Workers In Korea Research Articles

Increased risk of sleep problems according to employment precariousness among paid employees in Korea.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between precarious employment (PE) and sleep problems among wage workers in Korea. Data from 29,437 wage workers were obtained from the 6th Korean Working Conditions Survey. PE was defined based on four dimensions: employment temporariness, irregularity, lack of protection, and economic vulnerability. A PE index indicating employment precariousness was derived. The outcome variables were three sleep problems experienced over the past year: difficulty initiating asleep; difficulty maintaining sleep' and fatigue upon waking. Multiple logistic regression was performed after adjusting for age, educational level, occupation, job tenure, company size, and working hours, to estimate the association between PE and sleep problems. For both sexes, the risk of all sleep problems significantly increased as the precariousness of employment increased, showing a dose-response relationship. An increased risk of sleep problems is evident as employment becomes more precarious. These findings could help improve the health of workers with PE by addressing sleep problems.

Association between job satisfaction and current smoking and change in smoking behavior: a 16-year longitudinal study in South Korea.

Previous studies have found that job satisfaction is closely associated with various health outcomes of workers. Our study measured the association between job satisfaction and current smoking and change in smoking behavior. Data from the longitudinal Korea Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS) that consist of nationally representative samples were used. The repeated measures analysis was conducted. South Korea, 2005-2021. In total, 21 154 workers in Korea followed from 2005 to 2021 (145 120 observations) were included as study participants. The main predictor variable, job satisfaction, was assessed using a five-item general job satisfaction questionnaire. Job satisfaction was classified into 'dissatisfied', 'neutral' and 'satisfied', according to the tertiles of the sum of scores. The outcomes of interest were current smoking and initiation and cessation of smoking in the subsequent year. Compared with those with a neutral level of job satisfaction, those who reported dissatisfaction with their job had an increased risk of smoking initiation [odds ratio (OR) = 1.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01-1.22)]. Workers satisfied with their jobs were associated with a decreased likelihood of current smoking (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.94-0.98) and smoking initiation (OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.81-0.99). There was a positive relationship between cumulative years of job dissatisfaction and smoking risk: > 4years of experiencing job dissatisfaction was positively related to current smoking (OR = 1.14, 95% CI = 1.06-1.24) and smoking initiation (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.00-1.49) and negatively related to smoking cessation (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72-0.99). In Korea, job dissatisfaction appears to be associated with an increased risk of smoking initiation.

Intertwined -isms: an exploration of relationships between ageism and sexism in workplace and non-work contexts.

This study aimed to examine the association of workplace-based ageism with (a) ageism in non-work contexts and (b) workplace-based sexism. Data came from an online survey of workers in South Korea, with a sample stratified by gender and age group (N = 600; mean age = 43.6 years, range 20-74). Workplace-based ageism was measured using the Workplace Intergenerational Climate Scale (WICS). Other measures included the Fraboni Ageism Scale (FAS) and the Workplace Sexism Culture Scale (WSCS). A series of logistic regression models for endorsing the most workplace ageism (i.e., scoring in WICS bottom quartile) were estimated. Results showed that with each unit increase in FAS scores, the probability of belonging to the WICS bottom quartile increased by 7% while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics [odds ratio (OR) = 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04-1.10, p < 0.01]. Likewise, when WSCS scores increased by one unit, the probability of belonging to the WICS bottom quartile increased by 8% while controlling for sociodemographic characteristics (OR = 1.08, 95% CI = 1.04-1.12, p < 0.01). Findings suggest that ageism and sexism may be intertwined across workplace and non-work contexts.

Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian migrant workers in South Korea.

The burden of non-communicable diseases is rapidly increasing among young adults in middle- and low-income countries. Asian migrant workers continue to be a significant contributor to South Korea's economy; however, their cardiovascular health is neglected. We explored the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Asian migrant workers in South Korea. Cross-sectional survey, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, and biochemical tests including triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, and C-reactive protein levels were conducted in 141 Asian migrant workers in South Korea. The mean age of the participants was 31.3 (5.6) years. Of the participants, 14.8% were current smokers, and 47.5% consumed alcohol. The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 32.4%. The prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia were 51.2% and 64.6%, respectively. Of the participants, 98.5% had an increased waist circumference; elevated HbA1C and C-reactive protein was seen in 20.9% and 4.3%, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 5.5%. Clustering of two or more risk factors was seen in 45% of the participants. Factors associated with a high risk of cardiovascular diseases (clustering of two or more risk factors) were age (odds ratio 1.16, p < 0.01) and smoking (4.98, p < 0.05). The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was alarmingly high among Asian migrant workers employed in South Korea. Efforts to mitigate and eliminate those risk factors are urgently required.

