Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/jeos.20140328035014
B. Adegoke, Regina O. Anyakudo, A. Odole
Aim: Individuals who earn their living by carrying marketers’ heavy groceries on their heads (professional load porters) are very common in Nigerian markets. The possible link between habitual carrying of heavy load on the head and spinal deformity has however not been investigated. This study was aimed at documenting the impact of load-carrying on the head on professional load porters’ spine by comparing the prevalence of spinal deformities among them and sex and age matched controls. Methods: Participants were 52 (23 male, 29 female) load porters and 52 (24 male, 28 female) age and sex-matched controls. The plumb line method was used to screen all participants for spinal deformity in the saggital and frontal planes. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and percentages and Chi-square test at α; = 0.05. Results: No significant difference between load porters’ age (31.52 ± 7.8 years, range = 20-50 years) and that of the controls (30.10 ± 8.1 years, range = 20-50 years) but controls had significantly higher body mass index and weight. No significant difference between prevalence of spinal deformity in load porters (28.8%) and controls (25.5%); and between male (39.1%) and female (20.9%) load porters. Scoliosis (23.1%) was the most common deformity in load porters while lordosis (15.4%) was most common among controls. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in spinal deformity prevalence between load porters and controls though the prevalence was higher in load porters. However, we could not conclude that carrying heavy loads on the head causes spinal deformities among professional load porters.
{"title":"Spinal deformities among professional load porters in a Nigerian urban market","authors":"B. Adegoke, Regina O. Anyakudo, A. Odole","doi":"10.5455/jeos.20140328035014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/jeos.20140328035014","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: Individuals who earn their living by carrying marketers’ heavy groceries on their heads (professional load porters) are very common in Nigerian markets. The possible link between habitual carrying of heavy load on the head and spinal deformity has however not been investigated. This study was aimed at documenting the impact of load-carrying on the head on professional load porters’ spine by comparing the prevalence of spinal deformities among them and sex and age matched controls. Methods: Participants were 52 (23 male, 29 female) load porters and 52 (24 male, 28 female) age and sex-matched controls. The plumb line method was used to screen all participants for spinal deformity in the saggital and frontal planes. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics of mean, frequency and percentages and Chi-square test at α; = 0.05. Results: No significant difference between load porters’ age (31.52 ± 7.8 years, range = 20-50 years) and that of the controls (30.10 ± 8.1 years, range = 20-50 years) but controls had significantly higher body mass index and weight. No significant difference between prevalence of spinal deformity in load porters (28.8%) and controls (25.5%); and between male (39.1%) and female (20.9%) load porters. Scoliosis (23.1%) was the most common deformity in load porters while lordosis (15.4%) was most common among controls. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in spinal deformity prevalence between load porters and controls though the prevalence was higher in load porters. However, we could not conclude that carrying heavy loads on the head causes spinal deformities among professional load porters.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"299 1","pages":"109-113"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73292402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140924105053
S. Shrivastava, P. Shrivastava, J. Ramasamy
Ergonomics is the “science of work” that includes different strategies to ensure fitting the equipment and the workplace environment to the needs of the worker. Ergonomics consider worker’s capabilities and limitations so that their safety, comfort, job satisfaction, and efficiency can be enhanced. In the last decade or so, other than the industrial sector, the principles of ergonomics have been employed in different dimensions of the health care sector. The ergonomists have advocated to pay due interest to the needs of all the stakeholders and even agreed for the formulation of a multifaceted and comprehensive approach in health sector to minimize the burden of the occupational hazards. In conclusion, as proved in industrial sector, ergonomics has a definite potential to improve the health related aspects of both the health professionals and the patients in the modern era.
