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Mendorf S, Heimrich KG, Mühlhammer HM, Prell T, Schönenberg A. Trajectories of quality of life in people with diabetes mellitus: results from the survey of health, ageing and retirement in Europe. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1301530. [PMID: 38274698 PMCID: PMC10808439 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1301530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Previous longitudinal studies identified various factors predicting changes in Quality of Life (QoL) in people with diabetes mellitus (PwDM). However, in these studies, the stability of QoL has not been assessed with respect to individual differences. Methods We studied the predictive influence of variables on the development of QoL in PwDM across three waves (2013-2017) from the cross-national panel dataset Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). To determine clinically meaningful changes in QoL, we identified minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Linear regressions and Linear Mixed Models (LMM) were conducted to determine factors associated with changes in QoL. Results On average, QoL remained stable across three waves in 2989 PwDM, with a marginal difference only present between the first and last wave. However, when looking at individual trajectories, 19 different longitudinal patterns of QoL were identified across the three time-points, with 38.8% of participants showing stable QoL. Linear regression linked lower QoL to female gender, less education, loneliness, reduced memory function, physical inactivity, reduced health, depression, and mobility limitations. LMM showed that the random effect of ID had the strongest impact on QoL across the three waves, suggesting highly individual QoL patterns. Conclusion This study enhances the understanding of the stability of QoL measures, which are often used as primary endpoints in clinical research. We demonstrated that using traditional averaging methods, QoL appears stable on group level. However, our analysis indicated that QoL should be measured on an individual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mendorf
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Konstantin G. Heimrich
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Hannah M. Mühlhammer
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
| | - Tino Prell
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, University Hospital Halle, Halle, Germany
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Mendorf S, Schönenberg A, Heimrich KG, Prell T. Prospective associations between hand grip strength and subsequent depressive symptoms in men and women aged 50 years and older: insights from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1260371. [PMID: 37780562 PMCID: PMC10536140 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1260371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In previous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, depressive symptoms have been associated with lower hand grip strength (HGS), which is a convenient measure of overall muscular strength and serves as a marker of poor health. Most studies have considered low sample sizes or highly selective patient cohorts. Methods We studied the association between depressive symptoms (EURO-D) and HGS in three waves from the cross-national panel dataset Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). Linear regressions and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were conducted to determine factors associated with depressive symptoms and investigate whether HGS predicts future depressive symptoms. Results Cross-sectional HGS explained 7.0% (Wave 4), 5.7% (Wave 5), and 6.4% (Wave 6) of the EURO-D variance. In the GEE, we analyzed people without depression in Wave 4 (N = 39,572). HGS predicted future EURO-D (B = -0.21, OR = 0.979, 95%CI (0.979, 0.980), p < 0.001) and remained a significant predictor of future depressive symptoms after adjustment for age, sex, psychosocial and physical covariates. Discussion Muscle strength is a known marker for physical health, but a relation with mental health has also been proposed previously. This study confirmed the link between HGS and depressive symptoms in men and women aged ≥50 years in a large longitudinal dataset. Further research is required to understand the mechanisms behind this link to determine whether HGS can serve as a specific marker of depressive symptomology, or whether they coexist due to common underlying disease processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mendorf
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Konstantin G. Heimrich
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Tino Prell
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Geriatrics, Halle University Hospital, Halle, Germany
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Emal LM, Tamminga SJ, Kezic S, Schaafsma FG, Nieuwenhuijsen K, van der Molen HF. Diagnostic Accuracy and Measurement Properties of Instruments Screening for Psychological Distress in Healthcare Workers-A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6114. [PMID: 37372701 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20126114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Instruments with sufficient diagnostic accuracy are better able to detect healthcare workers (HCWs) who are at risk of psychological distress. The objective of this review is to examine the diagnostic accuracy and measurement properties of psychological distress instruments in HCWs. METHODS We searched in Embase, Medline and PsycINFO from 2000 to February 2021. We included studies if they reported on the diagnostic accuracy of an instrument. To assess the methodological quality of the studies with regard to diagnostic accuracy, we used the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies and, for the measurement properties, the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). RESULTS Seventeen studies reporting on eight instruments were included. Overall, the methodological quality assessing the diagnostic accuracy and measurement properties was low, specifically for items addressing the domain 'index test'. The items addressing 'reference standard', 'time and flow' and 'patient selection' were mostly unclear. The criterion validity of the single-item burnout, the Burnout-Thriving Index, and the Physician Well-Being Index (PWBI) was sufficient, with area under the curve ranging from 0.75 to 0.92 and sensitivity 71-84%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that it is questionable whether screening for HCWs at risk of psychological distress can be performed sufficiently with the included instruments due to the low numbers of studies per instrument and the low methodological quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lima M Emal
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sietske J Tamminga
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanja Kezic
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frederieke G Schaafsma
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karen Nieuwenhuijsen
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk F van der Molen
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health, Public and Occupational Health, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Development and assessment of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases-Gout (QLICD-GO) (V2.0). Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:501-509. [PMID: 36414865 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06440-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop and assess the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases-Gout QLICD-GO (V2.0). METHODS The instrument was developed using a programmatic decision-making method to combine the general module of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases and a new specific module. The instrument was assessed by measuring the quality of life of 116 patients with gout. RESULTS The QLICD-GO (V2.0) included 28 items from the general module of chronic diseases and 12 items in three facets from the specific module. In addition to the field of physiological function, the internal consistency reliability of other fields and dimensions of the instrument was > 0.7, and the split-half reliability was > 0.5. Three common factors were extracted from the specific module, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 57.54%. The standardized response means of the specific module and the whole instrument were 0.94 and 1.20, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The QLICD-GO (V2.0) has good reliability, validity, and responsiveness. The instrument comprehensively and objectively reflects the quality of life of patients with gout, and it can be used to assess treatment regimens developed by medical staff. Key Points • The QLICD-GO (V2.0) has been developed for patients with gout based upon the foundation of the QLICD-GM. • The QLICD-GO reflects the clinical signs and symptoms, drug-related side effects, and psychological changes specific to patients with gout. • Based on the assessment results, the QLICD-GO (V2.0) has good reliability, validity, and responsiveness. • QLICD-GO (V2.0) can objectively and comprehensively reflect the QOL of patients with gout and can be used by clinical staff to assess treatment regimens.
