Search

The transient nature of construction work makes it difficult to conduct longitudinal worksite-based health promotion activities. As part of a workplace health assessment pilot study, we worked with a commercial lunch truck company to disseminate four types of health education materials including cancer screening, workplace injury prevention, fruit and vegetable consumption, and smoking cessation to construction workers purchasing food items from the truck during their job breaks. Two weeks following the worksite assessment, we followed up with these workers to ascertain their use of the health promotion materials. Of the 54 workers surveyed, 83% reported reviewing and sharing the cancer screening materials with their families, whereas 44% discussed the cancer screening materials with coworkers. Similar proportions of workers reviewed, shared, and discussed the other health promotion materials with their family. Lunch trucks may be an effective strategy and delivery method for educating construction workers on healthy behaviors and injury prevention practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Green jobs are a rapidly emerging category of very heterogeneous occupations that typically involve engagement with new technologies and changing job demands predisposing them to physical stressors that may contribute to the development of joint pain. Methods We estimated and compared the prevalence of self-reported acute (past 30 days) joint pain between green and non-green collar workers using pooled 2004-2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data linked to the Occupational Information Network Database (O*NET). Results Green collar workers have a higher prevalence of acute joint pain as compared to non-green collar workers. Green collar workers with pain in the upper extremity joints were significantly greater than in the non-green collar workforce, for example, right shoulder [23.2% vs 21.1%], right elbow [13.7% vs 12.0%], left shoulder [20.1% vs 18.2%], and left elbow [12.0% vs 10.7%]. Conclusions Acute joint pain reported by the emerging green collar workforce can assist in identifying at risk worker subgroups for musculoskeletal pain interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Background This study compares differences in quality-adjusted life expectancy across the eight original National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) industry sectors. Methods Data from the 1997 to 2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) were used to estimate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for all workers and by NORA sector. Differences in QALYs were calculated and translated into economic values using estimates of the societal willingness-to-pay per QALY. Results Mean QALYs across workers was 29.17 years. Among NORA sectors, wholesale, and retail trade workers had the highest average QALYs remaining (35.88), while mining workers had the lowest QALYs (31.4). The economic value of this difference ranges from $604,843 to $1,155,287 per worker depending on the societal willingness-to-pay per QALY. Conclusion The value of life lost within some industries is very high relative to others. Additional investments in occupational safety, benefits, and health promotion initiatives may reduce these losses, but experimental research is needed to assess the effectiveness of such programs. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:757-763, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [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.

Objectives Through use of a nationally representative database, we examined the variability in both self-rated health and overall mortality risk within occupations across the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Industry Sectors, as well as between the occupations within the NORA Industry sectors. Methods Using multiple waves of the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) representing an estimated 119,343,749 US workers per year from 1986 to 2004, age-adjusted self-rated health and overall mortality rates were examined by occupation and by NORA Industry Sector. Results There was considerable variability in the prevalence rate of age-adjusted self-rated poor/fair health and overall mortality rates for all US workers. The variability was greatest when examining these data by the Industry Sectors. In addition, we identified an overall pattern of increased poor/fair self-reported health and increased mortality rates concentrated among particular occupations and particular Industry Sectors. Conclusions This study suggests that using occupational categories within and across Industry Sectors would improve the characterization of the health status and health disparities of many subpopulations of workers within these Industry Sectors. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:748-757, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used 1997-2004 National Health Interview Survey data to evaluate the prevalence of sensory impairment among US workers 65 years and older. Hearing impairment prevalence was 3 times that of visual impairment (33.4% vs 10.2%), and 38% of older workers reported experiencing either impairment. Farm operators, mechanics, and motor vehicle operators had the highest prevalence of sensory impairment. Workplace screening and accommodations, including sensory protection devices for older workers, are warranted given the greater risk for injuries among the sensory impaired. (Am J Public Health. 2009;99:1378-1385. doi:10.2105/ AJPH.2008.141630) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which underscores occupational segregation as a determinant of health of workers in the United States. As a background, it is stated that racial segregation offers a possible mechanism to relate occupations with untoward health outcomes. In this research, an African-American segregation index was computed of US worker groups from the nationally representative pooled 1986-1994 National Health Interview Survey. The results showed that there were positive connections between employment in segregated occupations and poor worker health, and that occupational segregation negatively affects all workers. Ranking and logistic regression analyses were used in this study.

