Occupational Health

13 pages, 642 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Occupational Awareness of Airborne Microplastics in the Dry-Cleaning and Laundry Industry

by Chanmi Lee, Grant L. Kassan and Inkyu Han

Occup. Health 2026, 1(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1030028 - 2 Jul 2026

Workers in dry-cleaning and laundry shops routinely handle large volumes of synthetic garments that shed airborne microplastics, potentially creating an underrecognized occupational exposure in this small-business sector. Despite growing concern about microplastics in environmental health research, little is known about their recognition as [...] Read more.

Workers in dry-cleaning and laundry shops routinely handle large volumes of synthetic garments that shed airborne microplastics, potentially creating an underrecognized occupational exposure in this small-business sector. Despite growing concern about microplastics in environmental health research, little is known about their recognition as an occupational hazard among service-sector workers. This pilot study assessed awareness and knowledge of microplastics among dry-cleaning and laundry workers in Philadelphia and examined their associations with workplace protective practices. We collected information on workplace characteristics, microplastics awareness, knowledge, and personal protective equipment (PPE) use from 34 self-employed workers. Approximately one-third of participants had heard of microplastics, and those who were aware demonstrated higher knowledge scores (median: 71) than those who were unaware (median: 27). However, neither awareness nor knowledge was associated with PPE use. These findings suggest that microplastics remain an overlooked occupational hazard and underscore the need for enhanced occupational health education and worker protection efforts. Full article

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13 pages, 248 KB

Open AccessArticle

by Shinhao Yang, Chi-Yu Chuang, Kun-Che Lee, Hsiao-Chien Huang, Ying-Fang Hsu, Chun-Yao Wang and Chiou-Jong Chen

Occup. Health 2026, 1(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1030027 - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study employed a quantitatively driven mixed-methods approach to investigate crop-specific musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevalence and ergonomic risks among Taiwanese watermelon farmers, comparing them with pear (canopy-based) and pineapple (static-stooping) cohorts. A total of 218 participants were recruited (60 watermelon, 60 pear, 63 [...] Read more.

This study employed a quantitatively driven mixed-methods approach to investigate crop-specific musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevalence and ergonomic risks among Taiwanese watermelon farmers, comparing them with pear (canopy-based) and pineapple (static-stooping) cohorts. A total of 218 participants were recruited (60 watermelon, 60 pear, 63 pineapple, and 35 non-farmers). Structured questionnaires quantified MSD prevalence and ergonomic exposures, while qualitative interviews provided a supportive operational context. Watermelon farmers reported a prominent lower-limb dominant discomfort profile, with a hip/thigh disorder prevalence (36.7%) significantly higher than pear (13.1%) and pineapple (11.1%) farmers. Multivariate logistic regression showed that daily working hours (aOR = 1.38) and uncomfortable posture duration (aOR = 1.33) were independent predictors of hip/thigh disorders. This elevated prevalence may be associated with the combined effects of prolonged deep squatting, dynamic heavy lifting, and unstable sandy terrain. Furthermore, low personal protective equipment adoption was primarily related to environmental incompatibility (sand accumulation and thermal stress). Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, these findings highlight the need for targeted, crop-specific ergonomic interventions, such as breathable, sand-resistant joint supports. Full article

18 pages, 1741 KB

Open AccessArticle

Rest Interval Modeling for Repetitive Lifting Using Task Characteristics

by Vamsi Pusapati, Srikanth Sagar Bangaru, David Imuetinyan, Fereydoun Aghazadeh and Chao Wang

Occup. Health 2026, 1(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1030026 - 29 Jun 2026

Abstract

Overexertion, usually caused by manual material handling (MMH), often leads to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These can be prevented during MMH tasks by redesigning them to include sufficient rest periods. Task characteristics play an important role in the redesign of the job. This [...] Read more.

