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Bacground: Impaired venous return is observed in healthcare professionals who spend long periods standing and sitting. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate varicose vein-related risk factors, exercise health beliefs, and venous refill time in healthcare professionals working in operating rooms and outpatient clinics by photoplethysmography. Method: The study sample consisted of 100 healthcare professionals without a diagnosis of peripheral venous insufficiency. Data were collected using a descriptive characteristics form, the Health Belief Model Scale for Exercise, the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and photoplethysmography. Result: This study found that OR nurses had shorter venous refill times and experienced more pain due to prolonged standing, despite their high health beliefs about exercise. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals working in operating rooms should be screened for venous insufficiency and trained regarding the practices to prevent venous insufficiency, such as lying down, elevating legs, and using elastic stockings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare settings may amplify transmission of respiratory pathogens, however empirical evidence is lacking. We aimed to describe the spectrum and distribution of respiratory pathogens among healthcare workers in eastern China. Methods: Healthcare workers were recruited from October 2020 to November 2021 in Jiangsu province. Participants were interviewed regarding demographic and hospital-based protective measures. Thirty-seven common respiratory pathogens were tested using real-time PCR/RT-PCR (Probe qPCR). The role of demographic and hospital-based protective measures on pathogens colonization using multivariable logistic regression models. Results: Among 316 enrolled healthcare workers, a total of 21 pathogens were detected. In total, 212 (67.1%) healthcare workers had at least one respiratory pathogen; 195 (61.7%) and 70 (22.2%) with a bacterial and viral pathogen. The most commonly detected pathogen was streptococcus pneumoniae (47.5%) followed by Haemophilus influenzae (21.2%). One hundred and five (33.2%) healthcare workers with copathogens had at least two respiratory pathogens. Both bacterial and viral colonization were more common in 2020 compared to 2021. A decreased risk of colonization was seen in participants with infection prevention and control training and suitable hand hygiene. Conclusions: Colonization of respiratory pathogens in healthcare workers from eastern China was high. Differential risk was impacted only by hospital-based protective measures and not demographic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PFASs, synthetic chemicals, can be encountered by humans through occupational or environmental exposure, and some reports suggest that they can disrupt endocrine and hormonal activities. In this comprehensive review and meta-analysis, we explored the connection between exposure to PFASs and the risks of breast and female genital cancers. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature from IARC Monographs, ATSDR documents, and PubMed (as of January 2024) for cohort, case-control, and ecological studies on PFAS exposure and breast or female genital cancers. Four reviewers independently screened studies, and data extraction included study design, patient characteristics, and effect size measures. The quality of studies was assessed using the modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Forest plots of relative risks (RR) were constructed for breast and female genital cancer. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models, stratified analyses, dose-response assessments, and publication bias evaluation. Results: The meta-analysis included 24 studies, comprising 10 cohort, 13 case-control, and one ecological study. The summary relative risk (RR) of breast cancer for PFOA exposure was 1.08 (95% CI = 0.97-1.20; n=21), and for PFOS was 1.00 (95% CI = 0.85-1.18; n=12). The RR for ovarian cancer and PFAS was 1.07 (95% CI = 1.04-1.09; n=12). The stratification by quality score, year of publication, and exposure source did not reveal any differences. However, analysis by geographical region (p=0.01) and study design (p=0.03) did show differences, particularly in terms of incidence. Stratified analyses of the dose-response relationship did not reveal a trend in the risk of breast cancer or female genital cancers, and no publication bias was found for either cancer type. No results were available for cervical and endometrial cancers. Conclusion: In summary, our results suggest an association between PFAS exposure and ovarian cancer and a possible effect on breast cancer incidence in some specific groups. However, bias and confounding cannot be excluded and prevent conclusions regarding causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Health and Social Care (HSC) workers face psychological health risks in the workplace. While many studies have described psychological injuries in HSC workers, few have examined the determinants. Previous research has primarily focused on hospitals, lacking systematic reviews of community-based settings. OBJECTIVE: To systematically identify and appraise current evidence on the determinants of psychological injuries among HSC workers in community settings. METHODS: Searches were conducted in three bibliographic databases, supplemented by citation searches. Included studies focused on community-based HSC workers, reporting statistical associations between psychological injury and personal, health, occupational, or organizational factors. Quantitative studies published in English between January 1, 2000 and August 15, 2023 were included. Quality appraisal was undertaken using the JBI critical appraisal checklist. RESULTS: Sixty-six studies were included. Study quality was highly variable, and all studies were cross-sectional. Twenty-three studies linked psychological injury with occupational factors (e.g. low job control, high job demands and low job satisfaction). Thirteen studies observed an association between work environment and psychological injury, and a further eleven between workplace social support and psychological injury. Fewer studies have examined the relationship between psychological injury and personal/individual factors. CONCLUSION: Occupational and organisational factors are significantly associated with psychological health among HSA workers, in community settings. These aspects of job design, work environment and workplace relationships are modifiable, suggesting an opportunity for work design interventions to improve workers' psychological health and reduce the prevalence of psychological injury in this sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To explore the main risk factors for the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) and provide a theoretical basis for future prevention and intervention of LBP. Methods Using stratified cluster sampling, LBP patients treated in 11 hospitals nationwide were selected as the case group (n = 394), and patients with other diseases or healthy individuals from the same hospitals were selected as the control group (n = 413) from December 2021 to December 2022. Data on general personal information, occupational factors, lifestyle, and socio -psychological factors were collected through electronic questionnaires. R-language statistical software was used to analyze the data. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was employed to explore the influencing factors of LBP, and multiplicative and additive interaction models were used to analyze the interaction effects of occupational and lifestyle factors. Results The average age of the case group was (47.65 ± 11.24) years; the control group's average age was (46.54 ± 11.31) years. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that compared to those who were underweight, did not engage in repetitive work, did not use mobile phones during commuting, and were dissatisfied with their salary, those who were overweight or obese, engaged in repetitive work, used mobile phones during commuting, and were satisfied with their salary had an increased risk of LBP ranging from 1.759 to 3.713 times (P < 0.05). Compared to those with an educational level of primary school or below and administrative personnel, those with higher educational levels and professional technicians, office workers, military personnel, and equipment operators had a lower risk of LBP ranging from 0.144 to 0.571 times (P < 0.05). Interaction analysis showed a multiplicative interaction between repetitive work and mobile phone use during commuting (OR = 3.743, 95%CI: 2.181 - 6.424). Conclusions The occurrence of LBP was related to multiple individual, occupational, and lifestyle factors, and there may be a cumulative effect of work and lifestyle factors on the occurrence of LBP. Employers should take reasonable preventive measures to reduce the risk of LBP and ensure the occupational health of workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a major global public health issue, prevalent among various occupational groups worldwide. However, existing studies have predominantly focused on sedentary workers in developed nations, leaving a gap in understanding LBP prevalence and associated factors among occupational cohorts in low- and middle-income countries like Bangladesh. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and occupational factors contributing to LBP among ride-sharing motorbike drivers (RSMD) in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dhaka city from May 20 to August 08, 2023. Data were collected from Bangladeshi adult RSMD using a paper-based questionnaire developed by Eriksen et al. Chi-square or Fisher’s Exact tests compared categorical variables with and without LBP, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed with LBP as the dependent variable and various predictors to compute adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The one-month prevalence of LBP was 58.8%. Regression analysis revealed elevated adjusted odds of experiencing LBP among participants with hypertension, those using multiple ride-sharing operators, commuter and older bike users, and non-users of riding kits. Additionally, increased adjusted odds of LBP were observed among participants of higher age, higher body mass index, and those covering longer distances per week. Conclusion: This study underscores a significantly higher prevalence of LBP among RSMD in Bangladesh, with occupational factors strongly predicting LBP. Implementing strategies such as regular physical exercise, weight reduction, using sports and newer motorbikes, and reducing working hours per week may help mitigate the prevalence of LBP within this cohort.

