteeism accounts for a large proportion of economic losses caused by workers' health problems. To reduce presenteeism, it is necessary to identify its causes, but, in contrast to the large amount of research on the effects of diseases and lifestyles, there is not enough research on the effects of work-related factors on presenteeism. In this study, those factors include the work environment and the work-related psychological status of workers. The purpose of this review was to identify research trends in presenteeism, defined as work-related productivity loss, and to examine future directions for presenteeism research. We conducted a search with only the keyword "presenteeism" using MEDLINE/PubMed for the last 5 years and extracted 30 relevant articles, most of which were cross-sectional studies. The articles were categorized into the following themes: 1) studies on the associations of various stress models and factors with presenteeism; 2) studies on the mediators and the pathways of association between stress factors and presenteeism; 3) studies on the relationships between organizational factors and presenteeism; and 4) studies on the link between workers' positive and negative psychological status and presenteeism. Our findings showed that, over the last 5 years, the relationship between psychological stress and presenteeism has been extended to include a variety of stress models and stressors. In addition, by putting many models and factors into a single statistical model and adjusting for their interrelationships, important factors have been examined by ensuring that a significant relationship with presenteeism remains. As there is still a lack of longitudinal studies necessary to discuss causality, more research of higher quality is needed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Individual Capital Structure and Health Behaviors among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Analysis Using Bourdieu's Theory of Capitals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207369. [PMID: 33050214 PMCID: PMC7599811 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study draws on Bourdieu’s theory of capitals to analyze the relative importance of economic, cultural, and social capital on health behaviors in Chinese middle-aged and older adults. Based on data from the China Family Panel Studies of 2016 (N = 15,147), we first harnessed a binary logistic regression model to discuss the associations between the three capitals and four types of health behaviors (i.e., physical exercise, smoking, binge drinking and stay-up). Using the sheaf coefficients technique, we then compared the relative effects of three of the capitals on health behaviors. The results suggest that cultural capital is the most influential one, which would significantly increase physical exercise and stay-up behaviors, and reduce smoking and binge drinking behaviors. Economic capital is also an important predictor, that may reduce smoking behavior but increase binge drinking and stay-up behaviors. Social capital has shown the least importance, although it would still be saliently associated with physical exercise, smoking and stay-up behaviors. In addition, some significant group disparities are also identified. This article is one of the first to explain health behavior inequalities through a Bourdieusian capital-based approach in Chinese contexts.
Collapse
|
6
|
Inoue A, Tsutsumi A, Eguchi H, Kachi Y, Shimazu A, Miyaki K, Takahashi M, Kurioka S, Enta K, Kosugi Y, Totsuzaki T, Kawakami N. Workplace social capital and refraining from seeking medical care in Japanese employees: a 1-year prospective cohort study. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036910. [PMID: 32747350 PMCID: PMC7401998 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-036910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the association of workplace social capital (WSC), including structural and cognitive dimensions, with refraining from seeking medical care (RSMC) among Japanese employees. DESIGN One-year prospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS We surveyed 8770 employees (6881 men and 1889 women) aged 18-70 years from 12 firms in Japan using a self-administered questionnaire comprising the WSC scale and the items on potential confounders (ie, age, educational attainment and equivalent annual household income) at baseline (from April 2011 to March 2013). OUTCOME MEASURES At a 1-year follow-up, we measured RSMC using a single-item question 'In the past year, have you ever refrained from visiting a hospital, clinic, acupuncturist or dentist despite your sickness (including a slight cold or cavity) or injury?' RESULTS The results of Cox regression with robust variance showed that, after adjusting for potential confounders, the low WSC group (ie, the lowest tertile group) had a significantly higher relative risk (RR) of RSMC compared with the high WSC group (ie, the highest tertile group) among both men and women (overall WSC: RR 1.09 (95% CI 1.01 to 1.17) and 1.20 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.37); structural dimension: RR 1.13 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.22) and 1.25 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.45); and cognitive dimension: RR 1.11 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.20) and 1.21 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.38), respectively). Trend analysis using a continuous score of the WSC scale also showed a significant association of low WSC with a higher risk of RSMC among both men and women. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that the lack of social capital in the workplace is associated with RSMC among Japanese employees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akiomi Inoue
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akizumi Tsutsumi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hisashi Eguchi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
- Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yuko Kachi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akihito Shimazu
- Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University, Fujisawa, Kanagawa, Japan
- Asia Pacific Centre for Work Health and Safety, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Koichi Miyaki
- Research Institute of Occupational Mental Health (RIOMH), Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Innovative Research Center for Preventive Medical Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masaya Takahashi
- Research Center for Overwork-Related Disorders, National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Japan, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Sumiko Kurioka
- Faculty of Education, St. Andrew's University of Education, Sakai, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Enta
- Health Care Center, Central Japan Railway Company, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuki Kosugi
- Kosugi Health Management Office, Toyama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Totsuzaki
- Uchisaiwaicho Medical Center, Mizuho Health Insurance Society, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Norito Kawakami
- Department of Mental Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hori D, Takao S, Kawachi I, Ohtaki Y, Andrea CS, Takahashi T, Shiraki N, Ikeda T, Ikeda Y, Doki S, Oi Y, Sasahara S, Matsuzaki I. Relationship between workplace social capital and suicidal ideation in the past year among employees in Japan: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:919. [PMID: 31288766 PMCID: PMC6617579 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7244-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A growing body of evidence has demonstrated the associations between social capital and health. In residential or geographical areas, social capital has attracted attention for its protective effects against suicide. However, to this date, the relationship between social capital and suicidal ideation is not fully elaborated in the occupational setting. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the association between workplace social capital and suicidal ideation in the past year among employees in Japan. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted in February/March 2017 via an anonymous self-administered questionnaire distributed to workers in Tsukuba Science City, Japan. Binomial logistic regressions were used to calculate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for suicidal ideation in the past year, controlling for age group, marital status, educational attainment, and annual household income. The results were shown stratified by sex and occupation. Results In total, 7255 of 19,481 workers responded, out of which we could analyze 6325 responses (4030 men, 2295 women). The prevalence of suicidal ideation in the past year was 5.9% for men and 7.8% for women. Low workplace social capital was statistically significantly associated with suicidal ideation both for men (OR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.72–3.83) and for women (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.15–2.66), compared with high workplace social capital after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Conclusion Higher workplace social capital was associated with a reduced risk of suicidal ideation in the past year. Promoting workplace social capital could contribute to preventing suicide among employees in Japan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Hori
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Soshi Takao
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | | | | | - Tsukasa Takahashi
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nagisa Shiraki
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomohiko Ikeda
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Yu Ikeda
- Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Shotaro Doki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oi
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Sasahara
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan.
