1
|
Yang YJ, Lee J. Association between depressive symptoms and employment type of Korean workers: the Fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:93. [PMID: 38178074 PMCID: PMC10768360 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study analyzed the association between depressive symptoms and employment type, by considering both socioeconomic status and job stress factors. METHODS We analyzed 27,369 participants (13,134 men and 14,235 women) using data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey. The participants were divided into regular and precarious workers. Depressive symptoms were defined using the World Health Organization-5 Well-Being Index. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between depressive symptoms and employment type. RESULTS Of the participants, 71.53% (N = 19578) were regular workers and 28.47% (N = 7791) were precarious workers. The weighted frequencies of participants with depressive symptoms (42.50%) were significantly higher than those of precarious workers (32.54%, p < 0.001). In the univariate and multivariate analyses, precarious workers had a significantly higher risk of depressive symptoms than regular workers (odds ratio [OR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-1.64; OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.07-1.26, respectively). The significant association between depressive symptoms and precarious workers has also been reflected in propensity score matched participants through crude and multivariate analysis (OR 1.54 [95% CI 1.43-1.66] and OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.04-1.26], respectively). CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that precarious workers may have a higher risk of depressive symptoms than regular workers. However, this is only a cross-sectional study. Therefore, further study is required to investigate the relevance association between depressive symptoms and employment types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Jung Yang
- Department of Convergence Science, College of Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary's Hospital, Incheon, 22711, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Lee
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sakai K, Nagata T, Odagami K, Adi NP, Nagata M, Mori K. Inequality in workplace support for various types of precarious workers compared with permanent workers in Japan: A cross-sectional study. J Occup Health 2023; 65:e12431. [PMID: 37833831 PMCID: PMC10576158 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to examine, by sex, whether precarious workers in Japan receive less support in the workplace than permanent workers. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire in 2022. We stratified participants by sex and performed modified Poisson regression analysis. The outcomes were support from supervisors, co-workers, occupational health professionals, and no one. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) were calculated for contract workers, part-time workers, and dispatched workers, using permanent workers as reference. RESULTS This study had 21 047 participants. For men, 87.9% were permanent workers; for women, 50.7% were permanent workers and 37.3% were part-time workers. For workplace support, 47.5% of men and 45.2% of women selected superiors; 41.8% of men and 50.5% of women selected colleagues; 16.8% of men and 6.2% of women selected occupational health professionals. Female contract workers were less likely to receive support from their supervisors (aPR 0.88) or co-workers (aPR 0.89). Male part-time workers were less likely to be supported by their co-workers (aPR 0.86). Dispatched workers were less likely to be supported by their supervisors (men aPR 0.71, women aPR 0.84) and co-workers (men aPR 0.73, women aPR 0.77). Part-time and dispatched workers were less likely to receive support from occupational health professionals. CONCLUSIONS Precarious workers could get less workplace support than permanent workers. This may contribute to occupational health problems with precarious workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Sakai
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Tomohisa Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Kiminori Odagami
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Nuri Purwito Adi
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health JapanKitakyushuJapan
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas IndonesiaJakartaIndonesia
| | - Masako Nagata
- Department of Occupational Medicine, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Koji Mori
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health JapanKitakyushuJapan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fang D. The Effect of Household Dependency Ratio on the Mental Health of Workforce: Evidence From China. Front Public Health 2022; 10:848114. [PMID: 35462824 PMCID: PMC9024124 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.848114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Based on the Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) 2010, this article investigates the relationship between household dependency ratio and the mental health of household workforce. The empirical results verify the negative impacts of both household old-age dependency ratio and child dependency ratio on the mental health of the workforce and find that the negative effect of old-age dependency ratio is greater than that of child dependency ratio. Moreover, the depression source of the young workforce mainly comes from the child dependency ratio, while the depression source of the older workforce comes from the old-age dependency ratio. The mental health of the workforce in poor regions is impaired by the household dependency burden, but we found no same evidence in rich regions. The old-age dependency ratio negatively affects the mental health of the workforce due to the household healthcare burden, while the child dependency ratio negatively affects the mental health of the workforce due to the education expenditure pressure. Our findings provide evidence on how household structure affects the welfare of the family, and give implications to the improvement of residents' health.