{"title":"Exploring the scope of participatory ergonomics in the health care industry","authors":"S. Shrivastava, P. Shrivastava, J. Ramasamy","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140924105053","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140924105053","url":null,"abstract":"Ergonomics is the “science of work” that includes different strategies to ensure fitting the equipment and the workplace environment to the needs of the worker. Ergonomics consider worker’s capabilities and limitations so that their safety, comfort, job satisfaction, and efficiency can be enhanced. In the last decade or so, other than the industrial sector, the principles of ergonomics have been employed in different dimensions of the health care sector. The ergonomists have advocated to pay due interest to the needs of all the stakeholders and even agreed for the formulation of a multifaceted and comprehensive approach in health sector to minimize the burden of the occupational hazards. In conclusion, as proved in industrial sector, ergonomics has a definite potential to improve the health related aspects of both the health professionals and the patients in the modern era.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"136 1","pages":"196-198"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77434410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140303015734
O. Alabi, K. Ogunwenmo, Tolulope T. Adebusuyi, Olubunmi D. Shobowale
Background: Pirimiphos-methyl is a potent organophosphate (OP) pesticide used worldwide for the control of pests in stored grains and various insects in domestic, public, agricultural, commercial and industrial settings. However, its pervasive use and broad-spectrum nature could have adverse effects on non-target organisms and the environment which require constant monitoring and assessment. Materials and Methods: In this study, the acute toxicity of pirimiphos-methyl, injected intraperitoneally at concentrations of 833.33, 416.67, 166.67 and 83.33 mg/kg was evaluated. Also, the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of pirimiphos-methyl were assessed using two eukaryotic assays: The micronucleus and sperm morphology assays in mice, at concentrations of 83.33, 41.67, 20.83, and 8.33 mg/kg. Results: Administration of 416.67 mg/kg pirimiphos-methyl caused 100% mortality in exposed mice under 24 h. Fifty percent mortality resulted from the administration of 166.67 mg/kg dose. There were dose dependent significant increases (P < 0.05) in bone-marrow micronucleated polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes as well as aberrant sperms (wrong angle hook, amorphous, banana, no-hook heads, double-tailed and folded sperms) equivalent to the cyclophosphamide induced aberrations. Conclusion: These results indicate that pirimiphos-methyl induced genotoxic damage in exposed mice with consequences for environmental health and safety. These erythropoietic and reproductive changes could be used as biomarkers for monitoring OP pesticide exposed environment.
{"title":"Genotoxic potential of pirimiphos-methyl organophosphate pesticide using the mouse bone marrow erythrocyte micronucleus and the sperm morphology assay -","authors":"O. Alabi, K. Ogunwenmo, Tolulope T. Adebusuyi, Olubunmi D. Shobowale","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140303015734","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140303015734","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Pirimiphos-methyl is a potent organophosphate (OP) pesticide used worldwide for the control of pests in stored grains and various insects in domestic, public, agricultural, commercial and industrial settings. However, its pervasive use and broad-spectrum nature could have adverse effects on non-target organisms and the environment which require constant monitoring and assessment. Materials and Methods: In this study, the acute toxicity of pirimiphos-methyl, injected intraperitoneally at concentrations of 833.33, 416.67, 166.67 and 83.33 mg/kg was evaluated. Also, the genotoxic and mutagenic potentials of pirimiphos-methyl were assessed using two eukaryotic assays: The micronucleus and sperm morphology assays in mice, at concentrations of 83.33, 41.67, 20.83, and 8.33 mg/kg. Results: Administration of 416.67 mg/kg pirimiphos-methyl caused 100% mortality in exposed mice under 24 h. Fifty percent mortality resulted from the administration of 166.67 mg/kg dose. There were dose dependent significant increases (P < 0.05) in bone-marrow micronucleated polychromatic and normochromatic erythrocytes as well as aberrant sperms (wrong angle hook, amorphous, banana, no-hook heads, double-tailed and folded sperms) equivalent to the cyclophosphamide induced aberrations. Conclusion: These results indicate that pirimiphos-methyl induced genotoxic damage in exposed mice with consequences for environmental health and safety. These erythropoietic and reproductive changes could be used as biomarkers for monitoring OP pesticide exposed environment.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"192 1","pages":"81-86"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75826751","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140512124549
Sergei V. Jargin
The relatively large discharges of radioactive materials into the Techa River in the Southern Urals occurred between the years 1949 and 1956. The most exposed individuals were residents of villages along the river. On the author’s opinion, certain studies tended to exaggerate the relationship between the radiation exposure and enhanced risks e.g. of cardiovascular diseases or leukemia in the Techa River cohort. The study on the cardiovascular diseases was commented previously. The cohort members must have been generally aware of their dose estimates calculated on the basis of their age and residence history. Individuals with higher dose estimates were probably on average more motivated to undergo medical examinations, being at the same time given on average more attention. Accordingly, a detection probability of chronic disease would be probably higher in people with higher dose estimates. One of the mechanisms explaining for correlations between the low-dose radiation exposure and health risks is apparently a dose-dependent difference in the quality and frequency of medical examinations. The dose-effect relationships after low-dose exposures should be studied in animal experiments with exactly known doses and dose rates, possibly shielded from biases and confounding factors.
