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Abstract
BACKGROUND Research has suggested that several health risk behaviors were more prevalent among construction workers than among the general workforce. METHODS The prevalences of six health risk behaviors among construction workers were compared with workers in other industries using data from 32 states in the 2013 to 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). RESULTS Smoking, smokeless tobacco use, binge drinking, no leisure-time physical activity, and not always using a seatbelt were significantly more prevalent (P < 0.001), and short sleep significantly less prevalent (P < 0.05), for all construction workers combined compared with workers in other industries. Prevalences varied substantially for all six health risk behaviors by construction occupation. CONCLUSIONS Due to the high prevalence of some health risk behaviors, construction workers may benefit from interventions to reduce these behaviors, particularly since they are also potentially exposed to workplace hazards.
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Choi SH, Waltje AH, Ronis DL, Noonan D, Hong O, Richardson CR, Meeker JD, Duffy SA. Web-enhanced tobacco tactics with telephone support versus 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line intervention for operating engineers: randomized controlled trial. J Med Internet Res 2014; 16:e255. [PMID: 25447467 PMCID: PMC4260077 DOI: 10.2196/jmir.3375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Revised: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel interventions tailored to blue collar workers are needed to reduce the disparities in smoking rates among occupational groups. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and usage of the Web-enhanced "Tobacco Tactics" intervention targeting operating engineers (heavy equipment operators) compared to the "1-800-QUIT-NOW" telephone line. METHODS Operating engineers (N=145) attending one of 25 safety training sessions from 2010 through 2012 were randomized to either the Tobacco Tactics website with nurse counseling by phone and access to nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line, which provided an equal number of phone calls and NRT. The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day abstinence at 30-day and 6-month follow-up. The outcomes were compared using chi-square tests, t tests, generalized mixed models, and logistic regression models. RESULTS The average age was 42 years and most were male (115/145, 79.3%) and white (125/145, 86.2%). Using an intent-to-treat analysis, the Tobacco Tactics website group showed significantly higher quit rates (18/67, 27%) than the 1-800-QUIT NOW group (6/78, 8%) at 30-day follow-up (P=.003), but this difference was no longer significant at 6-month follow-up. There were significantly more positive changes in harm reduction measures (quit attempts, number of cigarettes smoked per day, and nicotine dependence) at both 30-day and 6-month follow-up in the Tobacco Tactics group compared to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW group. Compared to participants in the 1-800-QUIT NOW group, significantly more of those in the Tobacco Tactics website group participated in the interventions, received phone calls and NRT, and found the intervention helpful. CONCLUSIONS The Web-enhanced Tobacco Tactics website with telephone support showed higher efficacy and reach than the 1-800-QUIT-NOW intervention. Longer counseling sessions may be needed to improve 6-month cessation rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01124110; http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01124110 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6TfKN5iNL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hee Choi
- Michigan State University, College of Nursing, East Lansing, MI, United States
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Choi SH, Terrell JE, Pohl JM, Redman RW, Duffy SA. Factors associated with sleep quality among operating engineers. J Community Health 2014; 38:597-602. [PMID: 23393021 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-013-9656-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Blue collar workers generally report high job stress and are exposed to loud noises at work and engage in many of risky health behavioral factors, all of which have been associated with poor sleep quality. However, sleep quality of blue collar workers has not been studied extensively, and no studies have focused Operating Engineers (heavy equipment operators) among whom daytime fatigue would place them at high risk for accidents. