Korean J Occup Health Nurs.  2019 Nov;28(4):208-220. 10.5807/kjohn.2019.28.4.208.

Health Problems and Coping of Workers under Special Employment Relationships: Home-visit Tutors, Insurance Salespersons, and Credit Card Recruiters

• Park B
• Jo Y
• Oh S

• KMID: 2469255
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5807/kjohn.2019.28.4.208

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to determine health problems experienced by workers in special employment relationships (WSER) and identify coping strategies used when such problems occur.
METHODS
This qualitative study used the focus group interview method. Thirteen study participants included five home-visit tutors, five insurance salespersons, and three credit card recruiters. The interviews were conducted from November 2018 through January 2019, with each occupational group interview lasting about 2 hours. Analysis based on phenomenological research was independently performed by two researchers.
RESULTS
Most participants had common health problems involving vocal cord symptoms, and stress related to emotional labor and traffic accidents. The unique health problems included cystitis, musculoskeletal, and digestive symptoms in home-visit tutors; reduced vision and hearing in insurance salespersons; and mental distress in credit card recruiters. There was no protection system for their health coverage, and the company emphasized their self-employed status to avoid taking responsibility for them. Twelve participants did not purchase occupational accident insurance owing to both not having adequate information and economic burden concerning premium status.
CONCLUSION
WSER experienced both physical and mental health problems. These problems were caused by their unstable employment status, and the social security system for their coverage being non-functioning.

Keyword

Occupational health; Employment; Insurance, Accidents; Qualitative research

MeSH Terms

Accidents, Occupational
Accidents, Traffic
Cystitis
Employment*
Focus Groups
Hearing
Humans
Insurance*
Mental Health
Methods
Occupational Groups
Occupational Health
Qualitative Research
Social Security
Vision, Low
Vocal Cords