Korean Blue-collar Workers Research Articles

The negative effect of solving the ‘white bear’ problem with mindfulness: Expansion and reconfirmation of mindfulness profiles based on ironic process theory

Although previous research on trait mindfulness has demonstrated that there are some mixed effects on various outcomes, it is unclear why mindfulness sometimes negatively relates to positive outcomes, contrary to expectations. To address this issue, we draw on ironic process theory to explain why there are distinct effects resulting from trait mindfulness. Specifically, the goals of this study were to reconfirm previous trait mindfulness profiles among Korean blue-collar workers via an ironic process theory framework and test the relationship between trait mindfulness profiles and various outcomes (i.e., work-related, physical and psychological well-being). Two blue-collar worker samples (434 fire fighters and 426 manufacturing workers) were collected. Employees reported their trait mindfulness, work-related variables, physical, and psychological well-being status. We identified four trait mindfulness profiles that represent distinct mind control processes, using latent profile analysis. Moreover, we also found that these profiles differentially predicted employee physical and psychological well-being, such that people using monitoring processes (i.e., those with a judgmentally observing profile) consistently showed a worse well-being status than people using operating processes (i.e., those with a non-judgmentally aware profile). Our study provided theoretical understanding of mindfulness profiling research as well as reconfirming its existence and consequence in Korean working contexts.

Effects of Sleep Duration and Quality on Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Korean Blue-collar Workers

Effects of Sleep Duration and Quality on Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Syndrome Components in Korean Blue-collar Workers

The Effects of Overtime Work on Health-Related Quality of Life of Korean Blue-Collar Workers

The Effects of Overtime Work on Health-Related Quality of Life of Korean Blue-Collar Workers

한국 생산직 근로자들의 심혈관질환 관련 지식, 인식, 신념 및 예방행위: 내용분석을 통한 심혈관질환 위험 감소 중재 프로그램 개발을 위한 요구사정

Purpose: This study intended to grasp real context of Cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related factors of Korean blue-collar workers, especially CVD-related knowledge, perception, beliefs, benefits and barriers of behaviors according to the health belief model. Methods: We interviewed twenty two workers working in two small-sized companies and performed two series of focus group interviews. Data were analyzed by deductive content analysis approach based on Elo & Kyngas. Results: Excepting participants who have CVD risk factors, most participants had lower level of CVD risk perception. The level of CVD knowledge was low but there was difference by gender. CVD-related beliefs were 'fatal disease', 'caused by lifestyle' and 'difficult to prevent by themselves'. The risk reduction behaviors were motivated by current or family history of hypertension. But there were barriers to interfere practice of preventive behaviors such as poor quality of food provided by cafeteria in the workplace, frequent overtime, victim mentality as one of vulnerable social group, housework and financial burden, lack of facilities for rest and physical activity in the workplace. Conclusion: To develop intervention for reducing CVD risks in Korean blue-collar workers, we need to focus on improving CVD knowledge and perception and modifying work-related environments such as low quality of food and lack of facilities for rest and physical activity in the workplace.

한국 생산직 근로자의 건강 관련 삶의 질 영향요인

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate Korean blue-collar workers’ Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and influencing factors in Korean blue-collar workers. Methods: Participants in this study were 109 Korean blue-collar workers. The survey included health-related, work-related, and psycho-social factors. SF-36 was used to measure HRQoL. The data were analyzed using Pearson's correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. Results: In the hierarchical linear regression model, when subjects’ psycho-social variables were included in the regression model, R2 change was statistically significant. The significant predictors for HRQoL were education level (β=.26, p=.023), depression (β=-.38, p<.001), and self-efficacy (β=.23, p<.001). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that health care providers must have priority to consider psycho-social variables, especially depression and self-efficacy to improve HRQoL in Korean blue-collar workers.

Ecological Correlates of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Korean Blue-collar Workers: A Multi-level Study

The purpose of this study was to investigate individual and organizational level of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors associated with CVD risk in Korean blue-collar workers working in small sized companies. Self-report questionnaires and blood sampling for lipid and glucose were collected from 492 workers in 31 small sized companies in Korea. Multilevel modeling was conducted to estimate effects of related factors at the individual and organizational level. Multilevel regression analysis showed that workers in the workplace having a cafeteria had 1.81 times higher CVD risk after adjusting for factors at the individual level (p=.022). The explanatory power of variables related to organizational level variances in CVD risk was 17.1%. The results of this study indicate that differences in the CVD risk were related to organizational factors. It is necessary to consider not only individual factors but also organizational factors when planning a CVD risk reduction program. The factors caused by having cafeteria in the workplace can be reduced by improvement in the CVD-related risk environment, therefore an organizational-level intervention approach should be available to reduce CVD risk of workers in small sized companies in Korea.