Abstract Background Shoulder pain is common among the adult population, but it appears to reduce in prevalence around retirement age. Associations between shoulder pain and work-place exposures, physical activity, or mental health status are unclear and may change with age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain in Australian adults across two generations and test the association with occupational factors, physical activity, and mental health. Methods In this cross-sectional study we used data from a longitudinal Australian pregnancy cohort (the Raine Study). We analysed data from the children (Gen2) at the 22-year follow-up (N = 1128) and parents (Gen1) at the 26-year follow-up (N = 1098). Data were collected on self-reported shoulder pain, occupational factors (employment status and work description), physical activity, and mental health at the respective follow-ups. Prevalence rates were provided as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Univariate analysis for group comparisons included chi squared for categorical comparisons. The association of predictor variables and shoulder pain was assessed using logistical regression. Results In Gen1 31.4% of adults aged 40–80 reported the presence of shoulder pain in the last month, with no significant difference between females and males. Gen1 participants younger than 65 reported more shoulder pain (OR[95%CI] = 1.80 [1.04–3.09]). Gen2 females (14.7%) reported shoulder pain in either shoulder more frequently than males (7.7%) and bilateral shoulder pain (8.0%) more frequently than males (1.9%). Gen1 had increased odds of reporting shoulder pain if their work was “physical or heavy manual” compared to “sedentary” (OR [95% CI] = 1.659 [1.185–2.323]) and when categorised with depression (OR [95% CI] = 1.940 [1.386–2.715]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 1.977 [1.368–2.857]). Gen2 participants with depression (OR [95% CI] = 2.356 [1.620–3.427]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 2.003 [1.359–2.952]) reported more shoulder pain. Conclusion Overall, shoulder pain was more prevalent in young females than males and was more prevalent in those under the age of 65. Cross-sectional associations were established between some occupational factors in older adults and depression in all adults, and shoulder pain.

Background: The new round of WHO/ILO Joint Estimates of the Work-related Burden of Disease assessment requires futher research to provide more evidence, especially on the health impact of ambient air pollution around the workplace. However, the evidence linking obstructive ventilatory dysfunction (OVD) to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and its chemical components in workers is very limited. Evidence is even more scarce on the interactive effects between occupational factors and particle exposures. We aimed to fill these gaps based on a large ventilatory function examination of workers in southern China. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 363,788 workers in southern China in 2020. The annual average concentration of PM2.5 and its components were evaluated around the workplace through validated spatiotemporal models. We used mixed-effect models to evaluate the risk of OVD related to PM2.5 and its components. Results were further stratified by basic characteristics and occupational factors. Findings: Among the 305,022 workers, 119,936 were observed with OVD. We found for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM2.5 concentration, the risk of OVD increased by 27.8 (95 % confidence interval (CI): 26.5–29.2 %). The estimates were 10.9 % (95 %CI: 9.7–12.1 %), 15.8 % (95 %CI: 14.5–17.2 %), 2.6 % (95 %CI: 1.4–3.8 %), 17.1 % (95 %CI: 15.9–18.4 %), and 11 % (95 %CI: 9.9–12.2 %), respectively, for each IQR increment in sulfate, nitrate, ammonium salt, organic matter and black carbon. We observed greater effect estimates among females, younger workers, workers with a length of service of 24–45 months, and professional skill workers. Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy that the noise-exposed workers, high-temperature-exposed workers, and less-dust-exposed workers were at a 5.7–68.2 % greater risk than others. Interpretation: PM2.5 and its components were significantly associated with an increased risk of OVD, with stronger links among certain vulnerable subgroups.

