• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.12-26
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• 1998

The occupational health problems are the major issue in the modern industrial society. Especially the small scale industries have many hazardous factors and not any occupational health programs in itself. Fortunately. the government-funded subsidiary program was developed and carried out in the past six years in our country. The purposes of this study were to find out the actual condition of the occupational health personnel's accomplishments for the government-funded subsidiary program for small scale industries and to provide basic data for setting up more developed subsidiary occupational health program. Data were collected through 6 kinds of service records review. These service records were written by 3 occupational health personnels were attached to the one subject center of KIHA. were undertaken during March to December, 1997. at 95 small scale industries which were applied the government-funded subsidiary occupational health program. Results were as follows 1. Concerning 95 small scale industries showed characteristics of a typical small scale industry. 2. A doctor visited in industries total 190 times per year, average 19 industries per month, twice per year and industry. A hygienist visited in industries total 378 times per year, average 38 industries per month, four times per year and industry. A nurse visited in industries total 477 times per year. average 47 industries per month, 5 times per year and industry. 3. 3 occupational health personnels accomplished total 3,869 items. A doctor accomplished total 539 items per year, each time 3 items In an industry. A hygienist accomplished total 1.581 items per year, each time 4 items in an industry. A nurse accomplished total 1.749 items per year, each time 4 items in an industry. 4. The major contents of doctor's accomplishment were 'health consultation for suspicious worker with general & occupational disease', 'a check of the workplace & special health education', 'guidance of special medical examination in the second half of year', etc. The major contents of hygienist's accomplishment were 'pretest & guidance of planning for evaluation of working environment'. 'evaluation for ventilating facilities & suporting self inspection', 'guidance of MSDS recording & chemicals management', etc. The major contents of nurse's accamplishment were 'health counseling of general & special medical examination results'. 'health education of preventing occupational disease & health disorder'. 'guidance of subsidiary program planning', 'selecting & guidance of health monitor', etc. It was concluded that the occupaional health personnels implemented the subsidiary program according to the order of health management guide. The current health management guide of subsidiary occupational health program in which the fixed contents, visiting number & periods is not desirable. That guide is left the characteristics of small scale industries out of consideration. It is suggested that occupational health management guide should be developed according to the general & environmental characteristics of each small scale industry, and on the other hand, the more specific guide for each occupational health personnel should be developed.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-40
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• 2016

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to examine the differences in need, necessity, performance, barriers, and effectiveness of workers' health promotion program and to determine the influencing factors in effectiveness of workers' health promotion program by business types. Methods: Subjects were participants of an education held by Korean association of occupational health nurses and a survey was self-reported. Survey items were developed by researchers through literature review. It included general characteristics of occupational health providers and worksites, need, necessity, performance, barriers and effectiveness of workers' health promotion (WHP) program. The total number of worksites was 168, manufacturing/construction was 76 (45.2%), other services were 52 (31.0%), and healthcare services were 40 (23.8%). We used ${\chi}^2test$, ANOVA test, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Results: There were differences in need, necessity and performance of WHP by business types. In healthcare services, WHP had statistically significant effectiveness to reduce turnover rates. And the influencing factors of WHP's effectiveness were workers' need in manufacturing/construction, health provider's career in other services, and perceived necessity in healthcare services. Conclusion: Based on this result, we propose differentiated strategies depending on the business types for effective workers' health promotion program.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.172-179
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• 2018

Background: Insufficient training in infection control and occupational health among healthcare workers (HCWs) in countries with high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) burdens requires attention. We examined the effectiveness of a 1-year Certificate Program in Occupational Health and Infection Control conducted in Free State Province, South Africa in an international partnership to empower HCWs to become change agents to promote workplace-based HIV and TB prevention. Methods: Questionnaires assessing reactions to the program and Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, and Practices were collected pre-, mid-, and postprogram. Individual interviews, group project evaluations, and participant observation were also conducted. Quantitative data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Qualitative data were thematically coded and analyzed using the Kirkpatrick framework. Results: Participants recruited (n = 32) were mostly female (81%) and nurses (56%). Pre-to-post-program mean scores improved in knowledge (+12%, p = 0.002) and skills/practices (+14%, p = 0.002). Preprogram attitude scores were high but did not change. Participants felt empowered and demonstrated attitudinal improvements regarding HIV, TB, infection control, and occupational health. Successful projects were indeed implemented. However, participants encountered considerable difficulties in trying to sustain improvement, due largely to lack of pre-existing knowledge and experience, combined with inadequate staffing and insufficient management support. Conclusion: Training is essential to strengthen HCWs' occupational health and infection control knowledge, attitudes, skills, and practices, and workplace-based training programs such as this can yield impressive results. However, the considerable mentorship resources required for such programs and the substantial infrastructural supports needed for implementation and sustainability of improvements in settings without pre-existing experience in such endeavors should not be underestimated.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.242-251
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• 2009

