Pub Date : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118349
E. Amk
Introduction: Egypt is an agricultural country and the largest rice producer in the Middle East region. It is an important strategic crop that is planted in Nile Delta area. The term rice straw describes the dry stalks of the rice crop that remains after the removal of the grain during harvesting process. Rice straw biochemical composition is the typical structure of agricultural- based lignocellulosic residue. Farmers all over the world had the habit of open burning of rice straw as a disposal method of the voluminous residues of harvested rice. This practice causes significant amount of air pollutants like gases as NOx, CO, CO2, fine dust (PM2.5, and PM10), that affects the air quality, leads to climatic changes and deteriorates public health. The Egyptian Ministry of Environmental Affairs had controlled this practice that has both environmental and health impacts, through installing intelligent monitors all over Egypt that give alarm in case of exceeding the limits stated by the national environmental law. Efforts had been directed towards onsite collection of rice straw and convincing farmers to recycle the straw into a wide range of products and to provide them with machines for the processing of the rice straw for free added to exploring opportunities of agro-industrial uses as household fuel, livestock bedding, papers, fertilizers, furniture and construction. Consequently, increase the commercial demand for rice straw that derived up prices resulting in the establishment of more rural activities and services. This act improvedthe air quality and reduced the negative impact on the environment and public health.
{"title":"Environmental and Health Impact of Open Burning Rice Straw","authors":"E. Amk","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118349","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118349","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Egypt is an agricultural country and the largest rice producer in the Middle East region. It is an important strategic crop that is planted in Nile Delta area. The term rice straw describes the dry stalks of the rice crop that remains after the removal of the grain during harvesting process. Rice straw biochemical composition is the typical structure of agricultural- based lignocellulosic residue. Farmers all over the world had the habit of open burning of rice straw as a disposal method of the voluminous residues of harvested rice. This practice causes significant amount of air pollutants like gases as NOx, CO, CO2, fine dust (PM2.5, and PM10), that affects the air quality, leads to climatic changes and deteriorates public health. The Egyptian Ministry of Environmental Affairs had controlled this practice that has both environmental and health impacts, through installing intelligent monitors all over Egypt that give alarm in case of exceeding the limits stated by the national environmental law. Efforts had been directed towards onsite collection of rice straw and convincing farmers to recycle the straw into a wide range of products and to provide them with machines for the processing of the rice straw for free added to exploring opportunities of agro-industrial uses as household fuel, livestock bedding, papers, fertilizers, furniture and construction. Consequently, increase the commercial demand for rice straw that derived up prices resulting in the establishment of more rural activities and services. This act improvedthe air quality and reduced the negative impact on the environment and public health.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"679-708"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43023151","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118352
S. El-Hadidy, A. El-Gilany
Introduction: The staffs working in community pharmacies are at high risk of all forms of workplace violence. The studies investigating the prevalence or the psychological impacts of work related violence in community pharmacies are deficient. Aim of work: To estimate the period prevalence (last 12 months) of work-related violence, its types, associated factors and psychological effects among pharmacists/assistants in community pharmacies in Mansoura city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done in community pharmacies in Mansoura city. A total of 509 pharmacists/assistants completed the questionnaire. Data was collected using a questionnaire included personal and socio-demographic data, occupational history and history of exposure to any violent incident in the last 12 months. The questionnaire included details of the last violent incident and the subjective response to a violent event, using the Arabic version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results: The overall prevalence of exposure to any type of violence in the last 12 months was 34.6 %. The prevalence of verbal violence was higher than the prevalence of threat, physicalviolence and bullying (29.7% vs. 11.6%, 10.8% and 9.6%; respectively). The significant independent predictors of any form of workplace violence were the age group from 19 to 40 years, being assistant pharmacist , working in night shifts and having little or moderate/severe worrying about work related violence. Conclusion: The workplace violence was prevalent among working pharmacists / assistants in Mansoura city (in the last 12 months) and the verbal violence was the commonest type. About one third of those exposed to violence had clinically significant IES-R scores indicating havingpost-traumatic stress disorder.