{"title":"Leukemia and cardiovascular diseases in the Techa river cohort: New interpretation required -","authors":"Sergei V. Jargin","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140512124549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140512124549","url":null,"abstract":"The relatively large discharges of radioactive materials into the Techa River in the Southern Urals occurred between the years 1949 and 1956. The most exposed individuals were residents of villages along the river. On the author’s opinion, certain studies tended to exaggerate the relationship between the radiation exposure and enhanced risks e.g. of cardiovascular diseases or leukemia in the Techa River cohort. The study on the cardiovascular diseases was commented previously. The cohort members must have been generally aware of their dose estimates calculated on the basis of their age and residence history. Individuals with higher dose estimates were probably on average more motivated to undergo medical examinations, being at the same time given on average more attention. Accordingly, a detection probability of chronic disease would be probably higher in people with higher dose estimates. One of the mechanisms explaining for correlations between the low-dose radiation exposure and health risks is apparently a dose-dependent difference in the quality and frequency of medical examinations. The dose-effect relationships after low-dose exposures should be studied in animal experiments with exactly known doses and dose rates, possibly shielded from biases and confounding factors.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"35 1","pages":"63-64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"79006721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20131107122611
M. Pal, Sihin Tesfaye, P. Dave
Zoonoses with multiple etiologies affecting immunocompromised hosts have become a matter of concern presently, among the physicians and veterinarians. Among the zoonoses, cryptococcosis is considered a common and important mycozoonosis of global significance mainly affecting HIV/ AIDS patients. Cryptococcosis is primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, which are found in the soil contaminated with avian droppings or eucalyptus trees and decaying woods. Cryptococcus neoformans can survive in the saprobic environment for about 20 years. The respiratory tract is recognized as the principal mode of entry of the pathogen, and the source of infection is exogenous. It is believed that humans and animals acquire cryptococcal infection from saprobic reservoirs. Cryptococcosis occurs in sporadic and epidemic form resulting in high morbidity and mortality in the susceptible hosts. The disease is most often found in cats but has also been reported in cattle, dogs, horses, sheep, goat and other animals. Cryptococcosis is the first manifestation of HIV infection in 26 to 45% of patients, and recent data indicate that C. neoformans appears to potentiate HIV infection. Cryptococcal meningitis alone kills approximately 624,000 people in the world annually. The direct demonstration of the pathogen in the clinical specimens and its isolation in pure and luxuriant form remains the “gold standard” to the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The routine application of Pal’s sunflower seed medium and Narayan stain in public health and microbiology laboratories will certainly help in the study of this enigmatic mycosis in humans as well as in animals.