Purpose: To confirm the effect of tailored life style improvement program, provided by occupational health nurse for hypertensive workers on their blood pressure, self-efficacy, and life style changes in workplace. Method: The experimental and control group of thirty subjects each were randomly assigned for those who agreed to participate in the study among the pre-hypertensive workers. The tailored life style improvement program was provided to the experimental group and conducted once a week for 8 weeks. This program was composed of exercise and low salt diet to control high blood pressure and weight, and the measurement of carbon monoxide for non-smoking inducement. Result: In the experimental group, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure significantly decreased while self-efficacy increased after the program compared to the control group. Smoking and drinking habits of the experimental group were significantly decreased whereas exercise and nutritional habits were significantly improved compared to the control group. Conclusion: The tailored life style improvement program provided by occupational health nurses for the hypertensive workers was positively affected on their blood pressure, self-efficacy and life style changes in workplace.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.526-532
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• 2020

Background: The high incidence of work-related diseases and injuries among day-laborers and workers with no legal contracts (informal workers) has received the attention of the Thai authorities. Workers' low occupational health literacy (OHL) has been reasoned as one contributing factor. Absence of a valid tool has prevented assessment of informal workers' OHL. The aim of this study was to create a valid and reliable Occupational Health Literacy Scale within the context of Thai working culture (TOHLS-IF). Methods: This study used the mixed method approach to develop TOHLS-IF. Questions were generated using in-depth interviews and an extensive review of the literature. Experts' assessment confirmed the content validity of TOHLS-IF. The scales of its psychometric properties were assessed in a sample of 400 informal workers using cluster random sampling. Results: The final version of the TOHLS-IF comprises 38 items within 4 dimensions: Ability to Gain Access, Understanding, Evaluation, and Use of occupational health and safety information. Factor analysis identified items explaining 50.22% of the total variance. The final confirmatory analysis confirmed the model estimates were satisfactory for the construct. TOHLS-IF demonstrated a high internal consistency and satisfactory reliability (Cronbach's alpha = .98). Conclusion: The TOHLS-IF is a valid and reliable instrument to assess informal workers' OHL. The structural dimensions of this instrument are based on the concept of health literacy and Thai culture. Thai health professionals are encouraged to benefit from this instrument to assess their workers' OHL and apply findings as guidelines for effective occupational health and safety interventions.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.147-159
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• 2000

The NIOSH health hazard evaluation program (HHE program) was created in response to the mandate to determine the toxic effect and potential health hazard of workplace exposure, which is found in Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, A primary benefit of HHE program is its ability to provide current health hazard data to employers and employees, which assists them in identifying solutions to occupational health and safety problems in their workplaces, The HHE program also stimulates research in the development and review of sampling methods and diagnostic tests and may prompt additional exposure assesment efforts and toxicological and epidemiological studies. HHE projects also provide human exposure-toxicity data that are used to asses the validity of existing occupational health standards and to support criteria for new standards of recommendation, The HHE request is classified into four categories: 1) category 1: As a administratively invalid, 2) category 2: These are valid requests for which a site visit is not essential to an appropriate response, 3) Category 3 : These are valid requests for which a site visit is necessary for an adequate evaluation, 4) These are valid request which present a complex problem or an opportunity for research, To carry out HHE program one or methods of investigation might be used: 1) direct observation and evaluation of production processes and employee work practices 2) employees exposure level and air contamination level 3) medical test or physical examinations of employees 4) private, confidential interviews with employees 5) review of employer's record of injuries and illness, employee exposure data, medical tests and job histories. After investigation and analysing the data, NIOSH issues a final report, giving finding and recommendation.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.83-96
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• 1998