{"title":"Violence among Pharmacists and Their Assistants in The Community Pharmacies","authors":"S. El-Hadidy, A. El-Gilany","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118352","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118352","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The staffs working in community pharmacies are at high risk of all forms of workplace violence. The studies investigating the prevalence or the psychological impacts of work related violence in community pharmacies are deficient. Aim of work: To estimate the period prevalence (last 12 months) of work-related violence, its types, associated factors and psychological effects among pharmacists/assistants in community pharmacies in Mansoura city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done in community pharmacies in Mansoura city. A total of 509 pharmacists/assistants completed the questionnaire. Data was collected using a questionnaire included personal and socio-demographic data, occupational history and history of exposure to any violent incident in the last 12 months. The questionnaire included details of the last violent incident and the subjective response to a violent event, using the Arabic version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results: The overall prevalence of exposure to any type of violence in the last 12 months was 34.6 %. The prevalence of verbal violence was higher than the prevalence of threat, physicalviolence and bullying (29.7% vs. 11.6%, 10.8% and 9.6%; respectively). The significant independent predictors of any form of workplace violence were the age group from 19 to 40 years, being assistant pharmacist , working in night shifts and having little or moderate/severe worrying about work related violence. Conclusion: The workplace violence was prevalent among working pharmacists / assistants in Mansoura city (in the last 12 months) and the verbal violence was the commonest type. About one third of those exposed to violence had clinically significant IES-R scores indicating havingpost-traumatic stress disorder.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"727-744"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42783324","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118359
Ali M, Abo El Wafa M
Introduction: Acute corrosive poisoning is considered a major problem in clinical toxicology all over the world including Egypt as a result of their availability and easy accessibility. Aim of the work: To study and evaluate the hazardous effects of corrosive substances through retrospective study of the acute corrosive poisoning. Materials and methods: All acute corrosive poisoned patients who are admitted to Benha Poisoning Control Unit, Benha University Hospitals, Egypt, from 1st February 2018 to 31th January 2019 were included in the study. All demographic and clinical data were collected andanalyzed. Results: Out of 2570 intoxicated cases, 245 cases (9.5%) were due to corrosives exposure, 67.8% were below the age of ten, 61.2% were males, 77.1% were unmarried and 58% came from rural areas. The majority of intoxication were during summer months (48.2%), and 54.3% of intoxicated patients were at home. The way of intoxication was mainly accidental (82.9%) and by oral way (90.6%). The most common causative agent was sodium hypochlorite (60.8%), followed by phenol (23.7%) and caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide) (15.5%). Commonly observed symptoms were GIT with respiratory manifestations (58.8%), respiratory manifestations (32.7%), dermal manifestation (7.3%) and CNS manifestations (0.8%). About 52% of patients were treated symptomatically: 32.6 % with oxygen, 10.2% treated bydermal decontamination and 4.5% with GIT decontamination. Most of cases (78 %) were improved and discharged, 18.4% referred for endoscopy and 3.7% discharged against medical advice. Conclusion: Acute corrosives poisoning was mainly accidental toxic issue in Egypt among rural male children below 10 years old. Sodium hypochlorite found to be the commonest corrosive agent used and commonly observed symptoms were GIT with respiratory manifestations most of patients were treated symptomatically and most of them improved and discharged.
{"title":"Pattern of Acute Corrosives Poisoning at Poisoning Control Unit: A One Year Retrospective Clinical Study.","authors":"Ali M, Abo El Wafa M","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118359","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118359","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Acute corrosive poisoning is considered a major problem in clinical toxicology all over the world including Egypt as a result of their availability and easy accessibility. Aim of the work: To study and evaluate the hazardous effects of corrosive substances through retrospective study of the acute corrosive poisoning. Materials and methods: All acute corrosive poisoned patients who are admitted to Benha Poisoning Control Unit, Benha University Hospitals, Egypt, from 1st February 2018 to 31th January 2019 were included in the study. All demographic and clinical data were collected andanalyzed. Results: Out of 2570 intoxicated cases, 245 cases (9.5%) were due to corrosives exposure, 67.8% were below the age of ten, 61.2% were males, 77.1% were unmarried and 58% came from rural areas. The majority of intoxication were during summer months (48.2%), and 54.3% of intoxicated patients were at home. The way of intoxication was mainly accidental (82.9%) and by oral way (90.6%). The most common causative agent was sodium hypochlorite (60.8%), followed by phenol (23.7%) and caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide) (15.5%). Commonly observed symptoms were GIT with respiratory manifestations (58.8%), respiratory manifestations (32.7%), dermal manifestation (7.3%) and CNS manifestations (0.8%). About 52% of patients were treated symptomatically: 32.6 % with oxygen, 10.2% treated bydermal decontamination and 4.5% with GIT decontamination. Most of cases (78 %) were improved and discharged, 18.4% referred for endoscopy and 3.7% discharged against medical advice. Conclusion: Acute corrosives poisoning was mainly accidental toxic issue in Egypt among rural male children below 10 years old. Sodium hypochlorite found to be the commonest corrosive agent used and commonly observed symptoms were GIT with respiratory manifestations most of patients were treated symptomatically and most of them improved and discharged.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"820 ","pages":"777-792"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41281789","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118354