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine variables associated with sleep quality among Operating Engineers. This was a cross-sectional survey design with a dependent variable of sleep quality and independent variables of personal and related health behavioral factors. A convenience sample of 498 Operating Engineers was recruited from approximately 16,000 Operating Engineers from entire State of Michigan in 2008. Linear regression was used to determine personal and related health behavior factors associated with sleep quality. Multivariate analyses showed that personal factors related to poor sleep quality were younger age, female sex, higher pain, more medical comorbidities and depressive symptoms and behavioral factors related to poor sleep quality were nicotine dependence. While sleep scores were similar to population norms, approximately 34 % (n = 143) showed interest in health services for sleep problems. While many personal factors are not changeable, interventions to improve sleep hygiene as well as interventions to treat pain, depression and smoking may improve sleep quality resulting in less absenteeism, fatal work accidents, use of sick leave, work disability, medical comorbidities, as well as subsequent mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hee Choi
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482, USA
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Hong O, Duffy SA, Choi SH, Chin DL. The association between occupational exposures and cigarette smoking among operating engineers. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2014; 69:172-179. [PMID: 24325748 PMCID: PMC3863785 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2013.763760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between occupational exposures and cigarette smoking among operating engineers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with operating engineers (N = 412) from a midwestern state in the United States. The survey included validated questions on cigarette smoking, occupational exposures, demographics, comorbidities, and health behaviors. About 35% were current smokers. Those exposed to asphalt fumes, heat stress, concrete dust, and welding fumes were less likely to smoke (odds ratio [OR] = .79, 95% confidence interval [CI]: .64-.98). Other factors associated with smoking included younger age (OR = .97, 95% CI: .94-.99), problem drinking (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.03-1.12), lower Body Mass Index (OR = .95, 95% CI: .90-.99), and being separated/widowed/divorced (OR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.19-4.20). Further investigation is needed for better understanding about job-specific exposure patterns and their impact on cigarette smoking among operating engineers.
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Affiliation(s)
- OiSaeng Hong
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Sonia A. Duffy
- University of Michigan University of Michigan, Nursing, Otolaryngology, Psychiatry & VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System
| | - Seung Hee Choi
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Dal Lae Chin
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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Duffy SA, Teknos T, Taylor JMG, Fowler KE, Islam M, Wolf GT, McLean S, Ghanem TA, Terrell JE. Health behaviors predict higher interleukin-6 levels among patients newly diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2013; 22:374-81. [PMID: 23300019 PMCID: PMC3596441 DOI: 10.1158/1055-9965.epi-12-0987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health behaviors have been shown to be associated with recurrence risk and survival rates in patients with cancer and are also associated with interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, but few epidemiologic studies have investigated the relationship of health behaviors and IL-6 among cancer populations. The purpose of the study is to look at the relationship between five health behaviors, viz.: smoking, alcohol problems, body mass index (BMI; a marker of nutritional status), physical activity, and sleep and pretreatment IL-6 levels in persons with head and neck cancer. METHODS Patients (N = 409) were recruited in otolaryngology clinic waiting rooms and invited to complete written surveys. A medical record audit was also conducted. Descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine which health behaviors were associated with higher IL-6 levels controlling for demographic and clinical variables among patients with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer. RESULTS While smoking, alcohol problems, BMI, physical activity, and sleep were associated with IL-6 levels in bivariate analysis, only smoking (current and former) and decreased sleep were independent predictors of higher IL-6 levels in multivariate regression analysis. Covariates associated with higher IL-6 levels were age and higher tumor stage, whereas comorbidities were marginally significant. CONCLUSION Health behaviors, particularly smoking and sleep disturbances, are associated with higher IL-6 levels among patients with head and neck cancer. IMPACT Treating health behavior problems, especially smoking and sleep disturbances, may be beneficial to decreasing IL-6 levels, which could have a beneficial effect on overall cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia A Duffy
- Corresponding Author: Sonia A. Duffy, University of Michigan, School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls Building, Room 3178, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5482, USA.