Exploring Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors from a medical social work perspective: A qualitative study of medical social workers in South Korea

Background Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR) in cancer survivors has been insufficiently addressed despite its imperativeness in cancer journey. Although several studies have investigated healthcare professionals’ experience with FCR in cancer survivors, a medical social work perspective has rarely been reflected. This study aimed to explore Korean medical social workers’ experience with intervening FCR in cancer survivors. Methods Snowball sampling recruited 12 experienced medical social workers intervening with cancer survivors at tertiary or university cancer hospitals in South Korea. Individual and focus-group interviews (FGI) were conducted with the medical social workers. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed by using an inductive qualitative content analysis. Results Content analysis of the interviews extracted the following major themes regarding FCR in cancer survivors. First, when and how FCR among cancer survivors emerged at the early stage of medical social work interventions was identified. Second, how medical social workers dealt with FCR in cancer survivors was illustrated. Third, the responses of cancer survivors to medical social work interventions for FCR were assessed. Finally, the internal and external issues underlying the medical social work interventions for FCR among cancer survivors were revealed and discussed. Conclusion Based on the results, this study suggested the implications on dealing with FCR in cancer survivors in the realm of medial social work profession. Furthermore, it expanded the discussion about FCR in cancer survivors from cancer hospitals to community.

What Determines the Health-related Quality of Life of Vietnamese Migrant Workers in Korea?

Purpose: Over time, the number of migrant workers in Korea has shown a steady increase. Notably, among all migrant workers, those from Vietnam constitute the third largest group in Korea. The main objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the health-related quality of life of Vietnamese migrant workers. The study aimed to provide essential data for the development of customized nursing intervention programs and policy preparation in the future. Methods: A total of 220 Vietnamese migrant workers aged between 18 and 64, who were employed in Korea through the Employment Permit System and had been residing in the country for more than 91 days, participated in this study. Results: The study results revealed that physical activity (β=.19, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;=.002), hope (β=.50, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt;. 001), cohabitation with colleagues (β=.16, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =.003), and sleep hour (β=.11, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; =. 031) had a statistically significant impact on health-related quality of life. The findings showed that higher levels of physical activity and hope were positively associated with higher health-related quality of life. Moreover, cohabiting with colleagues and sleeping for more than six hours were also significantly related to higher health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Given these findings, it is imperative to develop programs that encourage physical activity and enhance the health-related quality of life of migrant workers from Vietnam. Policymakers and employers should also consider providing adequate living conditions that facilitate cohabitation with colleagues and sufficient time for sleep to improve the health and well-being of migrant workers.

A Study on the Factors Influencing Health-related Quality of Life of Cambodian Migrant Workers in Korea

A Study on the Factors Influencing Health-related Quality of Life of Cambodian Migrant Workers in Korea

Association between weekly working hours and risky alcohol use: A 12-year longitudinal, nationwide study from South Korea

We aimed to investigate the association between long working hours and onset of risky alcohol use. We included a nationally representative sample comprising 11,226 workers in South Korea (57,887 observations). The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used to assess risky alcohol use. Fixed effect regressions were employed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of risky alcohol use were 1.08 (0.95–1.22) for 41–48 h/week, 1.12 (0.96–1.31) for 49–54 h/week, and 1.40 (1.21–1.63) for ≥55 h/week, compared with standard working hours (35–40 h/week). ORs (95% CIs) of the association between working ≥55 h/week and risky alcohol use was 1.39 (1.17–1.65) for men and 1.34 (0.98–1.82) for women. Yearly cumulative exposure to long working hours (>40 h/week) is positively associated with risky alcohol use in a dose-dependent manner. For instance, exposure to long working hours for ≥3 years was associated with an increased likelihood of risky alcohol use (OR [95% CI]: 2.20 [1.78–2.72]). Sex-stratified analyses showed that long work hours are associated with risky alcohol use in both male and female workers. Appropriate work-hour policy is needed to prevent workers from risky alcohol use.

