OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to develop a short form of the 57-item Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ-57), designated as BJSQ-10, to complement the mandatory annual stress check program and to enable more frequent monitoring of occupational stress, and to psychometrically evaluate its reliability and validity. Study 1 involved item selection for the short form through exploratory factor analysis using BJSQ-57 response data, while Study 2 examined the reliability and validity of the developed scale using online survey data. Study 1 Methods: Item selection was conducted using BJSQ-57 response data from 18,155 employees across 18 worksites, integrating t-test-based statistics, effect sizes (Cohen's d), exploratory factor analysis results, and practical applicability in occupational health settings. RESULTS:Ten items were selected, covering three domains: job stressors, stress responses, and social support. Using BJSQ-57 as the criterion for high-stress identification, the BJSQ-10 demonstrated good classification accuracy with moderate agreement. Study 2 Methods: Response data from 475 employed adults, obtained through an online survey, were used to examine the reliability and validity of the BJSQ-10. Reliability was assessed regarding internal consistency, while validity was evaluated through concurrent validity based on the association with the BJSQ-57, construct validity through associations with other scales (SHS and TAC-24), and examination of a causal model using structural equation modeling. RESULTS:Sufficient internal consistency was confirmed for the stress response and social support subscales. The alpha coefficient for job stressors was relatively low because of the nature of the scale design. Correlations with the corresponding BJSQ-57 domains were generally satisfactory across subscales, and construct validity was supported by structural equation modeling. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION:The BJSQ-10 was developed as a short form, demonstrating acceptable levels of reliability and validity. The scale is considered useful as a continuous monitoring tool to complement the annual stress check program. However, several limitations were identified in this study, and further validation is warranted.
OBJECTIVES:This single-arm before-after study examined short-term changes in body weight following a 28-day self-selected, type-tailored lifestyle modification program implemented before workplace health checkups. Participants self-identified one of the seven types based on brief descriptions and created a personalized program. METHODS:Employees aged 35-64 years from Kao Group corporations who met body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 or waist circumference criteria (men ≥ 85 cm, women ≥ 90 cm) were eligible. Participants self-selected either a "supported" (daily prompts for record entry and weekly automated feedback) or "self-managed" (booklet only) course and followed the 28-day program. The primary outcome was the change in self-measured body weight from pre- to post-program. Secondary outcomes included changes in annual health checkup parameters (body weight, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose, and lipid profiles), specific health guidance levels, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) classification. RESULTS:Among 162 analyzed participants (supported: 108, self-managed: 54), the mean change in body weight was -1.75 kg (95% confidence interval [CI], -2.01 to -1.43, p < .001). Mean changes by course were -1.67 kg (supported) and -1.93 kg (self-managed) (both p < .001). The adjusted estimate (controlling for sex, age, and baseline weight) was similar (-1.75 kg, 95% CI; -2.07 to -1.42, p < .001). Waist circumference decreased significantly. The proportion of participants requiring specific health guidance and those classified as having MetS or pre-MetS decreased by approximately 15% and 8%, respectively. No significant changes were observed in blood pressure, blood glucose levels, or lipid profiles. CONCLUSIONS:Short-term decreases in self-measured body weight and waist circumference were observed after the 28-day program, along with decreased proportions requiring health guidance or classified as having MetS or pre-MetS. However, owing to the single-arm design and potential confounding factors, causal attribution to the intervention could not be made. Randomized controlled trials and longer-term follow-up are required to confirm its effectiveness and sustainability.
