Prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among professional drivers: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Hypertension is one of the most important causes of cardiovascular disease. It has been found that professional drivers are at high risk of hypertension. This study has been performed to determine the prevalence of hypertension and its associated factors among professional drivers in Shahroud.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In this study, the prevalence of hypertension was determined according to the definition by the American Heart Association among 1461 professional drivers participating in the first cross-sectional phase of Shahroud drivers' prospective cohort study. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension was examined based on the initial age, and gender presented, along with the factors affecting this disease based on multinomial logistic regression. The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, stage 1 and 2 hypertension was 46.9%, 6%, and 1.3%, respectively. In the multivariate multinomial logistic regression model, having diabetes, Body Mass Index ≥25, and driving years was associated with an increased chance of developing elevated blood pressure and hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Attention should be paid to high prevalence of elevated blood pressure and hypertension among professional drivers in Iran as a health priority for drivers. Plans should be made to reduce it as well as to prevent its complications.

Evaluation of the Levetiracetam treatment on reduction of epileptic discharges in electroencephalogram in children with epilepsy

Objectives

Epilepsy is a relatively common disease in childhood. In some patients, the electroencephalogram (EEG) is abnormal despite the clinical control of seizures. Studies have identified the adverse effects of epileptic discharges on cognition, learning, behavior, and seizure recurrence in children. This study investigated the Levetiracetam effect on epileptic discharges in the interictal phase of EEG in epileptic children.

Materials & Methods

This clinical trial was conducted on 54 epileptic children aged 2 to 15 years, whose clinical seizures were controlled by sodium valproate in the last six months but still had epileptic discharges in EEG. The participants were divided into two groups: an intervention group (21 people), for which Levetiracetam was added to sodium valproate, and a control group (33 people), for which treatment with sodium valproate alone was continued. The patients were then followed for one year.

Results

The percent normalization of epileptic discharges in the intervention and control groups was 66.7% and 57.1% (P = 0.500), respectively. Also, the mean time for the normalization of epileptic discharges in the intervention and control groups was 12.60±8.25 and 20.57±12.67 months (P = 0.042), respectively.

Conclusion

In children with controlled seizures whose EEG was still abnormal, sodium valproate therapy alone and combined with Levetiracetam effectively reduced the severity of epileptic discharges. However, the addition of Levetiracetam to sodium valproate normalized EEG more rapidly.

Investigating the prevalence of hearing loss and its related factors in professional drivers in Shahroud city, Iran

Objectives. A cohort study was designed and implemented to determine the prevalence of hearing problems and their related factors in professional drivers in Shahroud city. Methods. In total, 1461 professional drivers were examined. Demographic information, work history, blood parameters, and anthropometric and audiometric test data were collected. Hearing thresholds were assessed at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, 6000 and 8000 Hz. Results. In total, 64.8% and 54.9% of hearing impairment degrees were observed in the left and right ears, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant. The hearing threshold in the left ear was higher at all frequencies. The maximum hearing loss was at 6000 Hz, followed by 4000 Hz. There was a significant relationship between hearing loss with age groups for right and left ears and type of car for left ear. Conclusion. The prevalence and severity of hearing loss in Shahroud drivers are high, and most hearing loss is observed in the left ear. Given that noise-induced hearing loss is an incurable condition and has a significant impact on individuals' quality of life and employment, drivers should be regularly screened for ear damage under the variables affecting hearing loss, and noise prevention training should be provided.

The Relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Evaluated by STOP-Bang Questionnaire in Professional Drivers in Shahroud, Iran, in 2020: A Case-Control Study

Background

The present study was conducted to investigate the relationship between metabolic syndrome and the risk of respiratory and sleep disorders in professional drivers.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted on professional drivers in Shahroud, Iran. The snoring, tiredness during daytime, observed apnea, high blood pressure, body mass index, age, neck circumference, gender (STOP-Bang) questionnaire was first used to assess obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Then, based on the questionnaire scores, the participants were divided into two groups: those with and those without OSA. The relationship between this disorder and metabolic syndrome was then studied. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical tests (P<0.05).

