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Thompson HM, Thanik E, Sabra A, Ko F, Hung WW, Colicino E, Lucchini RG, Bello G, Crane M, Teitelbaum SL, Ornstein KA. A pilot study to identify factors associated with frailty within the World Trade Center general responder cohort. Am J Ind Med 2024; 67:582-591. [PMID: 38735862 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23590] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the significant exposures experienced by the World Trade Center (WTC) general responders, there is increasing interest in understanding the effect of these exposures on aging in this population. We aim to identify factors that may be associated with frailty, a clinical syndrome characterized by a decrease in one's reserve that has been linked to poor health outcomes. METHODS WTC general responders enrolled in the WTC Health Program aged 50 and older provided informed consent. Validated frailty assessments, the Frailty Phenotype (with the Johns Hopkins Frailty Assessment Calculator) along with the FRAIL scale, categorized nonfrail from prefrail/frail. Fall risk, functional status, and cognition were also assessed. WTC variables, including an identified WTC-certified condition, were utilized. The risk of frailty was estimated using log binomial regression analysis. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR). RESULTS One hundred and six participants were included; 38 (35.8%) were classified as pre-frail or frail. More of the pre-frail/frail group were obese (57.9% vs. 25%; p = 0.004) and had a WTC-certified condition (78.9% vs. 58.8%; p = 0.036). Obesity (PR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.31, 4.53), a WTC-certified condition (PR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.09, 2.89), and risk of falling (PR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.01, 3.84) were independently associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS Obesity and having a WTC-certified condition were found to be risk factors for frailty in our pilot study. Future work may focus on further identifying risk factors for frailty in the larger WTC general responder population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Thompson
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Erin Thanik
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ahmad Sabra
- General Responder Data Center, Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Fred Ko
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Geriatric, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - William W Hung
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Geriatric, Research, Education and Clinical Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, James J Peters VA Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elena Colicino
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Roberto G Lucchini
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ghalib Bello
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael Crane
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Susan L Teitelbaum
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
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Viegas C, Dias M, Pacífico C, Faria T, Clérigo A, Brites H, Caetano LA, Carolino E, Gomes AQ, Viegas S. Portuguese cork industry: filling the knowledge gap regarding occupational exposure to fungi and related health effects. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1355094. [PMID: 38915753 PMCID: PMC11195813 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The presence of the Penicillium section Aspergilloides (formerly known as Penicillium glabrum) in the cork industry involves the risk of respiratory diseases such as suberosis. Methods The aim of this study was to corroborate the predominant fungi present in this occupational environment by performing a mycological analysis of 360 workers' nasal exudates collected by nasal swabs. Additionally, evaluation of respiratory disorders among the cork workers was also performed by spirometry. Results Penicillium section Aspergilloides was detected by qPCR in 37 out of the 360 nasal swabs collected from workers' samples. From those, 25 remained negative for Penicillium sp. when using culture-based methods. A significant association was found between ventilatory defects and years of work in the cork industry, with those people working for 10 or more years in this industry having an approximately two-fold increased risk of having ventilatory defects compared to those working less time in this setting. Among the workers who detected the presence of Penicillium section Aspergilloides, those with symptoms presented slightly higher average values of CFU. Discussion Overall, the results obtained in this study show that working in the cork industry may have adverse effects on worker's respiratory health. Nevertheless, more studies are needed (e.g., using serological assays) to clarify the impact of each risk factor (fungi and dust) on disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Viegas
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta Dias
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cátia Pacífico
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago Faria
- Centro de Ciências e Tecnologias Nucleares (C2TN), Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anália Clérigo
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Hermínia Brites
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Liliana Aranha Caetano
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Carolino
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anita Quintal Gomes
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Susana Viegas
- H&TRC – Health and Technology Research Center, ESTeSL – Escola Superior de Tecnologia e Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- NOVA National School of Public Health, Public Health Research Centre, Comprehensive Health Research Center, CHRC, REAL, CCAL, NOVA University Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
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3
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Harris R, Kavaliotis E, Drummond SPA, Wolkow AP. Sleep, mental health and physical health in new shift workers transitioning to shift work: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev 2024; 75:101927. [PMID: 38626702 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101927] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO registration CRD42022309827) aimed to describe how shift work impacts new workers' sleep, mental health, and physical health during the transition to shift work and to consolidate information regarding predictors of shift work tolerance (SWT) during this transition period. Inclusion criteria included: new shift workers; sleep, mental health, or physical health outcomes; prospective study design with the first timepoint assessing workers within three months of starting shift work; and written in English. Searches from six databases returned 12,172 articles as of August 2023. The final sample included 48 papers. Publication quality and risk of bias was assessed using the critical appraisal skills program. Forty-five studies investigated longitudinal changes in sleep, mental health, or physical health outcomes and 29 studies investigated predictors of SWT (i.e., better sleep, mental and physical health). Sleep and mental health outcomes worsened following the onset of shift work, while physical health did not significantly change. Pre-shift work mental health, sleep, and work characteristics predicted SWT later in workers' careers. Shift work adversely impacts new workers' sleep and mental health early in their career, and interventions before beginning shift work are needed to promote better SWT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael Harris
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Eleni Kavaliotis
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Sean P A Drummond
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Alexander P Wolkow
- School of Psychological Sciences, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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Ko Y, Howard SC, Golden AP, French B. Adjustment for duration of employment in occupational epidemiology. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 94:33-41. [PMID: 38631438 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2024.04.006] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE In occupational epidemiology, the healthy worker survivor effect can manifest as a time-dependent confounder because healthier workers can accrue greater amounts of exposure over longer periods of employment. For example, in occupational studies of radiation exposure that focus on cumulative annualized radiation dose, workers can accrue greater amounts of cumulative radiation exposure over longer periods of employment, while workers with longer periods of employment can transition into jobs with a reduced potential for annualized radiation exposure. The extent to which confounding arising from the healthy worker survivor effect impacts radiation risk estimates is unknown. METHODS We assessed the impact of the healthy worker survivor effect on estimates of radiation risk among nuclear workers in a Million Person Study cohort. In simulation studies, we contrasted the ability of marginal structural Cox models with inverse probability weighting and Cox proportional hazards models to account for time-dependent confounding arising from the healthy worker survivor effect. RESULTS Marginal structural Cox models and Cox proportional hazards models with flexible functional forms for duration of employment provided reliable results. CONCLUSIONS It is crucial to flexibly adjust for duration of employment to account for confounding arising from the healthy worker survivor effect in occupational epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeji Ko
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 1100, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Sara C Howard
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, 100 Orau Way, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Ashley P Golden
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, 100 Orau Way, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Benjamin French
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 1100, Nashville, TN 37203, USA.
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Suzuki M, Tsuchida T, Ibe A. Cold sensitivity among female clinical nurses in Japan: A nationwide study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NURSING STUDIES ADVANCES 2024; 6:100208. [PMID: 38840896 PMCID: PMC11152699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnsa.2024.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to clarify the nature of cold sensitivity in female nurses working in hospitals in Japan. Design A cross-sectional post survey research design. Settings The questionnaire targeted nurses working in 14 hospitals across ten prefectures throughout Japan. Participants 1,138 female nurses. Methods The survey captured participants' characteristics, work environment, health, and lifestyle. The factors investigated were perceived cold sensitivity, cold sensitivity according to the Hiesho Sensation Scale, and cold sensitivity during nursing care. The Diagnostic Inventory of Health and Life Habits (DIHAL.2) assessed health and lifestyle habits. Results Of the respondents, 44.3 % were aware of daily cold sensitivity and 21.4 % had a cold sensitivity disorder. The majority of respondents (63.1 %) felt cold in their hands when providing nursing care, and 28.1 % felt discomfort due to the coldness of their hands. Individuals diagnosed with cold sensitivity disorders exhibited poorer overall health compared to those without such disorders. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall health status between individuals who reported perceiving cold sensitivity and those who did not. The group with perceived cold sensitivity had significantly lower scores on exercise behavior, meal regularity, rest, sleep regularity, and sleep sufficiency. The proportion of female nurses working in Japanese hospitals who experienced cold sensitivity was similar to that of Japanese women with the same sensitivity. Most female nurses experienced cold in their hands while providing care. Nearly 30 % of the respondents experienced discomfort owing to cold hands. Conclusions The study underscores the widespread issue of cold sensitivity among female nurses in Japanese hospitals, emphasizing the critical need for targeted interventions to improve their comfort and optimize care provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Suzuki
- School of Nursing, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-8530, Japan
| | - Toshie Tsuchida
- School of Nursing, Hyogo Medical University, 1-3-6 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-8530, Japan
| | - Aki Ibe
- Faculty of Nursing Science, Tsuruga Nursing University, 78-2-1 Kizaki, Tsuruga, Fukui, 914-0814, Japan
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Lockie RG, Dulla JM, Higuera D, Ross K, Orr RM, Dawes JJ, Ruvalcaba TJ. Age-Related Differences in Body Fat and Fitness of Firefighters Participating in a Health and Wellness Program. J Strength Cond Res 2024; 38:1127-1135. [PMID: 38781470 DOI: 10.1519/jsc.0000000000004748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Lockie, RG, Dulla, JM, Higuera, D, Ross, K, Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, and Ruvalcaba, TJ. Age-related differences in body fat and fitness of firefighters participating in a health and wellness program. J Strength Cond Res 38(6): 1127-1135, 2024-Fitness tends to decline, whereas body fat increases, with age, which could impact firefighter occupational performance later in their careers. Health and wellness program participation could reduce these age-related changes. Archival data from 270 firefighters (258 men and 12 women) from a health and wellness program were analyzed. Data included body mass index; body fat percentage (BF%); waist circumference (WC); waist-to-hip ratio (WHR); sit and reach; grip strength; absolute and relative predicted 1 repetition maximum (1RM) leg press; crunches; push-ups; and estimated maximal aerobic capacity (V̇o2max). Firefighters were grouped by age ≤29 (n = 29); 30-34 (n = 44); 35-39 (n = 38); 40-44 (n = 39); 45-49 (n = 48); 50-54 (n = 42); and 55+ (n = 30) years. A univariate analysis of covariance, with sex as a covariate and Bonferroni's post hoc adjustment, determined between-group differences. Effect sizes (d) were calculated. Key results included that the 55+ group had higher BF% and WC compared with the 3 youngest groups (p ≤ 0.002; d = 0.86-1.08). The 50-54 group had higher BF% than the 30-34 group (p = 0.010; d = 0.77). The 55+ group had a greater WHR, lower grip strength, and completed fewer crunches and push-ups than most younger groups (p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.60-1.32). The 50-54 and 55+ groups had a lower 1RM leg press and V̇o2max compared with the younger groups (p ≤ 0.009; d = 0.77-1.79). The program appeared generally effective, with limited differences in groups below 49 years of age. Greater disparities in fat mass and fitness tended to occur in the older groups (50-54, 55+ groups). The data highlighted that older firefighters were participating in the optional program, which could lead to better health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Lockie
- Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, California
| | - Joseph M Dulla
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - Daniel Higuera
- Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, California
- Human and Sport Performance, Rocky Mountain University, Provo, Utah
| | - Kristina Ross
- Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, California
| | - Robin M Orr
- Tactical Research Unit, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - J Jay Dawes
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma; and
- Tactical Fitness and Nutrition Lab, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma
| | - Tomas J Ruvalcaba