{"title":"Cryptococcosis: An Enigmatic Mycosis of Humans and Animals","authors":"M. Pal, Sihin Tesfaye, P. Dave","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20131107122611","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20131107122611","url":null,"abstract":"Zoonoses with multiple etiologies affecting immunocompromised hosts have become a matter of concern presently, among the physicians and veterinarians. Among the zoonoses, cryptococcosis is considered a common and important mycozoonosis of global significance mainly affecting HIV/ AIDS patients. Cryptococcosis is primarily caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, which are found in the soil contaminated with avian droppings or eucalyptus trees and decaying woods. Cryptococcus neoformans can survive in the saprobic environment for about 20 years. The respiratory tract is recognized as the principal mode of entry of the pathogen, and the source of infection is exogenous. It is believed that humans and animals acquire cryptococcal infection from saprobic reservoirs. Cryptococcosis occurs in sporadic and epidemic form resulting in high morbidity and mortality in the susceptible hosts. The disease is most often found in cats but has also been reported in cattle, dogs, horses, sheep, goat and other animals. Cryptococcosis is the first manifestation of HIV infection in 26 to 45% of patients, and recent data indicate that C. neoformans appears to potentiate HIV infection. Cryptococcal meningitis alone kills approximately 624,000 people in the world annually. The direct demonstration of the pathogen in the clinical specimens and its isolation in pure and luxuriant form remains the “gold standard” to the diagnosis of cryptococcosis. The routine application of Pal’s sunflower seed medium and Narayan stain in public health and microbiology laboratories will certainly help in the study of this enigmatic mycosis in humans as well as in animals.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"28 1","pages":"53-60"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74154716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140924105123
Debasu Damtie, Mengistu Endris, Y. Tefera, Yabutani Tomoki, Yohei Yamada, A. Kassu
Introduction: Assessing the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources is important to protect public health. Little is known about the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water in North Gondar Zone. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April-May 2014 in seven districts (Chilga, Debark, Dabat, Dembia, Gondar Town, Gondar Zuria and Wogera) in North Gondar. The physico-chemical and microbiological quality of 71 drinking water samples were determined following the standard procedure. Turbidity, pH, and temperature were measured using turbidity meter, pH meter and thermometer respectively. Arsenic, chlorine, Cr6+, NO2, NO3 and residual chlorine were determined by the colorimetric methods and rapid kits using DPM apparatus (Kyoritsu chemical-check Lab., Corp. Japan). Coliforms and Vibrio parahemolyticus were tested by rapid microbiological test strips (Sankori coliform and SankoriVibrio parahaemolyticus) following appropriate standard procedure. Consumers assessment was also conducted using questionnaire about the water sources. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The physico-chemical and microbiological quality of 71 water samples (tap n=29, spring n=15 and well n=27) were assessed. The mean turbidity of water samples was 19.35 + 5.75SD nephlometric turbidity unit (NTU), temperature 21.34+3.68 oc, pH 6.88+0.6, nitrate 10.02 + 8.72 mg/l, nitrite 0.33+0.64 mg/l, residual chlorine 0.01 + 0.06 mg/l, arsenic 0.2+0.00 mg/l and chromium 0.51+0.01 mg/l. Almost all samples were complying with the WHO acceptable range for nitrate arsenic and chromium among the physico-chemical parameters. However, turbidity was found to be unacceptably high in 21 (29.6%) samples, pH was unacceptably low in 26 (36.6%) of the samples and residual chlorine was unacceptably low in 69 (97.2%) of the samples. The majority of samples (n=46; 64.8%) had coliforms and 12 (16.9%) had Vibrio parahemolyticus. Conclusion: Most of the physical and chemical parameters measured were within the recommended range except turbidity and residual chlorine. However, the majorities of drinking water samples were found to be contaminated and are potential risk to public health. Therefore, regular quality monitoring and frequent water treatment in the study area is mandatory.
{"title":"Assessment of microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water in North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia -","authors":"Debasu Damtie, Mengistu Endris, Y. Tefera, Yabutani Tomoki, Yohei Yamada, A. Kassu","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140924105123","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140924105123","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Assessing the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources is important to protect public health. Little is known about the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water in North Gondar Zone. Therefore, this study was aimed to assess the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of drinking water sources in North Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April-May 2014 in seven districts (Chilga, Debark, Dabat, Dembia, Gondar Town, Gondar Zuria and Wogera) in