Collapse
|
4
|
Okui T. An analysis of health inequalities depending on educational level using nationally representative survey data in Japan, 2019. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2242. [PMID: 34893044 PMCID: PMC8662892 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12368-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, socioeconomic differences in health statuses and behaviors have not been investigated from the nationally representative survey data in Japan. In this study, we showed differences in representative health behaviors and statuses depending on educational level using a nationally representative survey data in Japan. Methods Aggregated (not individual level) data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions in 2019 were used to examine the association between educational level and outcome status of psychological distress (K6 scores > = 5), self-rated health, smoking, alcohol drinking, and cancer screening participation (stomach, lung, colorectal, breast, and uterine cancers). Data of 217,179 households in Japan were aggregated by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare in the survey, and the data of the estimated number of household members and persons corresponding to each response option for the questions in all of Japan were used. Five-year age groups from 20 to 24 to 80–84 years and over 84 years were analyzed, and the prevalence or participation rate by educational level were calculated. In addition, the age-standardized prevalence or participation rate according to educational level were also calculated by sex. Moreover, a Poisson regression model was applied for evaluating an association of educational level with the outcomes. Results As a result, a clear gradient by educational level was observed in almost all the age groups for the prevalence of psychological distress, poor self-rated health, and smoking and participation rates in cancer screening, and high educational level were associated with better health-related behaviors and statuses. Conversely, drinking prevalence was shown to be higher rather in highly educated people. In addition, a statistically significant association of educational level with all the outcomes was observed. Conclusion It was shown that disparities in health behaviors and statuses still persisted in recent years, and the findings suggested that further measures should be taken to tackle this disparity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tasuku Okui
- Medical Information Center, Kyushu University Hospital, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Increased Work from Home and Low Back Pain among Japanese Desk Workers during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312363. [PMID: 34886088 PMCID: PMC8657068 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), desk workers in Japan have been encouraged to work from home. Due to rapidly increased working from home, working in environments that are not properly designed and working with poor posture can affect low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to examine the relationship between increased work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic and LBP among Japanese desk workers. Using study data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey 2020 conducted from August to September 2020, 4227 desk workers who did not have LBP before the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed out of 25,482 total respondents. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for LBP were calculated by multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for covariates such as socioeconomic factors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 31.3% of desk workers with an increased chance of working from home, and 4.1% had LBP. Desk workers with increased working from home were more likely to have LBP (OR: 2.00 (95% CI, 1.36–2.93)). In this large-scale study, increased work from home was associated with LBP among desk workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, preparing an appropriate work environment for desk workers working from home can improve productivity, leading to positive effects.
Collapse
|
6
|
Dhungel B, Tsuguhiko K, Kachi Y, Ochi M, Gilmour S, Takehara K. Prevalence of and associated factors for psychological distress among single fathers in Japan. J Epidemiol 2021. [PMID: 34690244 PMCID: PMC10165216 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20210273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, ten percent of single-parent households are led by fathers. Taking care of children as a single father is very stressful and could put a strain on their health. It is very important to prevent and identify psychological distress among fathers for both their own health and to avoid negative impacts on children. This study aims to determine the prevalence of, and factors associated with psychological distress among single fathers and understand how it is different from partnered fathers. METHODS We used data from the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions 2016. Psychological distress, assessed using the K6 scale, was analysed among 868 single and 43,880 partnered fathers. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for psychological distress such as employment type, sleep hours, smoking and drinking habits. RESULTS Single fathers had a higher proportion (8.5%) of psychological distress compared to partnered fathers (5.0%). A large percentage of single fathers had a lower educational level and were non-regular workers, self-employed or unemployed, compared to partnered fathers. Among single fathers, the crude and adjusted odds ratio for employment type and sleep hours were significantly associated with psychological distress. CONCLUSION As single parents who are self-employed or directors are likely to have significantly reduced psychological distress than those with regular jobs, measures are needed to improve the work-family balance for non-self-employed fathers. There is a need to provide assistance to improve the quality and amount of sleep of single fathers to ensure their and their children's good health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bibha Dhungel