The study was conducted to analyze employees' and employers' awareness of occupational health programs for the purpose of evaluating the effectiveness of the program employed in small-scale enterprises (SSE). The 400 SSE that have under 50 employees and have been supported by the Government were selected for mail survey, and 120 employers and 318 employees of 183 factories returned the questionnaires. The results are as follows; 1) 33.8% of employees were not aware of the fact that their factories have been supported by Government, and 69.1% of employees did not know who was the monitor of that program. Only 147% of employees and 35.5% of employers agreed that the supported program reflected their opinions well. 2) 45.1% of employees participated in health education classes more than once. But only 15.6% of them considered the classes as very helpful. 21.1% of employers were much aware of health education schedule, and 44.2% reported that it was helpful for the prevention of occupational diseases. 3) 68.8% of employers were aware of the possibility of occupational diseases that could occur in their factories. And 36.5% of employers reported that some criteria were used for job reallocation to their employees. But only 9.7% of employees were assigned new job based on the result of health status examination. 4) 65.6% of employees were aware of the periodic evaluation for work environment, and 43.3% knew the evaluation results. Among participated SSE, 5.9% have a planning department for improving work environment, and 46.2% actually carried out the program for improving work environment. The findings showed that the employers and employees of SSE had insufficient knowledge of the occupational health program that have been employed in their workplace. It is essential to lead more active participation of employers and employees in their occupational health programs so as that the programs are to improve their health status as well as work environment more effectively.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.115-129
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• 1999

This study was conducted to investigate the kinds of health promotion program which workers want, worker's intention for participation, proper method, time, duration and manager. A self-administered questionnaire method was used to collect data from 412 employees of 3 worksites in Chungpook and Kyungkee. This survey was carried out from Aug. 10 to Aug. 20, 1998. The results of this study are as follows: 1. In male, among health promotion programs, favorite ones were physical fitness(32.2%), periodic health check-up(24.6%), and stress management(18.0%). In female, among health promotion programs, favorite ones were periodic health check-up(26.0%), physical fitness(22.0%), and body weight control(19.5%). 2. The more young subjects are, the more they like physical fitness program, and the female like body weight control program regardless of BMI. Manufacturing worker preferred back pain prevention program to clerical worker did. In female, drinker preferred stress management program to non-drinker did. 3. The more old subjects are, the more they like back pain prevention program, and non-smoker preferred body weight control program to smoker did. 4. In health promotion program format which the subjects wanted, learning of self-examination techniques was 41.1%, worksite screening was 3l.0%, availability of pamphlets and audiovisual materials was 20.0%, presentation of worksite educational sessions was 7.9%, and the most wanted manager for the program was medical doctor and then nurse, physical trainer, psychological counselor. The favorite health promotion program duration was less than 30 minutes(49.6%), and the favorite time was before work(49.6%). 5. Among respondents, 48.5% was smokers, 81.8% was drinkers, 39.9% engaged in the regular exercise, 68.2% engaged in regular diet habit. In vaccination, 50.2%, if possible, wanted to be vaccinated and 37.6% never wanted to be vaccinated. 6. Ex-smoker, ex-drinker, the subjects in the regular exercise, and in the regular diet habit responded they were in good health. There was a significant difference between exercise and health status. Need and intention for participation of health promotion program were high in ex-smoker, ex-drinker, the subjects in the regular exercise, and in the regular diet habit. According to results for this study, if the favorite programs, exercise, periodic health check-up, stress management program, are operated at a proper time and with managers they want, this programs can really raise the participation of employees. And as employees want to learn self-examination techniques if worksite educational sessions are performed, health promotion program can effectively be operated.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.188-198
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• 2016

Purpose: The present study was conducted to examine the effects of a health counseling program by occupational health nurses on the unemployed visiting the Employment Welfare Plus Center. Methods: The one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The study presented a secondary analysis of the data collected in a health counseling program run by occupational health nurses for the unemployed visiting the Employment Welfare Plus Center. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Shapiro-Wilk test, ${\chi}^2$ test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to analyze 158 data collected between October 5, 2015 and January 5, 2016. Results: After the intervention, the participants showed a significant decrease in the level of stress index (uBioMacpa), stress (discomfort), musculoskeletal pain and depression. In addition, the participants showed a significant increase in self-rated general health, exercise and regular eating behavior. Conclusion: The health counseling program offered by occupational health nurses is an effective intervention to improve the physical and mental health of the unemployed individuals visiting the Employment Welfare Plus Center.

• Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.13-21
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• 2010

The occupational safety and health expenses in construction since 1988 has contributed significantly to the reduction of injury occurrence rate. But accounted basis and criteria used of the occupational safety and health expenses have been pointed out so many issues. The purpose of this study, perform analysis of the effectiveness of the occupational safety and health expenses through the reviewing of several issues about the current system and analysis of existing statistical data. Based on the result of the research, it is concluded that the contribution survey of the occupational safety and health expenses on the safety accident prevention program qualitatively evaluated as an average of 4.39(standard deviatin 0.652) on the five point scale based was very positive.