| | - Ichiyo Matsuzaki
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8575, Japan.,International Institute for Integrative Sleep Medicine, Tsukuba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yang X, Jing W, Gao C, Attané I. Smoking behavior of "marriage squeezed" men and its impact on their quality of life: A survey study in China. Am J Mens Health 2019; 13:1557988319859733. [PMID: 31221046 PMCID: PMC6589983 DOI: 10.1177/1557988319859733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2019] [Revised: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
From the 1980s, along with the wide application of the "one-child policy" and new technologies for prenatal sex determination, China's population has experienced a growing male population. China will thus face an increasingly serious male "marriage squeeze," possibly resulting in decreased psychological and sexual well-being of involuntary bachelors, which, in turn, may result in decreased quality of life (QoL). This study used data from the Social Survey on Gender Role and Family Life, which was conducted from August 2014 to January 2015 in Shaanxi Province (N = 1,144; 516 never-married and 628 married rural men). Descriptive analyses, crosstab analyses, and independent sample t-tests were used to compare the scores of three dimensions of QoL (physical and psychological health, and social relationships) and the overall QoL of rural men. Using the linear regression analysis method, this study analyzed involuntary bachelors' smoking behavior and its impact on their QoL. Results indicate that smoking not only fails to alleviate the psychological or sexual problems of involuntary bachelors, it has an independent and negative impact on the physical and psychological health of married and never-married men, which negatively affects their overall QoL. Subjective and objective exposure to marriage squeeze negatively impacts three dimensions of QoL and overall QoL of married and never-married men; however, this influence was moderated by sexual satisfaction. In addition, sexual satisfaction positively affected the three dimensions of QoL and overall QoL of married and never-married men. Since involuntary bachelors may be a high-risk group, further research is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Yang
- Institute for Population and Development Studies, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen Jing
- Institute for Population and Development Studies, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
- ShaanXi Provincial Party School of The CPC, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chenzhuo Gao
- Institute for Population and Development Studies, School of Public Policy and Administration, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Isabelle Attané
- French National Institute for Demographic Studies, INED, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
The capacity to practice health behavior is different for each individual. Community capacity and social capital deal with understanding the relationship between community members and with the factors that promote or delay collective activities. This study examines existing literature in relation to social capital, health, and community capacity. Bonding social capital shows the average value of the extent to which individuals trust each other and participate in groups, whereas bridging social capital shows the average value of the extent to which individuals participate in different formal groups. Community capacity seeks mutual cooperation based on trust, and cohesion minimizes community problems, and it has become evident that such capacity is a useful tool for health improvement.
Collapse
|
10
|
Török E, Clark AJ, Jensen JH, Lange T, Bonde JP, Bjorner JB, Rugulies R, Hvidtfeldt UA, Hansen ÅM, Ersbøll AK, Rod NH. Work-unit social capital and long-term sickness absence: a prospective cohort study of 32 053 hospital employees. Occup Environ Med 2018; 75:623-629. [PMID: 29875292 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2017-104954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a lack of studies investigating social capital at the workplace level in small and relatively homogeneous work-units. The aim of the study was to investigate whether work-unit social capital predicts a lower risk of individual long-term sickness absence among Danish hospital employees followed prospectively for 1 year. METHODS This study is based on the Well-being in HospitAL Employees cohort. The study sample consisted of 32 053 individuals nested within 2182 work-units in the Capital Region of Denmark. Work-unit social capital was measured with an eight-item scale covering elements of trust, justice and collaboration between employees and leaders. Social capital at the work-unit level was computed as the aggregated mean of individual-level social capital within each work-unit. Data on long-term sickness absence were retrieved from the employers' payroll system and were operationalised as ≥29 consecutive days of sickness absence. We used a 12-point difference in social capital as the metric in our analyses and conducted two-level hierarchical logistic regression analysis. Adjustments were made for sex, age, seniority, occupational group and part-time work at the individual level, and work-unit size, the proportion of female employees and the proportion of part-time work at the work-unit level. RESULTS The OR for long-term sickness absence associated with a 12-point higher work-unit social capital was 0.73 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.78). Further, we found an association between higher work-unit social capital and lower long-term sickness absence across quartiles of social capital: compared with the lowest quartile, the OR for long-term sickness absence in the highest quartile was 0.51 (95% CI 0.44 to 0.60). CONCLUSION Our study provides support for work-unit social capital being a protective factor for individual long-term sickness absence among hospital employees in the Capital Region of Denmark.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Török
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alice Jessie Clark
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johan Høy Jensen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Theis Lange
- Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Frederiksberg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jakob Bue Bjorner
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Reiner Rugulies
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Åse Marie Hansen
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark.,National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Annette Kjær Ersbøll
- National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Naja Hulvej Rod
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Copenhagen Stress Research Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Psychometric assessment of a scale to measure bonding workplace social capital. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179461. [PMID: 28662058 PMCID: PMC5491017 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Workplace social capital (WSC) has attracted increasing attention as an organizational and psychosocial factor related to worker health. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of a newly developed WSC scale for use in work environments, where bonding social capital is important. METHODS We assessed the psychometric properties of a newly developed 6-item scale to measure bonding WSC using two data sources. Participants were 1,650 randomly selected workers who completed an online survey. Exploratory factor analyses were conducted. We examined the item-item and item-total correlations, internal consistency, and associations between scale scores and a previous 8-item measure of WSC. We evaluated test-retest reliability by repeating the survey with 900 of the respondents 2 weeks later. The overall scale reliability was quantified by an intraclass coefficient and the standard error of measurement. We evaluated convergent validity by examining the association with several relevant workplace psychosocial factors using a dataset from workers employed by an electrical components company (n = 2,975). RESULTS The scale was unidimensional. The item-item and item-total correlations ranged from 0.52 to 0.78 (p < 0.01) and from 0.79 to 0.89 (p < 0.01), respectively. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach's α coefficient: 0.93). The correlation with the 8-item scale indicated high criterion validity (r = 0.81) and the scale showed high test-retest reliability (r = 0.74, p < 0.01). The intraclass coefficient and standard error of measurement were 0.74 (95% confidence intervals: 0.71-0.77) and 4.04 (95% confidence intervals: 1.86-6.20), respectively. Correlations with relevant workplace psychosocial factors showed convergent validity. CONCLUSIONS The results confirmed that the newly developed WSC scale has adequate psychometric properties.