M. M.
Emergency is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action as it threatens serious damage to health, life, property, or environment. A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies in occupational environment include natural emergencies, fire and explosion, chemical, physical and mechanical accidents, biological exposures, and psychosocial trauma (as violence at workplace). Identification of the flammable and combustible materials stored in the workplace is a prerequisite for the developing of fire prevention plan. Gases arising from many industrial processes can be flammable and explosive, toxic, or asphyxiating. Confined spaces carry many serious risks including asphyxiation. Chemical spill can be a source of hazardous waste which necessitates emergency response. Radiation and nuclear accidents can occur if radiation sources are stored or used improperly, or safety procedures are not followed. Electrical accidents can be fatal, but they are preventable. Biohazard as infection byhepatitis B and C is present among healthcare personnel through needle stick injuries and contamination incidents. Mechanical accidents include machinery, falling and transport accidents which may result in fatality. Violence can be a source of emergency in the workplace which may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder that needs trauma intervention. Terrorism involves the deliberate use of chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear weapons. Emergency workers including firefighters, police officers, and paramedical personnel have to deal with threatening situations. Emergency response plan outlines the resources, responsibilities and training requirements needed to deal with emergencies in a controlled manner. In Egypt, many industrial accidents are not recorded and there is lack of coordination between programs and efforts of accident prevention and preparedness.
{"title":"Emergencies in Occupational Environment","authors":"M. M.","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118354","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118354","url":null,"abstract":"Emergency is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action as it threatens serious damage to health, life, property, or environment. A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies in occupational environment include natural emergencies, fire and explosion, chemical, physical and mechanical accidents, biological exposures, and psychosocial trauma (as violence at workplace). Identification of the flammable and combustible materials stored in the workplace is a prerequisite for the developing of fire prevention plan. Gases arising from many industrial processes can be flammable and explosive, toxic, or asphyxiating. Confined spaces carry many serious risks including asphyxiation. Chemical spill can be a source of hazardous waste which necessitates emergency response. Radiation and nuclear accidents can occur if radiation sources are stored or used improperly, or safety procedures are not followed. Electrical accidents can be fatal, but they are preventable. Biohazard as infection byhepatitis B and C is present among healthcare personnel through needle stick injuries and contamination incidents. Mechanical accidents include machinery, falling and transport accidents which may result in fatality. Violence can be a source of emergency in the workplace which may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder that needs trauma intervention. Terrorism involves the deliberate use of chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear weapons. Emergency workers including firefighters, police officers, and paramedical personnel have to deal with threatening situations. Emergency response plan outlines the resources, responsibilities and training requirements needed to deal with emergencies in a controlled manner. In Egypt, many industrial accidents are not recorded and there is lack of coordination between programs and efforts of accident prevention and preparedness.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"745-760"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47340013","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118362
Mohamed S, Helmy M, S. S
Introduction: Several metals such as Iron and Zinc were found at high concentration in foundry particulate matter and demonstrated to have procoagulant effects, these effects may occur through epigenetic changes of pro-inflammatory genes. So, Iron and Steel workers are at a high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Aim of work: Evaluation of the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases among individuals occupationally exposed to Iron and Zinc. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study was performed on 60 persons working in Iron and Steel factory and 60 subjects used as control group with no history of occupational exposure to Fe or Zinc. All study population was subjected to personal interview with specially designed questionnaire. Serum Iron and Zinc levels together with Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) test were measured. Assessment of methylated DNA of Endothelin-1 (EDN1) and Nitric-oxide synthase-3 (NOS3) genes were performed. Results: the current study showed highly statistically significantincrease of serum Iron, Zinc levels and percentage of ETP among exposed group when compared to the control with Mean ± SD 125.6±22.9, 110.9±19.2,168±0.5 vs 63.6±15.3, 42.5±7.2, and 102.22±12.36 respectively. There was also a significant decrease of methylated DNA of EDN1and NOS3 genes among exposed group with Mean ± SD 0.71±0.3, 0.75±0.3 versus 1.51±1.01,4.09±0.68 respectively among the control group. Serum levels of Iron and Zinc and percentage of ETP were negatively correlated with methylated DNA of NOS3 and EDN1 genes r= -0.304, r=-0.450, r=-0.259, r= -0.787, r= -0.866 and r= -0.618 respectively (p value <0.005), while positive correlation were detected between Iron and Zinc levels with ETP (r= 0.692 and r=0.625). It was found that Iron, Zinc and NOS3 are determinants for END1 while the latter is the only predictor for NOS3. Conclusion: The risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases were related to occupational exposure to high levels of Iron and Zinc. So, regular wearing of good quality’s personal protective equipment, especially masks and gloves, is highly recommended to decrease exposure to these metals.