OBJECTIVES:Most emergency incidents in Japan occur in residential settings, requiring emergency medical services (EMS) personnel to work in confined indoor spaces. Many EMS personnel report physical strain on the lower back in transporting patients using devices that require lifting, such as tarpaulin stretchers. However, the specific transport methods chosen by EMS personnel and physical burden associated with each method remain unclear. "No Lift" practices, which avoid manual lifting and reduce lumbar strain in healthcare and welfare fields and in Australia, have attracted attention. Some Japanese fire departments have introduced the Air Stretcher, a no-lift transport device, although its effectiveness remains insufficiently evaluated. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate current patient transport practices and related physical burden in residential indoor environments and identify challenges related to EMS patient transport. METHODS:An anonymous online questionnaire survey administered via Google Forms was conducted with 1,152 EMS personnel from 47 prefectures who consented to participate. Survey items included (1) participant characteristics, (2) transport methods, such as manual carrying and equipment-based methods, (3) physical burden (fatigue, lumbar strain, and ease of implementation), (4) actual transport practices, and (5) transport safety, including near misses and accidents. Key analytical items were (1) fatigue associated with each transport method, analyzed using the Air Stretcher as the reference, (2) proportion of personnel reporting lumbar burden, (3) ease of implementation, and (4) experience of near-misses or accidents. RESULTS:Many EMS personnel rely on tarpaulin stretchers and other equipment that require lifting and lowering primarily because of their ease of use. Additionally, most personnel reported experiencing lumbar strain during emergency activities, and near-misses or accidents were frequently associated with tarpaulin stretcher use. Although the Air Stretcher demonstrated lower fatigue and reduced lumbar strain, supporting the effectiveness of no-lift transport, its usage rate remained low (approximately 20%). CONCLUSIONS:Tarpaulin stretchers are the most commonly used transport method in emergency settings. Although easy to implement, tarpaulin stretchers are associated with a higher lumbar burden and an increased risk of near-misses or accidents. No-lift transport methods may help reduce fatigue and lower back strain in EMS personnel. With the anticipated increase in the number of older and female EMS personnel in Japan, broader education and implementation of no-lift transport devices are warranted.
OBJECTIVES:Mental health problems among schoolteachers are an increasing concern in Japan, with rising sickness absence and early turnover among younger teachers. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of key mental health indicators (psychological distress, insomnia, and burnout); characterize mental health literacy (depression stigma and recognition, help-seeking attitudes, and knowledge about mental illness) and perceived workplace climate; and examine factors associated with these indicators among novice teachers in public elementary and junior high schools in City A, Japan. METHODS:An anonymous, self-administered, cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 115 novice teachers newly employed in City A on September 30 and October 2, 2025. The survey included the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Athens Insomnia Scale-Japanese version (AIS-J), Japanese Burnout Scale (JBS), Depression Stigma Scale (DSS), Mental Illness and Disorder Understanding Scale (MIDUS), Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), and Workplace Climate Scale. We summarized score distributions, compared participants with elevated psychological distress (K6 ≥ 5) and/or insomnia symptoms (AIS-J ≥ 6) with those without these symptoms, and examined correlations. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine a hypothesized model that included lower depression stigma, more favorable help-seeking attitudes, higher perceived collaborative workplace climate, and lower latent mental health symptom burden (indicated by K6, AIS-J, and the JBS emotional exhaustion and depersonalization subscales). RESULTS:Valid responses were obtained from 91 participants (79.1%). Elevated psychological distress (K6 ≥ 5) was present in 49.5% of participants, and insomnia symptoms (AIS-J ≥ 6) in 44.0%. Teachers with elevated distress and/or insomnia reported higher burnout (emotional exhaustion and depersonalization) and lower perceived collaborative workplace climate. They were also less likely to identify the depression vignette as "depression." In SEM, lower depression stigma was positively associated with more favorable help-seeking attitudes, which were, in turn, positively associated with perceived collaborative workplace climate. Perceived collaborative workplace climate was negatively associated with mental health symptom burden, whereas associations between knowledge about mental illness and the primary outcomes were limited. CONCLUSIONS:Elevated distress and insomnia were common among novice teachers in City A and were associated with help-seeking attitudes, recognition of depression, and perceived collaborative workplace climate. Although causal direction cannot be inferred from this cross-sectional study, support for novice teachers may benefit from a multidimensional approach to mental health literacy, and workplace-level strategies, including early recognition of depression, stigma reduction, improved access to professional help, and efforts to strengthen collaborative and supportive workplaces.