Results

Based on the STOP-Bang questionnaire, 214 drivers with a high risk of OSA and 214 drivers with low risk were recruited for the study. According to the Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, 204 drivers (47.7%) had metabolic syndrome. There was a significant relationship between driver's license class and the risk of OSA. Metabolic syndrome components including fasting blood sugar, triglycerides, and hypertension, but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, were able to predict OSA in the professional drivers.

Conclusion

Given the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome and OSA, especially in drivers of high risk who may spend long hours transporting good and operating passenger vehicles, screening and treating these disorders are crucial in this part of the population. The researchers recommend holding regular training sessions about these disorders for professional drivers.

The role of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude in musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work-family conflict

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effect of circadian rhythm stability and amplitude on musculoskeletal disorder prevalence and work–family conflict among nurses.

Design

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 386 nurses working in three hospitals, in Shahroud, Iran.

Method

The data were collected using the Circadian Rhythm Inventory, Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders, and Carlson Work‐Family Conflict questionnaires.

Results

The highest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was reported in the lower back (68.4%), upper back (65.5%) and shoulders (53.6%), respectively. No significant relation was found between circadian rhythm stability and amplitude, and musculoskeletal disorders prevalence. The nurses who could not overcome drowsiness reported more Work Interference with Family (WIF), Family Interference with Work (FIW) (time‐based) and FIW (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who overcame drowsiness. In addition, the appropriate nurses for shift work experienced less WIF, FIW (behavioural‐based) and WIF (strain‐based) compared to the nurses who could not work overtime or at night.

ESTIMATION OF THERMAL POWER PLANT WORKERS EXPOSURE TO MAGNETIC FIELDS AND SIMULATION OF HAZARD ZONES

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) have raised some concerns due to their possible effects on workers' health. In this study ELF-MFs were measured in different units of the thermal power plant based on gridding the indoor space. The exposure level was measured by spot measurement based on the IEEE Std C95.3.1 and then simulated in units with the highest magnetic field intensity by using ArcGIS software. The operators and balance of plant (BOP) technicians (12.64 ± 9.74 μT) and office workers (2.41 ± 1.22 μT) had the highest and lowest levels of both measured and estimated ELF-MFs exposure. The highest measured ELF-MFs were in the vicinity of the power transmission lines in the transformers' building (48.2 μT). Our simulation showed the high and low exposure areas and ranked exposure well; but, the actual measurements of ELF-MFs exposure were in all cases higher than the estimated values, which means we still need to improve our estimations.

The role of oxidative stress in pulmonary function in bakers exposed to flour dust

Objective. This study aimed to determine the effect of exposure to flour dust on pulmonary function and the role of oxidative stress. Methods. This case-control study was conducted on 163 bakery workers (exposed group) and 177 administrative workers (unexposed group). Pulmonary function and flour dust exposure were measured by spirometry and NIOSH 0500 and 0600 methods. Oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were measured in serum samples. Results. The mean respirable and total dust exposure of bakery workers were 2.5 ± 1.72 and 6.53 ± 3.26 mg/m³. The forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in the first 1 s (FEV1) were significantly lower in the exposed group than in the unexposed group. The levels of MDA and NO were higher in smokers than in non-smokers in the exposed group. The most important variables that predicted FVC and FEV1 were MDA, NO and TAC. With increased exposure to respirable dust, the levels of MDA (β = 3.39, p < 0.001) and NO (β = 16.48, p < 0.001) increased and total antioxidant levels decreased (β = -0.37, p < 0.001). Conclusions. Exposure to flour dust may impair pulmonary function by increasing oxidative stress and weakening antioxidant defense.

The effect of heat stress on hematological parameters and oxidative stress among bakery workers

Heat stress causes physiological changes, and changes in hematological parameters and hormonal levels in the human body, known as thermal strain. This study was conducted to determine the effect of exposure to heat stress on hematological parameters and oxidative stress in the bakers of Shahroud City, Iran. A total of 163 bakery workers (exposed group) and 135 office workers (unexposed group) with a minimum of 1-year working experience were selected. Exposure to heat stress was measured using ISO-7243 criteria on the hottest days of the year (late July and August). Wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) was calculated based on indoor environments. Oxidative stress indices including malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the bakers' and office workers' serum and hematological parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was done through independent t-test, and multivariate linear regression using SPSS v24. Analysis of hematological parameters showed that about 70% and 68% of the bakers had abnormal mean cell volume (MCV) and white blood cell (WBC) count, respectively, while only around 12% of them had abnormal mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The counts of red blood cells (RBC), WBC, lymphocytes (LYM), and MCV showed significant differences in different occupational groups (p < 0.05). The levels of MDA and NO were significantly higher in bakers with WBGT more than the threshold value (p < 0.05). The WBGT index for assessing heat stress can be used as a predictor variable for MDA and NO levels. In addition, heat stress exposure could be a risk factor for abnormal WBC, RBC, LYM, and MCV.

