Pub Date : 2023-07-04DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.44269
E. Ogbaini-Emovon, F. Erah, Emmanuel Friday Osagiede, C. Nnadi, Y. Ogbetere, E. Tobin, D. Asogun, Martha Okonofua, G. Akpede, P. Akhideno, C. Erameh, M. Rafiu, W. Ovienria, C. Ephraim-Ogbaini, C. Ojide, U. Unigwe, F. Ireye, S. Günther, S. Duraffour, S. Okogbenin
Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are potentially exposed to infection during viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks. In the wake of 2018, Nigeria experienced an unprecedented surge in cases of Lassa fever (LF), which affected HCWs. To guide infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies in similar settings, we characterize HCWs' infection and describe the gaps in IPC standards and practices during the outbreak. Methods: Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, interview, and review of case notes of 21 HCW with laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever who were treated at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) Irrua and the Alex-Ekwemen Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFETHA), between 1st January and 27th May 2018. Information collected was the patients' socio-demographic characteristics, date of potential exposure and onset of illness, nature, and type of exposure, clinical features, outcome, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and personnel IPC training and were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Microsoft Excel. Results: The study included 21 HCWs, and 12 (57.14%) were doctors. The case fatality rate was 23%. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of the HCWs could describe a likely procedure leading to their exposure and infection. Among 13 HCWs, 85% had multiple blood and body fluids exposure, while 15% had needle stick injury or scalpel cut. About one-fifth of the participants had received some IPC training. Conclusion: Limited IPC adherence and inappropriate risk assessment were identified as factors leading to Lassa fever exposure and infection among HCWs. There is an urgent need to provide IPC training for all HCWs and to ensure an adequate supply of IPC materials to all healthcare facilities as part of emergency preparedness, especially in LF endemic areas.
{"title":"Lassa Fever Infection among Healthcare Workers during the 2018 Outbreak in Nigeria","authors":"E. Ogbaini-Emovon, F. Erah, Emmanuel Friday Osagiede, C. Nnadi, Y. Ogbetere, E. Tobin, D. Asogun, Martha Okonofua, G. Akpede, P. Akhideno, C. Erameh, M. Rafiu, W. Ovienria, C. Ephraim-Ogbaini, C. Ojide, U. Unigwe, F. Ireye, S. Günther, S. Duraffour, S. Okogbenin","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.44269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.44269","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are potentially exposed to infection during viral hemorrhagic fever outbreaks. In the wake of 2018, Nigeria experienced an unprecedented surge in cases of Lassa fever (LF), which affected HCWs. To guide infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies in similar settings, we characterize HCWs' infection and describe the gaps in IPC standards and practices during the outbreak.\u0000Methods: Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, interview, and review of case notes of 21 HCW with laboratory-confirmed Lassa fever who were treated at the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH) Irrua and the Alex-Ekwemen Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (AEFETHA), between 1st January and 27th May 2018. Information collected was the patients' socio-demographic characteristics, date of potential exposure and onset of illness, nature, and type of exposure, clinical features, outcome, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and personnel IPC training and were analyzed using descriptive statistics with Microsoft Excel.\u0000Results: The study included 21 HCWs, and 12 (57.14%) were doctors. The case fatality rate was 23%. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of the HCWs could describe a likely procedure leading to their exposure and infection. Among 13 HCWs, 85% had multiple blood and body fluids exposure, while 15% had needle stick injury or scalpel cut. About one-fifth of the participants had received some IPC training.\u0000Conclusion: Limited IPC adherence and inappropriate risk assessment were identified as factors leading to Lassa fever exposure and infection among HCWs. There is an urgent need to provide IPC training for all HCWs and to ensure an adequate supply of IPC materials to all healthcare facilities as part of emergency preparedness, especially in LF endemic areas.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"64 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"77248197","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 : 2023-07-04DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.46615
P. Maurya, A. Yadav, P. Maurya
Introduction: Urinary Hippuric acid (HA) and Methylhippuric acid (MHA) are considered reliable biomarkers for monitoring exposure to toluene and xylenes. A simple and robust HPLC method for simultaneous determination of HA and MHA in urine samples was developed and validated as per Internation Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 guidelines. Methods: Mobile phase consisting of two solvents A & B, solvent A was 0.1% TFA in water, and solvent B was 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile. Separation was performed in gradient elution mode and the time program was as follows - Time (min)/%B: 0/20, 4/20, 11/80, 11.1/90, 16/90, 16.1/20, 25/20. The detection wavelength was 205 nm. Results: The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of HA in urine were 0.3 and 1.0 mg/L, and for MHA were 0.25 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L respectively and the recovery for HA and MHA were 95% and 98.9% respectively. Conclusion: The developed method was successfully applied for the analysis of urine samples.