- Department of Health Policy, National Centre for Child Health and Development.,Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University
| | - Kato Tsuguhiko
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University.,Department of Social Medicine, National Centre for Child Health and Development
| | - Yuko Kachi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine.,School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University
| | - Manami Ochi
- Department of Social Medicine, National Centre for Child Health and Development.,Department of Health and Welfare Services, National Institute of Public Health
| | - Stuart Gilmour
- Graduate School of Public Health, St. Luke's International University
| | - Kenji Takehara
- Department of Health Policy, National Centre for Child Health and Development
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Noori F, Behboodimoghadam Z, Haghani S, Pashaeypoor S. The Effect of an Empowerment Program on the Health-promoting Behaviors of Iranian Women Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Prev Med Public Health 2021; 54:275-283. [PMID: 34370941 PMCID: PMC8357542 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.21.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The workplace is an ideal place for encouraging health-promoting behaviors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of an empowerment program on the health-promoting behaviors of women workers. Methods This randomized clinical trial was conducted with 80 women workers employed at a food packaging facility in 2020. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling and were classified into intervention and control groups using block randomization. An empowerment program for women workers was conducted across 6 sessions based on an empowerment model. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, which participants completed both before the program and 8 weeks after the last session. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. Results There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in various health-promoting behaviors before the program. However, the intervention group’s scores for nutrition (34.92±1.09 vs. 27.87±4.23), physical activity (24.40±2.94 vs. 17.40±5.03), stress management (26.35±2.60 vs. 23.05±4.27), spiritual growth (34.02±3.00 vs. 30.22±5.40), interpersonal relationships (30.82±2.38 vs. 27.60±4.61), and health responsibility (31.60±2.71 vs. 28.22±4.59) were significantly higher than the control group’s 8 weeks after the program had ended. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the total score of health-promoting behaviors for the intervention group compared to the control group (179.00±9.22 vs. 151.42±20.25, p=0.001). Conclusions An empowerment program for women workers led to significant improvements in the health-promoting behaviors of the participants. Similar programs can ultimately improve women’s health in the workplace.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Noori
- Department of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Behboodimoghadam
- Department of Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shima Haghani
- Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahzad Pashaeypoor
- Department of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Community-Based Participatory Research Center, Iranian Institute for Reduction of High-Risk Behaviors, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kotani K, Ueda K, Seposo X, Ono M, Honda A, Takano H. [Effect of City-Specific Characteristics on Association between Heat and Ambulance Dispatches]. Nihon Eiseigaku Zasshi 2019; 74:n/a. [PMID: 31875633 DOI: 10.1265/jjh.19007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this multicity study, we aimed to elucidate the city-specific factors affecting the association of high ambient temperature with ambulance dispatches due to acute illnesses. METHODS We used the data of ambulance dispatches in 27 cities in Japan with more than 500,000 population excluding Tokyo, from May to September from 2012 to 2015. We included patients 20 years and older (≥20 years) and stratified them into three age groups (20-59, 60-79, and ≥80 years). We explored the city-specific pattern of the daily relative temperature (in temperature percentiles) and the risk of ambulance dispatches for each age group using a distributed lag nonlinear model and estimated the city-specific relative risks of ambulance dispatches at the 95/99 percentile temperature compared with the 77.6 percentile temperature defined as the reference temperature (Tref). Then, the estimates were combined by performing meta-analyses for each age group. We also applied meta-regression models to explore whether the city-specific characteristics modified the association of temperature with ambulance dispatches. RESULTS The relative risks of the 95th percentile with respect to Tref were 1.14 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12, 1.16), 1.16 (95% CI: 1.13, 1.20), 1.13 (95% CI: 1.10, 1.16), and 1.13 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.16), for all-age (≥20) and age-stratified groups (20-59, 60-79, and ≥80 years), respectively. We observed a higher relative risk for the ≥20 years age group in the cities with higher proportions of single-elderly, single-mother, and single-father households. We also found that the relative risk for the 20-59 years age group was higher in the cities with a higher proportion of blue-collar workers. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides insights into city-specific characteristics modifying heat-related health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuya Kotani
