Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Jeehee Min

8 Articles

Data Profile

Data profile: Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS): Seong-Sik Cho, Jeehee Min, Heejoo Ko, Mo-Yeol Kang; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e3. Published online February 19, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e3

The Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study (KWSHS) was launched in 2022 as a longitudinal panel study to examine the interactions between work conditions, sleep health, and labour market performance among the Korean workforce. Baseline data were collected from 5,517 participants aged 19 to 70, encompassing diverse occupations. Follow-up surveys occur biannually, accommodating seasonal variations in sleep and health dynamics. To ensure stability, refreshment samples were integrated in later waves, maintaining a cohort size of 5,783 participants in wave 5. Key data include socio-demographics, employment characteristics, sleep patterns, health outcomes, and workplace performance. Early findings highlight critical associations, such as the adverse effects of occupational physical activity on productivity, the impact of emotional labour on health-related productivity loss, and the significance of sleep disruptions on mental health. The cohort’s design enables detailed analyses of longitudinal and cross-sectional trends, offering insights into how changing work environments influence health and productivity. The KWSHS could serve as a vital resource for evidence-based interventions aimed at improving occupational health and productivity in Korea's evolving labour landscape. Data access is available through the study’s principal investigator upon request.

한국 직업, 수면 및 건강 연구(KWSHS)
한국 직업, 수면 및 건강 연구(KWSHS)는 한국 노동자의 근로 조건, 수면 건강, 노동 시장 성과 간 상호작용을 조사하기 위해 2022년에 시작된 종단적 패널 연구이다. 기초 자료는 다양한 직업군을 포함하여 19세에서 70세까지의 5,517명을 대상으로 수집하였다. 후속 설문조사는 수면 및 건강 역학의 계절적 변동성을 고려하여 2년마다 실시하며, 코호트의 안정성을 유지하기 위해 후속 조사에서는 보충 표본을 추가하여 5차 웨이브에서는 총 5,783명의 코호트 규모를 유지하였다. 주요 자료에는 사회인구학적 정보, 고용 특성, 수면 패턴, 건강 결과 및 직장 성과 등이 포함된다. 초기 연구 결과는 직업적 신체활동이 생산성에 미치는 부정적 영향, 감정 노동이 건강 관련 생산성 손실에 미치는 영향, 그리고 수면 장애가 정신 건강에 미치는 중요성을 포함한 주요 연관성을 강조하고 있다. 본 코호트의 설계는 종단적 및 횡단적 추세에 대한 세부적인 분석을 가능하게 하여 변화하는 근로 환경이 건강 및 생산성에 미치는 영향을 심층적으로 이해할 수 있게 한다. KWSHS는 한국의 변화하는 노동 환경 속에서 직업 건강 및 생산성을 향상시키기 위한 근거 기반 개입을 위한 중요한 자원이 될 수 있다. 데이터 접근은 연구 책임자에게 요청을 통해 가능하다.

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The Impact of Comorbid Insomnia and Sleep Apnea (COMISA) on Work Ability: Results From Population‐Based Panel Data in Korea
Heejoo Ko, Seong‐Sik Cho, Dong‐Wook Lee, Jaesung Choi, Min‐Seok Kim, Mo‐Yeol Kang
Journal of Sleep Research.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Work ability and health-related productivity loss by chronotype: Results from population-based panel study
Heejoo Ko, Seong-Sik Cho, Mo-Yeol Kang
Sleep Health.2025;[Epub] CrossRef

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Original Article

Development of standard job classification codes for building a job-exposure matrix for police officers: Sangjun Choi, Ju-Hyun Park, Inah Kim, Jungwon Jang, Jeehee Min, Sang Baek Koh, Seongwon Kim, Yeji Sung, Kyoung Yoon Ko, Su Min Oh, Un-Yeol Jeon; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;37:e10. Published online April 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e10

