It is well-established that participation in community activities is positively associated with mental and physical health and overall well-being. However, little is known about the effect of community activities on work. We investigated the association between work engagement (measured in 2023) and frequency of worker participation in two types of community activities: community contribution activities and hobby-learning activities (measured in 2022). We conducted a prospective cohort study comprising a baseline survey in 2022 and a follow-up survey in 2023. The sample comprised workers aged ≥20years from different industries in Japan. Data for 14 526 participants aged 20-65years were analyzed. Participants answered an online questionnaire to report the frequency of two types of community activities. Work engagement was assessed using the Japanese version of the nine-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale. We used multiple regression analysis. The multivariate analysis showed that participation in community contribution activities was significantly associated with higher work engagement compared with no participation (B = 1.18, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.38-1.98 for ≥ once per week, B = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.38-1.64 for 1-3 times per month, and B = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.16-0.76 for several times per year). Participation in hobby-learning activities was significantly associated with higher work engagement compared with no participation (B = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.16-1.22 for ≥ once per week). Our findings suggest a potential association between participation in community activities and higher work engagement.

Abstract Objectives Participatory organizational interventions (POIs) may improve workers’ mental health and work performance, but evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cluster-randomized controlled trials (cRCTs) remains limited: The meta-analysis has not been updated since 2015; a previous study focused on healthcare workers; and potential outcomes have not been adequately examined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of POIs on mental health and work performance among workers. Methods The current study searched PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, and Japan Medical Abstracts Society for papers published by November 11, 2022. Eligible studies were cRCTs assessing the effects of POIs on mental health or work performance. The risks of bias were evaluated by using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for cRCTs and performed meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results Fourteen cRCTs were included in the systematic review, and eight cRCTs in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed non-significant beneficial effect on mental health conditions [the standardized mean differences (SMD) = -0.04, 95%CI; -0.10 to 0.03], positive mental health (SMD = -0.004, 95%CI; -0.077 to 0.068), and work performance (SMD = 0.01, 95%CI; -0.10 to 0.13). Conclusion This study did not confirm that POIs had a statistically significant effect on mental health or work performance. However, several studies that reported favorable results tended to emphasize active and structured participation, alignment with workers’ needs, and attention to organizational context. Further research is needed to identify the conditions under which the interventions are effective. Trial registration: The study protocol was registered at the UMIN registry (registration number: UMIN000049453).

This scoping review aims to assess the role of machine learning in workplace mental health research by systematically analyzing existing studies to understand current methodologies, applications, and trends. We conducted a comprehensive search across multiple databases, including Ebsco, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, PsycINFO, IEEE, and ACM, screening a total of 5600 abstracts. Altogether, we analyzed 92 journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters published before September 2025. Since 2020, there has been a notable increase in publications on the topic. Studies have mainly employed cross-sectional designs (73%) and workplace questionnaires (51%) targeting specific occupational groups (67%), particularly from Asia excluding China (41%). Supervised learning methods, such as Random Forest and Neural Networks, have been frequently utilized to investigate conditions like depression, burnout, and anxiety. Most studies predicting mental health at work using machine learning are currently conducted by data scientists as single-measurement studies, whereas longitudinal studies from medicine, epidemiology, social sciences, or behavioral sciences are comparatively rare. In the context of machine learning, prediction denotes the model's ability to infer outcomes based on input data. However, most publications do not systematically analyze the temporal dynamics of mental health or forecast mental health outcomes from an epidemiological perspective. The application of machine learning in occupational mental health research remains in its preliminary stages, with a primary focus on methodology and computer science. The review highlights the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration to fully leverage the potential of machine learning in advancing occupational health research.

To explore the independent associations between serum lipids and low back pain (LBP) among male aircraft maintenance technicians after adjustment for ergonomic exposures. This cross-sectional study enrolled 1713 male aircraft maintenance technicians. LBP and ergonomic exposures were assessed using the Chinese Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Quick Exposure Check, respectively. We measured fasting serum lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Associations were examined using binary and ordinal logistic regression models with sequential adjustments for personal and occupational covariates. The prevalence of LBP was 42.4%. After adjustment for potential confounders, the natural logarithm of TG (ln-TG) was positively associated with LBP presence (odds ratio [OR] 1.229; 95% CI, 1.020-1.480; P = .030) and intensity (OR 1.301; 95% CI, 1.097-1.542; P = .003), whereas HDL-C was inversely associated with LBP presence (OR 0.639; 95% CI, 0.438-0.932; P = .020). Categorical analysis identified key factors associated with higher LBP presence, including work experience of 5-9.9years, high/very high back exposure, moderate/high work pace, high/very high stress, and borderline-high/high TG. The adjusted ORs for these key ergonomic exposures were higher than those for any lipid parameter. Among male aircraft maintenance technicians, serum TG is an independent correlate of LBP after adjustment for ergonomic exposures. Given that ergonomic exposures are the predominant associated factors, prevention strategies should primarily focus on ergonomic interventions, with the management of serum lipids such as TG an adjunctive measure.

