Journal List > Korean J Occup Environ Med > v.24(4) > 1125611

Park, Lim, Lee, and Chung: The Relationship between the Korean Occupational Stress Scale and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness among Male Firefighters

Abstract

Objectives

This study examined the relationship between job stress and the common carotid intima-media thickness as an indicator of atherosclerosis (cardiovascular disease) among male firefighters in a metropolitan city.

Methods

Between November and December 2011, a total of 838 participants were analyzed using a questionnaire, which included the participants' general characteristics, job-related factors, health-related behaviors, and job stress. Job stress was measured using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale-Short Form (KOSS-SF). The job stress data was merged with the clinical laboratory data and common carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) by a medical examination. The relationship between job stress and the CIMT was examined by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for the general and cardiovascular risk factors revealed, the organizational system (adjusted OR 1.381 95% CI=1.005~1.898) to be associated with the right CIMT. Multiple logistic regression analyses adjusted for general and cardiovascular risk factors and job types, the occupational climate (adjusted OR 1.392, 95% CI=1.009~1.922) was also associated with the right CIMT.

Conclusions

The level of job stress, particularly in regard to the organizaional system, shows a correlation with the right CIMT. Therefore, further preventive efforts and studies of firefighters will be needed to reduce job stress and help prevent cardiovascular disease.

Figures and Tables

Table 1
General and job characteristics of study subjects (N=838)
kjoem-24-420-i001

*standard deviation.

body mass index.

current hypertension medication or systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg.

§current diabetes mellitus medication or Fasting pasma glucose ≥126 mg/dl.

current dyslipidemia medication or Total cholesterol ≥240mg/dl or Triglyceride ≥200 mg/dl.

common carotid intima-media thickness.

Table 2
Common Intima-media thickness by clinical findings and job stress group
kjoem-24-420-i002

*p value by t-test and Chi-square test.

common intima-media thickness.

Table 3
Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for right CIMT by job stress group
kjoem-24-420-i003

*intima-media thickness odds ratio (95% CI) for CIMT were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

model I - adjusted for age and BMI.

model II - adjusted for age, BMI and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia).

§model III - adjusted for age, BMI, cardiovasular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia) and job types.

Table 4
Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for left CIMT by job stress group
kjoem-24-420-i004

*intima-media thickness odds ratio (95% CI) for CIMT were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis.

model I - adjusted for age and BMI.

model II - adjusted for age, BMI and cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia).

§model III - adjusted for age, BMI, cardiovasular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia) and job types.

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