Overexertion, usually caused by manual material handling (MMH), often leads to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These can be prevented during MMH tasks by redesigning them to include sufficient rest periods. Task characteristics play an important role in the redesign of the job. This study evaluated the effect of five task characteristics—weight, duration, frequency, distance, and angle of symmetry—at two levels on the maximum voluntary contraction recovery rate (Muscle Voluntary Contraction Recovery Time (MVCRT), defined as the time required for the muscle to recover to 80% of the initial Maximum Voluntary Contraction (MVC) value) of the muscles and developed a work-rest interval model based on these task characteristics. The results show that the weight and duration had a significant effect on MVCRT, increasing it by 32% and 21%, respectively. The interaction between frequency and distance also significantly impacted MVCRT. A simplified mathematical model was developed and validated by comparing a set of the model-generated data with experimental data. The simplified regression model demonstrated moderate predictive capability with an R² value of 0.52. The ANOVA shows no significant difference between the data. The study’s results and mathematical models can be used during task design to reduce WMSDs. Because approximately 48% of the variability in MVCRT remained unexplained, direct application of the model to establish worker-specific work-rest intervals may result in underestimation or overestimation of recovery requirements. Therefore, the model should be interpreted as a preliminary estimation framework. Full article

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15 pages, 2010 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Evolution of AMA Guides Sixth Edition Digital: Editorial Reform, Continuous Refinements, and System-Specific Advances (2019–2025)

by Douglas Wayne Martin, J. Mark Melhorn and Barry Gelinas

Occup. Health 2026, 1(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1030025 - 26 Jun 2026

Abstract

The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Sixth Edition, have undergone a substantial transformation from a static publication to a continuously refined digital resource. This transition reflects both the rapid evolution of medical knowledge and longstanding concerns regarding the usability, [...] Read more.

The AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, Sixth Edition, have undergone a substantial transformation from a static publication to a continuously refined digital resource. This transition reflects both the rapid evolution of medical knowledge and longstanding concerns regarding the usability, consistency, and reproducibility of impairment ratings. Central to this transformation was the establishment of the AMA Guides Editorial Panel in 2019, which introduced a structured governance framework and evidence-based methodology for ongoing refinement. Unlike prior editions that relied on periodic print revisions, AMA Guides Digital permits continuous updating of individual chapters as new scientific evidence and clinical practices emerge. This narrative review examines the historical evolution of the AMA Guides, the development of AMA Guides Digital, the governance and methodological contributions of the Editorial Panel, and major system-specific refinements implemented between 2021 and 2025. Particular emphasis is placed on the Mental and Behavioral Disorders chapter (2021), the Nervous System chapter (2023), the Musculoskeletal chapters (2024), and the Pulmonary chapter (2025). These developments demonstrate a broader shift toward transparency, methodological rigor, harmonization across body systems, and alignment with contemporary clinical practice while maintaining continuity with the foundational principles of the Sixth Edition. The transition to a continuously refined digital model represents a paradigm shift in impairment evaluation with important implications for clinical, occupational, and medicolegal practice. Full article

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16 pages, 1173 KB

Open AccessArticle

Burnout Among Psychologists: Direct Effects of Work Engagement and the Absence of Mediation by Areas of Worklife

by João Hipólito, Tito Laneiro, Samuel Antunes and Yohana Fritsche

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020024 - 10 Jun 2026

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to investigate the association between areas of worklife and work engagement in the development of burnout syndrome among self-employed and institutionally employed psychologists. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, three scales validated for the Brazilian population were [...] Read more.

The main aim of this study was to investigate the association between areas of worklife and work engagement in the development of burnout syndrome among self-employed and institutionally employed psychologists. Using a cross-sectional quantitative design, three scales validated for the Brazilian population were applied: the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS), and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). A total of 180 psychology professionals participated, with a predominance of women participants (88.3%); the majority were aged between 24 and 29 years. The hypothesized relationships among variables were tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results revealed a strong negative correlation between BAT domains and dimensions assessed by the UWES, confirming the inverse association between engagement and burnout. A positive association between areas of worklife and engagement was also confirmed. However, no negative association between areas of worklife and burnout was found, and no evidence supported a mediating role of these areas in the relationship between engagement and burnout. Although areas of worklife independently influenced both engagement and burnout, their mediating role in this relationship was not supported by the data. These findings point to the complexity of the interactions among these variables and indicate relevant directions for future research. Full article

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21 pages, 314 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modification and Psychometric Testing of the German-Language Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ-R) in Occupational Dermatological Rehabilitation

by Michaela Ludewig, Annika Wilke, Julia Meyer, Swen Malte John and Marc Rocholl

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020023 - 5 Jun 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims at the modification and psychometric evaluation of the “revised Illness Perception Questionnaire” (IPQ-R) for occupational dermatological rehabilitation. Methods: First, the questionnaire was modified for application in occupational dermatology. Subsequently, 254 patients of an inpatient rehabilitation programme participated in a [...] Read more.

