Male Office Workers Research Articles

Bauxite mine and alumina refinery workers: mortality and cancer risk.

Aluminium industry workers are at risk of long-term health consequences. To investigate mortality and cancer incidence in bauxite mine and alumina refinery workers. A pre-existing cohort of workers was re-linked with the Australian National Death Index, and the Australian Cancer Database to provide additional death (7 years) and cancer (9 years) data. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) and standardized incidence rates (SIRs) were estimated by job category, duration of employment and time since first employment. Linkage was performed for 6935 (6207 male) workers. Compared with the general population, there was a reduced or similar risk of death for mine/refinery workers for all causes except mesothelioma which was increased amongst male production workers [SMR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11-4.60]. Mesothelioma incidence was also increased amongst males [SIR 2.50, 95% CI 1.60-3.71]. Male office workers had a greater incidence of prostate cancer [SIR 1.30, 95% CI 1.06-1.57] and thyroid cancer [SIR 3.47, 95% CI 1.66-6.38]. Melanoma incidence was increased in female office workers [SIR 2.27, 95% CI 1.36-3.54]. Lip cancer incidence was increased in male maintenance/production workers [SIR 2.04, 95% CI 1.02-3.65]. Overall cancer incidence was otherwise similar to the general Australian population. Overall risk of death and incidence of cancer for bauxite mine and alumina refinery workers was similar to the general population. Incidence and risk of death from mesothelioma were higher, likely due to historic asbestos exposure in this and other industries. The increased risk of melanoma, lip, prostate and thyroid cancers requires further investigation.

중년 남성 직장인의 경력정체가 심리적 안녕감에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purposes of this study were to specify variables related to convergence competency, and to analyze the structural relationships among them.The purpose of this study was to understand career plateau of middle-aged male office workers in korean society and to secure the theoretical background for psychological well-being. Methods For this research, an online survey using Google Form was conducted on 397 male office workers aged 40 to 60 in Korea from DEC. 21 to 31 in 2023, and 382 data were used in the study. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis of Career Plateau, Self-Efficacy, Meaning in Life, and Ppsychological Well-being were conducted through SPSS 25.0 program, and a structural equation model was performed using the AMOS 18.0. Results The research results are as follows. First, in korean aging era, many middle-aged Korean male office workers are experiencing career plateau. Second, career plateau shows a significant negative correlations with self-efficacy, Meaning in Life, and psychological well-being. Third, it failed to prove the direct effect between career plateau and psychological well-being. Forth, it was confirmed that career plateau affects psychological well-being through direct or indirect mediation of self-efficacy and Meaning in Life. Conclusions In order to improve Psychological Well-being of middle-aged male office workers and minimize the negative effects from Career Plateau, this research suggests that additional effects can be obtained by enhancing Self-Efficacy that has a positive effect directly or indirectly and strengthening Meaning in Life that helps indirectly.

A Comprehensive Workplace Exercise Intervention to Reduce Musculoskeletal Pain and Improve Functional Capacity in Office Workers: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The high levels of musculoskeletal pain, in conjunction with the low levels of functional capacity, may negatively affect workers' health, efficiency, and productivity. This randomized controlled study investigated the efficacy of a 6-month comprehensive workplace exercise program on musculoskeletal pain and functional capacity in office workers. Seventy male and female office workers with musculoskeletal pain in any body area were randomly assigned to either an intervention (IG; n = 35) or a control group (CG; n = 35). The IG participated every working day (during working hours) in a 6-month supervised combined (flexibility, strength, and balance) exercise program (120 training sessions; five times/week) for the total body. The CG did not participate in any intervention. Musculoskeletal pains in nine body areas and functional capacity (flexibility, balance, and strength) of the lower and upper body were measured before and following the intervention. The IG significantly reduced duration and intensity of pain (43.1-70%; p = 0.000) as well as days of work absenteeism (84.6%; p = 0.000), while improving work capacity (87.1%; p = 0.000). Furthermore, the IG significantly increased cervical, handgrip, back, and leg maximal strength (10.3-27.1%; p = 0.000) and flexibility and balance (12.3-73.7%; p = 0.000). In CG, all musculoskeletal pain and functional capacity indices remained unchanged. In conclusion, this program may be effectively used to reduce musculoskeletal pain and improve functional capacity.

