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Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Z, Bahreyni A, Basirat H, Khalili P, Vakilian A, Amin F. Occupational status and chronic respiratory diseases: a cross-sectional study based on the data of the Rafsanjan Cohort Study. BMC Pulm Med 2024; 24:151. [PMID: 38521907 PMCID: PMC10960458 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-024-02916-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible connection between occupational status and chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) among the Iranian population. METHODS The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 9934 individuals aged 35-70 years enrolled in the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), a component of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN). Detailed questionnaires were used to collect information on various factors, such as occupation, sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, cigarette and hookah smoking, opium use, and alcohol consumption. The association between occupational class and CRD was evaluated using logistic regression models for rare events. RESULTS In the present study, 4624 (46.55%) participants were male, and 5310 (53.45%) were female. The prevalence of CRD among all participants was 2.61%. Occupational activities were classified into two categories: In class I, the largest group was the homemaker and unemployment category (41.73%), followed by self-employment (34.39%), employment (13.03%), and retired individuals (10.84%). In class II, there were pistachio farmers (12.61%), copper miners (3.62%), and others in various occupations (83.76%). Subjects with CRD were significantly more likely to be homemakers, unemployed, elderly, female, less educated, and obese. There was no significant relationship between CRD and job type/occupational status after adjusting for some potential confounding variables. CONCLUSIONS There was no significant relationship between CRD and job type/occupational status. However, longitudinal studies are needed to assess the impact of job type/occupational status on the risk of CRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Bagheri-Hosseinabadi
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Bahreyni
- Medical student, Kerman University of medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hosein Basirat
- Student Research Committee, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Parvin Khalili
- Social Determinants of Health Research Centre, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Alireza Vakilian
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Neurology Department, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Amin
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran.
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Beigoli S, Amin F, Kazemi Rad H, Rezaee R, Boskabady MH. Occupational respiratory disorders in Iran: a review of prevalence and inducers. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1310040. [PMID: 38390570 PMCID: PMC10881831 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1310040] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The link between occupational respiratory diseases (ORD) and exposure to harmful factors that are present in the workplace has been well shown. Factors such as physical activity, age and duration of occupational exposure playing important roles in ORD severity, should be identified in the workplace, their effects on workers health should be studied, and ultimately, exposure to them must be minimized. We carried out a literature review by searching PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases to retrieve studies published from 1999 until the end of April 2023 reporting the prevalence and inducers of ORD in Iran. In Iranian workers, several ORD such as interstitial lung disease, silicosis, occupational asthma, pulmonary inflammatory diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and lung cancers have been reported. It was indicated that ORD mainly occur due to repeated and prolonged exposure to noxious agents in the workplace. We also extracted the prevalence of ORD in different regions of Iran from the retrieved reports. Based on our literature review, the prevalence of ORD among Iranian workers highlights the importance of regular assessment of the risk of exposure to noxious agents in the workplace to develop measures for preventing potential adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Beigoli
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Amin
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Research Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Hamideh Kazemi Rad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ramin Rezaee
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- International UNESCO Center for Health-Related Basic Sciences and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Boskabady
- Applied Biomedical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Stoleski S, Minov J, Mijakoski D, Atanasovska A, Bislimovska D, Karadzinska-Bislimovska J. Specific work activities and exposure to respiratory hazards - predictors of lung function impairment among crop farmers. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2020.4641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate the specific work activities and occupational exposure to respiratory hazards as predictors of chronic respiratory symptoms development, lung function decline, and respiratory health impairment among crop farmers.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed, including 87 crop farmers (mean age: 53.4 ± 7.8 years; and mean exposure duration: 22.9 ± 7.8 years) and 80 office workers as a control group (mean age: 52.7 ± 8.2 years) matched for age, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status. Subjects were evaluated by a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the past 12 months and spirometry testing.
RESULTS: Crop farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough (41.4), phlegm (28.7%), and dyspnea (21.8%), than controls (p < 0.05). All mean baseline spirometric parameters were lower in crop farmers, but statistical significance was confirmed only for MEF25, MEF50, and MEF75 (p = 0.003, p = 0.000, and p = 0.001, respectively). Most of the respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with common work activities of crop farmers and all-day exposure to certain respiratory hazards. Age, exposure duration, and their combined effect with smoking habit had a significant effect on forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity.
CONCLUSION: The results confirm that occupational exposure among crop farmers is associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function decline and, together with specific workflow activities, may not only be a predictors of respiratory health impairment, but also a key tool in the creation of preventive strategies.