Investigating the effects of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on job burnout syndrome and the severity of depression; the role of oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to investigate the possible effect of exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on occupational burnout syndrome and the severity of depression experienced among thermal power plant workers and the role of oxidative stress.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 115 power plant workers and 124 administrative personnel of a hospital were enrolled as exposed and unexposed groups, respectively, based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, including malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat), and total antioxidant capacity were measured in serum samples. Exposure to electric and magnetic fields was measured using the IEEE Std C95.3.1 standard at each workstation. The burnout syndrome and the severity of depression were assessed using the Maslach Burnout and Beck Depression Inventory.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA and SOD were significantly lower in the exposed group than the unexposed group. The exposed group reported a higher prevalence of burnout syndrome and higher depression severity. Multiple linear regression showed that work experience, MDA level, and levels of exposure to magnetic fields are the most important predictor variables for burnout syndrome and severity of depression. In addition, a decrease in the level of Cat was significantly associated with increased burnout syndrome.

CONCLUSION

The thermal power plant workers exposed to ELF-EMFs are at risk of burnout syndrome and depression. These effects may be caused directly by exposure to magnetic fields or indirectly due to increased oxidative stress indices.

Assessment of the relationship between metabolic syndrome and obstructive sleep apnea in male drivers of Shahroud city in 2018: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome involves a set of metabolic risk factors that directly increases the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Physical inactivity due to driving can increase the risk of metabolic syndrome. It is also known that sleep disorders (sleep apnea) can result in MetS. Driving in Iran is considered a very popular but risky occupation, so paying attention to this profession is of special importance. Therefore, the researchers aimed to investigate the association between sleep disorders and metabolic syndrome in drivers in Shahroud city in 2018.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was carried out on 948 drivers from Shahroud city in 2018. After obtaining consent from participants, 3 questionnaires including demographic, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and STOP-BANG were completed. Clinical and anthropometric measurements were assessed, including blood pressure, waist circumference, hip circumference, weight, height, and body mass index. In addition, blood was drawn to measure High Density Lipoprotein, Low Density Lipoprotein, Triglyceride, cholesterol, and Fasting Blood Sugar levels. The relationship between metabolic syndrome and sleep disorders was then studied. In this study, statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 23 at a significance level of 0.05.

RESULTS

Mean age of drivers was 44.15 ± 11.66 (years). The mean waist circumference and mean hip circumference in subjects with a Class 1 Driver's License (a certificate for trucks and buses) were higher than those with a Class 2 Driver's License (a certificate for motorcars, minibuses, vans, etc. (seating< 20)) (P = 0.01 and P = 0.003, respectively). Moreover, the BMI in subjects with a Class 1 Driver's License was higher compared to subjects with a Class 2 Driver's License. The correlation between metabolic syndrome with sleep apnea based on STOP-BANG questionnaire was significant (p < 0.001) irrespective of definition (ATP and IDF).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, there was a bi-directional association between sleep disorders and Mets, so this group should pass periodic medical examinations and training courses. Moreover, their families should be informed of prevention and treatment of this syndrome.

Relationship among noise exposure, sensitivity, and noise annoyance with job satisfaction and job stress in a textile industry

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among noise exposure, sensitivity, and noise annoyance with job satisfaction and job stress among the workers of a textile industry. In this study, Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale, Noise Annoyance Questionnaire (recommended based on ISO 15666-2003), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Job Stress Questionnaire, and Job Satisfaction Scale were used to determine the degree of noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, occupational stress, and job satisfaction, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean of job satisfaction, job stress, noise sensitivity, and noise annoyance between case and control groups. The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that noise exposure, noise sensitivity, and noise annoyance can justify 0.09, 0.19, and 0.06 of the variance of job stress, respectively. These variables also could justify 0.09, 0.12, and 0.05 of the variance of job satisfaction, respectively. Noise sensitivity had the greatest effect on increasing the occupational stress and job satisfaction.