{"title":"Epigenetic Changes and Cardiovascular Risks among Workers Occupationally Exposed to Iron and Zinc","authors":"Mohamed S, Helmy M, S. S","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118362","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118362","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Several metals such as Iron and Zinc were found at high concentration in foundry particulate matter and demonstrated to have procoagulant effects, these effects may occur through epigenetic changes of pro-inflammatory genes. So, Iron and Steel workers are at a high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Aim of work: Evaluation of the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases among individuals occupationally exposed to Iron and Zinc. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study was performed on 60 persons working in Iron and Steel factory and 60 subjects used as control group with no history of occupational exposure to Fe or Zinc. All study population was subjected to personal interview with specially designed questionnaire. Serum Iron and Zinc levels together with Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) test were measured. Assessment of methylated DNA of Endothelin-1 (EDN1) and Nitric-oxide synthase-3 (NOS3) genes were performed. Results: the current study showed highly statistically significantincrease of serum Iron, Zinc levels and percentage of ETP among exposed group when compared to the control with Mean ± SD 125.6±22.9, 110.9±19.2,168±0.5 vs 63.6±15.3, 42.5±7.2, and 102.22±12.36 respectively. There was also a significant decrease of methylated DNA of EDN1and NOS3 genes among exposed group with Mean ± SD 0.71±0.3, 0.75±0.3 versus 1.51±1.01,4.09±0.68 respectively among the control group. Serum levels of Iron and Zinc and percentage of ETP were negatively correlated with methylated DNA of NOS3 and EDN1 genes r= -0.304, r=-0.450, r=-0.259, r= -0.787, r= -0.866 and r= -0.618 respectively (p value <0.005), while positive correlation were detected between Iron and Zinc levels with ETP (r= 0.692 and r=0.625). It was found that Iron, Zinc and NOS3 are determinants for END1 while the latter is the only predictor for NOS3. Conclusion: The risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases were related to occupational exposure to high levels of Iron and Zinc. So, regular wearing of good quality’s personal protective equipment, especially masks and gloves, is highly recommended to decrease exposure to these metals.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"809-824"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42359040","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118357
M. DarwishMm, H. ZayetH, S. AlhajM, A. ElghazallyS
Introduction: Oil is a naturally occurring liquid found in rock formations. It consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights plus other organic compounds. The workers in Aden (Yemen) Petroleum Refinery are exposed to a wide variety of hazards that may affect their health which can be broadly classified as; physical, chemical, biological, mechanical/ergonomics and psychological hazards. Aim of work: To identify the prevalence of work-related morbidities among Aden refinery workers and to study some associated correlates. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Aden Refinery Company (ARC), Alburigah district, Aden governorate, Republic of Yemen and included 398 workers. Data was collected by using semi structured questionnaire which included demographic data, detailed occupational history of the current and previous jobs, and history of work related illness. Results: The mean age of the studied workers was 42.91 ± 7.89 years. The study showed that allergy (e.g. occupational asthma, allergic rhinitis, skin allergy etc) is the most frequently recorded illness among the study participants (55.5%). Hypertension (42.2%) is the second common illness among them. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were statistically significant higher among smokers and those with work duration of ≥ 30 years. About one third (32.7%) of the studied sample had medical history of post-employment hearing defects which was statistically significant among those with work duration of ≥ 30 years, those who had history of noise exposure (37.5%) and those who were smokers. The current study also revealed that 8 cancer cases (2%) among the studied participants were rediagnosed post-employment. We also found that 10% of the workers were suffering from symptoms (fatigue, headache, nasal irritation and difficulty of breathing) during the working hours. Conclusion: Petroleum refinery workers are exposed to hazards that affect their health especially allergic diseases. These health effects were higher among smokers and those with long work duration (≥ 30 years).