Mentoring and creativity: Resources for working women to thrive in a challenging workplace after COVID‐19

AbstractThis study investigated the association between mentoring and creativity among male and female office workers. A web survey was administered to individuals aged 20–59 years using the survey monitors of an internet company; 2106 valid responses (1048 men and 1058 women) were analyzed to examine the association between mentoring and creativity. A three‐way analysis of covariance was conducted using mentoring, gender, and managerial status as the independent variables, which were adjusted for occupation. The analysis of the main effects showed that mentored individuals had higher creativity than nonmentored individuals, regardless of gender or managerial status. In addition, managers had significantly higher creativity than nonmanagers. There was no significant difference in creativity between men and women. The interaction effect of gender and managerial status was significant, and the analysis of the simple main effects indicated that male nonmanagers had higher creativity than female nonmanagers, whereas no significant gender difference was found between male and female managers. The difference in the creativity score between mentored and nonmentored female managers was 0.467, whereas the difference between mentored and nonmentored male managers was 0.357; this suggests that mentoring is critical, particularly for female managers. The primary focus of mentoring research has been the role of mentoring in promoting career‐related behaviors and attitudes. This study illustrates the potential to enhance creativity, which is an asset for working women in managing challenges after COVID‐19.

중장년 직장인의 노후생활인식이 퇴직태도와 라이프스타일 및 은퇴준비에 미치는 영향

Objectives In this study, we selected the variables of retirement life perception, retirement life, and lifestyle that affect the retirement preparation of middle-aged office workers, and analyzed the structural relationship among them.
 Methods To conduct this study, we performed the survey using the Naver Form on 530 male and female office workers aged 40 to 65 years living across the country and used the final analysis from 507 people. We conducted a correlation analysis on the collected data using the SPSS Ver 24.0 program to observe the relationship between retirement life perception, retirement life, and lifestyle of middle-aged office, and a structural relationship analysis was conducted using the AMOS 24 program.
 Results The analysis results are as follows. First, the difference according to the demographic characteristics of middle-aged office workers is that women showed a more positive level of retirement life perception than men, and in the retirement preparation men were better than women. Also, the higher educational level positively influ-ences retirement attitude, and lifestyle was not statistically significant. Second, we found that the perception of retirement life, retirement attitude, lifestyle, and retirement preparation of middle-aged office workers have pro-portional direction. Third, there were direct and indirect effects on retirement life, retirement attitude, lifestyle, and retirement preparation which middle-aged office workers perceived. Fourth, the retirement attitude and lifestyle perceived by middle-aged office workers showed a positive mediating effect in the causal relationship between the perception of retirement life and retirement preparation.
 Conclusions Our study suggests that the perception of retirement life as perceived by middle-aged office workers not only has a direct positive effect on retirement preparation, but is also a variable that indirectly helps retirement preparation through retirement attitude and lifestyle.

Effects of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Cardiovascular Health Factors and Heart Function in Sedentary Male Office Workers

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular aerobic exercise on cardiovascular health factors and heart function in sedentary male office workers.METHODS To achieve this aim, 20 individuals were selected as subjects: 10 in the exercise group (who have been regularly exercising for over 5 years, more than 4 times per week, for 1 hour or more per workout) and 10 in the control group (defines sedentary behavior more of moderate-intensity exercise for 30 minutes or longer, at least three days a week ). For data processing, the average and standard deviation were calculated using the SPSS 21.0 statistical program, and the difference in the mean value change between groups was verified by performing an independent t-test.RESULTS There were significant differences between groups in factors related to cardiovascular health, such as resting heart rate, maximum systolic blood pressure, maximum oxygen intake, and exercise duration. Regarding heart function, there were significant differences between both groups in peak velocities of early and atrial fillings, as well as in early and late diastolic annulus velocities.CONCLUSIONS Taken together, regular aerobic exercise appears to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health factors and heart function in sedentary male office workers.

Characterization of Foot Arch among Male Office Workers in Selangor

This study aims to identify the type of foot arch among male office workers in Selangor. A total of 100 participants aged 20 to 50 years participated. The arches were determined using the Harris-imprint index parameter. Analysis showed that normal arch 71% (n=71) 0.23 (±0.09), high arch (28%) 0.18 (±0.10), and flat arch (1%). Additionally, 55% (p<0.001; or 4.850) experienced discomfort with the shoe insoles, while 36% (n=36) had the same pair for the left and right foot, and 64% (n=64) had different pairs of foot arches. Findings revealed a different foot arch between their left and right feet.

Effects of 1-hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in office workers.