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material: Background
This study aimed to develop standard job categories for constructing a job-exposure matrix (JEM) for police officers in South Korea and to evaluate their applicability.
Methods
We examined standard job codes related to police personnel management and compared them with job classifications from police publications. Using R Shiny, we developed a web-based search tool for standard codes. A pilot survey of 130 police officers assessed the codes' applicability and relevance to health-related hazardous factors.
Results
Eighty-seven standard functional codes used in the police personnel management system POOL were organized into minor categories as the basic units of standard jobs. These were grouped into 20 sub-major categories and further consolidated into 10 major categories to develop the standard job codes. The responses to the standard job codes in the pilot survey were 75% accurate compared with the final expert evaluation results and 99.2% accurate compared with the algorithm-based automatic allocation results. The results of the job-hazardous factor network analysis revealed that the most frequently reported hazardous factor was emotional labor, followed by night shifts and electromagnetic waves. Emotional labor was identified as the top hazardous factor in six out of the nine standard job categories.
Conclusions
The standard job codes developed in this study were designed in connection with the personnel management system for police officers, making them well-suited for constructing a comprehensive JEM for the entire police force.; 경찰관 직무-노출 매트릭스 구축을 위한 표준직무 코드 개발
목적
본 연구는 한국 경찰관에 대한 직무-노출 매트릭스(JEM) 구축을 위해 표준직무 코드를 개발하고 적용 가능성을 평가하고자 실시되었다.
방법
경찰관 인사관리 시스템을 검토하고, 경찰청 공식 발간물 및 조직도상의 직무관련 분류 체계를 검토하였다. R Shiny를 활용하여 웹 기반 표준코드 검색기를 개발하였고, 130명의 경찰관을 대상으로 시범 설문을 통해 경찰관들이 표준직무 코드를 잘 선택하는지 평가하였다. 또한 소속 부서 및 기능 등의 기술내용을 활용하여 표준직무 코드를 자동할당 하는 알고리즘을 만들어 자동할당 가능성을 평가하였다.
결과
경찰관 인사관리 시스템에서 활용 가능한 직무 관련 정보를 검토한 결과 87개의 기능코드를 기반으로 20개의 중분류, 10개의 대분류 표준직무 코드를 개발하였고, 웹 기반 검색기 링크(https://kscf.shinyapps.io/pff_app/)를 통해 자세한 국문 코드명과 설명을 확인하고, 코드 검색이 가능하도록 하였다. 시범 설문 결과 응답자들의 표준직무 코드 선택 정확도는 75.4% 였고, 자동할당 결과의 정확도는 99.2%였다. 직무-유해요인 설문조사 결과 가장 많이 응답한 유해요인은 감정노동이었고, 다음으로 야간근무, 전자기파 순이었다.
결론
본 연구에서 개발한 표준직무 코드는 경찰관의 인사시스템과 연동되어 경찰관 전체에 대한 JEM 구축에 잘 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대되며, 향후 표준직무 코드를 적용한 경찰관 건강영향 관련 전수 설문조사를 통해 JEM 구축을 실시할 예정이다.

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Original Article

Differences of nutritional intake habits and Dietary Inflammatory Index score between occupational classifications in the Korean working population: Seung Hee Woo, Yangwoo Kim, Kyungho Ju, Juhyeong Kim, Jaechul Song, Soo-Jin Lee, Jeehee Min; Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e5. Published online March 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e5

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

Background

Human nutrient intake is closely related to the conditions of their workplace.

Methods

This study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2016 and 2020. The study population comprised individuals aged 19 to 65 years who were engaged in paid work, excluding soldiers (total = 12,201, male = 5,872, female = 6,329). The primary outcome of interest was the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) score, which was calculated using dietary intake data. Generalized linear models were used for statistical analyses.

Results

Pink-collar workers had higher DII scores, indicating a potentially higher inflammatory diet than white-collar workers (mean: 2.18 vs. 1.89, p < 0.001). Green and blue-collar workers displayed lower levels of dietary inflammation (green: 1.64 vs. 1.89, p = 0.019, blue: 1.79 vs. 1.89, p = 0.022). After adjusting for sex, age, income, education, and energy intake, the sole trend that persisted was the comparison between white-collar and pink-collar workers.

Conclusions

DII scores and dietary patterns differed among occupational groups and genders.

한국 직장 인구의 직업 분류별 영양 섭취 습관과 식이 염증 지수 차이
목적
직장인의 영양 섭취는 그들의 직장 환경과 밀접한 관련이 있다.
방법
본 연구는 2016년부터 2020년까지 실시된 대한민국 국립건강영양조사(KNHANES) 자료를 사용하였다. 연구 대상은 19세에서 65세까지의 직장인으로, 군인은 제외되었다.(전체 = 12,201명, 남성 = 5,872명, 여성 = 6,329명) 주요 관심 대상은 식이 염증 지수(DII)로, 식품 섭취 정보를 사용하여 계산하였다. 통계 분석에는 일반화된 선형 모델을 사용하였다.
결과
핑크 칼라 직종 근로자들은 DII 점수가 더 높았으며, 이는 화이트 칼라 직종 근로자들보다 잠재적으로 염증성 식습관이 높을 수 있음을 나타낸다.(평균: 2.18 대 1.89, p < 0.001) 그린과 블루 칼라 직종 근로자들은 DII 점수가 낮았다.(그린: 1.64 대 1.89, p = 0.019, 블루: 1.79 대 1.89, p = 0.022) 핑크 칼라와 화이트 칼라 직종 근로자에서 DII 점수의 차이는 성별, 연령, 소득, 교육 및 에너지 섭취량에 대한 보정 후에도 지속되었다.
결론
DII 점수와 식습관은 직업군과 성별에 따라 다르게 나타났다.