- Fire Technology Department, Santa Ana College, Santa Ana, California
- Human and Sport Performance, Rocky Mountain University, Provo, Utah
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Farrell ET, Hébert JR, Heflin K, Davis JE, Turner-McGrievy GM, Wirth MD. Dietary inflammatory index (DII) and sleep quality, duration, and timing: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev 2024; 77:101964. [PMID: 38833836 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101964] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Sleep has strong inflammatory underpinnings and diet is one of the primary determinants of systemic inflammation. A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize current research associating dietary inflammatory potential, as measured by the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) or the energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) and sleep quality and duration. The National Library of Medicine (Medline), Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases were searched through March 2023. Studies must have used the DII/E-DII as the independent variable and sleep outcomes as dependent variables. Study characteristics, based on STROBE guidelines, were scored based on the presence of the recommendation. Out of the initial 14 studies identified, a total of 12 studies were included for data synthesis. In all 12 studies, more anti-inflammatory diets (i.e., low DII/E-DII scores) were associated with better sleep in at least one sleep domain (most often sleep efficiency and wake-after-sleep-onset). Among those studies with more rigorous diet and sleep measurements, such as dietary recalls and actigraphy, associations between DII/E-DII and sleep outcomes were stronger and more consistent compared to studies using primarily subjective assessments. More rigorous measurement of diet and sleep, especially those relating to sleep stage structure, should be considered in future studies with prospective designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily T Farrell
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - James R Hébert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA; Connecting Health Innovations, LLC, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Kendall Heflin
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jean E Davis
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Gabrielle M Turner-McGrievy
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Michael D Wirth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA; College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
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Yauk J, Veal B, Dobbs D. Understanding the Link Between Retirement Timing and Cognition: A Scoping Review. J Appl Gerontol 2024; 43:588-600. [PMID: 37991327 DOI: 10.1177/07334648231213745] [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] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries have increased the age for full retirement benefits to alleviate financial pressures. Older age is linked to higher rates of cognitive impairment. Therefore, it is crucial for public policymakers to understand the relationship between retirement timing and cognition. The purpose of this scoping review was to review the retirement timing and cognition literature and to assess possible modifying factors. A search across three databases yielded a total of 10 studies. Five studies revealed mixed findings regarding the relationship between retirement timing and cognitive decline, with reported positive, negative, and null associations. In contrast, five studies found that later retirement age reduced the risk of dementia. More cross-sectional and longitudinal studies are needed to investigate modifiable factors such as job characteristics and leisure activities to clarify the mechanisms underlying the relationship between retirement timing and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Yauk
- School of Aging Studies, College of Behavior and Community Sciences. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Britney Veal
- School of Aging Studies, College of Behavior and Community Sciences. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Debra Dobbs
- School of Aging Studies, College of Behavior and Community Sciences. University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Diz JC, Rodríguez I, Iglesias-Sueiro S, Diz Ferreira E, Sanchez-Lastra MA, Ayán C. Mortality of Spanish soccer referees and coaches: a retrospective cohort study. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024; 8:112-118. [PMID: 36862076 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2184485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
There is evidence that elite soccer players live longer than general population, but there is no information on soccer coaches and referees. We aimed to analyze the longevity of both professionals, comparing them with soccer players and with general population. In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 328 male Spanish soccer coaches, 287 referees, and 1230 soccer players, all born before 1950, were divided in two cohorts, matched 2:1 with coaches and referees. We compared the survival of the cohorts with the Kaplan-Meier estimator and significance with the log-rank test. We calculated hazard ratios of death for coaches and referees compared with male Spanish general population of the same period. Differences in survival among cohorts were found, but they did not reach statistical significance. The estimated median survival time was 80.1 years (95% CI 77.7-82.4) for referees, 78 years (95% CI 76.6-79.3) for coaches, 78.8 years (95% CI 77.6-80) for referees matched with players, and 76.6 years (95% CI 75.3-77.9) for coaches matched with players. Both coaches and referees had lower mortality than general population, but this advantage disappeared after 80 years of age. We found no differences in longevity among Spanish elite soccer referees, coaches and players born before 1950. Both coaches and referees had lower mortality than general population, but this advantage disappeared after 80 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Carlos Diz
- Departamento de Didácticas Especiais, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, España
- Well-Move Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur). SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Iván Rodríguez
- Departamento de Didácticas Especiais, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, España
| | | | - Eva Diz Ferreira
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel A Sanchez-Lastra
- Departamento de Didácticas Especiais, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, España
- Well-Move Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur). SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Ayán
- Departamento de Didácticas Especiais, Universidade de Vigo, Vigo, España
- Well-Move Research Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur). SERGAS-UVIGO, Vigo, Spain
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Byfield DC, Stacey BS, Bailey DM. Cognition is selectively impaired in males with spinal pain: A retrospective analysis of data from the Longitudinal Study of Ageing Danish Twins. Exp Physiol 2024; 109:474-483. [PMID: 38367242 PMCID: PMC10988731 DOI: 10.1113/ep091177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive decline and spinal pain (back pain [BP] and neck pain [NP]) represent a major public health challenge, yet the potential relationship between them remains elusive. A retrospective analysis of the Longitudinal Study of Ageing Danish Twins was performed to determine any potential relationships between BP/NP and cognitive function adjusting for age, sex, educational and socioeconomic status. A total of 4731 adults (2788 females/1943 males) aged 78 ± 6 (SD) years were included in the analysis. We observed a 1-month prevalence of 25% with BP, 21% with NP and 11% for combined BP/NP. While there were no differences in cognition scores for males and females reporting combined BP/NP, compared to those without combined BP/NP (34.38 points [95% confidence interval (CI) = 31.88, 36.88] vs. 35.72 points [95% CI = 35.19, 36.26]; P = 0.180; and 35.72 points [95% CI = 35.19, 36.26] vs. 35.85 points [95% CI = 35.39, 36.31]; P = 0.327; for male and females, respectively), an adjusted analysis revealed that males with combined BP/NP presented with lower cognitive scores compared to males without combined BP/NP (81.26 points [95% CI = 73.80, 88.72] vs. 79.48 points [95% CI = 70.31, 88.66]; P = 0.043). The findings of this hypothesis-generating study may highlight a potential sex-specific association between spinal pain and later-life neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Byfield
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and EducationUniversity of South WalesPontypriddUK
| | - Benjamin S. Stacey
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and EducationUniversity of South WalesPontypriddUK
| | - Damian M. Bailey
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and EducationUniversity of South WalesPontypriddUK
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Tsourmas NF, Bernacki EJ, Hunt DL, Kalia N, Lavin RA, Yuspeh L, Leung N, Green-McKenzie J, Tao XG. Is Arthroscopic Meniscectomy Associated With an Increased Risk of Total Knee Arthroplasty for Claimants in the Workers' Compensation System? A 10-Year Study of Workers' Compensation Claims From a Large Nationwide Workers' Compensation Insurance Carrier. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:280-285. [PMID: 38234200 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a commonly performed knee surgery and prior arthroscopic meniscectomy (AM) has been linked to an increased risk of TKA in the general population. OBJECTIVE To study the relationship between AM and TKA among injured workers whose medical care is paid for under workers' compensation (WC). METHOD A total of 17,247 lost-time claims depicting all arthroscopic knee surgical procedures performed from 2007 to 2017 were followed to the end of 2022 and analyzed. RESULTS The odds ratio of undergoing a TKA for those with a preceding AM is 2.20, controlling for age, sex, and attorney involvement. CONCLUSIONS Undergoing an AM is associated with an increased risk of TKA in WC claimants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas F Tsourmas
- From the Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (N.F.T., E.J.B., R.A.L., N.K., L.Y., N.L., X.T.); AF Group, Lansing, MI (D.L.H.); General Electric, Norwalk, Connecticut (N.K.); Corporate Administration Office, Strategy, Enterprise Risk, and Research, Louisiana Workers' Compensation Corporation, Baton Rouge, Louisiana (L.Y.); Texas Mutual, Workers' Compensation Insurance, Austin, Texas (N.F.T., N.L.). University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (J.G.-M.)
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12
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Quinn TD, Lane A, Pettee Gabriel K, Sternfeld B, Jacobs DR, Smith P, Barone Gibbs B. Associations between occupational physical activity and left ventricular structure and function over 25 years in CARDIA. Eur J Prev Cardiol 2024; 31:425-433. [PMID: 37950421 PMCID: PMC10911945 DOI: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwad349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Leisure time physical activity (LTPA) confers cardiovascular health benefits, while occupational physical activity (OPA) may have paradoxically negative health associations. This study tested the explanatory hypothesis that unfavourable cardiac remodelling may result from chronic OPA-induced cardiovascular strain. METHODS AND RESULTS Longitudinal associations of OPA and left ventricular (LV) structure and function were examined in 1462 participants {50.0% female, 56.4% White, aged 30.4 ± 3.4 years at baseline [Year 5 exam (1990-91)]} from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults study. Left ventricular structure and function were measured as LV mass (LVMi), end-diastolic volume (LVEDVi), end-systolic volume (LVESVi), ejection fraction (LVEF), stroke volume (LVSVi), and e/a-wave ratio (EA ratio) via echocardiography at baseline and 25 years later. Occupational physical activity was reported at seven exams during the study period as months/year with 'vigorous job activities such as lifting, carrying, or digging' for ≥5 h/week. The 25-year OPA patterns were categorized into three trajectories: no OPA (n = 770), medium OPA (n = 410), and high OPA (n = 282). Linear regression estimated associations between OPA trajectories and echocardiogram variables at follow-up after adjusting for baseline values, individual demographic/health characteristics, and LTPA. Twenty-five-year OPA exposure was not significantly associated with LVMi, LVEDVi, LVSVi, or EA ratio (P > 0.05). However, higher LVESVi (β = 1.84, P < 0.05) and lower LVEF (β = -1.94, P < 0.05) were observed at follow-up among those in the high- vs. no-OPA trajectories. CONCLUSION The paradoxically adverse association of OPA with cardiovascular health was partially supported by null or adverse associations between high OPA and echocardiogram outcomes. Confirmation is needed using more precise OPA measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D Quinn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West Virginia University School of Public Health, 1 Medical Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Abbi Lane
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 921 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
- Department of Applied Exercise Science, School of Kinesiology, University of Michigan, 830 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48130, USA
| | - Kelley Pettee Gabriel
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 170 2nd Ave. South, RPHB 230J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Barbara Sternfeld
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611, USA
| | - David R Jacobs
- Mayo Professor of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, 1300 2nd Streetm Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Peter Smith
- Institute for Work and Health, 400 University Avenue, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON, M5G 1S5, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 553 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Bethany Barone Gibbs
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, West Virginia University School of Public Health, 1 Medical Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