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Baron S, Cuervo I, Winkel G, Flores D, Gonzalez A, Harari H. Employment Quality and Mental and Self-Reported Health Inequities among Latinx Housecleaners: The Safe and Just Cleaners Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15973. [PMID: 36498045 PMCID: PMC9741237 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Precarious employment, such as housecleaning, is one important structural contributor to health inequities. We used an employment quality (EQ) framework to characterize the impact of employment conditions on mental and self-reported ill-health among Latinx housecleaners in the New York City metropolitan area. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we collected cross-sectional survey data from 402 housecleaners between August 2019 and February 2020 to characterize housecleaners' EQ and its association with depression, perceived stress, and self-reported health. We also measured work-related irritant eye, skin, and respiratory symptoms, which have been shown in previous research to be associated with housecleaners' exposure to chemical components of cleaning products. Our housecleaner cohort was largely female and immigrant and most had worked at least five years. Survey items capturing the EQ dimensions of unbalanced interpersonal relations, low material resources, and violations of workers' rights were associated with increased odds of depression, perceived stress, and self-reported ill-health. Work-related irritant eye, skin, and respiratory symptoms were also independently associated with mental and self-reported ill-health and some of the effects of EQ on health were potentially partially mediated through their association with work-related irritant symptoms. Findings can inform directions for community-based educational and policy initiatives to improve housecleaners' employment quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherry Baron
- Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, NY 11367, USA
| | - Isabel Cuervo
- Barry Commoner Center for Health and the Environment, Queens College, City University of New York, Queens, New York, NY 11367, USA
| | - Gary Winkel
- Population Health Science and Policy Department, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | | | | | - Homero Harari
- Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health, Institute for Exposomic Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Weames GG, Page GB, Thiese MS, Hegmann KT. Concerns regarding the publication "Powered-hand tools and vibration-related disorders in US-railway maintenance-of-way workers". INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:284-287. [PMID: 34819406 PMCID: PMC9171124 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2021-0060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew S Thiese
- University of Utah Health Ringgold standard institution, United States
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- University of Utah Health Ringgold standard institution, United States
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Rawal S, Duffy VB, Berube L, Hayes JE, Kant AK, Li CM, Graubard BI, Hoffman HJ. Self-Reported Olfactory Dysfunction and Diet Quality: Findings from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124561. [PMID: 34960113 PMCID: PMC8704378 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
We identified associations between self-reported olfactory dysfunction (OD) and dietary attributes in participants aged ≥40 years (n = 6,356) from the nationally representative 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). The chemosensory questionnaire and 24-h dietary recalls were administered by trained interviewers. OD was defined as self-report of either smell problems in the last year, worse smell relative to age 25, or perceiving phantom odors. Dietary outcomes included Healthy Eating Index 2015 score (HEI) with adequacy and moderation components (higher scores indicated higher diet quality), dietary diversity, energy density, and intake of major food groups. Survey-weighted linear regression models estimated OD–diet associations, adjusting for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors. Adjusted mean difference (95% CI) between those with versus without OD, showed that adults with OD had significantly lower HEI moderation score (−0.67 (−1.22, −0.11)) and diets higher in energy density (0.06 (0.00, 0.11)), and percent energy from saturated fat (0.47 (0.12, 0.81)), total fat (0.96 (0.22, 1.70)), and added sugar (1.00 (0.33, 1.66)). Age and sex-stratified analyses showed that younger females (40–64 years) primarily accounted for the associations with diet quality and total/saturated fat intake. These findings inform dietary screening and recommendations for adults who report OD, including those experiencing transient or persistent smell loss with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shristi Rawal
- Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences, Rutgers School of Health Professions, 65 Bergen Str., Newark, NJ 07107-1709, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Valerie B. Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, 358 Mansfield Rd., Storrs, CT 06269, USA;
| | - Lauren Berube
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - John E. Hayes
- Sensory Evaluation Center, The Pennsylvania State University, 220 Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA;
- Department of Food Science, College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 220 Erickson Food Science Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Ashima K. Kant
- Department of Family, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, USA;
| | - Chuan-Ming Li
- Epidemiology and Statistics Program, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.-M.L.); (H.J.H.)
| | - Barry I. Graubard
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Biostatistics Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20894, USA;
| | - Howard J. Hoffman
- Epidemiology and Statistics Program, Division of Scientific Programs, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health (NIH), 10 Center Dr., Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (C.-M.L.); (H.J.H.)
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Thiese MS, Hegmann KT, Page GB, Weames GG. Letter to the Editor: Landsbergis et al (2019) Titled "Work Exposures and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Railroad Maintenance-of-Way Workers". J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:e745-e750. [PMID: 34238910 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kurt T Hegmann
- Rocky Mountain Center for Occupational & Environment Health, Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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Rojas Castro MY, Avalos M, Contrand B, Dupuy M, Sztal-Kutas C, Orriols L, Lagarde E. Health conditions and the risk of home injury in French adults: results from a prospective study of the MAVIE cohort. Inj Prev 2021; 28:141-147. [PMID: 34413074 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-044033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home injury (HI) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in adults of all ages. Health conditions significantly impact HI among old adults, but little is known for other adults. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE We assessed the associations between health-related factors and HI's risk in a French study, the MAVIE (Mutualistes pour la recherche contre les Accidents de la VIE courante) cohort. METHODS Poisson mixed models were fitted using health-related data information (diseases, treatments and disabilities) at baseline and the number of injuries prospectively recorded during the follow-up, adjusting for significant sociodemographics and exposure to a range of home activities. Attributable fractions were estimated based on risk ratio (RR) estimations measured in the fully adjusted models. RESULTS A total of 6146 dwelling adults aged 15 or older were followed up for 5.1 years on average. Vertigo or dizziness (RR=2.36, 95% CI 1.06 to 5.01) and sciatica or back pain (RR=1.49, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.05) were independently associated with an increased risk of HI. These two groups of conditions showed the most significant associations among people aged 15-49, whereas musculoskeletal diseases other than rachialgias and arthropathies were the most significant health-related risk factor in people aged 50 and older. Sciatica or back pain represented the highest burden of HIs in overall adults (8%) and among people aged 15-49 (12%). CONCLUSION Our results suggest that adults with musculoskeletal disorders and vertigo or dizziness symptoms have a higher risk of HI, regardless of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Yiseth Rojas Castro
- U1219, INSERM, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.,U1219, Universite de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
| | - Marta Avalos
- U1219, INSERM, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.,SISTM Team, Inria, Talence, Aquitaine, France
| | - Benjamin Contrand
- U1219, INSERM, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.,U1219, Universite de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
| | - Marion Dupuy
- Calyxis, Centre of Risk Expertise, Niort, France
| | | | - Ludivine Orriols
- U1219, INSERM, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.,U1219, Universite de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
| | - Emmanuel Lagarde
- U1219, INSERM, Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France .,U1219, Universite de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, Aquitaine, France
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Osinuga A, Hicks C, Ibitoye SE, Schweizer M, Fethke NB, Baker KK. A meta-analysis of the association between physical demands of domestic labor and back pain among women. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2021; 21:150. [PMID: 33849504 PMCID: PMC8045256 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01294-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background Back pain (BP) is among the most common musculoskeletal problems globally and is a leading contributor to disability among adults. Millions of women especially those in low-income settings, engage in strenuous domestic activities that may increase their risk of BP. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to estimate the association between physically demanding domestic labor (PDDL) which is characterized as intensity, frequency, duration of work and biomechanical risk factors of work and BP among women. Methods Five databases were searched for records published from January 1991 to March 2020; and results from 11studies were included in the meta-analysis. A random effects model and the generic inverse-variance method was used to estimate the pooled odds ratio (OR), 95% confidence interval (CI), and the degree of heterogeneity among studies (I2). Stratified and sensitivity analyses were conducted to identify the influence of outliers and identify the sources of heterogeneity. Results Exposure to high PDDL was significantly associated with BP (OR = 1.63; 95% CI 1.30, 2.04; I2 = 70%). The odds of back pain were highest among the following groups: women performing domestic labor in non-neutral postures (OR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.75–3.04; I2 = 0%; N = 4 studies) and among women from low- and middle-income countries (OR = 1.98; 95% CI = 1.58–2.49; I2 = 29%; N = 5 studies). We found no evidence of publication bias (Egger’s test p-value = 0.15). Conclusions PDDL may significantly increase a woman’s risk of experiencing BP, but larger prospective studies are needed to further investigate the association. Presenting data on how domestic work affects the musculoskeletal health of women will be important in designing future interventions (behavioral, infrastructural, and ergonomic) that can reduce the burdens from domestic labor. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12905-021-01294-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abisola Osinuga
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, USA.
