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Jordakieva G, Markovic L, Rinner W, Santonja I, Lee S, Pilger A, Perkman T, Grabovac I, Schernhammer E, Crevenna R, Papantoniou K, Godnic-Cvar J. Workability, quality of life and cardiovascular risk markers in aging nightshift workers: a pilot study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 134:276-285. [PMID: 34487198 PMCID: PMC9023427 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01928-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background In aging healthcare professionals, multiple stressors such as night work may affect life and work satisfaction and risk for chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease [CVD]). In this pilot study we compared workability, quality of life (QoL), and CVD risk markers between night shift and day workers. Methods We included 70 hospital employees (mean age 52 ± 4 years, 91.4% female): 32 rotating night shift workers (> 3 nights/month) and 38 permanent day workers. In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics, we assessed i) workability index (WAI), ii) QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-Bref]) and iii) CVD risk markers, i.e. carotid ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers (NTproBNP, CRP, IL‑6, LDL, ferritin, copper, zinc, and selenium). WAI, QoL, and CVD risk markers were compared between night and day workers. In a subgroup of participants (N = 38) with complete data, we used quantile regression analysis to estimate age and multivariate adjusted differences in biomarker levels. Results We found no differences in the domains of QoL (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and WAI scores between night and day workers. Night shift workers were less likely to report excellent workability than day workers, although differences were not statistically significant. Night shift workers reported more sleep problems (73.1% vs. 55.6%) and tended to have lower zinc levels and higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‑6, ferritin), but differences were not significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions Workability, QoL and CVD markers did not significantly differ between rotating night shift and day workers in this small pilot study. Sleep problems and inflammatory marker levels carry implications for occupational health. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-021-01928-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galateja Jordakieva
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lovro Markovic
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Rinner
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Santonja
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, Vienna, Austria
- Center of Virology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Seungjune Lee
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Pilger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Perkman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Igor Grabovac
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, Vienna, Austria
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard, Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Crevenna
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kyriaki Papantoniou
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jasminka Godnic-Cvar
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Lalloo D, Lewsey J, Katikireddi SV, Macdonald EB, Demou E. Health, lifestyle and occupational risks in Information Technology workers. Occup Med (Lond) 2021; 71:68-74. [PMID: 33515462 PMCID: PMC8034523 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqaa222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information technology (IT) and the IT workforce are rapidly expanding with potential occupational health implications. But to date, IT worker health is under-studied and large-scale studies are lacking. Aims To investigate health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors of IT workers. Methods We evaluated self-reported health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors for IT workers in the UK Biobank database. Using logistic regression, we investigated differences between IT workers and all other employed participants. Regression models were repeated for IT worker subgroups (managers, professionals, technicians) and their respective counterparts within the same Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) major group (functional managers, science and technology professionals, science and technology associate professionals). Results Overall, 10 931 (4%) employed participants were IT workers. Compared to all other employed participants, IT workers reported similar overall health, but lower lifestyle risk factors for smoking and obesity. Sedentary work was a substantially higher occupational exposure risk for IT workers compared to all other employed participants (odds ratio [OR] = 5.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.91–5.39) and their specific SOC group counterparts (managers: OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.68–1.99, professionals: OR = 7.18, 95% CI: 6.58–7.82, technicians: OR = 4.48, 95% CI: 3.87–5.17). IT workers were also more likely to engage in computer screen-time outside work than all other employed participants (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.35–1.51). Conclusions Improved understanding of health, lifestyle and occupational risk factors from this, the largest to date study of IT worker health, can help inform workplace interventions to mitigate risk, improve health and increase the work participation of this increasingly important and rapidly growing occupational group.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lalloo
- Healthy Working Lives Group, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - J Lewsey
- Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - S V Katikireddi
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - E B Macdonald
- Healthy Working Lives Group, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - E Demou