North Gondar. The physico-chemical and microbiological quality of 71 drinking water samples were determined following the standard procedure. Turbidity, pH, and temperature were measured using turbidity meter, pH meter and thermometer respectively. Arsenic, chlorine, Cr6+, NO2, NO3 and residual chlorine were determined by the colorimetric methods and rapid kits using DPM apparatus (Kyoritsu chemical-check Lab., Corp. Japan). Coliforms and Vibrio parahemolyticus were tested by rapid microbiological test strips (Sankori coliform and SankoriVibrio parahaemolyticus) following appropriate standard procedure. Consumers assessment was also conducted using questionnaire about the water sources. Data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20 software. Results: The physico-chemical and microbiological quality of 71 water samples (tap n=29, spring n=15 and well n=27) were assessed. The mean turbidity of water samples was 19.35 + 5.75SD nephlometric turbidity unit (NTU), temperature 21.34+3.68 oc, pH 6.88+0.6, nitrate 10.02 + 8.72 mg/l, nitrite 0.33+0.64 mg/l, residual chlorine 0.01 + 0.06 mg/l, arsenic 0.2+0.00 mg/l and chromium 0.51+0.01 mg/l. Almost all samples were complying with the WHO acceptable range for nitrate arsenic and chromium among the physico-chemical parameters. However, turbidity was found to be unacceptably high in 21 (29.6%) samples, pH was unacceptably low in 26 (36.6%) of the samples and residual chlorine was unacceptably low in 69 (97.2%) of the samples. The majority of samples (n=46; 64.8%) had coliforms and 12 (16.9%) had Vibrio parahemolyticus. Conclusion: Most of the physical and chemical parameters measured were within the recommended range except turbidity and residual chlorine. However, the majorities of drinking water samples were found to be contaminated and are potential risk to public health. Therefore, regular quality monitoring and frequent water treatment in the study area is mandatory.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"8 1","pages":"170-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88858391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140528072614
I. Monney, Bismark Dwumfour-Asare, I. Owusu-Mensah, R. Kuffour
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the extent of work-related injuries and illnesses, access to first aid, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety measures and hand hygiene practices among vehicle repair artisans. Materials and Methods: Study respondents were 100 vehicle repair artisans comprising of 28 Auto mechanics, 20 electricians, 26 welders, 18 sprayers, and 8 automobile interior designers selected by simple random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires, extensive field observations and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data in 2013/2014 and analyzed with Minitab version 16 in 2014. Results: Close to two-thirds (64%) of the artisans have sustained work-related injuries mostly resulting from cuts and burns. Respondents’ marital status (P = 0.014) and the type of work (P = 0.037) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of physical injury, in contrast to their level of education (P = 0.874) and work experience (P = 0.203). Seventy-eight percent of the artisans lack training in fire safety and besides, basic firefighting equipment are non-existent in the workshops visited. Self-medication after injury (55%; N = 64) and ignorance in first aid administration (92%) are common among the artisans. Further, due to the physical exertions required by their work, most artisans (N = 57) experience musculoskeletal disorders. Use of PPE (27%) and proper hand hygiene practices (28%; N = 98) are generally ignored by the artisans posing possible health risks. Conclusions: Vehicle repair workers need to be educated on the dangers associated with their work and the best practices to be adopted to curb or forestall these risks.
{"title":"Occupational health and safety practices among vehicle repair artisans in an urban area in Ghana","authors":"I. Monney, Bismark Dwumfour-Asare, I. Owusu-Mensah, R. Kuffour","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140528072614","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140528072614","url":null,"abstract":"Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the extent of work-related injuries and illnesses, access to first aid, use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fire safety measures and hand hygiene practices among vehicle repair artisans. Materials and Methods: Study respondents were 100 vehicle repair artisans comprising of 28 Auto mechanics, 20 electricians, 26 welders, 18 sprayers, and 8 automobile interior designers selected by simple random sampling. Semi-structured questionnaires, extensive field observations and key informant interviews were used to collect primary data in 2013/2014 and analyzed with Minitab version 16 in 2014. Results: Close to two-thirds (64%) of the artisans have sustained work-related injuries mostly resulting from cuts and burns. Respondents’ marital status (P = 0.014) and the type of work (P = 0.037) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of physical injury, in contrast to their level of education (P = 0.874) and work experience (P = 0.203). Seventy-eight percent of the artisans lack training in fire safety and besides, basic firefighting equipment are non-existent in the workshops visited. Self-medication after injury (55%; N = 64) and ignorance in first aid administration (92%) are common among the artisans. Further, due to the physical exertions required by their work, most artisans (N = 57) experience musculoskeletal disorders. Use of PPE (27%) and proper hand hygiene practices (28%; N = 98) are generally ignored by the artisans posing possible health risks. Conclusions: Vehicle repair workers need to be educated on the dangers associated with their work and the best practices to be adopted to curb or forestall these risks.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"17 1","pages":"147-153"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"90436797","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140512123536