To compare the effects of 1-hour computer use on ulnar and median nerve conduction velocity and muscle activity in office workers with symptomatic neck pain and asymptomatic office workers. A total of 40 participants, both male and female office workers, with symptomatic neck pain (n = 20) and asymptomatic (n = 20), were recruited. Pain intensity, ulnar nerve conduction velocity, median nerve conduction velocity, and muscle activity were determined before and after 1 hour of computer use. There was a significant increase in pain intensity in the neck area in both groups (P < .001). The symptomatic neck pain group revealed a significant decrease in the sensory nerve conduction velocity of the ulnar nerve (P = .008), whereas there was no difference in the median nerve conduction velocity (P > .05). Comparing before and after computer use, the symptomatic neck pain group had less activity of the semispinalis muscles and higher activity of the anterior scalene muscle than the asymptomatic group (P < .05). The trapezius and wrist extensor muscles showed no significant differences in either group (P > .05). This study found signs of neuromuscular deficit of the ulnar nerve, semispinalis muscle, and anterior scalene muscle after 1hour of computer use among office workers with symptomatic neck pain, which may indicate the risk of neuromuscular impairment of the upper extremities. The recommendation of resting, and encouraging function and flexibility of the neuromuscular system after 1hour of computer use should be considered.

Effects of a Remote Physical Activity Improvement Program on Male Office Workers with Metabolic Syndrome in Their 30s and 40s with Sedentary Behavior: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeSedentary office workers lack physical activity and have a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study attempted to develop a remote physical activity improvement program for sedentary office workers and verify its effectiveness by applying it to male workers in their 30s and 40s with MetS. MethodsThis study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design, and the study sample was 75 male workers recruited from an information and technology company. They were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 38) or control (n = 37) group. The remote physical activity improvement program was constructed based on the self-regulation theory emphasizing autonomy, and was conducted through non-face-to-face Zoom once a week for a total of 12 weeks. Health education, exercise training, small group meetings, and individual counseling were provided, and tailored text messages were sent to participants every day to encourage them to reflect on their lifestyle and practice exercise. ResultsThe remote physical activity program significantly increased basic psychological needs (Z = -7.55, p< .001), intrinsic motivation (Z = -6.94, p< .001), health promotion behavior, (Z = -6.63, p < .001) and physical and physiological indicators (p<.05) in the intervention group compared to those in the control group. ConclusionsIn managing MetS among office workers, it was found that remote education using the Zoom platform was effective, even during the coronavirus pandemic. As a strategy for health education in the workplace, remote education content needs to be developed and applied.

The difference in work stress and physical and mental health between young adult male field and office workers

The difference in work stress and physical and mental health between young adult male field and office workers

Ischemic heart disease and stroke in male couriers: a cohort study using the national health insurance data and national employment insurance data.

This study aimed to determine the risk of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke among male couriers in Korea by linking the data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) and National Employee Insurance (NEI) databases. As of 2015, the NHI and NEI databases were linked using individual IDs. A cohort of male couriers, aged between 20 and 64 years, (N = 5,012) was constructed using the Korean Employment Insurance Occupational Classification (KECO-2007). For comparison, a cohort of male total wage workers (N = 5,429,176) and a cohort of office workers (N = 632,848) within the same age group were also constructed. The follow-up was conducted until 31 December 2020 to confirm the occurrence of IHD and stroke. The diagnoses were defined using the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10) codes. The criteria included medical services for more than 1 day of hospitalization or more than 2 outpatient visits. The age-standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated to evaluate the risk of occurrence. The hazard ratio (HR) was calculated using the Cox model after adjusting for age, alcohol consumption, smoking, obesity, income level, and employment duration as confounding variables. The SIR of IHD for couriers was 1.54 (95% CI 1.31-1.78), while for office workers, it was 1.08 (95% CI 1.06-1.10), compared to male total wage workers. The SIR for stroke was higher for couriers at 1.84 (95% CI 1.40-2.28) and lower for office workers at 0.86, compared to male total wage workers. Couriers had a higher SIR for stroke at 1.84 (95% CI 1.40-2.28) and lower for office workers at 0.86 (0.83-0.89). Compared to total wage workers, couriers had a significantly higher adjusted HR for IHD at 1.60 (95% CI 1.37-1.87) and a higher HR for stroke at 1.39 (95% CI 1.07-1.79). Compared to office workers, couriers had a significantly higher HR for IHD at 1.34 (95% CI 1.13-1.59) as well as for for stroke at 1.43 (95% CI 1.08-1.88). The incidence of IHD and stroke was higher among male couriers compared to male office workers and total wage workers, highlighting the need for implementing public health interventions to prevent IHD and stroke among couriers.