| | - Chelsea Hicks
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Segun E Ibitoye
- Department of Health Promotion and Education, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, 200212, Nigeria
| | - Marin Schweizer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Nathan B Fethke
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, USA
| | - Kelly K Baker
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa, Iowa City, 52242, USA
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van der Molen HF, Visser S, Alfonso JH, Curti S, Mattioli S, Rempel D, Roquelaure Y, Kuijer PPFM, Tamminga SJ. Diagnostic criteria for musculoskeletal disorders for use in occupational healthcare or research: a scoping review of consensus- and synthesised-based case definitions. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2021; 22:169. [PMID: 33573616 PMCID: PMC7879660 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-021-04031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to identify case definitions of diagnostic criteria for specific musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for use in occupational healthcare, surveillance or research. Methods A scoping review was performed in Medline and Web of Science from 2000 to 2020 by an international team of researchers and clinicians, using the Arksey and O’Malley framework to identify case definitions based on expert consensus or a synthesis of the literature. Seven MSDs were considered: non-specific low back pain (LBP), lumbosacral radicular syndrome (LRS), subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), lateral or medial elbow tendinopathy, and knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). Case definitions for occupational healthcare or research were charted according to symptoms, signs and instrumental assessment of signs, and if reported, on work-related exposure criteria. Results In total, 2404 studies were identified of which 39 were included. Fifteen studies (38%) reported on non-specific LBP, followed by knee OA (n = 8;21%) and CTS (n = 8;21%). For non-specific LBP, studies agreed in general on which symptoms (i.e., pain in lower back) and signs (i.e., absence of red flags) constituted a case definition while for the other MSDs considerable heterogeneity was found. Only two studies (5%), describing case definitions for LBP, CTS, and SAPS and lateral and medial elbow tendinopathy respectively, included work-related exposure criteria in their clinical assessment. Conclusion We found that studies on non-specific LBP agreed in general on which symptoms and signs constitute a case definition, while considerable heterogeneity was found for the other MSDs. For prevention of work-related MSDs, these MSD case definitions should preferably include work-related exposure criteria. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04031-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk F van der Molen
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Steven Visser
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jose Hernán Alfonso
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefania Curti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Mattioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - David Rempel
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Yves Roquelaure
- Univ Angers, CHU Angers, Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail), UMR_S 1085, F-49000, Angers, France
| | - P Paul F M Kuijer
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sietske J Tamminga
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Veiersted KB, Hanvold TN, Lunde LK, Koch M, Knardahl S, Wærsted M. Do intensity of pain alone or combined with pain duration best reflect clinical signs in the neck, shoulder and upper limb? Scand J Pain 2020; 21:266-273. [PMID: 34387958 DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2020-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES It is important to validate self-reported musculoskeletal pain used in epidemiological studies for evaluation of pain outcome measures. The main objective of this paper was to assess the association between self-reported neck/shoulder/upper limb pain and clinical signs of disorders in the region, especially by comparing a measure that only used pain intensity with a measure that combined pain intensity and pain duration. METHODS Four hundred and twenty technical school students of both genders were included with a median age of 17 years (16-28). The students stated the pain in four intensity grades and the pain duration in four period lengths within the preceding four weeks period. A pain severity index was calculated by multiplying the pain intensity (0-3) and the duration (1-4). A clinical examination was performed within a week after completing the form. The associations were evaluated by agreement, correlation and symmetric strength of association (contingency). RESULTS The study found low correlation and low positive agreement for neck/shoulder and upper limb pain related to clinical signs of disorders in the region. However, the relationship showed high negative agreement and high contingency. The negative agreement increased for the neck/shoulder region with higher cut-off points for dichotomization, but not for the upper limb region. The index combining reports of pain intensity with pain duration, do not improve agreement, correlation or contingency with clinical signs compared to use of pain intensity alone. CONCLUSIONS This study showed an association between self-reported neck/shoulder/upper limb pain intensity and clinical signs of musculoskeletal disorders of the region. An index combining pain intensity and duration (Pain Severity Index) did not increase this association. From the results we suggest using pain intensity reports alone and if dichotomizing is wanted, choosing a cut-off point at high pain levels, especially for neck and shoulder pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Markus Koch
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Guerreiro MM, Serranheira F, Cruz EB, Sousa-Uva A. Self-Reported Variables as Determinants of Upper Limb Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Assembly Line Workers. Saf Health Work 2020; 11:491-499. [PMID: 33329916 PMCID: PMC7728709 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.07.008] [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] [Received: 12/08/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assembly lines work is frequently associated to work-related upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. The related disability and absenteeism make it important to implement efficient health surveillance systems. The main objective of this study was to identify self-reported variables that can determine work-related upper limb musculoskeletal symptoms-discomfort/pain-during a 6-month follow-up. METHODS This was a prospective study with a 6-month follow-up period, performed in an assembly line. Upper limb musculoskeletal discomfort/pain was assessed through the presence of self-reported symptoms. Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate which self-reported variables were associated to upper limb symptoms after 6 months at the present and to upper limbs symptoms in the past month. RESULTS Of the 200 workers at baseline, 145 replied to the survey after 6 months. For both outcomes, "having upper limb symptoms during the previous 6 months" and "education" were possible predictors. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that having previous upper limb symptoms was related to its maintenance after 6 months, sustaining it as a specific determinant. It can be a hypothesis that this population had mainly workers with chronic symptoms, although our results give only limited support to self-reported indicators as determinants for upper limb symptoms. Nevertheless, the development of an efficient health surveillance system for high demanding jobs should implicate self-reported indicators, but also clinical and work conditions assessment should be accounted on the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa M. Guerreiro
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Occupational Health and Environmental Health Department, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Florentino Serranheira
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eduardo B. Cruz
- School of Health Care, Department of Physiotherapy, Setubal, Portugal
| | - António Sousa-Uva
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Comprehensive Health Research Center (CHRC), Lisbon, Portugal
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14