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Zaccagni S, Sigsgaard AM, Vrangbaek K, Noermark LP. Who continues to work after retirement age? BMC Public Health 2024; 24:692. [PMID: 38438993 PMCID: PMC10913677 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18161-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Demographic changes in all industrialized countries have led to a keen interest in extending working lives for older workers. To achieve this goal, it is essential to understand the patterns of retirement and specifically what characterizes individuals who continue to work beyond retirement age. Thus, the aim of this paper was to contribute to the international body of empirical knowledge about individuals who continue in the workforce after retirement age. We present evidence from Denmark and examine what characterizes individuals who continue in the workforce after retirement age and investigate the likelihood of continued work after retirement age while controlling for a set of socio-economic and lifestyle factors. METHODS The study population consisted of 5,474 respondents to the Copenhagen Aging and Midlife Biobank (CAMB) 2021 survey, divided into two groups. The first group included subjects (n = 1,293) who stayed longer in the workforce even though they had the possibility to retire. The second group consisted of subjects who had retired full-time at the time of the survey (n = 4,181). Survey data was linked to register data to provide a broader dataset. In order to investigate the heterogeneity between the two groups in terms of important socio-economic, work-related and health-related variables, t-test, Mann-Whitney U (Wilcoxon Rank) test, and chi-square tests were employed. Further, to examine the probability of an individual working after retirement age a logit model with step-wise inclusion was utilized. RESULTS Overall, individuals who continue to work even though they could retire tend to be wealthier, healthier, and males compared to individuals who are retired full-time. Further, there are more older workers who have partners and are co-habitants than retirees. The likelihood of continuing in the workforce past retirement age is affected by several work-related factors as well as life-style factors. The likelihood of working past retirement age decreases by years spent in the workforce (marginal effect of -0.003), if you have a partner (-0.080) and if your partner is outside of the workforce (marginal effect of -0.106). The likelihood increases by health (marginal effect of -0.044 of moving from excellent/very good health to good health or to fair/poor health, physical working capability (marginal effect of -0.083 of moving from no/some problems to severe problems or cannot work at all) and income (marginal effect of 0.083 from moving from the lowest income-quantile to higher quantiles). CONCLUSION These results are in line with the previous literature and suggest the importance of designing retirement policies that tailor the transition toward retirement according to specific characteristics of both the individual and the segment of occupation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Zaccagni
- Department of Economics & Business Economics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna Munk Sigsgaard
- Department of Prevention, Health Promotion and Community Care, Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Karsten Vrangbaek
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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14
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Wondemu MY, Hermansen Å, Joranger P, Brekke I. Sickness absence among mothers caring for a child with disability: Examining the impact of mechanical and psychosocial occupational exposures. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101610. [PMID: 38317773 PMCID: PMC10840332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2024.101610] [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] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sickness absence is more prevalent among mothers caring for children with disability compared to those caring for non-disabled children. Working in a poor working environment may worsen the impact of care burden on health outcomes among mothers of children with disabilities. Objective The study investigated how sickness absences are associated with mechanical and psychosocial occupational exposures among mothers caring for children with and without disabilities. Methods The study included children born between 2005 and 2013 and their respective mothers (N = 147, 507). Using register data from Statistics Norway, a Zero-Inflated Negative Binominal Regression was fitted to estimate the relationship between mechanical and psychosocial occupational exposures and sickness absence among employed mothers. Results Mothers caring for children with disability had higher levels of sickness absences, even after adjusting for psychosocial and mechanical occupational exposures, and other possible confounding factors. When the occupational exposures analysed separately, both mechanical and psychosocial indices had a significant positive main effect on the number of sick days. The main effect of psychosocial exposure was no more significant in a simultaneous analysis, but mechanical exposure maintained its significant positive effect. However, we found no statistically significant differences in the number of sick absence days between mothers of children with and without disability based on their levels of psychosocial or mechanical job exposures. Conclusions The findings emphasize the need of providing support to mothers caring for children with disability that help them manage occupational health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yisfashewa Wondemu
- Norwegian Social Research, Section for Health and Welfare Research, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Åsmund Hermansen
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Social Work, Child Welfare and Social Policy, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pål Joranger
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Idunn Brekke
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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15
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Mak J, Feary J, Amaral AFS, Marczylo E, Cullinan P, Green DC. Occupational exposure to particulate matter and staff sickness absence on the London underground. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 185:108529. [PMID: 38484612 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The London Underground (LU) employs over 19,000 staff, some of whom are exposed to elevated concentrations of particulate matter (PM) within the network. This study quantified the occupational exposure of LU staff to subway PM and investigated the possible association with sickness absence (SA). A job exposure matrix to quantify subway PM2.5 staff exposure was developed by undertaking measurement campaigns across the LU network. The association between exposure and SA was evaluated using zero-inflated mixed-effects negative binomial models. Staff PM2.5 exposure varied by job grade and tasks undertaken. Drivers had the highest exposure over a work shift (mean: 261 µg/m3), but concentrations varied significantly by LU line and time the train spent subway. Office staff work in office buildings separate to the LU network and are unexposed to occupational subway PM2.5. They were found to have lower rates of all-cause and respiratory infection SA compared to non-office staff, those who work across the LU network and are occupational exposed to subway PM2.5. Train drivers on five out of eight lines showed higher rates of all-cause SA, but no dose-response relationship was seen. Only drivers from one line showed higher rates of SAs from respiratory infections (incidence rate ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval 1.10-1.39). Lower-grade customer service (CS) staff showed higher rates of all-cause and respiratory infection SA compared to higher grade CS staff. Doctor-certified chronic respiratory and cardiovascular SAs were associated with occupational PM2.5 exposure in CS staff and drivers. While some groups with higher occupational exposure to subway PM reported higher rates of SA, no evidence suggests that subway PM is the main contributing factor to SA. This is the largest subway study on health effects of occupational PM2.5 exposure and may have wider implications for subway workers, contributing to safer working environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justie Mak
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Johanna Feary
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - André F S Amaral
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom; NIHR Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Marczylo
- HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Toxicology Department, UK Health Security Agency, Harwell Campus, Chilton, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - David C Green
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Environmental Research Group, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; HPRU in Environmental Exposures and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Landau Prat D, Kapelushnik N, Zloto O, Leshno A, Klang E, Sina S, Segev S, Arazi M, Soudry S, Ben Simon GJ. Prevalence of common and rare ophthalmic findings in adults attending a medical survey institute. Int Ophthalmol 2024; 44:43. [PMID: 38334834 PMCID: PMC10857980 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-024-03026-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the ophthalmic data from a large database of people attending a general medical survey institute, and to investigate ophthalmic findings of the eye and its adnexa, including differences in age and sex. METHODS Retrospective analysis including medical data of all consecutive individuals whose ophthalmic data and the prevalences of ocular pathologies were extracted from a very large database of subjects examined at a single general medical survey institute. RESULTS Data were derived from 184,589 visits of 3676 patients (mean age 52 years, 68% males). The prevalence of the following eye pathologies were extracted. Eyelids: blepharitis (n = 4885, 13.3%), dermatochalasis (n = 4666, 12.7%), ptosis (n = 677, 1.8%), ectropion (n = 73, 0.2%), and xanthelasma (n = 160, 0.4%). Anterior segment: pinguecula (n = 3368, 9.2%), pterygium (n = 852, 2.3%), and cataract or pseudophakia (n = 9381, 27.1%). Cataract type (percentage of all phakic patients): nuclear sclerosis (n = 8908, 24.2%), posterior subcapsular (n = 846, 2.3%), and capsular anterior (n = 781, 2.1%). Pseudophakia was recorded for 697 patients (4.6%), and posterior subcapsular opacification for 229 (0.6%) patients. Optic nerve head (ONH): peripapillary atrophy (n = 4947, 13.5%), tilted disc (n = 3344, 9.1%), temporal slope (n = 410, 1.1%), ONH notch (n = 61, 0.2%), myelinated nerve fiber layer (n = 94, 0.3%), ONH drusen (n = 37, 0.1%), optic pit (n = 3, 0.0%), and ON coloboma (n = 4, 0.0%). Most pathologies were more common in males except for ONH, and most pathologies demonstrated a higher prevalence with increasing age. CONCLUSIONS Normal ophthalmic data and the prevalences of ocular pathologies were extracted from a very large database of subjects seen at a single medical survey institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphna Landau Prat
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel.
| | - Noa Kapelushnik
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Ofira Zloto
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Ari Leshno
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Eyal Klang
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- The Sami Sagol AI Hub, ARC Innovation Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Sigal Sina
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomo Segev
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
- Institute for Medical Screening, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Mattan Arazi
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
| | | | - Guy J Ben Simon
- Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, Israel
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Chiavarini M, Rosignoli P, Sorbara B, Giacchetta I, Fabiani R. Benzene Exposure and Lung Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:205. [PMID: 38397694 PMCID: PMC10887806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Lung cancer is a leading cause of death with nearly 1.8 million deaths estimated worldwide in 2020. Although benzene is classified as a human carcinogen (Group 1) on the basis of its association with acute myeloid/non-lymphocytic leukaemia, there is still limited evidence that it may influence lung cancer risk. This study examined the potential link between benzene exposure and risk of lung cancer using a systematic review of epidemiological studies and meta-analysis. We searched through PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to 10 February 2023 to identify all articles on the association between benzene exposure and lung cancer (incidence or prevalence) and/or mortality. We extracted the risk estimates of the highest and the lowest reported categories of benzene exposure and conducted a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were analysed using an I2 test and funnel plots asymmetry, respectively. Twenty-one studies were included in the final analysis, with a total of 10,750 lung cancer cases and 2899 lung cancer deaths. Overall, risk estimates of lung cancer prevalence and mortality in association with benzene exposure were 1.20 (n = 14; 95% CI 1.05-1.37) and 1.15 (n = 13; 95% CI 1.02-1.30), respectively. In all cases, heterogeneity was quite large, while no significant publication bias was observed. When only studies that adjusted for smoking habit were selected, the risk for lung cancer increased by up to 34% (n = 9; 95% CI 1.10-1.64). Our data, which show a strong association between benzene exposure and lung cancer risk, may have important public health implications. However, further studies are needed to identify the lung cancer risk associated with benzene exposure considering different smoking conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Chiavarini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Patrizia Rosignoli
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (P.R.); (B.S.)
| | - Beatrice Sorbara
- Department of Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy; (P.R.); (B.S.)
| | - Irene Giacchetta
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Section of Public Heath, School of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Roberto Fabiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Section of Hygiene, Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, 60126 Ancona, Italy;
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Sánchez-Rodríguez C, Capitán-Moyano L, Malih N, Yáñez AM, Bennasar-Veny M, Velasco-Roldán O, Bulilete O, Llobera-Canaves J. Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among hotel housekeepers and cleaners: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2024; 69:102890. [PMID: 38081106 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are among the most frequent and costly occupational health problems with a rising prevalence globally. OBJECTIVE This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to know and evaluate the prevalence of MSD by anatomic location among hotel housekeepers (HHs) and cleaners. METHODS Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Dialnet Plus, PEDro and Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews using a search strategy to identify cross-sectional studies reporting on the prevalence of MSD in HHs or cleaners. The risk of bias was assessed with Joanna Briggs Institute tool for systematic reviews. A random-effects model was used in the meta-analysis. RESULTS Nineteen studies were included in the systematic review, nine of them in the meta-analysis (n = 2299). The study sample sizes ranged from 24 to 1043 participants. The Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was the most common tool used to assess MSD among both HHs and cleaners (9/19 of the included studies). The three most affected anatomic locations were the low back 53.9% (95% CI: 43.3-64.6), shoulders 41.4% (95% CI: 27.1-55.8), and wrists/hands 40.1% (95% CI: 24.5-55.7). CONCLUSIONS HHs and cleaners have a high prevalence of MSD. Low back pain is the most prevalent MSD among both HHs and cleaners affecting up to one of two people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Sánchez-Rodríguez
- Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122, Palma, Spain; Sant Joan de Déu Hospital, 07007, Palma, Spain
| | - Laura Capitán-Moyano
- Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122, Palma, Spain; Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain
| | - Narges Malih
- Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Spain
| | - Aina M Yáñez
- Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122, Palma, Spain; Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Spain; Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), 07122, Palma, Spain; Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), 07003, Palma, Spain
| | - Miquel Bennasar-Veny
- Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), 07122, Palma, Spain; Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Velasco-Roldán
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of the Balearic Islands, 07122, Palma, Spain; Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Spain; Research Institute of Health Sciences (IUNICS), 07122, Palma, Spain.