{"title":"Health Hazards and Some Correlates among Oil Refinery Workers","authors":"M. DarwishMm, H. ZayetH, S. AlhajM, A. ElghazallyS","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118357","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118357","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Oil is a naturally occurring liquid found in rock formations. It consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights plus other organic compounds. The workers in Aden (Yemen) Petroleum Refinery are exposed to a wide variety of hazards that may affect their health which can be broadly classified as; physical, chemical, biological, mechanical/ergonomics and psychological hazards. Aim of work: To identify the prevalence of work-related morbidities among Aden refinery workers and to study some associated correlates. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Aden Refinery Company (ARC), Alburigah district, Aden governorate, Republic of Yemen and included 398 workers. Data was collected by using semi structured questionnaire which included demographic data, detailed occupational history of the current and previous jobs, and history of work related illness. Results: The mean age of the studied workers was 42.91 ± 7.89 years. The study showed that allergy (e.g. occupational asthma, allergic rhinitis, skin allergy etc) is the most frequently recorded illness among the study participants (55.5%). Hypertension (42.2%) is the second common illness among them. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were statistically significant higher among smokers and those with work duration of ≥ 30 years. About one third (32.7%) of the studied sample had medical history of post-employment hearing defects which was statistically significant among those with work duration of ≥ 30 years, those who had history of noise exposure (37.5%) and those who were smokers. The current study also revealed that 8 cancer cases (2%) among the studied participants were rediagnosed post-employment. We also found that 10% of the workers were suffering from symptoms (fatigue, headache, nasal irritation and difficulty of breathing) during the working hours. Conclusion: Petroleum refinery workers are exposed to hazards that affect their health especially allergic diseases. These health effects were higher among smokers and those with long work duration (≥ 30 years).","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"761-776"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49368880","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118350
Khalifa Em, S. As
Introduction: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a critical hospital acquired infection causing high morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). Nurses play a fundamental role in prevention of VAP by adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Lack of knowledge and inadequate infection control program application are barriers against reduction of VAP incidence. Aim of work: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational and training program of ICU nurses on their knowledge and practices regarding evidenced based guidelines for VAP prevention, to detect its impact on the incidence rate of VAP and to raise the nurses’ awareness of their occupational health and safety by adherence to infection control guidelines. Materials and methods: A quasi- experimental pre-post design, interventional study was conducted on seventy nurses at five ICUs at the Manial hospital, Cairo University. Pre- intervention questionnaire and observational checklist were used to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice of care bundle for VAP prevention. An educational and training programs about occupational health, safety and infection control measures was applied, and then post- intervention assessment was followed. Analysis of VAP incidence rate was performed after reviewing the medical records. Results: There was statistically significant improvement of knowledge in the post-intervention assessment except for the use of chlorhexidine which showed non-statistically significant differences between pre and post intervention (˃ 0.05). Nurses’ practices regarding infection control measures and care bundle for VAP prevention showed statistically significant improvement in the post- intervention assessment (˂ 0.05) except for the use of clean unsterilized gloves and use of chlorhexidine swab which were the least practices adopted in 4.3% and 12.9% of nurses respectively. The mean VAP incidence rate was 24.86± 5.19 and was reduced to 5.47.96± in the post intervention phase (statistically significant). Conclusion: There was an overall improvement of nurses’ knowledge and practices of evidence based guidelines for VAP prevention associated with reduction of VAP incidence rate after the implementation of the program.
