Indian Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine最新文献

Background: Hand Grip Strength (HGS), a basic, non-invasive measure of musculoskeletal function is found to be a risk marker for cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cancer. Considering the importance and paucity of studies among industrial workers, we aim to study the association between anthropometric adiposity indices and the HGS of industrial workers.

Materials and methods: The study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements and HGS of 198 male industrial workers between 21 and 60 years of age, employed at metal manufacturing industries in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India were assessed.

Statistical analysis: Descriptive and inferential statistics were done using "R" statistical software.

Results: The mean age of male industrial workers was 39.51 ± 12.20 years. The majority of the workers were found to be obese (64%) and the mean body fat percentage was 27.69 ± 5.13%. The mean HGS of the worker's dominant hand was found to be 35.80 ± 8.93 kg and of their non-dominant hand was 35.0 ± 8.67 kg. When compared to the normative values of HGS for Indians, results revealed significantly higher HGS of both dominant and non-dominant hands of workers between the age group of 21-30 years and 51-60 years. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that body weight [β(s.e) =0.27 (0.05), P < 0.000], body fat [β(s.e) = -0.52 (0.14), P < 0.000) and WHR [β(s.e) = -28.81 (11.9), P = 0.017] independently predicted the HGS of dominant hand. In non-dominant hand, body weight [β(s.e) = 0.26 (0.05), P < 0.000] and body fat [β(s.e) = -0.60 (0.13), P < 0.000] independently predicted HGS.

Conclusions: Body fat, body weight, and Waist-to-Hip ratio (WHR) were found to have a significant influence on the HGS of industrial workers. Strategies aimed to reduce overall body fat and abdominal obesity may prove beneficial in improving HGS and nutritional status thereby reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases.

Climate change increases heat stress exposure and occupational heat strain in tropical and subtropical regions with generally hot-humid climate conditions. The present systematic review was conducted to assess the effect of climate change on occupational heat strain among women workers. In this study, three main databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched to find relevant literature on climate change and its effects using subject headings and appropriate MeSh terms. This article has been written according to the PRISMA checklist. A total of 6,176 studies were identified for screening and 13 studies were eligible for data extraction. Scientific evidence reveals that there is an imprecise but positive relationship between climate change and occupational heat strain regarding women workers. Some complications associated with occupational heat strain among women workers include fatigue, discomfort, dehydration, reduced brain function, and loss of concentration. Climate change can lead to an increase in the occurrence of heat-related illnesses and the levels of injury risk. In addition, its adverse health effects on women workers are mentioned. This systematic study identifies key priorities for action to better characterize and understand how occupational heat strain among women workers may be associated with climate change events. Strong evidence indicates that climate change will continue to cause occupational heat strain among women workers. It is essential to implement preventive measures considering multidisciplinary strategies to reduce the adverse effects of climate change on women workers health in hot weather settings. This can limit the health risks and negative effects of climate change.

Background and objective: Dental erosion is a condition that results from exposure of the enamel and dentin to non-bacterial acids of extrinsic and intrinsic origin, causing mineral loss on the surface of the tooth. Occupational exposure to sulfuric acid fumes has been described in association with dental erosion in battery manufacturing industry workers. Hence, this study aimed to assess the dental erosion among battery factory workers in HBL Power Systems Ltd, Hyderabad.

Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 90 battery factory workers (62 males and 28 females). Demographic data with regard to age, gender, and length of exposure were recorded. Clinical examination was done to assess dental erosion using the tooth wear index given by Smith and Knight. Data were statistically analyzed by using Fisher exact test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Among 90 workers examined, 43.3% showed prevalence of erosion with higher occurrence rate in females (54%) than males (38.7%). 66.6% of affected workers had erosion score of 1, and 33.4% showed erosion score of 2 and 3. We also observed statistically significant highest prevalence and increased severity of dental erosion in workers with prolonged duration of employment (>11 years).

Conclusion: The present study revealed increased prevalence of dental erosion among battery factory workers. Hence, it highlights the importance of protective measures with efficient surveillance and monitoring in the workplace environment.

Silicosis is a progressive pneumoconiosis caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust commonly seen in workers of construction sites, flour mills, and mining. Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a hypersensitivity reaction to Aspergillus fumigatus antigens commonly encountered in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. We report a case of 60-year-old flour mill worker presented with clinico-radiological features of silicosis; further evaluation was found to have an overlap of ABPA in view of severe atopic symptoms. We describe a rare duet of silicosis with ABPA overlap.

Background: Ocular health is significant as undetected and untreated eye conditions can lead to vision loss and blindness. Usually, dentists, dental assisting staff, and patients undergoing frequent dental corrections are likely affected by eye injuries.

Methods: This survey aimed to evaluate eye safety protocols in the dental fraternity. A prevalidated questionnaire was given to practicing graduate and postgraduate dentists to obtain details of the eye safety protocol they adopted.

Results: A total of 150 dentists approached; only 125 chose to participate in the survey and answered our questionnaire. Although most dentists used eye protection for themselves, primarily personal eyeglasses and face shields, eye injury was quite common in them.

Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that the use of eye safety practices among the respondents could be improved. Clinicians should be aware that they are responsible for providing adequate eye protection for themselves and their assisting staff and patients.

Context: Corrugated box factory workers routinely perform various tasks at their workplace which may impact their musculoskeletal system and quality of life (QoL).

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess work-related musculoskeletal disorders and health related QoL in corrugated box factory workers of an urban city in India.

Study setting: Corrugated box factory.

Study design: Cross-sectional.

Methods and materials: The study encompassed 60 participants fulfilling laid down inclusion criteria. Assessment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) was done by using the Hindi version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using World Health Organization Quality of Life brief questionnaire.

Statistical analysis: This was done using descriptive statistics. Mean, standard deviations, and percentages were calculated using Microsoft Excel, and the data were presented in tabular and graphical format.

Results: In total, 98.33% workers reported of having work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The area-wise affection showed the highest incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in shoulder and lower back, i.e. 52.54% each followed by knee (41.23%) thereafter the other joints.

Conclusions: This study concludes that WRMSDs are significantly prevalent among corrugated box factory workers in urban India along with manifestations of lower HRQoL.

Background: Little attention is paid to the problem of sports-related injuries in amateur or nonathletes or recreational student athletes. We investigated the prevalence of sports-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries in medical students and attempted to identify the risk factors for these injuries.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire-based observational study on medical students of a tertiary care teaching hospital in central India. A total of 500 medical students were approached; the questionnaire consisted of details, such as age, gender, height, weight, predominant sport played or the sport during which they sustained an injury, estimated time spent playing every week, if they had undergone any formal training for the sport, any preexisting MSK condition, details of the injury and the treatment taken, if any, after joining medical school, and duration from getting injured to return to studies and sports. The odds ratio (OR) and logistic regression were calculated for multiple parameters. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.

Results: Seventy-four of the 402 students who responded reported sustaining a sports-related injury; 33 and 41 students reported injury while playing contact and noncontact sports, respectively. Of these, 58 students reported that they had received formal training in sports. Football, volleyball, cricket, and kabaddi were the sports during which most injuries occurred. The injury rate was 3.7 per 1000 playing or practice hours.

Conclusions: Almost one-fifth of the students reported sustaining a sports-related MSK injury after joining medical school. The risk factors identified for these injuries were male gender, participation in team sports, participation in noncontact sports, and lack of adequate preparation or practice.