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Introduction: Sickness presenteeism is a phenomenon where "workers go to work when ill." The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and work-related factors associated with presenteeism among nursing care providers in selected tertiary hospitals in Bangalore city. Methodology: Participants were selected using stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling. A questionnaire was designed to capture socio-demographic information, sickness-related behavior, performance-based self-esteem (PBSE), and selected work-related characteristics. Results: A total of 357 participants were enrolled in the study, 274 were staff nurses (S/N) and 83 were nursing assistants (N/A). About 75% of the participants reported presenteeism at least once in the last year, two-fifths did so in the last 4 weeks and nearly 15% were sick on the day of the interview. The mean Stanford Sickness Presenteeism Scale-6 score was 18.49 ± 3.84. The most frequent reason for presenteeism was "perceived mildness of the disease." In bivariate analysis, those who were younger, male, had children, higher qualifications, chronic ailment/s, financial commitments, lesser work experience, and higher PBSE had higher presenteeism scores. When introduced into a linear regression model, those S/N who had children [Standardized coefficient = 0.23 (0.40--1.97)], higher PBSE scores [Standardized coefficient = 0.385 (0.15--2.55)], and reported sickness absenteeism in the preceding 4 weeks [Standardized coefficient = 0.136 (0.12--1.01)] were significantly associated with higher presenteeism scores. Those N/A who had lesser work experience had higher presenteeism scores [Standardized coefficient = -0.33 (-0.02---0.004)]. Conclusion: Presenteeism is a common phenomenon among nursing care providers. It is imperative that both employers and employees be educated about its ill effects on the individual, fellow staff, and patients, followed by the adoption of preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is a collective and descriptive term used for the symptoms caused or aggravated by work. Significant WMSDs can affect the productivity and Quality of Life (QOL) of nurses. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs, identify their risk factors, and find the association, if any. This study also assessed the quality of life of nurses and its association with WMSDs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 staff nurses at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore for a period of 7 months (June-2018 to Dec-2018). The nurses were stratified based on their parent department into three broad categories -- Medical, Surgical, and Operation Theatre. Stratified random sampling was followed to obtain the required number of nurses from each stratum. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), clinical examination tests, and WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The annual prevalence of WMSDs among the study subjects using NMQ was 168 (81.2%). The prevalence of WMSDs based on clinical examination tests was 67 (32.4%). Repetitive movements at work (OR 9.3, 95% CI 3.4-25.7), working in abnormal postures for prolonged periods (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7-12.9), and working even when sick (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.0-14.1) were the risk factors for WMSDs (P < 0.05). No significant association was found between reported WMSDs (according to NMQ) and QOL. Conclusion: Our study found that the prevalence of WMSDs was high among the staff nurses and it did not affect their QOL significantly. Workshops and training sessions on ergonomics should be regularly conducted at the workplace to prevent WMSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Natural rubber latex (NRL) is processed from Hevea brasiliensis trees. Allergic reactions to certain proteins in the latex manifest as immediate hypersensitivity reactions and allergic reactions to chemicals added to latex during processing manifest as allergic contact dermatitis. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing latex allergies. As little data is available from India, this study was directed toward identifying the prevalence of latex glove-related dermatoses among nurses and the factors leading to it. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among nurses in a private tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 700 nurses were included in the study. Symptoms of latex allergy were present in 74 (10.6%) of study subjects, out of which 69 (9.9%) had features of contact dermatitis. Patch test was done in 50 subjects and was positive in 12 (24%); among them, patch test antigens were positive in 9 (18%) and a positive result to glove piece was seen in 3 subjects. Conclusions: Latex allergy in India is a significant problem; though lesser compared to western countries, its prevalence necessitates the development of pre-employment protocols to avoid workplace morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As part of undergraduate training in community medicine, students of 1st-year MBBS at our medical college in South India undergo rural residential community-based training called Rural Orientation Program (ROP). Objective: The objective was to study the impact of ROP at a medical college in South India. Methodology: Short-term impact was studied immediately before and after ROP using a 30-item questionnaire administered to 142 students. Medium-term impact was studied among 23 students in 2nd-year