| | - Oana Bulilete
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Spain; Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Public Health Service of the Balearic Islands (Ibsalut) and Research Group in Primary Care and Promotion-Balearic Islands Community (GRAPP-caIB), 07003, Palma, Spain; Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), 07003, Palma, Spain
| | - Joan Llobera-Canaves
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), 07120, Palma, Spain; Primary Care Research Unit of Mallorca, Public Health Service of the Balearic Islands (Ibsalut) and Research Group in Primary Care and Promotion-Balearic Islands Community (GRAPP-caIB), 07003, Palma, Spain; Network for Research on Chronicity, Primary Care, and Health Promotion (RICAPPS), 07003, Palma, Spain
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Pemberton MA, Arts JH, Kimber I. Identification of true chemical respiratory allergens: Current status, limitations and recommendations. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2024; 147:105568. [PMID: 38228280 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2024.105568] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Asthma in the workplace is an important occupational health issue. It comprises various subtypes: occupational asthma (OA; both allergic asthma and irritant-induced asthma) and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). Current regulatory paradigms for the management of OA are not fit for purpose. There is therefore an important unmet need, for the purposes of both effective human health protection and appropriate and proportionate regulation, that sub-types of work-related asthma can be accurately identified and classified, and that chemical respiratory allergens that drive allergic asthma can be differentiated according to potency. In this article presently available strategies for the diagnosis and characterisation of asthma in the workplace are described and critically evaluated. These include human health studies, clinical investigations and experimental approaches (structure-activity relationships, assessments of chemical reactivity, experimental animal studies and in vitro methods). Each of these approaches has limitations with respect to providing a clear discrimination between OA and WEA, and between allergen-induced and irritant-induced asthma. Against this background the needs for improved characterisation of work-related asthma, in the context of more appropriate regulation is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ian Kimber
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, UK
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20
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Hovland IS, Skogstad L, Stafseth S, Hem E, Diep LM, Ræder J, Ekeberg Ø, Lie I. Prevalence of psychological distress in nurses, physicians and leaders working in intensive care units during the COVID-19 pandemic: a national one-year follow-up study. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e075190. [PMID: 38135308 PMCID: PMC10897841 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report and compare psychological distress as symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress among intensive care units' (ICU) nurses, physicians and leaders at 12 months after the baseline survey (spring 2020), during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. Furthermore, to analyse which baseline demographic and COVID ICU-related factors have a significant impact on psychological distress at 12 months. DESIGN Prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study. SETTING Nationwide, 27 of 28 hospitals with COVID ICUs in Norway. PARTICIPANTS Nurses, physicians and their leaders. At 12 month follow-up 287 (59.3%) of 484 baseline participants responded. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hopkins Symptoms Checklist-10 (HSCL-10). Symptoms of post-traumatic stress using the post-traumatic stress disease checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (PCL-5).Demographics (included previous symptoms of anxiety and depression) and COVID ICU-related factors (professional preparations, emotional experience and support) impacting distress at 12 months. RESULTS Psychological distress, defined as caseness on either or both HSCL-10 and PCL-5, did not change significantly and was present for 13.6% of the participants at baseline and 13.2% at 12 month follow-up. Nurses reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress than physicians and leaders. Adjusted for demographics and the COVID ICU-related factors at baseline, previous symptoms of depression and fear of infection were significantly associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression at 12 months. Previous symptoms of depression, fear of infection and feeling of loneliness was significantly associated with more symptoms of post-traumatic stress. CONCLUSION One year into the COVID-19 pandemic 13.2% of the ICUs professionals reported psychological distress, more frequently among the nurses. Fear of infection, loneliness and previous symptoms of depression reported at baseline were associated with higher levels of distress. Protective equipment and peer support are recommended to mitigate distress. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT04372056.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingvild Strand Hovland
- Department of Acute Medicine, Division of Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of the Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Laila Skogstad
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Care Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromso, Norway
| | - Siv Stafseth
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of MEVU, Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Erlend Hem
- Department of the Behavioural Sciences in Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institue of Studies of the Medical Profession, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lien M Diep
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johan Ræder
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intitute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Øivind Ekeberg
- Psychosomatic and CL psychiatry, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Irene Lie
- Centre for Patient Centered Heart and Lung Research, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Health Sciences in Gjøvik, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Gjøvik, Norway
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21
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Voyer H, Aytur S, Tanda N. Linking Adverse Childhood Experiences and Other Risk Factors to Subjective Cognitive Decline in an Aging Population. Prev Chronic Dis 2023; 20:E115. [PMID: 38127683 PMCID: PMC10756650 DOI: 10.5888/pcd20.230182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) encourages an interdisciplinary approach to addressing the burden of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among the aging US population as that population continues to increase. Our study is one of the first to evaluate associations between SCD and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other modifiable risk factors to support implementation of the initiative. Methods We used multivariate logistic regression to assess data from the 2020 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey to evaluate associations between SCD and ACEs scores and sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical risk factors. Models were weighted to account for the complex survey design. Results Approximately 8.1% of survey respondents reported experiencing SCD within the past 12 months. Adjusted regression analysis showed that conditions such as depression (AOR, 2.85; 95% CI, 2.29-3.55), arthritis (AOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.60), and diabetes (AOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.05-1.68) were significantly associated with SCD. SCD was also associated with experiencing more than 3 falls per year (AOR, 2.95; 95% CI, 2.13-4.09), sleeping more than 9 hours per night (AOR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.37-3.09), and physical inactivity (AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.03-1.68). Two or more ACEs also significantly increased the odds of SCD (AOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.36-2.10). Conclusion Findings from our study can be used to inform policy, environment, and systems change efforts aimed at addressing modifiable risk factors to support healthy aging. The role of ACEs as determinants of brain health across the life course should also be considered in the design of clinical and community-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Voyer
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, 125 Jenckes Hill Road, Lincoln, RI 02865
| | - Semra Aytur
- University of New Hampshire, Health Management and Policy, Durham, New Hampshire
| | - Nicole Tanda
- The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
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22
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Rechtman E, Rodriguez M, Colicino E, Hahn C, Navarro E, Invernizzi A, Dasaro C, Teitelbaum S, Todd A, Horton M. The World Trade Center Exposome and Health Effects in 9/11 Rescue and Recovery Workers. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3482965. [PMID: 38168216 PMCID: PMC10760298 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3482965/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
In the aftermath of the World Trade Center (WTC) attack, rescue and recovery workers faced hazardous conditions and toxic agents. Prior research linked these exposures to adverse health effects, but mainly examined individual factors, overlooking complex mixture effects. This study applies an exposomic approach encompassing the totality of responders' experience, defined as the WTC exposome. We analyzed data from 34,096 members of the WTC Health Program General Responder, including mental and physical health, occupational history, traumatic and environmental exposures using generalized weighted quantile sum regression. We find a significant association between the exposure mixture index all investigated health outcomes. Factors identified as risk factors include working in an enclosed heavily contaminated area, construction occupation, and exposure to blood and body fluids. Conversely, full-time employment emerged as a protective factor. This exposomics study emphasizes the importance of considering combined exposures. In an era marked by more frequent and severe natural disasters due to the evolving climate crisis, the exposomic framework holds promise as a valuable tool for disaster preparedness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elza Rechtman
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | | | | | | | | | - Azzurra Invernizzi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
| | | | | | - Andrew Todd
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Megan Horton
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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23
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Ayala-Garcia A, Benavides FG, Serra L. Labour market participation after sickness absence due to cancer: a dynamic cohort study in Catalonia (Spain). BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2477. [PMID: 38082284 PMCID: PMC10714569 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17321-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The consequences of cancer on working until retirement age remain unclear. This study aimed to analyse working life considering all possible labour market states in a sample of workers after sickness absence (SA) due to cancer and to compare their working life paths to those of a sample of workers without SA and with an SA due to other diseases. METHODS This was a retrospective dynamic cohort study among social security affiliates in Catalonia from 2012-2018. Cases consisted of workers with an SA due to cancer between 2012-2015 (N = 516) and were individually age- and sex-matched with those of affiliates with an SA due to other diagnoses and workers without an SA. All workers (N = 1,548, 56% women) were followed up from entry into the cohort until the end of 2018 to characterise nine possible weekly labour states. Sequence analysis, optimal matching, and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify and assess the probability of future labour market participation patterns (LMPPs). All analyses were stratified by sex. RESULTS Compared with workers with an SA due to cancer, male workers with no SA and SA due to other causes showed a lower probability of being in the LMPP of death (aRRR 0.02, 95% CI: 0.00‒0.16; aRRR 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06‒0.46, respectively) and, among women, a lower probability of permanent disability and death (aRRR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.10‒0.57; aRRR 0.39, 95% CI: 0.19‒0.83, respectively). Compared to workers with SA due to cancer, the risk of early retirement was lower among workers with no SA (women, aRRR 0.60, 95% CI: 0.22‒1.65; men, aRRR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.27‒1.52), although these results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Workplaces, many of which have policies common to all diagnoses, should be modified to the needs of cancer survivors to prevent an increasing frequency of early retirement and permanent disability when possible. Future studies should assess the impact of cancer on premature exit from the labour market among survivors, depending on cancer localisation and type of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaya Ayala-Garcia
- Center for Research in Occupational Health (CiSAL), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB Building, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
- IMIM - Parc Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Fernando G Benavides
- Center for Research in Occupational Health (CiSAL), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB Building, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- IMIM - Parc Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Serra
- Center for Research in Occupational Health (CiSAL), Universitat Pompeu Fabra, PRBB Building, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
- IMIM - Parc Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Research Group On Statistics, Econometrics and Health (GRECS), University of Girona, Girona, Spain
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Ganseman E, Goossens J, Blanter M, Jonckheere AC, Bergmans N, Vanbrabant L, Gouwy M, Ronsmans S, Vandenbroeck S, Dupont LJ, Vanoirbeek J, Bullens DMA, Breynaert C, Proost P, Schrijvers R. Frequent Allergic Sensitization to Farmed Edible Insects in Exposed Employees. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3732-3741.e10. [PMID: 37543086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to insects used in pet food, scientific research, or live fish bait can cause an occupational allergy. The recent shift toward enhanced insect production for human consumption and animal feed will likely expose more employees. OBJECTIVE To investigate sensitization and symptoms in employees exposed to edible insects in Flanders. METHODS Fifteen insect-exposed employees were recruited and sensitization was explored by skin prick test, basophil activation test, and immunoblotting. Lung function, FeNO, histamine provocation, and sputum induction were studied. Airborne dust sampling was performed and proteins were studied by silver stain and immunoblotting. RESULTS Sixty percent of employees self-reported upper respiratory tract symptoms related to insect exposure. Ten employees (71.4%) had a positive histamine provocation test concentration causing a 20% drop in FEV1 less than 8 mg/mL and four (26.7%) had FeNO levels above 25 ppb. Four employees (30.7%) had a positive skin prick test for at least one insect, and seven (58.3%) had a positive basophil activation test. In eight participants with insect sensitization, four (50%) had co-occurring house dust mite sensitization. Two participants had strong IgE binding to a 50-kDa migratory locust allergen, one to a 25-kDa mealworm allergen, and one to mealworm α-amylase. In one center, facility adjustment resulted in a substantial decrease in the inhalable dust fraction. CONCLUSIONS Insect exposure leads to high levels of sensitization among employees. Most employees reported symptoms of the upper respiratory system, and two-thirds of employees had bronchial hyperreactivity. Prevention and health surveillance will be important in the developing insect-rearing industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Ganseman
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Janne Goossens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marfa Blanter
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne-Charlotte Jonckheere
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Nele Bergmans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lotte Vanbrabant
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mieke Gouwy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Steven Ronsmans
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sofie Vandenbroeck
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Knowledge, Information and Research Department, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Lieven J Dupont
- Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism, Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pneumology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Vanoirbeek
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dominique M A Bullens
