Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2012 Dec;24(4):420-430.

The Relationship between the Korean Occupational Stress Scale and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness among Male Firefighters

• Park SJ
• Lim DK
• Lee MY
• Chung IS

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.

Keyword

Carotid intima-media thickness; Job stress; Firefighters

MeSH Terms

Atherosclerosis
Cardiovascular Diseases
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness
Climate
Firefighters
Humans
Logistic Models
Male
Questionnaires
Risk Factors

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