Purpose: This study aims at the modification and psychometric evaluation of the “revised Illness Perception Questionnaire” (IPQ-R) for occupational dermatological rehabilitation. Methods: First, the questionnaire was modified for application in occupational dermatology. Subsequently, 254 patients of an inpatient rehabilitation programme participated in a cross-sectional survey. Afterwards, the dimensional analysis of the IPQ-R was conducted using principal component analysis. Separate analyses were conducted for the illness representations and the causal attribution scale. Results: A total of 228 participants were included in the analysis (age: M = 48.2 years; SD = 12.0; 53.9% female). The patient acceptance of the questionnaire was high (response rate 87.3%; rate of completion between 92.5% and 98.4%, N = 254). The IPQ-R for occupational dermatology consists of 29 items in the domain of illness representations, which include seven factors (illness coherence, emotional representations, consequences: implications for the structuring of own life, consequences: financial and social impacts, treatment control, personal control, and timeline acute/chronic). Six of these scales have acceptable-to-good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.72–0.84); for one scale, the internal consistency is Cronbach’s α = 0.66. A separate analysis of the causes resulted in eight factors (psychological causes at work and during leisure time, attributions outside the workplace, skin cleansing and skin protection measures, behaviour-related risk factors, causes at work, other risk factors, external factors that cannot be influenced by the person, and climatic influences) with a total of 30 items. Five of the eight scales have an acceptable-to-good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α 0.71–0.83), and three scales are just below the acceptable range (Cronbach’s α 0.63–0.66). Conclusion: Overall, the initial psychometric results of the IPQ-R for occupational dermatology were satisfactory. However, additional validation steps are still required. The following differences to the original model should be considered when interpreting the available results: the factor “timeline cyclical” could not be replicated in this field of application. Additionally, two factors with different thematic emphases in the “consequences” section, besides effects on the personal way of life, social and financial consequences, became visible as well. Full article

22 pages, 1399 KB

Open AccessReview

Shifts in Research Focus on Factors Associated with Burnout Among Nurse Managers Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Integrative Review

by Mizuka Matsumoto, Yukari Hara, Thomas Mayers and Tomoko Omiya

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020022 - 2 Jun 2026

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified concerns about burnout in healthcare leadership, yet evidence specific to nurse managers remains fragmented. This integrative review synthesized recent research, organized burnout-associated factors using the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model, and examined pre-pandemic and pandemic-era shifts in research focus. Following [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified concerns about burnout in healthcare leadership, yet evidence specific to nurse managers remains fragmented. This integrative review synthesized recent research, organized burnout-associated factors using the Job Demands–Resources (JD–R) model, and examined pre-pandemic and pandemic-era shifts in research focus. Following Whittemore and Knafl’s methodology, four databases (Ichushi-Web, PubMed, CINAHL, and MEDLINE) were searched for peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies published from 1 April 2019 to 31 August 2025 that examined burnout levels, prevalence, or related factors among nurse managers. Extracted findings were mapped to Job demands, Job resources, and Personal resources and compared according to the data-collection period. Twenty-five studies were included, with substantial heterogeneity in burnout instruments and cutoff values. Core job demands related to managerial responsibility, workload, and resource management were identified throughout the literature, while pandemic-era studies additionally highlighted frequent protocol changes, heightened uncertainty, and fear of infection. Key resources included organizational support, positive team communication, peer support, and adequate workload and material resources, and resilience was more frequently reported in pandemic-era studies. Overall, the findings demonstrate how crisis-related shifts in demands and resources shape burnout risk among nurse managers and support the application of JD–R–informed, context-adaptive prevention strategies. They also underscore the need for standardized burnout assessment and more robust interventional and longitudinal research. Full article

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12 pages, 346 KB

Open AccessArticle

Workplace Harassment and All-Cause Mortality in a Longitudinal Cohort over a 24-Year Period

by Kathleen M. Rospenda, Sally Freels, Timothy P. Johnson and Judith A. Richman

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020021 - 1 Jun 2026

Abstract

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of sexual and generalized harassment in the workplace on risk for all-cause mortality in a sample (n = 1745) originally drawn from a university workplace and followed over a 24-year period after [...] Read more.

