Workplace Health Research Articles (Page 1)

The funeral industry, despite its importance to society, remains under-researched in the context of professional stress. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the psychological issues faced by workers in the Russian funeral industry, including stress factors, consequences for mental health, and coping strategies. A study conducted among Russian funeral service workers identifies specific stressors in this profession, such as social stigmatization, emotional exhaustion, workplace health risks, and exposure to traumatic events. The results of the study show a significant connection between these stressors and the prevalence of psychological issues among employees, such as PTSD and depression. Recommendations for addressing these issues include the implementation of stress management programs and the creation of a supportive corporate culture.

Emotional well-being in the workplace is a critical determinant of employee performance, organizational culture, and long-term sustainability. As businesses evolve amidst economic uncertainties, restructuring, and global crises, the psychological health of employees becomes increasingly vulnerable. This paper examines the multifaceted nature of emotional well-being, offering insights into its definition, measurement, and differentiation from general life satisfaction. It examines the impact of emotional well-being on productivity, identifies key stressors in the workplace, and highlights signs of emotional distress. The role of leadership, emotional intelligence, and training is discussed as foundational to shaping a supportive work environment. Furthermore, real-world case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of well-being programs when implemented with employee input and sustained leadership commitment. Challenges in implementation, particularly in emotionally repressive cultures or resource-limited organizations, are also addressed. This study advocates for a systemic, organization-wide approach to emotional well-being as a vital strategy for enhancing employee satisfaction, engagement, and corporate success. Keywords: Emotional well-being, workplace health, organizational behavior, emotional intelligence, leadership, stress management, employee engagement.

Background: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a leading cause of death in the U.S., yet bystander CPR rates remain low. Strategies are needed to expand CPR training to reach millions, particularly in regions most affected by SCA. In alignment with American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, workplaces represent an underused but well-positioned setting to reach adults at scale. In 2024, the Randomized Cluster Evaluation of Cardiac Arrest Systems (RACE-CARS) trial launched the HeartSafe Workplace (HSW) initiative to deliver large-scale, community-based CPR training through employer engagement. Objectives: This study describes the development, implementation, and early process outcomes of the HSW initiative across 29 county-level sites in the RACE-CARS trial. The primary aim was to assess the feasibility and adoption of a standardized, locally driven program to train and recognize workplaces. Methods: The HSW initiative was co-developed with trial leaders and local stakeholders using two core recognition criteria: 1) commitment to train all employees in hands-only CPR, and 2) maintenance of a cardiac arrest emergency action plan. Criteria were intentionally minimal to encourage behavior change while enabling meaningful improvement. Local pre-hospital SCA leaders (e.g., emergency medical services) led the initiative in each county. A branded toolkit supported startup, training, and recognition. Results: As of June 2025, 51 workplaces across 18 of 29 counties (62%) were recognized. Workplaces included businesses (n=28), government offices (n=12), hospitals (n=7), churches (n=3), and schools (n=1). Adoption spanned counties with varied demographic profiles. Adopting counties had lower median populations than non-adopters (71,280 [IQR: 35,040–117,420] vs. 100,498 [IQR: 33,950–151,682]; p=0.55). Rurality, measured by Rural–Urban Continuum Codes (RUCC), was comparable between groups (mean RUCC: 3.89 [IQR: 2–6] vs. 3.45 [IQR: 2–4]; p=0.93). These findings support feasibility across diverse settings. Conclusion: The HSW initiative offers a feasible, scalable approach to mass CPR education by leveraging workplaces for training. Adoption was more common in smaller counties and occurred across both rural and urban settings, highlighting the initiative’s broad applicability. By engaging local implementers and existing workflows (e.g., employee onboarding), the initiative supports sustainability and aligns with broader AHA efforts to promote workplace wellness and preparedness.

Type 2 diabetes self-management behaviors (SMBs) can be time-consuming, necessitating effective time management strategies. This scoping review synthesized evidence on the role of time and how time is conceptualized in diabetes self-management and identified strategies to address time-related barriers. Forty-eight peer-reviewed studies spanning 25 countries and published between 2013 and 2024 were included. Time scarcity, largely because of family, work, social, and caregiving responsibilities, was consistently identified as a barrier to SMBs, particularly physical activity (50% of studies), general self-management (21%), and dietary modifications (17%). Half of the studies proposed strategies to overcome time constraints, including structured routines, support from family and social networks, workplace accommodations, and digital health technologies. Five studies (10%) tested interventions, all of which used digital technologies. These findings emphasize that time-related barriers are pervasive and limit type 2 diabetes SMBs, highlighting an important consideration for diabetes educators and clinicians. Addressing time-related barriers will require multilevel approaches, including supporting individual time-management skills, leveraging interpersonal networks, and enacting structural changes in health care delivery and workplace policies. Greater investment in interventions, especially those extending beyond digital health, is needed to reduce the impact of time constraints on diabetes self-management.