This study aimed to explore the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to investigate factors associated with WMSDs in commercial motorcyclists in Indonesia. This cross-sectional study involved commercial motorcyclists operating in Indonesia. Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire, including the Indonesian Version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, occupational driving posture questionnaire, and occupational factor-related questions. The questionnaire was distributed at four rest stops located in Central Jakarta, Indonesia. The result showed that 40% of participants (129/322) were having WMSDs. Older age, overweight body mass index (BMI), obese body mass index, nonregular physical activity, driving duration (> 8 h/day), seniority (≥5 years), and poor driving posture were significant risk factors for WMSDs in commercial motorcyclists. Based on the risk factors identified in this study, the development of preventive strategies among commercial motorcyclists is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives The mental health of paramedics is critical for disaster response in order to provide rapid and effective interventions. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related individual and occupational factors in Turkish paramedics during the eleventh month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods The "Sociodemographic Information Form," "Life Events Checklist," and "Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist" were used to collect data from 440 randomly selected paramedics in this cross-sectional study. Results The prevalence of PTSD was 59.8% in the 11 th month of the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple regression analysis revealed that approximately 25% of the total PTSD score could be independently explained by paramedics' general health situation and sociodemographic characteristics; 27% by crisis management skills, long working hours, a lack of equipment, and intensive work; and 40% by past traumatic experiences due to difficult life events during their professional practice, such as responding to gunshot wounds, becoming a victim of a gunshot attack, or sexual assault (P < 0.05). Conclusions Integrating a mental health monitoring system into the health and safety program, providing paramedics with supervision and psychological assistance, and engaging them in disaster preparedness planning would be beneficial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To understand the depression status of maternal women and its association with occupational factors. Methods From April to July 2018, using the convenient sampling method, a total of 1 073 maternal women were investigated by the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Results Among 1 073 pregnant women, 233 had depression, with a prevalence of 21.7%, while the incidence of mild, moderate, and severe depression was 17.9%, 3.2%, and 0.7%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of depression was reduced in those with a graduate degree or higher compared with those with junior high school education and below (OR = 0.13, 95%CI: 0.04 - 0.45). The maternal women in marital conditions (such as unmarried, cohabitation, widows, and divorced) had a higher risk of depression compared to women in married conditions (OR = 9.04, 95%CI: 1.62 - 50.53); while the maternal women working longer than 40 hours per week during pregnancy (versus less than 30 hours per week), sitting or walking for a long time (versus standing for a long time), and being exposed to occupational hazards (versus non-exposed) had a higher risk of depression, the OR were 2.52 (95%CI: 1.30-4.91), 3.28 (95%CI: 1.34-8.02), 2.00 (95%CI: 1.28-3.11), and 2.67 (1.78 -3.99), respectively. Additionally, compared to those who did not adjust their job position or workload after pregnancy, maternal women who adjusted their jobs or reduced their work intensity after pregnancy had a reduced risk of depression of 0.50 (95%CI: 0.32 -0.77). Conclusions Adverse occupational factors can have an impact on maternal depression. It is advisable to avoid prolonged standing and exposure to occupational hazards, rationally arrange work hours, adjust work positions and reduce work intensity. Health education should be conducted to reduce the incidence of maternal depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study implies the importance of complete application of PPE. This study suggests that the difference in the risk of depression and anxiety in terms of the complete or partial application of PPE is considered to be because workers already recognize the importance of PPE. Objective: We aimed to examine occupational factors affecting workers' mental health. Methods: Using data from the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey, 50,158 workers were analyzed. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the occupational factors. Results: Sex, age, education level, occupational type, job satisfaction, shift work, and occupational exposure were risk factors for depression, anxiety, and general fatigue. Furthermore, complete application of PPE decreased the risk of depression and anxiety than no application, but partial application of PPE increased the risk of depression and anxiety. Complete and partial application of PPE increased the risk of general fatigue. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that occupational factors are associated with mental health. This suggests that it is necessary to improve the working environment so that PPE can be applied structurally or systematically to protect against hazardous occupational exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shoulder pain is common among the adult population, but it appears to reduce in prevalence around retirement age. Associations between shoulder pain and work-place exposures, physical activity, or mental health status are unclear and may change with age. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of self-reported shoulder pain in Australian adults across two generations and test the association with occupational factors, physical activity, and mental health. Methods: In this cross-sectional study we used data from a longitudinal Australian pregnancy cohort (the Raine Study). We analysed data from the children (Gen2) at the 22-year follow-up (N = 1128) and parents (Gen1) at the 26-year follow-up (N = 1098). Data were collected on self-reported shoulder pain, occupational factors (employment status and work description), physical activity, and mental health at the respective follow-ups. Prevalence rates were provided as percentages with 95% confidence intervals. Univariate analysis for group comparisons included chi squared for categorical comparisons. The association of predictor variables and shoulder pain was assessed using logistical regression. Results: In Gen1 31.4% of adults aged 40–80 reported the presence of shoulder pain in the last month, with no significant difference between females and males. Gen1 participants younger than 65 reported more shoulder pain (OR[95%CI] = 1.80 [1.04–3.09]). Gen2 females (14.7%) reported shoulder pain in either shoulder more frequently than males (7.7%) and bilateral shoulder pain (8.0%) more frequently than males (1.9%). Gen1 had increased odds of reporting shoulder pain if their work was "physical or heavy manual" compared to "sedentary" (OR [95% CI] = 1.659 [1.185–2.323]) and when categorised with depression (OR [95% CI] = 1.940 [1.386–2.715]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 1.977 [1.368–2.857]). Gen2 participants with depression (OR [95% CI] = 2.356 [1.620–3.427]) or anxiety (OR [95% CI] = 2.003 [1.359–2.952]) reported more shoulder pain. Conclusion: Overall, shoulder pain was more prevalent in young females than males and was more prevalent in those under the age of 65. Cross-sectional associations were established between some occupational factors in older adults and depression in all adults, and shoulder pain. Highlights/clinical messages: In the younger generation females had significantly higher rates of shoulder pain and in particular were almost four times as likely to report bilateral shoulder pain. In the older generation, those over the ages of 65 were less likely to report shoulder pain. In the older generation, physical or heavy work is associated with higher rates of shoulder pain. In both generations depression and anxiety were associated with higher rates of shoulder pain. Physical activity was not associated with shoulder pain in either generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Police personnel are among the first responders exposed to terrorist attacks, raising in number in the late decades. Due to their profession, they are also exposed to repetitive violence, increasing their vulnerability to PTSD and depression. Objective: Our study aims at comparing the prevalence of PTSD and depression, and the risk factors associated with these conditions among directly and indirectly exposed versus non-exposed police personnel during the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack. Method: Three months after the attack, participants completed a survey assessing their sociodemographic characteristics, occupational data, degree of exposure, sleep debt around the event, event centrality (CES), and three mental health conditions: PTSD (PCL-5), depression (PHQ-9), and suicide risk (yes/no questions). Results: A total of 475 police personnel responded to the questionnaire: 263 were exposed to the attack (182 of them directly) and 212 were non-exposed. Among directly exposed participants, the prevalences of partial and complete PTSD were 12.6 and 6.6%, and the prevalence of moderate-to-severe depression was 11.5%. Multivariate analysis revealed that direct exposure was associated with a higher risk of PTSD (OR = 2.98 [1.10–8.12], p =.03). Direct exposure was not associated with a higher risk of depression (OR = 0.40 [0.10–1.10], p =.08). A significant sleep debt after the event was not associated with a higher risk of later PTSD (OR = 2.18 [0.81–5.91], p =.13) but was associated with depression (OR = 7.92 [2.40–26.5], p <.001). A higher event centrality was associated with both PTSD and depression (p <.001). Conclusions: Police personnel directly exposed to the Strasbourg Christmas Market terrorist attack were at higher risk of PTSD but not depression. Efforts to prevent and treat PTSD should focus on directly exposed police personnel. However, general mental health should be monitored for every personnel member. Direct exposure to the terrorist attack and gender (female) were significantly associated with a higher risk of PTSD among police personnel. Sleep debt after the attack was significantly associated with depression but not with PTSD. No occupational factor was associated with either PTSD or depression. Both PTSD and depression were significantly associated with a higher suicide risk. A higher event centrality was significantly associated with direct exposure and a higher risk of both PTSD and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some psychosocial work factors are associated with sickness absence, however little information is available on the associations of various psychosocial work factors and multiple exposures with sickness absence spells and duration, and gender differences. Methods: Data were from the French working conditions survey conducted on a nationally representative sample of the working population. The study sample included 17,437 employees (7292 men, 10,145 women) followed from 2013 to 2016 and/or from 2016 to 2019. Occupational exposures (20 psychosocial work factors, 4 working time/hours factors, 4 physical work exposures) were measured at the beginning of each follow‐up period. Hurdle and multinomial models were used to study the associations with the number of days and spells of sickness absence. Results: Most of the psychosocial work factors predicted the risk of at least 1 day of sickness absence. Stronger associations were found among women than men for some factors. Psychosocial work factors were more likely to predict the number of spells than the number of days of sickness absence. Some physical work exposures predicted sickness absence spells and days, whereas shift work in women predicted the risk of at least 1 day of sickness absence. Dose–response associations were found between multiple psychosocial work exposures and sickness absence spells, and between multiple physical exposures and sickness absence spells and days. Conclusion: Comprehensive prevention policies oriented toward the whole psychosocial and physical work environment should be useful to reduce sickness absence among men and women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the Arctic zone as a strategic resource base and its rational use aimed at the economic growth acceleration is a key interest of the Russian Federation in this region. The occupational environment in mining industry is associated with unique working conditions. Underground mining makes workers’ health protection the most significant task. The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of working conditions, occupational incidence and occupational health risks for workers employed in mining industry in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area. Occupational health risks were assessed using indicators outlined in the Guide R 2.2.2006-05 The Guide on Hygienic Assessment of Factors Related to Working Environment and Work Process. Exposure to occupational noise and considerable work hardness are priority factors in the analyzed industry that cause occupational diseases. Occupational diseases among workers employed in mining industry in the Norilsk industrial area belonged to six nosologies. Vibration disease, stages 1 and 2, makes the greatest contribution to the overall structure of occupational incidence since it accounts for 68.6 % in it. The second place belongs to two-sided sensorineural hearing loss, stages 1 and 2, 13.5 %. Radiculopathy occupies the third rank place accounting for 10.9 %. Unacceptable occupational health risks were identified at 76.8 % of workplaces. A high share of workplaces with unacceptable occupational health risks leads to high occupational incidence among mining workers in the Norilsk industrial area, its levels being higher than the national average.

This study has shown that working conditions of basic occupational groups in the automotive industry involve combined exposure to several harmful occupational factors. Major harmful occupational factors include intense noise, vibration, work hardness and chemical levels; their intensity varies between permissible levels (the hazard category is 2.0) and harmful ones (the hazard category 3.1–3.2, harmful working conditions with hazard levels 1 or 2). This may induce occurrence or exacerbation of basic non-communicable diseases such as diseases of the circulatory system (CSDs), occupational and work-related diseases. CSDs were diagnosed in 37.7 % of workers employed at automotive productions. The most frequent diseases include hypertension (EH) that accounted for 28.2 %; cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs), 6.5 %; ischemic heart disease (IHD), 3.6 %. CSDs developed at an early age in workers exposed to harmful occupational factors belonging to the hazard category 3.1–3.2; these diseases became more frequent as work records got longer, and were more frequently exacerbated with acute cardiovascular conditions. We assessed the total cardiovascular risk using the SCORE scale and established that shares of people with high and very high cardiovascular risks were higher among painters, laboratory assistants responsible for chemical analysis, and repairmen. The attributive risk of new cardiovascular diseases ranged between 9.6 (turners) and 42.6 (repairmen) cases. The highest occupational CSDs causation was identified for repairmen and mechanics at mechanical assembly production; average causation was established for stampers, painters, laboratory assistants dealing with chemical analysis, crane operators, and turners.