{"title":"The impact of an Educational Training Program on Nurses in Reduction of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia","authors":"Khalifa Em, S. As","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118350","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118350","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a critical hospital acquired infection causing high morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). Nurses play a fundamental role in prevention of VAP by adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Lack of knowledge and inadequate infection control program application are barriers against reduction of VAP incidence. Aim of work: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational and training program of ICU nurses on their knowledge and practices regarding evidenced based guidelines for VAP prevention, to detect its impact on the incidence rate of VAP and to raise the nurses’ awareness of their occupational health and safety by adherence to infection control guidelines. Materials and methods: A quasi- experimental pre-post design, interventional study was conducted on seventy nurses at five ICUs at the Manial hospital, Cairo University. Pre- intervention questionnaire and observational checklist were used to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice of care bundle for VAP prevention. An educational and training programs about occupational health, safety and infection control measures was applied, and then post- intervention assessment was followed. Analysis of VAP incidence rate was performed after reviewing the medical records. Results: There was statistically significant improvement of knowledge in the post-intervention assessment except for the use of chlorhexidine which showed non-statistically significant differences between pre and post intervention (˃ 0.05). Nurses’ practices regarding infection control measures and care bundle for VAP prevention showed statistically significant improvement in the post- intervention assessment (˂ 0.05) except for the use of clean unsterilized gloves and use of chlorhexidine swab which were the least practices adopted in 4.3% and 12.9% of nurses respectively. The mean VAP incidence rate was 24.86± 5.19 and was reduced to 5.47.96± in the post intervention phase (statistically significant). Conclusion: There was an overall improvement of nurses’ knowledge and practices of evidence based guidelines for VAP prevention associated with reduction of VAP incidence rate after the implementation of the program.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"709-726"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45521220","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 : 2020-10-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.118360
S. A., Wali H, Hassan M, Bayomy H, N. N
Introduction: Operating room nurses ( ORN) are exposed to various hazards in operating rooms (ORs) which can affect their health. Aim of work: To identify potential occupational hazards in the OR , to assess the risk of adverse health effects among (ORN) related to these hazards and to recommend prevention and control measures to protect them .Materials andmethods: This cross-sectional study targeted all nurses staff working in ORs in Benha University Hospitals, Qualubeyia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire included demographic data and occupational history with special emphasis on occupational hazards in ORs based on the International Hazard Datasheet on Operating room nurse. Data on attitude towards OR hazards and their impacts on ORN were also obtained Their mean age was . Results: The study recruited 167 female nurses. 32.77±8.42 years old. More than 90% were acquainted with the concept of OR occupational hazards. Eighty four percent of the studied nurses reported that they were adversely affected by OR occupational hazards. The risk of exposure was high for radiation, blood borne diseases and contracting nosocomialdiseases. The risk was significant for exposure to anesthetic drugs and gases, latex allergy and muscle pain due to awkward body positions.Conclusion: The complex structure of operating rooms lead to increased occupational hazardswhich affect operating room nurses’ health.
{"title":"Occupational Hazards Risk Assessment of Nurses Working in Operating Roms","authors":"S. A., Wali H, Hassan M, Bayomy H, N. N","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.118360","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.118360","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Operating room nurses ( ORN) are exposed to various hazards in operating rooms (ORs) which can affect their health. Aim of work: To identify potential occupational hazards in the OR , to assess the risk of adverse health effects among (ORN) related to these hazards and to recommend prevention and control measures to protect them .Materials andmethods: This cross-sectional study targeted all nurses staff working in ORs in Benha University Hospitals, Qualubeyia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire included demographic data and occupational history with special emphasis on occupational hazards in ORs based on the International Hazard Datasheet on Operating room nurse. Data on attitude towards OR hazards and their impacts on ORN were also obtained Their mean age was . Results: The study recruited 167 female nurses. 32.77±8.42 years old. More than 90% were acquainted with the concept of OR occupational hazards. Eighty four percent of the studied nurses reported that they were adversely affected by OR occupational hazards. The risk of exposure was high for radiation, blood borne diseases and contracting nosocomialdiseases. The risk was significant for exposure to anesthetic drugs and gases, latex allergy and muscle pain due to awkward body positions.Conclusion: The complex structure of operating rooms lead to increased occupational hazardswhich affect operating room nurses’ health.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"793-808"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43851235","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 : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.109582
Abbas D, Ez-Elarab S, Gabal S, El Khazragy N, Manzour F