Collapse
|
12
|
Hassanzadeh J, Asadi-Lari M, Ghaem H, Kassani A, Rezaianzadeh A. Demographic factors, social capital, and cigarette smoking: a large cross-sectional study in Tehran, Iran. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2016. [DOI: 10.3109/14659891.2015.1112850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
|
13
|
Higashibata T, Wakai K, Okada R, Nakagawa H, Hamajima N. Associations of smoking status with other lifestyle behaviors are modified by sex and occupational category among urban civil servants in Japan. Environ Health Prev Med 2016; 21:539-546. [PMID: 27699695 DOI: 10.1007/s12199-016-0577-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 09/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to examine the associations of current smoking with five other unhealthy lifestyle behaviors among urban civil servants in Japan according to sex and occupational category. METHODS The study included 10,232 urban civil servants in Japan who presented for a health check-up in 2011. We analyzed data on anthropometric measurements and self-reported lifestyle factors. RESULTS Current smokers had a higher BMI than never smokers in white-collar workers, but not in blue-collar workers of both sexes. There were strong associations of current smoking with irregular breakfasting regardless of sex and occupational category. In males, current smokers were less likely to take exercise than ex-smokers in both occupational categories. CONCLUSIONS The associations of current smoking with other unhealthy behaviors were modified by sex and occupational category. These results are useful for understanding the health risks among smokers according to sex and occupational category.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Higashibata
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
| | - Kenji Wakai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Rieko Okada
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nakagawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
- Division of Epidemiology and Prevention, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hamajima
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Pattussi MP, Olinto MTA, Canuto R, da Silva Garcez A, Paniz VMV, Kawachi I. Workplace social capital, mental health and health behaviors among Brazilian female workers. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2016; 51:1321-30. [PMID: 27155973 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-016-1232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Previous studies have investigated the relationship between workplace social capital and mental health, yet few have sought to examine the mediating mechanisms. We sought to explore the role of workplace social capital on health related behaviors and on mental health among female employees in Brazil. METHODS A cross-sectional study was undertaken with 553 women aged 28-50 years working in the production line of a poultry processing plant. We assessed workplace social capital, common mental disorders, stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and health related behaviors (physical activity, healthy eating habits and co-occurrence of risk behaviors). We used structural equation modeling to clarify relationships between exposures, outcomes, and mediating variables. RESULTS Our model demonstrated a direct effect of social capital on the outcomes studied. Higher workplace social capital was associated with lower stress and common mental disorders as well as more favorable health-related behaviors. Our model also showed an indirect effect of social capital on mental health and on behaviors that was mediated by lower levels of perceived stress. CONCLUSION Workplace social cohesion may play an important role in the promotion of mental health and healthy behaviors among women employees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Pascoal Pattussi
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. Unisinos 950, São Leopoldo, RS, 93022-000, Brazil.
| | - Maria Teresa Anselmo Olinto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. Unisinos 950, São Leopoldo, RS, 93022-000, Brazil.,Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde, Rua Sarmento Leite 245, 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Raquel Canuto
- Departamento de Nutrição, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Faculdade de Medicina, Rua Ramiro Barcelos 2400, Rio Branco, Porto Alegre, RS, 9003500, Brazil
| | - Anderson da Silva Garcez
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. Unisinos 950, São Leopoldo, RS, 93022-000, Brazil
| | - Vera Maria Vieira Paniz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Coletiva, Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Av. Unisinos 950, São Leopoldo, RS, 93022-000, Brazil
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Publich Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tani Y, Kondo N, Nagamine Y, Shinozaki T, Kondo K, Kawachi I, Fujiwara T. Childhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with lower mortality in older Japanese men: the JAGES cohort study. Int J Epidemiol 2016; 45:1226-1235. [PMID: 27401729 PMCID: PMC5965916 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyw146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood socioeconomic disadvantage has been previously linked to increased mortality risk in adulthood. However, most previous studies have focused on middle-aged adults in Western contexts. Here, we sought to examine the association between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and mortality among healthy older Japanese adults. METHODS We conducted a 3-year follow-up of participants in the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES), a population-based cohort of 65- to 103-year-old Japanese adults. Childhood SES was assessed by survey at baseline. Mortality from 2010 to 2013 was analysed for 15 449 respondents (7143 men and 8306 women). Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for risk of death. RESULTS A total of 754 deaths occurred during the 3-year follow-up. Lower childhood SES was significantly associated with lower mortality in men, but not in women. Compared with men growing up in more advantaged childhood socioeconomic circumstances, the age-adjusted HR for men from low childhood SES backgrounds was 0.75 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.56-1.00]. The association remained significant after adjustment for height, education, adult SES, municipalities of residence, health behaviours, disease status and current social relationships (HR = 0.64; 95% CI 0.47-0.87). This association was stronger among men aged 75 years or older, HR = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.47-0.95), compared with men aged 65-74 years, HR = 0.90 (95% CI: 0.54-1.51). CONCLUSIONS Childhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with lower mortality among men aged 75 years or older, which may be due to selective survival, or alternatively to childhood physical training or postwar calorie restriction in this generation of Japanese males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yukako Tani
- Department of Health and Social Behavior / Department of Health Education and Health Sociology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Kondo
- Department of Health and Social Behavior / Department of Health Education and Health Sociology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuiko Nagamine
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | | | - Katsunori Kondo
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Center for Gerontology and Social Science, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu City, Aichi, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Society and Behavioral Science, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Department of Global Health Promotion, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Null association between workplace social capital and body mass index. Results from a four-wave panel survey among employees in Japan (J-HOPE study). Soc Sci Med 2016; 150:1-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
17
|