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Thetkathuek A, Sa-ngiamsak T, Choedkiattikool P. Association of Respiratory Impairment with Use of Anti-cholinesterase Pesticides in Migrant Fruit Farm Workers in Eastern Thailand. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.18178/ijesd.2020.11.5.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Rostamabadi A, Jahangiri M, Naderi Mansourabadi B, Javid M, Ghorbani M, Banaee S. Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Occupational Injuries and their Influence on the Health-Related Quality of Life Among Farmers Working in Small-Farm Enterprises. J Agromedicine 2019; 24:248-256. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1592047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Rostamabadi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Ashtian Health Care Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jahangiri
- Research Center for Health Science, Institute of Health, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahram Naderi Mansourabadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Javid
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghorbani
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Sean Banaee
- College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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Ghafari M, Cheraghi Z, Doosti-Irani A. Occupational risk factors among Iranian farmworkers: a review of the available evidence. Epidemiol Health 2017; 39:e2017027. [PMID: 28728349 PMCID: PMC5543294 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2017027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 07/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Farming is one of the most important components of most economies. No comprehensive picture exists of the health status of Iranian farmers and the work-related hazards that affect them. We aimed to determine the gaps in the current knowledge regarding the occupational health of Iranian farmworkers. Electronic databases including Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase, as well as national databases including the Scientific Information Database, MagIran, and Barakat Knowledge System, were searched for articles published through March 2017. All epidemiologic studies regarding the occupational health of farmworkers in Iran were reviewed, regardless of their design, language, time of publication, and location. Of the 86 retrieved articles, 39 studies were ultimately analyzed. Most studies were conducted in Fars, Kerman, and Mazandaran provinces. According to the results of this review, chemical, physical, and biological hazards, along with work-related injuries, may be the main factors threatening the health of farmworkers. The unsafe use of pesticides was related to male infertility, eye and digestive complications, pesticide poisoning, pesticide absorption, hematological changes, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Chemical hazards (e.g., the unsafe use of pesticides), physical hazards, injuries, and biological hazards (e.g., work-related infectious diseases) threaten the health of Iranian farmworkers. Moreover, farmworkers lack adequate knowledge about the occupational hazards they face and the relevant risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahin Ghafari
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Zahra Cheraghi
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Amin Doosti-Irani
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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Stoleski S, Minov J, Karadzinska-Bislimovska J, Mijakoski D. Bronchial Hyperresponsiveness in Farmers: Severity and Work-Relatedness. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2014.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms, lung function and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in farmers, with emphasize to their severity and work-relatedness due occupational risk factors and farming characteristics.METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed including 60 cow breeders aged 21 to 65 years, compared to an equal number of agricultural farmers matched by age, job exposure duration, and smoking status. We have used a questionnaire to record the chronic respiratory symptoms, detailed work history, specific farming activities and tasks performed, and smoking history. Evaluation of examined subjects also included lung function spirometry tests, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness testing.RESULTS: We found higher prevalence of work related respiratory symptoms in the last 12 months in cow breeders with significant difference for phlegm (P = 0.039), and wheezing (P = 0.026). Mean values of all spirometric parameters were lower in cow breeders, reaching significance for MEF50 (P = 0.001) and MEF75 (P = 0.000). Significant difference was found for mild bronchial hyperresponsiveness among cow breeders with job exposure of more than 15 years. The risk of developing work-related respiratory symptoms increased significantly with full-time farming, exposure to gases and vapors, and keeping more than 10 cows.CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that workplace exposure in farmers may cause respiratory impairment which is closely related to its duration, characteristics, and intensity. The results suggest that cow breeders in general have higher rates of work-related respiratory symptoms and bronchial hyperresponsiveness than agricultural farmers, whereas their severity increases with an increase in frequency and duration of animal contact.
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Neghab M, Momenbella-Fard M, Naziaghdam R, Salahshour N, Kazemi M, Alipour H. The effects of exposure to pesticides on the fecundity status of farm workers resident in a rural region of Fars province, southern Iran. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2014; 4:324-8. [PMID: 25182559 DOI: 10.12980/apjtb.4.2014c586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the prevalence of fecundity and other reproductive problems among a group of farmers in Kavar district of Fars province, southern Iran. METHODS A total of 268 randomly selected married male farm workers were investigated. A questionnaire was devised and validated [Cronbach's α-coefficient (0.81)]. Subjects were directly interviewed and the questionnaire forms were completed for them. RESULTS The prevalence of current primary infertility among the studied population was about 7.4% (P=0.001). Similarly, 6.3% of farm workers had offsprings with congenital malformations. Finally, 1.5% and 9% of farmers' wives had a history of stillbirth and abortion, respectively. It was concluded that the prevalence of current primary infertility were higher among farm workers families than in the normal population (P<0.05). Additionally, stillbirth and spontaneous abortion were more common in the wives of farm workers than in the normal population, although the difference did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS These effects are likely to be attributed to the exposure of farm workers to pesticides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Neghab
- Department of Occupational Health, Research Centre for Health Sciences, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71645-111, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammadjafar Momenbella-Fard
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Research Centre for Health Sciences, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71645-111, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Naziaghdam
- Department of Occupational Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Narges Salahshour
- Department of Occupational Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Kazemi
- Department of Occupational Health, Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Alipour
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, Research Centre for Health Sciences, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 71645-111, Shiraz, Iran
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Ye M, Beach J, Martin JW, Senthilselvan A. Occupational pesticide exposures and respiratory health. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:6442-71. [PMID: 24287863 PMCID: PMC3881124 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10126442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pesticides have been widely used to control pest and pest-related diseases in agriculture, fishery, forestry and the food industry. In this review, we identify a number of respiratory symptoms and diseases that have been associated with occupational pesticide exposures. Impaired lung function has also been observed among people occupationally exposed to pesticides. There was strong evidence for an association between occupational pesticide exposure and asthma, especially in agricultural occupations. In addition, we found suggestive evidence for a link between occupational pesticide exposure and chronic bronchitis or COPD. There was inconclusive evidence for the association between occupational pesticide exposure and lung cancer. Better control of pesticide uses and enforcement of safety behaviors, such as using personal protection equipment (PPE) in the workplace, are critical for reducing the risk of developing pesticide-related symptoms and diseases. Educational training programs focusing on basic safety precautions and proper uses of personal protection equipment (PPE) are possible interventions that could be used to control the respiratory diseases associated with pesticide exposure in occupational setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ye
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-276 Edmonton Heath Clinic Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Jeremy Beach
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-276 Edmonton Heath Clinic Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; E-Mail:
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-30 University Terrace, 8303-112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2T4, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Division of Analytical and Environmental Toxicology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Alberta, 10-102C Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, AB T6G 2G3, Canada; E-Mail:
| | - Ambikaipakan Senthilselvan
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, 3-276 Edmonton Heath Clinic Academy, 11405-87 Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada; E-Mail:
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