The objective of this research was to examine the effects of sexual and generalized harassment in the workplace on risk for all-cause mortality in a sample (n = 1745) originally drawn from a university workplace and followed over a 24-year period after baseline. Eleven timepoints of data on self-reported workplace harassment were collected between October 1996 and February 2021, at time intervals ranging from one year to 13 years, and linked to mortality data (n = 249 deaths) from the National Death Index through December 2021. We used proportional hazards modeling to examine the risk for all-cause mortality associated with workplace harassment (as measured by a modified version of the Sexual Experiences Questionnaire and the Generalized Workplace Harassment Questionnaire) occurring in the previous time period. We also examined differential risk by gender for White and Black study participants. In fully adjusted models, experiencing generalized harassment (GH) was associated with significantly increased hazard of mortality at the next time point for White women (HR = 1.03, p < 0.01). Experiencing sexual harassment (SH) was associated with a trend-level increase in the hazard of next-time-point mortality for Black women (HR = 1.05, p = 0.09). Neither SH nor GH was associated with increased hazard of mortality for men. Workplace interventions to address harassment, stronger enforcement of sexual harassment policy and law, and enactment of policy and law to prevent generalized harassment and bullying may contribute to the reduction of all-cause mortality among working women. Full article

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16 pages, 708 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Machine Learning-Assisted Ergonomic Predictor Ranking Among Brazilian Teleworkers

by Maria do Carmo Baracho de Alencar, Irenilza de Alencar Naas, Nilson Rogério da Silva and Florentino Serranheira

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020020 - 28 May 2026

Abstract

(1) Background: The global expansion of teleworking has increased concern regarding musculoskeletal pain associated with home-based working conditions. This study quantified the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among Brazilian teleworkers and explored ergonomic and environmental factors associated with the distribution of physical symptoms and [...] Read more.

(1) Background: The global expansion of teleworking has increased concern regarding musculoskeletal pain associated with home-based working conditions. This study quantified the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among Brazilian teleworkers and explored ergonomic and environmental factors associated with the distribution of physical symptoms and the multisite pain burden. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and August 2024, analyzing 184 valid responses from teleworkers across various professional sectors. Data were collected via an online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic characteristics, workstation ergonomics, and musculoskeletal symptoms using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Statistical analyses included Pearson’s chi-square tests, logistic regression, and exploratory Random Forest modeling to prioritize predictors. (3) Results: Musculoskeletal pain was reported by 74% of participants, with the lower back (40.8%), neck (36.4%), and upper back (30.4%) being the most frequently affected anatomical regions. The primary ergonomic and environmental factors associated with pain reports included discomfort with the desk and mouse, suboptimal thermal comfort, and prolonged sitting. Odds ratios demonstrated strong statistical co-occurrence between recent and 12-month pain reports, particularly for the shoulders, reflecting overlapping recall indicators rather than temporal symptom progression. (4) Conclusions: Musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among Brazilian teleworkers, showing clear links to localized workstation inadequacies and overlapping short- and long-term symptom reporting. These findings highlight the need for targeted institutional occupational health policies, such as ergonomics training and adjustable furniture provision, while future longitudinal research remains essential to confirm causal pathways. Full article

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14 pages, 1180 KB

Open AccessArticle

Prevention of Explosive Atmospheres Through the Controlled Application of Flammable Products to Surfaces: Field Analysis Implementing ATEX Standards

by Jesús Manuel Ballesteros-Álvarez, Álvaro Romero-Barriuso, Blasa María Villena-Escribano and Ángel Rodríguez-Sáiz

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020019 - 6 May 2026

Abstract

In architecture and construction, it is common practice to use acrylic products with a high flammable content, ranging from lacquers designed to improve the curing of concrete and mortar to resins that provide protection, sealing, flexibility, and elasticity. The drying process of the [...] Read more.

In architecture and construction, it is common practice to use acrylic products with a high flammable content, ranging from lacquers designed to improve the curing of concrete and mortar to resins that provide protection, sealing, flexibility, and elasticity. The drying process of the treated surface involves the formation of vapours of volatile organic compounds (VOCs); to prevent these from creating a potentially hazardous flammable atmosphere, a procedure is presented that establishes the maximum application rate for solvent-based products, providing equations that relate the maximum application area and the minimum drying time to the available air velocity in the work area. The results are provided for both indoor and outdoor applications. A maximum application rate is established to prevent the creation of areas classified as fire or explosion hazards: 1.5 m²/h indoors and 1 m²/h outdoors. When this is carried out at an ambient temperature of 20 °C, and from 40 °C upwards, it is not possible to apply the varnishes in practice without creating a flammable atmosphere. Full article

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20 pages, 343 KB

Open AccessArticle

Access to Mental Health Services: Precariously Employed Workers Experiencing Anxiety or Depression Encounter Barriers When Seeking Care

by Virginia Gunn, Patricia O’Campo, Melissa Perri, Pearl Buhariwala, Wayne Lewchuk, Theo Bodin, Sherry Baron and Carles Muntaner

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020018 - 27 Apr 2026

Abstract

Background: This study synthesizes findings on precariously employed workers’ self-reported feelings of severe or extreme anxiety and depression, along with their experiences accessing mental health services. Methods: This mixed-methods research included surveys (N = 259) and interviews (N = 40) with precariously employed [...] Read more.