The effects of industrial noise exposure on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes among workers

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to measure individual exposure to noise and its effect on the levels of lipid peroxidation and enzymatic antioxidant defense.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 94 male workers working in a food factory in Shahroud, Iran, were selected as the case group and 112 people were also included as the control group. The level of exposure to noise was measured using a dosimeter and the equivalent level was calculated. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (Cat), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) were measured in the serum samples of all participants. Independent t test, one-way ANOVA, and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA, Cat, and TAC were significantly higher in staff exposed to noise than in the controls. The starch and warehouse units' staff were exposed to the highest (99.3 ± 3.23 dB) and lowest (77.1 ± 9.68 dB) mean levels of sound pressure. Based on the linear regression model, noise exposure level was the most important predictor variable for levels of MDA (β = 0.48, CI 95% = 0.04-0.93), Cat (β = 0.43, CI 95% = 0.05-0.83), and TAC (β = 0.11, CI 95% = 0.06-0.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Noise exposure increases the production of free radicals. As exposure rate increases, the levels of MDA, Cat, and TAC enzymes increase as well.

The effects of amplitude and stability of circadian rhythm and occupational stress on burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses

AIM

To investigate the relation between the circadian rhythm amplitude and stability, and occupational stress with burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among shift working nurses.

BACKGROUND

Irregular shift working nurses are prone to burnout syndrome (BS) and job dissatisfaction (JD). circadian rhythm difference and occupational stress might be effective in causing burnout syndrome and dissatisfaction.

DESIGN

In total, 684 nurses who worked in four teaching hospitals were selected by stratified random sampling in a cross-sectional design based on STROBE guidelines.

METHODS

The data were collected by the Circadian Type Inventory, Job Content Questionnaire, Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Multiple linear regression, one-way ANOVA and independent t test were used for statistical analysis by SPSS v24.

RESULTS

About 15% of the nurses suffered from high levels of burnout syndrome. Psychological demand (β = 0.022, CI 95% = 0.003-0.047 and β = 0.016, CI 95% = 0.001-0.032) and workplace support (β = -0.043, CI 95% = -0.097-0.003 and β = -0.025, CI 95% = -0.046-0.006) were significant predictors of BS and JD. Male nurses reported lower BS and higher JD compared to female nurses. Irregular shift working schedule was also related to a significantly higher odd of BS (p = 0.009) and JD (p = 0.011). Nurses classified as languid experienced significantly more BS and JD than vigorous nurses.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that BS and JD were strongly associated with psychological demand and workplace support; and vigorous nurses were less prone to BS and JD, and were more suitable for irregular shift work.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

In order to reduce burnout syndrome and job dissatisfaction among irregular shift working nurses, we need to identify the effect of risk factors such as individual differences on the circadian rhythm and job demand which can affect nurses who work in irregular schedules.

Using Work Ability Index and work-related stress to evaluate the physical and mental fitness of Iranian telecom tower climbers

Background:

Working at height has always been considered as one of the most dangerous industrial activities. Workers' fitness including their physical and psychological ability plays a key role in prevention of occupational accidents. This research was conducted to investigate the physical and mental fitness of telecommunication tower climbers as well as their job stress.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted among employees of a contracting company which worked in the field of telecommunication tower installation in Iran during 2016. Sixty out of 93 workers voluntarily participated in this study. Data collection tools were the Persian version of the Work Ability Index (WAI), the Persian version of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Stress Indicator Tool and an author-developed measure to assess socio-demographic characteristics. Data was analyzed through statistical tests such as independent t-test, univariate analyses of variance (ANOVAs), Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multivariate linear regression; using SPSS 19 software.

Results:

Workers' mean ± SD WAI score was 29.17± 10.33 and for work-related stress was 3.08 ± 1.80. There was a significant relation between WAI and educational level, job tenure, hours of sleep per day, regular exercise, and second job. The repression modeling explained 67.4% of the total variance (adjusted R2) of the WAI score. Among the dimensions of work related stress, control (β = 0.21) and changes (β = -0. 40) were significant predictors of the WAI score.