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Lacasse A, Cauvier Charest E, Dault R, Cloutier AM, Choinière M, Blais L, Vanasse A. Validity of Algorithms for Identification of Individuals Suffering from Chronic Noncancer Pain in Administrative Databases: A Systematic Review. PAIN MEDICINE (MALDEN, MASS.) 2020; 21:1825-1839. [PMID: 32142130 PMCID: PMC7553015 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnaa004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondary analysis of health administrative databases is indispensable to enriching our understanding of health trajectories, health care utilization, and real-world risks and benefits of drugs among large populations. OBJECTIVES This systematic review aimed at assessing evidence about the validity of algorithms for the identification of individuals suffering from nonarthritic chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) in administrative databases. METHODS Studies reporting measures of diagnostic accuracy of such algorithms and published in English or French were searched in the Medline, Embase, CINAHL, AgeLine, PsycINFO, and Abstracts in Social Gerontology electronic databases without any dates of coverage restrictions up to March 1, 2018. Reference lists of included studies were also screened for additional publications. RESULTS Only six studies focused on commonly studied CNCP conditions and were included in the review. Some algorithms showed a ≥60% combination of sensitivity and specificity values (back pain disorders in general, fibromyalgia, low back pain, migraine, neck/back problems studied together). Only algorithms designed to identify fibromyalgia cases reached a ≥80% combination (without replication of findings in other studies/databases). CONCLUSIONS In summary, the present investigation informs us about the limited amount of literature available to guide and support the use of administrative databases as valid sources of data for research on CNCP. Considering the added value of such data sources, the important research gaps identified in this innovative review provide important directions for future research. The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42018086402).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Lacasse
- Département des Sciences de la Santé, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT), Rouyn-Noranda, Québec, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Cauvier Charest
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Roxanne Dault
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Anne-Marie Cloutier
- Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Manon Choinière
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Département d'Anesthésiologie et de Médecine de la Douleur, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Lucie Blais
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Alain Vanasse
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CRCHUS), Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
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15
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Rivière M, Toullic Y, Lerouge P, Blanchon T, Leroyer A, Plancke L, Prazuck T, Melchior M, Younès N. Management of work-related common mental disorders in general practice: a cross-sectional study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:132. [PMID: 32615930 PMCID: PMC7331173 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01203-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND General practitioners (GPs) often manage individuals with work-related common mental disorders (CMD: depressive disorders, anxiety and alcohol abuse). However, little is known about the ways in which they proceed. The aim of this study is to analyze GPs' management and patterns of referral to other health professionals of patients with work-related CMD and associated factors. METHOD We used data from a cross-sectional study of 2027 working patients of 121 GPs in the Nord - Pas-de-Calais region in France (April - August 2014). Statistical analyses focused on patients with work-related CMD detected by the GP and examined the ways in which GPs managed these patients' symptoms. Associations between patient, work, GP and contextual characteristics and GPs' management were explored using modified Poisson regression models with robust variance. RESULTS Among the 533 patients with work-related CMD in the study, GPs provided psychosocial support to 88.0%, prescribed psychotropic treatment to 82.4% and put 50.7% on sick leave. Referral rates to mental health specialists and occupational physicians were respectively 39.8 and 26.1%. Several factors including patients' characteristics (occupational and sociodemographic), GPs' characteristics and environmental data were associated with the type of management used by the GP. CONCLUSION Our study emphasizes the major and often lonesome role of the GP in the management of patients with work-related CMDs. Better knowledge of the way GPs manage those patients could help GPs in their practice, improve patients care and be a starting point to implement a more collaborative care approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Rivière
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, 75012, Paris, France.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Réseau Sentinelles, Centre Hospitalier Régional, d'Orléans 14 avenue de l'hôpital, 45000, Orléans, France.
| | - Y Toullic
- University department of general practice, Université Lille 2, Lille, France
| | - P Lerouge
- University department of general practice, Université Lille 2, Lille, France
| | - T Blanchon
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, 75012, Paris, France
| | - A Leroyer
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, EA 4483 - IMPECS - IMPact de l'Environnement Chimique sur la Santé humaine, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - L Plancke
- Regional Federation of Research in Psychiatry and Mental Health Hauts-de-France, Lille, France
| | - T Prazuck
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Réseau Sentinelles, Centre Hospitalier Régional, d'Orléans 14 avenue de l'hôpital, 45000, Orléans, France
| | - M Melchior
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, IPLESP, 75012, Paris, France
| | - N Younès
- Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin, Université Paris Saclay, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807, Villejuif, France
- Centre Hospitalier de Versailles, Hospital Academic Unit of psychiatry for adults, Le Chesnay, France
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Tremblay M, Albert WJ, Fischer SL, Beairsto E, Johnson MJ. Exploration of the health status of experienced New Brunswick paramedics. Work 2020; 66:461-473. [PMID: 32568159 DOI: 10.3233/wor-203185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature reports that paramedics represent an at-risk occupation for the development of health problems. At least half of the paramedic population presents at least one risk factor associated with a negative health condition. These reports may suffer a "mono-method bias" where most reported outcomes are based on a single screening tool approach (may attenuate or inflate the prevalence). OBJECTIVE The current study characterizes the health status of a cohort of twenty-five experienced New Brunswick (Canadian province) paramedics. METHODS To understand possible limitations of past research, health status was characterized using four different methods: two methods using only one health measure and two were combined methods, integrating outcomes from at least two health measures to determine the prevalence of a given health status. RESULTS Mono-bias was observed when using the single health measure methods. The difference among the four methods highlighted that a third of the cohort seemed unaware of their health condition. This result shed additional light on paramedics' health, where a high proportion of paramedics worked without knowledge of their health conditions. Based on a two health measures combined method, it was observed that only two-fifths of the current sample had no health conditions or could otherwise be considered as a "healthy". CONCLUSIONS Because the literature has focused on single screening methods, our results were difficult to compare. However, there was a consensus that paramedics represent an at-risk occupation comprised of health problems. This study was exploratory and should be the basis for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Tremblay
- Occupational Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton (NB), Canada.,Department of Health Sciences, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski (QC), Canada
| | - Wayne J Albert
- Occupational Performance Lab, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton (NB), Canada
| | - Steven L Fischer
- Department of Kinesiology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo (ON), Canada
| | - Eric Beairsto
- New Brunswick EMS, Medavie Health Services, Moncton (NB), Canada
| | - Michel J Johnson
- School of Kinesiology and Leisure, Université de Moncton, Moncton (NB), Canada
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17