This study aimed to develop and validate 2 concise measures of workplace loneliness. A 3-item scale for loneliness at work (SLAW-3) and a single-item scale for loneliness at work (SLAW-1) were developed by modifying existing scales for general loneliness. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted of 1228 full-time employees in Japan to test the reliability and validity of these scales. Internal consistency of the SLAW-3 was assessed using Cronbach α coefficient, and the construct validity was examined through correlations with established measures of workplace loneliness, psychological distress, well-being, self-rated health, and workplace social support. The SLAW-3 demonstrated strong internal consistency (Cronbach α = .91) and unidimensionality. It correlated positively with established measures of workplace loneliness and psychological distress measures and negatively with well-being and workplace social support measures. The SLAW-1 also demonstrated significant correlation with the SLAW-3 and with psychological indicators such as distress, well-being, self-rated health, and workplace social support. The SLAW-3 was found to be a reliable and valid measure of workplace loneliness. The SLAW-1 also demonstrated adequate construct validity, despite its single-item format. Both scales are short and may be effectively used to assess workplace loneliness in large-scale employee surveys or brief screenings.

Objectives: This study examined the characteristics of employees with low health interest using Breslow’s Health Practice Index (HPI).Methods: A cross-sectional study of 2260 employees of a Japanese IT company was conducted in 2023. The association between the Health Interest Scale (HIS; range 0-36) and HPI (range 0-7), a predictor of healthy longevity, was examined using multiple linear and logistic regression. Additional analyses were conducted using median-split HIS groups (low: 0-23; high: 24-36).Results: HIS was significantly lower among men, younger and unmarried individuals, and those without an appropriate body weight, but positively associated with HPI (β = .254, P < .001). HPI was significantly higher among less sedentary workers (β = .07, P < .001), non–management staff (β = .04, P < .05), and married individuals (β = .06, P < .05). HIS was associated with 6 of 7 health behaviors except Not snacking. After adjustment for HIS, women had higher odds of Not smoking (OR = 5.52; 95% CI, 2.96-10.3; P < .001) and Moderate use of alcohol (OR = 2.03; 95% CI, 1.33-3.09; P < .05). Median-split analysis confirmed these results.Conclusions: Interventions are needed to increase health interest among younger individuals, men, and those who are unmarried or without an appropriate body weight. Sedentary workers, managerial staff, and unmarried individuals showed lower adherence to HPI after adjustment for health interest, indicating the need for focused workplace interventions. Health interest was positively associated with HPI, but no significant association was found for snacking, which requires further investigation.

Epoxy resins are a common cause of occupational allergic contact dermatitis. Carbon fiber–laminated epoxy resin (CFLER) is a newer material with enhanced mechanical properties, but its health effects remain underreported. A 46-year-old male worker developed erythroderma involving >90% of his body surface and dyschromia after chronic exposure to CFLER in a confined workspace. Skin biopsy demonstrated features of chronic dermatitis, and immunohistochemistry revealed uneven melanocyte distribution. Laboratory studies showed elevated immunoglobulin E levels without internal organ dysfunction. Chest radiography indicated prominent bronchovascular markings without clinical symptoms. Intervention with topical clobetasol and avoidance of CFLER led to gradual resolution of erythroderma and improvement of dyschromia. Unlike previous reports focusing on acute epoxy resin dermatitis, this case highlights chronic skin changes and pigmentary alterations. Chronic exposure to CFLER can lead to melanocyte dysfunction, resulting in hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation. Prompt identification and management are crucial to prevent severe complications such as high-output cardiac failure. This case emphasizes the importance of protective measures against CFLER exposure to prevent severe occupational dermatological conditions, including erythroderma and dyschromia.

To develop a device to evaluate the permeation resistance of chemical-protective boots continuously in contact with liquid chemicals, and to compare the permeation time of the component material test pieces with the permeation time of the whole boot and thus evaluate its performance. The permeation time was calculated for toluene, dichloromethane, and acetone in 4 types of boot, according to Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) T 8117:2005. The permeation test for whole boots showed shorter permeation times than those of the component materials, according to JIS T 8117:2005. The permeation time of toluene was more than twice that of boots C and D. The permeation time of dichloromethane was more than twice that of boots A and C and more than 3 times shorter for boot A. The differences between the whole-boot tests and the material tests were thought to be related to variations in thickness, type of material, difference in adhesion, and penetration from pinwheels. This method enables the determination of the permeation of chemicals and other performance characteristics of the whole boot, which cannot be determined using testing of material specimens alone. By using this device for testing, appropriate boots that are protective against specific chemicals and can prevent chemically induced damage to the feet can be more efficiently selected.

ObjectivesThe objective of the current study was to elucidate the relationship between blood cadmium (Cd-B) levels and proximal tubular dysfunction using urinary β2-microglobulin (B2M-U) as an indicator among workers in nickel-cadmium battery plants in Japan.MethodsMedical check-up data from 338 workers exposed to cadmium at 2 plants were collected from 1997 through 2020. Workers with at least 2 check-ups were included, excluding those with other renal dysfunctions. Proximal tubular dysfunction was defined as a B2M-U of 300 μg/g creatinine or higher in 2 or more consecutive check-ups. A multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression model with time-dependent covariates was performed to analyze the relationship between Cd-B levels and the time to onset of proximal tubular dysfunction, adjusting for age, sex, and smoking history.ResultsOf the 338 workers, 238 met the study eligibility criteria for the analyses. The geometric mean of Cd-B was 1.97 μg/L. The Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that higher time-dependent Cd-B levels were significantly associated with an increased risk of proximal tubular dysfunction, with a hazard ratio of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.06-1.29).ConclusionsHigher Cd-B levels are associated with an increased risk of proximal tubular dysfunction in workers exposed to cadmium, indicating an increased risk of renal disease under the current industrial health management in Japan. Continuous monitoring and improved management of cadmium exposure are necessary to protect workers’ health even in developed countries such as Japan.