Conclusions:

To improve the worker’s work ability, intervention programs should focus on promoting level of job control, sleep quality and exercise. Additionally, implementing a comprehensive macroergonomics and participatory program for increase involvement the workers in organization changes should be considered.

The prevalence of occupational musculoskeletal disorders in Iran: A meta-analysis study

BACKGROUND

Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) is crucial as they jeopardize the well-being of the workforce in workplaces and are prevalent in developed and developing countries.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of WRMSDs among Iranian workers.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis of WRMSDs in Iran was performed by searching relevant keywords in authentic databases and search engines such as SID, Google Scholar, Medlib and PubMed. Twenty-seven published articles in the field of WRMSDs from 2001 to 2010 were searched. Meta-analysis and random effects approach were used to analyze data. Heterogeneity investigation of articles was done using I2 index.

RESULTS

The total sample size was 6,090 workers with a mean of 225 samples per study. The upper and lower back had the highest prevalence rate of self-reported WRMSDs with 38.1% (95% CI: 29.9-46.4), and 50% (95% CI: 42.5-57.5), respectively. Also, knee had the highest prevalence among lower extremity disorders with 42.1% prevalence rate (95% CI:35.1-49.1).

CONCLUSIONS

A high prevalence of WRMSDs in upper and lower limbs was reported in Iran. Trainings with regard to occupational ergonomics and industrial hygiene programs were recommended for minimizing the work-related risks of musculoskeletal disorders.

Appropriate anthropometric indices of obesity and overweight for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome and its relationship with oxidative stress

AIMS

this study aimed to determine the most appropriate anthropometric indices for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its relationship with oxidative stress markers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2015 on 108 employees working in Shahroud University of Medical Sciences. Demographics, anthropometric indices (BMI: Body mass index; WC: Waist circumference, WHR: Waist hip ratio, WHtR: Waist-to-height Ratio), Mets: and Then oxidative stress markers (total antioxidant capacity; TAC, Malondialdehyde; MDA, serum superoxide dismutase; SOD, catalase; Cat) were measured. All analyses were performed at a significant level of 0.05, using the SPSS Statistics 21 and Stata 12 software.

RESULT

The mean age of the participants was 41.4±7.8years. the mean values of different anthropometric indices in patients with metabolic syndrome were higher than those in subjects without MetS and this difference was significant. According to ROC curve the best marker for diagnosis of Mets was WHtR (Waist-to-height Ratio) and its cut off point was 0.54.Also, there was a positive correlation between WHtR and MDA serum levels. In addition, there was a negative correlation between WHtR and the levels of TAC, SOD, and CAT but it was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that WHtR can be a valuable marker for predicting metabolic disorders and related diseases; moreover, it can be used for evaluation of oxidative stress level. Finally, the formula WC=height×0.54 as a simple tool for prevention of metabolic diseases can be used in university personnel.

Sleep habits and road traffic accident risk for Iranian occupational drivers

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to assess the sleep quality and sleep disorders (prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and sleepiness) among occupational drivers in Iran and to determine which demographic factors and occupational habits are linked to road traffic accidents.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this analytic cross-sectional study 556 occupational road drivers from Shahroud city (in the northeast of Iran) participated, upon a prior verbal informed consent, during 2013-2014. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) standard questionnaire that scored on 7 point scale, the 8-item Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire and the 8-question STOP-Bang questionnaire along with demographic information and occupational data were used. To explore the independent factors associated with odds of poor sleep quality and road accident, multiple logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

Prevalence of previous road accidents, sleepiness while driving, and obstructive sleep apnea scored ≥ 3 in the study, and drivers accounted for 23.8%, 29%, and 24.8%, respectively. The global mean score of sleep quality and excessive sleepiness score were 5.2 and 4.8, respectively. The main factors related to the odds of poor sleep quality were snoring (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15-4.77), smoking (OR = 2.12; 95% CI: 1.15-3.97), and driving times in a day (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 1.03-1.21). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (OR = 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07-1.23) and suffering from apnea (OR = 4.89; 95% CI: 1.07-23.83) were the best predictors for odds (increased risk) of road accidents.

CONCLUSIONS

A considerable proportion of Iranian drivers had records of road accidents; poor sleep quality, sleepiness while driving, and sleep disorder breathing (obstructive sleep apnea - OSA). Snoring, smoking, driving time in a day, excessive sleepiness, and presumably apnea increase the odds of poor sleep quality and road traffic accident for Iranian occupational drivers.