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Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
Nutrients.2024; 16(10): 1482. CrossRef

1,126 View
187 Download
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1 Crossref

Original Article

The impact of long working hours on daily sodium intake: Kyungho Ju, Yangwoo Kim, Seung Hee Woo, Juhyeong Kim, Inah Kim, Jaechul Song, Soo-Jin Lee, Jeehee Min; Ann Occup Environ Med 2024;36:e9. Published online April 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2024.36.e9

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF

Background

Long working hours are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet the underlying mechanism(s) remain unclear. The study examines how occupational factors like working hours, shift work, and employment status correlate with dietary choices and sodium intake, impacting hypertension risk.

Methods

This study used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2013 and 2020. The dataset included 8,471 respondents, all of whom were wage workers aged 20 or older and reported working at least 36 hours per week. Individuals who have been previously diagnosed with or are currently diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia were excluded. The average daily sodium intake was assessed via a 24-hour dietary recall method. Average weekly working hours were categorized into 3 groups: 36–40 hours, 41–52 hours, and over 52 hours. Multiple logistic regression models were used.

Results

Study findings revealed that 83.7% of participants exceeded the recommended daily sodium intake of 2 g set by the World Health Organization. After adjusting for confounding factors, a positive correlation was observed between average working hours and daily sodium intake. Among males, statistical significance was found in the group with average weekly working hours of 41–52 hours (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05–1.30) and the group exceeding 52 hours (PR: 1.22; 95% CI: 1.09–1.38) when comparing the fourth quartile of daily sodium intake to the combined quartiles of Q1, Q2, and Q3. Among females, no significance was noted.

Conclusions

Long working hours were associated with increased sodium intake, primarily among male workers. This connection is likely attributed to having less time for home-cooked meals, resulting in higher fast food consumption and dining out. A workplace intervention promoting healthy eating and reducing stress is essential to lower sodium consumption and mitigate hypertension risk.

장시간 근무가 일일 소듐 섭취량에 미치는 영향
목적
장시간 근무는 심혈관 질환의 증가와 관련이 있다고 알려져 있지만, 그 메커니즘은 명확히 알려져 있지 않다. 본 연구는 주당 평균 근로시간, 교대근무 및 고용 형태 등의 직업적 요인과 식습관 변화 간의 관계를 확인하고, 특히 고혈압의 알려진 위험 요인인 과다한 소듐 섭취와의 관련성을 조사하였다.
방법
본 연구는 2013년부터 2020년까지 실시된 대한민국 국민건강영양조사의 데이터를 사용하였다. 연구대상자는 20세 이상의 임금 근로자, 주당 최소 36시간 이상 근무하는 자로 선정하였다. 이 외에도 다양한 인구학적, 직업 변수가 설문 조사를 통해 수집되었으며, 평균 일일 소듐 섭취량은 24시간 회상법을 통해 조사되었다. 주당 평균 근무 시간은 36-40시간, 41-52시간 및 52시간 이상의 세 집단으로 분류되었다. 다중 로지스틱 회귀 모델이 분석에 사용되었다.
결과
연구대상자 중 83.7%가 세계보건기구(WHO)에서 권장한 일일 나트륨 섭취량인 2g을 초과한 것이 확인되었다. 교란변수 보정 후에도 주당 평균 근로시간과 일일 소듐 섭취 간의 통계적 유의성이 확인되었다. 남성에 대하여, 주당 평균 근무 시간이 41-52시간인 그룹 (PR: 1.17, 95% CI: 1.05-1.30)과 52시간을 초과한 그룹 (PR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.09-1.38)이 일일 소듐 섭취량 4분위에서 1, 2, 3분위를 포함한 그룹과와 비교하여 통계적으로 유의미한 관련이 있었다. 여성에 대하여는 통계적으로 유의미하지 않았다.
결론
장시간 근무는 주로 남성 근로자에서 소듐 섭취 증가와 관련이 있었다. 이는 가정에서 조리하는 시간이 줄어들어 패스트 푸드 및 외식 소비가 증가하는 것에 기인한 것으로 생각된다. 과량의 소듐 섭취는 고혈압의 알려진 위험 요인이므로, 직장에서의 적극적인 개입을 통해, 더 건강한 식습관과 개선된 근무 환경을 통해 소듐 섭취를 줄이는 것이 필요하다.