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Yang SY, Hsu DJ, Yen CM, Chang JH. Predictive factors of life quality among packaging workers in Taiwan. Health Promot Int 2019; 34:751-759. [PMID: 29788221 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/day029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The semiconductor plants on the top of high-tech industrial chain hire many packaging workers to carry out miscellaneous packing tasks for various product orders from different companies and countries. Under tremendous workload the quality of life (QoL) of such packaging workers need to be concerned. The aim of this study was to explore factors influencing their QoL. This study recruited 247 packing workers (162 male and 85 female; mean age: 35.6 years old) in 2015 and 2016 from a semiconductor plant in Taiwan by convenience sampling. The questionnaire comprised four parts: demographics, the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), an occupational burnout inventory and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The four domains of the WHOQOL-BREF were defined as outcome variables. Predictive factors included gender (reference: male), age (reference: ≤ 35), BMI (reference: ≤ 25), educational level (reference: below university), marital/partner status (reference: married/cohabiting), years of work (reference: ≤ 5), work shift (reference: day shift), personal burnout, work-related burnout, over-commitment to work and the number of body parts with discomfort (0-9). The findings showed that physical QoL was negatively correlated with night -shift work, personal burnout, and number of body parts with discomfort. Psychological QoL was negatively correlated with night shift work and personal burnout. Environment QoL was negatively correlated with being male, night shift work and personal burnout. The results showed that the QoL among the packaging workers could be improved by reducing musculoskeletal discomfort, personal burnout and by improving work schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Yu Yang
- Institute of Allied Health Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Der-Jen Hsu
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Ming Yen
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Advanced Semiconductor Engineering Inc., Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Hao Chang
- Institute of Allied Health Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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Ayyappa G, Kunte R, Yadav AK, Basannar DR. Is occupation the "driving force" for tobacco consumption? A cross-sectional study to assess prevalence, patterns, and attitude towards tobacco use among long-distance bus drivers and conductors in Western Maharashtra. Ind Psychiatry J 2019; 28:237-241. [PMID: 33223717 PMCID: PMC7660010 DOI: 10.4103/ipj.ipj_72_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco use remains a major cause of preventable deaths worldwide. The recent Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2016-2017 has shown the prevalence of tobacco use among Indian population to be 28.6%. In Maharashtra, 35.5% of all adult males either smoke tobacco or use some form of smokeless tobacco. Not much data are available on tobacco use with respect to different occupations in India, though risk of tobacco use is known to be higher among individuals in certain occupations. METHODS This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 190 long-distance bus drivers and conductors of long route buses departing from one of the main bus stations of the State Transport Corporation in Pune city. Data were collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire by interview method. RESULTS Prevalence of tobacco consumption (TC) among the respondents was 55.8% (95% confidence interval; 48.4-63). Among the tobacco users, 54% reported initiation at age <18 years "peer pressure" and "curiosity" were the main reasons for initiation while "feeling alert" and "feeling mature" were reasons for continued use. A large proportion (74.5%) of the respondents expressed their intention to quit tobacco in the near future. CONCLUSION Long-distance bus drivers and conductors showed a high prevalence of TC which may be linked to certain occupation-related factors. Targeted tobacco cessation activities at workplaces may be considered as a strategy for better impact of tobacco control activities in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Ayyappa
- Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Renuka Kunte
- Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Arun Kumar Yadav
- Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dashrath R Basannar
- Department of Community Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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Raja JD, Bhasin SK. Sleep Quality of Call Handlers Employed in International Call Centers in National Capital Region of Delhi, India. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE 2016; 7:207-14. [PMID: 27651081 PMCID: PMC6817959 DOI: 10.15171/ijoem.2016.783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Call center sector in India is a relatively new and fast growing industry driving employment and growth in modern India today. Most international call centers in National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi operate at odd work hours corresponding to a time suitable for their international customers. The sleep quality of call handlers employed in these call centers is in jeopardy owing to their altered sleep schedule.
Objective: To assess the sleep quality and determine its independent predictors among call handlers employed in international call centers in NCR of Delhi. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted on 375 call handlers aged 18–39 years employed in international call centers in NCR of Delhi. Sleep quality was assessed using Athens Insomnia scale along with a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. Results: The mean age of respondents was 24.6 (SD 2.4) years. 78% of participants were male. 83.5% of respondents were unmarried. 44.3% of call handlers were cigarette smokers. Physical ailments were reported by 37% call handlers. 77.6% of call handlers had some suspicion of insomnia or suspected insomnia; the rest had no sleep problem. Smoking, poor social support, heavy workload, lack of relaxation facility at office, and prolonged travel time to office were independent predictors of sleep quality (p<0.05). Conclusion: Call handlers have to compromise upon their sleep owing to the contemporary work settings in call centers. Safeguarding their health becomes an occupational health challenge to public health specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Raja
- Department of Community Medicine, Saveetha Medical College, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India.