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Pediatrics., University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christine Breynaert
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department General Internal Medicine-Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Paul Proost
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Rega Institute, Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rik Schrijvers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Transplantation, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department General Internal Medicine-Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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25
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Olson RM, Nolan CP, Limaye N, Osei M, Palazuelos D. National Prevalence of Diabetes and Barriers to Care Among U.S. Farmworkers and Association With Migrant Worker Status. Diabetes Care 2023; 46:2188-2192. [PMID: 37738553 DOI: 10.2337/dc23-0960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To quantify the prevalence of diabetes and barriers to care among U.S. migrant farmworkers (i.e., those who travel from their permanent residence for seasonal farmwork). RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Age-adjusted prevalence of self-reported diabetes and barriers to care were calculated among adult U.S. farmworkers from 2008 to 2017 National Agricultural Workers Surveys. RESULTS Among 16,913 farmworkers, 30.7% reported one or more barriers to care, most often due to cost. Age-adjusted self-reported prevalence of diabetes was 13.51% (95% CI 10.0-17.1) among migrant farmworkers and 10.8% (95% CI 9.0-12.6) among nonmigrant farmworkers with access to health care. Migrant farmworkers without recent health care had 83% lower odds of reporting known diabetes (adjusted odds ratio 0.17; 95% CI 0.06-0.54) compared with nonmigrant farmworkers, likely because of poor health care access and/or a healthy worker effect. CONCLUSIONS Many migrant farmworkers face barriers to care, which may lead to significant underdiagnosis of diabetes in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose McKeon Olson
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Cody P Nolan
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Neha Limaye
- Departments of Medicine and Pediatrics, Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY
- Arnhold Global Health Institute, New York, NY
| | - Miriam Osei
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Daniel Palazuelos
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
- Partners in Health, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Division of Global Health Equity, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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26
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Consiglio C, Massa N, Sommovigo V, Fusco L. Techno-Stress Creators, Burnout and Psychological Health among Remote Workers during the Pandemic: The Moderating Role of E-Work Self-Efficacy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:7051. [PMID: 37998281 PMCID: PMC10671499 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20227051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, remote working was pervasively implemented, causing an increase in technology-related job demands. Concurrently, there was an increase in psychological problems in the occupational population. This study on remote workers tested a moderated mediation model positing burnout, conceptualized according to the Burnout Assessment Tool, as the mediator between techno-stressors and psychological health outcomes and e-work self-efficacy as a protective personal resource. A sample of 225 remote workers filled out anonymous questionnaires measuring techno-stressors, e-work self-efficacy, burnout, and psychological health symptoms (i.e., depressive mood and anxiety symptoms). The data were analyzed using structural equation mediation and moderated mediation models, adopting a parceling technique. The results showed that burnout totally mediated the relationship between techno-stressors and depressive mood, while partially mediating the association between techno-stressors and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, e-work self-efficacy buffered the positive effects of techno-stressors on depressive mood and anxiety symptoms through burnout. The present research attested to the relevance of techno-stressors for the psychological health of remote workers and supported burnout as a mediator of this process, although anxiety symptoms were also directly related to techno-stressors. Moreover, the protective role of domain-specific self-efficacy was confirmed in the realm of remote working. Limitations and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Consiglio
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Massa
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Sommovigo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Fusco
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Villarreal RT, Kim SY, Yu D. Worker and work-related factors influence on musculoskeletal symptoms among veterinary surgeons. ERGONOMICS 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37938127 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2023.2280830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Worker and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among surgeons operating on human patients. Despite incidence rates for accidents among veterinarians and their staff being 2.9 times higher than that of general practitioners of human medicine, little is known about musculoskeletal symptoms among veterinary surgeons. In this study, 212 board-certified members of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons responded to a survey regarding various work-related activities and their experience with musculoskeletal symptoms in 10 different body regions. Across all body regions, reported pain increased from before to after a typical day of surgery (p <.01). Gender, weight, age, and years performing surgery were worker factors that were related to pain (p <.05), while number of procedures, practice focus, and proportion of minimally invasive surgery were work factors related to pain (p <.05). Our findings suggest that musculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among veterinary surgeons and may help provide evidence for guidelines for minimising musculoskeletal injuries in veterinary surgery.Practitioner summary: Little is known about the risk factors for musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) among veterinary surgeons. This cross-sectional survey of veterinary surgeons investigates worker and work factors related to MSS. We show that MSS are prevalent and identify key factors providing evidence that MSS are a concern in veterinary surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sun Young Kim
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Denny Yu
- School of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
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28
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Ramírez-Manent JI, López-González ÁA, Tomás-Gil P, Riutord-Sbert P, Garrido-Sepulveda L, Vicente-Herrero MT. Relationship between Abdominal Volume Index and Body Adiposity Index and Scales of Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3356. [PMID: 37958252 PMCID: PMC10649100 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13213356] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction, objectives: Obesity is a global health problem with a great negative impact on health. Among the pathologies caused by obesity are insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, which constitute an increasingly common health problem in both developed and developing countries. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between two scales that assess obesity-based on hip circumference-and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and insulin resistance risk scales as predictors of these alterations. MATERIALS, METHODS A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out on 193,462 workers from different Spanish regions and work groups between January 2019 and September 2021. Abdominal volume index (AVI) and body adiposity index (BAI) were evaluated to assess obesity and its association with insulin resistance using three risk scales (TyG index, Triglycerides/HDL, and METS-IR), while their association with metabolic syndrome was determined using the NCEP ATP III, IDF, and JIS models. RESULTS The results of the ROC curves to determine the predictive value of BAI and AVI in relation to the three criteria evaluated to calculate MetS in all instances presented a higher area under the curve (AUC) for AVI. The high values of AVI stand out for predicting MetS when applying the IDF criteria. The cut-off point in women was 13.70 with a Youden index of 0.802, whereas in men, the cut-off point was set at 17.59 with a Youden index of 0.672. Regarding the relationship of BAI and AVI with insulin resistance risk scales for both sexes, the AUC only revealed high values when using the METS-IR formula for both AVI and BAI. The AVI cut-off points to predict high values of insulin resistance risk scales in women were established at 13.12 with a Youden index of 0.722. In men, the cut-off point was 17.59, with a Youden index of 0.626. The BAI cut-off points in women were set at 33.88 with a Youden index of 0.748. In men, the cut-off point was 27.91, with a Youden index of 0.598. CONCLUSIONS AVI demonstrated its value as a predictor of metabolic syndrome while exclusively applying the IDF criteria. AVI and BAI demonstrated their value as predictors of high values of insulin resistance risk scales only in the case of METS-IR. This predictive value is also higher in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Ignacio Ramírez-Manent
- ADEMA-Health Group, IUNICS University of Balearic Islands, 07009 Palma, Spain; (J.I.R.-M.); (P.T.-G.); (P.R.-S.); (M.T.V.-H.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, 07009 Palma, Spain
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària de les Illes Balears (IDISBA), Balearic Islands Health Research Institute Foundation, 07004 Palma, Spain
- General Practitioner Department, Balearic Islands Health Service, 07003 Palma, Spain
| | - Ángel Arturo López-González
- ADEMA-Health Group, IUNICS University of Balearic Islands, 07009 Palma, Spain; (J.I.R.-M.); (P.T.-G.); (P.R.-S.); (M.T.V.-H.)
| | - Pilar Tomás-Gil
- ADEMA-Health Group, IUNICS University of Balearic Islands, 07009 Palma, Spain; (J.I.R.-M.); (P.T.-G.); (P.R.-S.); (M.T.V.-H.)
| | - Pere Riutord-Sbert
- ADEMA-Health Group, IUNICS University of Balearic Islands, 07009 Palma, Spain; (J.I.R.-M.); (P.T.-G.); (P.R.-S.); (M.T.V.-H.)
| | | | - María Teofila Vicente-Herrero
- ADEMA-Health Group, IUNICS University of Balearic Islands, 07009 Palma, Spain; (J.I.R.-M.); (P.T.-G.); (P.R.-S.); (M.T.V.-H.)
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29
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Luies N, Orchard JJ, Driscoll T, Sahdra SK, Cheng J, Davis AJ, Orchard JW. Sheffield Shield Cricketers Live Longer than the Age-Matched General Australian Male Population. Indian J Orthop 2023; 57:1613-1618. [PMID: 37766955 PMCID: PMC10519889 DOI: 10.1007/s43465-023-00925-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background/objectives Previous studies have shown a trend that elite athletes tend to live longer than the general population, which has been attributed to the "healthy worker hire effect" and the health benefits of exercise. There have not been any previous studies looking at survival of elite cricketers with the general population as a reference cohort. This study aimed to compare the annual mortality rates of current and retired elite male Australian cricket players to that of the age-matched general Australian male population. Methods Analysis of publicly accessible dates of birth, death, and cricket debut data for male Australian Sheffield Shield cricket players who played before 2022 and had not died before 1971. Included persons were Sheffield Shield players who lived primarily in Australia during and after their cricket careers. Death rates from 1971 to 2021 (inclusive) were compared to the general Australian male population. Results 1824 Sheffield Shield players had not died prior to 1971 (798 had played before the 1971 season, 1026 debuting subsequently). There were 586 deaths in the 51 years of observations, compared to 825 expected deaths, giving a Standardized Mortality Ratio of 0.71 (95% CI 0.63-0.80). Conclusion Elite Australian male Sheffield Shield cricket players outlive the general male population with lower death rates. This is probably due to a combination of the healthy worker hire effect and the health benefits of exercise. This study provides evidence that in terms of longevity, it is safe to play elite-level cricket in Australia. Graphical Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Luies
- Perth Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Centre, 31 Outram St, West Perth, WA 6005 Australia
| | - Jessica J. Orchard
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Tim Driscoll
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Saaz Kaur Sahdra
- School of Computer Science, Faculty of Engineering, The University of Sydney, Building J12, I Cleveland Street, Darlington, NSW 2008 Australia
| | - Jonathan Cheng
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Burnside Drive, Warwick Farm, NSW 2170 Australia
| | - Angus J. Davis
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
| | - John W. Orchard
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building, Fisher Road, Sydney, NSW 2006 Australia
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Yap KK, Ismail NH, Supramanian RK, Lim YC. Noise-Related Hearing Disorder Among Vector Control Workers in Kuala Lumpur. Cureus 2023; 15:e46965. [PMID: 38022363 PMCID: PMC10640907 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46965] [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: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Noise-related hearing disorder (NRHD) is the second most common sensorineural hearing loss, right after age-related hearing loss (presbycusis). It is the highest reported occupational disease and a major compensable occupational hazard in Malaysia. With the increase in dengue cases, the need for vector control workers to control the spread of dengue at the expense of being exposed to noisy fogging machines is critical. Methods This was a cross-sectional study of vector control workers conducted by a local authority in Kuala Lumpur. Participants were categorised as either vector control workers who were directly involved in fogging activities or those who were not. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic, medical and occupational information. NRHD was confirmed by an audiogram test. Results This study found a high prevalence of NRHD among vector control workers exposed to fogging activity (occupational noise hazards), with 51.4% of them experiencing this condition. The predictors of NRHD include fogging status adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.94 (95% CI: 1.19 - 3.17), sex 18.28 (95% CI: 2.33 - 143.16) and age 2.03 (95% CI: 1.27 - 3.25). Conclusion The findings of this study imply that vector control workers are at risk of NRHD. The predictors of NRHD are fogging status, sex and age. These findings emphasise the major impact of occupational noise hazards on NRHD and emphasise the importance of addressing this issue to preserve employees' health; especially among male and older employees with chronic noise exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kian Kiong Yap
- Social Preventive Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
| | | | | | - Yin Cheng Lim
- Social Preventive Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, MYS
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Velasco Garrido M, Rentel N, Herold R, Harth V, Preisser AM. Does working in an extremely cold environment affects lung function?: 10 years follow-up. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:1039-1048. [PMID: 37269340 PMCID: PMC10361853 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01988-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is an association between brief but repeated exposures to extremely cold temperatures over many years and pulmonary function. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of the data collected over 10 years in the context of the extended medical examinations of storeworkers exposed to extremely cold temperatures. We considered forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Tiffeneau-Pinelli index (FEV1/FVC), CO diffusion capacity (DL,CO) and Krogh-factor (CO diffusion capacity relative to recorded alveolar volume, DL,CO/VA) reported as %-predicted. We analysed trends in outcome parameters with linear mixed models. RESULTS 46 male workers participated in at least two extended medical examinations between 2007 and 2017. Overall 398 measure points were available. All lung function parameters had values above the lower limit of normality at the first examination. In the multivariate model including smoking status and monthly intensity of cold exposure (≤ 16 h/month vs. > 16 h/month) FEV1%-predicted and FVC %-predicted had a statistically significant positive slope (FEV1, 0.32% 95% CI 0.16% to 0.49% p < 0.001; FVC 0.43% 95% CI 0.28% to 0.57% p < 0.001). The other lung function parameters (FEV1/FVC %-predicted, DL,CO %-predicted, DL,CO/VA %-predicted) showed no statistically significant change over time. CONCLUSIONS Long term intermittent occupational exposure to extreme cold temperatures (-55 °C) does not appear to cause irreversible deleterious changes in lung function in healthy workers, thus the development of obstructive or restrictive lung diseases is not expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcial Velasco Garrido