Predictors of musculoskeletal disorders and job satisfaction among office workers of an oil company: A cross-sectional study in Iran.

Musculoskeletal disorders are among the significant causes of disabilities and occupational injuries all over the world and can reduce the quality of life and job satisfaction. These disorders prevail among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company, though research on the involved factors is limited. The present study investigated the incidence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders and their association with job satisfaction among the office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. The present research was a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study on 210 male office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and the rate of job satisfaction were measured by Nordic Musculoskeletal and Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaires, respectively. The relationship between the variables was analyzed by the SPSS 28 software. The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders among office workers in the past 12 months were associated with the neck, waist, and knee organs, with 45.70, 41, and 38.10 percentages. Smoking, second jobs, and physical injury histories were identified as three risk factors connected to musculoskeletal disorders (p < 0.05). Forty-one percent of the participants were moderately satisfied with their jobs, and this number was significantly related to musculoskeletal disorders in the shoulders, elbows, back, waist, and knees (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that second jobs, smoking, and physical injury histories are three risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders among office workers of the Iranian Oil Company. Thus, it is imperative to identify at-risk office workers and train and encourage them to take preventive actions and employ ergonomic job equipment.

Hybrid office work in women and men: do directly measured physical behaviors differ between days working from home and days working at the office?

We investigated and compared temporal sitting patterns among male and female hybrid office workers when working at the office (WAO), working from home (WFH), and for non-working days (NWD). We analyzed data collected in 2020 among 165 hybrid office workers, carrying thigh-worn accelerometers for 938 days in total. Day type (WAO, WFH, or NWD) and time in bed were identified using diaries. Time awake was exhaustively classified as non-sitting time and time sitting in short, moderate, and long bouts. Effects of day type and gender on the 24-h compositions of physical behaviors were analyzed using multilevel linear mixed models. During workdays (both WAO and WFH), workers spent less time in bed and more time sitting, particularly in moderate and long bouts, than during NWD. Time in bed was longer when working from home than when working at the office, and more of the awake time was spent sitting. Differences between WAO and WFH in ratios between short, moderate, and long bouts of sitting were small and inconsistent. Men spent more time sitting than women, and more time in moderate and long sitting bouts relative to short bouts. When working from home, hybrid office workers sat more during their hours awake compared to when working at the office. Sitting time was larger during working days than during non-working days and was higher in men than in women. These results may contribute to support organizational policies for hybrid work.

O.2.3-8 Work engagement, need for recovery, and musculoskeletal symptoms – gender differences among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has changed work conditions and personal lives of countless workers due to physical distancing, and recommendations to work from home (WFH), especially among office workers. This study aimed to investigate whether male and female office workers differed in terms of work engagement, need for recovery, and intensity of musculoskeletal symptoms, and if gender differences were still present depending on the workplace, i.e., WFH or working at the office (WAO). Methods This cross-sectional study collected data from 56 male (age 36.1 ± 10.3 years) and 60 female (age 35.2 ± 8.9 years) office workers between September 2020–June 2021. Participants were asked to answer an online self-administrated survey containing the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (total score [0-6]; subscales of vigor, dedication, and absorption not shown), the Need For Recovery Scale (0-100), and a modified version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, considering the pain intensity for each region with a numerical rating scale (0-10). Differences between gender (male vs. female) were examined using linear regressions adjusted for age and body mass index, considering the total population, those exclusively WFH (34♀ and 39♂) and those exclusively WAO (22♀ and 21♂). Results Female office workers reported worse conditions during the pandemic compared with male workers: they had less engagement with their work (β: –0.65 [95% CI: –1.09; –0.21]), greater need for recovery (16.00 [8.69; 23.31]), and higher pain intensity in the neck (1.44 [0.35; 2.54]), shoulders (2.13 [1.13; 3.13]), upper back (1.41 [0.46; 2.35]), wrists/hands (1.65 [0.65; 2.65]), and hips/thighs (0.71 [0.05; 1.38]). Sensitivity analyses showed similar results when workers were exclusively WAO, except that there was no difference in musculoskeletal symptoms. When WFH, females had a greater need for recovery and higher pain intensity in all regions found in the main analysis when compared with male workers, but no difference was found in work engagement. Conclusions Female office workers had less work engagement, more need for recovery, and more self-reported pain intensity than male workers. Whether this relates to additional unpaid work or to other factors is not clear, and we encourage further research to resolve this important issue.

