Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognized as major public health challenges, particularly among older adults. This review aims to identify and map the key risk and protective factors associated with loneliness and social isolation, with particular emphasis on the role of employment and work activity in later life. In accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, peer-reviewed studies published in 2019-2025 in the PubMed and Scopus databases were analyzed. The results showed that health-related, psychological, sociocultural, and socio-environmental factors are closely associated with the experience of loneliness in old age. The most numerous were health-related and sociocultural factors. Employment and social engagement played a particularly important role in mitigating loneliness by providing structure, purpose, and social contact. The transition from work to retirement was identified as a critical life stage that can either intensify or alleviate loneliness, depending on individual circumstances and the cultural context. Future research should adopt a longitudinal and cross-cultural approach to better understand how the moment of retirement affects loneliness in the long term. There is also a need to explore gender and socioeconomic differences in how older adults experience and cope with social isolation. Moreover, evaluating the effectiveness of workplace and community-based interventions aimed at fostering social connectedness after retirement could provide valuable evidence for developing public health strategies that support healthy and active ageing. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(6).

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has considerably changed the game in the field of hygiene. The aim of the study was to compare microbiological colonization present on the emergency physicians' stethoscopes and smartphones before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. This was a prospective cohort study in 1 academic hospitals' emergency department. A microbiological analysis was conducted on the emergency doctors' stethoscopes and smartphones for a month in 2018 and 2021. Analysis concerned stethoscopes diaphragms and the most used surface of the cellphones screen around to the main button. The authors used a solid growth medium irradiated Count-Tact® 3P agar (CT3P) (BioMerieux, Lyon, France) for collecting samples. Results were obtained after 5 days of growth at 30°C to collect all the saprophytes environmental flora. A total of 27 doctors were included in 2018 and 30 doctors in 2021. Stethoscope diaphragm contamination was very high in both period with a geometric mean (GM) without difference before and after COVID respectively, GM = 68 colony-forming unit (cfu) per 25 cm² (95% CI: 50-94 cfu/25 cm²) vs. 68 cfu/25 cm² (95% CI: 44-105 cfu/25 cm²), p > 0.05. Smartphones were cleaner than stethoscopes with a GM <50 cfu/25 cm² without significant difference between 2 periods, respectively GM = 45 cfu/25 cm² (95% CI: 34-59 cfu/25 cm²) vs. 31 cfu/25 cm² (95% CI: 20-48 cfu/25 cm²), p > 0.05. The study shows an urgent need to regularly inform of the hygiene of the medical tools and COVID-19 does not really bring improvements in the matter. Particularly in emergency department, where physicians examine several patients per day and can possibly transmit pathogens. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(6).

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with diabetes mellitus compared to a non‑diabetic control group, utilizing data from a risk program - the Ryzyko Program of the Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland. The research encompasses a sample of 2959 diabetic and 33 865 non-diabetic internet users. Variables such as gender, systolic blood pressure (SBP), total cholesterol (TC), smoking status, and the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) were analyzed. Significant gender differences in smoking habits and cholesterol levels were observed in the diabetic group compared to the control group. Diabetic individuals exhibited a higher prevalence of hypertension (SBP ≥140 mm Hg), with 58.7% of diabetic participants having poorly controlled hypertension. The study also reveals a higher incidence of CAD in the diabetic group, with a prevalence of 31.0%, compared to 8.3% in the control group. Notably, the diabetic group showed higher rates of cigarette smoking and elevated levels of arterial pressure, both in the entire group and across gender subgroups. The diabetic group demonstrated significantly increased SBP and TC levels compared to the non-diabetic control group as well as higher rates of CAD, and smoking in individuals with diabetes mellitus. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted cardiovascular risk management in the diabetic population. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(6).

Stereotype threat arises when an individual worries about the possibility of confirming or being perceived through the lens of a negative stereotype about one's group. Previous research has shown that stereotype threat at work is related to higher stress appraisal and an increased intention to quit among older employees. The present study extends these investigations by examining the links between stereotype threat and post-retirement work intention, as well as indirect effects through stress. The level of age-related stereotype threat, stress, and intention to continue working beyond the retirement age were assessed using self-reported measures in a cross-sectional study among working adults aged ≥50 years (N = 1007). The average age of participants was 56.3 years (standard deviation 4.2 years). The sample included both men and women, with diverse education levels and job types (mental, physical, and mixed work), and was drawn from various sectors, including public and private organizations. The authors' findings indicated that a higher level of stereotype threat was linked to higher level of stress and willingness to resign from work after reaching retirement age in aging workers. Stress level partly transmitted the relationship between stereotype threat and intention to resign from work after reaching the retirement age. It can be concluded that stress is a significant variable constituting the indirect effect of age-based stereotype threat at work on post-retirement work intention, when physical health is statistically controlled. These results are discussed in the context of recent studies on age-related stereotype threat in occupational settings. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(6).