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Glennon SG, Huedo-Medina T, Rawal S, Hoffman HJ, Litt MD, Duffy VB. Chronic Cigarette Smoking Associates Directly and Indirectly with Self-Reported Olfactory Alterations: Analysis of the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 21:818-827. [PMID: 29121272 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntx242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Population-based studies show inconsistent effects of cigarette smoking on olfactory function. We aimed to identify direct and indirect associations between measures of smoking exposure/nicotine dependence and altered olfaction in a nationally representative sample of adults. METHODS NHANES 2011-2014 (n = 7418) participants (mean age = 57.8 ± 12.2 years) self-reported olfaction and related health and demographic risks. Affirmative answers to three questions defined altered olfaction (olfactory problems in the past years; worse ability since age 25; phantom smells). Smoking (never, former, current) was self-reported by chronicity (pack years, PY) and dependency (time to first cigarette upon waking) and verified by serum cotinine. Associations were tested with logistic regression, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and mediation models. RESULTS Estimated prevalence of altered olfaction was 22.3%, with age-related increases. Nearly half of the sample were former/current smokers (47.4%). Controlling for olfactory-related risks, ≥10 PY smokers had significantly greater odds of altered olfaction versus never smokers (OR 1.36, CI: 1.06-1.74). The odds of altered olfaction were heightened among current smokers (≥10 PY) who also had high nicotine dependence (smoked ≤30 min of waking) (OR 1.41, CI: 1.01-1.99). Light smokers (≤10 PY smokers) did not show increased odds versus never smokers. Current smokers who also were heavy drinkers (≥4 drinks/day) had the highest odds for altered olfaction (OR 1.96, CI: 1.20-3.19). Olfactory-related pathologies (sinonasal problems, serious head injury, tonsillectomy, xerostomia) partially mediated the association between smoking and altered olfaction. CONCLUSIONS Chronic cigarette smoking was associated with increased odds of self-reported olfactory alterations, directly and indirectly via olfactory-related pathologies. IMPLICATIONS Analysis of the US nationally representative data revealed significant positive associations between chronic smoking and alterations in the sense of smell. Rates of smell alteration (self-reported problems in the past year, losses with aging, and phantom smells) increased from 23% among adults to 33% for chronic smokers and 38% for chronic smokers who also reported heavy drinking. Chronic smoking showed associations with smell alteration that were direct and indirect through exposure to olfactory-related pathologies (naso-sinus problems, dry mouth, head/facial injury). Smell alteration can impact smokers' quality of life by challenging the ability to sense warning odors, food flavor, and olfactory-stimulated emotions and memories.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tania Huedo-Medina
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
| | - Shristi Rawal
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Health Professions, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ
| | - Howard J Hoffman
- Epidemiology and Statistics Program, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Mark D Litt
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Community Health, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT
| | - Valerie B Duffy
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
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18
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Association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and female hormone-related factors in South Korea. Sci Rep 2019; 9:20007. [PMID: 31882785 PMCID: PMC6934502 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-56565-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
An association between olfactory dysfunction and female hormone level has been reported; however, no previous studies have investigated the correlation with life-long female hormone exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and various endogenous and exogenous female hormone-related factors including age at menarche and menopause, number of pregnancies and deliveries, age at first and last delivery, duration of breastfeeding, use of oral contraceptives, and use of hormone therapy. The study analysed a total of 3863 female participants using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010-2012). The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 3.5% for premenopausal participants and 6.2% for postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women (compared to women breastfed less than 12 months), the 12-24-month group (OR = 4.690, 95% CI = 1.431-15.369) and the 25-48-month group (OR = 6.548, 95% CI = 1.758-24.394) had higher rates of olfactory dysfunction. In postmenopausal women, starting menopause at a younger age was positively associated with olfactory dysfunction (OR = 0.939, 95% CI = 0.887-0.993). These data suggest that a longer duration of endogenous oestrogen deprivation is associated with subjective olfactory dysfunction.
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Sakhvidi MJZ, Loukzadeh Z, Tezerjani HD. Occupational hand dermatitis in car repair workers. AIMS Public Health 2019; 6:577-586. [PMID: 31909077 PMCID: PMC6940577 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2019.4.577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to used gasoline engine oils during oil change and other automobile repair services is common for many mechanics, electrical technicians, and other car service workers. We aimed to determine the prevalence of hand dermatitis in car repair workers with different specialty and actual dermal exposure hazards in the workplace. Methods We examined the dermal problems in 153 male car repair workers and compared it to 140 office workers. Exposed and control groups were administered a Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire. Dermal exposure score also was calculated. Results The prevalence of hand dermatitis in car repair workers (19.0%) was significantly higher than office worker (7.9%) [OR: 2.74, (95% CI = 1.31, 5.73)] and also higher than general population. Prevalence of atopic dermatitis was significantly higher in exposed group that had hand dermatitis compared with those who had no hand dermatitis (P < 0.001). The highest hand dermatitis as well as actual dermal exposure was observed in the mechanics and transmission technician respectively. Conclusion Car repair workers have an elevated prevalence of hand dermatitis in comparison with office workers. The most important risk factors for hand dermatitis among car repair workers are atopic dermatitis and the next the level of skin exposure to potential skin hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ziba Loukzadeh
- Industrial Diseases Research Center, Center of Excellence for Occupational Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
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20
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Occupational lifting predicts hospital admission due to low back pain in a cohort of airport baggage handlers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2019; 93:111-122. [PMID: 31451926 PMCID: PMC6989598 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-019-01470-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To examine if occupational lifting assessed as cumulative years as a baggage handler is associated with first-time hospital diagnosis or treatment for low back disorders. Methods This study is based on the Copenhagen Airport Cohort consisting of male baggage handlers performing heavy lifting every day and a reference group of unskilled men from the greater Copenhagen area during the period 1990–2012. We followed the cohort in the National Patient Register and Civil Registration System to obtain information on diagnoses, surgery, mortality, and migration. The outcomes were first-time hospital diagnosis or surgery for (1) lumbar disc herniation or (2) low back pain (LBP). Results Baggage handlers (N = 3473) had a higher incidence rate of LBP, but not of lumbar disc herniation, compared to the reference group (N = 65,702). Baggage handlers with longer employment had a higher incidence of LBP compared to baggage handlers with shorter employment. The linear association of cumulative years as a baggage handler on LBP was significantly increased with an incidence rate ratio of 1.16 (95% CI 1.07–1.25) for a 5-year increase of employment as baggage handler. Conclusions In this large cohort study, we found an increased incidence of LBP among baggage handlers compared to the reference group with indications of a dose–response relationship between years of employment and the outcome. For baggage handlers working on the apron, the incidence was particularly increased before introduction of technical lifting equipment, suggesting that preventive measures to reduce cumulative work load may have a positive effect.