Background: This study synthesizes findings on precariously employed workers’ self-reported feelings of severe or extreme anxiety and depression, along with their experiences accessing mental health services. Methods: This mixed-methods research included surveys (N = 259) and interviews (N = 40) with precariously employed workers in Ontario, Canada, conducted from November 2020 to July 2021. Inclusion criteria included: (i) not being directly employed, being self-employed, or a gig worker; (ii) not working full-time; (iii) not holding a permanent or open-ended contract; (iv) performing informal work; or (v) being recently unemployed. Results: The adjusted, statistically significant odds of reporting severe or extreme anxiety or depression were higher among workers with greater precarity (2.28), self-employed workers with no employees (3.61), gig or platform workers (3.08), workers earning less than 60% of the median income (2.75), and those unsure whether their hours would vary in the next three months (2.59). The odds were lower (0.22) for workers with some or little income variation in the previous three months. Interview participants described chronic stress, worry, anxiety, depression, and overall negative wellbeing linked to their precarious employment. Despite an increased need for mental health services, participants reported similar difficulties accessing them. Interpretation: To improve access to mental health services, sustainable intersectoral solutions with demonstrated potential are required, including increasing social and health expenditures, revising labor market legislation, and reorganizing the delivery of employer-dependent health services. Recommendations are made for solutions at various levels, including those that could be adopted by medical practitioners. Full article

22 pages, 9719 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mindful Attention Training Workshop for Firefighters

by Antoine Lebeaut, Maya Zegel, Samuel J. Buser and Anka A. Vujanovic

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020017 - 23 Apr 2026

Cited by 1

Abstract

Firefighters are regularly exposed to occupational stress and potentially traumatic events. However, few evidence-based, fire service-specific interventions exist. Brief, mindfulness-based interventions may help address these challenges by improving regulation skills and reducing psychological distress. This pilot randomized controlled trial primarily evaluated the feasibility [...] Read more.

Firefighters are regularly exposed to occupational stress and potentially traumatic events. However, few evidence-based, fire service-specific interventions exist. Brief, mindfulness-based interventions may help address these challenges by improving regulation skills and reducing psychological distress. This pilot randomized controlled trial primarily evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a one-session, group-based, virtual mindful attention training workshop developed specifically for firefighters, with secondary evaluation of preliminary efficacy. Firefighters (N = 82) were recruited from multiple fire departments across a large U.S. Southwestern metropolitan area and randomized to the mindful attention workshop (n = 45) or a waitlist control condition (n = 37). Feasibility outcomes were mixed, with strong enrollment among eligible participants (74.5%) but relatively low workshop attendance among those randomized to the intervention (53.3%). A total of 24 firefighters completed the workshop and found it to be helpful, informative, and relevant to the challenges faced in the fire service, with group processes characterized by high comfort, understanding, and low conflict. However, no significant between-group differences were observed in reductions in symptom severity or increases in mindfulness-based outcomes. Post hoc descriptive analyses revealed that most firefighters expressed strong interest in digitally delivered mental health content and the vast majority perceived online or app-based firefighter-specific mental health resources as helpful. Findings indicate mixed feasibility, strong acceptability among attendees, and a lack of preliminary efficacy, and highlight directions for refining intervention delivery of this pilot workshop and evaluating clinical impact in future trials. Full article

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14 pages, 1774 KB

Open AccessArticle

Automated Classification of Occupational Accident Texts Using Large Language Models: A Pilot Study

by Hajime Ando, Ryutaro Matsugaki, Sakumi Yamakawa and Akira Ogami

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020016 - 17 Apr 2026

Abstract

Same-level falls are the most frequent occupational accidents, yet traditional manual analysis of accident reports is labor-intensive and limits large-scale prevention strategies. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of using large language models (LLMs) to automate the classification of [...] Read more.

