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Objectives: To provide an overview of the health status of young US workers across four domains: functional health, physical and psychological health, health behavior, and health care utilization. Methods: Pooled data from the 2004 to 2010 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed for 11,279 US workers aged 18 to 24 years, representing an estimated 16.9 million workers annually. Thirty-nine health indicators were examined and compared across nine occupational groups. Results: Compared with other occupational groups, craft workers and laborers and helpers had the highest prevalence of risky health behaviors, including current smoking and risky drinking, as well as fewer reported visits to a primary care physician in the past year. Conclusions: Young workers engage in risky health behaviors, and may benefit from targeted workplace interventions to mitigate the potentially negative long-term effects on health and well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which was aimed to describe the health status and risk indicator trends in a representative sample of U.S. health care workers aged 45 years and older. The study performed logistic regression analyses using pooled data from the 1997-2009 National Health Interview Survey. The study concluded that healthier workplaces and targeted interventions are needed to optimize the ability to meet health care demands of this aging workforce.

The article discusses the survey conducted by the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) concerning the smoking rate trends of blue and white-collar workers in the U.S. The NHIS is a nationally representative survey of the American civilian population. Smoking and current occupational status were assessed over the survey periods 1987 to 1994 and 1997 to 2004. The development of effective smoking prevention strategies specifically targeting the blue-collar groups is warranted. The results of the survey are also emphasized in the article.

The article focuses on the study which examines the cancer risk associated with firefighting. The sample is made up of a cohort of state-certified Florida firefighters together with the representatives of the state's general population, for comparison purposes. To get their cancer incidence, data linkage has been organized between the Florida Fire Marshal's database and the Florida Cancer Data System, while their vital status were determined by data linkages to both the Florida Vital Statistics and Florida Department of Motor Vehicles. As the data were analyzed through the use of SAS System for Windows V8, it was found out among male professional firefighters that there was an increase incidence of bladder cancer and the greater incidence of testicular cancer.

The article presents a case study that evaluates the risk of lung cancer mortality in a nationally representative sample of U.S. workers in varying occupations. Researchers had considered the National Death Index linkage which identifies 1,812 lung cancer among 143, 863 workers who were respondents in the National Health Interview Surveys conducted in 1987-1988 and 1990-1994. Results reveal that current and former smoking status was predictive of lung cancer mortality, while heating, air refrigeration mechanics, financial records processing jobs, freight stock and materials handling are among the occupations that have higher risk of lung cancer death.

Objective: The objective of this study was to rank U.S. occupations by worker morbidity. Methods: From 1986 through 1994, morbidity information was collected on over 410,000 U.S. workers who participated in the National Health Interview Survey, an annual household survey representative of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. A multivariate adjusted logistic regression morbidity summary score was created for each worker group based on seven indicators: days of restricted activity, bedrest, and missed work in the previous 2 weeks; doctor visits and hospitalizations in the previous 12 months; reported health conditions; and health status. Results: Worker groups reporting the greatest morbidity included social workers, inspectors, postal clerks, psychologists, and grinding machine operators; worker groups reporting the least morbidity included dentists, pilots, physicians, pharmacists, and dietitians. Conclusions: These findings aid in the identification of worker groups that require increased attention for morbidity research and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We sought to assess the validity of using current or most recent occupation as surrogate for longest-held job (and its exposures). Methods: The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is an annual, probability, cross-sectional U.S. population survey. The 1986 and 1988 NHIS occupational supplements provided information for more than 49,000 workers. Using Cohen's Kappa, concordance was assessed by occupational group and several subgroups. Results: Statistically significant results were observed for all occupational groups. More than 70% of 13 broad occupations had a Kappa of 50.0 or greater, with variable concordance by subpopulation. Among 206 occupational groups, there was more variability: Kappa ranged from 92.7 (dentists) to 9.2 (farm managers). Conclusions: Moderate-to-high levels of agreement was observed in this large, representative sample of US workers. Therefore, current occupation can be used as a surrogate for longest-held job for many occupational subgroups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which examined cancer incidence of licensed pesticide applicators in Florida by using a standardized incidence ratio analysis method. Materials and methods; Results of the study; Discussion.

The article presents a study that evaluates the accuracy of self-reported tobacco use and secondhand smoking exposure (SHS) of workforce in the U.S. It cites that self-report (SHS) is often relied on by occupational health studies. The data used in the study was based from three National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. It calculated the percent agreement between self-reported tobacco use and SHS exposure with the cotinine categories. It depicts that working status and workplace-home SHS exposures have been accurately reported by the workers but substantial number of workers who denied SHS exposure has been discovered with detectable levels of cotinine in their blood.