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Choi SH, Redman RW, Terrell JE, Pohl JM, Duffy SA. Factors associated with health-related quality of life among operating engineers. J Occup Environ Med 2012; 54:1400-5. [PMID: 23085843 PMCID: PMC6764758 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e3182611a85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because health-related quality of life among blue-collar workers has not been well studied, the purpose of this study was to determine factors associated with health-related quality of life among Operating Engineers. METHODS With cross-sectional data from a convenience sample of 498 Operating Engineers, personal and health behavioral factors associated with health-related quality of life were examined. RESULTS Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that personal factors (older age, being married, more medical comorbidities, and depression) and behavioral factors (smoking, low fruit and vegetable intake, low physical activity, high body mass index, and low sleep quality) were associated with poor health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Operating Engineers are at risk for poor health-related quality of life. Underlying medical comorbidities and depression should be well managed. Worksite wellness programs addressing poor health behaviors may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Hee Choi
- University of Michigan School of Nursing, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Mich 48109, USA
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Duffy SA, Ronis DL, Richardson C, Waltje AH, Ewing LA, Noonan D, Hong O, Meeker JD. Protocol of a randomized controlled trial of the Tobacco Tactics website for operating engineers. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:335. [PMID: 22569211 PMCID: PMC3355035 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research indicates that 35 percent of blue-collar workers in the US currently smoke while only 20 percent of white-collar workers smoke. Over the last year, we have been working with heavy equipment operators, specifically the Local 324 Training Center of the International Union of Operating Engineers, to study the epidemiology of smoking, which is 29% compared to 21% among the general population. For the current study funded by the National Cancer Institute (1R21CA152247-01A1), we have developed the Tobacco Tactics website which will be compared to the state supported 1-800-QUIT-NOW telephone line. Outcome evaluation will compare those randomized to the Tobacco Tactics web-based intervention to those randomized to the 1-800-QUIT-NOW control condition on: a) 30-day and 6-month quit rates; b) cotinine levels; c) cigarettes smoked/day; d) number of quit attempts; and e) nicotine addiction. Process evaluation will compare the two groups on the: a) contacts with intervention; b) medications used; c) helpfulness of the nurse/coach; and d) willingness to recommend the intervention to others. METHODS/DESIGN This will be a randomized controlled trial (N = 184). Both interventions will be offered during regularly scheduled safety training at Local 324 Training Center of the International Union of Operating Engineers and both will include optional provision of over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy and the same number of telephone contacts. However, the Tobacco Tactics website has graphics tailored to Operating Engineers, tailored cessation feedback from the website, and follow up nurse counseling offered by multimedia options including phone and/or email, and/or e-community. Primary Analysis of Aim 1 will be conducted by using logistic regression to compare smoking habits (e.g., quit rates) of those in the intervention arm to those in the control arm. Primary analyses for Aim 2 will compare process measures (e.g., medications used) between the two groups by linear, logistic, and Poisson regression. DISCUSSION Dissemination of an efficacious work-site, web-based smoking cessation intervention has the potential to substantially impact cancer rates among this population. Based on the outcome of this smaller study, wider scale testing in conjunction with the International Environment Technology Testing Center which services Operating Engineers across North America (including US, Mexico, and Canada) will be conducted. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01124110.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia A Duffy
- Departments of Psychiatry and Otolaryngology, Ann Arbor VA Center for Clinical Management Research, The University of Michigan, School of Nursing, P.O. Box 130170, Ann Arbor, MI, 48113-0170, USA
| | - David L Ronis
- Ann Arbor VA Center for Clinical Management Research, The University of Michigan, School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5482, USA
| | - Caroline Richardson
- Department of Family Medicine, Fuller Building, 1018 Fuller Street, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104-1213, USA
| | - Andrea H Waltje
- Clinical Research Coordinator, University of Michigan School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5482, USA
| | - Lee A Ewing
- Ann Arbor VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Health Services Research and Development, 2215 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA
| | - Devon Noonan
- Health Promotion/Risk Reduction Interventions with Vulnerable Populations, The University of Michigan, School of Nursing, 400 North Ingalls, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5482, USA
| | - Oisaeng Hong
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California: San Francisco (UCSF), 2 Koret Way, #N-531D, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0608, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- Environmental Health Science, School of Public Health, Environmental Hlth Science, M6017 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109-2029, USA
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