Same-level falls are the most frequent occupational accidents, yet traditional manual analysis of accident reports is labor-intensive and limits large-scale prevention strategies. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the accuracy of using large language models (LLMs) to automate the classification of occupational accident text data without task-specific pretraining. We analyzed data from 2619 same-level-fall-related injury cases, using expert manual classification as the reference standard. Four models—GPT-4o mini, GPT-4.1 mini, GPT-4.1, and o4-mini—were compared using accuracy and Cohen’s kappa. The o4-mini model demonstrated the highest performance, showing statistical superiority in the complex “causal agent” category with 72.8% accuracy. For other classification tasks, the top models achieved accuracies of 82–92%, with Cohen’s kappa coefficients > 0.7, indicating substantial agreement with expert judgments. These findings suggest that LLMs can classify occupational accident text with substantial agreement with the expert-derived reference standard in this dataset. This automated approach enables efficient, high-frequency analysis of large datasets, offering a promising tool for large-scale occupational accident surveillance and screening. Full article

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14 pages, 860 KB

Open AccessArticle

Association of Occupational Stress and Resilience with Sleep Quality Moderated by the HTR2A Gene rs6313 Polymorphism

by Chaoran Zhen, Haitao Xu, Tingrui Zhang, Yiyuan Qiao, Yuling Li, Yuzhong Duan, Shiqian Zhen and Shuchang He

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020015 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Objectives: Occupational stress, resilience and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene (HTR2A) polymorphisms potentially influence sleep quality. However, evidence of their effects and relationships remains ambivalent and insufficient. Therefore, this study investigated the association of occupational stress, resilience, HTR2A polymorphisms, and their interactions [...] Read more.

Objectives: Occupational stress, resilience and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A gene (HTR2A) polymorphisms potentially influence sleep quality. However, evidence of their effects and relationships remains ambivalent and insufficient. Therefore, this study investigated the association of occupational stress, resilience, HTR2A polymorphisms, and their interactions with sleep quality. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 809 Chinese Han subjects (47% female and 53% male; age: 33.1 ± 6.3 years) were genotyped for HTR2A rs6313 polymorphism. Occupational stress, resilience and sleep quality were measured using Work Stress Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, respectively. Results: Higher occupational stress was significantly correlated with poorer sleep quality (odds ratio (OR) = 2.020, 95% confidence interval (CI): [1.736, 2.394], p = 0.00031), while higher resilience was significantly correlated with better sleep quality (OR = 0.610, 95% CI: [0.522, 0.697], p = 0.00047). Occupational stress played a mediating role in the association between resilience and sleep quality (indirect: β₁β₂ = −0.067, 95% CI: [−0.101, −0.041], p = 0.00045; direct: β₃ = −0.119, 95% CI: [−0.205, −0.032], p = 0.008). The rs6313 polymorphism moderated the association between resilience and sleep quality (β₆ = 0.786, 95% CI: [0.092, 1.422], p = 0.027), but not the indirect effect. Conclusions: Resilience is associated with better sleep quality both directly and by attenuating the negative correlation between occupational stress and sleep quality, and the rs6313 polymorphism is associated with modifying the relationship between resilience and sleep quality (but not occupational stress and sleep quality), which suggests potential distinct biological association patterns for resilience and stress. Subjects with TT and TC/CC genotypes had different sleep quality response to resilience, implying potential molecular mechanisms of resilience. Our findings provide implications for the prevention and intervention of stress-related sleep problems in occupational populations by targeting modifiable factors including occupational stress and individual resilience. Full article

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19 pages, 304 KB

Open AccessArticle

“Torn in Many, Many, Many Different Directions:” Gendered Perspectives on Mental Health Among Canadian Farmers

by Briana N. M. Hagen, Rochelle Thompson, Alexandra Sawatzky and Andria Q. Jones

Occup. Health 2026, 1(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1020014 - 30 Mar 2026

Abstract

Farming is recognized as one of the most stressful occupations worldwide, with farmers experiencing heightened prevalences of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality. However, there is limited research that has qualitatively examined gendered experiences of farmers’ mental health in Canada. This study explored [...] Read more.