MBBS. Quantitative component consisted of objective structured practical examination scores and qualitative component documented reflections on learnings. Long-term impact was studied by surveying 287 alumni (batches of 1979 onward) to explore the impact of ROP on their career. Results: We found a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in the median posttest score (21, interquartile range [IQR]: 20--23) when compared to pretest (12, IQR: 10--16). The mean OSPE score was 19.34 ± 3.19 (maximum score = 25) with 54.55% obtaining a score ≥20. Thematic analysis of reflections depicted that students gained insights on factors influencing health and social organizations in rural areas. ROP helped develop empathy toward patients and a holistic approach toward health, in understanding rural dynamics and improved communication skills. Conclusion: ROP increases subject knowledge and plays a role in molding attitudes of students toward the care of people in rural areas and improves communication skills. This time-tested model can be replicated in other medical colleges across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Petrol pump workers are exposed to fumes emanated during petrol filling and vehicular exhaust thus falling prey to several respiratory diseases. Objectives: To assess the awareness and prevalence of respiratory morbidities among petrol pump workers of selected petrol pumps in Bangalore. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 petrol pump workers from 11 selected pumps in Bengaluru. Following IEC approval, the baseline socio-demographic data, knowledge regarding respiratory morbidities and current morbidity pattern were ascertained. Medical examination and Peak Expiratory Flow rate (PEFR) was estimated. Results: The 158 workers were all male, mostly between 18-27 years (65.19%) and high school educated (49.37%). Knowledge regarding respiratory morbidities was 56%, while prevalence of respiratory morbidity was 61%. Those workers who had completed their higher education (>10th standard), earning monthly income (>Rs. 5000) had better knowledge regarding respiratory morbidities. Recommendation: Pre-employment and regular medical examination including lung function tests and promotion of use of PPEs to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increasing focus on instituting wellness programs at the workplace among organizations in India. Such programs are aimed at improving employee health, which in turn, helps in reducing absenteeism, as well as in increasing work productivity and improving employee engagement. Of note, adult vaccination plays a significant role in ensuring the well-being of employees, as well as in keeping an organization profitable. The burden of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) in adults is increasing in India, causing significant morbidity and disability. Moreover, adult immunization is an underpublicized concept in India. There is an urgent need to create awareness about adult immunization in India, particularly in occupational health settings—both at the employee and employer levels. In view of this, an expert meeting was held under the aegis of the Indian Association of Occupational Health (IAOH) to discuss key issues pertaining to the burden of VPDs in the working population in India and to formulate guidelines on adult vaccination in occupational health settings. This consensus guideline document may act as a guide for organizations across India to create awareness about adult vaccination and also to design workplace vaccination programs to promote better health among employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection is most likely to occur when an individual is exposed to someone with pulmonary TB on a day-to-day basis, such as by living or working in close quarters with someone who has an active disease. This study was undertaken using reliable screening and investigation tools for assessing the incident latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methodology: This descriptive longitudinal study was conducted among 600 HCWs at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru city for a period of 1 year 4 months (March 2016–June 2017). All HCWs were stratified according to their work profile as doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, nursing aides, pharmacists, laundry workers (only those who come in contact with patients), dietary workers (only those who come in contact with patients), and workers from housekeeping department. Study subjects were enrolled in proportion to their population size. The data were collected by administering TB screening questionnaire and performing tuberculin skin test (TST). All the subjects who had negative TST reaction were followed up after 1 year from March 2017 to June 2017. Results: The study subjects consisted of 600 HCWs with a mean age of 27.8 ± 7.1 years. Initially, 600 study subjects underwent TST, 2 of whom were not contactable between 48 and 72 h of test administration. Of the remaining 598 subjects, 120 (20.1%) had a positive TST reaction. After 1 year, of the 478 subjects who tested negative, 345 study subjects underwent the repeat TST and 67 (19.4%) of the study subjects had a positive TST reaction. Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI was 20.1% and it was significantly associated with age, place of residence, education, work commute time, and mode of transport. The incidence of LTBI was 19.4% and it was significantly associated with gender, place of residence, education, work commute time, and marital status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses and six species of Coronaviruses are known to cause human disease such as cause common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. In January 2020, scientists in Wuhan, China isolated a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for an outbreak of unknown pneumonia that had not been previously reported among humans. This virus spreads from person to person, through respiratory droplets, close contact, and by touching surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus. The incubation period varies between 2 days and 14 days. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome. Older age and co-morbid conditions increase the fatality. Any person with a history of travel to and from COVID-19 affected countries in the past 14 days or any person who has had close contact with a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 are suspect cases and needs evaluation. Currently no vaccine is available and treatment is mainly supportive. Measures at workplace should include- avoiding non-essential travel, identifying and isolating sick employees at the earliest, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, environmental hygiene and social distancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To estimate the occurrence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and its risk factors in a rural Indian population using screening questionnaire and Level III sleep study. To determine the feasibility to train community health workers to administer Level III sleep study in the high-risk population. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from seven villages with adult population of 2247, in Mugalur, near Bengaluru, from January to April 2014. Berlin questionnaire was used to screen 321 participants chosen by stratified random sampling. A total of 26 out of 321 patients underwent Level III sleep study at home, administered by the health workers, who were trained in three sessions to hook up the machine. Data were verified by a certified sleep physician. Results: The mean age was 39.43 ± 15.6 years with the M:F ratio of 0.98:1. Prevalence of risk of OSA by Berlin questionnaire was 8.72% (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.63, 11.81) in the total population, 7.4% in males and 11.7% in females. Older age (odds ratio [OR] 3.97; CI 1.63, 9.6), hypertension (OR 11; CI 4.3, 28.2), obesity (OR 2.35; CI 1, 5.5), and higher Mallampati score (OR 3.78; CI 1.7, 8.4) were significantly associated with high risk of OSA (P = 0.0001-0.04). Twenty-six patients underwent Level III sleep study and OSA was diagnosed in 12 patients. The mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of this group was 9.7/h. The prevalence of OSA by AHI criteria was 3.74%. Conclusions: OSA is underdiagnosed in rural populations, although risk factors are present. Training community health workers to administer Level III sleep study is a feasible and cost-effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The main objective is to evaluate the efficiency in removal of smear layer of mixture of tetracycline, acid and detergent (MTAD), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and chlorhexidine gluconate by scanning electron microscope (SEM) evaluation and also to evaluate the antimicrobial action of the same irrigants against standard culture strains of Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: This study included 60 extracted permanent teeth with single root canal. The sample was categorized into five groups with 12 teeth in each group. Root canals were enlarged till size 40 with K-files. One group was kept as control and irrigated only with saline. Other four groups used 5% NaOCl as irrigant during instrumentation and MTAD, 5% NaOCl, 17% EDTA, and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate as final rinse. Teeth were split and examined under SEM. To test the antibacterial action, the zone of inhibition method using agar plates was used. Obtained data were statistically analyzed by SPSS version 17 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: MTAD and 17% EDTA removed smear layer from all regions of the root canals. About 5% NaOCl and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate were ineffective in removing the smear layer. The mean zone of inhibition formed by the irrigants was in the following order; MTAD (40.5 mm), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (29.375 mm), 17% EDTA (24.125 mm), 5% NaOCl (22.125 mm), and saline (zero). Conclusion: MTAD showed high smear layer removal efficacy, but no significant difference was found to that of 17% EDTA. As the dimensions of the zones of inhibition showed, MTAD has got highest antibacterial action against E. faecalis, followed by 2% chlorhexidine gluconate, 17% EDTA, and 5% NaOCl. However, the exact correlation of in vitro study results to clinical conditions is impossible due to the variables involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Burnout is a syndrome explained as serious emotional depletion with poor adaptation at work due to prolonged occupational stress. It has three principal components namely emotional exhaustion(EE), depersonalization(DP) and diminished feelings of personal accomplishment(PA). Thus, we aimed at measuring the degree of burnout in doctors and nurses working in emergency medicine department (EMD) of 4 select tertiary care teaching hospitals in South India. Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted among EMD professionals using a 30-item standardized pilot tested questionnaire as well as the Maslach burnout inventory. Univariate and Multivariate analyses were conducted using binary logistic regression models to identify predictors of burnout. Results: Total number of professionals interviewed were 105 of which 71.5% were women and 51.4% were doctors. Majority (78.1%) belonged to the age group 20-30 years. Prevalence of moderate to severe burnout in the 3 principal components EE, DP and PA were 64.8%, 71.4% and 73.3% respectively. After multivariate analysis, the risk factors [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) for DP included facing more criticism [3.57(1.25,10.19)], disturbed sleep [6.44(1.45,28.49)] and being short tempered [3.14(1.09,9.09)]. While there were no statistically significant risk factors for EE, being affected by mortality [2.35(1.12,3.94)] and fear of medication errors [3.61(1.26, 10.37)] appeared to be significant predictors of PA. Conclusion: Degree of burn out among doctors and nurses is moderately high in all of the three principal components and some of the predictors identified were criticism, disturbed sleep, short tempered nature, fear of committing errors and witnessing death in EMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ancillary health services are those supplemental services other than room, board, and medical/nursing services provided to hospital patients in the course of care. Ancillary department staff forms an integral part in the smooth functioning of a hospital. There is a need to focus on the health of these individuals to ensure their well-being and in turn, productivity at the workplace. Objective: To study the morbidity profile of the staff working at ancillary departments of a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: We conducted our study in a 1,200-bedded tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. Annual medical checkup (AMC) for all the staff working at the ancillary departments has been started in recent years and is provided free of cost and during working hours. A total of 150 employees from ancillary departments underwent AMC in the year 2013. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Spearman's correlation and Chi-square test were used. Results: Of the 150 employees, the majority was male (72%); the mean age was 38 ± 11 years. The most common morbidities were diabetes mellitus (11%), hypertension (10.6%), musculoskeletal disorders (9.3%), surgical problems (8.6%, hemorrhoids, varicose veins), and dental caries (6.6%). On stool microscopy, 12% of the dietary workers showed ova/cyst. There was a significant positive correlation between age and the number of chronic morbidities (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Lifestyle disorders such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension were the major morbidities among the staff in the ancillary departments of the hospital. We ensured regular follow-up, adherence to medication, and lifestyle modifications in terms of diet and exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Shift Work Disorder (SWD) is a sleep disorder characterized by sleepiness and insomnia, which can be attributed to the person's work schedule. Awareness of the mechanisms behind shift work related health problems could be essential to schedule the shift work, employment routines, clinical treatment, and selection of employees. Objective: To assess the prevalence of SWD and to identify related health problems among nurses in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore. Materials and Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore between May and September 2014. Based on simple random sampling, 130 nurses were selected for the study. After obtaining written informed consent from the participants, structured interview schedule using Standard Shift Work Index and Bergen Shift Work Sleep Questionnaire (BSWSQ) was administered. The Results: mean age of the 130 nurses was 27.4 ± 2.64 years. The prevalence of SWD was found to be 43.07%. Headache, back pain, gastritis, and menstrual disorders were the most common complaints, which are found in 78 (60.0%), 75 (57.6%), 42 (32.3%), and 39 (30.0%) cases, respectively. Anxiety and depression was found in 23 (17.6%) and 31 (23.8%) individuals, respectively. We also found a significant association of SWD with increasing age, more number of nights worked in a year, and longer duration of working hours. According to the BSWSQ, 70 (53.8%) nurses were found to have sleep problems. Conclusion: A high prevalence of SWD symptoms calls for a focus on the antecedents of work related sleep problems and appropriate intervention, such as behavioral changes, clockwise rotating shifts, and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Musculoskeletal pain is common among tea leaf pluckers and is attributed to the load they carry, long working hours, the terrain, and insufficient job rotations. As a result of this, their health and work capacity are affected. Aims: To assess the prevalence, patterns, and factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among pluckers in a tea plantation in Annamalai, Tamil Nadu, India. Settings and Design: This cross-sectional study surveyed 195 pluckers selected by simple random sampling aged between 18 years and 60 years. Materials and Methods: The interview schedule had four parts--sociodemographic detail, Standard Nordic Scale, numeric and facial pain rating tool, and a tool to assess factors associated with WRMDs. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Results: Prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in the last 12 months and the last 7 days was 83.6% and 78.5%, respectively. The most common site for last 1 year was shoulder (59%) and for last 7 days was the lower back (52.8%). Independent t-test revealed that the mean age of those with pain was 6.59 year more and mean years of employment was 1.38 years more among the workers with pain compared to workers without pain. Increasing morbidities among workers was also significantly associated with an increase in WRMDs on Chi-square test. Conclusions: The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain was high among tea pluckers and the most common site during the last 12 months and the last 7 days was the shoulder and lower back respectively was mild in character. Increase in age and duration of employment was associated with WRMDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Laundry Department plays an important role in preventing the spread of infection and continuously supplying clean linen to various departments in any hospital. Objectives of the Study: To identify existing practices and occupational safety and health (OSH) measures in the Laundry Department and to assess the use of personal protective equipments (PPEs) among health care workers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a private tertiary care teaching hospital. An observation checklist was developed, which was partially based on occupational hazard checklist of OSHA for Laundry Department. This was field tested and validated for applicability for this study. Results: The potential biological hazards are infections through exposure to aerosols, spills and splashes during various activities, fungal infection due to wet clothes and environment and infections through fomites. The potential physical hazards are injuries due to slips and falls, exposure to heat, humidity, dust, noise, and vibration. The potential chemical hazards are contact dermatitis and allergic asthma due to exposure to detergents, phenyl solution, bleaching powder, and soap oil solution. The potential ergonomic hazards are musculoskeletal diseases and repetitive stress injuries at the shoulder, elbow, and small joints of the hands. PPEs were not used consistently in most areas of the department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Avian influenza (AI) is a viral disease of domestic and wild birds. The recent pandemics caused by highly pathogenic AIA (H5N1) in domestic poultry is currently rated phase 3 by the World Health Organization on the pandemic alert scale. Materials and Methods: A pretested and semistructured survey instrument was administered to both live bird market and poultry farm workers in two most populous cities in Karnataka in South India to collect data on demographics, knowledge, attitude, and practices among them. Results: The mean age was similar among both population groups (31.5 years). There was a higher level of biosecurity practices adopted in poultry farms compared with those adopted in live bird market. Knowledge regarding AI was acceptable but poorly correlated with actual biosecurity practices. Discussion: Live bird market and poultry farm workers have been identified as the weakest link in the prevention and control of the spread of AI in the two most populous cities studied in Karnataka. Conclusion: Risk reduction models of behavior change targeting these groups are important toward the control and prevention of AI spread. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workers in the tea planting industry are exposed to a variety of occupational health and safety hazards. Whether the workers perceive the risks involved and to what degree is an interesting point in question. Aims: To identify occupational health and safety risks involved in the tea planting sector and to rate these risks from the workers' perspective. Settings and Design: Permanent workers from four estates belonging to one tea planting company in southern India were enlisted in this descriptive study. Materials and Methods: The sample was randomly and then proportionately selected to give a total number equal to the calculated sample size of 341. Data were collected by reviewing medical records, conducting focus group discussions with field officers and supervisors, worker interviews and key informant interviews with the management in these four estates. Proportions were used to describe occurrence and distribution of work-related injuries. The risks as perceived by the workers were rated on their severity and frequency, using a Risk Rating Matrix. Results and Conclusion: The incidence of injuries was greater among male workers, those working both in the field and factory and those handling multiple tasks. The most common morbidities suffered were "small cuts and abrasions" in about 53%of the workers. Backache and insect bites were assigned the highest risk rating scores. Continued monitoring of the risk assessment by the workers could help in a planned reduction of commonly occurring injuries by agreeing on a specified risk limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the health of the healthcare workers delivering care and services directly as doctors or indirectly as laboratory technicians and medical waste handlers to the ailing and sick. Topics include declaration for the years 2006 to 2015 as the decade of the human resources for health by the World Health Organization (WHO), hazards in the healthcare industry such as exposure to diseases and chemicals; and need of special attentions to preventive programs such as vaccinations.