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Introduction: Theoretically, benzodiazepines (BZDs) can narrow the iridocorneal angle and induce acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG). However, little evidence exists regarding this association.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess whether the use of BZDs is associated with the risk of AACG.Methods: We conducted a population-based case-crossover study using the nationwide claims database of the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. Patients with newly diagnosed AACG-between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016-who had received at least one BZD prescription prior to AACG diagnosis were enrolled. The date of AACG diagnosis was set as the index date. We assessed BZD use by each patient during a 30-day case period prior to the index date and three consecutive control periods that preceded this date. We used conditional logistic regression that adjusted for concomitant medications to determine the odds ratio for the use of BZDs in the case period compared with that in the control period in patients with incident AACG.Results: Of the 11,093 patients with incident AACG, 6709 received a prescription for BZD prior to diagnosis. BZD use was associated with an increased risk of AACG [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-1.54]. AACG risk was similar for short-acting (aOR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.24-1.57) and long-acting BZDs (aOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.18-1.50).Conclusion: We found that BZD use was associated with AACG risk in the Korean population. Clinicians should carefully monitor the occurrence of visual disturbance in BZD-treated patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study examined the effects of job autonomy and job satisfaction on burnout among careworkers in Japan and South Korea. Careworker is defined as a direct care worker in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, senior day care centers, and independent living centers who professionally provides physical and housekeeping support services for older adults who are unable to perform activities of daily living independently due to mental decline such as dementia and stroke in Japan and South Korea. Methods: Data were collected from 1152 Japanese careworkers and 319 Korean careworkers at various locations in Japan and South Korea. The primary variables included sociodemographic information, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and burnout. Results: Descriptive analyses indicated group difference between Japanese and Korean careworkers in terms of age, gender, marital status, educational level, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and burnout. Hierarchical regression analysis found that job autonomy and job satisfaction were the significant determinants of burnout risks. Also, age and marital status were significantly associated with burnout for Japanese careworkers and educational level had a significant influence on burnout for Korean careworkers. Conclusion: This study noted similarities and differences in the two careworker groups. Findings suggest the need to develop policy and practice considerations to reduce burnout risks among careworkers to improve quality of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]