Introduction: Ionizing radiation (IR) is an occupational hazard that can induce many biological effects on exposed health care workers (HCWs). However, the health risks of low dose (below 100mSv) are controversial due to a lack of direct evidence on human. Aim of work: To identify the adverse health effects of exposure to low dose of ionizing radiation on general health status of health care workers at Ain Shams University hospitals. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including 50 HCWs from different departments of Ain Shams University hospitals: exposed group (exposed to IR for at least I year) (No=25) and matched unexposed control group (No =25). Both groups were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Complete blood count was done for both groups. Recording readings of personal exposure to IR by badge film dosimeter was done after approval from workplace authority. Results: Regarding general health status and wellbeing of workers, most of exposed group had perception of average health status, while most of unexposed group had perception of good health status. Significantly higher sickness absenteeism during the last 6 months was found among the exposed group. A significant adverse health effects, were recorded among exposed compared to control group as hair fall, musculoskeletal pain, pain in upper abdomen, constipation, decreased visual acuity, in addition to be easily agitated. During the last 30 days exposed group had significantly higher frequencies of GIT disturbances and common cold or infections in comparison to unexposed group. Results showed that the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly lower while relative basophils % was significantly higher among exposed in comparison to unexposed group (although all parameters were within normal range in both groups). Conclusion and recommendations: Chronic exposure to IR -even in small dose- may lead to significant health complains (adverse health effects) and may affect general health status among exposed group compared to the control one. Personal monitoring for ionizing radiation, periodic medical examination, and increasing level of protection for exposed workers are of utmost importance.
{"title":"Adverse Health Effects of Low Dose of Ionizing Radiation among Health Care Workers","authors":"Abbas D, Ez-Elarab S, Gabal S, El Khazragy N, Manzour F","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.109582","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.109582","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Ionizing radiation (IR) is an occupational hazard that can induce many biological effects on exposed health care workers (HCWs). However, the health risks of low dose (below 100mSv) are controversial due to a lack of direct evidence on human. Aim of work: To identify the adverse health effects of exposure to low dose of ionizing radiation on general health status of health care workers at Ain Shams University hospitals. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted including 50 HCWs from different departments of Ain Shams University hospitals: exposed group (exposed to IR for at least I year) (No=25) and matched unexposed control group (No =25). Both groups were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Complete blood count was done for both groups. Recording readings of personal exposure to IR by badge film dosimeter was done after approval from workplace authority. Results: Regarding general health status and wellbeing of workers, most of exposed group had perception of average health status, while most of unexposed group had perception of good health status. Significantly higher sickness absenteeism during the last 6 months was found among the exposed group. A significant adverse health effects, were recorded among exposed compared to control group as hair fall, musculoskeletal pain, pain in upper abdomen, constipation, decreased visual acuity, in addition to be easily agitated. During the last 30 days exposed group had significantly higher frequencies of GIT disturbances and common cold or infections in comparison to unexposed group. Results showed that the Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), absolute lymphocyte and monocyte counts were significantly lower while relative basophils % was significantly higher among exposed in comparison to unexposed group (although all parameters were within normal range in both groups). Conclusion and recommendations: Chronic exposure to IR -even in small dose- may lead to significant health complains (adverse health effects) and may affect general health status among exposed group compared to the control one. Personal monitoring for ionizing radiation, periodic medical examination, and increasing level of protection for exposed workers are of utmost importance.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"589-604"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49666349","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 : 2020-04-01DOI: 10.21608/ejom.2020.109590
A Kasemy, A. Sakr, A Elbasyouny, M. Eldalatony
Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence characterized by disturbances in bowel habits in the absence of known organic pathology. Psychological stress has been blamed to be a major factor leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Aim of work: To assess the prevalence and predictors of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among healthcare workers (HCWs) together with assessment of the psychological status of this affected cohorts. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out during the period from November 2018 to June 2019 at a tertiary care hospitals in an Egyptian governorate on 622 participants distributed as HCWs (No=402) working at the studied hospitals and a control group (No=220) visiting the Family Medicine outpatient clinic at the same hospitals. A questionnaire including Rome III diagnostic criteria had been administered to the studied groups. Regarding the psychiatric state of the studied participants, the Arabic version of Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMA) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale were used. Results: The study showed that the prevalence of IBS was 14.4% among HCWs vs. 8.8% among controls. Regarding awareness of IBS, 73.4% of HCWs reported awareness vs. 23% among controls but regarding misconception of IBS, it was reported among 32.3% of controls vs. 17.7% among HCWs. . Regarding psychiatric status, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and mixed-status; the study reported higher percentage among IBS patients P<0.001. Logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of sex, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, working hours and specialty on the likelihood that participants who have IBS and it was statistically significant, χ2= 75.15, p < 0.001. The model correctly classified 87.6% of cases. HCWs suffering from emotional stress or depression were 2 and 3 times respectively more likely to exhibit IBS. Conclusion: IBS was more prevalent among HCWs together with psychiatric disorders giving high priority to in-depth analysis of the work environment to stand on all factors and finding a solution to this critical problem.