{"title":"HPLC analysis of biomarkers of Toluene and Xylene in human urine samples","authors":"P. Maurya, A. Yadav, P. Maurya","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.46615","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.46615","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Urinary Hippuric acid (HA) and Methylhippuric acid (MHA) are considered reliable biomarkers for monitoring exposure to toluene and xylenes. A simple and robust HPLC method for simultaneous determination of HA and MHA in urine samples was developed and validated as per Internation Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2 guidelines.\u0000Methods: Mobile phase consisting of two solvents A & B, solvent A was 0.1% TFA in water, and solvent B was 0.1% TFA in acetonitrile. Separation was performed in gradient elution mode and the time program was as follows - Time (min)/%B: 0/20, 4/20, 11/80, 11.1/90, 16/90, 16.1/20, 25/20. The detection wavelength was 205 nm.\u0000Results: The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of HA in urine were 0.3 and 1.0 mg/L, and for MHA were 0.25 mg/L and 1.0 mg/L respectively and the recovery for HA and MHA were 95% and 98.9% respectively. \u0000Conclusion: The developed method was successfully applied for the analysis of urine samples.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"18 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86902099","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 : 2023-07-04DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.47093
Jeevanesan Vinoth, S. Balaji, Dinesh Kumar Ganesan, T. Jain
Introduction: Working in a mentally healthy place is necessary for people. Adverse mental health conditions can lead to disruption in work which in turn causes absenteeism, low productivity, and financial constraints. This study intends to assess the levels of depression, anxiety and stress and to determine its associated factors among the workers in the automobile industry in Chennai. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 Automobile industry workers in Chennai, India. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information about the socio-demographic and working details of the study subjects, while the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS -21) was used to assess mental health status. Descriptive variables were expressed as proportions, while Pearson's Chi-square test was used to study the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total number of 227 participants were included in the study. More than 80 % of the workers were permanent employees. The prevalence of Depression, anxiety and stress among the study subjects are 38.8%, 43.6 % and 26.9 %, respectively. Workers in the middle age group of 30- 39 years had a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress than those in the other age groups. For Depression, age, type of family, employment status, and working experience were statistically significant (p<0.05). The sleeping hours, comorbidities, substance use, co-worker support, and supervisor support of the workers were the factors that showed no association with Depression, anxiety, and stress. Conclusion: There is a need for attention to be paid to the development of a healthy psychosocial workplace climate which should be supported by stronger workplace support.