Introduction: Occupational stress can cause psychological pressure and subsequently affects the work performance of healthcare workers, especially when unexpected events like contagious disease pandemics occur. Because of the stressful nature of unpredictable life events, it increases the hospital admission rate, which results in heavy workload for employers and this add up to their stress. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between occupational factors and also work stress on occupational performance during covid-19 pandemic using the employees of the Saveh Medical Sciences Health Department in covid-19 epidemic. Methods: The present research is a cross-sectional study that 316 employees from the health department of Saveh Faculty of Medical Sciences were given their opinion in 1401. In order to investigate occupational stress management and employee performance, the standard occupational stress assessment questionnaires and Patterson's performance assessment questionnaires were used, respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS26 software and through frequency report, mean and standard deviation, linear regression test and Stepwise multiple regression model done. Results: the average and standard deviation of the total occupational stress management score of the participants was 3.09 ± 0.46, which was in the average range. The variables of the frequency of workplace change and the amount of stress determine 10% of the changes in job performance. ‏‏(‏PES=0/1‏) Examination of the interaction effect of the frequency of workplace change and the amount of stress on job performance did not show a significant relationship. (P-value ‎=0.4) The main effect of the frequency of workplace change (P-value=0.007 ‎ ‏) and the main effect of stress (P-value ‎=0.001) on job performance showed a significant relationship. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that there was a significant relationship between types of employment and job performance. To be precise, the lowest mean and standard deviation in job performance observed in the contractual employees who had high levels of stress. While, the highest mean and standard deviation regarding job performance were related to the Permanent employeeswho had low levels of stress (P-value ‎

Context: The intention to quit is a step before the actual leaving the job. The complex conditions of treating covid 19 patients, nurses physical pressures and mental tensions during the covid-19 pandemic, encourage them to quit their jobs. The present study was conducted to determine the factors related to the willingness of nurses to quit during the covid-19 pandemic in the hospitals of Isfahan city. Method: 416 nurses working in the hospitals of Isfahan participated in this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical research in the form of quota sampling and systematic random stratification. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with high validity and reliability (0.95) that measured the intention to quit of nurses during the covid-19 pandemic in 4 dimensions of individual, occupational, organizational and transorganizational factors. SPSS version 25 software was used for data analysis. Findings The average score of nurses' willingness to leave during the corona pandemic in Isfahan hospitals was 2.98 out of 5. The average of Transorganizational factors (3.30) was higher than the average of organizational factors (3.05) in driving the intention to leave of nurses. A relation was seen between demographic information such as; received compensation, secondary job and total income and intention to quit. Conclusion: During the covid-19 pandemic, several factors lead to the quit in the group of nurses. Since the willingness to leave the job in public hospitals is higher than in private hospitals, managers of these organizations should pay more attention to evaluating factors, determining their impact and making effective decisions.

Introduction: Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a large, complex group of synthetic chemicals humans can be exposed to from occupational or environmental sources. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the association between PFAS exposure, particularly Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS), and risk of kidney, liver, and testicular cancer. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed to identify cohort and case-control studies reported after the Monograph of the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the Toxicological Profile of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. We assessed the quality of the studies by using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Forest relative risk (RR) plots were constructed for liver, kidney, and testicular cancer. We conducted stratified analyses by geographic region, study design, quality score, outcome, years of publication, exposure source, and PFAS type. A random-effects model was used to address heterogeneity between studies. Results: Fifteen studies, including ten cohort studies, three case-control studies nested in a cohort, and two case-control studies were included after removing duplicate and irrelevant reports. We found an association between overall PFAS exposure and the risk of kidney cancers (RR=1.18, 95% CI =1.05-1.32; I =52.8%, 11 studies). Also, we showed an association between high-level exposure to PFAS and kidney cancer (RR=1.74, 95% CI =1.23-2.47; p=0.005) and testicular cancer (RR=2.22, 95% CI =1.12-4.39; p=0.057). There was no association with liver cancer. We found no heterogeneity by geographical region, PFAS type, study design, outcome, quality score, year of publication, or exposure source. Only two studies reported results among women. Conclusions: We detected an association between overall PFAS exposure and kidney cancer and high doses of PFAS with testicular cancer. However, bias and confounding cannot be excluded, precluding a conclusion in terms of causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in falls due to environmental and occupational reasons. Material and Methods One hundred and nineteen patients were included in this study who presented to the department of Oral and maxillofacial surgery at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. The duration of study was 3 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographic data such as age, gender and data environmental or occupational etiology of falls and pattern of fractures was noted in a customized Performa after detailed history, clinical and radiographic examination. Patients of maxillofacial fractures resulting due to falls with age ranging from 16 to 64 years were included. Those cases of falls that presented with systemic diseases or had chances of pathological fractures were excluded from the study. Results Male population was affected more than females (60% vs. 39.4%). The mean age was 32.39 SD ± 16.031. Falls due to environmental factors were more common than occupational factors (81.5% vs 18.5%). Fracture of midface was more common (57.1%) than fracture of mandible (36.7%) in patients of falls. 5.5% had both midface and mandible fractures. Conclusion We concluded that Environmental and work‐related facial fractures in falls are common in third and fourth decade of life. Falls due to stumbling, tripping and slipping, falls from height and falls from stairs most commonly result in midface fractures. Mandible fractures are commonly seen in sportsmen and laborers. Preventive strategies shall be adopted to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with such injuries.

