1
|
Gherscovici ED, Mayer JM. Relationship of Healthy Building Determinants With Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Extremities: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e37456. [PMID: 37091490 PMCID: PMC10115431 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.37456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a substantial societal burden and various factors affect their causation, recovery, and prognosis. Management of MSDs is complex and requires multifaceted interventions. Given the challenges of MSDs and their continued burden, it is possible that additional elements could impact these disorders that have not been fully researched, for example, indoor environmental quality. Our previous review provided preliminary evidence that healthy building determinants (HBDs) are associated with the risk of back and neck pain. However, the relationship of HBDs with extremity MSDs and general MSDs (i.e., MSDs involving multiple body regions or in which body regions were unspecified in the original reports) has not been formally studied. The purpose of this review was to conduct a systematic literature review to assess the relationship of HBDs with extremity and general MSDs (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022314832). PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PEDRo databases were searched through April 2022. Inclusion criteria for study eligibility were as follows: humans of ages ≥18 years, reported on one or more of eight HBDs (1. air quality and ventilation, 2. dust and pests, 3. lighting and views, 4. moisture, 5. noise, 6. safety and security, 7. thermal health, 8. water quality), and compared these HBDs with extremity MSDs or general MSDs, original research, English. Exclusion criteria were as follows: articles not published in peer-reviewed journals, full-text articles unavailable. Review procedures were conducted and reported in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. Empirical evidence statements were developed for 33 pairwise comparisons of HBDs with MSDs. The search uncovered 53 eligible studies with 178,532 participants. A total of 74.6% (39/53) of the studies were cross-sectional and 81.1% (43/53) were fair quality. Overall, the majority of uncovered evidence indicates that HBDs are related to risk of extremity and general MSDs. Nineteen comparisons support that as HBDs worsen, the risk of MSDs increases. Six comparisons had conflicting evidence. Three comparisons support that poor HBDs are not related to increased risk of extremity and general MSDs. Five comparisons had no evidence. This systematic review builds upon previous work to provide useful starting points to enhance awareness about the HBD-MSD relationship. These findings can help inform research and public health efforts aimed at addressing suboptimal HBDs through appropriate interventions to improve the lives of those suffering from MSDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - John M Mayer
- Research and Development, Healthy Buildings LLC, Malibu, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Laohaudomchok W, Phanprasit W, Konthonbut P, Tangtong C, Sripaiboonkij P, Ikäheimo TM, Jaakkola JJK, Näyhä S. Self-Assessed Threshold Temperature for Cold among Poultry Industry Workers in Thailand. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2067. [PMID: 36767437 PMCID: PMC9914996 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The self-assessed threshold temperature for cold in the workplace is not well known. We asked 392 chicken industry workers in Thailand what they regard as the cold threshold (CT) and compared subgroups of workers using linear and quantile regressions by CT sextiles (percentiles P17, P33, P50, P67, and P83, from warmest to coldest). The variables of interest were sex, office work, and sedentary work, with age, clothing thermal insulation, and alcohol consumption as adjustment factors. The mean CT was 14.6 °C. Office workers had a 6.8 °C higher mean CT than other workers, but the difference ranged from 3.8 °C to 10.0 °C from P17 to P83. Sedentary workers had a 2.0 °C higher mean CT than others, but the difference increased from 0.5 °C to 3.0 °C through P17-P83. The mean CT did not differ between sexes, but men had a 1.6-5.0 °C higher CT at P17-P50 (>20 °C) and a 5.0 °C lower CT at P83 (<10 °C). The CT was relatively high at warm (≥10 °C), dry (relative humidity <41%), and drafty (air velocity > 0.35 m/s) worksites. We conclude that office, sedentary, and female workers and those working at warm, dry, and draughty sites are sensitive to the coldest temperatures, whereas male workers are sensitive even to moderate temperatures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wisanti Laohaudomchok
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Wantanee Phanprasit