Exposure to nighttime light pollution has a multidimensional environmental impact and is associated with harmful health effects. This study aimed to characterize individual interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure among adults in Poland and to identify factors associated with the implementation of individual interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure. This is a secondary analysis of data obtained from the nationwide cross-sectional survey conducted in December 2024 in a representative sample of 5006 adults (18-64 years) in Poland. Respondents were asked about the implementation of 5 different interventions to reduce nighttime light exposure. Among all respondents (N = 5006), the most common intervention to reduce nighttime light exposure was the use of blackout curtains in the bedroom (41.4% of respondents), followed by limiting screen time in the evening (17.6% of respondents). Among the respondents, 14.7% declared turning off indicator lights on electronic devices or using light bulbs with a warmer color. The least common method was using an eye mask (3.9% of respondents). In total, 65% of respondents had implemented ≥1 individual intervention to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution. Age 18-44 years, having a full-time or part-time job, good financial situation, having sleep problems, and looking for health-related information were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the implementation of ≥1 intervention to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution. The most important factor associated with the intervention to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution was active seeking health information (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.9-2.48, p < 0.001). There was no significant impact of gender, educational level or place of residence (p > 0.05). This study revealed a gap in the implementation of individual interventions to reduce exposure to nighttime light pollution among adults in Poland. There is an urgent need to promote the prevention of environmental hazards like light pollution among adults in Poland. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(5):559-71.

The purpose of the following paper is to elaborate on the connections between motivation and professional burnout. The analytical study will concern nurses employed in Germany. In particular, the study focuses on explaining how different types of motivation influence burnout indicators. The study employed a quantitative research approach using the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS), the Work Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivation Scale (WEIMS), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess burnout and motivation among 301 nurses. The results revealed that nurses with higher intrinsic motivation experienced lower burnout levels, while those relying on external regulation and amotivation exhibited greater emotional exhaustion and depersonalization. Moreover, older and more experienced nurses reported higher burnout levels and declining intrinsic motivation, while younger nurses demonstrated stronger engagement but faced significant workplace stress. Workplace factors such as fairness, workload, and rewards were found to significantly influence motivation and burnout. The findings emphasize the need for healthcare institutions to implement strategies that would support development of intrinsic motivation and improve working conditions to reduce burnout and support long-term professional engagement of nurses. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2025;38(6).

Objectives:Adolescent e-cigarette use is a growing public health concern, yet the influence of family context and risk perceptions on usage patterns remains poorly understood.Material and Methods:This cross-sectional study investigated relationships between family context, risk perceptions, and e-cigarette use patterns among a nationally representative sample of 4797 Polish adolescents aged 15–18 years who were current e-cigarette users (defined as use in the past 30 days). Using computer-assisted web interviews, the authors assessed family factors (parental awareness, attitudes, and nicotine use), risk perceptions, and e-cigarette use behaviors.Results:Among adolescent e-cigarette users, 92.6% engaged in poly-nicotine use (i.e., used ≥1 other nicotine product) with only 7.4% reporting exclusive e-cigarette use. Notably, 46.7% of participants reported extensive multiple product use (concurrent use of ≥5 products). Structural equation modeling demonstrated that family context significantly influenced e-cigarette use patterns, both directly (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and indirectly through risk perceptions (β = 0.12). Risk perception emerged as the strongest direct predictor of e-cigarette use patterns (β = 0.41, p < 0.001). Parental e-cigarette use was associated with a 70% increase in adolescents' likelihood of intensive e-cigarette use (≥10 times daily) (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.39–2.07, p < 0.001). Traditional cigarette initiation (compared to e-cigarette initiation) was associated with almost twice the likelihood of multiple nicotine product use (OR = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.67–2.13, p < 0.001).Conclusions:These findings highlight the significant influence of family context and risk perceptions on adolescent nicotine use behaviors, suggesting that family-based interventions addressing these factors could be effective prevention strategies.