Objectives. This article examines the effects of work status, occupational sector, and occupation type on depressive symptoms in older Americans. We partially controlled for the healthy worker selection effect by including disability as a predictor of both work status and depressive symptoms. Methods. We analyzed a nationally representative sample of 23,247 respondents aged 65 to 88 from the National Health Interview Survey pooled over 1997 to 2000. We used structural equation models with latent variables to assess relationships between work/occupation and depressive symptoms. Results. Older Americans who work had lower levels of depressive symptoms as compared to older nonworkers. Membership in several worker groups, generally higher status occupations, protected against depressive symptoms. After controlling for disability, the difference in level of depressive symptoms for workers versus nonworkers did not persist. However, workers in specific occupational sectors and types reported different levels of depressive symptoms even when we controlled for disability. Discussion. The mental health benefit of working, among persons aged 65 and older, may be due to the healthy worker effect. However, the particular job sector in which older workers are employed matters. Socioeconomic status and financial versus personal motivations for working are potentially important explanations for differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Objectives. Obesity has emerged as one of the most important public health issues in the United States. We assessed obesity prevalence rates and their trends among major US occupational groups. Methods. Self-reported weight and height were collected annually on US workers, aged 18 years or older, from the 1986 to 1995 and the 1997 to 2002 National Health Interview Surveys. Overall, occupation-, race-, and gender-specific rates of obesity (defined as a body mass index>30.0 kg/m²) were calculated with data pooled from both study periods (n > 600000). Annual occupation-specific prevalence rates were also calculated, and their time trends were assessed. Results. Obesity rates increased significantly over time among employed workers, irrespective of race and gender. The average yearly change increased from 0.61% (±.04) during the period from 1986 to 1995 to 0.95% (±.11) during the period from 1997 to 2002. Average obesity prevalence rates and corresponding trends varied considerably across occupational groups; pooled obesity prevalence rates were highest in motor vehicle operators (31.7% in men; 31.0% in women). Conclusions. Weight loss intervention programs targeting workers employed in occupational groups with high or increasing rates of obesity are urgently needed. [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]

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.

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 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 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.

Abstract: Introduction: Approximately 40% of Americans annually diagnosed with cancer are working-age adults. Using a nationally representative database, we characterized differences in health status and occupation of working cancer survivors and persons without cancer. Methods: Cross-sectional data pooled from the 1997–2009 US National Health Interview Survey for adults with self-reported physician-diagnosed cancer (n=22,952) and those without (n=358,495), were analyzed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to compare the health and disability status of employed cancer survivors across occupational sectors relative to workers without a cancer history and unemployed cancer survivors. Results: Relative to workers with no cancer history, cancer survivors were more likely (OR; 95%CI) to be white-collar workers and less likely to be service workers. Working cancer survivors were significantly less likely than unemployed survivors, but more likely than workers with no cancer history, to report poor–fair health (0.25; 0.24–0.26) and (2.06; 1.96–2.17) respectively, and ≥2 functional limitations (0.37; 0.35–0.38) and (1.72; 1.64–1.80) respectively. Among employed cancer survivors, blue-collar workers reported worse health outcomes, yet they reported fewer workdays missed than white-collar workers. Conclusion: Blue-collar cancer survivors are working with high levels of poor health and disability. These findings support the need for workplace accommodations for cancer survivors in all occupational sectors, especially blue-collar workers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: A substantial morbidity and mortality burden attributable to the influenza virus is observed annually in the United States. Healthcare workers are an occupational group at increased risk of exposure, demonstrated to transmit influenza to their patient populations, and vital to the care of these patient populations. The prevention of the spread of the flu is a significant public health concern. In the present study, we examined influenza vaccination rates and their 5-year trends within the major occupational healthcare worker groups and compared them to non-Healthcare Workers. Methods: Using data from the nationally representative 2004–2008 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), US healthcare workers (n =6349) were analyzed. Results: Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage estimates remain low among all healthcare workers, highest among the health diagnosing and treating practitioners (52.3%), and lowest among other healthcare support occupations (32.0%). Among all other occupational groups, pooled influenza vaccination rates were highest for white collar workers (24.7%), and lowest for farm workers (11.7%). There were no significant upward or downward trends in influenza vaccination rates for any healthcare or other occupational worker group during the 5-year survey period. Conclusion: Improving these low vaccination rates among healthcare workers warrants a comprehensive national approach to influenza prevention that includes education and strong encouragement of routine annual vaccination among healthcare workers. Policy enhancements such as free provision of seasonal influenza vaccine, coverage for treatment and workers compensation for vaccine-related complications are needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]