Farming is recognized as one of the most stressful occupations worldwide, with farmers experiencing heightened prevalences of chronic stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality. However, there is limited research that has qualitatively examined gendered experiences of farmers’ mental health in Canada. This study explored Canadian farmers’ perspectives on mental health through a gendered lens to address this gap in knowledge. Seventy-five farmers and agricultural community members participated in semi-structured interviews centred on stress, mental health challenges, and help-seeking, conducted between 2017 and 2018. Data were analyzed thematically using a Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) approach. Three major themes were identified: identity, workload, and mental health support. Women farmers described persistent struggles to be recognized as “farmers,” highlighting how gender-assumptive language and agricultural norms undermined their identity and contributed to their mental distress. They also reported disproportionate workloads, often resulting in overwhelm, exhaustion, and diminished wellbeing. Finally, while men often positioned women as the preferred recipients of mental health education, women expressed that this expectation intensified their already heavy burden. Findings underscore that gendered roles and expectations in Canadian agriculture profoundly shape farmers’ mental health in that women’s contributions remain undervalued, and their mental health is further strained by both visible and invisible workloads and by expectations to safeguard family and community wellbeing. Full article

17 pages, 2064 KB

Open AccessArticle

Particulate Hexavalent Chromium Inhibits RAD51 Paralogs Necessary for RAD51 Filament Formation and Stabilization During Homologous Recombination Repair

by Aggie R. Williams, Idoia Meaza, Haiyan Lu, James T. F. Wise, Sandra S. Diven, Jennifer H. Toyoda, J. Calvin Kouokam and John Pierce Wise, Sr.

Occup. Health 2026, 1(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1010013 - 23 Mar 2026

Abstract

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a lung carcinogen. Central to its carcinogenic mechanism are Cr(VI)-induced DNA double strand breaks and chromosome instability. While breaks are usually repaired in healthy cells, Cr(VI) inhibits homologous recombination repair by targeting RAD51. RAD51 paralogs (RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, [...] Read more.

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a lung carcinogen. Central to its carcinogenic mechanism are Cr(VI)-induced DNA double strand breaks and chromosome instability. While breaks are usually repaired in healthy cells, Cr(VI) inhibits homologous recombination repair by targeting RAD51. RAD51 paralogs (RAD51B, RAD51C, RAD51D, XRCC2, and XRCC3) are responsible for RAD51 loading and the stabilization of nucleoprotein filaments necessary for DNA strand exchange and repair. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Cr(VI) exposure on RAD51 paralogs. WTHBF-6 cells, a human lung cell line, were exposed to various environmentally and occupationally relevant concentrations of zinc chromate for acute (24 h) and prolonged (120 h) exposure times. After exposure to Cr(VI), we collected RNA for sequencing and assessed the ability of DNA repair proteins to form foci using immunofluorescence. Protein levels were measured with western blotting, RNA-Seq was validated with RT-qPCR, and protein–protein interactions were assessed with the Proximity Ligation Assay (PLA) assay. Cr(VI) transcriptionally repressed all RAD51 paralogs. Further functional analyses showed that Cr(VI) inhibited the foci formation of RAD51D after acute and prolonged exposures and of XRCC2 and XRCC3 after prolonged exposure. Cr(VI) also inhibited overall RAD51D protein expression, as well as its interaction with RAD51. These findings suggest that Cr(VI) inhibits all RAD51 paralogs, but RAD51D might be an early target of Cr(VI), leading to the loss of RAD51 filament formation and function and the overall inhibition of homologous recombination repair. Full article

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39 pages, 1309 KB

Open AccessReview

Understanding and Mitigating Contaminant Exposure in Firefighting: Comprehensive Review of Firefighter PPE on Contamination, Health Risks, and Decontamination Methods

by Yulin Wu, Mengying Zhang, Rui Li and Guowen Song

Occup. Health 2026, 1(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1010012 - 3 Mar 2026

Cited by 1

Abstract

Firefighters are exposed to complex combustion products and to contaminants carried on personal protective equipment (PPE). Occupational exposure as a firefighter is classified as carcinogenic. This review summarizes the current evidence on exposure environments, routes of uptake, contamination and secondary exposure from PPE, [...] Read more.