OBJECTIVE:It is important to understand the biological effects of lunar dust (regolith) if human activities, prolonged stays, and eventual habitation are to take place on the Moon. METHODS:This study explains the biological effects of regolith and is based on an assessment of findings from studies that used regolith and regolith simulants and knowledge derived from the physicochemical properties of terrestrial dust. RESULTS:In vitro cell culture studies using regolith simulants showed that the cytotoxicity and biological activity of lunar dust were generally lower than those observed for crystalline silica. Similarly, animal exposure studies that investigated the effects of regolith and regolith simulants showed limited inflammation and fibrosis, suggesting that their pulmonary toxicity is intermediate between that of titanium dioxide and crystalline silica. Although no allergy-enhancing effects, such as those seen in bronchial asthma, were observed, allergy effects have been reported for Asian dust, which has similar constituent components. This suggests that regolith could potentially enhance allergic responses. Furthermore, the results obtained using terrestrial regolith simulants may underestimate the biological effects of regolith because the simulants do not include certain materials, such as agglutinates, that are only generated in the lunar environment. CONCLUSIONS:Although the available experimental evidence does not suggest potentially severe cytotoxic, inflammatory, or fibrotic effects, careful evaluation of the chronic inhalation effects of lunar dust on future long-term lunar residents is required and this assessment should take into account its unique microstructure and surface chemical reactivity.
OBJECTS:Male menopause, or late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) syndrome, affects the physical and mental well-being of middle-aged and older men. In Japan, awareness remains low, leading to underdiagnosis and undertreatment. This study investigated health issues, literacy, and presenteeism related to male menopause among working Japanese men, considering differences in industry and occupation. METHODS:A survey was conducted among 3362 male employees aged ≥ 35 years at three companies in Tokyo representing different industries. The survey included questions on health status, aging male symptoms (AMS) scores, health literacy, workplace environment, and work impact. Presenteeism was evaluated using the single-item presenteeism question (SPQ), developed by the University of Tokyo. The survey was conducted anonymously on the company's internal server. RESULTS:There were of valid respondents was 1,811. The respondents' demographics showed an even age distribution from 30s-60s and above. Job positions included 1.3% executives, 31.9% managers, and 53.1% staff-level employees. Awareness of "male menopause" was high (79.2%), but awareness of its specific symptoms was low (19.0%). Of the participants, 9.4% had severe AMS scores and 21.5% had moderate scores, indicating that one-quarter had moderate or higher symptoms. The most common impact on work was the inability to concentrate (58.8%). The average performance score of employees with mild or severe symptoms was 73.6%, suggesting that the prevalence of presenteeism owing to male menopausal symptoms was 26.4%. Additionally, 14.8% of the employees with symptoms reported a performance score of ≤ 50%. CONCLUSIONS:This study highlights the reality of male menopause in a large corporation and suggests that male menopause symptoms may significantly affect presenteeism.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that affected Japan remains vivid in our collective memory. Currently classified as a Category 5 virus (for which medical institutions and individuals primarily implement preventive measures independently, without significant administrative intervention such as isolation), COVID-19 infections continue to peak biannually, currently driven by the Nimbus variant, a derivative of the Omicron strain. This situation necessitates ongoing vigilance in infection prevention efforts. While it is well-established that environmental factors, such as proper ventilation, are crucial in mitigating the risk of COVID-19 transmission, it has become evident that variations in individual susceptibility exist; some individuals contract the virus while others do not, even in identical environments. Personal factors, including pre-existing medical conditions, influence this disparity. This narrative review examines personal factors related to general health assessments within the workplace, incorporating data from systematic reviews and meta-analyses, as well as insights from both international and domestic academic societies. Although the strength of evidence varies, factors such as male gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, inadequate sleep, insufficient physical activity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have been identified as contributors to the severity and onset of COVID-19, as well as its associated mortality.