BackgroundWorkplace settings are increasingly affected by public health issues that impact both physical and mental performance of employees.ObjectiveSince physical exercise (PE) is a powerful tool for enhancing health across multiple dimensions, we aimed to address the physical, and psychological aspects of health and well-being in the workplace to foster a supportive and conducive environment.MethodsThe present case control study was conducted in a metal industry in 2024 in Iran. The data were obtained among 500 workers. Blood parameters, the Health and Safety Executive job stress questionnaire, the NASA Task Load Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index were used to measure workers' health and well-being status. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were the main tests used in this study.ResultsThe results of clinical characteristics in the studied groups indicated that physical exercise significantly increased White Blood Cell (WBC) and platelet counts on one hand, and significantly decreased Body Mass Index (BMI), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), cholesterol, and triglyceride levels on the other hand (p-value < 0.05). Moreover, better psychological performance and work ability were observed among those who exercised regularly (p-value < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicate that regular PE is associated with improvements in BMI, WBC, FBS and lipid profile. Furthermore, PE positively influences occupational stress, cognitive performance, mental workload, and sleep quality. Finally, a holistic strategy for enhancing workplace health, incorporating modifiable health related behavior especially regular physical exercise initiatives, could be customized and implemented in workplaces.

This prospective, observational study examined the overall effectiveness of three online training programs to attenuate mental health concerns, enhance global well-being, and promote workplace wellness. Employees and spouses at a large R1 university self-selected one or more of three interventions. Two included contemplative training and the comparison program did not, allowing us to evaluate the potential contribution of contemplative training to well-being programming. Validated self-report measures were used to assess outcomes at baseline and one-month and one-year follow-up. Among 471 participants who provided baseline and follow-up data, a statistically significant time effect and small and consistent effect sizes were observed for almost all variables. The findings of this real-world study clearly show that contemplative training programs can enhance mental health, well-being, and to a small degree, workplace engagement among university employees.

ABSTRACT The global wellness sector has expanded into a $6.3 trillion industry, encompassing corporate wellness, digital health innovations, wellness tourism, public health policy, and functional medicine. This systematic literature review synthesizes findings from 122 studies, categorizing research into five thematic domains: workplace wellness, wellness tourism, digital health, holistic and functional medicine, and societal wellness. Key challenges identified include the fragmentation of wellness research, commercialization without scientific validation, technological privacy risks, and persistent inequities in access. The study highlights the critical role of digital technologies, AI‐driven wellness tools, and urban planning in shaping future wellness practices. It calls for more rigorous empirical validation, stronger policy frameworks promoting equitable access, and ethical integration of digital solutions. By providing a structured synthesis and identifying future research priorities, this review contributes a comprehensive, interdisciplinary roadmap for advancing evidence‐based, inclusive, and sustainable wellness practices across industries and societies.

The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workplace systems presents both opportunities and challenges for advancing ergonomics. The literature address how AI can be harmonized with ergonomic principles to enhance workplace design, safety, and human well-being. This gap underscores the need for a systematic synthesis of research on AI-driven ergonomic applications. The study aims to (i) analyze the existing body of research on AI-driven ergonomic applications, (ii) construct a conceptual map capturing the intersections of human, technological, and organizational factors, (iii) identify the contributions of key topic experts, and (iv) synthesize emerging themes that define future directions. A comprehensive review was conducted using Scopus AI (25 September 2025). The method involved retrieving and analyzing relevant documents through search strings incorporating terms related to AI, ergonomics, workplace design, and integration. Scopus AI tools such as Summary, Expanded Summary, Concept Map, Topic Experts, and Emerging Themes were applied to identify patterns in research productivity, thematic structures, and knowledge gaps. The findings reveal that AI integration with ergonomics has yielded applications across diverse sectors, including workplace health and safety, smart manufacturing, automotive design, and fashion manufacturing. Consistent themes such as AI in smart manufacturing, human-AI collaboration, and AI in human resource management highlight ongoing advancements, while rising themes such as AI-powered wearable technology, occupational health and safety, and smart building systems indicate new frontiers. Challenges related to ethics, data privacy, workforce readiness, and organizational resistance were also identified. The study provides both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, it expands ergonomic discourse by situating it within human-centered AI frameworks, while practically, it offers insights for organizations seeking to implement AI solutions responsibly. These findings highlight the transformative potential of AI-driven ergonomics while emphasizing the need for ethical, sustainable, and user-centered integration.

