Metabolic syndrome incidence in an aging workforce: Occupational differences and the role of health behaviors. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Runge, Katharina; van Zon, Sander K.R.; Bültmann, Ute; Henkens, Kène
• Is Part Of: SSM - population health. Volume 15(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Older workers -- Endocrinology -- Occupation -- Lifestyle factors; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Medical anthropology -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; 362.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2021.100881
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-8273

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigates whether the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), and its components, differs by occupational group among older workers (45–65 years) and whether health behaviors (smoking, leisure-time physical activity, diet quality, and alcohol consumption) can explain these differences. A sample of older workers (N = 34, 834) from the North of the Netherlands was investigated. We analyzed data from two comprehensive measurement waves of the Lifelines Cohort Study and Biobank. MetS components were determined by physical measurements, blood markers, medication use, and self-reports. Occupational group and health behaviors were assessed by questionnaires. The association between occupational groups and MetS incidence was examined using logistic regression analysis. Health behaviors were subsequently added to the model to examine whether they can explain differences in MetS incidence between occupational groups. Low skilled white-collar (OR: 1.24; 95 % CI: 1.12, 1.37) and low skilled blue-collar (OR: 1.37; 95 % CI: 1.18, 1.59) workers had a significantly higher MetS incidence risk than high skilled white-collar workers. Similar occupational differences were observed on MetS component level. Combinations of unhealthy behaviors were more prevalent among blue-collar workers. MetS incidence in older workers differs between occupational groups and health behaviors explain a substantial part of these differences. Health promotion tailored to occupational groups may be beneficial specifically among older low skilled blue-collar workers. Research into other factors that contribute to occupational differences is needed as well as studies spanning the entire working life course. Highlights: Occupational group membership is associated with MetS incidence among older workers. Low skilled blue-collar workers have the highest MetS incidence risk. Findings are similar for the individual MetS components. Unhealthy behaviors cluster most among blue-collar workers. Health behaviors explain a large part of the occupational MetS risk differences.