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Pajaree Konthonbut
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Chaiyanun Tangtong
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
| | - Penpatra Sripaiboonkij
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, D04 V1W8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Tiina M. Ikäheimo
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Tromsø, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Simo Näyhä
- Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public Health, Mahidol University, Bangkok 73170, Thailand
- Research Unit of Population Health, University of Oulu, 90570 Oulu, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gherscovici ED, Mayer JM. Relationship of Healthy Building Determinants With Back and Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. Am J Health Promot 2023; 37:103-131. [PMID: 35815341 PMCID: PMC9755707 DOI: 10.1177/08901171221112571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Back pain and neck pain are very common, costly, and disabling. Healthy building determinants within the built environment have not been adequately assessed as contributors to these conditions. The objective of this study was to systematically review the literature on the relationship of healthy building determinants with back and neck pain. DATA SOURCE PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and PEDRo. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Studies were included if they met the following criteria: Adults, comparison of healthy building determinants (air quality, ventilation, dust and pests, lighting and views, moisture, noise, safety/security, thermal health, water quality) with back and neck pain, original research, English. Studies were excluded if full text articles were unavailable and if the focus was patient and materials handling or ergonomics. DATA EXTRACTION Data extraction and other review procedures were elaborated according to PRISMA guidelines. Data Synthesis: Data were synthesized with an approach adapted from Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine and American Physical Therapy Association. RESULTS 37 articles enrolling 46,223 participants were eligible. Most articles were cross-sectional (31/37) and fair quality (28/37). None were interventional. Evidence was found to generally support a relationship indicating that as healthy building determinants worsen, the risk of back and neck pain increases. CONCLUSION Although the available evidence precludes interpretations about causality, the study's findings are starting points to guide future research, knowledge creation, and health promotion initiatives about the relationships of the built environment with back and neck pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel D. Gherscovici
- Healthy Buildings LLC, Malibu, CA, USA,Ezequiel D. Gherscovici, Healthy Buildings LLC, 23307 West Bocana Street, Malibu, CA 90265, USA,
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cold-related pain in the face, upper limbs, and lower body among Thai chicken industry workers: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 94:799-812. [PMID: 33427996 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01640-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is limited information on cold-related pain (CRP) in various parts of the body among workers employed in cold environments. We, therefore, determined the prevalence of CRP among Thai chicken industry workers and attempted to identify vulnerable subgroups. METHODS Four hundred and twenty-two workers in four chicken meat factories in Thailand were asked about CRP in the face, upper limbs, and lower body. The results were expressed as adjusted prevalence and prevalence differences [PD; in percentage points (pp)] and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Overall, 80% of the subjects suffered from CRP in at least one site on the body: 66% in the upper limbs, 65% in the lower body, and 44% in the face. In most sites, CRP increased from the lowest to the highest educational level, notably in the nose with a PD of 36 pp [95% CI 23, 49]. Forklift drivers experienced knee pain [PD 21 pp (0, 41)], and manufacturing [PD 27 pp (15, 38)] and storage workers [PD 24 pp (10, 37)] experienced thigh pain more often than office workers, while office workers reported CRP in the cheeks, ears, wrists, and fingers more often than other workers. Women had more CRP than men in several body sites. CONCLUSIONS The majority of workers suffered from CRP. Intensified protective measures should be targeted not only for forklift drivers and storage and manufacturing workers, but also for the highly educated as well as the office staff who showed excessive prevalence of CRP in several body sites.