Chronic infections such as Helicobacter pylori (Hp), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) significantly contribute to the global cancer burden, necessitating targeted and cost-effective prevention strategies. The Cancer Prevention at Work (CPW) project pioneers an innovative approach by integrating primary prevention interventions into occupational health surveillance (OHS) programs, thus leveraging existing workplace infrastructure for a large-scale impact. CPW aims to screen and treat Hp and HCV infections, and promote HPV vaccination, targeting not only workers but also their household members. CPW aims to support accessibility, facilitate earlier detection, and strengthen cancer prevention at a population level. The project employs a micro-elimination strategy for HCV, supports data-driven risk assessment for Hp and HPV, and promotes evidence-based communication to reduce HPV vaccine hesitancy. A comprehensive data management framework ensures harmonized data collection, integration, and cost-effectiveness analysis, aiming at providing robust evidence for policy recommendations. Through pilot studies conducted across four European countries, CPW assesses the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and economic sustainability, with the potential to inform future occupational cancer prevention initiatives across Europe. This work summarizes the CPW project’s research framework designed to integrate infection-related cancer prevention into workplace health programs across Europe. It details the project’s goals, methods, and discusses the impact on occupational cancer prevention.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnoses have increased significantly in recent years, particularly among adults. Many adults seek a diagnosis to gain personal clarity and access to appropriate support, yet their specific expectations and motivations remain underexplored. This study aims to investigate the hopes and expectations of adults referred for an ASD assessment, focusing on their motives and the broader psychosocial implications of a diagnosis. Sixty adults referred for ASD assessments provided verbal responses to open-ended questions about their expectations, which were recorded by clinicians on paper. Responses were analysed using thematic analysis. Five major themes were generated: Personal Growth, Explanation for Others, Access to Support, Inclusivity and Acceptance, and Progress in Life Domains. Participants frequently sought self-understanding, social validation, and access to workplace or mental health support. The study highlights the need for diagnostic processes to address both the emotional and practical expectations of individuals seeking an autism diagnosis, including pre-assessment counselling and post-diagnosis support. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of adult ASD diagnoses, offering valuable insights for healthcare providers and policymakers.

Shiftworkers are vital to essential industries yet often experience adverse health impacts, including barriers to regular physical activity. Young shiftworkers face additional challenges due to the transitional life stage and the increase of unhealthy behaviours. This study aimed to co-design tailored, evidence-based physical activity resources to support the health and wellbeing of young shiftworkers. A participatory co-design approach was undertaken, involving 48 co-designers, including young, experienced, and former shiftworkers, workplace health and safety professionals, science communicators, and academic experts. Participants attended 1–2 of eight online workshops. Data from the recorded and transcribed workshops informed resource development and included the identification of key physical activity topics and effective communication strategies. A combined inductive and deductive thematic analysis identified 22 unique codes, which were synthesized into five major themes: physical activity basics, impacts of insufficient physical activity, physical activity for shiftworkers, strategies and actions for shiftworkers, and recommendations for workplaces. These themes guided the development of a public-facing website containing evidence-based, context-relevant physical activity resources tailored specifically for young shiftworkers. A motivational and positive framing was consistently endorsed to enhance engagement and support behaviour change. The final resources reflect the diverse perspectives of co-designers and offer a scalable and practical tool to promote physical activity in this priority population. Further research should investigate resource uptake, usability, and behavioural outcomes over time.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, with increasing prevalence in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Academic staff are often exposed to sedentary lifestyles and occupational stress, which may elevate their risk of developing CVDs. Understanding their knowledge and preventive practices is crucial for targeted interventions. This study assessed the knowledge of the types, risk factors, and preventive practices of cardiovascular diseases among academic staff of Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 253 academic staff selected using a two-stage sampling technique. Simple random sampling was used to select seven faculties, while availability sampling was employed to recruit respondents. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results and were presented in tables. The majority of the respondents (58.1%) were male and within the 31–40 age group (36.8%). A high proportion (99.2%) had heard of CVDs, and 86.6% correctly identified a heart attack as a type of CVD. Knowledge of risk factors was high for smoking (99.6%), excessive alcohol intake (98.4%), and unhealthy diets (92.9%), while knowledge was lower for diabetes (6.7%) and obesity (4.0%). Preventive practices such as regular medical checkups were reported by 43.9%, while 54.5% monitored their blood pressure or cholesterol regularly. The internet and social media (53.0%) were the major sources of information, while only 22.1% had attended a health education programme on CVDs at their workplace. However, 78.7% expressed interest in attending future workshops or seminars on CVD prevention. While awareness of CVDs and their risk factors among academic staff was generally high, there were notable gaps in specific knowledge areas and preventive practices. Institutional health education interventions and workplace wellness programs are recommended to bridge these gaps and promote cardiovascular health.