The present paper explored the health status of women working in the Lock Industry, in Aligarh, India. The study is descriptive in nature and benchmark data is collected through semi-structured interviews and secondary data. The focus was to understand the socio-economic status of women working in the lock Industry, implication of working conditions on their health and its management. Demographically, women lock workers mostly belong to low socioeconomic strata. In lock factories, women work 6-9 hours a day all throughout the week with no rest break, without facilities or safety provisions offered by the employers. Satisfaction is remotely understood by them as merely getting wages as per the schedule and fulfilling the basic needs of the family. The cost of hard labour is paid in terms of health ailments they develop from occupational involvement. Every woman has complained of joint and muscular weakness, swelling in the legs and stiffness which affect personal, domestic and work life. Without any help from employer or government facility to overcome their health problems, these women make efforts of resorting low cost medicines from non-registered medical practitioners and while doing so spend a reasonable amount of their earnings on their care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The intention to quit is a step before the actual leaving the job. The complex conditions of treating covid 19 patients, nurses physical pressures and mental tensions during the covid-19 pandemic, encourage them to quit their jobs. The present study was conducted to determine the factors related to the willingness of nurses to quit during the covid-19 pandemic in the hospitals of Isfahan city. Method: 416 nurses working in the hospitals of Isfahan participated in this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical research in the form of quota sampling and systematic random stratification. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire with high validity and reliability (0.95) that measured the intention to quit of nurses during the covid-19 pandemic in 4 dimensions of individual, occupational, organizational and transorganizational factors. SPSS version 25 software was used for data analysis. Findings The average score of nurses' willingness to leave during the corona pandemic in Isfahan hospitals was 2.98 out of 5. The average of Transorganizational factors (3.30) was higher than the average of organizational factors (3.05) in driving the intention to leave of nurses. A relation was seen between demographic information such as; received compensation, secondary job and total income and intention to quit. Conclusion: During the covid-19 pandemic, several factors lead to the quit in the group of nurses. Since the willingness to leave the job in public hospitals is higher than in private hospitals, managers of these organizations should pay more attention to evaluating factors, determining their impact and making effective decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Taxi crashes rank second highest among all commercial vehicle crashes, primarily due to driver factors. Conducting driver occupational analysis is imperative for safeguarding the safety of taxi operations., Methods: This study used a survey questionnaire among 4,383 traditional and ride-hailing taxi drivers in China, analyzing 25 crash-related factors from an occupational standpoint. Subsequently, a multiple indicators multiple causes (MIMIC) model was devised to delve into the mediating effects and crash causation mechanisms., Results: The distinct influences of various factors on crash occurrence between traditional and ride-hailing taxi drivers are emphasized. The findings show that ride-hailing taxi drivers tend to be younger, have higher education levels, and have a higher proportion of part-time employment compared to traditional taxi drivers. They also report lower average income and management fees, shorter average driving hours, fewer severe sleep issues and fatigue levels, and lower crash rates. Further analysis uncovers that for traditional taxi drivers, gender and 5 factors directly affect crashes, and age and 7 factors indirectly affect crashes through unsafe driving behaviors. For ride-hailing drivers, occupational status and 5 factors, plus management fees and 9 others, play significant roles in safety. Overall, the influence of individual attributes on crash incidence varies between taxi drivers, with age and occupational status being the most significant factors. Additionally, the immediate economic burden has a stronger direct impact on crashes for both driver types. Furthermore, intensity-related factors, such as fatigue and extended continuous driving periods, contribute to unsafe driving behaviors and increase crash risk indirectly., Conclusions: With the use of targeted prevention policies proposed in this study, significant strides can be made in reducing the incidence of taxi crashes and enhancing overall transportation safety.

The article dwells on methodical approaches to quantifying occupational risk (OR) which give an opportunity to spot out priority trends in prevention of reproductive losses caused both by occupational diseases (ODs) and work-related diseases (WRDs). OR quantitative assessment takes into account an additional probability of developing disorders and their severity. When assessing OR for reproductive health, it is advisable to take into account sex-related peculiarities, sensitive periods in the reproductive cycle, variable physiological states, as well as health disorders in offspring caused by parental occupational exposures. The assessment is based on epidemiological research. The algorithm also involves determining OR of reproductive disorders; determining an integral OR of reproductive disorders (as a combined account of both ODs and WRDs caused by exposure to different factors); determining OR categories and assessing their acceptability regarding reproductive health. It is suggested to determine severity of reproductive health outcomes (health effects) using conventional coefficients recommended by the WHO and “loss of fertility” level which is significant in assessing consequences for offspring. In case a risk is detected, both for exposed workers and their offspring, it is recommended to consider selecting the priority (maximum) risk level to be the ultimate assessment result. The suggested methodical approaches were tested on a group of women employed at a petrochemical production and exposed to several harmful occupational factors (chemical factor and labor intensity) with working conditions at their workplaces belonging to the hazard category 3.1. The assessment revealed the integral risk for reproductive health to be equal to 1.6∙10-2 thus indicating that the risk was unacceptable. Besides, occupational factors influencing a mother create an unacceptable risk for development of healthy offspring (the detected risk is 3∙10-3). Such a reproductive disorder as infertility causes “insignificant” risks for women whereas they grow up to being “high” for their potential offspring. The ultimate assessment result is selecting the maximum risk levels, that is, the “high” risk for offspring’s health.

(1) Background: Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis, caused by free-living mites, could be difficult to diagnose since bites are painless and ectoparasites are not visible. We present an unpublished clinical case that occurred in Italy and an extensive review of clinical cases and outbreaks of Pyemotes species. (2) Methods: Case reports and outbreaks of Pyemotes spp. were searched for on Pubmed and Embase. Epidemiological and clinical data were analysed with descriptive statistics. (3) Results: In total, we found 40 case reports and 21 outbreaks to be considered in this review. The majority of cases involved young females, occurred in summer and were observed in Europe. Dermatitis was the most common clinical manifestation. Diagnosis was mainly based on risk factors. Treatment was based on topical steroids and antihistamine drugs. Regarding outbreaks, contact with grain or feed and exposure with infested furniture were the main risk factors. The mean number of involved patients were 69, with symptoms most commonly ending within a week. (4) Conclusions: Pyemotes ventricosus dermatitis is underreported, especially in countries like Africa and Central and South-America, since disease is self-limiting and comet sign is reported in a quarter of cases. The reduction in use of pesticides in agriculture could lead to an increased exposure to Pyemotes spp. in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to design and present a model of the learning organization in the Ministry of Sports and Youth. This research was carried out through, a qualitative approach and grounded theory method. The statistical population consisted of experts in sports management who were familiar with the concept of the learning organization, among whom 14 sport management professors were selected by snowball sampling and interviewed. Data were analyzed through three stages of open coding, axial coding, and selective coding, and then the qualitative research model was designed. The results of the present study identified occupational, individual, and organizational factors as causal factors, and family, managerial, co-workers, and physical environment factors as contextual factors. Moreover, macroeconomic, socio-cultural, and micro factors including organizational structure, organizational culture, organizational climate, and organizational policies were identified as intervening factors. Specific strategies include developing communications, diversifying the organization's atmosphere, designing jobs, training employees, meeting the needs of employees, employees' participation in decisions, establishing justice, and meritocracy, providing appropriate equipment and facilities, and appropriate leadership style. The identified outcomes include the development of organizational learning, increasing productivity, employee empowerment, creating new ideas in the field of sports management, and developing sports infrastructure and physical education. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to the mentioned causal, contextual, and intervening conditions in order to create a learning organization in the Ministry of Sports and Youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the risk and assess the organism's ability to cope with stress in the changing workplace environment of the rail industry, we have conducted psychophysiological examinations to assess the functional status of 204 rail transport operators (Astana, Kazakhstan). The occupational composition included traffic operators, in particular, train, terminal, locomotive, and energy operators, 204 persons in total. The assessment included the analysis of professional activity, registration of 22 characteristics of labor stressfulness across three subdivisions and sections, and psychophysiological status tests over the course of a shift using EPDK-MK and Varicard automatic machines. Functional studies were conducted via certified methods before and after the shift. The reliability of traffic operators depends on their health, since any deviations can affect the mental processes that are responsible for professional activity. It was found that the indicators of the psychophysiological status were characterized by pronounced fatigue, which required not only pre-shift control, but also post-shift express correction. Recommendations how to reduce stress were marked. The main ones are improvement of equipment, giving on the job access to professional psychological counseling, support during work in dangerous conditions and modeling of an optimal daily routine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Few data were documented about risk factors for lower limb varicose veins (LLVV) among Egyptian population. Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial to plan for prevention. The current research aims to study the epidemiological, life style, and occupational factors associated with LLVV in a sample of Egyptian population. Methods A case control study was adopted. Cases with LLVV (n = 150) were compared with controls (n = 150). Data was collected using an interview questionnaire and clinical assessment. Data was analyzed using the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results According to multivariate analysis among all participants (n = 300), the odds of LLVV was 59.8 times greater for those who frequently lift heavy objects (95% CI = 6.01, 584.36) and 6.95 times higher for those who drink < 5 cups of water/day (95% CI = 2.78, 17.33). Moreover, it was 4.27 times greater for those who infrequently/never consume fiber-rich foods (95% CI = 1.95, 9.37) and 3.65 times greater for those who stand > 4 h/day (95% CI = 1.63, 8.17). Additionally, odds of LLVV was 3.34 times greater for those who report irregular defecation habit (95% CI = 1.68, 6.60), and 2.86 times higher for those who sleep < 8 h/day (95% CI = 1.14, 7.16), and 2.53 times higher for smokers compared with ex-smokers/non-smokers (95% CI = 1.15, 5.58). In addition, a standing posture at work was an independent predictor of LLVV among ever employed participants (n = 234) in the current study (OR = 3.10; 95% CI = 1.02, 9.38). Conclusions This study highlighted seven modifiable independent predictors of LLVV mostly related to the life style, namely, frequent lifting of heavy objects, drinking < 5 cups of water/day, infrequent/no consumption of fiber-rich food, standing more than 4 h/day, irregular defecation habit, sleeping less than 8 h/day, and smoking. These findings provide a basis to design an evidence-based low-cost strategy for prevention of LLVV among Egyptian population.