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21
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Heightened olfactory dysfunction and oral irritation among chronic smokers and heightened propylthiouracil (PROP) bitterness among menthol smokers. Physiol Behav 2018; 201:111-122. [PMID: 30557565 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2018.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Chronic cigarette smoking may influence chemosensory function, which in turn, may affect cigarette usage. Because menthol in cigarettes can attenuate nicotine bitterness, choice of menthol/nonmenthol cigarettes may be influenced by ability to perceive bitterness. We examined chemosensory function of chronic smokers, hypothesizing they would show altered function in comparison to non-smokers and by menthol cigarette preference. In laboratory-based measures, chronic smokers (N = 135; 84 menthol smokers) self-reported their chemosensory function and participated in smell (identification task with perceived intensity) and taste (quinine and NaCl intensity on tongue-tip and whole mouth) testing. A taste genetics probe (propylthiouracil (PROP) bitterness) also was assessed. Self-reported and measured chemosensory function were compared with nationally-representative 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data generated with similar measures. The taste measures also were compared between smokers and age- and sex-matched non-smokers from a laboratory database. Frequencies of self-reported smell and taste alterations among smokers exceeded NHANES prevalence estimates for non-smokers. The rate of measured smell dysfunction also exceeded NHANES prevalence for hyposmia. Compared to non-smokers, smokers reported elevated tongue-tip and whole mouth intensities from 1 M NaCl, with no significant differences in whole mouth quinine or 0.32 M NaCl. Inconsistent with previous hypotheses, smokers were not more likely to report depressed PROP bitterness than non-smokers. However, as expected, menthol smokers reported greater PROP bitterness than non-menthol smokers. In conclusion, chemosensory alterations were more frequent among chronic smokers, including hyposmia and heightened intensity from NaCl at an oral-irritant concentration. PROP supertasters were most likely to prefer mentholated cigarettes.
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Chiu CJ, Huang HM, Lu TH, Wang YW. National health data linkage and the agreement between self-reports and medical records for middle-aged and older adults in Taiwan. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:917. [PMID: 30509280 PMCID: PMC6276180 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3738-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Characteristics associated with acceptance of dataset linkages and health data linkage data quality were analyzed. Methods Participants from the 2011 Taiwan Longitudinal Study on Aging were asked to link their epidemiological data with concurrent and future medical claim datasets. Characteristics associated with acceptance of data linkage, data consistency, under-reporting, and over-reporting of disease conditions were identified. Results Among the 3727 respondents, 3601 (96.6%) accepted data linkage. Middle-aged adults with worse functional health accepted data linkage. Older adults (65+) with better health behavior and social support were more likely to accept data linkage. Consistency between self-reports and medical data was very good to satisfactory (Kappa = 0.80 and 0.67, respectively, for diabetes and hypertension). Comorbidities were common risk factors resulting in inconsistency between self-reports and medical data (OR = 1.58 and 1.27, respectively, for diabetes and hypertension). Living alone was another risk factor resulting in inconsistency for diabetes. Male, older, and not living alone were other risk factors resulting in inconsistencies for hypertension. Under-reporting of illness was associated with poor health and older age. Over-reporting of illness was associated with better health and younger age. Discussion The findings suggest different adjustment methods for middle-aged versus older respondents when considering self-report data validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Ju Chiu
- Institute of Gerontology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, No. 1, University Road, Tainan, Taiwan, 70101.
| | - Hsiang-Min Huang
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsueh Lu
- Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Wei Wang
- Health Promotion Administration, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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Kim H, Baidwan NK, Kriebel D, Cifuentes M, Baron S. Asthma among World Trade Center First Responders: A Qualitative Synthesis and Bias Assessment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15061053. [PMID: 29882850 PMCID: PMC6025114 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15061053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The World Trade Center (WTC) disaster exposed the responders to several hazards. Three cohorts i.e., the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the General Responder Cohort (GRC), and the WTC Health Registry (WTCHR) surveyed the exposed responder population. We searched Pubmed and Web of Science for literature on a well-published association between the WTC exposures and asthma, focusing on new-onset self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma. The resulting five articles were qualitatively assessed for potential biases. These papers were independently reviewed by the co-authors, and conclusions were derived after discussions. While, the cohorts had well-defined eligibility criteria, they lacked information about the entire exposed population. We conclude that selection and surveillance biases may have occurred in the GRC and WTCHR cohorts, but were likely to have been minimal in the FDNY cohort. Health care benefits available to responders may have increased the reporting of both exposure and outcome in the former, and decreased outcome reporting in the FDNY cohort. Irrespective of the biases, the studies showed similar findings, confirming the association between WTC exposure and self-reported physician-diagnosed asthma among responders. This suggests that health data gathered under great duress and for purposes other than epidemiology can yield sound conclusions. Potential biases can, however, be minimized by having validated survey instruments and worker registries in place before events occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Kim
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - Navneet Kaur Baidwan
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - David Kriebel
- Department of Public Health, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA 01854, USA.
| | - Manuel Cifuentes
- Department of Public Health, Regis College, Weston, MA 02493, USA.
| | - Sherry Baron
- Barry Commoner Center for Health & the Environment, Queens College, New York, NY 11367, USA.
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Prevalence of work-related common psychiatric disorders in primary care: The French Héraclès study. Psychiatry Res 2018; 259:579-586. [PMID: 28918860 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
General practitioners (GP), on the frontline for individuals with mental health problems, often deal with work-related common psychiatric disorders. We aimed to determine the prevalence of work-related common psychiatric disorders in general practice and associated patients' and GPs' characteristics. HERACLES, a cross-sectional study among 2019 working patients of 121 GPs in the Nord - Pas-de-Calais region in France. Common psychiatric disorders were assessed using the MINI International Neuropsychiatric Interview, patient-perceived psychological distress and GP-diagnosed psychiatric disorders. The work-relatedness of common psychiatric disorders was ascertained by the GP and/or the patient. Prevalence rates adjusted on age were calculated by sex and associated characteristics were ascertained using multilevel Poisson regression models. The prevalence of work-related common psychiatric disorders ascertained using the MINI was estimated at 25.6% [23.7-27.5], 24.5% [22.6-26.4] for self-reported psychological distress and 25.8% [23.9-27.7] for GP-diagnosed psychiatric disorders. Age, history of psychiatric disorders, consultation for psychological purpose and GP's characteristics were associated with MINI-identified psychiatric disorders. The prevalence of work-related common psychiatric disorders among working adults seen in general practice is high but further studies are needed to support this results.