Background: Sleep deprivation has emerged as a major occupational health concern, affecting cognitive efficiency, neurological function, and overall well-being. Among working professionals, chronic lack of restorative sleep contributes to fatigue, impaired decision-making, and declining productivity. Despite growing awareness, limited empirical data exist from regional professional populations linking sleep deprivation with measurable neurological and cognitive outcomes. Objective: To evaluate how chronic sleep deprivation influences neurological functioning, cognitive performance, and overall health outcomes among working professionals in South Punjab. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted over four months involving 380 full-time professionals aged 25–55 years from healthcare, education, corporate, and administrative sectors. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), cognitive performance through the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), neurological alertness via the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT), and overall health using the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression were applied, considering p &lt; 0.05 as statistically significant. Results: A total of 62.6% of participants were identified as poor sleepers (PSQI &gt;5). Poor sleepers had significantly lower mean MoCA scores (21.8 ± 3.4) and prolonged PVT reaction times (392 ± 68 ms) compared to good sleepers (27.3 ± 2.1 and 328 ± 55 ms, respectively, p &lt; 0.001). Sleep duration correlated positively with cognitive performance (r = 0.62) and health outcomes (r = 0.55) while negatively with reaction time (r = –0.58). Sleep duration independently predicted cognitive and health outcomes after controlling for confounders (β = 0.58, p &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: Chronic sleep deprivation among working professionals was strongly associated with impaired cognition, reduced neurological responsiveness, and poorer health status. Promoting adequate sleep and workplace wellness initiatives may help preserve cognitive function and improve occupational health outcomes.

Objectives To investigate the causal relationship between workplace violence and health outcomes among healthcare workers, addressing gaps in evidence on its mechanisms and heterogeneous effects. Methods A nationally representative cohort of 4,255 Chinese healthcare workers was surveyed via four-stage stratified sampling. Causal effects were estimated using multiple linear models and ordered logit model, with robustness checks via propensity score matching and instrumental variables to mitigate endogeneity. Results Workplace violence reduces the probability of healthcare workers experiencing improved health by 12.9% (p = 0.000), with this effect persisting even after considering endogeneity. Physical violence had the most substantial impact, while psychological and verbal violence also contributed. Professional values mediated the effect. Vulnerable subgroups included women, younger workers, lower-ranking staff, and non-tertiary hospital employees. Conclusion This study provides causal evidence that workplace violence undermines the health of healthcare workers, with implications for hospital policies and occupational safety standards. Interventions should prioritize physical violence prevention, support for high-risk groups, and value-based resilience training.

Ergonomic problems, particularly postural disorders resulting from prolonged sitting, are prevalent among workers involved in administrative tasks, computer operations, and public communication activities. Extended sitting durations can cause physical fatigue, impaired blood circulation, and discomfort in the lower back and legs, which may eventually lead to decreased work efficiency and musculoskeletal complaints. This study aims to develop an ergonomic footrest equipped with adjustable features based on users’ anthropometric dimensions to improve comfort and prevent postural strain. Data were collected from 60 office workers, including measurements of sitting height, lower leg length, foot width, and other dimensions related to foot positioning while seated, using standard anthropometric instruments such as an anthropometer, measuring tape, and caliper. Data adequacy and uniformity tests were performed to ensure reliability and consistency, and percentile analysis was applied as a basis for design parameters. The final design resulted in a footrest height of 51.85 cm derived from sitting popliteal height, accommodating 95% of users for optimal posture; a width of 30 cm based on sitting popliteal width; and a length of 50.99 cm based on foot length, ensuring full foot support. The proposed ergonomic footrest design is expected to minimize the risk of postural disorders, enhance user comfort, and support overall workplace health and productivity.