| | - S K Bhasin
- Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences, Delhi 110095, India
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Babu GR, Sudhir PM, Mahapatra T, Das A, Rathnaiah M, Anand I, Detels R. Association of quality of life and job stress in occupational workforce of India: Findings from a cross-sectional study on software professionals. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2016; 20:109-113. [PMID: 28194085 PMCID: PMC5299810 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5278.197544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited scientific evidence on the relationship of job stress with quality of life (QoL). PURPOSE This study aims to explore different domains of job stress affecting IT/ITES professionals and estimate the levels of stress that these professionals endure to reach positive levels of QoL given that other determinants operating between these two variables are accounted for. MATERIALS AND METHODS We estimated levels of stress that software professionals would have endured to reach positive levels of QoL considering that other factors operating between these two variables are accounted for. The study participants comprised 1071 software professionals who were recruited using a mixed sampling method. Participants answered a self-administered questionnaire containing questions on job stress, QoL, and confounders. RESULTS All the domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental) of QoL showed statistically significant positive associations with increasing stress domains of autonomy, physical infrastructure, work environment, and emotional factors. CONCLUSIONS The respondents clearly found the trade-off of higher stress to be acceptable for the improved QoL they enjoyed. It is also possible that stress might actually be responsible for improvements in QoL either directly or through mediation of variables such as personal values and aspirations. Yerkes-Dodson law and stress appraisal models of Folkman and Lazarus may explain the plausible positive association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giridhara R Babu
- Public Health Foundation of India, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India; Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paulomi M Sudhir
- Department of Clinical Psychology, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Tanmay Mahapatra
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aritra Das
- Bihar Technical Support Program, CARE India Solutions for Sustainable Development, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Mohanbabu Rathnaiah
- Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK
| | - Indiresh Anand
- Hergest Unit, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, North Wales, UK; Abraham Cowley Unit, Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust, Chertsey, UK
| | - Roger Detels
- Department of Epidemiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Velasco Garrido M, Bittner C, Harth V, Preisser AM. Health status and health-related quality of life of municipal waste collection workers - a cross-sectional survey. J Occup Med Toxicol 2015; 10:22. [PMID: 26155300 PMCID: PMC4493964 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-015-0065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Waste collection workers are exposed to several occupational stressors which may affect their quality of life. Our aim was to assess the health status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of municipal waste collection workers of a big German city. Methods Cross-sectional study with a non-random sample of 65 (62 male, 3 female) workers of the Hamburg sanitation department, volunteering to participate in the study. We assessed the prevalence of reported health complaints and health problems. HRQoL was assessed with the self-administered EQ-5D-5L questionnaire and its visual analogue scale (VAS). Results The most common health problems were musculoskeletal complaints (back pain reported by 67.2 %, other musculoskeletal complaints 15.4 %). Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was reported by 15.4 % of the workers. All participants reporting having a diagnosis of asthma or COPD had been or were active smokers. Our findings indicate an impaired HRQoL among the investigated occupational group. Regarding EQ-5D 68.3 % reported at least “slight” problems in one or more dimensions, and almost one third (31.7 %) reported “no problems” in any dimension. Problems were most frequently reported in the dimension “pain/discomfort” (64.1 % of the workers). The mean VAS value was 80.9 (13.2). The presence of back pain was associated with limitations in HRQoL (RR 3.1; 95 %-CI 1.5-6.1). The EQ5D VAS score was statistically significantly lower among waste collectors with back pain (77.9 SD 14.1) compared to those with no back complaints (88.0 SD 7.6, p < 0.01). Conclusions Back complaints are common among municipal waste collectors and are associated with considerable impairments in their HRQoL. Interventions to enhance ergonomic work are needed in order to reduce back complaints and enhance HRQoL in this occupational group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcial Velasco Garrido
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstrasse 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cordula Bittner
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstrasse 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstrasse 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Marita Preisser
- Institute for Occupational Medicine and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstrasse 10, 20459 Hamburg, Germany
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Ram A, Kurpad A, Swaminathan S. Understanding the health behaviors of India’s information technology and business process outsourcing employees. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2014. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-07-2013-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the behaviors of India’s information technology (IT) and business process outsourcing (BPO) employees in relation to diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and social habits.
Design/methodology/approach
– This was a qualitative research study, using in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Descriptive data were collected from a two-stage purposive sample of 28 IT-BPO employees from three IT companies and two BPOs in Bangalore, India.
Findings
– The majority of interviewees reported having an unhealthy diet and/or sedentary lifestyle. Lack of time due to demanding work schedules was the largest barrier to diet and exercise. Call-centers were described as a social environment with a young workforce.
Research limitations/implications
– Given the qualitative study design and limited sampling frame, results may not be generalizable. However, the qualitative data suggests that India’s young IT-BPO employees may be at greater risk of lifestyle-related diseases than the general population. The data also suggests that interventions incorporating social influence may be a promising solution, particularly at international call centers.
Originality/value
– There is a lack of literature on the lifestyle of IT-BPO employees in India. The results from this study provide qualitative insight on the motives for health behaviors of IT-BPO employees, as well as the barriers and facilitators for leading a healthy lifestyle in this industry. The findings provide the framework for future workplace wellness interventions.
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Raja JD, Bhasin SK. Health issues amongst call center employees, an emerging occupational group in India. Indian J Community Med 2014; 39:175-7. [PMID: 25136159 PMCID: PMC4134534 DOI: 10.4103/0970-0218.137156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Accepted: 10/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Call center sector in India is a relatively new industry and one of the fastest growing sectors driving employment and growth in modern India today. While employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has meant that young adults are reaching their career milestones and financial goals much earlier than before, surveys and anecdotal evidence show that workers in the BPO sector experience high levels of stress and its related disorders, primarily due to its contemporary work settings. Safeguarding the health of youngsters employed in this new, growing economy becomes an occupational health challenge to public health specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeyapal Dinesh Raja
- Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - Sanjiv Kumar Bhasin
- Department of Community Medicine, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India
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