Citations

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Association of long working hours with visceral adiposity index, anthropometric indices, and weight management behaviors: a study of Korean workers
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Family Practice.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Gender discrimination in the workplace and the onset of problematic alcohol use among female wage workers: A longitudinal study in Korea
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon, Jong-Uk Won
Social Science & Medicine.2025; 379: 118183. CrossRef
Association between long working hours and poor cardiovascular health assessed by the American Heart Association’s “Life’s essential 8”: findings from a nationally representative sample of Korean workers (2014–2021)
Seong-Uk Baek, Jin-Ha Yoon
Postgraduate Medical Journal.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Temporary Employment Is Associated with Poor Dietary Quality in Middle-Aged Workers in Korea: A Nationwide Study Based on the Korean Healthy Eating Index, 2013–2021
Seong-Uk Baek, Myeong-Hun Lim, Yu-Min Lee, Jong-Uk Won, Jin-Ha Yoon
Nutrients.2024; 16(10): 1482. CrossRef

1,622 View
189 Download
4 Web of Science
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Special Issue

Working hours and the regulations in Korea: Inah Kim, Jeehee Min; Ann Occup Environ Med 2023;35:e18. Published online July 6, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2023.35.e18

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

South Korea has the highest policy priority for working hour regulations because it has longer annual working hours than other Organization for Economic Development Co-operation and Development countries and has fewer holidays. According to the results of the Working Conditions Surveys between 2006 and 2020, in 2020, 6% of wage earners worked for > 52 hours weekly. The percentage of workers exceeding 52 hours weekly has decreased over time; however, disparities exist based on age, industry, occupation, company type, and company size, particularly in service-, arts-, and culture-related occupations and workplaces with fewer than 5 employees. South Korea’s working hours system is greatly influenced by the 52-hour weekly maximum; sometimes, a maximum of 64–69 hours, including overtime, is theoretically possible. To ensure healthy working hours, it is important to actively protect workers who fall through the cracks, such as those in businesses with fewer than 5 employees.

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Original Article

Association between long working hours and liver enzymes: evidence from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2007–2017: Ji-Hun Song, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Dong-Wook Lee, Jeehee Min, Yu Min Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang; Ann Occup Environ Med 2022;34:e9. Published online May 13, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2022.34.e9

Abstract Abstract in Korean PDF Supplementary Material

Background

Long working hours causes several health risks, but little is known about its effects on the liver. This study aimed to examine the correlation between working hours and abnormal liver enzyme levels.

Methods

We used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV–VII. For the final 15,316 study participant, the information on working hours was obtained through questionnaires, and liver enzyme levels, consisting of serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), through blood tests. The relationship between weekly working hours and abnormal levels of liver enzymes was analyzed using multiple logistic regression, and a trend test was also conducted.

Results

In male, working ≥ 61 hours per week was significantly associated with elevated AST and ALT levels compared with working 35–52 hours per week. Even after adjusting for covariates, the odds ratios (ORs) of abnormal AST and ALT increased by 1.51 (95% confidence interval: 1.20–2.05) and 1.25 (1.03–1.52), respectively, and a dose-response relationship was observed. This association was more prominent among the high-risk group, such as those aged > 40 years, obese individuals, worker on non-standard work schedule, pink-collar workers, or temporary worker. No correlation was observed in female.

Conclusions

Long working hours are associated with abnormal liver function test results in male. Strict adherence to statutory working hours is necessary to protect workers’ liver health.