Objectives:People face stressful situations in different ways and exhibit different work-related behaviors and experiences that can be assigned to a pattern (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster – AVEM). The aim of the study was to determine the mental health and work ability of female kindergarten teachers and their relationship to their individual AVEM patterns.Material and Methods:In the cross-sectional study, 185 German teachers (D) and 107 Ukrainian teachers (UA) filled out AVEM questionnaire. Mental health and work ability were recorded using questionnaires. Group comparisons were carried out between the kindergarten teachers in both countries.Results:A total of 126 German and 83 Ukrainian kindergarten teachers could be clearly assigned to 1 of the 4 AVEM patterns: A – effort (18.3% G vs. 38.6% UA), B – burnout (24.6% D vs. 24.1% UA), G – health (17.5% D vs. 25.3% UA) and S – protection (39.7% D vs. 12.0% UA, p < 0.001). German kindergarten teachers rated their work ability (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] 7.3±1.7 pts) lower than Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (M±SD 8.0±1.4 pts, p < 0.001). Both groups cope equally well with physical demands, but Ukrainian teachers cope better with mental demands (M±SD 3.7±0.7 pts vs. 3.4±0.8 pts, p = 0.005). Mental health was subjectively impaired in 16.7% of German and 9.6% of Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (p = 0.160). Overall, German teachers rated their mental health worse with M±SD 11.8±5.3 pts (General Health Questionnaire total score) than their Ukrainian colleagues with M±SD 8.9±4.6 pts (p < 0.001).Conclusions:The analysis of individual AVEM patterns can be a helpful basis for identifying health-endangering patterns as well as resources and thus establishing measures to maintain the health of teachers.

Objectives:Burnout is a work-related syndrome with growing relevance in occupational health. This study explored the association between job stress factors and burnout in Korean workers at small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Material and Methods:A total of 1024 employees from SMEs (50–299 workers) receiving outsourced occupational health services completed a cross-sectional survey. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale short form (KOSS), and burnout was assessed with the Korean version Burnout Syndrome Scale (KBOSS), aligned with International Classification of Diseases, 11th Revision (ICD-11) criteria. Burnout was evaluated across 3 dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced efficacy. Burnout syndrome was defined as meeting all 3 dimensions. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the associations between job stress factors and burnout.Results:Burnout syndrome was found in 3.3% of participants. Key findings with statistical measures include: 1) burnout syndrome association – high job demand (Q3: OR = 12.62, 95% CI: 2.03–78.41, p < 0.05) and high overall job stress (Q4: OR = 17.56, 95% CI: 1.40–220.76, p < 0.05); 2) exhaustion predictors – high job demand (Q3: OR = 10.71, 95% CI: 3.64–31.48, p < 0.001), inadequate compensation (Q4: OR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.02–4.16, p < 0.05), and poor workplace culture (Q4: OR = 2.63, 95% CI: 1.11–6.24, p < 0.05); 3) paradoxical findings – low job autonomy associated with reduced exhaustion (Q4: OR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.11–0.48, p < 0.001).Conclusions:Specific job stressors differentially impact burnout dimensions in Korean SMEs: Job demand and overall stress critically predict burnout syndrome, while inadequate compensation and poor workplace culture significantly affect exhaustion. The counterintuitive protective effects of reduced autonomy warrant further investigation. Organizations should prioritize evidence-based workload management and compensation fairness aligned with ICD-11 diagnostic patterns.

Objectives:To determine the level of association between the reporting of respiratory symptoms by individuals living near and away from the railway used for coal transportation, and risk factors related to living conditions, health history, environmental characteristics, and air quality in the area.Material and Methods:Prospective longitudinal study with 3 cross-sectional moments over a year and a half. A structured survey was conducted, through which individuals with respiratory symptoms and associated risk factors were identified. Particular matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and particular matter 10 (PM10) concentrations were obtained from air monitoring stations available in the area. Pooled logistic models were estimated to identify factors influencing the probability of experiencing respiratory disease symptoms.Results:Over 60% of households are located near unpaved roads with heavy traffic, and dwelling conditions are not suitable for human lodging with low or no exchange of air from the outside to the inside, and critical overcrowding. The results showed a higher risk of respiratory symptoms in children with a history of asthma or malnutrition living in homes with large windows that allow air to enter and exit, and in adults with a history of asthma, hypertension, or cigarette smoking. No significant association was found between the population's respiratory symptoms and the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), which may be related to limitations in terms of the availability of air monitoring stations near the communities that were part of the study.Conclusions:There are various factors associated with the respiratory symptoms of communities located around the road used for coal transportation by train, including the history of certain diseases in the population and characteristics of the indoor and outdoor environment of households.