Abstract
BackgroundAlthough occupational exposure to noise and vibration is common, its effect on psychological wellbeing is poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between occupational exposure to noise and vibration and anxiety among Korean workers.MethodsData from the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey, conducted in 2017, were used. Participants were classified into four groups according to their level of exposure, and anxiety was assessed using a self-report questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the significance of the association between exposure and anxiety.ResultsOverall, 45,241 participants were enrolled in this study. The likelihood of anxiety increased, in both males and females, when exposed to both occupational noise and vibration (males: odds ratio (OR) = 2.25, confidence interval [CI] = 1.77–2.87; females: OR = 2.17, CI = 1.79–2.61). The association between the varying degrees of noise, vibration, and combined exposure showed a dose–response relationship among males.ConclusionsThis study revealed that occupational noise and vibration exposure is associated with anxiety. These results suggest that more detailed regulations regarding occupational noise and vibration should be developed and implemented to ensure a safer environment for workers.
Highlights
Occupational exposure to noise and vibration is common, its effect on psychological wellbeing is poorly understood
Data The data were collected from the database of the 2017 Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS), which was led by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency
In conclusion, this study found an association between occupational noise and vibration exposure and anxiety
Summary
Occupational exposure to noise and vibration is common, its effect on psychological wellbeing is poorly understood. This study investigated the relationship between occupational exposure to noise and vibration and anxiety among Korean workers. According to the World Health Organization, the estimated prevalence of anxiety disorders is 3.6%, with a higher global prevalence in females (4.6%) than males (2.6%). It is estimated that 264 million people live with anxiety disorders worldwide, with a 14.9% rise in cases from 2005 to 2015 [2]. In South Korea, a 2016 survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare found that the incidence rate of an anxiety disorder was 3.8% in males and 7.5% in females [3].
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