J Korean Med Sci.  2021 May;36(17):e119. 10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e119.

The Occupational Characteristics and Health Status of Workers in Geographically Isolated and Confined Areas in the Republic of Korea

• Ahn J
• Lee J
• Lee SH
• Park MY
• Lee W

• KMID: 2515807
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e119

Abstract

Background
This study investigates the safety and health status of geographically isolated and confined workers.
Methods
This study was conducted in Baekryeong Island in Korea in 2020. The agestandardized prevalence ratios (aSPR) for occupational injury, unmet medical needs, psychological status, and lifestyle were estimated from the available data. Also, we compared the aSPRs of workers in Baekryeong Island with a reference study population who participated in a nationally representative survey in Korea.
Results
The study revealed that Baekryeong Island workers had an increased risk of acquiring health and safety problems compared to the general worker population. The island workers showed a significant increase in unmet medical care (aSPR, 5.319; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.984–6.958) and occupational injury (aSPR, 8.371; 95% CI, 3.820–15.892).
Conclusion
This study identified the safety and health problems of geographically isolated workers in Baekryeong Island. The risk of occupational injury and unmet medical care are simultaneously highlighted in the region's population, thereby underscoring the importance of prevention.

Keyword

Occupational Injuries; Health Status; Employment; Isolated workers; Islands

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 The location of Baekryeong Island.

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