Gerakan #MeToo dalam Mempromosikan Kesetaraan Buruh: Komparasi Indonesia dan Korea Selatan

Gender equality is something that is still being fought for by feminist activists in various countries. This article discusses the gender gap experienced by female workers in Indonesia and South Korea. #MeToo as a transnational feminist movement can be a catalyst for creating gender equality in various countries. Many #MeToo activists say that this movement can symbolize women workers whose voices are never heard. This study uses qualitative methods to describe phenomena and analyze them in depth. The results of the study found that the #MeToo movement has promoted labor equality, both in Indonesia and in South Korea. However, in terms of legislation, it still has no impact on making laws that can protect women workers from discrimination from companies. This is due to the strong patriarchal culture in both countries so that discrimination in wages and treatment is only seen as a condition that must be accepted.

Trend of immunity against measles and varicella zoster virus in healthcare workers in Korea

ObjectiveTo examine the seroprevalence of measles and varicella zoster virus (VZV) among healthcare workers (HCW) and evaluate the concordance between self-reported history of previous disease or vaccination and seropositivity. DesignA seroprevalence study and survey. SettingA university-affiliated tertiary care hospital. ParticipantsAll HCWs working in high-risk services in 2017 underwent serologic tests and survey; all new HCWs employed in the subsequent years, serologic tests only. MethodsA serologic study was conducted using chemiluminescence immunoassay (2017) or enzyme immunoassays (2018 and later). HCWs who underwent serological testing in 2017 completed a self-administered questionnaire on their history of infection and vaccination. ResultsA total of 10,278 and 9607 HCWs underwent serologic tests for measles and VZV IgG, respectively, from 2017 to 2022. The overall seropositivity rates for measles and VZV were 78.1 % and 92.8 %, respectively. Measles seropositivity declined gradually from >90 % in the HCWs born in the 1960s to <80 % in those born in the 1990s. There was a significant difference in measles seropositivity between the birth cohorts (BCs) 1967–1984 and 1985–1999 (P < 0.001; odds ratio, 1.16; 95 % confidence interval, 1.14–1.18). The seropositivity for VZV was stable, at >90 % in all BCs. The self-reported vaccination history was not independently associated with seropositivity, and the negative predictive value of the survey was very low (9.6 % and 13.1 %, respectively). ConclusionsMeasles seropositivity showed a substantial decline among HCWs born in 1985 or later, while varicella seropositivity remained high. The self-reported vaccination history was not sufficiently reliable for screening HCWs.

Cancer incidence among male construction workers in the Republic of Korea: a standardized incidence ratio analysis, 2009-2015.

Construction workers face an elevated risk for several types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of large-scale epidemiological studies examining the risk of all cancers in construction workers. This study aimed to investigate the risk of various cancers in male construction workers using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. We used data from the NHIS database from 2009 to 2015. Construction workers were identified using the Korean Standard Industrial Classification code. We calculated the age-standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer occurrence in male construction workers compared to all male workers. Compared to all male workers, the SIRs for esophageal cancer (SIR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.07-1.42) and malignant neoplasms of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts (SIR=1.18; 95% CI, 1.13-1.24) were significantly higher in male construction workers. The SIRs for malignant neoplasms of the urinary tract (SIR=1.19; 95% CI, 1.05-1.35) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR=1.21; 95% CI, 1.02-1.43) were significantly elevated in building construction workers. The SIR for malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchus, and lung (SIR=1.16; 95% CI, 1.03-1.29) was significantly higher in heavy and civil engineering workers. Male construction workers have an increased risk for esophageal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and non-Hodgkin's cancer. Our results indicate that tailored strategies for cancer prevention should be developed for construction workers.

Mediating effects of religious coping on acculturative stress and life satisfaction: Focus on Sri Lankan migrant workers in Korea

Considering the increasing numbers of migrant workers in the Republic of Korea and the challenges faced by migrant workers in adapting to their new environment, this study investigates how religious coping mediates acculturative stress and life satisfaction. Based on data collected from 106 Sri Lankan migrant workers, the study found that both internal and external religious coping styles significantly mediated acculturative stress and life satisfaction, with the external style affecting life satisfaction more significantly than the internal one. Religious coping styles were significantly and positively correlated with life satisfaction, which could help reduce acculturative stress. Factors, including age, gender, marital status, religious visits and working hours contribute to understanding the role that religious coping mechanisms play in the lives of migrant workers. Accordingly, the study suggests supporting religious communities and activities of migrants, and upgrading the social, cultural and educational services they receive, as well as the policies of the Korean government directed toward them.