Sun X, Zhang N, Liu K, Li W, Oksanen T, Shi L. Effects of a randomized intervention to improve workplace social capital in community health centers in China. PLoS One 2014; 9:e114924. [PMID: 25503627 PMCID: PMC4263705 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine whether workplace social capital improved after implementing a workplace social capital intervention in community health centers in China. Methods This study was conducted in 20 community health centers of similar size in Jinan of China during 2012–2013. Using the stratified site randomization, 10 centers were randomized into the intervention group; one center was excluded due to leadership change in final analyses. The baseline survey including 447 staff (response rate: 93.1%) was conducted in 2012, and followed by a six-month workplace social capital intervention, including team building courses for directors of community health centers, voluntarily public services, group psychological consultation, and outdoor training. The follow-up survey in July 2013 was responded to by 390 staff members (response rate: 86.9%). Workplace social capital was assessed with the translated and culturally adapted scale, divided into vertical and horizontal dimensions. The facility-level intervention effects were based on all baseline (n = 427) and follow-up (n = 377) respondents, except for Weibei respondents. We conducted a bivariate Difference-in-Difference analysis to estimate the facility-level intervention effects. Results No statistically significant intervention effects were observed at the center level; the intervention increased the facility-level workplace social capital, and its horizontal and vertical dimensions by 1.0 (p = 0.24), 0.4 (p = 0.46) and 0.8 (p = 0.16), respectively. Conclusions The comprehensive intervention seemed to slightly improve workplace social capital in community health centers of urban China at the center level. High attrition rate limits any causal interpretation of the results. Further studies are warranted to test these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Sun
- Center for Health Management and Policy of Shandong University (key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health and Planning Commission), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Center for Health Management and Policy of Shandong University (key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health and Planning Commission), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Center for Health Management and Policy of Shandong University (key Lab of Health Economics and Policy, National Health and Planning Commission), Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Li
- Health Bureau of Jinan, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Tuula Oksanen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lizheng Shi
- Department of Global Health Systems and Development, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Neighborhood contextual factors for smoking among middle-aged Japanese: a multilevel analysis. Health Place 2014; 31:17-23. [PMID: 25463913 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore neighborhood contextual factors in terms of smoking behaviors among middle-aged Japanese, by using a multilevel analysis. Subjects were Japanese men and women, between 40 and 59 years of age (40,961 for the cross-sectional analysis, and 9,177 for the longitudinal analysis), nested in 39 neighborhoods (Kyuson). The results showed that women in a less residentially stable neighborhood were more likely to be smokers. No associations were seen between current smoking and neighborhood deprivation; however, women in the most deprived neighborhood were more likely to quit smoking. This study is the first to demonstrate the associations between neighborhood environment and current smoking or smoking cessation, in a Japanese setting. The findings imply that policy makers should consider targeting neighborhood conditions in order to help reduce smoking prevalence, especially among women.
Collapse
|
19
|
OSHIO T, INOUE A, TSUTSUMI A. The mediating and moderating effects of workplace social capital on the associations between adverse work characteristics and psychological distress among Japanese workers. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2014; 52:313-323. [PMID: 24705803 PMCID: PMC4243017 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2014-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 03/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Our current study investigated how workplace social capital (WSC) mediates and moderates the associations between adverse work characteristics and psychological distress among Japanese workers. We collected cross-sectional data (N=9,350) from a baseline survey of an occupational Japanese cohort study. We focused on individual WSC and considered job demands/control, effort/reward, and two types (i.e., procedural and interactional) of organizational justice as work-characteristic variables. We defined psychological distress as a score of ≥5 on the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6 scale). Multivariate logistic regression analyses predicted a binary variable of psychological distress by individual WSC and adverse work characteristics, adjusting for individual-level covariates. Individual WSC mediated the associations between adverse work characteristics and psychological distress in almost all model specifications. Additionally, individual WSC moderated the associations of psychological distress with high job demands, high effort, and low interactional justice when we used a high WSC cutoff point. In contrast, individual WSC did not moderate such interactions with low job control, reward, or procedural justice. We concluded that individual WSC mediated the associations between adverse work characteristics and psychological distress among Japanese workers while selectively moderating their associations at high levels of WSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi OSHIO
- Institute of Economic Research, Hitotsubashi University,
Japan
| | - Akiomi INOUE
- Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial
Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Akizumi TSUTSUMI
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of
Medicine, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kobayashi T, Suzuki E, Oksanen T, Kawachi I, Takao S. The bright side and dark side of workplace social capital: opposing effects of gender on overweight among Japanese employees. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88084. [PMID: 24498248 PMCID: PMC3909277 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A growing number of studies have sought to examine the health associations of workplace social capital; however, evidence of associations with overweight is sparse. We examined the association between individual perceptions of workplace social capital and overweight among Japanese male and female employees. Methodology/Principal Findings We conducted a cross-sectional survey among full-time employees at a company in Osaka prefecture in February 2012. We used an 8-item measure to assess overall and sub-dimensions of workplace social capital, divided into tertiles. Of 1050 employees, 849 responded, and 750 (624 men and 126 women) could be linked to annual health check-up data in the analysis. Binomial logistic regression models were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for overweight (body mass index: ≥25 kg/m2, calculated from measured weight and height) separately for men and women. The prevalence of overweight was 24.5% among men and 14.3% among women. Among men, low levels of bonding and linking social capital in the workplace were associated with a nearly 2-fold risk of overweight compared to high corresponding dimensions of social capital when adjusted for age, sleep hours, physiological distress, and lifestyle. In contrast, among women we found lower overall and linking social capital to be associated with lower odds for overweight even after covariate adjustment. Subsequently, we used multinomial logistic regression analyses to assess the relationships between a 1 standard deviation (SD) decrease in mean social capital and odds of underweight/overweight relative to normal weight. Among men, a 1-SD decrease in overall, bonding, and linking social capital was significantly associated with higher odds of overweight, but not with underweight. Among women, no significant associations were found for either overweight or underweight. Conclusions/Significance We found opposite gender relationships between perceived low linking workplace social capital and overweight among Japanese employees.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kobayashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Etsuji Suzuki
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tuula Oksanen
- Centre of Expertise for Development of Work and Organizations, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Soshi Takao
- Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Gao J, Nehl EJ, Fu H, Jia Y, Liu X, Zheng P. Workplace social capital and smoking among Chinese male employees: a multi-level, cross-sectional study. Prev Med 2013; 57:831-6. [PMID: 24075818 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2013.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study sought to investigate the associations between workplace social capital and smoking status among Chinese male employees. METHODS A cross sectional study with a two-stage stratified sampling procedure was conducted in Shanghai in 2012. In total, 1603 male workers from 35 workplaces were involved. Workplace social capital was assessed using a validated and psychometrically tested eight-item measure. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore whether individual-level social capital and aggregated workplace-level social capital were associated with smoking. RESULTS Overall, 54.2% of the subjects smoked currently. After controlling for individual covariates (age, education level, marital status, occupational status and job stress), compared to workers in the highest quartile of individual-level social capital, the prevalence ratios of smoking for workers in the third quartile, second quartile and lowest quartile were 1.26 (95% CI: 1.11-1.38), 1.35 (95% CI: 1.19-1.50) and 1.39 (95% CI: 1.24-1.51) respectively. However, there was no relationship between workplace-level social capital and smoking status. CONCLUSIONS Higher individual-level social capital was associated with a lower likelihood of smoking among Chinese male employees. By contrast, no clear association was found between workplace-level social capital and smoking. Further longitudinal studies are warranted to examine the possible link between workplace social capital and smoking cessation in Chinese workplaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junling Gao
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Idrovo AJ, Camacho-Avila A, García-Rivas J, Juárez-García A. Social capital at work: psychometric analysis of a short scale in Spanish among Mexican health workers. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE EPIDEMIOLOGIA 2013; 15:536-47. [PMID: 23090301 DOI: 10.1590/s1415-790x2012000300008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on social capital and health are carried out with large home-based surveys, neglecting that many interactions among individuals occur in the workplace. The objective of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of a scale in Spanish used to measure social capital at work. The scale designed by Kouvonen et al was translated into Spanish and tested under classical test theory, item response theory, and confirmatory factorial analysis; 152 public health workers from different socio-cultural contexts participated in the survey. Internal consistency was high (Chronbach's alpha = 0.88). Social capital at work correlated properly with two Job Content Questionnaire dimensions. A ceiling effect was detected and item difficulty was quantified. The confirmatory factor analysis showed the expected theoretical components of social capital: bonding, bridging and trust. The scale has acceptable psychometric properties, thus it can be used in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro J Idrovo
- Centro de Investigación en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Giordano GN, Merlo J, Ohlsson H, Rosvall M, Lindström M. Testing the association between social capital and health over time: a family-based design. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:665. [PMID: 23866259 PMCID: PMC3725154 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The past decade has seen a vast increase in empirical research investigating associations between social capital and health outcomes. Literature reviews reveal 'generalized trust' and 'social participation' to be the most robust of the commonly used social capital proxies, both showing positive association with health outcomes. However, this association could be confounded by unmeasured factors, such as the shared environment. Currently, there is a distinct lack of social capital research that takes into account such residual confounding. METHODS Using data from the United Kingdom's British Household Panel Survey (BHPS) (waves thirteen to eighteen, N = 6982), this longitudinal, multilevel study investigates the validity of the association between trust, social participation and self-rated health using a family-based design. As the BHPS samples on entire households, we employed 'mean' and 'difference from the mean' aggregate measures of social capital, the latter of which is considered a social capital measurement that is not biased by the shared environment of the household. We employed Generalized Estimating Equations for all analyses, our two-level model controlling for correlation at the household level. RESULTS Results show that after adjusting for the shared environment of the household over a six year period, the association between social participation and self-rated health was fully attenuated (OR = 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.89-1.06)), while the association with trust remained significant (OR = 1.11 (1.02-1.20)). Other health determinants, such as being a smoker, having no formal qualifications and being unemployed maintain their associations with poor self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS The association between social capital (specifically trust and social participation) and self-rated health appear to be confounded by shared environmental factors not previously considered by researchers. However, the association with trust remains, adding to existing empirical evidence that generalized trust may be an independent predictor of health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe N Giordano
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Juan Merlo
- Unit for Social Epidemiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ohlsson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Maria Rosvall
- Unit for Social Medicine and Health Policy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Public Health and Environment, Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Martin Lindström
- Unit for Social Medicine and Health Policy, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Centre for Economic Demography, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yamaguchi A. Influences of social capital on health and well-being from qualitative approach. Glob J Health Sci 2013; 5:153-61. [PMID: 23985117 PMCID: PMC4776875 DOI: 10.5539/gjhs.v5n5p153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The social capital surrounding health including health and well-being, the way in which they function as multi-dimensional constructs, and the potential stability of relationships among the social capital were examined across universities in Hawaii and Japan. Maintaining or strengthening social factors of collective and individual health and well-being is a core factor of social capital and is instrumental in reducing worry and increasing trust. Qualitative in-depth interviews with 64 male and female college students (32 college students at the University of Hawaii at Manoa; 32 college students at Reitaku University in Japan) were used to collect information on social capital of health and well-being and associated concepts; students’ perceptions were grouped under 11 themes. The data indicates that social capital has an impact on college students’ health and well-being. They also suggest that differences in health status and well-being can be plausibly attributed to processes associated with socio-environmental circumstances and situations.
Collapse
|
25
|
Reciprocity and depressive symptoms in Belgian workers: a cross-sectional multilevel analysis. J Occup Environ Med 2013; 55:824-31. [PMID: 23787572 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31828dc8cd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the multidimensional association between reciprocity at work and depressive symptoms. METHODS Data from the Belgian BELSTRESS survey (32 companies; N = 24,402) were analyzed. Multilevel statistical procedures were used to account for company-level associations while controlling for individual-level associations. RESULTS Different dimensions of individual reciprocity were negatively associated with depressive symptoms. On the company level, only vertical emotional reciprocity was negatively associated (β = -4.660; SE = 1.117) independently from individual reciprocity (β = -0.557; SE = 0.042). Complex interactions were found such that workplace reciprocity (1) may not uniformly benefit individuals and (2) related differently to depressive symptoms, depending on occupational group. CONCLUSIONS This study extends the existing literature with evidence on the multidimensional, contextual, and cross-level interaction associations of reciprocity as a key aspect of social capital on depressive symptoms.