肠易激综合征(IBS)是一种全球流行的功能性胃肠道疾病，其特征是在没有已知器质性病理的情况下排便习惯紊乱。心理压力一直被认为是导致胃肠道症状的主要因素。工作目的:评估卫生保健工作者(HCWs)中肠易激综合征(IBS)的患病率和预测因素，并评估受影响人群的心理状态。材料和方法:2018年11月至2019年6月，在埃及某省的一家三级医疗医院开展了一项回顾性队列研究，研究对象为在所研究医院工作的622名卫生保健员(编号402)和在同一家医院的家庭医学门诊就诊的对照组(编号220)。对研究组进行了包括罗马III诊断标准的问卷调查。研究对象的精神状态采用阿拉伯语版Taylor显性焦虑量表(TMA)和Beck抑郁量表(BDI)。结果:研究显示，卫生保健工作者肠易激综合征患病率为14.4%，对照组为8.8%。在IBS的认知方面，73.4%的卫生保健工作者对IBS的认知有所了解，对照组为23%;但在IBS的误解方面，对照组为32.3%，卫生保健工作者为17.7%。关于精神状态、情绪紧张、焦虑、抑郁和混合状态;研究报告肠易激综合征患者的比例更高P<0.001。通过Logistic回归确定性别、情绪压力、焦虑、抑郁、工作时间和专业对IBS发生可能性的影响，差异有统计学意义，χ2= 75.15, p < 0.001。该模型对87.6%的病例进行了正确分类。患有情绪压力或抑郁的医护人员表现为肠易激综合征的可能性分别高出2倍和3倍。结论:IBS与精神疾病在卫生保健工作者中更为普遍，应优先对工作环境进行深入分析，站在所有因素的立场上，找到解决这一关键问题的方法。
{"title":"Psychological Status and Irritable Bowel Syndrome among Healthcare Workers","authors":"A Kasemy, A. Sakr, A Elbasyouny, M. Eldalatony","doi":"10.21608/ejom.2020.109590","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2020.109590","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with a global prevalence characterized by disturbances in bowel habits in the absence of known organic pathology. Psychological stress has been blamed to be a major factor leading to gastrointestinal symptoms. Aim of work: To assess the prevalence and predictors of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) among healthcare workers (HCWs) together with assessment of the psychological status of this affected cohorts. Materials and methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out during the period from November 2018 to June 2019 at a tertiary care hospitals in an Egyptian governorate on 622 participants distributed as HCWs (No=402) working at the studied hospitals and a control group (No=220) visiting the Family Medicine outpatient clinic at the same hospitals. A questionnaire including Rome III diagnostic criteria had been administered to the studied groups. Regarding the psychiatric state of the studied participants, the Arabic version of Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale (TMA) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scale were used. Results: The study showed that the prevalence of IBS was 14.4% among HCWs vs. 8.8% among controls. Regarding awareness of IBS, 73.4% of HCWs reported awareness vs. 23% among controls but regarding misconception of IBS, it was reported among 32.3% of controls vs. 17.7% among HCWs. . Regarding psychiatric status, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, and mixed-status; the study reported higher percentage among IBS patients P<0.001. Logistic regression was performed to ascertain the effects of sex, emotional stress, anxiety, depression, working hours and specialty on the likelihood that participants who have IBS and it was statistically significant, χ2= 75.15, p < 0.001. The model correctly classified 87.6% of cases. HCWs suffering from emotional stress or depression were 2 and 3 times respectively more likely to exhibit IBS. Conclusion: IBS was more prevalent among HCWs together with psychiatric disorders giving high priority to in-depth analysis of the work environment to stand on all factors and finding a solution to this critical problem.","PeriodicalId":92893,"journal":{"name":"Egyptian journal of occupational medicine","volume":"44 1","pages":"605-620"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2020-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42236049","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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