장시간 노동과 간기능 이상의 상관성: 2007-2017 국민건강영양조사 자료를 이용하여
목적
장시간 노동은 여러 가지 건강상의 위험을 초래하지만 간에 미치는 영향에 대해서는 아직까지 알려진 바가 거의 없다. 본 연구는 근로시간과 간기능 이상과의 상관관계를 알아보는 것을 목적으로 하였다.
방법
본 연구를 위해 4-7차 국민건강영양조사 자료를 사용하였다. 최종 연구참여자 15,316명을 대상으로 설문지를 통해 근무시간 정보를 얻었고 혈액검사를 통해 혈청 아스파르테이트아미노트랜스퍼라제(AST)와 알라닌아미노트랜스퍼라제(ALT)로 구성된 간효소치 정보를 얻었다. 다중 로지스틱 회귀 분석을 통해 주당 근무 시간과 간효소 이상 수치와의 관계를 분석하고 추세 검정도 함께 진행하였다.
결과
남성의 경우 주당 35-52시간 일하는 것에 비해, 법정 최대 근로시간을 초과한 주당 53-60시간을 근무하여도 AST 및 ALT 수치의 유의한 상승이 관찰되진 않았으나, 주당 60시간을 초과하여 일하는 경우 유의하게 상승하였다. 공변량을 보정한 후에도 AST와 ALT이상수치의 교차비(ORs)가 각각 1.51 (95% 신뢰 구간: 1.20-2.05) 및 1.25 (1.03-1.52) 증가하여 용량-반응 관계가 관찰되었다. 이 연관성은 40세 이상, 비만인, 비정규시간 근로자, 핑크 칼라 노동자, 임시직 노동자와 같은 고위험군에서 더 두드러졌다. 여성에서는 상관관계가 관찰되지 않았다.
결론
남성의 경우 장시간 노동은 간기능 검사 결과 이상과 관련이 있다. 근로자의 간 건강을 보호하기 위해서는 법정 근로시간을 철저히 준수하는 것이 필요하다.

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Research Article

Descriptive analysis of prevalence and medical expenses of cancer, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, psychiatric disease, and musculoskeletal disease in Korean firefighters: Jeehee Min, Yangwoo Kim, Hye Sim Kim, Jiyoung Han, Inah Kim, Jaechul Song, Sang-Baek Koh, Tae-Won Jang; Ann Occup Environ Med 2020;32:e7. Published online January 30, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2020.32.e7

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material

Background

Firefighters are exposed to many dangerous working conditions. Many studies have identified the risk of disease for firefighters, but only a few studies have addressed the medical expenses of firefighters, which represents a concrete scale of disease. Our purpose in this study was to determine the medical expenditures of firefighters to assess the overall scale of disease in Korea. We focused on cancer, mental disorders, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, and musculoskeletal disease, the prevalence of which was expected to be high in firefighters.

Methods

This study utilized National Health Insurance Service data. We targeted firefighters, police officers, and government officials. We classified disease based on the 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems codes. We compared prevalence by the age-standardized prevalence rate, considering standard distribution of the population. Medical expenditure of disease was defined as outpatient fees, hospitalization fees, and drug costs. Total medical expenditures were calculated by the sum of those 3 categories.

Results

The age-standardized prevalence of cancer, mental disorders, and cardiovascular disease in firefighters was slightly higher than or similar to that of government officials and police officers (no significant difference). However, medical expenditures for stomach cancer, mental disorders, and most cardio-cerebrovascular diseases were higher in firefighters than in others. In particular, firefighters spent 12 times more money for ischemic heart disease than did government officials. Of musculoskeletal diseases, lumbar disc disorder had the highest expenditures among firefighters.

Conclusions

The age-standardized prevalence of most of diseases of firefighters was not as high as in the other groups, but the medical expenses of firefighters were much higher than those of government officials and police officers.

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Research Article

Occupational cancer claims in Korea from 2010 to 2016: Kyungjoon Lee, Sujin Lee, Jeehee Min, Inah Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:64. Published online November 1, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0272-6

Abstract PDF

Background

Research on carcinogens causing occupational cancer has been updated. Further, social interest in occupational cancer has increased. In addition, the standard for recognizing cancer as a work-related disease has also been revised. The present study aims to describe the distribution of occupational cancer claims or its approval rate and their association with work-related variables.

Methods

We analyzed 1299 claim cases for occupational cancer from 2010 to 2016 provided by the Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service (KCOMWEL). The status of approval rate was shown by year, sex, industry, occupation, age of diagnosis, duration from employment to diagnosis, and cancer site.

Results

The approval rate was 39.0% from 2010 to 2016 and tended to increase annually since 2011. Both the number of claims and the approval rate were higher in men. Mining and quarrying showed the highest approval rate (78.4%). The approval rates by age of diagnosis and duration from employment to diagnosis increased as the time periods increased. Respiratory organ had the highest number of claims and the highest approval rate by cancer site.

Conclusions

The approval rate of occupational cancer has shown an increasing trend since 2011. The increase of occupational carcinogens and cancer sites and the improvement of social awareness about occupational cancer could have resulted in this trend. The present study provides unique, and the latest and most accurate findings on occupational cancer data of recent 7 years that could be helpful to researchers or policy makers on occupational cancer.

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