산재노동자의 일상생활만족도에 미치는 건강상태, 자기효능감, 일상생활수행 및 자아존중감의 구조적 영향관계

The purpose of this study is to confirm the relationship between health status, self-efficacy, daily life performance, and self-esteem on daily life satisfaction of industrially injured workers. In the [Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance] conducted by the Korea Workers’ Compensation &amp; Welfare Service, 2,797 respondents to the 2nd cohort 4th year (2021) survey were selected as study subjects. Structural equation model analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and ADANCO 2.3.2. First, health status had a significant positive effect on self-esteem and daily life satisfaction. Second, self-efficacy had a positive effect on self-esteem and daily life satisfaction. Third, daily life performance had a positive effect on self-esteem, but had no effect on daily life satisfaction. Fourth, self-esteem had a positive effect on daily life satisfaction. Fifth, health status, self-efficacy, and daily life performance had a significant positive effect on daily life satisfaction with self-esteem as a mediating effect. The results of this study can be used as basic data for policy establishment and rehabilitation program development to increase the daily life satisfaction of industrially injured workers.

The impact of Covid-19 on the Korean and US labour markets

ABSTRACT This study compares labour market experiences in South Korea and the US at the outbreak of the pandemic and then again in November 2020. We found that the pandemic had the most considerable effect on the not-at-work rate in South Korea and the unemployment rate in the US. We computed concentration indices to measure inequality in the labour markets using education as a socioeconomic ranking variable. Applying a Recentered Influence Function (RIF) regression, we found that unemployment was more concentrated among less-educated workers in South Korea. Still, the not-at-work rate was more concentrated among highly educated workers. While the ability to work from home played an important role in explaining these inequalities, by November 2020, the Korean labour market showed minimal disparities. In general, US workers with lower education levels experienced higher unemployment and not-at-work rates. The capability to work remotely considerably reduced inequality in April, but it did not in November.

Employment Experiences of Female Mongolian Migrant Workers in Korea

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand the employment experiences of female Mongolian migrant workers in Korea and identify their meanings.Methods: Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews with eight such women using the phenomenological Colaizzi qualitative research approach.Results: Six categories were drawn from the research: “Facing a dilemma when hitting the wall,” “Foreigners’ lives disrespected,” “Physically filled with wounds,” “Lonely, laborious, and sad,“ “Growing stronger and knowledgeable,” and “Happiness found in the workplace.”Conclusion: The results of this study revealed the substantial meaning of the employment experience of female Mongolian migrant workers in Korea. The results of the study could provide basic data for offering such women various kinds of programs to support them psychologically and in their adjustment to their jobs. These programs would enhance their ability to adapt to both working and in Korea.

Antimicrobial resistance profiles and clonal diversity of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail pork

Livestock-associated coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), such as Staphylococcus (S.) epidermidis, have emerged as a significant reservoir of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). In the current study, the AMR profiles and genetic diversity of S. epidermidis isolates obtained from pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail pork were analyzed. A total of 89 S. epidermidis isolates, comprising 22 methicillin-resistant (MRSE) and 67 methicillin-susceptible S. epidermidis (MSSE) isolates, were assessed to determine (i) the clonal lineages of the isolates [multilocus sequence (MLST), agr, and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) types], (ii) the profiles of AMR phenotypes, and (iii) the carriage of genetic factors associated with major AMR phenotypes and zinc chloride resistance. Two dominant clonal lineages of S. epidermidis, ST100 and ST570, were observed on pig farms, especially in healthy pigs. In addition, potential transmission of pig-associated ST100 MRSE-SCCmec V and ST100 MSSE to farm workers was identified. The high prevalence of ST100 and ST570 isolates in pig farms was associated with high levels of AMR and zinc chloride resistance. In relation to resistance phenotypes, higher carriage rates of resistance genes, such as β–lactams (mecA), phenicols (fexA), and tetracyclines [tet(K), tet(L), tet(S), tet(M), and tet(O)], were identified in pig farm-associated isolates. Furthermore, cfr-mediated linezolid resistance was detected in 14 MSSE isolates from pig farms. This study is the first to provide important insights into the clonal structures and AMR profiles of S. epidermidis isolates collected from healthy pigs, carcass/pork samples, and human workers in Korea.

