Association between Job-related Factors and Metabolic Syndrome among Male and Female Workers: Using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract

Purpose: This study is performed to help manage the metabolic syndrome in work place by identifying the effect on metabolic syndrome with subjects of Korean adult workers. Methods: Using part of data of "The Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination survey 2nd year (2008)" which center for disease control is investigating. The general characteristics include age, educational level, occupation and marital status as factors affecting the metabolic syndrome of workers in this study. Results: Work-related factors are the working environment in which they are working while they are pressed for time due to work status and overload. If the work status of worker is unpaid family member, the risk is increased by more than twice compared to paid workers. The risk for metabolic syndrome in work environment to work while fighting the clock is decreased compared to the work environment without time pressure. Conclusion: In order to manage the metabolic syndrome of workers, health promotion program to change management of both working condition and working environment can contribute to prevent the metabolic syndrome and ultimately prevent the cerebrocardiovascular diseases.

Differences in Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence by Employment Type and Sex

“…In other words, unhealthy lifestyle has a greater impact on MetS prevalence than differences in socioeconomic status. Thus, the inverse correlation between socioeconomic status and MetS in males was confirmed in previous studies [ 14 , 25 , 32 ]. Among males, non-manual workers with high levels of education and income had the highest risk of MetS, and the higher the socioeconomic status, the higher the risk of MetS [ 25 , 32 ].…”

“…Among males, non-manual workers with high levels of education and income had the highest risk of MetS, and the higher the socioeconomic status, the higher the risk of MetS [ 25 , 32 ]. In addition, male subjects were less likely to have MetS among workers with higher levels of physical activity [ 14 ]. The high prevalence of MetS among office workers is attributed to their long working hours, longer sitting periods, and more exposure to risk factors that can lead to MetS.…”

“…Obesity increases the amount of free fatty acids in the body, which in turn increases insulin resistance, leading to cardiovascular diseases such as diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and hypertension [ 37 ]. Ultimately, the high risk of obesity affects the risk of cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of MetS [ 14 ].…”

“…In previous studies, there was no consensus on the association between job type and MetS prevalence. However, there was a consensus regarding a difference in risk factors affecting MetS prevalence according to sex [ 11 , 13 , 14 ]. However, even if they have the same occupation, health-related characteristics of workers may differ depending on whether the employment is standard or non-standard.…”

Relationship Between Long Working Hours and Metabolic Syndrome Among Korean Workers

“…There is insufficient understanding, however, as to why the health risks associated with single-member households stand out only among males, and future studies in this regard are necessary. Certain forms of labor such as nightshift or shift work are characteristics known to be risk factors of metabolic syndrome in previous studies [24]; however, this study found no statistical significance. This may be because the ratio of workers on night shift or shift work was too low among the participants of this study, compared to those on day shift.…”