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Nadine Rentel
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Robert Herold
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra M Preisser
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
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Koru-Sengul T, Pinheiro PS, Zhao W, Hernandez MN, Hernandez DR, Maggioni A, Kobetz EN, Caban-Martinez AJ, Lee DJ. Lung cancer survival among Florida male firefighters. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1155650. [PMID: 37664012 PMCID: PMC10473410 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1155650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer incidence and death in the United States. Although most firefighters are fit and do not smoke, they are exposed to many known carcinogens during and in the aftermath of firefighting activities. Comprehensive epidemiologic investigations on lung cancer survival for both career and volunteer firefighters have not been undertaken. Methods Data from the Florida Cancer Data System (1981-2014) were linked with firefighter certification records from the Florida State Fire Marshal's Office to identify all patients of this occupational group; lung cancer cause-specific survival data were compared with other occupational groups using Cox regression models with occupation as the main effect. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. Results Out of 210,541 male lung cancer cases diagnosed in Florida (1981-2014), 761 were firefighters (604 career, 157 volunteer). Lung cancer death was similar between volunteer (75.2%) and career firefighters (74.0%) but lower than non-firefighters (80.0%). Survival at 5 years was higher among firefighters (29.7%; career: 30.3%; volunteer: 27.4%) than non-firefighters (23.8%). In a multivariable model, compared with non-firefighters, firefighters have significantly higher cause-specific survival (aHR = 0.84; 95% CI: 0.77-0.91; p < 0.001). However, there were no significant survival differences between career and volunteer firefighters (1.14; 0.93-1.39; p = 0.213). In a separate multivariable model with firefighters as the comparator, other broad occupational groups had significantly lower cause-specific survival [white collar: 1.11 (1.02-1.21); blue collar: 1.15 (1.05-1.25); service: 1.13 (1.03-1.25); others/unknown: 1.21 (1.12-1.32); all p-values < 0.02]. Conclusion Lung cancer survival is significantly higher among firefighters compared with non-firefighters, but there is no significant difference between career and volunteer firefighters. Improved survival for firefighters might be due to a healthy worker effect, lower smoking prevalence relative to other worker groups, and possibly superior treatment adherence and compliance. Many firefighters are cross-trained as EMTs/paramedics and possess a level of medical knowledge that may favorably impact treatment engagement and better navigation of complex cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tulay Koru-Sengul
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Paulo S. Pinheiro
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Wei Zhao
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Monique N. Hernandez
- Florida Cancer Data System, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Diana R. Hernandez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Alessandra Maggioni
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Erin N. Kobetz
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Alberto J. Caban-Martinez
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - David J. Lee
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
- Florida Cancer Data System, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
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Hoy RF, Dimitriadis C, Abramson M, Glass DC, Gwini S, Hore-Lacy F, Jimenez-Martin J, Walker-Bone K, Sim MR. Prevalence and risk factors for silicosis among a large cohort of stone benchtop industry workers. Occup Environ Med 2023; 80:439-446. [PMID: 37328266 PMCID: PMC10423513 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2023-108892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES High silica content artificial stone has been found to be associated with silicosis among stone benchtop industry (SBI) workers. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for silicosis among a large cohort of screened SBI workers, and determine the reliability of respiratory function testing (RFT) and chest x-ray (CXR) as screening tests in this industry. METHODS Subjects were recruited from a health screening programme available to all SBI workers in Victoria, Australia. Workers undertook primary screening, including an International Labour Office (ILO) classified CXR, and subject to prespecified criteria, also underwent secondary screening including high-resolution CT (HRCT) chest and respiratory physician assessment. RESULTS Among 544 SBI workers screened, 95% worked with artificial stone and 86.2% were exposed to dry processing of stone. Seventy-six per cent (414) required secondary screening, among whom 117 (28.2%) were diagnosed with silicosis (median age at diagnosis 42.1 years (IQR 34.8-49.7)), and all were male. In secondary screening, silicosis was associated with longer SBI career duration (12 vs 8 years), older age, lower body mass index and smoking. In those with silicosis, forced vital capacity was below the lower limit of normal in only 14% and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide in 13%. Thirty-six (39.6%) of those with simple silicosis on chest HRCT had an ILO category 0 CXR. CONCLUSION Screening this large cohort of SBI workers identified exposure to dry processing of stone was common and the prevalence of silicosis was high. Compared with HRCT chest, CXR and RFTs had limited value in screening this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan F Hoy
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christina Dimitriadis
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Abramson
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Deborah C Glass
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - StellaMay Gwini
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fiona Hore-Lacy
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Javier Jimenez-Martin
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen Walker-Bone
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rahmanian M, Zare Sakhvidi MJ, Mehrparvar AH, Zare Sakhvidi F, Dadvand P. Association between occupational noise exposure and diabetes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 252:114222. [PMID: 37454581 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114222] [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: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In addition to the well-known risk factors of diabetes, evidence is accumulating on the negative role of environmental and occupational factors such as noise exposure. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between long-term occupational noise exposure and diabetes. METHODS We systematically searched evidence in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (until August 2022) according to the PRISMA protocol. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Random-effects meta-analysis was applied separately for risk ratio (odds ratio, relative risk) and hazard ratio. We evaluated the heterogeneity and publication bias. We applied meta-regressions to identify sources of heterogeneity. The overall body of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) framework. RESULTS Of 533 retrieved articles, twelve studies (11 on non-gestational, and one on gestational diabetes) on total 106,045 population (23,996 diabetic cases) met our inclusion criteria; of which eight studies were cross-sectional, three were cohorts, and one was case-control. Only 40% of papers (five out of 12) had fair, good or very good quality, and most of the papers had poor or very poor quality in terms of risk of bias. We observed a non-significant increased risk of diabetes in association with occupational noise exposure (combined risk estimates: 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.97: 1.34; I2 = 57.7%). Doing separate meta-analyses on cohort and rest of studies, we found similar findings (cohort studies (n = 3): combined risk estimate: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.84: 1.50; I2 = 79%; cross-sectional studies (n = 8): combined risk estimate: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.93: 1.58; I2 = 50.4%). We found no indication of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS The overall evidence on the association between occupational noise exposure and diabetes is heterogeneous, limited, and mostly with low quality. More robust studies in terms of population selection, exposure and outcome assessment, and adjustment for confounders are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Rahmanian
- Department of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Zare Sakhvidi
- Department of Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Industrial Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran.
| | - Amir Houshang Mehrparvar
- Industrial Diseases Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Fariba Zare Sakhvidi
- Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Dadvand
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain
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Edwards AC, Ohlsson H, Barr PB, Sundquist J, Kendler KS, Sundquist K. Military service and risk of subsequent drug use disorders among Swedish men. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023; 58:1039-1048. [PMID: 36680575 PMCID: PMC10916707 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02426-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Environmental factors contribute substantially to risk for drug use disorders (DUD). The current study applies multiple methods to empirically test whether military service is associated with subsequent DUD, as previous findings are inconsistent. METHODS Longitudinal Swedish national registry data on a cohort of male conscripts born 1972-1987 (maximum N = 485,900) were used to test the association between military service and subsequent registration for DUD. Cox proportional hazard models were used in preliminary analyses, followed by three methods that enable causal inference: propensity score models, co-relative models, and instrumental variable analysis. RESULTS Across all methods, military service was causally associated with lower risk of DUD. Hazard ratios ranged from HR = 0.43 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.37; 0.50) in the instrumental variable analysis to 0.77 (0.75; 0.79) in the multivariate propensity score matching analysis. This effect diminished across time. In the model including a propensity score, HRs remained below 1 across the observation period, while confidence intervals included 1 after ~ 11 years in the co-relative analysis and after ~ 21 years in the instrumental variable analysis. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort of Swedish men, complementary methods indicate that military service conferred substantial but time-limited protection against subsequent DUD. The observed effect could be due to reduced opportunity for substance use during service, social cohesion experienced during and after service, and/or socioeconomic advantages among veterans. Additional research is necessary to clarify these protective mechanisms and determine how other environmental contexts can provide similar benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980126, RichmondRichmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA.
| | - Henrik Ohlsson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Peter B Barr
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York-Downstate, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenneth S Kendler
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Box 980126, RichmondRichmond, VA, 23298-0126, USA
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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Shin S, Lee WR, Yoon JH, Lee W. Cancer incidence among male construction workers in Korea: a standardized incidence ratio analysis, 2009-2015. Epidemiol Health 2023; 45:e2023060. [PMID: 37402413 PMCID: PMC10482566 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2023060] [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: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Construction workers face an elevated risk for several types of cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of large-scale epidemiological studies examining the risk of all cancers in construction workers. This study aimed to investigate the risk of various cancers in male construction workers using the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. METHODS We used data from the NHIS database from 2009 to 2015. Construction workers were identified using the Korean Standard Industrial Classification code. We calculated the age-standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for cancer occurrence in male construction workers compared to all male workers. RESULTS Compared to all male workers, the SIRs for esophageal cancer (SIR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.42) and malignant neoplasms of the liver and intrahepatic bile ducts (SIR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.24) were significantly higher in male construction workers. The SIRs for malignant neoplasms of the urinary tract (SIR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.35) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.43) were significantly elevated in building construction workers. The SIR for malignant neoplasms of the trachea, bronchus, and lung (SIR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.29) was significantly higher in heavy and civil engineering workers. CONCLUSIONS Male construction workers have an increased risk for esophageal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and non- Hodgkin's cancer. Our results indicate that tailored strategies for cancer prevention should be developed for construction workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soonsu Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo-Ri Lee
- Division of Cancer Control & Policy, National Cancer Control Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea
| | - Jin-Ha Yoon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- The Institute for Occupational Health, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wanhyung Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Gil Medical Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
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Pouragha H, Pouryaghoub G, Naserpour M, Mehrdad R. Disparities in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between Iranian industrial workers and university staff. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:443-453. [PMID: 37255768 PMCID: PMC10225413 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-022-01162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Is there a difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between employee service jobs and industrial jobs in Iran? In this study, we tried to answer this question. For this purpose, we compared the two populations of employees and workers. We compared the staff of the University of Medical Sciences as a service employees population (clinical and office work) to the industrial workers of a large automotive company (often with industrial occupations). Method In this cross-sectional study conducted in Tehran in 2020, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among 4,372 people employed by the university and 3,899 automotive industry employees was examined and compared. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was assessed based on two criteria, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) and International Diabetes Federation (IDF). Results The results showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among university staff was higher than the automotive industrial workers. According to ATP III criteria, the former and latter showed the prevalence of metabolic syndrome of 13.1% among and 6.1%, respectively among. Also, based on IDF criteria, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 23.3% and 12.6% in two groups mentioned. Conclusion Based on the findings of this study, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in university staff was almost double that in industry workers. At first glance, the physical activity of most automotive, industrial workers seems to be the main reason for this difference; however, a prevalence of about twice implies further factors. According to the authors, the legal implementation of monitoring, promotion, and surveillance programs of occupational health, in industrial environments can be a factor accounting for a significant difference in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome between the two populations observed. The authors suggest implementing similar programs for Iranian public sector employees to enhance their health status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamidreza Pouragha
- Occupational Health, Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Pouryaghoub
- Occupational Medicine, Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Naserpour
- Occupational Health, Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Mehrdad