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University
| | - Kayo Ueda
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
| | - Xerxes Seposo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
| | - Masaji Ono
- National Institute for Environmental Studies
| | - Akiko Honda
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
| | - Hirohisa Takano
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Kyoto University
- Kyoto University Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kachi Y, Hashimoto H, Eguchi H. Gender differences in the effects of job insecurity on psychological distress in Japanese workers: a population-based panel study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2018; 91:991-999. [PMID: 30019174 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-018-1338-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to examine effects of persistence or change in job insecurity on psychological distress (PD) among Japanese community dwellers. METHODS The sample comprised 889 men and 762 women aged 25-50 years who were employed and completed both wave 1 (2010) and wave 2 (2012) surveys of the Japanese Study on Stratification, Health, Income, and Neighborhood (J-SHINE). Job insecurity, a perception of threat of job loss, was self-reported in both waves to define persistence and change of the status. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare PD (K6 score ≥ 5) at wave 2 for employees whose job security changed or who remained insecure with that of those who remained secure. RESULTS Persistent job insecurity was associated with PD (for men, OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.03-2.63; for women OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.02-2.65), after adjustment for confounders. Additionally, change from secure to insecure perception was also associated with PD in men, while change from insecure to secure was associated with PD in women. Regardless of gender, these effects were observable among workers with children but not among those without children. CONCLUSIONS Persistent job insecurity and change in job insecurity has adverse effects on PD, especially for workers with children. Gender differences in the effects of change in job security on PD might be explained by the social norms of gender roles and labor market gender segregation. Policy makers should consider dependent family and gender inequalities when developing policies to reduce job insecurity and its negative health effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kachi
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan. .,Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan.
| | - Hideki Hashimoto
- Department of Health and Social Behavior, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hisashi Eguchi
- Department of Public Health, Kitasato University School of Medicine, 1-15-1 Kitasato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0374, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Iijima H, Suzuki S, Koyama H, Nakazawa M, Wakimoto Y. Agricultural workers in a cohort of middle-aged Japanese women showed better health status than did women with other occupations. J Rural Med 2018; 13:57-63. [PMID: 29875898 PMCID: PMC5981020 DOI: 10.2185/jrm.2941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the relationship between occupations and health status to obtain an overall understanding of a cohort of Japanese middle-aged women, including unemployed women, who comprised approximately 30% of the sample. Participants and Methods: Participants of this study were 4,454 women aged 40-69 years, classified into the following five groups based on their occupation: unemployed, 1,432; agriculture, 439; self-employed, 1,596; white collared, 793; and blue collared, 194. Participants' perceived health was assessed using a symptoms checklist called the Todai Health Index (THI, later renamed as the Total Health Index) in a baseline survey conducted in 1993. The mortality risk of the participants was assessed using the Cox's Proportional Hazards Model. Results: The means of the percentile values on the Total Scale 1 in the THI were as follows: agriculture, 43.7; unemployed, 50.8; self-employed, 52.5; white collared, 53.0; and blue collared, 56.1, with lower percentile values indicating better perceived health. The results showed that women engaged in agriculture were in significantly better health than were those in the other four occupations. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals of the occupational groups adjusted for age, area of residence, and Total Scale 1 scores were as follows: agriculture (reference group), 1; white collared, 1.16 (0.77-1.74); self-employed, 1.25 (0.87-1.78); unemployed, 1.27 (0.91-1.77); and blue collared, 1.50 (0.86-2.60). Conclusions: Women engaged in agriculture had a significantly higher tendency to have a better health status on the THI as compared to those from the other four occupational groups, and they exhibited the lowest HR as compared to their counterparts, though not statistically significant. We concluded that the perceived health status of unemployed women was similar to that of women engaged in agriculture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hiroshi Koyama
- Department of Public Health, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Minato Nakazawa