O. Adeoye, A. Adeomi, Adefisoye Adewole, O. Israel, A. Temitayo-Oboh, S. Olarewaju
Background: Wood dust is made of wood shavings from machining wood in sawmills and it becomes potential health problem when inhaled. This study assesses concentration of wood dust particulate matter resulting from wood processing in sawmills. Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 84 sawmills in Osun State, Nigeria in January, 2013. Samples of total suspended particulate matter of sizes 0.5 μm, 1 μm, and 5 μm were measured with GT-321 Particle Counter. Two samples were taken at 1 h interval from each sawmill sites during work hours. Air sampling was also done in 84 welder workshops to compare results. A walk through survey was conducted in 10 sawmills to assess the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. P value was set at
背景:木尘是由锯木厂加工木材产生的木屑制成的，吸入后会成为潜在的健康问题。本研究评估了锯木厂木材加工产生的木尘颗粒物质的浓度。方法:2013年1月在尼日利亚奥松州84家锯木厂进行描述性横断面研究。用GT-321颗粒计数器测量0.5 μm、1 μm和5 μm的总悬浮颗粒物样品。在工作时间内，每隔1小时从每个锯木厂地点采集2个样本。还对84个焊工车间进行了空气采样以比较结果。在10家锯木厂进行了一次实地调查，以评估个人防护装备的使用情况。使用Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16对数据进行分析。P值设为
{"title":"Wood dust particles: Environmental pollutant in Nigerian sawmill industries","authors":"O. Adeoye, A. Adeomi, Adefisoye Adewole, O. Israel, A. Temitayo-Oboh, S. Olarewaju","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140512123536","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140512123536","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Wood dust is made of wood shavings from machining wood in sawmills and it becomes potential health problem when inhaled. This study assesses concentration of wood dust particulate matter resulting from wood processing in sawmills. Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out in 84 sawmills in Osun State, Nigeria in January, 2013. Samples of total suspended particulate matter of sizes 0.5 μm, 1 μm, and 5 μm were measured with GT-321 Particle Counter. Two samples were taken at 1 h interval from each sawmill sites during work hours. Air sampling was also done in 84 welder workshops to compare results. A walk through survey was conducted in 10 sawmills to assess the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 16. P value was set at","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"1 1","pages":"77-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83010921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20140512124135
A. Gelaw, S. Gebre-selassie, M. Tiruneh, Eshetu Mathios, Sisay Yifru
Background: Hospital environment is a potential reservoir of bacterial pathogens since it houses both patients with diverse pathogenic microorganisms and a large number of susceptible individuals. The increased frequency of bacterial pathogens in hospital environment is associated with a background rise in various types of nosocomial infections. The rate of nosocomial infections is markedly higher in developing countries. Of these, surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent types of infections. Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate and correlate bacterial pathogens from hospital environments to that of patients with postoperative SSIs. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital from November 2010 to February 2011. In the study, 220 specimens of pus, nasal, hand and surfaces swabs were collected using sterile cotton tipped applicator sticks moistened with normal saline. Colony characteristics and Gram’s technique were used to differentiate the organisms. Biochemical tests were done to confirm the species of the organisms. Results: A total of 268 bacterial pathogens were recovered from all specimens processed in the study. Most of the isolates, 142 (52.9%) were from the hospital environments such as medical devices, inanimate objects and air. The rest, 77 (28.8%) and 49 (18.3%) were recovered from the health professionals and patients, respectively. Organisms associated with postoperative SSIs were Staphylococcus aureus 11 (22.4%) followed by Klebsiella species 10 (20.4%) and Proteus species 9 (18.4%), Escherichia coli 6 (12.2%), Enterobacter species and coagulase negative staphylococci each 4 (8.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (6.1%) and Citrobacter species 2 (4.1%). The predominant causes of postoperative SSIs were S. aureus, Klebsiella and proteus species. Conclusion and recommendation: Medical equipment, inanimate objects, air and hands of health professionals were contaminated with various types of bacterial pathogens of nosocomial importance. It is imperative that all professionals should take an active role in infection control within their organization and more resources should be provided to encourage good hygienic practice in the hospital.