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Cavallari JM, Ahuja M, Dugan AG, Meyer JD, Simcox N, Wakai S, Garza JL. Differences in the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among female and male custodians. Am J Ind Med 2016; 59:841-52. [PMID: 27409071 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms among custodians is high. We sought to compare musculoskeletal symptoms between female and male custodians and to explore how task might affect this relationship. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among 712 custodians who completed a survey assessing upper extremity, back, and lower extremity musculoskeletal symptoms and exposure to cleaning tasks. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to test for associations between gender, cleaning tasks, and musculoskeletal symptoms. RESULTS Gender was significantly (P < 0.05) associated with musculoskeletal symptoms in χ(2) tests and multivariate analyses. The prevalence ratio of symptoms among women was roughly 50% higher than men, regardless of the tasks that workers performed. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms differed for female and male custodians and appeared to be consistent across a range of job tasks. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:841-852, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Cavallari
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Community Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - Manik Ahuja
- Department of Community Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - Alicia G. Dugan
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - John D. Meyer
- Department of Preventive Medicine; Icahn-Mount Sinai School of Medicine; New York New York
| | - Nancy Simcox
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences; University of Washington; Seattle Washington
| | - Sara Wakai
- Center for Public Health and Health Policy; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
| | - Jennifer L. Garza
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine; UConn Health; Farmington Connecticut
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van der Molen HF, de Vries SC, Stocks SJ, Warning J, Frings-Dresen MHW. Incidence rates of occupational diseases in the Dutch construction sector, 2010-2014. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:350-2. [PMID: 26940576 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate incidence and trends in incidence of occupational diseases (ODs) in the Dutch construction sector. METHODS In a dynamic prospective cohort over a 5-year period (2010-2014), ODs assessed by occupational physicians (OPs) participating in a voluntary construction workers health surveillance (WHS) were reported to the Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases (NCOD). ODs were defined as a disease with a specific clinical diagnosis (International Classification of Diseases) that was predominantly caused by work-related factors as assessed by an OP. Annual incidences were determined for the total number of ODs and six frequently occurring OD groups. Trends in incidence were estimated using a multilevel negative binominal regression model. RESULTS In 2014 the incidence of all OD was 12 964 per 100 000 workers and there was no significant change in incidence between 2010 and 2014 (3%; 95% CI -2% to +9%). Hearing loss (8125 per 100 000 workers) and musculoskeletal disorders (2081 per 100 000 workers) were the most frequently occurring ODs. Noise-induced hearing loss (+7%; 95% CI 1% to 13%) and contact dermatitis (+19%; 95% CI 6% to 33%) showed increasing trends. There was no statistically significant change in the incidence of low back pain, arthrosis, repetitive strain injuries, distress/burnout and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma. CONCLUSIONS In total, 13% of workers participating in WHS in the Dutch construction industry during 2014 had an OD diagnosed and reported by an OP. Over a 5-year period the annual incidence of reported ODs showed a statistically non-significant increase. Incidences in noise-induced hearing loss and contact dermatitis showed statistically significant increasing trends, 7% and 19%, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henk F van der Molen
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne C de Vries
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Jill Stocks
- NIHR Greater Manchester Primary Care Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Monique H W Frings-Dresen
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Center for Occupational Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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McCunney RJ, Morfeld P, Colby WD, Mundt KA. Wind turbines and health: An examination of a proposed case definition. Noise Health 2015; 17:175-81. [PMID: 26168947 PMCID: PMC4900481 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.160678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Renewable energy demands have increased the need for new wind farms. In turn, concerns have been raised about potential adverse health effects on nearby residents. A case definition has been proposed to diagnose "Adverse Health Effects in the Environs of Industrial Wind Turbines" (AHE/IWT); initially in 2011 and then with an update in 2014. The authors invited commentary and in turn, we assessed its scientific merits by quantitatively evaluating its proposed application. We used binomial coefficients to quantitatively assess the potential of obtaining a diagnosis of AHE/IWT. We also reviewed the methodology and process of the development of the case definition by contrasting it with guidelines on case definition criteria of the USA Institute of Medicine. The case definition allows at least 3,264 and up to 400,000 possibilities for meeting second- and third-order criteria, once the limited first-order criteria are met. IOM guidelines for clinical case definitions were not followed. The case definition has virtually no specificity and lacks scientific support from peer-reviewed literature. If applied as proposed, its application will lead to substantial potential for false-positive assessments and missed diagnoses. Virtually any new illness that develops or any prevalent illness that worsens after the installation of wind turbines within 10 km of a residence could be considered AHE/IWT if the patient feels better away from home. The use of this case definition in the absence of a thorough medical evaluation with appropriate diagnostic studies poses risks to patients in that treatable disorders would be overlooked. The case definition has significant potential to mislead patients and its use cannot be recommended for application in any health-care or decision-making setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J McCunney
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; Staff Physician, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Pulmonary Division, Boston, Germany,
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Messing K. Pain and Prejudice: Does Collecting Information From the Standpoint of Exposed Workers Improve Scientific Examination of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH SERVICES 2015; 46:465-82. [PMID: 26272913 DOI: 10.1177/0020731415595337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The meaning, feasibility, and importance of scientific objectivity have been debated among public health scientists. The debate is particularly relevant to occupational health, because of frequent opposition between employer and worker interests. This article suggests that the concept of standpoint (J. Eakin) may be more useful than that of objectivity in framing discussion of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Studies done from a "worker" standpoint can, for example, investigate and characterize environmental risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, while studies from an "employer" standpoint may concentrate on identifying individual workers likely to report work-related musculoskeletal disorders or those for whom consequences of work-related musculoskeletal disorders are more severe. Within "worker" standpoints, a distinction between "high-prestige worker" and "lower-prestige worker" standpoints can be identified in the current scientific debate about the health costs and benefits of prolonged standing vs prolonged sitting at work. Contact with workers, particularly lower-prestige workers, is critical to developing and sustaining a worker-based standpoint among researchers in occupational health. This contact can be facilitated by formal collaborations between universities and unions or other community groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Messing
- CINBIOSE, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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Xiao H, Stoecklin-Marois M, Li CS, McCurdy SA, Schenker M. Cohort study of physical activity and injury among Latino farm workers. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:737-45. [PMID: 25943698 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study characterized physical activity and its association with injury among Latino farm workers. METHODS An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect baseline and follow-up data on 843 and 640 Latino farm workers, respectively. Participants were 18-55 years old, engaged in farm work and residing in Mendota, CA at baseline interview. The questionnaire assessed self-reported physical activity and risk of injury. RESULTS The 12 month prevalence of injury decreased from 9.0% at baseline to 6.9% at follow up interview. In GEE models adjusted for age, follow-up time, gender, smoking, income and years working in agriculture, poor/fair self-assessed health status (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.18-2.82) and 2-3 hr per day of sitting/watching TV/using a computer (OR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30-0.83) were significantly associated with injury. CONCLUSIONS Physical activity was not associated with injury in this population. Efforts to reduce injuries should focus on known risk factors such as poor health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xiao
- Department of Public Health Sciences; School of Medicine; University of California; Davis California
| | - Maria Stoecklin-Marois
- Department of Public Health Sciences; School of Medicine; University of California; Davis California
| | - Chin-Shang Li
- Department of Public Health Sciences; School of Medicine; University of California; Davis California
| | - Stephen A. McCurdy
- Department of Public Health Sciences; School of Medicine; University of California; Davis California
| | - Marc Schenker
- Department of Public Health Sciences; School of Medicine; University of California; Davis California
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Herin F, Vézina M, Thaon I, Soulat JM, Paris C. Predictive risk factors for chronic regional and multisite musculoskeletal pain: A 5-year prospective study in a working population. Pain 2014; 155:937-943. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2014.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/28/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Does the threshold for reporting musculoskeletal pain or the probability of attributing work-relatedness vary by socioeconomic position or sex? J Occup Environ Med 2014; 55:901-9. [PMID: 23782954 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0b013e31828dc8ec] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of sex and socioeconomic position (SEP) on individuals' perceptions of pain and its work-relatedness. METHODS We compared self-reported pain in neck-shoulder or arm with clinical diagnoses and workers' judgments of work-relatedness with physicians' assessments based on specific criteria, between sexes and high- and low-SEP participants in the Oslo Health Study (n = 217). RESULTS Clinical diagnoses were more frequent in low-SEP subjects than high-SEP subjects with pain and generally higher in women than in men. Pain attributed to work was more frequently assessed as work-related by the physicians in low-SEP subjects than high-SEP subjects and in men than in women of low SEP. CONCLUSIONS The threshold for reporting pain seemed higher in low-SEP subjects and among women. Physicians were more likely to agree with low-SEP workers about work-relatedness.