BackgroundThe transtheoretical model (TTM) explains behavior changes through sequential stages influenced by the balance of perceived benefits and barriers. Although previous studies have identified the inhibitors and facilitators of exercise behavior, only a few have elucidated how these factors vary across the stages of behavior change.ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the inhibitors and facilitators of each stage of behavior change using text mining.MethodsA nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using an internet-based questionnaire with a panel of approximately 2 million members. From this panel, 93,460 individuals were randomly selected and invited to participate via email and app push notifications. A total of 1500 valid responses were included in the analysis through stratified sampling based on sex, age group, and geographic region. The participants self-assessed their stages of change. Two open-ended questions captured the perceptions of inhibitors and facilitators of exercise behavior. Text responses were analyzed in a 4-step process: morphological analysis to extract frequently used words, correspondence analysis to visualize relationships between frequently used words and the 5 change stages, conceptual categorization with coding rules, and creation of heat maps to illustrate stage-specific categories in inhibitors and facilitators.ResultsOut of 1500 respondents, 754 (50.3%) were males and 355 (23.7%) individuals were in the 50‐59 age group. Stage percentages were precontemplation 24.3% (365/1500), contemplation 23.5% (352/1500), preparation 21.3% (320/1500), action 5% (75/1500), and maintenance 25.9% (388/1500). The inhibitors and facilitators were described using 9893 words and 8372 words, respectively. Inhibitors clustered into 7 categories; most frequent were time (408/1500, 27.2%), motivation (253/1500, 16.9%), health (189/1500, 12.6%), and working (158/1500, 10.5%). Facilitators formed 8 categories; most frequent were subjectivity (155/1500, 10.3%), relationship (93/1500, 6.2%), opportunity (84/1500, 5.6%), reward (78/1500, 5.2%), and record (78/1500, 5.2%). Stage-specific patterns emerged: inhibitors shifted from motivation and health (precontemplation) to family, time, and working (contemplation and preparation), opportunity (action), and weather and health (maintenance). Facilitators of reward, health, and record rose progressively from precontemplation to maintenance.ConclusionsThis study enhances our understanding of the dynamic mechanisms underlying exercise behavior change by identifying how specific inhibitors and facilitators vary across behavioral stages. The findings underscore the need to tailor interventions based on individuals’ readiness to change, rather than relying on one-size-fits-all strategies. For both practitioners and policymakers, incorporating behavioral stage frameworks into assessments and interventions, such as those conducted during health checkups or workplace programs, may improve the effectiveness and sustainability of physical activity promotion.

Background and ObjectivesProstate cancer (PCa) is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer among men worldwide Insufficient awareness and poor attitudes towards PCa adversely impact early detection efforts among men. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards PCa and its screening among northern Saudi males.MethodsUsing a validated data collection tool, we surveyed 381 males in this cross-sectional study in the Arar and Aljouf regions of Saudi Arabia. We applied Spearman’s test to find the correlation between knowledge and attitude domains. Using the binary logistic regression model, we determined the predictors associated with the knowledge and attitude.ResultsWe found that less than half of the males had high levels of knowledge (37.0%) and attitude (47.5%) towards PCa. Knowledge was significantly higher among those working in the private sector (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.63–4.22, p = 0.003) and among those with a family history of PCa (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.75–2.81, p = 0.017). Significantly lower levels of knowledge are observed in people aged above 55 years (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.53–0.91, p = 0.009) and those residing in rural areas (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.27–0.81, p = 0.007). Regarding attitude, we found that smokers (aOR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.27–0.62, p = 0.001) and those living in rural areas (aOR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.44–0.81, p = 0.004) had significantly lower levels.ConclusionSuboptimal knowledge and attitudes toward PCa screening highlight the need for targeted public health campaigns, workplace education, and rural outreach programs to improve early detection and reduce the burden of PCa.