A significant proportion of our lives is spent at work, and thus environmental factors are of great importance. Work-related skin conditions have become one of the leading causes of changes in the health status on individuals, society and the economy. In the review important occupational skin diseases and also occupational aggravation of pre-existing skin conditions are discussed. Chemical, physical and mechanical causes are discussed as well. We believe that better understanding of these conditions would result in improved strategies for prevention and better risk management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and mental health comorbidities among career firefighters in the U.S. and examined occupational factors related to PTSD. A total of 624 male career firefighters completed questions regarding PTSD and mental health conditions. Nearly 7% met the criteria for being in the range of concern for PTSD, and among those, 87% screened positive for at least one other mental health condition. Those with PTSD also reported significantly higher occupational stress and duty-related incident stress, having a lower perception of self-efficacy to manage stress/trauma exposure and lower perceptions of support from their department and peers than those without PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To define the levels of volume activity of tritium compounds and fraction of organically bound tritium in urine of chemical production workers of “Mayak Production Association” in present-day conditions; to identify the relationship between volume activity levels and professional occupation (department and profession). Material and methods. 245 urine samples from 171 workers of Mayak Production Association tritium production facility were collected in the period from 2017 to 2019. Volume activity of tritium compounds was measured by liquid scintillation method using spectrometer Quantulus-1220. The samples were distilled or dried and then combusted using an automatic preparation and oxidization system Sample Oxidizer A307. The “R” software was used for statistical analysis and for processing the measurement results and occupational factors. Chaddok’s scale was applied to determine the degree of correlation. The significance level was taken equal to 5%. Results. The value of total tritium volume activity in the urine and tritium volume activity in the water phase varied within 4 orders of magnitude (from ~30 Bq/dm3 to ~250 kBq/dm3). The value of volume activity of organically bound tritium in the urine varied within 2 orders of magnitude (from ~6 Bq/dm3 to ~3000 kBq/dm3). The fraction of organically bound tritium in the urine of the workers was within the range from 0,07% to 74%, and did not differ statistically significantly from lognormal distribution with parameters GM=2,7% and GSD=3,7. Very high rank correlation was detected between total volume activity of tritium compounds and tritium volume activity in the water phase in the urine. Noticeable rank correlations were detected between the total volume activity of tritium compounds in the urine and volume activity of organically bound tritium, as well as between tritium volume activity in the water phase and volume activity of organically bound tritium in the urine. The total tritium volume activity and tritium volume activity in the water phase in the urine of the workers of the 1st department and of the analytical laboratory of Mayak Production Association tritium production facility were statistically significantly higher than in the workers of the 2nd department according to median values. Statistically significant differences between medians of the total tritium volume activity in the urine and tritium volume activity in the water phase related to profession were observed only in the workers in the 1st department. Conclusion. Estimation of tritium volume activity in the water phase by the level of total tritium volume activity in the urine without sample preparation is possible with 95% reliability within limits of one order of magnitude towards the model value. Estimation of volume activity of organically bound tritium in the urine without sample preparation by the level of total tritium volume activity in the urine without sample preparation is possible with 95% reliability within limits of two orders of magnitude towards the model value. The effect of occupational factors to the levels of volume activity of tritium compounds in the urine of Mayak Production Association professional workers was detected.

Background & Purpose: : The need to play work and family roles at the same time puts pressure on the individual that can have a negative impact on physical and mental health and performance of individuals in the organization. This study examines the lived experience of university professors regarding the antecedents and consequences of work-family conflict. Methodology: This research is applied in terms of purpose, in terms of how to collect qualitative information and has been done with inductive and interpretive approach.. The participants in the study were professors of Shahrekord University, 20 of whom were selected by purposive sampling method and in-depth interviews were conducted with them. The research method used in this research is phenomenology. For data analysis, the modified Colaizzi - Kan -Stevic method was used. The validity of the results has been evaluated and confirmed in terms of external validity, descriptive validity, interpretive validity. Findings: Participants' lived experience of work-family conflict antecedents are categorized into three main categories: personal, family, and occupational antecedents. The identified consequences of work-family conflict are also classified into 3 categories: personal, family and occupational consequences. Conclusion: Harmful Consequences of Work-Family Conflict Among the teachers under study, it is necessary to improve the knowledge and skills of balancing work and family plans so that they can better and more efficiently perform these tasks and double expectations at the same time. For this purpose, it is necessary to pay attention to the factors affecting the aggravation of work-family conflict and provide appropriate solutions to reduce them

An increase in retirement age means that employment period is prolonged; it calls for preserving people’s working capacities for a longer period of time including those with long-term working experience. It is especially vital when it comes to adverse working conditions that might cause high health risks for workers due to work-related diseases. We suggested methodical approaches to determining individual occupational health risks; these approaches took into account occupationally induced negative responses to impacts exerted by work-related factors; pathogenetic mechanisms of health disorders occurrence; gravity of health disorders; workers’ age and working experience. To implement these approaches, we applied a set of procedures that included hygienic and epidemiologic analysis, clinical and laboratory examination of workers, mathematic modeling and prediction. We tested these approaches via assessing occupational health risks for workers employed at oil-extracting enterprises and it allowed us to determine parameters of dependence between changes in arterial hypertension predictors under exposure to occupational noise and changes in age and working experience (b0=0.1427; b1=0.007; b2=-0.372). The obtained parameters can be used in assessing risks of arterial hypertension occurrence due to exposure to occupational noise for workers employed in oil extraction. Individual occupational risk caused by arterial hypertension in people exposed to occupational noise was higher than its permissible level (1∙10-3) for 13% workers (33 people) aged from 41 to 52 and working experience from 19.8 to 33 years; the risk detected in our research amounted up to 2.4∙10-2. Maximum individual risks of work-related arterial hypertension that are predicted to occur at an age close to 59 years amount up to 4.3∙10-2 and they will be higher than permissible levels for 56.6% работников; at an age close to 65 years, up to 4.7∙10-2, and they will be higher than permissible levels for 64.8% workers.

