JOEM: Increased Health Risk in Office Workers in the COVID-19 Era (April 2022)-JOEM: Increased Health Risk in Office Workers in the COVID-19 Era (April 2022)

JOEM: Increased Health Risk in Office Workers in the COVID-19 Era (April 2022)

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A study conducted in Japan examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the health of office workers. Using health examination data from April 2018 to March 2021, the study compared the one-year incidence of health problems and unhealthy habits before and during the pandemic. The results showed that the incidence of overweight, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and liver damage increased by 15% to 65% during the pandemic. The increase in weight gain, likely due to decreased physical activity during the pandemic, was significantly associated with a higher incidence of health problems. The study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the health of workers, even without the infection itself. Prompt lifestyle interventions, particularly targeting workers who have gained weight, are needed to mitigate the consequences. The findings highlight the importance of managing weight and promoting healthy lifestyles during the pandemic. The study provides valuable information for planning health promotion programs for office workers in the COVID-19 era. However, the study has limitations, such as the selection bias of participants and the reliance on self-administered lifestyle information. Further research is needed to investigate the impact of work style changes on workers' health and to develop suitable health promotion programs for in-office and remote workers.

Keywords

COVID-19 pandemic

health of office workers

health problems

unhealthy habits

overweight

hypertension

hyperglycemia

liver damage

weight gain

physical activity