Evaluation of the influences of various force magnitudes and configurations on scoliotic curve correction using finite element analysis

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature in the normally straight vertical line of the spine, and the curvature can be moderate to severe. Different treatment can be used based on severity and age of subjects, but most common treatment for this disease is using orthosis. To design orthosis types of force arrangement can be varied, from transverse loads to vertical loads or combination of them. But it is not well introduced how orthoses control scoliotic curve and how to achieve the maximum correction based on force configurations and magnitude. Therefore, it was aimed to determine the effect of various loads configurations and magnitudes on curve correction of a degenerative scoliotic subject. A scoliotic subject participated in this study. The CT-Scan of the subject was used to produce 3D model of spine. The 3D model of spine was produced by Mimics software and the finite element analysis and deformation of scoliotic curve of the spine under seven different forces and in three different conditions was determined by ABAQUS software. The Cobb angle in scoliosis curve decreased significantly by applying forces. In each condition depends on different forces, different corrections have been achieved. It can be concluded that the configurations of the force application mentioned in this study is effective to decrease the scoliosis curve. Although it is a case study, it can be used for a vast number of subjects to predict the correction of scoliosis curve before orthotic treatment. Moreover, it is recommended that this method and the outputs can be compared with clinical findings.

Relationship between occupational stress and cardiovascular diseases risk factors in drivers

OBJECTIVES

Of all work stressors, occupational stress is the leading cause of many disorders among workers. Drivers are classified as a high risk group for work related stress. This study set out to determine the relationship between risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and occupational stress among drivers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Two hundred and twenty two Ilam's intercity drivers were selected for the study. For measuring work stress, the Osipow work stress questionnaire was used. After a 10-h fasting period, systolic and diastolic blood pressure was recorded. Intravenous blood samples were taken to determine cholesterol, triglyceride and blood glucose levels. The independent samples t-test and Pearson's correlation test were used to assess the relationship between variables and occupational stress.

RESULTS

Seventy-one percent of the intercity drivers suffered from average to acute stress, and 3.1% of them suffered from acute stress. There was no significant relationship between occupational stress and diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.254) among the drivers. Nevertheless, the Pearson's correlation test demonstrated a strong relationship between work stress and blood glucose (p < 0.01), while no strong correlation was found for blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, high rates of occupational stress were observed in the Ilam's intercity drivers. Occupational stress may have effect on blood glucose levels but the results did not suggest a considerable relationship between risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and occupational stress among intercity drivers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2016;29(6):895-901.

Investigation into effects of work-related quality of life and some related factors on cognitive failures among nurses

OBJECTIVE

Cognitive failure is one of the factors which can be influenced by personal and professional characteristics. This research was carried out to study the effect of work-related quality of life (WRQoL) and some related factors on cognitive failures (CF) among nurses.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among nurses working in intensive care units, critical care units and emergency units in 2014.

RESULTS

In total, 750 nurses participated in the study. The mean ± SD for the total CF and WRQoL was 40.5 ± 12.7 and 75.8 ± 13.7 respectively. The results show that CF have a statistically significant difference among the age groups, experience groups and working units. Multiple regression tests show that age, income and WRQoL have a significant effect on CF. Based on the results, for a unit increase in WRQoL we expect a 0.26 unit decrease in CF. Analysis of variance results show that the emergency ward had changed the overall effect of WRQoL on CF, after the effect of WRQoL was controlled.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall results from the present research indicated that, despite the high level of WRQoL among the studied nurses, the rate of CF was not at an appropriate level. Development of supportive and interventional strategies is highly recommended.

A case study of a patient with diabetic retinopathy

The patient, in this report, is a 52 years old male driver who had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) five years ago without diabetic retinopathy at the baseline. The patient was being monitored for two intervals. It was at the second interval which he was diagnosed with proliferative retinopathy; in fact, the progression rate of retinopathy from its first sign, which occurred at the middle of the first and second interval, to the point at which the patient lost his vision from the left eye occurred within a year. In this work, we introduce a new factor ignored through all the previously conducted studies, namely, type of profession. This factor which contributes to occupational stress plays an important role in the progression of proliferative retinopathy. We speculate that this factor can accelerate the progression of this disease dramatically, even when the other risk factors are not present.