- Department of International Health, Kobe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fernandes JDC, Portela LF, Griep RH, Rotenberg L. Working hours and health in nurses of public hospitals according to gender. Rev Saude Publica 2017; 51:63. [PMID: 28678910 PMCID: PMC5477706 DOI: 10.1590/s1518-8787.2017051006808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between weekly working hours and self-rated health of nurses in public hospitals in Rio de Janeiro, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. METHODS A total of 3,229 nurses (82.7% of the eligible group) participated in this cross-sectional study, carried out between April 2010 and December 2011. The collection instrument consisted of a self-administered multidimensional questionnaire. The weekly working hours were calculated from a recall of the daily hours worked over seven consecutive days; this variable was categorized according to tertiles of distribution for men and women. The outcome of interest, self-rated health, was categorized into three levels: good (very good and good), regular, and poor (poor and very poor). The statistical analysis of the data included bivariate and multivariate analyses, having as reference group those with short working hours (first tertile). All the analyses were stratified by gender and elaborated using the program SPSS. RESULTS Among women, the group corresponding to the longest working week (more than 60.5 hours per week) were more likely to report regular self-rated health, compared with those with shorter working hours, after adjusting for confounding factors (OR = 1.30; 95%CI 1.02-1.67). Among men, those with average working hours (49.5-70.5 hours per week) were more than twice as likely to rate their health as regular (OR = 2.17; 95%CI 1.08-4.35) compared to those with shorter working hours (up to 49.5 hours). There was no significant association between long working hours and poor self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS The results point to the urgent need to promote interventions in the organization of work and appreciation of the nursing profession, in order to reduce the number of multiple jobs and thus contribute to mitigate potential effects on the health of workers and the quality of care in hospitals. OBJETIVO Avaliar a associação entre horas de trabalho semanais e autoavaliação de saúde de enfermeiros em hospitais públicos do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil. MÉTODOS Um total de 3.229 enfermeiros (82,7% do grupo de elegíveis) participou deste estudo transversal, realizado entre abril de 2010 e dezembro de 2011. O instrumento de coleta consistiu em um questionário multidimensional autopreenchido. As horas de trabalho semanais foram calculadas a partir de um recordatório das horas diárias de trabalho ao longo de sete dias consecutivos; esta variável foi categorizada de acordo com tercis da distribuição para homens e mulheres. O desfecho de interesse, auto-avaliação de saúde, foi categorizado em três níveis: bom (muito bom e bom), regular e ruim (ruim e muito ruim). A análise estatística dos dados incluiu análises bivaridas e multivariadas, tendo como grupo de referência aqueles com jornadas curtas de trabalho (primeiro tercil). Todas as análises foram estratificadas por sexo e elaboradas no programa SPSS. RESULTADOS Entre as mulheres, o grupo correspondente à semana de trabalho mais longa (mais de 60,5 horas por semana) tinha maior probabilidade de relatar autoavaliação de saúde como regular, em comparação com aqueles com jornada curta, após o ajuste para fatores de confusão (OR = 1,30; IC95% 1,02-1,67). Entre os homens, aqueles com jornada média (49,5-70,5 horas por semana) tiveram mais que o dobro da probabilidade de avaliar sua saúde como regular (OR = 2,17; IC95% 1,08-4,35) em comparação com aqueles com a semana de trabalho mais curta (até 49,5 horas). Não houve associação significativa entre longas horas de trabalho e autoavaliação de saúde ruim. CONCLUSÕES Os resultados apresentados apontam para a urgência em promover intervenções na organização do trabalho e valorização da profissão de enfermagem, de modo a reduzir o múltiplo vínculo e assim contribuir para mitigar possíveis efeitos sobre a saúde dos trabalhadores e a qualidade do atendimento nos hospitais.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliana da Costa Fernandes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública. Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Luciana Fernandes Portela
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Saúde Pública. Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
- Laboratório de Educação em Ambiente e Saúde. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Rosane Härter Griep
- Laboratório de Educação em Ambiente e Saúde. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| | - Lúcia Rotenberg
- Laboratório de Educação em Ambiente e Saúde. Instituto Oswaldo Cruz. Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kachi Y, Abe A, Ando E, Kawada T. Socioeconomic disparities in psychological distress in a nationally representative sample of Japanese adolescents: A time trend study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2017; 51:278-286. [PMID: 27553359 DOI: 10.1177/0004867416664142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Socioeconomic status as a determinant of mental health problems has received scant attention in Japan, which has long been considered an egalitarian society. This study examined the association between socioeconomic status and psychological distress and its trends over 6 years among Japanese adolescents. METHODS We used data from a nationally representative sample of 9491 adolescents aged 12-18 years who participated in three repeated cross-sectional surveys between 2007 and 2013. The K6 scale was used to assess psychological distress. Socioeconomic status indicators included household income, parental education, parental working status and household structure. RESULTS Psychological distress prevalence decreased significantly from 2007 (10.7%) to 2013 (7.6%). However, the socioeconomic