{"title":"Mental Health among Automobile industry workers in Chennai – A Cross-sectional study from a Single Industrial unit","authors":"Jeevanesan Vinoth, S. Balaji, Dinesh Kumar Ganesan, T. Jain","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.47093","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.47093","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Working in a mentally healthy place is necessary for people. Adverse mental health conditions can lead to disruption in work which in turn causes absenteeism, low productivity, and financial constraints. This study intends to assess the levels of depression, anxiety and stress and to determine its associated factors among the workers in the automobile industry in Chennai.\u0000Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 Automobile industry workers in Chennai, India. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information about the socio-demographic and working details of the study subjects, while the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS -21) was used to assess mental health status. Descriptive variables were expressed as proportions, while Pearson's Chi-square test was used to study the association between dependent and independent variables.\u0000Results: A total number of 227 participants were included in the study. More than 80 % of the workers were permanent employees. The prevalence of Depression, anxiety and stress among the study subjects are 38.8%, 43.6 % and 26.9 %, respectively. Workers in the middle age group of 30- 39 years had a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and stress than those in the other age groups. For Depression, age, type of family, employment status, and working experience were statistically significant (p<0.05). The sleeping hours, comorbidities, substance use, co-worker support, and supervisor support of the workers were the factors that showed no association with Depression, anxiety, and stress.\u0000Conclusion: There is a need for attention to be paid to the development of a healthy psychosocial workplace climate which should be supported by stronger workplace support.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"6 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"74906914","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 : 2023-07-04DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.44241
Hardik R. Parmar, N. Gawde
Introduction: Global warming is likely to affect certain groups such as workers in heat-producing industries. With limited research exploring such an important area, this study aimed to explore the heat stress vulnerability and adaptive strategies of indoor small-scale factory workers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and a mixed-method approach was used. The study setting was small-scale factory units. The quantitative component included environmental and biological monitoring from six units of steel rolling mills and foundry in the summer and winter seasons. The study was conducted during the period of November-2018 and May 2019. Heat stress was measured among workers using a portable Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) meter. The physiological parameters of workers were also measured. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews of workers and supervisors from eleven units. Results: The maximum temperatures recorded at steel rolling mills and foundry crossed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) threshold (27.5℃) in summer as well as winter. The mean WBGT at the steel rolling mill recorded 31.5℃. The physiological measurements of workers also crossed the threshold level for heart rate and oral temperature in steel rolling and foundry units. The units had mechanisms to dissipate heat but lack a temperature monitoring mechanism inside the units. The workers wore lighter or fewer clothes as an adaptive measure but uncomfortable PPEs in foundry units were avoided. Conclusion: Heat stress in small-scale industry units was found high and there is a high need to develop specific strategies for such vulnerably high heat-exposed groups.
{"title":"Heat Stress Vulnerability Among Small-Scale Factory Workers and Adaptive Strategies in Ahmedabad: a Cross Sectional Study","authors":"Hardik R. Parmar, N. Gawde","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.44241","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i3.44241","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Global warming is likely to affect certain groups such as workers in heat-producing industries. With limited research exploring such an important area, this study aimed to explore the heat stress vulnerability and adaptive strategies of indoor small-scale factory workers.\u0000Methods: This was a cross-sectional study and a mixed-method approach was used. The study setting was small-scale factory units. The quantitative component included environmental and biological monitoring from six units of steel rolling mills and foundry in the summer and winter seasons. The study was conducted during the period of November-2018 and May 2019. Heat stress was measured among workers using a portable Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) meter. The physiological parameters of workers were also measured. The qualitative component included in-depth interviews of workers and supervisors from eleven units.\u0000Results: The maximum temperatures recorded at steel rolling mills and foundry crossed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) threshold (27.5℃) in summer as well as winter. The mean WBGT at the steel rolling mill recorded 31.5℃. The physiological measurements of workers also crossed the threshold level for heart rate and oral temperature in steel rolling and foundry units. The units had mechanisms to dissipate heat but lack a temperature monitoring mechanism inside the units. The workers wore lighter or fewer clothes as an adaptive measure but uncomfortable PPEs in foundry units were avoided.\u0000Conclusion: Heat stress in small-scale industry units was found high and there is a high need to develop specific strategies for such vulnerably high heat-exposed groups.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"43 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"88061034","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}