- Occupational Medicine, Center for Research on Occupational Diseases, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Occupational Medicine Department, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Science, Enghelab Street, Tehran, Iran
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McGill E, Coulby C, Dam D, Bellos A, McCormick R, Patterson K. Canadian COVID-19 Outbreak Surveillance System: implementation of national surveillance during a global pandemic. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH = REVUE CANADIENNE DE SANTE PUBLIQUE 2023; 114:358-367. [PMID: 37074555 PMCID: PMC10116888 DOI: 10.17269/s41997-023-00766-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
SETTING Early in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the need to develop systematic outbreak surveillance at the national level to monitor trends in SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks was identified as a priority for the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). The Canadian COVID-19 Outbreak Surveillance System (CCOSS) was established to monitor the frequency and severity of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks across various community settings. INTERVENTION PHAC engaged with provincial/territorial partners in May 2020 to develop goals and key data elements for CCOSS. In January 2021, provincial/territorial partners began submitting cumulative outbreak line lists on a weekly basis. OUTCOMES Eight provincial and territorial partners, representing 93% of the population, submit outbreak data on the number of cases and severity indicators (hospitalizations and deaths) for 24 outbreak settings to CCOSS. Outbreak data can be integrated with national case data to supply information on case demographics, clinical outcomes, vaccination status, and variant lineages. Data aggregated to the national level are used to conduct analyses and report on outbreak trends. Evidence from CCOSS analyses has been useful in supporting provincial/territorial outbreak investigations, informing policy recommendations, and monitoring the impact of public health measures (vaccination, closures) in specific outbreak settings. IMPLICATIONS The development of a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak surveillance system complemented case-based surveillance and furthered the understanding of epidemiological trends. Further efforts are required to better understand SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks for Indigenous populations and other priority populations, as well as create linkages between genomic and epidemiological data. As SARS-CoV-2 outbreak surveillance enhanced case surveillance, outbreak surveillance should be a priority for emerging public health threats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin McGill
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Cameron Coulby
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Demy Dam
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Bellos
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rachel McCormick
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Patterson
- Infectious Disease Programs Branch, Public Health Agency of Canada, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada
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Chen D, Werder EJ, Stewart PA, Stenzel MR, Gerr FE, Lawrence KG, Groth CP, Huynh TB, Ramachandran G, Banerjee S, Jackson WB, Christenbury K, Kwok RK, Sandler DP, Engel LS. Exposure to volatile hydrocarbons and neurologic function among oil spill workers up to 6 years after the Deepwater Horizon disaster. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116069. [PMID: 37149022 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) disaster, oil spill response and cleanup (OSRC) workers were exposed to toxic volatile components of crude oil. Few studies have examined exposure to individual volatile hydrocarbon chemicals below occupational exposure limits in relation to neurologic function among OSRC workers. OBJECTIVES To investigate the association of several spill-related chemicals (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, n-hexane, i.e., BTEX-H) and total petroleum hydrocarbons (THC) with neurologic function among DWH spill workers enrolled in the Gulf Long-term Follow-up Study. METHODS Cumulative exposure to THC and BTEX-H across the oil spill cleanup period were estimated using a job-exposure matrix that linked air measurement data to detailed self-reported DWH OSRC work histories. We ascertained quantitative neurologic function data via a comprehensive test battery at a clinical examination that occurred 4-6 years after the DWH disaster. We used multivariable linear regression and modified Poisson regression to evaluate relationships of exposures (quartiles (Q)) with 4 neurologic function measures. We examined modification of the associations by age at enrollment (<50 vs. ≥50 years). RESULTS We did not find evidence of adverse neurologic effects from crude oil exposures among the overall study population. However, among workers ≥50 years of age, several individual chemical exposures were associated with poorer vibrotactile acuity of the great toe, with statistically significant effects observed in Q3 or Q4 of exposures (range of log mean difference in Q4 across exposures: 0.13-0.26 μm). We also observed suggestive adverse associations among those ≥ age 50 years for tests of postural stability and single-leg stance, although most effect estimates did not reach thresholds of statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Higher exposures to volatile components of crude oil were associated with modest deficits in neurologic function among OSRC workers who were age 50 years or older at study enrollment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dazhe Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily J Werder
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Mark R Stenzel
- Exposure Assessment Applications, LLC, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Fredric E Gerr
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Kaitlyn G Lawrence
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Caroline P Groth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Tran B Huynh
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Gurumurthy Ramachandran
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sudipto Banerjee
- Department of Biostatistics, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - W Braxton Jackson
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kate Christenbury
- Social & Scientific Systems, Inc, a DLH Holdings Company, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Richard K Kwok
- Population Studies and Genetics Branch, National Institute on Aging, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lawrence S Engel
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Rathod AM, Verpaele S, Kelvin M, Sullivan KV, Leybourne MI. Uranium: an overview of physicochemical properties, exposure assessment methodologies, and health effects of environmental and occupational exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:1183-1200. [PMID: 35711076 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01293-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Uranium is chemo- and radiotoxic element which can cause multifactorial health hazards. Natural and anthropogenic uranium contamination raises concerns about potential public health problems. Natural contamination plays a significant role with regard to uranium exposure in the general population, whereas anthropogenic contamination leads to occupational uranium exposure, particularly in nuclear industry workers. In this review, we present a state-of-the-art status concerning uranium-induced health risks with a focus on epidemiological findings of uranium processing and enrichment plant workers. We provide a general overview of physicochemical properties of uranium and analytical methods for measuring or monitoring uranium, describe environmental and occupational exposure scenarios, and discuss the challenges for objectively investigating risks from uranium exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhisha M Rathod
- Department of Geoscience and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
- Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, Queen's University, 64 Bader Lane, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2S2, Canada
| | - Steven Verpaele
- Nickel Institute, Health and Environment Public Policy, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michelle Kelvin
- Department of Geoscience and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Kaj V Sullivan
- Department of Geoscience and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Matthew I Leybourne
- Department of Geoscience and Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 99 University Avenue, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
- Arthur B. McDonald Canadian Astroparticle Physics Research Institute, Queen's University, 64 Bader Lane, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6, Canada.
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Makaruse N, Paltiel O, Klebanov M, Moshe S, Rinsky-Halivni L. The rate of occupational noise-induced hearing loss among male workers in Israel and implication on hearing surveillance frequency. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2023; 96:771-784. [PMID: 37058149 PMCID: PMC10103665 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-023-01975-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the annual rate of NIHL in Israel, a modern economy with relatively low industrial hazardous noise exposure. To review international protocols of hearing surveillance. To recommend an effective, efficient, hearing screening frequency protocol. METHODS A historical cohort study was conducted. Audiometric surveillance data from the Jerusalem occupational medicine registry of male employees in various industries from 2006 to 2017 were used. Mean individual annual threshold shifts simulating 1-8 checkup interval years were calculated. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the interval in which the slope of the calculated ATS variability moderates significantly. RESULTS A total of 263 noise-exposed workers and 93 workers in the comparison group produced 1913 audiograms for analysis. Among the noise-exposed workers, using the 1-4 kHz average, threshold shifts stabilized from 3 years onwards at around 1 dB per year in all age groups and 0.83 dB in the stratum younger than 50 years. No enhanced decline was detected in the first years of exposure. CONCLUSION Although most countries conduct annual hearing surveillance, hearing threshold shifts of noise-exposed workers become more accurate and show less variability when calculated at 3-year checkup intervals onwards than shorter intervals. Since margins of errors of the test method are much larger than the annual shift found, screening schedule that enables each subsequent test to identify a real deterioration in hearing is necessary. Triennial audiometric screening would be a better surveillance frequency for noise-exposed workers younger than 50 years of age in the category of 85-95 dBLAeq,8 h without other known risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyasha Makaruse
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ora Paltiel
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Miriam Klebanov
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Clalit Health Services, Jerusalem District, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shlomo Moshe
- The Environmental and Occupational Department, School of Public Health, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- The Department of Occupational Medicine, Jerusalem and HaShfela District, Maccabi Healthcare Services, Rishon Letzion, Israel
| | - Lilah Rinsky-Halivni
- Braun School of Public Health, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Clalit Health Services, Jerusalem District, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Takemi Program in International Health, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 665 Huntington Avenue, Building 1, Room 1210, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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McGuinness SL, Eades O, Grantham KL, Zhong S, Johnson J, Cameron PA, Forbes AB, Fisher JR, Hodgson CL, Kasza J, Kelsall H, Kirkman M, Russell GM, Russo PL, Sim MR, Singh K, Skouteris H, Smith K, Stuart RL, Trauer JM, Udy A, Zoungas S, Leder K. Mental health and wellbeing of health and aged care workers in Australia, May 2021 - June 2022: a longitudinal cohort study. Med J Aust 2023; 218:361-367. [PMID: 37032118 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the mental health and wellbeing of health and aged care workers in Australia during the second and third years of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, overall and by occupation group. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Longitudinal cohort study of health and aged care workers (ambulance, hospitals, primary care, residential aged care) in Victoria: May-July 2021 (survey 1), October-December 2021 (survey 2), and May-June 2022 (survey 3). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Proportions of respondents (adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status) reporting moderate to severe symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9, PHQ-9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale, GAD-7), or post-traumatic stress (Impact of Event Scale-6, IES-6), burnout (abbreviated Maslach Burnout Inventory, aMBI), or high optimism (10-point visual analogue scale); mean scores (adjusted for age, gender, socio-economic status) for wellbeing (Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult, PWI-A) and resilience (Connor Davidson Resilience Scale 2, CD-RISC-2). RESULTS A total of 1667 people responded to at least one survey (survey 1, 989; survey 2, 1153; survey 3, 993; response rate, 3.3%). Overall, 1211 survey responses were from women (72.6%); most respondents were hospital workers (1289, 77.3%) or ambulance staff (315, 18.9%). The adjusted proportions of respondents who reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression (survey 1, 16.4%; survey 2, 22.6%; survey 3, 19.2%), anxiety (survey 1, 8.8%; survey 2, 16.0%; survey 3, 11.0%), or post-traumatic stress (survey 1, 14.6%; survey 2, 35.1%; survey 3, 14.9%) were each largest for survey 2. The adjusted proportions of participants who reported moderate to severe symptoms of burnout were higher in surveys 2 and 3 than in survey 1, and the proportions who reported high optimism were smaller in surveys 2 and 3 than in survey 1. Adjusted mean scores for wellbeing and resilience were similar at surveys 2 and 3 and lower than at survey 1. The magnitude but not the patterns of change differed by occupation group. CONCLUSION Burnout was more frequently reported and mean wellbeing and resilience scores were lower in mid-2022 than in mid-2021 for Victorian health and aged care workers who participated in our study. Evidence-based mental health and wellbeing programs for workers in health care organisations are needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12621000533897 (observational study; retrospective).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Owen Eades
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Shannon Zhong
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Josphin Johnson
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Peter A Cameron
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- The Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | - Carol L Hodgson
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | | | | | | | - Philip L Russo
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Cabrini Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Kasha Singh
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC
- Peninsula Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Helen Skouteris
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Karen Smith
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Ambulance Service of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Rhonda L Stuart
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Monash Health, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Andrew Udy
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
- Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Karin Leder
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
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Miro C, Docimo A, Barrea L, Verde L, Cernea S, Sojat AS, Marina LV, Docimo G, Colao A, Dentice M, Muscogiuri G. "Time" for obesity-related cancer: The role of the circadian rhythm in cancer pathogenesis and treatment. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 91:99-109. [PMID: 36893964 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
The circadian rhythm is regulated by an intrinsic time-tracking system, composed both of a central and a peripheral clock, which influences the cycles of activities and sleep of an individual over 24 h. At the molecular level, the circadian rhythm begins when two basic helix-loop-helix/Per-ARNT-SIM (bHLH-PAS) proteins, BMAL-1 and CLOCK, interact with each other to produce BMAL-1/CLOCK heterodimers in the cytoplasm. The BMAL-1/CLOCK target genes encode for the repressor components of the clock, cryptochrome (Cry1 and Cry2) and the Period proteins (Per1, Per2 and Per3). It has been recently demonstrated that the disruption of circadian rhythm is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity and obesity-related diseases. In addition, it has been demonstrated that the disruption of the circadian rhythm plays a key role in tumorigenesis. Further, an association between the circadian rhythm disruptions and an increased incidence and progression of several types of cancer (e.g., breast, prostate, colorectal and thyroid cancer) has been found. As the perturbation of circadian rhythm has adverse metabolic consequences (e.g., obesity) and at the same time tumor promoter functions, this manuscript has the aim to report how the aberrant circadian rhythms affect the development and prognosis of different types of obesity-related cancers (breast, prostate, colon rectal and thyroid cancer) focusing on both human studies and on molecular aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Miro