Polymorphism of the ApoE gene as a risk factor of obesity in workers exposed to occupational hazards at ferrous metallurgy enterprises

Obesity contributes to the development of severe concomitant diseases and substantially degrades the quality of life. This pathological condition is caused by multiple risk factors including hazardous workplace exposures and genetic predisposition. The ApoE gene participates in regulation of lipid metabolism. Its most significant polymorphisms are rs429358 and rs7412 with the resulting е2, е3 and е4 alleles. This study did not consider effects of electromagnetic fields generated by office electrical equipment or the lifestyle of the subjects. The sample included people with a large age difference due to the rarity of the apolipoprotein е2 and е4 alleles. The sample was not standardized by age and years of work experience. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the ApoE gene polymorphisms and body mass index in workers employed at a metallurgic plant. We examined 328 male office workers and workers of a converter workshop. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the results of instrumental measurements of weight and height using the conventional formula. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood using the LumiPure DNA gel extraction kit, and polymorphisms were determined using amplification by Calero et al with modifications and horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal – Wallis test. Statistically significant differences were established in the blue-collar workers. The highest mean BMI value was established in the e2 allele carriers. We found that people with the e2 allele in their genotype were more prone to obesity. We also assume a potential association between the unsafe work environment and a more pronounced manifestation of the phenotype. These findings can be used for identifying individuals at risk and taking timely preventive measures.

Полиморфизм гена АРОЕ как фактор риска развития ожирения работников с вредными условиями труда на предприятиях черной металлургии

Obesity contributes to the development of severe concomitant diseases and substantially degrades the quality of life. This pathological condition is caused by multiple risk factors including hazardous workplace exposures and genetic predisposition. The ApoE gene participates in regulation of lipid metabolism. Its most significant polymorphisms are rs429358 and rs7412 with the resulting е2, е3 and е4 alleles. This study did not consider effects of electromagnetic fields generated by office electrical equipment or the lifestyle of the subjects. The sample included people with a large age difference due to the rarity of the apolipoprotein е2 and е4 alleles. The sample was not standardized by age and years of work experience. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between the ApoE gene polymorphisms and body mass index in workers employed at a metallurgic plant. We examined 328 male office workers and workers of a converter workshop. The body mass index (BMI) was calculated based on the results of instrumental measurements of weight and height using the conventional formula. DNA was isolated from peripheral blood using the LumiPure DNA gel extraction kit, and polymorphisms were determined using amplification by Calero et al with modifications and horizontal agarose gel electrophoresis. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal – Wallis test. Statistically significant differences were established in the blue-collar workers. The highest mean BMI value was established in the e2 allele carriers. We found that people with the e2 allele in their genotype were more prone to obesity. We also assume a potential association between the unsafe work environment and a more pronounced manifestation of the phenotype. These findings can be used for identifying individuals at risk and taking timely preventive measures.

직장인 대학원생의 자기결정성과 학습몰입, 혁신행동 간의 구조적 관계

Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand the structural relationship between self-determination, learning flow, and innovative behavior of office worker graduate students , and to find out the mediating effect of positive psychological capital in the structural relationship. Methods The subjects of the study are 197 male and female office workers who are enrolled in D University, Y University's special graduate school, or general graduate school. Self-determination, learning flow, innovative behavior, and positive psychological capital scales were used as research tools. The collected survey results were analyzed using SPSS 29.0 and Smart PLS 4.0 statistical programs. Results First, The self-determination of office worker graduate students, a significant impact on positive psychological capital and learning flow, but it was not significant impact on innovative behavior. Second, It was found that the positive psychological capital of office worker graduate students had a positive (+) effect on learning flow and innovative behavior. Third, Self-determination has an indirect effect on learning flow and innovative behavior through positive psychological capital. Fourth, In the relationship between self-determination and innovative behavior, positive psychological capital was found to have a complete mediation. Conclusions Through the research results, the partial mediation of positive psychological capital was confirmed in the relationship between self-determination, learning flow, and innovative behavior of office worker graduate students. also, positive psychological capital has a complete mediational effect on learning flows. This study is meaningful in that it has prepared basic data for interventions and solutions necessary for office worker graduate students' learning counseling and job competency development.