status patterns of psychological distress were consistent through the study period. Adolescents living in both lower (odds ratio = 1.61; 95% confidence interval = [1.27, 2.05]) and higher income households (odds ratio = 1.30; 95% confidence interval = [1.03, 1.62]) were more likely to report psychological distress than their middle-income counterparts. Adolescents with low household income were more likely to feel stress from interpersonal relationships and less likely to have help-seeking behaviors, while those with high household income were more likely to feel stress about school achievement. Psychological distress was also associated with parental poor education and single parenthood. CONCLUSIONS Socioeconomic status disparities in adolescent psychological distress were evident and consistent during the 6-year period. There is a unique U-shaped relationship between household income and psychological distress among adolescents in Japan, unlike those from other countries. However, the underlying mechanisms may differ by income status. Future prevention efforts should consider socioeconomic status as a determinant of adolescent mental health problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kachi
- 1 Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Abe
- 2 School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Emiko Ando
- 3 Department of Mental Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kawada
- 1 Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
INOUE M, NISHIKITANI M, TSURUGANO S. Female non-regular workers in Japan: their current status and health. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2016; 54:521-527. [PMID: 27818453 PMCID: PMC5136609 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2016-0105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The participation of women in the Japanese labor force is characterized by its M-shaped curve, which reflects decreased employment rates during child-rearing years. Although, this M-shaped curve is now improving, the majority of women in employment are likely to fall into the category of non-regular workers. Based on a review of the previous Japanese studies of the health of non-regular workers, we found that non-regular female workers experienced greater psychological distress, poorer self-rated health, a higher smoking rate, and less access to preventive medicine than regular workers did. However, despite the large number of non-regular workers, there are limited researches regarding their health. In contrast, several studies in Japan concluded that regular workers also had worse health conditions due to the additional responsibility and longer work hours associated with the job, housekeeping, and child rearing. The health of non-regular workers might be threatened by the effects of precarious employment status, lower income, a lower safety net, outdated social norm regarding non-regular workers, and difficulty in achieving a work-life balance. A sector wide social approach to consider life course aspect is needed to protect the health and well-being of female workers' health; promotion of an occupational health program alone is insufficient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariko INOUE
- Graduate School of Public Health, Teikyo University, Japan
| | - Mariko NISHIKITANI
- Institute of Decision Science for a Sustainable Society, Kyushu University, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
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
|
15
|
Ikeda N. Secondary Data Analysis of National Surveys in Japan Toward Improving Population Health. J Epidemiol 2016; 26:106-14. [PMID: 26902170 PMCID: PMC4773486 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20150319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Secondary data analysis of national health surveys of the general population is a standard methodology for health metrics and evaluation; it is used to monitor trends in population health over time and benchmark the performance of health systems. In Japan, the government has established electronic databases of individual records from national surveys of the population’s health. However, the number of publications based on these datasets is small considering the scale and coverage of the surveys. There appear to be two major obstacles to the secondary use of Japanese national health survey data: strict data access control under the Statistics Act and an inadequate interdisciplinary research environment for resolving methodological difficulties encountered when dealing with secondary data. The usefulness of secondary analysis of survey data is evident with examples from the author’s previous studies based on vital records and the National Health and Nutrition Surveys, which showed that (i) tobacco smoking and high blood pressure are the major risk factors for adult mortality from non-communicable diseases in Japan; (ii) the decrease in mean blood pressure in Japan from the late 1980s to the early 2000s was partly attributable to the increased use of antihypertensive medication and reduced dietary salt intake; and (iii) progress in treatment coverage and control of high blood pressure is slower in Japan than in the United States and Britain. National health surveys in Japan are an invaluable asset, and findings from secondary analyses of these surveys would provide important suggestions for improving health in people around the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nayu Ikeda
- Center for International Collaboration and Partnership, National Institute of Health and Nutrition, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Employment situation and risk of death among middle-aged Japanese women. J Epidemiol Community Health 2015; 69:1012-7. [DOI: 10.1136/jech-2015-205499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|