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Docimo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Barrea
- Dipartimento di Scienze Umanistiche, Università Telematica Pegaso, 80143 Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovica Verde
- Department of Public Health, University of Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Cernea
- George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mures/Internal Medicine I, Târgu Mureş, Romania; Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Outpatient Unit, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Antoan Stefan Sojat
- National Centre for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Clinic for Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Serbia
| | - Ljiljana V Marina
- National Centre for Infertility and Endocrinology of Gender, Clinic for Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Serbia, Serbia
| | - Giovanni Docimo
- Department of Medical and Advanced Surgical Sciences, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy; UNESCO Chair "Education for Health and Sustainable Development", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Dentice
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Muscogiuri
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Unità di Endocrinologia, Diabetologia ed Andrologia, Università Federico II, Naples, Italy; UNESCO Chair "Education for Health and Sustainable Development", University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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Lee YC, Hong X, Man SS. Prevalence and Associated Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Symptoms among Construction Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study in South China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4653. [PMID: 36901662 PMCID: PMC10002187 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Statistics showed that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are the leading cause of productivity loss in the construction industry. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and associated factors among construction workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 380 construction workers in Guangdong Province, China. A demographic, work-related survey and the Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire were used to collect the workers' data. Descriptive statists and logistic regression were used for the data analysis. The results showed that the overall prevalence of WMSDs symptoms among the participants in any body region during the last 12 months was 57.9%. Neck (24.7%), shoulder (22.1%), upper back (13.4%), and lower back (12.6%) showed the highest prevalence of WMSDs. Age, exercise, work experience, work position, and level of fatigue after work were significantly associated with the prevalence of WMSDs symptoms in different body regions. The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of WMSDs symptoms among construction workers in south China is still high and is associated with different body areas compared to previous studies. The prevalence of WMSDs and risk-associated factors vary by country and region. This indicates that further local investigations are needed to propose specific solutions to improve the occupational health of construction workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chi Lee
- College of Management and Design, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 243303, Taiwan
| | - Xinye Hong
- School of Design, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Siu Shing Man
- School of Design, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Holowaychuk MK, Lamb KE. Burnout symptoms and workplace satisfaction among veterinary emergency care providers. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2023; 33:180-191. [PMID: 36629269 DOI: 10.1111/vec.13271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To measure symptoms of burnout among veterinary emergency care providers (VECPs), determine how burnout symptoms among VECPs compare to human emergency care providers, and identify what demographic and workplace variables are associated with these symptoms. DESIGN Cross-sectional study using an online survey and convenience sampling. SUBJECTS A total of 1204 VECPs including mostly veterinarians and technicians. INTERVENTIONS An online questionnaire using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Areas of Worklife Survey was distributed between May and July 2018 via an email list and social media. VECPs working less than part-time (<20 h/week) and incomplete survey responses were excluded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS VECPs had higher total emotional exhaustion and depersonalization scores and lower total personal accomplishment scores compared to emergency department human healthcare professionals (P < 0.001). Subsets of VECPs with the highest burnout symptom scores included females, residents, those working in private or corporate referral hospitals, and those with off-shift duties. Workplace variables positively associated with burnout symptom scores among these groups typically included perceptions of an unmanageable workload, lack of control over work, little reward (recognition) for work, or an unfair allocation of resources at work. Conversely, VECPs working >20 years and those married or with children at home had lower burnout symptom scores. Workplace variables negatively associated with burnout symptom scores among respondents included perceptions of having a manageable workload, control over work, reward for work, or a fair allocation of resources at work. Multivariable analysis revealed that the variable most positively associated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization was workload, whereas reward was most positively associated with personal accomplishment (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Burnout symptom scores are higher among VECPs compared to human emergency department teams. Targeting workplace variables such as workload and reward is warranted in future studies to determine strategies for reducing burnout among VECPs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenneth E Lamb
- Lamb Statistical Consulting LLC, West Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
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What Personal and Work-Related Characteristics of Dutch Construction Workers With Knee Osteoarthritis Are Associated With Future Work Ability? J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:271-276. [PMID: 36240753 PMCID: PMC9988233 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess personal and work-related characteristics of construction workers with knee osteoarthritis (KO) associated with their ability to perform their current profession in the following 2 years. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed among Dutch construction workers diagnosed with KO using data from the Worker Health Surveillance. Logistic regression was used to assess the characteristics associated with future work ability. RESULTS On the basis of 344 construction workers with KO, being able to perform their current profession in 2 years' time was associated with working weekly 36 to 45 hours (odds ratio [OR], 3.0 to 6.3), performing high-intensity exercises 1 to 2 times weekly (OR, 2.0 to 2.6), being younger than 56 years (OR, 0.2 to 0.3), and not performing strenuous work activities such as lifting and kneeling (OR, 0.4 to 0.5). CONCLUSIONS To keep construction workers with KO at work, intervention studies should evaluate the effects of reducing strenuous work activities and promote leisure-time exercise.
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Gomes MM, Dos Santos Silva SR, Padula RS. Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain in warehouse workers: A cross-sectional study. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2023:BMR220035. [PMID: 36872767 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-220035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder that leads to functional incapacity and absence from work. OBJECTIVE To analyze warehouse workers' prevalence and factors associated with low back pain. METHODS Cross-sectional study design with 204 male warehouse workers (stocker, separator, checker, and packer) from motor parts companies. Age, body mass, marital status, education, the practice of physical exercise, presence of pain, low back pain intensity, comorbidities, time away from work, handgrip strength, flexibility, and trunk muscle strength were collected and analyzed. Data are presented as mean, standard deviation, absolute and relative frequency. A binary logistic regression was performed, with low back pain (yes or no) as the dependent variable. RESULTS 24.0% of the workers reported low back pain with an average intensity of 4.7 (± 2.4) points. The participants were young, had completed high school education, were single and married, and had normal body weight. There was a more likely low back pain presence in separator tasks. Greater handgrip strength in the dominant (right) hand and trunk muscle is associated with no low back pain. CONCLUSION Low back pain prevalence was 24% among young warehouse workers, more likely in separation tasks. A greater handgrip and trunk strength can be a protective factor to no low back pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryanne Martins Gomes
- Master and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rosimeire Simprini Padula
- Master and Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Physical Therapy, Universidade Cidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Zhang M, Zhang M, Zeng Q, Lin D, Zhang N. Association of p-phenylenediamine exposure with alterations of pulmonary function, pruritus and health-related quality of life in hair dye factory workers: a cross-sectional study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2623. [PMID: 36788348 PMCID: PMC9929233 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29721-7] [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] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
P-Phenylenediamine (PPD) is a common component of hair dye, which can cause skin contact allergy and asthma with impaired pulmonary function. However, the adverse effects of occupational exposure to different dose PPD was rarely mentioned. We recruited 124 workers from a hair dye factory to explore the association of occupational PPD exposure on pulmonary function, pruritus and health related quality of life (HRQL). We categorized exposure to PPD into 3 levels: lower exposure group (< 0.00001 mg/m3); middle exposure group (0.00001-0.00033 mg/m3); higher exposure group (0.00033-0.047 mg/m3). The HRQL and subjective pruritus of the workers were assessed by the short form 36 health survey (SF-36) and Visual analogue scale (VAS) of pruritus, respectively. In the high PPD-exposed group, the percentage of FEV1 (FEV1%) was lower in higher exposure group compared with lower exposure group. The FEV1/FVC was also lower in comparison to the higher exposure and middle exposure groups (p < 0.05). PPD levels were negatively correlated with vitality and mental health (p < 0.01). The structural equation model showed the positive effects of PPD on VAS level (β = 0.213, p < 0.001), and indicated partly negtive effects of PPD on total score of SF-36 (β = - 0.465, p = 0.002), respectively. Our results indicate that occupational exposure to PPD might be associated with pulmonary function impairment, poor HRQL, and subjective pruritus of the workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020, People's Republic of China.
| | - Meibian Zhang
- grid.198530.60000 0000 8803 2373National Institute of Occupational Health and Poison Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 100050 People’s Republic of China
| | - Qiang Zeng
- grid.464467.3Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin, 300011 People’s Republic of China
| | - Dafeng Lin
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020 People’s Republic of China
| | - Naixing Zhang
- Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases, Shenzhen, 518020, People's Republic of China.
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Wollen und können ältere Beschäftigte länger erwerbstätig bleiben, wenn sich ihre Arbeit verbessert? ZENTRALBLATT FÜR ARBEITSMEDIZIN, ARBEITSSCHUTZ UND ERGONOMIE 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40664-022-00490-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Im Kontext politischer Bemühungen, ältere Beschäftigte in Deutschland länger im Erwerbsleben zu halten, wird untersucht, wie lange diese noch erwerbstätig sein wollen und können und wie sich tatsächliche Veränderungen von Arbeitsbedingungen auf ihre Erwerbsperspektive auswirken.
Methodik
Datengrundlage der Analysen sind die zweite (2014) und dritte (2018) Welle der lidA-Studie, welche repräsentativ für sozialversicherungspflichtige Beschäftigte der Geburtsjahrgänge 1959 und 1965 in Deutschland ist. In deskriptiven Quer- und Längsschnittanalysen werden die Veränderungen von den vier Arbeitsfaktoren schwere körperliche Arbeit, das Arbeiten im Schichtdienst, die Anerkennung von Leistungen und Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten im Zusammenhang mit der Veränderung der Erwerbsperspektive („Bis zu welchem Alter wollen bzw. können Sie erwerbstätig bleiben?“) untersucht.
Ergebnisse
Ältere Beschäftigte in Deutschland wollen deutlich früher aus dem Erwerbsleben aussteigen als sie – den eigenen Einschätzungen nach – noch erwerbstätig sein könnten – Männer dabei länger als Frauen, und ältere Beschäftigte länger als jüngere. Im Längsschnitt zeigt sich, dass sich sowohl das Wollen als auch das Können bei vielen älteren Beschäftigten mit der Annäherung an die Regelaltersgrenze verlängern. Zudem gehen Verbesserungen von Arbeitsbedingungen meist mit einer Verlängerung der Erwerbsperspektive einher.
Diskussion
Die Ergebnisse offenbaren unterschiedliche Muster, jeweils unterschiedlich in Bezug auf die untersuchten Arbeitsfaktoren, das Wollen und Können sowie das Geschlecht. Die Geschlechtsunterschiede können zum Teil durch die geschlechtstypisch unterschiedlichen Berufe der betroffenen Gruppen erklärt werden. Wenn Entlastungen im höheren Erwerbsalter mit einer Verlängerung der Erwerbsperspektive assoziiert sind, könnte dies auf freigelegte Ressourcen bei den Beschäftigten hinweisen. Dort, wo Entlastungen nicht mit einer Verlängerung der Erwerbsperspektive einhergehen, deutet dies darauf, dass sie eine dringend überfällige Entlastungsmaßnahme darstellen.
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Sommovigo V, Bernuzzi C, Finstad GL, Setti I, Gabanelli P, Giorgi G, Fiabane E. How and When May Technostress Impact Workers' Psycho-Physical Health and Work-Family Interface? A Study during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1266. [PMID: 36674020 PMCID: PMC9859582 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021266] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although a growing body of research has analyzed the determinants and effects of technostress, it is still unclear how and when technostress would impact workers' psycho-physical health and work-family interface during the pandemic. To fill this gap, this study tests the mediating mechanisms and the boundary conditions associated with the impact of technostress on workers' psycho-physical well-being and work-family conflict. A total of 266 Italian workers completed online questionnaires measuring (traditional vs. remote) working modalities, technostress, fear of COVID-19, working excessively, psycho-physical distress, work-family conflict, loss of a loved one due to COVID-19, and resilience. Structural equation models were performed. Results indicated that technostress was positively related to psycho-physical distress and work-family conflict, as mediated by fear of COVID-19 and working excessively, respectively. The loss of a loved one exacerbated the effects of fear of COVID-19 on psycho-physical health, while resilience buffered the effects of working excessively on work-family conflict. Since numerous organizations intend to maintain remote working also after the COVID-19 emergency, it is crucial to study this phenomenon during its peaks of adoption, to prevent its potential negative outcomes. The implications of these findings for theory and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Sommovigo
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Bernuzzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Unit of Applied Psychology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Ilaria Setti
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, Unit of Applied Psychology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Paola Gabanelli
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Psychology Unit of Pavia Institute, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giorgi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fiabane
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Genova Nervi Institute, 16167 Genova, Italy
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