Relationship between Work Ability Index and Cognitive Failure among Nurses

INTRODUCTION

Frequent nursing errors are considered as factors that affect the quality of healthcare of patients. Capable nurses who are compatible with work conditions are more focused on their tasks, and this reduces their errors and cognitive failures. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between work ability index (WAI) and cognitive failures (CFs) as well as some factors that affect them in nurses working in the ICU, CCU, and emergency wards.

METHODS

This descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study was conducted with 750 nurses at educational hospitals affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences in 2015. A questionnaire of work ability index and cognitive failures was used to collect data. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, chi-squared, ANOVA, and the Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

Using the Pearson correlation test, the results of this study showed that there is a significant, inverse relationship between WAI, personal prognosis of work ability, and mental resources with CFs along with all its subscales in nurses (p < 0.05). In addition, there was an inverse and significant relationship between the total score of CFs and the estimated work impairment due to diseases (p < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation of CFs with age and experience, while WAI was inversely related to age, work experience, and body mass index (BMI) (p < 0.05). WAI and CFs were related significantly to working units (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Considering the results obtained in this study, WAI and the cognitive status of nurses were lower than the specified limit. It is suggested that the work ability of nurses be improved and that their CFs be reduced through various measures, including pre-employment examinations, proper management of work-shift conditions, and using engineering and administrative strategies to ensure the safety of hospitalized patients.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome among Iranian occupational drivers

AIMS

Compared with other members of a society, drivers are under more periodic and constant surveillance due mainly to this fact that their type of work requires them to spend most of their times in a sedentarily position. The recent survey had done to evaluate the prevalence of Met Syn among professional drivers in northeast area of Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To evaluate the prevalence of Met Syn among long-haul drivers, 1018 male drivers were studied. Definition of Met Syn was based on ATP III, IDF and AHA. The statistical tests were composed of chi-square and independent t tests.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The participants' mean age was 42.17±10.65 years. The prevalence of Met Syn according to ATP III, IDF and AHA criteria was 26.1%, 35.2% and 31.6% respectively. 6.6% of drivers were impaired fasting glucose. The drivers with the bus, minibus, taxi formed the greatest number of smokers (82.9%) among all drivers (p=0.023). The average of body mass index (BMI) was 26.2±4.06. The most prevalence of Mets according to IDF criteria were observed in drivers of heavy vehicles and also the ones of passenger vehicles, with 36.7% and 43.9% respectively. Based on high prevalence of Met Syn and other risk factors in this study, and considering these factors, should be more careful about this point. It is recommended to control risk factors such as, control of high BMI and TG, LDL, waist circumfernce, education.

Impact of wind turbine sound on general health, sleep disturbance and annoyance of workers: a pilot- study in Manjil wind farm, Iran

BACKGROUND

The wind turbine's sound seems to have a proportional effect on health of people living near to wind farms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of noise emitted from wind turbines on general health, sleep and annoyance among workers of manjil wind farm, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total number of 53 workers took part in this study. Based on the type of job, they were categorized into three groups of maintenance, security and office staff. The persons' exposure at each job-related group was measured by eight-hour equivalent sound level (LAeq, 8 h). A Noise annoyance scale, Epworth sleepiness scale and 28-item general health questionnaire was used for gathering data from workers. The data were analyzed through Multivariate Analysis of variance (MANOVA) test, Pillai's Trace test, Paired comparisons analysis and Multivariate regression test were used in the R software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results showed that, response variables (annoyance, sleep disturbance and health) were significantly different between job groups. The results also indicated that sleep disturbance as well as noise exposure had a significant effect on general health. Noise annoyance and distance from wind turbines could significantly explain about 44.5 and 34.2 % of the variance in sleep disturbance and worker's general health, respectively. General health was significantly different in different age groups while age had no significant impact on sleep disturbance. The results were reverse for distance because it had no significant impact on health, but sleep disturbance was significantly affected.

CONCLUSIONS

We came to this conclusion that wind turbines noise can directly impact on annoyance, sleep and health. This type of energy generation can have potential health risks for wind farm workers. However, further research is needed to confirm the results of this study.