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Liu QL, He XZ, Liang K, Xie R, Fang HP, Zhu KJ, Fan YM. Prevalence and risk factors for latex glove allergy among female clinical nurses: a multicenter questionnaire study in China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2013; 19:29-34. [DOI: 10.1179/2049396712y.0000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
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Carey RN, Driscoll TR, Peters S, Glass DC, Reid A, Benke G, Fritschi L. Estimated prevalence of exposure to occupational carcinogens in Australia (2011–2012). Occup Environ Med 2013; 71:55-62. [DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Yi SW, Ohrr H, Hong JS, Yi JJ. Agent Orange exposure and prevalence of self-reported diseases in Korean Vietnam veterans. J Prev Med Public Health 2013; 46:213-25. [PMID: 24137524 PMCID: PMC3796647 DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.2013.46.5.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between Agent Orange exposure and self-reported diseases in Korean Vietnam veterans. Methods A postal survey of 114 562 Vietnam veterans was conducted. The perceived exposure to Agent Orange was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire. Two proximity-based Agent Orange exposure indices were constructed using division/brigade-level and battalion/company-level unit information. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for age and other confounders were calculated using a logistic regression model. Results The prevalence of all self-reported diseases showed monotonically increasing trends as the levels of perceived self-reported exposure increased. The ORs for colon cancer (OR, 1.13), leukemia (OR, 1.56), hypertension (OR, 1.03), peripheral vasculopathy (OR, 1.07), enterocolitis (OR, 1.07), peripheral neuropathy (OR, 1.07), multiple nerve palsy (OR, 1.14), multiple sclerosis (OR, 1.24), skin diseases (OR, 1.05), psychotic diseases (OR, 1.07) and lipidemia (OR, 1.05) were significantly elevated for the high exposure group in the division/brigade-level proximity-based exposure analysis, compared to the low exposure group. The ORs for cerebral infarction (OR, 1.08), chronic bronchitis (OR, 1.05), multiple nerve palsy (OR, 1.07), multiple sclerosis (OR, 1.16), skin diseases (OR, 1.05), and lipidemia (OR, 1.05) were significantly elevated for the high exposure group in the battalion/company-level analysis. Conclusions Korean Vietnam veterans with high exposure to Agent Orange experienced a higher prevalence of several self-reported chronic diseases compared to those with low exposure by proximity-based exposure assessment. The strong positive associations between perceived self-reported exposure and all self-reported diseases should be evaluated with discretion because the likelihood of reporting diseases was directly related to the perceived intensity of Agent Orange exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Wook Yi
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2013; 13:217-21. [PMID: 23434741 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e32835f8a7a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Occupational skin hazards and prevalence of occupational skin diseases in shoe manufacturing workers in Indonesia. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2013; 87:185-94. [DOI: 10.1007/s00420-013-0844-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Herin F, Vézina M, Thaon I, Soulat JM, Paris C. Predictors of chronic shoulder pain after 5 years in a working population. Pain 2012; 153:2253-2259. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2012.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 07/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Boschman JS, van der Molen HF, Sluiter JK, Frings-Dresen MH. Musculoskeletal disorders among construction workers: a one-year follow-up study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2012; 13:196. [PMID: 23061990 PMCID: PMC3489781 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-13-196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 10/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are an important cause of functional impairments and disability among construction workers. An improved understanding of MSDs in different construction occupations is likely to be of value for selecting preventive measures. This study aimed to survey the prevalence of symptoms of MSDs, the work-relatedness of the symptoms and the problems experienced during work among two construction occupations: bricklayers and supervisors. Methods We randomly selected 750 bricklayers and 750 supervisors resident in the Netherlands in December 2009. This sample was surveyed by means of a baseline questionnaire and a follow-up questionnaire one year later. The participants were asked about complaints of the musculoskeletal system during the last six months, the perceived work-relatedness of the symptoms, the problems that occurred during work and the occupational tasks that were perceived as causes or aggravating factors of the MSD. Results Baseline response rate was 37%, follow-up response was 80%. The prevalence of MSDs among 267 bricklayers and 232 supervisors was 67% and 57%, respectively. Complaints of the back, knee and shoulder/upper arm were the most prevalent among both occupations. Irrespective of the body region, most of the bricklayers and supervisors reported that their complaints were work-related. Complaints of the back and elbow were the most often reported among the bricklayers during work, whereas lower arm/wrist and upper leg complaints were the most often reported among the supervisors. In both occupations, a majority of the participants perceived several occupational physical tasks and activities as causes or aggravating factors for their MSD. Recurrent complaints at follow-up were reported by both bricklayers (47% of the complaints) and supervisors (31% of the complaints). Participants in both occupations report that mainly back and knee complaints result in additional problems during work, at the time of follow-up. Conclusions A substantial number of the bricklayers and the supervisors report musculoskeletal disorders, mainly back, knee and shoulder/upper arm complaints. The majority of the bricklayers and half of the supervisors believe that their complaints are work-related. Irrespective of occupation, participants with MSDs report substantial problems during work. Workplace intervention measures aimed at occupational physical tasks and activities seem justified for both occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julitta S Boschman
- Academic Medical Center, Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Raman SR, Al-Halabi B, Hamdan E, Landry MD. Prevalence and risk factors associated with self-reported carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among office workers in Kuwait. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:289. [PMID: 22695029 PMCID: PMC3403948 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is not well understood in many Arabian Peninsula countries. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported CTS in Kuwait. Findings A cross-sectional, self-administered survey of CTS-related symptoms was used in this study. Multivariate logistic regression was also used to estimate adjusted odds ratios for factors of interest. Participants in this study were adult office workers in Kuwait (n = 470, 55.6% males), who worked in companies employing more than 50 people. Self-reported CTS was reported in 18.7% of the group (88/470). CTS was significantly associated with the following demographic factors: female gender, obesity and number of comorbid conditions. Self-identification of CTS was also associated with key symptoms and impairment in daily activities (e.g., wrist pain, numbness, weakness, night pain, difficulty carrying bags, difficulty grasping [Chi-Square Test for Association: P < 0.05 for all symptoms/activities]). However, symptoms such as wrist pain, weakness, and functional disabilities were also frequently reported among those who do not self report CTS (range: 12.1%–38.2%). Conclusions Prevalence of self-reported CTS among office workers in Kuwait is 18.7%, and the risk factors for CTS in this population included female gender, obesity and number of related comorbidities. The frequency of symptoms in the sample who did not self report CTS suggest that CTS may be under-recognized, however further research is required to assess the prevalence of clinically diagnosed CTS.
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