Predictors of Health-Promoting Behavior Associated With Cardiovascular Diseases Among Korean Blue-Collar Workers

The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of actual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, psychosocial and work-related factors as predictors of health behavior. A sample of 234 Korean blue-collar workers, who worked in small companies, was included in this cross-sectional study. Data collection included a survey; anthropometric and blood pressure measures; and blood sampling. Multiple regression analyses showed that the model explained 30% of the variance in health behavior of blue-collar workers. The significant predictors for health behavior included education level, perceived general health, greater family function, higher social support, decision latitude, and non-shift work. Future research should focus on incorporating these significant predictors into effective behavioral interventions designed to promote cardiovascular health in this population.

Actual Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Related Factors: A Cross-sectional Study of Korean Blue Collar Workers Employed by Small Businesses

Actual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and related factors among blue collar workers employed by small businesses were investigated. This cross-sectional study of 238 Korean blue collar workers used surveys, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and blood sampling for lipid and glucose levels to answer the research questions. Multiple regression techniques were used to analyze study data. The prevalence of actual CVD risk among blue collar workers was 32 cases per 100 workers. A multiple regression model showed that a combination of individual, psychosocial, and work-related factors explained 34% of the variance in actual CVD risk. The significant predictors of actual CVD risk included knowledge of CVD risk, risk perception, job stress, and waist-to-hip ratio. It is important for clinicians to consider all of these significant predictors of actual CVD risk when designing an intervention program to reduce CVD among Korean blue collar workers.

Actual Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Related Factors

Actual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and related factors among blue collar workers employed by small businesses were investigated. This cross-sectional study of 238 Korean blue collar workers used surveys, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and blood sampling for lipid and glucose levels to answer the research questions. Multiple regression techniques were used to analyze study data. The prevalence of actual CVD risk among blue collar workers was 32 cases per 100 workers. A multiple regression model showed that a combination of individual, psychosocial, and work-related factors explained 34% of the variance in actual CVD risk. The significant predictors of actual CVD risk included knowledge of CVD risk, risk perception, job stress, and waist-to-hip ratio. It is important for clinicians to consider all of these significant predictors of actual CVD risk when designing an intervention program to reduce CVD among Korean blue collar workers.

Factors Associated with Blue-collar Workers' Risk Perception of Cardiovascular Disease

The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of actual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, as well as, individual, psychosocial, and work-related factors as predictors of CVD risk perception among Korean blue-collar workers. The participants were 238 Korean blue-collar workers who worked in small companies. Data were collected through a survey; anthropometric and blood pressure measures; and blood sampling for lipid levels. Blue-collar workers had high actual CVD risk and low CVD risk perception. The significant predictors of risk perception included perceived health status, alcohol consumption, knowledge of CVD risk, actual CVD risk, decision latitude, and shift work. The model explained 26% of the variance in CVD risk perception. The result suggests when occupational health nurses are giving routine health examination in small companies, they can enhance CVD risk perception in blue-collar workers by providing essential information about CVD risk factors and personal counseling on the individual worker's CVD risk status.

Evaluation of reliability of traditional and computerized neurobehavioral tests

Most Korean blue-collar workers are taking government-mandated medical screening periodically. The periodic neurobehavioral test provides a great chance to evaluate the functional change of the central nervous system. To utilize periodic neurobehavioral tests effectively, the reliability of currently used neurobehavioral tests needs to be evaluated. Test–retest of neurobehavioral tests were conducted to evaluate the reliability of neurobehavioral tests that are commonly used for Korean workers. The test–retest of five computerized tests, simple reaction time, additions, symbol digit, digit span, and finger tapping speed, and five traditional tests, Benton visual retention, digit symbol, digit span, pursuit aiming, and pegboard, were administered to 85 college students and 35 hospital workers over a 1 month interval. Computerized additions was found to have the highest test–retest reliability coefficient ( r = 0.90), followed by finger tapping speed (nondominant hand, r = 0.89; dominant hand, r = 0.85), symbol digit ( r = 0.82), and digit span ( r = 0.74). However, on1y two traditional tests, digit symbol ( r = 0.86) and pursuit aiming ( r = 0.72), showed a reliability coefficient greater than 0.70. These results suggest that the computerized additions, symbol digit, finger tapping speed, and traditional digit symbol are more satisfactory for periodical evaluation of the central nervous system of workers exposed to neurotoxic substances in Korea.

Formalization, Role Stress, Commitment, and Work Outcomes: An Empirical Analysis of South Korean Workers

ABSTRACT Using 3005 Korean blue-collar workers and 1159 white-collar workers, this study empirically examined the linkage among formalization, role stress, organizational commitment, and work outcomes. Results suggest that organizational formalization perceived by Korean workers, both white-collar and blue-collar, positively affects role ambiguity and role conflict which, in turn, negatively influence Korean workers' organizational commitment. The results also suggest a direct linkage between commitment and effort for Korean workers. The Confucian cultural influence on Korean workers and unique corporate culture that can help explain the linkages are discussed in depth.