{"title":"Isolation of bacterial pathogens from patients with postoperative surgical site infections and possible sources of infections at the University of Gondar Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia -","authors":"A. Gelaw, S. Gebre-selassie, M. Tiruneh, Eshetu Mathios, Sisay Yifru","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20140512124135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20140512124135","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Hospital environment is a potential reservoir of bacterial pathogens since it houses both patients with diverse pathogenic microorganisms and a large number of susceptible individuals. The increased frequency of bacterial pathogens in hospital environment is associated with a background rise in various types of nosocomial infections. The rate of nosocomial infections is markedly higher in developing countries. Of these, surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most frequent types of infections. Aim: The aim of this study was to isolate and correlate bacterial pathogens from hospital environments to that of patients with postoperative SSIs. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital from November 2010 to February 2011. In the study, 220 specimens of pus, nasal, hand and surfaces swabs were collected using sterile cotton tipped applicator sticks moistened with normal saline. Colony characteristics and Gram’s technique were used to differentiate the organisms. Biochemical tests were done to confirm the species of the organisms. Results: A total of 268 bacterial pathogens were recovered from all specimens processed in the study. Most of the isolates, 142 (52.9%) were from the hospital environments such as medical devices, inanimate objects and air. The rest, 77 (28.8%) and 49 (18.3%) were recovered from the health professionals and patients, respectively. Organisms associated with postoperative SSIs were Staphylococcus aureus 11 (22.4%) followed by Klebsiella species 10 (20.4%) and Proteus species 9 (18.4%), Escherichia coli 6 (12.2%), Enterobacter species and coagulase negative staphylococci each 4 (8.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa 3 (6.1%) and Citrobacter species 2 (4.1%). The predominant causes of postoperative SSIs were S. aureus, Klebsiella and proteus species. Conclusion and recommendation: Medical equipment, inanimate objects, air and hands of health professionals were contaminated with various types of bacterial pathogens of nosocomial importance. It is imperative that all professionals should take an active role in infection control within their organization and more resources should be provided to encourage good hygienic practice in the hospital.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"135 1","pages":"103-108"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73624996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2014-01-01DOI: 10.5455/JEOS.20131105124439
Dongshan Zhu, J. Gou, Jun Ge
Abstract Objective: Analyze the clinical symptoms of feverish population and select significant symptoms to establish fever related syndromes to screen malaria patients. Method: A“Registration form for patients with fever”was designed to gather information about symptoms of feverish population and standard blood smear was made for each patient to do the microscope test. SPSS 17.0 was used to analyze the distribution of clinical symptoms between malaria patients and non-malaria patients. Then the significant symptoms were selected to establish different syndromes by manual combined method. Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), likelihood ratio, Youden index and Kappa were used for selecting the optimal syndrome. Result: 1508 forms were got and 241 of them were malaria patients. 12 symptoms had different distribution between malaria population and non-malaria population. 52 fever related syndromes were established by using the 12 symptoms. Finally, No.52 syndrome(body temperature above 39℃, periodic onset of fever and no diarrhea) were selected as the optimal syndrome, its sensitivity and positive predictive value were 74.3% and 84.4%. Conclusion: The optimal malaria related syndromes can be used as a screen tool to screen malaria patients, especially in the villages where equipment and professional staff were lack.
{"title":"Establishment and evaluation of different fever related syndromes for screening malaria patients","authors":"Dongshan Zhu, J. Gou, Jun Ge","doi":"10.5455/JEOS.20131105124439","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5455/JEOS.20131105124439","url":null,"abstract":"Abstract Objective: Analyze the clinical symptoms of feverish population and select significant symptoms to establish fever related syndromes to screen malaria patients. Method: A“Registration form for patients with fever”was designed to gather information about symptoms of feverish population and standard blood smear was made for each patient to do the microscope test. SPSS 17.0 was used to analyze the distribution of clinical symptoms between malaria patients and non-malaria patients. Then the significant symptoms were selected to establish different syndromes by manual combined method. Sensitivity, positive predictive value (PPV), likelihood ratio, Youden index and Kappa were used for selecting the optimal syndrome. Result: 1508 forms were got and 241 of them were malaria patients. 12 symptoms had different distribution between malaria population and non-malaria population. 52 fever related syndromes were established by using the 12 symptoms. Finally, No.52 syndrome(body temperature above 39℃, periodic onset of fever and no diarrhea) were selected as the optimal syndrome, its sensitivity and positive predictive value were 74.3% and 84.4%. Conclusion: The optimal malaria related syndromes can be used as a screen tool to screen malaria patients, especially in the villages where equipment and professional staff were lack.","PeriodicalId":16086,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Environmental and Occupational Science","volume":"51 1","pages":"39-46"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2014-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"75524946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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