Introducción: El pterigión es una enfermedad oftalmológica frecuente a nivel mundial, considerado como un problema de salud pública. Objetivo: Determinar los factores laborales asociados al pterigión en un grupo de trabajadores de la agricultura y de la construcción atendidos en centros hospitalarios del municipio Playa, de La Habana, entre mayo de 2017 y mayo de 2018. Material y método: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y transversal en una muestra intencional no probabilística de 98 constructores y 82 obreros agrícolas, que fueron sometidos a un pesquisaje oftalmológico en el municipio Playa durante el periodo 2017-2018. Se llevó a cabo la exploración ocular y B biomicroscópica con lámpara de hendidura, una entrevista estructurada atendiendo a los objetivos del estudio, así como la observación científica de las condiciones de trabajo en las áreas investigadas. Se clasificaron en 2 grupos, uno con pterigión y otro sin el mismo. Se cumplieron con los principios éticos de investigación. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino y el grupo de edades de 41 a 60 años en un 63,3 %. La frecuencia de pterigión en los constructores fue de 58 casos (59,2 %) y en los agricultores de 20 (24,4 %); el trastorno prevaleció en trabajadores con más de 15 años de antigüedad. Preponderó el pterigión grado II; los más vulnerables a la exposición a polvo fueron los albañiles y montadores. Conclusiones: Se determinaron como factores laborales asociados al pterigión en agricultores y constructores el polvo y el tiempo prolongado de exposición. Introduction: Pterygium is a common ophthalmologic disease worldwide, considered a public health problem. Objective: To determine the occupational factors associated with pterygium in a group of workers of the agriculture and construction that were attended in hospitals of Playa municipality, of Havana City, from May 2017 to May 2018. Material and method: It was carried out an observational and transverse descriptive study in an intentional sample, no probabilistic, of 98 builders and 82 agricultural workers that were subjected to an ophthalmologic screening in the municipality of Playa during 2017-2018. It was carried out the ocular and biomicroscopic exploration with fissure lamp, a structured interview assisting to the objectives of the study; as well as the scientific observation of the work conditions in the investigated areas. They were classified into two groups: one with pterygium and the other without this. They have fulfilled the ethical principles of investigation. Results: It prevailed the masculine sex and the age group from 41 to 60 years old in 63,3 %. Pterygium frequency in builders was 58 cases (59,2 %) and in farmers 20 (24,4 %); the illness prevailed in workers with more than 15 years of work was preponderant pterygium of degree II, the most vulnerable to the exhibition of the dust were the bricklayers and linkers. Conclusions: Dust and prolonged exposure time were determined as occupational factors associated with pterygium in farmers and builders.

Aims: The aim of this study was to examine sickness absence and disability pension (SA/DP) during working lifespan among individuals diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and their matched references, accounting for sociodemographic factors. Methods: We used a register cohort of 78,040 individuals aged 19–60 years when diagnosed with CTS in secondary health care (hospitals and outpatient specialist health care) and their 390,199 matched references from the general population in 2001–2010. Sociodemographic factors and SA/DP net days during a three-year follow-up were included. Negative binomial regression was used. Results: For those not on DP at inclusion, the average number of SA/DP days per person-year was 58 days (95% confidence interval (CI) 56–60 days) among individuals with CTS and 20 days (95% CI 19–21 days) among the matched references. Among both groups, these numbers increased with age and were higher among women than among men. The rate ratio (RR) of SA/DP days was threefold higher among people with CTS than among the matched references (adjusted RR=3.00, 95% CI 2.91–3.10) Moreover, compared to the matched references, the RR for SA/DP was higher among men with CTS (RR=3.86, 95% CI 3.61–4.13) than among women with CTS (RR=2.69, 95% CI 2.59–2.78). The association between CTS and the number of SA/DP days was smaller among older age groups. Sociodemographic factors were similarly associated with SA/DP among people with and without CTS. Conclusions: Numbers of SA/DP days were higher among people with CTS than their matched references in all age groups, particularly among individuals in their early work careers, highlighting public-health relevance of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and patterns of maxillofacial fractures in falls due to environmental and occupational reasons. Material and Methods: One hundred and nineteen patients were included in this study who presented to the department of Oral and maxillofacial surgery at Khyber College of Dentistry, Peshawar. The duration of study was 3 years from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2019. Demographic data such as age, gender and data environmental or occupational etiology of falls and pattern of fractures was noted in a customized Performa after detailed history, clinical and radiographic examination. Patients of maxillofacial fractures resulting due to falls with age ranging from 16 to 64 years were included. Those cases of falls that presented with systemic diseases or had chances of pathological fractures were excluded from the study. Results: Male population was affected more than females (60% vs. 39.4%). The mean age was 32.39 SD ± 16.031. Falls due to environmental factors were more common than occupational factors (81.5% vs 18.5%). Fracture of midface was more common (57.1%) than fracture of mandible (36.7%) in patients of falls. 5.5% had both midface and mandible fractures. Conclusion: We concluded that Environmental and work‐related facial fractures in falls are common in third and fourth decade of life. Falls due to stumbling, tripping and slipping, falls from height and falls from stairs most commonly result in midface fractures. Mandible fractures are commonly seen in sportsmen and laborers. Preventive strategies shall be adopted to prevent morbidity and mortality associated with such injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoarthritis is a common pathology, which indicates the great medical and social significance of this disease. The article discusses the issues of pathogenesis, risk factors and diagnosis of professional and professionally caused osteoarthritis: the age of onset of the disease, the specifics of work, the localization of joint damage. Differential diagnosis issues are discussed.