Collapse
|
26
|
Van Bogaert P, Kowalski C, Weeks SM, Van Heusden D, Clarke SP. The relationship between nurse practice environment, nurse work characteristics, burnout and job outcome and quality of nursing care: a cross-sectional survey. Int J Nurs Stud 2013; 50:1667-77. [PMID: 23777786 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the mechanisms through which nurse practice environment dimensions are associated with job outcomes and nurse-assessed quality of care. Mediating variables tested included nurse work characteristics of workload, social capital, decision latitude, as well as burnout dimensions of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. BACKGROUND Acute care hospitals face daily challenges to their efforts to achieve nurse workforce stability, safety, and quality of care. A body of knowledge shows a favourably rated nurse practice environment as an important condition for better nurse and patient outcome variables; however, further research initiatives are imperative for a clear understanding to support and guide the practice community. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. METHOD Grounded on previous empirical findings, a structural equation model designed with valid measurement instruments was tested. The study population was registered acute care nurses (N=1201) in two independent hospitals and one hospital group with six hospitals in Belgium. RESULTS Nurse practice environment dimensions predicted job outcome variables and nurse ratings of quality of care. Analyses were consistent with features of nurses' work characteristics including perceived workload, decision latitude, and social capital, as well as three dimension of burnout playing mediating roles between nurse practice environment and outcomes. A revised model adjusted using various fit measures explained 52% and 47% of job outcomes and nurse-assessed quality of care, respectively. CONCLUSION The study refines understanding of the relationship between aspects of nursing practice in order to achieve favourable nursing outcomes and offers important concepts for managers to track in their daily work. The findings of this study indicate that it is important for clinicians and leaders to consider how nurses are involved in decision-making about care processes and tracking outcomes of care and whether they are able to work with physicians, superiors, peers, and subordinates in a trusting environment based on shared values. The involvement of nurse managers at the unit level is especially critical because of associations with nurse work characteristics such as decision latitude and social capital and outcome variables. Further practice and research initiatives to support nurses' involvement in decision-making process and interdisciplinary teamwork are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Van Bogaert
- Division of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; Department of Nursing, Antwerp University Hospital, Wilrijkstraat 10, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Social and geographical inequalities in suicide in Japan from 1975 through 2005: a census-based longitudinal analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63443. [PMID: 23671679 PMCID: PMC3646025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite advances in our understanding of the countercyclical association between economic contraction and suicide, less is known about the levels of and changes in inequalities in suicide. The authors examined social and geographical inequalities in suicide in Japan from 1975 through 2005. Methods Based on quinquennial vital statistics and census data, the authors analyzed the entire population aged 25–64 years. The total number of suicides was 75,840 men and 30,487 women. For each sex, the authors estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% credible intervals (CIs) for suicide using multilevel logistic regression models with “cells” (cross-tabulated by age and occupation) at level 1, seven different years at level 2, and 47 prefectures at level 3. Prefecture-level variance was used as an estimate of geographical inequalities in suicide. Results Adjusting for age and time-trends, the lowest odds for suicide was observed among production process and related workers (the reference group) in both sexes. The highest OR for men was 2.52 (95% CI: 2.43, 2.61) among service workers, whereas the highest OR for women was 9.24 (95% CI: 7.03, 12.13) among security workers. The degree of occupational inequalities increased among men with a striking change in the pattern. Among women, we observed a steady decline in suicide risk across all occupations, except for administrative and managerial workers and transport and communication workers. After adjusting for individual age, occupation, and time-trends, prefecture-specific ORs ranged from 0.76 (Nara Prefecture) to 1.36 (Akita Prefecture) for men and from 0.79 (Kanagawa Prefecture) to 1.22 (Akita Prefecture) for women. Geographical inequalities have increased primarily among men since 1995. Conclusions The present findings demonstrate a striking temporal change in the pattern of social inequalities in suicide among men. Further, geographical inequalities in suicide have considerably increased across 47 prefectures, primarily among men, since 1995.
Collapse
|
28
|
The Associations Between Organizational Social Capital, Perceived Health, and Employees' Performance in Two Dutch Companies. J Occup Environ Med 2013; 55:371-7. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31828acaf2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
29
|
Fujino Y, Kubo T, Kunimoto M, Tabata H, Tsuchiya T, Kadowaki K, Nakamura T, Oyama I. A cross-sectional study of workplace social capital and blood pressure: a multilevel analysis at Japanese manufacturing companies. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2012-002215. [PMID: 23386581 PMCID: PMC3586077 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-002215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the contextual effect of workplace social capital on systolic blood pressure (SBP). DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING A conglomerate from 58 workplaces in Japan. PARTICIPANTS Of the 5844 workers at a Japanese conglomerate from 58 workplaces, 5368 were recruited. Individuals who received drugs for hypertension (n=531) and who lacked information on any variable (n=167) were excluded from the analyses, leaving 4735 individuals (3281 men and 1454 women) for inclusion. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Systolic blood pressure. RESULTS The contextual effect of workplace social capital on SBP was examined using a multilevel regression analysis with a random intercept. Coworker support had a contextual effect at the workplace level (coefficient=-1.97, p=0.043), while a lack of trust for coworkers (coefficient=0.27, p=0.039) and lack of helpfulness from coworkers were associated with SBP (coefficient=0.28, p=0.002). CONCLUSIONS The present study suggested that social capital at the workplace level has beneficial effects on SBP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihisa Fujino
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Kubo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Masamizu Kunimoto
- Department of Health Care Center, Asahi Kasei Corporation Nobeoka Office, Nobeoka, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Tabata