Collapse
|
5
|
Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation among Thai poultry industry workers with reference to vulnerable groups: a cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1357. [PMID: 32887559 PMCID: PMC7487455 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09272-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have examined cold-related symptoms among cold workplace workers in Thailand. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cold-related cardiorespiratory, circulatory, and general symptoms and performance degradation among Thai chicken industry workers and identify vulnerable groups. Methods Overall, 422 workers aged from 18 to 57 years at four chicken meat factories in Thailand were interviewed for cold-related symptoms and complaints. The results were expressed in terms of model-based adjusted prevalence and prevalence differences (PDs) in percentage points (pp) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results In total, 76.1% of the respondents reported cold-related respiratory symptoms, 24.6% reported cardiac symptoms, 68.6% reported circulatory symptoms, and 72.1% reported general symptoms. In addition, 82.7% of the respondents reported performance degradation. Cold-related respiratory symptoms increased by PD 29.0 pp. (95% CI 23.4–34.6) from the lowest to the highest educational group, with a similar pattern observed in performance degradation. Forklift drivers and storage and manufacturing workers complained of cold-related respiratory symptoms more than office staff (PD 22.1 pp., 95% CI 12.8–31.3; 12.0 pp., 95% CI 2.4–21.6; and 17.5 pp., 95% CI 11.5–23.6, respectively); they also reported more performance degradation (PD 24.1 pp., 95% CI 17.0–31.2; 19.8 pp., 95% CI 14.1–25.6; and 14.8 pp., 95% CI 8.0–22.6, respectively). Weekly alcohol consumers reported more performance problems owing to cold (PD 18.2 pp., 95% CI 13.9–22.6) than non-consumers of alcohol. Cardiac and circulation symptoms were more common in women than men (PD 10.0 pp., 95% CI 1.1–18.9; and 8.4 pp., 95% CI 0.5–16.4, respectively). The age trend in performance issues was curved, with the highest prevalence among those aged 35–44 years, while the oldest workers (45–57 years) perceived less cold-related symptoms, particularly thirst. Conclusions Cold-related symptoms and performance degradation were found to be common in this industry, with vulnerable groups comprising of highly educated workers, forklift drivers, storage and manufacturing workers, weekly alcohol consumers, aging workers, and women. The results demonstrate a need for further research on the adequacy of protection provided against the cold, particularly given that global warming will increase the contrast between cold workplaces and outdoor heat.
Collapse
|
6
|
Ferguson R, Riley ND, Wijendra A, Thurley N, Carr AJ, Bjf D. Wrist pain: a systematic review of prevalence and risk factors- what is the role of occupation and activity? BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2019; 20:542. [PMID: 31727033 PMCID: PMC6857228 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-019-2902-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of wrist pain. METHODS Systematic review. DATA SOURCES The MEDLINE and EMBASE via OVID, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus via EBSCO databases were searched from database inception to 9th March 2018. Specific criteria were used to define inclusion and exclusion. Data was extracted independently by a pair of reviewers. RESULTS In total 32 cross sectional studies were identified for inclusion (1 with a longitudinal component). The median prevalence of wrist pain in the general population and non-manual workers within the short term (within last week) was 6 and 4.2% within the medium term (> 1 week and within a year). The median prevalence of wrist pain in physically demanding occupations and sports people was 10% within the short term and 24% within the medium term. Non-modifiable factors associated with wrist pain included increased age (1 study in adults and 3 studies in children/adolescents) and female sex (2 studies). Modifiable risk factors included high job physical strain (2 studies), high job psychological strain (1 study), abnormal physeal morphology in children/adolescents (2 studies), high frequency impact tool use (1 study) and effort reward imbalance (1 study). CONCLUSIONS Wrist pain is highly prevalent in groups who partake in physically demanding activities from day to day such as manual labourers and sportspeople. It is less prevalent in the general population and non-manual workers, although there is a relative lack of research in the general population. TRIAL REGISTRATION The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO under the registration number CRD42018090834. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 1 (Prognostic study).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Ferguson
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, OX3 7LD, Oxford, England
| | - N D Riley
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Rd, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - A Wijendra
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Rd, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK
| | - N Thurley
- Bodleian Health Care Libraries, Cairns Library, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - A J Carr
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, OX3 7LD, Oxford, England
| | - Dean Bjf
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), Botnar Research Centre, University of Oxford, OX3 7LD, Oxford, England.
- Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Windmill Rd, Oxford, OX3 7LD, UK.
| |
Collapse
|