장기체류 외국인 근로자의 한국 내 삶의 경험에 관한 현상학적 연구

Objectives This study aims to understand in depth the life experiences of long-term foreign workers in Korea from the perspective of foreign workers through the statements of the participants and to reveal their meaning.&#x0D; Methods From May to September 2019, eight long-term foreign workers who were low-skilled simple skilled workers (E-9) who entered the country under an employment permit system and who could communicate smoothly in Korean were subjected to one-on-one in-depth interviews using semi-structured questionnaires and derived the meaning, theme, and theme group composed by applying Colaizzi's phenomenological research method.&#x0D; Results The experience of long-term foreign workers in Korea was manifested in 8 theme groups, 31 topics, and 90 compositions: wanting to earn money but not having a job, wanting to come, excitement to come after a long wait, the difficulty of living in Korea lonely and sad, the strength that made them endure a difficult life in Korea, studying Korean and perseverance for long-term stay, living in Korea comfortably and relaxingly, and satisfying life in Korea at a high level.&#x0D; Conclusions The significance of the experience of long-term foreign workers in Korea is as follows. First, it is a qualitative study that explores the life experiences of foreign workers who have been staying for a long time with E-9 status for a long time, and has revealed the phenomenon. Second, in the course of efforts to stay for a long time, it was found that there was psychological pain of emotional loneliness and loneliness among foreign workers. Third, the personal factor of resilience helped me overcome the challenges of living in Korea.

Obstacles to Health Big Data Utilization Based on the Perceptions and Demands of Health Care Workers in South Korea: Web-Based Survey Study.

This study focuses on the potential of health big data in the South Korean context. Despite huge data reserves and pan-government efforts to increase data use, the utilization is limited to public interest research centered in public institutions that have data. To increase the use of health big data, it is necessary to identify and develop measures to meet the various demands for such data from individuals, private companies, and research institutes. The aim of this study was to identify the perceptions of and demands for health big data analysis and use among workers in health care-related occupations and to clarify the obstacles to the use of health big data. From May 8 to May 18, 2022, we conducted a web-based survey among 390 health care-related workers in South Korea. We used Fisher exact test and analysis of variance to estimate the differences among occupations. We expressed the analysis results by item in frequency and percentage and expressed the difficulties in analyzing health big data by mean and standard deviation. The respondents who revealed the need to use health big data in health care work-related fields accounted for 86.4% (337/390); 65.6% (256/390) of the respondents had never used health big data. The lack of awareness about the source of the desired data was the most cited reason for nonuse by 39.6% (153/386) of the respondents. The most cited obstacle to using health big data by the respondents was the difficulty in data integration and expression unit matching, followed by missing value processing and noise removal. Thus, the respondents experienced the greatest difficulty in the data preprocessing stage during the health big data analysis process, regardless of occupation. Approximately 91.8% (358/390) of the participants responded that they were willing to use the system if a system supporting big data analysis was developed. As suggestions for the specific necessary support system, the reporting and provision of appropriate data and expert advice on questions arising during the overall process of big data analysis were mentioned. Our findings indicate respondents' high awareness of and demand for health big data. Our findings also reveal the low utilization of health big data and the need to support health care workers in their analysis and use of such data. Hence, we recommend the development of a customized support system that meets the specific requirements of big data analysis by users such as individuals, nongovernmental agencies, and academia. Our study is significant because it identified important but overlooked failure factors. Thus, it is necessary to prepare practical measures to increase the utilization of health big data in the future.

Spirometry Reference Equations for Asian Migrant Workers in Korea: A Proposal

Spirometry Reference Equations for Asian Migrant Workers in Korea: A Proposal

Social workers’ voluntary political participation: Testing a civic engagement model

Summary With rapidly changing and complex social problems, social workers’ political participation has received increasing attention in promoting social justice and human rights. However, limited studies have examined significant factors that motivate social workers’ voluntary political participation in South Korea. Furthermore, little is known about how significant factors differ by the different types of voluntary political participation. Drawing on the civic engagement model, this study attempted to fill this research gap by analyzing nationally representative data collected from 4,375 social workers in South Korea in 2020. Findings For the resource domain, social workers’ political information was a significant factor to motivate all types of voluntary political participation especially greater for voting and lobbying. For the psychological engagement domain, social workers’ interest in politics was a strong factor in voting and campaigning. Political efficacy was a significant factor in lobbying and protest activities. When social workers had a radical political ideology, they were more likely to engage in protest activities. For the recruitment network domain, social workers’ membership in a political party significantly increased all types of voluntary political participation except for voting. Applications This study suggests that resources, psychological engagement, and recruitment networks are essential for promoting Korean social workers’ voluntary political participation. However, the effects of the three domains can vary across the different types of voluntary political participation Therefore, social workers should receive a wide range of opportunities to learn and engage in varying types of voluntary political participation through effective social work education, organizational support, and community partnerships.