OBJECTIVES:Promoting diversity in medical schools/university workplaces is a pressing issue. However, the needs of medical school/university workers, including nonmedical staff, remain unclear. This report aimed to identify the specific needs of medical school/university workers to promote diversity using open-ended descriptions. METHODS:This cross-sectional survey included 168 individuals who responded to open-ended questions in a questionnaire administered by the Diversity Promotion Office of Fukushima Medical University in July 2021. Data collection included basic demographics, such as sex, age, and affiliation, and an open-ended descriptions of workers' desired workplace diversity. Open-coding categorized responses into 13 categories. The association between affiliation and these categories was examined using the χ2 or Fisher's exact test. RESULTS:Of the categories, "personnel deployment to optimize existing support" (requiring staffing to make the best use of existing support systems) was statistically prevalent among the workers in administrative offices (p < .001), and "work-life balance in the organization" (promoting diversity in the organization as a whole for a better work-life balance among employees) was statistically prevalent among those in the hospital (p = .002). CONCLUSIONS:Considering that many of administrative office workers are women, "personnel deployment to optimize existing support" may reflect the psychological situation of female workers who want staffing to enable them to use support systems appropriately and with ease. Regarding "work-life balance in the organization," hospital medical staff may have developed a perspective on improving work-life balance and promoting diversity in the organization as a whole because of frequent exposure to information on work improvement measures in professional associations. Implementation of evidence-based diversity policies from the perspective of evidence-based management is essential for Japanese university medical schools.
OBJECTIVES:Currently, under the JIS standards, the test guides commonly used in Japan to evaluate the fit of mask facepieces on a wearer's face are not approved for use in fit tests. This study aimed to determine whether a non-destructive test guide for assessing fit could be applied to fit testing using the Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) Quantitative Fit Test Short Protocol with light-scattering-based measuring devices. METHODS:Values obtained using probe attachments approved under the JIS standards were used as reference values, and the fit factor (FF) values measured using test guides and disposable test guides were compared. The evaluation criteria were based on the judgment specified in Annex A2 of the ANSI Z88.10-2010 standards. RESULTS:The FF values obtained with both test guides and the disposable test guides met the mandatory and additional criteria when compared to those obtained with probe attachments. This indicates that both guides are equivalent to probe attachments for determining pass/fail outcomes and are thus applicable to fit tests. Additionally, the exclusion range, defined to account for device variability, was calculated as FF values ranging from 72 to 138, resulting in the exclusion of approximately 11% of the data from the evaluation. This exclusion range was deemed appropriate, as the effective data rate closely matched the pass/fail consistency rate between the two devices. Furthermore, the pass/fail consistency rate between the probe attachments and both guides was approximately 80%. FF values tend to be lower with test guides owing to larger movement during testing than those with probe attachments; however, our results suggest that such differences do not significantly affect pass/fail outcomes. Therefore, the 80% pass/fail consistency rate was not attributed to motion effects but rather reflected the stringent evaluation capabilities of the test guides themselves. CONCLUSIONS:The validity of the fit test using light-scattering based measuring devices under the JIS short protocol was evaluated for disposable masks using test guides that are widely used in Japan to assess the fit between mask facepieces and faces. The results, based on the ANSI criteria, indicated that both the test guides and disposable test guides provided evaluations equivalent to those of the probe attachments. Consequently, this study demonstrated that the test guides and disposable test guides are applicable fit tests. Both test guides concluded that strict evaluations of insertion leakage helped reduce false positives, making them reliable for worker protection.