Abstract Background and aims: One of the most important indicators of work life is the quality of work life that indicates to what extent individuals are able to meet their important personal needs (such as the need for independence) while working in an organization. This concept has been of interest to researchers and human scientists in recent years. Quality of work life includes opportunities to solve problems that are mutually beneficial to the employee and the organization and are based on collaboration in management, which can be improved to gradually change the pattern of interaction between people in the organization. Also, proper employee management can be used as a competitive advantage. In addition to affecting many job attitudes, such as job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and job attachment, work life quality affects individualschr('39') personal, family, and social lives. Accordingly, the present study aims to design and development model for improving the quality of work life of faculty members. The definitions of quality of work life emphasize health promotion, well-being, job security, job satisfaction, competence enhancement, and work-life balance. Studies on the quality of work life indicate the importance of this concept by managers, and advocates of quality of work life are looking for new systems to help employees balance their work life and personal lives. Materials and Methods: The present study is descriptive in nature, applied in terms of its objective, and cross-sectional in terms of time. The statistical population of the study includes all full-time faculty members of Islamic Azad University of Behbahan and Khatam Al-Anbia University of Behbahan (N = 195), who were active in the second semester of the academic year of 2018-2019. Sample size is calculated by Cochran formula (n = 129), selected by simple random sampling. A researcher-made questionnaire is used for data collection. In this regard, factors affecting the quality of work life of faculty members are specified through a comprehensive study of articles on the quality of work life as well as the opinion of experts in the field of quality of life and used as the basis of the conceptual model. Considering the literature and the views of experts on factors affecting the promotion of quality of work life, a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting the quality of work life of professors is obtained. In the first step, 143 components are identified. After sorting these factors in terms of thematic similarity, more comprehensive components are selected and minor components are removed. In the next step, the questionnaire is given to 5 academic experts and management experts. After receiving comments, some questions are corrected, merged, or removed. Finally, 57 influential components are identified and categorized into four categories of individual, organizational, managerial, and occupational factors. In the qualitative section, 5 experts are interviewed to ensure face validity. In this regard, the level of difficulty, appropriateness, and relevance of the items to the main purpose and transparency of the meanings of the components are assessed. To determine the face validity coefficient, a 5-point Likert scale is used for each of the 57 items of the tool and the questionnaire is distributed among 15 professors. The item impact factor is calculated, which indicate that all questions are scored above 1.5. In the quantitative section of the content validity, the index of content validity is used. Three criteria of "relevance, clarity and simplicity" in a five-point Likert scale are assessed by experts. All items scored above 0.80. The reliability of the questionnaire is calculated by Cronbachchr('39')s alpha test. The total reliability coefficient of the questionnaire is 0.72. It is 0.73 for personal factors, 0.71 for organizational factors, 0.75 for management factors, and 0.76 for occupational factors. Results: The most important factors affecting the quality of work life of the professors are occupational factors, organizational factors, management factors and individual factors. According to participants, occupational factors affecting the quality of work life of faculty members are workplace mental health (ranked 1), occupational income (ranked 2), occupational security (ranked 3), workplace health and safety (ranked 4), proportion of teaching courses with expertise (ranked 5), required facilities and equipment (ranked 6), professional growth (ranked 7), job independence (ranked 8), teaching (workload) (ranked 9), lack of ambiguity in doing tasks (ranked 10), base (job position) (ranked 11), importance and meaning of work (ranked 12), role clarity (ranked 13), attention to research and innovation (ranked 14), increasing job capabilities and abilities (ranked 15), sharing experiences among colleagues (ranked 16), and job diversity (ranked 17). Organizational factors affecting the quality of work life of faculty members are organizational justice (ranked 1), fair payment and benefits system (ranked 2), on time promotion (ranked 3), intra-organizational communication (ranked 4), clarity of organizational laws and regulations (ranked 5), university development and growth (ranked 6), organizational discipline (ranked 7), interaction and collaboration of professors together (ranked 8), performance evaluation system (ranked 9), payment and benefit stability (ranked 10), organizational trust (ranked 11), organizational facilities (ranked 12), organizational image (ranked 13), flexible organizational structure (ranked 14), and innovative organizational environment (ranked 15). Management factors affecting the quality of work life of faculty members include fair interaction with professors (ranked 1), respect for expertise and professional attitude towards professors (ranked 2), appropriate feedback to professors (ranked 3), peer support of professors (ranked 4) , continuous relationship of managers with professors (ranked 5), integrity of managerschr('39') behavior with professors (ranked 6), delegation of authority to professors (ranked 7), staff participation in decision making (ranked 8), attention to problems and timely resolution (ranked 9), transparent expectation of professors (ranked 10), using professors’ viewpoints in developing organizational goals and policies (ranked 11), supportive supervision (ranked 12), applying system management (ranked 13), and flexibility in decision making (ranked 14). Individual factors affecting the quality of work life include job motivation (ranked 1), adjustment ability (ranked 2), expertise and experience (ranked 3), communication skills (ranked 4), hope and optimism (ranked 5), patience (ranked 6), positive attitude to job (ranked 7), decision making power (ranked 8), self-awareness (ranked 9), self-control (ranked 10), and personal creativity (ranked 11). Conclusion: Designing a model for enhancing the quality of work life of faculty members, and examining and prioritizing the effective individual, organizational, managerial, and occupational factors can guide authorities to improve the quality of work life and organizational health. According to the results, it can be said that the quality of work life of faculty members is one of the most important and effective concepts in higher education organizations and has an interactive nature in the organization, so that organizational policies can positively or negatively affect the quality of work life. According to the participants, job motivation is the first and foremost individual factor affecting the quality of work life of faculty members. Motivation plays a pivotal role in the field of management, both practically and theoretically. Organizational researchers consider it as a cornerstone in developing useful theories about effective management activities, such as the quality of work life. In line with the results, university officials are suggested to develop variables related to professorschr('39') job motivation, such as respect, participation in decision making, attention to needs, and trust. Organizational justice is ranked first among organizational factors influencing the quality of professorschr('39') work life. In fact, when employees feel that they are working in an organization that does not respect the principles of justice; they are exposed to perceptual and emotional pressures. Therefore, university officials are suggested to consider promoting fair behaviors as a management strategy and more or less promote fair behaviors in the university. Identifying factors that reduce perceptions of organizational justice behaviors among faculty members is one of the main tasks of university managers. In addition, it is suggested to increase the quality of work life by taking into account the sensitivity and complexity of the work and the level of expertise of faculty members, assigning responsibilities based on the level of capability of individuals, and reduce workforce stress by dividing the desired workload, and provide opportunities for growth by evaluating staff performance in terms of expertise, experience, and education. Respondents consider fair interaction to be the first management factors that influence the quality of work life of faculty members. Fair behavior is something that employees are sensitive to and expect its realization when they invest their capabilities in the organization. Therefore, fair dealing with faculty members plays an essential role in promoting and providing mental health and their perception of quality of work life. Also, given that workplace mental health is ranked first in occupational factors and that advocates for quality of work life are looking for new systems to help employees balance their work and personal lives, academic managers need to help their faculty members achieve a quality work life by creating a relaxed and stress-free environment for faculty members. Obviously, promoting the quality of work life of professors requires understanding its concept, functions and benefits by senior management of the university, considering all factors affecting it, and the desire to improve the quality of work life in order to enjoy its valuable benefits for the university.

Chronic venous insufficiency is the most common vascular disease. One of the major risk factors for its development is long-term sitting or standing in the same position and the nature of the work performed. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of chronic venous insufficiency in a group of persons employed in workplaces with a predominance of standing or sitting positions, and to determine work-related and non-work risk factors. The research used two tools: questionnaires and medical examinations. The survey comprised 500 people, including 238 men (47.6%) and 262 women (52.4%), aged 25–60 years, 39.75 ± 10.80 years old on average. In addition, a group of 100 randomly selected people was subjected to medical examinations to confirm or exclude chronic venous insufficiency symptoms in the study group. The study showed a statistically significant correlation between postures adopted at work and the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In recent years, sickness absence in industrialized societies has been accompanied by a lot of costs and problems and is still increasing. In addition, sickness absence is progressively used as a health indicator among the workforce. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the status of absenteeism due to illness in workers of a home appliance company. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on workers of a home appliance manufacturing company from September 2015 till September 2016. Information about the number of days and episodes of sickness absence and personal information was collected. Results: The sickness absence in blue-collar worker was higher than the white-collar groups (OR=2.20, and P-value < 0.001). In addition, the total and long-term absence in shift workers was higher than non-shift workers. Also, older age and higher body mass index was associated with lower sickness absence. Long-term sickness absence was more common among smokers than non-smokers. Conclusion: Findings of this study show that sickness absence among workers can be affected by various demographic and occupational factors including age, body mass index, smoking status, and work group.

Background. Women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists belong to the professional group that is the most susceptible to the multifactorial effects of harmful occupational factors. The aim of the study is to assess the occupational risks for development of reproductive disorders among women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists. Material and methods. The professional risk assessment was carried out on the basis of a comprehensive hygienic assessment of working conditions. Results. It has been established that factors of biological, psychophysiological and chemical (in stationary conditions) nature made a significant contribution to the formation of harmful working conditions in working places of women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists (class 3.2 – in the antenatal clinics, class 3.3 – in the obstetric-gynecological hospitals). Conclusion. The working conditions of women doctors obstetrician-gynecologists determine the «average» and «high» degree of risk for reproductive health disorders that requires the development of a set of appropriate preventive measures.

Shoe production is an important and promising industry of light industry in Ukraine. More than 15 thousand people work at almost 300 enterprises. Improvement of technologies and equipment, intensification of production processes on the background of their incomplete mechanization and automation cause production noise and vibration at the workplaces, in particular, in сutting, сlicking and closing workshops. Levels of manufacturing noise and production vibration in the workplaces of workers of the main occupations: cutters, clicking details, shoe markers, seamstresses, striking operatives, сementing operators, fitters and lasters, trimers and bottom scourers were analyzed. According to noise level, working conditions of cutters on the сutting machines Gerber, seamstresses, skivers, stitchers of upper, casters, fitters and lasters, сementing operators belong to the 2nd class (permissible). The working conditions of cutters on the сutting presses, shoe markers, fitters of upper on the heavy-class sewing machines, bottom scourers, trimers and striking operatives are classified as harmful ones (class 3.1), on separate workplaces of clicking details (press PVH-8) and bottom scourers – class 3.2 degree of danger. Equivalent correction levels of local and general vibration don’t exceed permissible levels. The presence of related unfavorable industrial factors necessitates the study of both combined and jointed action of noise and vibration with the subsequent assessment of the risks to the health of workers in the light industry.