It is unknown if reductions in U.S. adult smoking rates are uniform across occupational groups. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) is a multistage area probability cross-sectional survey of the U.S. civilian population. Data on occupational and smoking status were collected on 141,122 adult participants from the 1987, 1988, and 1990-1994 NHIS annual surveys. Overall smoking rates ranged from 58% in roofers to 4% in physicians, with higher rates found among blue collar professions. There were reductions in smoking from 1987-1994 within 72% of occupational groups; 19 of these downward trends were significant and occurred exclusively within white collar professions. Blue collar workers continue to smoke in large numbers, whereas white collar workers report lower rates along with corresponding significant downward trends in rates among selected occupational groups. The development of effective smoking prevention strategies targeting blue collar groups is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: "Green collar" workers serve in occupations that directly improve environmental quality and sustainability. This study estimates and compares the prevalence of select physical and chemical exposures among green versus non-green U.S. workers. Methods: Data from the U.S. 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Occupational Health Supplement were linked to the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) Database. We examined four main exposures: 1) vapors, gas, dust, fumes (VGDF); 2) secondhand tobacco smoke; 3) skin hazards; 4) outdoor work. Results: Green-collar workers were significantly more likely to report exposure to VGDF and outdoor work than nongreen-collar workers [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.25; 95% CI=1.11 to 1.40; AOR=1.44 (1.26 to 1.63), respectively]. Green-collar workers were less likely to be exposed to chemicals (AOR=0.80; 0.69 to 0.92). Conclusions: Green-collar workers appear to be at a greater risk for select workplace exposures. As the green industry continues to grow, it is important to identify these occupational hazards in order to maximize worker health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We describe the socio-demographic, occupational, and health characteristics of "green collar" workers, a vital and emerging workforce in energy-efficiency and sustainability. Methods: We linked data from the 2004 to 2012 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) and US Occupational Information Network (O*NET). Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were conducted using green collar worker status as the outcome (n=143,346). Results: Green collar workers are more likely than non-green workers to be men, age 25 to 64 years, obese, and with less than or equal to high school (HS) education. They are less likely to be racial/ethnic minorities and employed in small companies or government jobs. Conclusions: Green collar workers have a distinct socio-demographic and occupational profile, and this workforce deserves active surveillance to protect its workers' safety. The NHIS-O*NET linkage represents a valuable resource to further identify the unique exposures and characteristics of this occupational sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare occupational psychosocial hazards in green collar versus non-green collar workers. Methods: Standard Occupational Classification codes were used to link the 2010 National Health Interview Survey to the 2010 Occupational Information Network Database. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to predict job insecurity, work life imbalance, and workplace harassment in green versus non-green collar workers. Results: Most participants were white, non-Hispanic, 25 to 64 years of age, and obtained greater than a high school education. The majority of workers reported no job insecurity, work life imbalance, or workplace harassment. Relative to non-green collar workers (n = 12,217), green collar workers (n = 2,588) were more likely to report job insecurity (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.13; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02 to 1.26) and work life imbalance (1.19; 1.05 to 1.35), but less likely to experience workplace harassment (0.77; 0.62 to 0.95). Conclusions: Continuous surveillance of occupational psychosocial hazards is recommended in this rapidly emerging workforce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To explore the association between cardiovascular fitness and metabolic syndrome across occupational groups using a nationally representative sample of the US population. Methods: Respondents aged 18 to 49 years from the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were evaluated for cardiovascular fitness and classified with regard to metabolic syndrome. Comparisons were made across 40 occupational categories. Results: For all occupations with and without metabolic syndrome, the estimated maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) was 38.8 mL/kg/min (standard error = 0.5) and 41.1 mL/kg/min (standard error = 0.2), respectively. The estimated VO2max was higher for those without metabolic syndrome for most occupational groups, particularly for sales supervisors and proprietors, sales representatives, finance, business, and commodities, and freight, stock, and material movers. Conclusions: Low estimated VO2max among workers with metabolic syndrome can be addressed, in part, by workplace interventions designed to increase fitness. This study identifies priority occupational groups for these interventions.f [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study, which evaluates the macro- and micronutrient intake among U.S. workers in four occupational groups according to dietary guidelines. It states that participants of the 1999 to 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were asked to recall their dietary intake for tow nonconsecutive 24-hour periods. Moreover, most workers across all occupational groups were adherent to recommendations for saturated fat and cholesterol.

The article reports on the study which has identified that cardiovascular fitness (CVF) is low for U.S. employees with limited physical activity. It notes that the frequency and descriptive statistics of sociodemographic variables of interest have been calculated. It mentions that the age of the respondents ranged from 18 to 49 years.

The article discusses the increased risk of acquiring chronic illnesses among young adults in the U.S. It notes that the unhealthy activities of employed youth include high levels of smoking, French fries consumption, and low fruit and vegetable consumption. It mentions that risky drinking and nonengagement in leisure-time physical activity are common among unemployed youth.

The article reports on a study assessing the association between employment status and mortality among young adults in the U.S. The study examines a nationally representative sample of young adults aged 18-24 years through using the data from the National Health Interview Survey. The study revealed that employment status may reduce the risk of early mortality among young adults, and the rising unemployment could result in increased risks mortality among young adults in the future.

The article presents information on the trends in serum cotinine levels in worker groups in the United States and the effects of secondhand smoke in adults. As stated in the article, according to the United States Surgeon General, secondhand smoke causes premature death and disease in adults who do not smoke. It is also pointed out that no scientific evidence exists to back up a risk-free level of exposure. It is inferred that the universal adoption of clean air laws which includes laws with no exemptions for service workers is needed for further reductions in cotinine levels in workers. A statistical analysis on the rate of exposure to secondhand smoke among workers is also provided.