{"title":"Subjective Burden and Task Performance during Simulated Long Working Hours","authors":"Xinxin Liu, Hiroki Ikeda, Fuyuki Oyama, Yukimitsu Nishimura, Masaya Takahashi","doi":"10.2486/josh.josh-2023-0002-ta","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2486/josh.josh-2023-0002-ta","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83017375","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 : 2023-06-12DOI: 10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0032-ji
Toshiro Hoshi, Kazu Irisawa, Tetsuya Kimura, Tsuyoshi Saito, K. Hamajima, H. Ikeda
{"title":"Proposal of Support Application Software to Implement Hazard Identification of Machinery for Small and Medium-Sized Business Sites","authors":"Toshiro Hoshi, Kazu Irisawa, Tetsuya Kimura, Tsuyoshi Saito, K. Hamajima, H. Ikeda","doi":"10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0032-ji","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0032-ji","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"92 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"73651541","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 : 2023-05-22DOI: 10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0029-ji
H. Oyama, H. Ikeda
{"title":"脊髄損傷者用動力付外骨格型機器のプロトタイプ開発","authors":"H. Oyama, H. Ikeda","doi":"10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0029-ji","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0029-ji","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"1 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"76239578","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 : 2023-04-27DOI: 10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0028-ji
Tsuyoshi Saito, K. Hamajima, H. Ikeda
{"title":"Proposal of Implementation Support Method and Means for Hazard Identification at the Design Phase of Machinery","authors":"Tsuyoshi Saito, K. Hamajima, H. Ikeda","doi":"10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0028-ji","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2486/josh.josh-2022-0028-ji","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"87 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"83800263","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 : 2023-03-15DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v13i2.43305
E. Aryal, P. Shrestha, Sujan Gautam
Introduction: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a great impact on human life. The sun has always played an important role in Asian culture, so much so, that it is often prayed to as a God. Prolonged sun exposure can cause extensive and chronic harmful effects. Healthcare personnel is supposed to have good knowledge regarding sun protection as they play a key role in society disseminating knowledge to the general public. There are limited data regarding the knowledge of sun protection and sunscreen practice among health care workers. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2020 on healthcare workers (medical staff) in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. A questionnaire was distributed to the target study population without disturbing or hampering the healthcare worker’s duty. Results: Out of a total of 264 participants in the study, 84 (31.8%) were male and 180 (68.2%) were female. The knowledge of proper terminology for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) was noted in 196 (74.2%) and 57 (21.6%) agreed that the value of SPF was related to age. No significant difference was noted regarding knowledge about the time of sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis. No significant differences were found in practices of sunscreen use for purposes of fairness, or prevention of tanning, wrinkle, mole, and skin cancer. Conclusion: A higher level of education was associated with better knowledge and proper abiding practices regarding sunscreen use. As healthcare workers play a key role in distributing information in society, they should be targeted in education campaigns regarding sun exposure and sun protection measures; with these efforts focused more on nurses and medical officers.
{"title":"Evaluation of the knowledge of sun exposure and sun protective measures in healthcare workers","authors":"E. Aryal, P. Shrestha, Sujan Gautam","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v13i2.43305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v13i2.43305","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a great impact on human life. The sun has always played an important role in Asian culture, so much so, that it is often prayed to as a God. Prolonged sun exposure can cause extensive and chronic harmful effects. Healthcare personnel is supposed to have good knowledge regarding sun protection as they play a key role in society disseminating knowledge to the general public. There are limited data regarding the knowledge of sun protection and sunscreen practice among health care workers.\u0000Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from June to October 2020 on healthcare workers (medical staff) in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. A questionnaire was distributed to the target study population without disturbing or hampering the healthcare worker’s duty.\u0000Results: Out of a total of 264 participants in the study, 84 (31.8%) were male and 180 (68.2%) were female. The knowledge of proper terminology for SPF (Sun Protection Factor) was noted in 196 (74.2%) and 57 (21.6%) agreed that the value of SPF was related to age. No significant difference was noted regarding knowledge about the time of sun exposure for Vitamin D synthesis. No significant differences were found in practices of sunscreen use for purposes of fairness, or prevention of tanning, wrinkle, mole, and skin cancer.\u0000Conclusion: A higher level of education was associated with better knowledge and proper abiding practices regarding sunscreen use. As healthcare workers play a key role in distributing information in society, they should be targeted in education campaigns regarding sun exposure and sun protection measures; with these efforts focused more on nurses and medical officers.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"37 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-03-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"86897912","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}