Disclosure: A. Dixit: None. N. Koduri: None. B. Padamati: None. G. Palaniswamy: None. P.R. Patel: None. A.J. Augustine: None. S. Sahu: None. T. Jain: None. V.A. Mendpara: None.Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, contributing significantly to global mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The impact of low physical activity and occupational risk factors on diabetes burden differs across high-income and low-income countries due to disparities in healthcare access, urbanization, and economic transitions. This study examines trends in diabetes deaths, DALYs, Age-Standardized Mortality Rates (ASMR), and physical inactivity from 1990 to 2021 and projects diabetes mortality up to 2035 using machine learning-based forecasting. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study (1990-2021) was analyzed for World Bank-classified high-income and low-income countries. Metrics included diabetes-related deaths, DALYs, ASMR, and physical inactivity prevalence. A correlation analysis (r = 0.34, p < 0.05) examined the relationship between physical inactivity and diabetes mortality. A Random Forest regression model (R² = 0.79, RMSE = 7.2) was applied to forecast diabetes mortality trend from 2022 to 2035, incorporating historical patterns of low physical activity, DALYs, and ASMR. Results: Diabetes-related deaths increased by 108% globally over three decades, rising from 1.2 million in 1990 to 2.5 million in 2021. Low-income countries experienced a steeper rise in mortality, while high-income nations saw a more gradual increase. ASMR increased from 12.5 to 19.4 per 100,000 in high-income countries and from 17.8 to 29.7 per 100,000 in low-income countries, reflecting widening disparities. DALYs surged from 25.3 million in 1990 to 50.7 million in 2021, with low-income regions now contributing nearly 60% of the global burden. Physical inactivity prevalence increased from 23% to 38% in high-income countries and from 14% to 26% in low-income regions, with moderate correlation to diabetes mortality. Machine Learning-Based Forecasting (2022-2035): The Random Forest model predicts diabetes mortality in high-income countries stabilizing at approximately 91 deaths per 100,000 per year. In low-income countries, deaths are expected to reach 53 per 100,000, though underreporting and urbanization may cause higher actual mortality. DALYs and ASMR are projected to continue rising in low-income regions, reaching 35 per 100,000 by 2035, emphasizing the need for policy intervention. Conclusions: Diabetes mortality and disability will continue to rise, disproportionately affecting low-income countries. Governments should prioritize workplace health programs, diabetes screening, and urban planning interventions to counteract rising inactivity and occupational risks. Strengthening healthcare access and public awareness initiatives is crucial. Future research should integrate obesity, diet, and socioeconomic stressors to refine predictive models and guide global diabetes prevention efforts.Presentation: Monday, July 14, 2025

Abstract Early childhood educators are at high risk of depression and lack access to evidence-based care, which may result in increased multi-level outcomes from child expulsion, impaired educator well-being, workplace turnover, and health care costs. Identifying educators at the highest risk of depression is crucial for targeted intervention and policy, yet research with nationally representative populations is limited. Addressing this gap, we estimated the prevalence of depression among center-based educators with the 2019 National Survey of Early Care and Education Workforce Survey (n = 4,709). Depression was measured with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression-7. We also examined depression prevalence by social characteristics, including gender, parenting role, income, age, marital status, education, and race/ethnicity. We found that 9.6% of educators had depression, compared to 7-8.5% of adults nationwide. Educators who were younger or non-Hispanic had the highest depression risk; marginal significance emerged for those with three or more children under five years old. More research is needed to understand depression after the COVID-19 pandemic, and workplace wellness programs and policy should consider targeting depression interventions towards educators at the highest risk.

Background: Mental health issues among employees are a growing concern globally, particularly in high-stress environments such as Korean workplaces. This study was conducted to analyze the relationships between life stressors and depressive symptoms among Korean employees, focusing on the moderating effects of alcohol consumption and age. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 8432 Korean employees. The participants completed assessments for depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, and seven major life stressors (workplace stress, family relationships, interpersonal conflicts, health problems, financial strain, traumatic events, and mannerisms). Moderation analyses were performed using Hayes' PROCESS macro. Results: The severity of depressive symptoms significantly increased with higher levels of alcohol consumptions. The findings indicated that age moderated the relationship between interpersonal conflict stress and depressive symptoms, suggesting that the association between interpersonal stress and depression was weaker among older individuals. Conversely, alcohol consumption moderated the relationship between traumatic event stress and depressive symptoms, suggesting that higher alcohol use intensifies the impact of traumatic stress on depression. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the complex interactions between life stressors, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms in Korean employees. The findings highlight the need for age-specific mental health interventions and early intervention for excessive alcohol consumption, especially for individuals experiencing traumatic events.