- Department of Health Care Center, Asahi Kasei Corporation Nobeoka Office, Nobeoka, Japan
| | - Takuto Tsuchiya
- Department of Health Care Center, Asahi Kasei Corporation Nobeoka Office, Nobeoka, Japan
| | - Koji Kadowaki
- Department of Health Care Center, Asahi Kasei Corporation Nobeoka Office, Nobeoka, Japan
| | - Takehiro Nakamura
- Department of Health Care Center, Asahi Kasei Chemicals Mizushima Works, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ichiro Oyama
- Corporate Environmental Safety Health and Quality Assurance, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Suzuki E, Yamamoto E, Takao S, Kawachi I, Subramanian SV. Clarifying the use of aggregated exposures in multilevel models: self-included vs. self-excluded measures. PLoS One 2012; 7:e51717. [PMID: 23251609 PMCID: PMC3519740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0051717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multilevel analyses are ideally suited to assess the effects of ecological (higher level) and individual (lower level) exposure variables simultaneously. In applying such analyses to measures of ecologies in epidemiological studies, individual variables are usually aggregated into the higher level unit. Typically, the aggregated measure includes responses of every individual belonging to that group (i.e. it constitutes a self-included measure). More recently, researchers have developed an aggregate measure which excludes the response of the individual to whom the aggregate measure is linked (i.e. a self-excluded measure). In this study, we clarify the substantive and technical properties of these two measures when they are used as exposures in multilevel models. METHODS Although the differences between the two aggregated measures are mathematically subtle, distinguishing between them is important in terms of the specific scientific questions to be addressed. We then show how these measures can be used in two distinct types of multilevel models-self-included model and self-excluded model-and interpret the parameters in each model by imposing hypothetical interventions. The concept is tested on empirical data of workplace social capital and employees' systolic blood pressure. RESULTS Researchers assume group-level interventions when using a self-included model, and individual-level interventions when using a self-excluded model. Analytical re-parameterizations of these two models highlight their differences in parameter interpretation. Cluster-mean centered self-included models enable researchers to decompose the collective effect into its within- and between-group components. The benefit of cluster-mean centering procedure is further discussed in terms of hypothetical interventions. CONCLUSIONS When investigating the potential roles of aggregated variables, researchers should carefully explore which type of model-self-included or self-excluded-is suitable for a given situation, particularly when group sizes are relatively small.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etsuji Suzuki
- Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Nagaoka K, Fujiwara T, Ito J. Do income inequality and social capital associate with measles-containing vaccine coverage rate? Vaccine 2012; 30:7481-8. [PMID: 23107596 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2012.10.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the association between income inequality and social capital with measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage rates in Japan. METHODS MCV coverage data for all 1750 municipalities were collected from statistics publicized by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan in 2010. Prefectural Gini coefficients in 2009 (an indicator of income inequality) and social capital indicators (including voting rates, volunteer rates at the prefectural level, and move-in ratios at the municipal level) were linked to MCV coverage using a multilevel analysis adjusting for covariates (population, age distribution, average income, average number of household members). RESULTS Coverage of the first dose of MCV (MCV1), and second dose (MCV2), decreased by 3.98% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-7.71) and 4.28% (95% CI: 0.60-7.60) per each 0.1-unit increase in Gini coefficients within large municipalities (with a population 50,000 or more), respectively. Conversely, coverage of MCV2 increased by 0.26% (95% CI: 0.08-0.45) per 1% increase in voting rate within large municipalities. Volunteer rates were inversely associated with MCV2 coverage within large municipalities. Move-in ratios at the municipal level were inversely associated with MCV2 coverage within medium-sized municipalities (with a population between 10,000 and 50,000). CONCLUSIONS While higher income inequality at a prefectural level was associated with lower MCV coverage rates, higher social capital was associated with higher coverage in large municipalities. To enhance MCV coverage in Japan, we recommend that income inequality be addressed and social capital boosted at the prefectural level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagaoka
- Department of Social Medicine, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Geographic inequalities in all-cause mortality in Japan: compositional or contextual? PLoS One 2012; 7:e39876. [PMID: 22761918 PMCID: PMC3384616 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 05/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A recent study from Japan suggested that geographic inequalities in all-cause premature adult mortality have increased since 1995 in both sexes even after adjusting for individual age and occupation in 47 prefectures. Such variations can arise from compositional effects as well as contextual effects. In this study, we sought to further examine the emerging geographic inequalities in all-cause mortality, by exploring the relative contribution of composition and context in each prefecture. Methods We used the 2005 vital statistics and census data among those aged 25 or older. The total number of decedents was 524,785 men and 455,863 women. We estimated gender-specific two-level logistic regression to model mortality risk as a function of age, occupation, and residence in 47 prefectures. Prefecture-level variance was used as an estimate of geographic inequalities in mortality, and prefectures were ranked by odds ratios (ORs), with the reference being the grand mean of all prefectures (value = 1). Results Overall, the degree of geographic inequalities was more pronounced when we did not account for the composition (i.e., age and occupation) in each prefecture. Even after adjusting for the composition, however, substantial differences remained in mortality risk across prefectures with ORs ranging from 0.870 (Okinawa) to 1.190 (Aomori) for men and from 0.864 (Shimane) to 1.132 (Aichi) for women. In some prefectures (e.g., Aomori), adjustment for composition showed little change in ORs, while we observed substantial attenuation in ORs in other prefectures (e.g., Akita). We also observed qualitative changes in some prefectures (e.g., Tokyo). No clear associations were observed between prefecture-level socioeconomic status variables and the risk of mortality in either sex. Conclusions Geographic disparities in mortality across prefectures are quite substantial and cannot be fully explained by differences in population composition. The relative contribution of composition and context to health inequalities considerably vary across prefectures.