OBJECTIVES:This study reviewed and organized practical cases of group analysis and the contrivances involved on the basis of Stress Check results using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire (BJSQ). METHODS:We conducted a systematic literature review, searching the Japan Medical Abstracts Society database on August 7, 2023 and PubMed on September 28, 2023. The eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) studies targeting workers, (2) studies using the BJSQ or the new BJSQ, (3) studies conducting group analysis, (4) studies reporting contrivances beyond the standard methods described in the Stress Check Program manual regarding group analysis or its application, and (5) studies written in Japanese or English. Two researchers selected and summarized the cases. RESULTS:We searched The Japan Medical Abstracts Society database and PubMed, identifying 204 and 94 articles, respectively. We included 30 cases involving contrivances. Although the Stress Check guidelines recommend using items related to quantitative job overload, job control, and worksite (supervisor and coworker) support for group analysis, some cases employed contrivances such as analyzing all items of the BJSQ or the new BJSQ to obtain a more detailed understanding of the work environment. In cases where measures other than the BJSQ or the new BJSQ were used in combination, the relationship between labor productivity and each item of the BJSQ or the new BJSQ items was examined to prioritize workplace environment improvements. Contrivances regarding feedback from the group analysis were identified. Support staff conducted interviews with managers to provide feedback on the group analysis, and helped them interpret the results in relation to actual workplace situations. Contrivances for devising action plans to improve workplace environments were also identified. In these cases, good practices were accumulated to facilitate efficient discussion of workplace environment improvements. CONCLUSIONS:We identified the following four types of contrivances: contrivances for the items of the BJSQ and new BJSQ used for group analysis, contrivances for using other scales in addition to the BJSQ and new BJSQ, contrivances for combining interviews with feedback on the results, and contrivances for accumulating good practices in the workplace, in addition to existing action checklists. This study presents practical examples of group analysis and its application, providing helpful information for future group analysis and improving work environment activities. However, most of the examples included were limited to reports on the content of practices, with very few examples mentioning the effects of contrivances.
OBJECTIVES:To determine the psychosocial factors that relate to employee bruxism. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:Stress checks were conducted in 2020 on 13,429 employees of a business establishment, of whom 10,480 (78%) answered all survey questions, and the study population was composed of 8,651 males and 1,829 females (mean 42.4 years). First, participants were divided into two groups: "bruxism" (3,034) and "non-bruxism" (7,446). T-tests or chi-square tests were performed for age, sex, and questions on the occupational stress assessment form and the Athens Insomnia Scale. In addition, a logistic regression analysis was performed with the presence or absence of bruxism as the dependent variable (yes, 1; no, 0). RESULTS:The mean age of the bruxism group was 41.6 ± 9.76 years, and that in the non-bruxism group was 42.8 ± 9.83 years. There were 2,224 males and 810 females in the bruxism group and 6,427 males and 1,019 females in the non-bruxism group, with a statistically significant higher proportion of females in the bruxism group. The multivariate analysis showed that the scores for "irritability," "low vitality," "physical complaints," and "anxiety" were significantly higher and that the score for "sleep quality" was significantly lower in the bruxism group than in the non-bruxism group. CONCLUSION:The results showed that employees with bruxism have more psychosocial problems, such as "irritability," "low vitality," "physical complaints," "anxiety," and "sleep problems," than those without bruxism.
PURPOSE:This study aimed to obtain useful suggestions and findings regarding IT engineers' stressors, their structures, and the process of recognizing stress, which are useful for workplace environmental improvement activities as a primary prevention of mental illness. METHODS:Data were collected through interviews conducted with 15 employees from Information Systems departments and System Integration Service Providers and analyzed qualitatively using the modified grounded theory approach. RESULTS:The qualitative analysis generated 27 concepts, 13 categories, and five category groups. From the categories generated, a result diagram was constructed to identify stress and stressor structures and cognitive processes, such as 1. irritation in the workplace, 2. loneliness at work, and 3. career anxiety. CONCLUSIONS:IT engineers engage in various projects and workplaces to realize their careers and establish a view of their work as engineers. IT engineers perceive stress from the effects of stressors based on multiple factors, such as changes in the workplace and working style and the gap between the ideal and reality. The study findings can be used as a support tool for workplace environmental improvement activities with a participatory approach in the information and communications industry and may be deepened in workshops for stress assessment and discussions for improvement among workers.