Firefighters are exposed to complex combustion products and to contaminants carried on personal protective equipment (PPE). Occupational exposure as a firefighter is classified as carcinogenic. This review summarizes the current evidence on exposure environments, routes of uptake, contamination and secondary exposure from PPE, and the effectiveness and limits of decontamination approaches. Across incident types, smoke composition varies with the fuels and combustion conditions, but fine and ultrafine particles and semi-volatile organic chemicals are common. Biomonitoring confirms uptake after incidents. Self-contained breathing apparatus reduces inhalation exposure during active suppression, yet exposures persist through dermal absorption at ensemble interfaces and post-incident tasks. Protective ensembles can retain soot-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, additive chemicals, and metals; volatiles and particles resuspension in vehicles and stations can extend exposure. Studies show that on-scene preliminary exposure reduction and laundering can lower contaminant burdens on PPE; however, removal remains incomplete and decreases when cleaning is delayed or when gear is aged. Emerging evidence raises additional concern for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from foams and coating materials, with limited data on exposure metrics and removability. The field lacks standardized, realistic contamination platforms and a dose-based definition of clean PPE. Integrated intervention studies linking exposure, secondary exposure pathways, biomarkers, and decontamination methods are needed to set performance-based targets and evaluate emerging hazards. Full article

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14 pages, 459 KB

Open AccessArticle

Short Sleep Duration Is Associated with More Intense Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Day-Shift Nurses: An Observational Study

by Sarah Luna, David Douphrate, Byeong Yeob Choi, Bertha Flores, Rupal Patel and Lisa Pompeii

Occup. Health 2026, 1(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1010011 - 2 Mar 2026

Abstract

Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and sleep problems are prevalent in nurses. Evidence exploring associations between sleep and MSS in nurses is limited by self-reported sleep measures and recalling MSS over a long period. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between [...] Read more.

Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) and sleep problems are prevalent in nurses. Evidence exploring associations between sleep and MSS in nurses is limited by self-reported sleep measures and recalling MSS over a long period. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between MSS and sleep in nurses using objective sleep measures and real-time MSS assessment. This 7-day observational study included 31 nurses who work day shifts. Sleep duration and efficiency were measured using accelerometers, and MSS were reported using ecological momentary assessment. Sleep metrics and MSS were compared between workdays and days off, and a regression model analyzed the effect of sleep duration on MSS while controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). On average, nurses did not sleep the minimum recommended duration of 7 h (6.28, SD = 1.31), and they slept significantly less prior to a workday (5.98 h, SD = 1.12) than a day off work (6.69 h, SD = 1.43) (t(185) = −5.92, p < 0.0001). Short sleep duration was associated with 18% higher MSS when controlling for age and BMI (t(822) = 2.63, p = 0.009). Understanding the association between sleep and MSS is important to healthcare organizations and policy makers because sleep is essential for health and recovery, and occupational characteristics, such as shift length and consecutive shifts, influence sleep. Nurse fatigue is detrimental to patient safety and the health of the nursing workforce, and musculoskeletal problems contribute to nurse attrition. This study may inform future research on organizational policies related to nurse fatigue and musculoskeletal symptoms. Full article

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19 pages, 468 KB

Open AccessArticle

Who Is the “Ideal” Peer Support Trainer? Peer Trainers’ Perceptions of Gender Dynamics in Resiliency Training for Firefighters and Correctional Officers

by Joy C. MacDermid, Amber J. Fletcher, Shannon C. Killip, Amanda Brazil, Rosemary Ricciardelli and Robin Campbell Bromhead

Occup. Health 2026, 1(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/occuphealth1010010 - 27 Feb 2026

Abstract

Firefighters and correctional workers are highly exposed to potentially traumatic events, but research shows that resiliency training may help support their mental health. Both occupations remain men-dominated and highly masculinized, creating challenges for women public safety personnel (PSP) and reinforcing stigma about mental [...] Read more.

Firefighters and correctional workers are highly exposed to potentially traumatic events, but research shows that resiliency training may help support their mental health. Both occupations remain men-dominated and highly masculinized, creating challenges for women public safety personnel (PSP) and reinforcing stigma about mental health as a feminized topic. This exploratory qualitative study examines the gender dynamics of peer resiliency training for firefighters and correctional officers in Canada. Based on interviews with 10 trainers from three provinces, we developed three key themes. First, mental health is constructed as a “feminine” topic, which may create access barriers for men, but also for women who wish to avoid marginalization. Second, gendered beliefs shape perceptions of trainers’ credibility and skills. Men trainers are respected for performing masculinity, while respect for women trainers stems from stereotypes about their maternal “nature”. Such beliefs may increase respect for mental health topics while further entrenching gendered stereotypes. Third, a gender stereotyping paradox exists regarding the roles of women in these occupations. That is, mental health training may provide a leadership pathway for women PSP while simultaneously “pigeonholing” them into emotional-labour roles. We conclude that peer resiliency training is best positioned as the responsibility of both men and women. Full article

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