Collapse
|
33
|
Kobayashi T, Suzuki E, Takao S, Doi H. Long working hours and metabolic syndrome among Japanese men: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:395. [PMID: 22651100 PMCID: PMC3419617 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The link between long working hours and health has been extensively studied for decades. Despite global concern regarding metabolic syndrome, however, no studies to date have solely evaluated the relationship between long working hours and that syndrome. We therefore examined the association between long working hours and metabolic syndrome in a cross-sectional study. Methods Between May and October 2009, we collected data from annual health checkups and questionnaires from employees at a manufacturing company in Shizuoka, Japan. Questionnaires were returned by 1,601 workers (response rate: 96.2%; 1,314 men, 287 women). After exclusions, including women because of a lack of overtime work, the analysis was performed for 933 men. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for metabolic syndrome. Further, we conducted a stratified analysis by age-group (<40 years vs. ≥40 years). Results Metabolic syndrome was identified in 110 workers (11.8%). We observed a positive association between working hours and metabolic syndrome after adjusting for age, occupation, shift work, smoking status, frequency of alcohol consumption, and cohabiting status. Compared with subjects who worked 7–8 h/day, multivariate ORs for metabolic syndrome were 1.66 (95% CI, 0.91–3.01), 1.48 (95% CI, 0.75–2.90), and 2.32 (95% CI, 1.04–5.16) for those working 8–9 h/day, 9–10 h/day, and >10 h/day, respectively. Similar patterns were obtained when we excluded shift workers from the analysis. In age-stratified analysis, the corresponding ORs among workers aged ≥40 years were 2.02 (95% CI, 1.04–3.90), 1.21 (95% CI, 0.53–2.77), and 3.14 (95% CI, 1.24–7.95). In contrast, no clear association was found among workers aged <40 years. Conclusions The present study suggests that 10 h/day may be a trigger level of working hours for increased risk of metabolic syndrome among Japanese male workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Kobayashi
- Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Murayama H, Fujiwara Y, Kawachi I. Social capital and health: a review of prospective multilevel studies. J Epidemiol 2012; 22:179-87. [PMID: 22447212 PMCID: PMC3798618 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20110128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article presents an overview of the concept of social capital, reviews prospective multilevel analytic studies of the association between social capital and health, and discusses intervention strategies that enhance social capital. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of published peer-reviewed literature on the PubMed database and categorized studies according to health outcome. RESULTS We identified 13 articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria for the review. In general, both individual social capital and area/workplace social capital had positive effects on health outcomes, regardless of study design, setting, follow-up period, or type of health outcome. Prospective studies that used a multilevel approach were mainly conducted in Western countries. Although we identified some cross-sectional multilevel studies that were conducted in Asian countries, including Japan, no prospective studies have been conducted in Asia. CONCLUSIONS Prospective evidence from multilevel analytic studies of the effect of social capital on health is very limited at present. If epidemiologic findings on the association between social capital and health are to be put to practical use, we must gather additional evidence and explore the feasibility of interventions that build social capital as a means of promoting health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Murayama
- Research Team for Social Participation and Community Health, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Suzuki E, Kashima S, Kawachi I, Subramanian SV. Social and geographic inequalities in premature adult mortality in Japan: a multilevel observational study from 1970 to 2005. BMJ Open 2012; 2:e000425. [PMID: 22389360 PMCID: PMC3293144 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine trends in social and geographic inequalities in all-cause premature adult mortality in Japan. DESIGN Observational study of the vital statistics and the census data. SETTING Japan. PARTICIPANTS Entire population aged 25 years or older and less than 65 years in 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2005. The total number of decedents was 984 022 and 532 223 in men and women, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES For each sex, ORs and 95% CIs for mortality were estimated by using multilevel logistic regression models with 'cells' (cross-tabulated by age and occupation) at level 1, 8 years at level 2 and 47 prefectures at level 3. The prefecture-level variance was used as an estimate of geographic inequalities of mortality. RESULTS Adjusting for age and time-trends, compared with production process and related workers, ORs ranged from 0.97 (95% CI 0.96 to 0.98) among administrative and managerial workers to 2.22 (95% CI 2.19 to 2.24) among service workers in men. By contrast, in women, the lowest odds for mortality was observed among production process and related workers (reference), while the highest OR was 12.22 (95% CI 11.40 to 13.10) among security workers. The degree of occupational inequality increased in both sexes. Higher occupational groups did not experience reductions in mortality throughout the period and was overtaken by lower occupational groups in the early 1990s, among men. Conditional on individual age and occupation, overall geographic inequalities of mortality were relatively small in both sexes; the ORs ranged from 0.87 (Okinawa) to 1.13 (Aomori) for men and from 0.84 (Kanagawa) to 1.11 (Kagoshima) for women, even though there is a suggestion of increasing inequalities across prefectures since 1995 in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that both social and geographic inequalities in all-cause mortality have increased in Japan during the last 3 decades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Etsuji Suzuki
- Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Saori Kashima
- Department of Epidemiology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Public Health and Health Policy, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ichiro Kawachi
- Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - S V Subramanian
- Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Yamamura E. Differences in the effect of social capital on health status between workers and non-workers. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s12232-011-0135-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|
37
|
Oksanen T, Kawachi I, Kouvonen A, Suzuki E, Takao S, Sjösten N, Virtanen M, Pentti J, Vahtera J, Kivimäki M. Workplace social capital and adherence to antihypertensive medication: a cohort study. PLoS One 2011; 6:e24732. [PMID: 21931836 PMCID: PMC3170374 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0024732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While hypertension is a common and treatable health problem, adherence to antihypertensive medication remains a challenge. This study examines the hypothesis that workplace social capital may influence adherence to antihypertensive medication among hypertensive employees. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We linked survey responses to nationwide pharmacy records for a cohort of 3515 hypertensive employees (mean age 53.9 years, 76% women) who required continuous antihypertensive drug therapy (the Finnish Public Sector study). A standard scale was used to measure workplace social capital from co-workers' assessments and self-reports in 2000-2004. Non-adherence to antihypertensive medication was determined based on the number of days-not-treated at the year following the survey using comprehensive prescription records. Negative binomial regression models were conducted adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics, duration of hypertension, behaviour-related risk factors, and co-morbid conditions. The overall rate of days-not-treated was 20.7 per person-year (78% had no days-not-treated). Higher age, obesity, and presence of somatic co-morbidities were all associated with better adherence, but this was not the case for co-worker-assessed or self-reported workplace social capital. The rate of days-not-treated was 19.7 per person-year in the bottom fourth of co-worker-assessed workplace social capital, compared to 20.4 in the top fourth. The corresponding rate ratio from the fully-adjusted model was 0.95 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58-1.56). In a subgroup of 907 new users of antihypertensive medication this rate ratio was 0.98 (95% CI 0.42-2.29). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE We found no consistent evidence to support the hypothesized effect of workplace social capital on adherence to drug therapy among employees with chronic hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuula Oksanen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Giordano GN, Ohlsson H, Lindström M. Social capital and health—Purely a question of context? Health Place 2011; 17:946-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2011.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 04/04/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|