대학교육행정의 조직문화와 안전행동 및 조직성과 간의 근무경력에 따른 조절효과

Objectives The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between organizational culture, safety behavior, and organizational performance of university education administration, and the moderating effect according to work experience.em.&#x0D; Methods The subjects of the study collected data from 2021 to 2022 years using structured questionnaires for male and female office workers working in university education administration organizations. The SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0 programs were used for data processing, and the structural model and control effect were analyzed through the Structural Equation Model (SEM).&#x0D; Results The results of this study are as follows. In the case of Research Hypothesis I, the hierarchical orientation of I-1 influenced safety behavior, the innovation orientation of I-2 influenced safety behavior, and the task orientation of I-4 influenced safety behavior the most among the sub-factors of organizational culture, but the relationship orientation did not affect safety behavior. In addition, in the case of Research Hypothesis II, the innovation orientation of II-2 influenced organizational performance, the relationship orientation of II-3 influenced organizational performance, and the task orientation of II-4 influenced organizational performance, but the hierarchical orientation did not affect organizational performance. In addition, in the case of Research Hypothesis III, it was found that safety behavior had an effect on organizational performance. In the case of the research hypothesis, there was a significant difference in the path coefficient between groups between four sub-factors of organizational culture according to work experience, safety behavior, and organizational performance in some routes.&#x0D; Conclusions In conclusion, affirming innovation, relationship, and task-oriented culture among organizational cultures implies that university education administrative agencies need policy and institutional considerations to form innovation, relationship, and task-oriented culture for members.

Effects of occupational exposures on respiratory health in steel factory workers.

The steel factory work environment contains various chemical exposures that can affect indoor air quality and have impact on respiratory health of the workers. The objective of this study was to assess potential effects of occupational exposures in steel factory workers in Iran on the respiratory symptoms, occurrence and the lung function levels. This was a cross-sectional study of 133 men working in a steel factory forming the exposed group and 133 male office workers forming the reference group from a steel company in Iran. The participants filled in a questionnaire and underwent spirometry. Work history was used both as dichotomous (exposed/reference) and a quantitative measure of exposure, the latter measured as duration of exposure in the specified work (in years) for the exposed group and zero for the reference group. Multiple linear regression and Poisson regression were used to adjust for confounding. In Poisson regression analyses, an increased prevalence ratio (PR) of all respiratory symptoms was observed in the exposed group. Lung function parameters were significantly reduced in the exposed group (p < 0.001). There was a dose-response relation between duration of occupational exposures and reduction in the predicted value of FEV1/FVC level (0.177, 95% CI -0.198 to -0.156) in all models. The results of these analyses showed that occupational exposures in steel factory work increase the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and reduce lung function. Safety training and workplace conditions were found to need improvement. In addition, use of proper personal protective equipment is recommended.

The impact of lumbosacral alignment on lumbar mobility, functional disability and psychological wellbeing in office workers with chronic low back pain

Background/aims The lumbosacral curvature of the spine has a special role in its mobility during weight-bearing activities. Office work is a sedentary role, which requires sitting for long durations, having a negative effect on spinal posture. Therefore, low back pain risk factors in office workers are different from other populations. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of lumbosacral joint angle on the lumbar mobility, functional disability, pain intensity and overall health in office workers with chronic low back pain. Methods A total of 116 male office workers with chronic low back pain (aged between 30–59 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. The lumbosacral radiography was used to divide the participants into two groups, according to the value of their lumbosacral joint angle: group A (lumbosacral joint angle &lt;20°, n=61) and group B (lumbosacral joint angle group &gt;20°, n=55). The lumbar mobility, functional disability, pain intensity and overall health issues of participants were measured. Results The functional disability and pain intensity of individuals in group A were significantly higher than group B (P&lt;0.05). There was a significant decrease in the lumbar flexion and extension range of motion and activities of daily living of those in group A compared to group B (P&lt;0.05). There was a significant increase in emotional health problems and impaired social activity of individuals in group A compared to group B (P&lt;0.05). There were fair positive correlations between lumbosacral joint angle values and functional disability, pain intensity and social activity in office workers in group B (r=0.292, 0.036, 0.333 respectively). Conclusions A decreased lumbosacral joint angle increases functional disability and pain intensity, decreasing lumbar mobility and level of functionality. Furthermore, it reduces emotional health and social activity in participants with low back pain. Therefore, measuring the lumbosacral joint angle of patients with chronic low back pain during treatment may be useful to decrease their pain intensity and improve their functional disability and quality of life.