OBJECTIVES:Despite efforts to promote mental health in the workplace, employee mental health challenges continue to increase. Organizations continue to face significant challenges to support employees in safely returning to work after mental health-related leaves and to ensure long-term stability without relapse. This literature-based study was performed to clarify support skills that occupational health nurses employ to facilitate return to work for employees with mental health issues. METHODS:A literature search of the Medical Central Journal Web Edition (ver. 5) was conducted using the keywords "Occupational Health Nurses" AND ("mental health" OR "mental health issues" OR "mental well-being" OR "mental illness" OR "depression" OR "depressive symptoms"), in combination with ("return-to-work support" OR "return-to-work" OR "workplace reintegration support" OR "workplace reintegration assistance"). Conference proceedings were excluded. No restrictions were placed on publication year. Two original articles and ten review articles were selected for analysis. Support skills used by occupational health nurses to support workplace reintegration were identified, grouped by target recipients (e.g., workers, family members, supervisors, and human resources), and placed into subcategories and overarching categories. RESULTS:Four main categories of support skills used by occupational health nurses to facilitate workplace reintegration were identified. • Support for patients to recover from illness and overcome challenges • Creating a healing environment and coordinating interactions with family and workplace • Comprehensive information gathering and assessment of whether recovery status will permit workplace reintegration • Establishing a tailored follow-up system post-reintegration based on worker and workplace needs and circumstancesDiscussion and Conclusions: Occupational health nurses support employees by helping them recognize personal challenges and build stress resilience through "supporting patient recovery from illness and helping patients overcome challenges". They utilize "thorough information gathering and assessment of recovery status for workplace reintegration" to reduce the likelihood of relapse. The support skills identified in this study were highly individualized and varied to meet the specific needs of each worker. The reviewed literature contained extensive occupation-relevant descriptions and numerous documents introducing the authors' initiatives, suggesting that these authors are experienced occupational health nurses. It remains unclear how consistently these support skills are applied and what impact years of experience or workplace environment exert on consistency. Future research should clarify the support skills used by occupational health nurses with fewer years of experience and those assisting individuals in single-person work situations, as well as explore strategies to ensure consistent application of support skills regardless of experience or workplace setting.
OBJECTIVES:Same-level falls are the most frequent type of occupational accidents in Japan, and approximately 35% of these accidents occurred among healthcare and retail workers. The aim of this study was to analyze the status of same-level falls in the healthcare and retail industries, where many such incidents occur, with a focus on outdoor same-level falls and to elucidate their characteristics. METHODS:This study targeted occupational accidents due to same-level falls that resulted in four or more days of absence from work among healthcare and retail workers, based on data from the 2021 Occupational Injury Database. From 29,605 occupational injury cases, we identified 2,536 same-level falls and ultimately extracted 2,424 cases for analysis. A physical therapist and industrial physician collaborated to conduct a detailed textual examination of the selected cases in terms of accident onset status. Variables related to the cause of the accident, causative substances, and accident locations were prepared. For the analysis, simple tabulation and cross-aggregation were performed. A chi-square test was used to investigate the correlations between accident location, accident cause, and causative substances. RESULTS:The mean age of the injured workers was 57.0 years (standard deviation, 12.7). The accident location was outdoors in 35.9% of cases. In winter (December to February), the proportion of outdoor accidents increased between 44.2% and 49.5%. The most common cause of outdoor accidents was slipping (35.4%), and the most common causative substance was snow/ice (20.6%). Snow/ice was involved in 44.1% of the same-level falls that occurred outdoors during winter, with some occurring in parking lots while transporting other people. CONCLUSIONS:The results revealed that, in addition to indoor same-level falls, outdoor same-level falls during winter were common among healthcare and retail workers. We found that slipping on snow or ice was the primary cause of these accidents. Therefore, it is important that, in addition to risk reduction measures targeting indoor same-level falls, preventive measures should be introduced for outdoor same-level falls among healthcare and retail workers.
Pandemics such as COVID-19 have wreaked havoc on society in general, and they are still having a lasting impact, with peak infections in summer and winter. Novel emerging infectious diseases and re-emerging ones that are attracting renewed attention will continue to affect workplaces in the future. Herein, we focus on the latest reports on COVID-19 and explain what preventive measures are necessary in the workplace, taking into account the route of virus infection. Although droplets and airborne exposure are the main infection routes, contact infection cannot be overlooked. Infection prevention measures include the uses of natural and mechanical ventilation, air conditioning equipment, and masks as well as the recommendation of vaccination, all of which have reported effectiveness However, since indoor environments vary, we do not recommend preventive control through any one measure alone. Instead, implementing infection control by using a combination of measures is important for adaptation to various situations.
