eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
455
470
10.21608/ejom.2020.67630
67630
ASSESSMENT OF BASIC LIFE SUPPORT KNOWLEDGE AMONG NURSING PROFESSIONALS
Zayed HA
1
Saied SM
2
Department of Occupational Medicine
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
Introduction: Basic life support (BLS) is an emergency method which includes identifying an arrest situation and starting immediate appropriate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedures to keep life till sufferers either recover or transported to a medical facility where advanced life support is existing. It is extremely vital that all nurses know regarding basic life support to save patients` lives. Aim of work: To assess the knowledge concerning Basic Life Support (BLS) among nursing professionals at Tanta University Hospitals. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of 6 months upon 510 randomly chosen nurses working in various Intensive Care Units (ICUs), Emergency Department and wards of Tanta University Hospitals using stratified sampling, a self-administered validated questionnaire was used to collect data. Results: The mean of total knowledge scores was 10.92 ± 3.73, about one third (33.92%) of nurses had adequate knowledge level. A significant association was found between participants` knowledge level and their academic qualification, place of current work, previous training on BLS and duration since the last training. About 42 % of studied nurses had previous BLS training. Trained nurses had significantly higher mean total knowledge score than untrained ones (12.99±3.27 vs. 9.37±3.27, p < 0.001). Conclusion and recommendations: The knowledge level of BLS was found to be inadequate among the majority of nursing staff working at Tanta University Hospitals. Regular in-service training and recertification of BLS competency are greatly recommended as well as rotating work schedule between ICUs, Emergency departments and other non emergency hospital wards.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67630_3c9af4f52bbc91e0dffdab0485f20fdd.pdf
Nursing knowledge
Basic life support
Knowledge level
Academic qualification and Training
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
471
484
10.21608/ejom.2020.67632
67632
ACUTE TOXICITY DUE TO OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO THE PLANT GROWTH REGULATOR HYDROGEN CYANAMIDE (CASE REPORT)
El Mahdy NM
1
Kharoub HS
2
National Egyptian Center of Environmental and Toxicological Research (NECTR), Cairo University
National Egyptian Center of Environmental and Toxicological Research (NECTR), Cairo University
Introduction: Pesticides are widely used throughout the world and around 1-5 million cases of pesticide poisoning are estimated annually among agricultural workers, most of them happens in developing countries. In the latter, the use of pesticides is about 20% of the total world consumption since 1980 and it has been increasing annually. Dermal exposure is the most relevant route of exposure for pesticide applicators. Dormex is a plant growth regulator with Hydrogen cyanamide (CH2N2) as an active ingredient. Despite its extensive use in agriculture, little is known about the health effects of exposure to hydrogen cyanamide. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) places hydrogen cyanamide, into the highest toxicity category (toxicity category I) because of its corrosive effects on the skin and eyes. In addition, it was experimentally proved that hydrogen cyanamide has systemic toxic effects on the liver, kidney and thyroid in addition to its effect on hemopoeitic system. Aim of work: The aim of this work is to provide awareness about the adverse health effects of hydrogen cyanamide. Case report: At Kasr Al Ainy hospital we reported a case of acute hydrogen cyanamide poisoning causing severe cutaneous reactions in a young male due to occupational exposure. The patient was managed under intensive care with supportive treatment as no specific antidote is available for this type of poisoning, and then the patient was referred to the dermatology department for management of skin injury that necessitated treatment for more than 2 months. Conclusion and recommendations: Rapid and aggressive management is crucial for cases of Dormex toxicity especially that there is no specific antidote for it. Lack of awareness of adverse health effects of hydrogen cyanamide and improper handling pose the risk of toxicity which can be prevented by taking appropriate precautionary measures against the exposure.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67632_31463613f8efee659016df79ead2f973.pdf
Pesticide poisoning
Developing countries
Hydrogen cyanamide
Dormex Occupational exposure and Cutaneous reactions
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
485
498
10.21608/ejom.2020.67768
67768
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AMONG SYMPTOMATIC SCHOOL TEACHERS ATTENDING UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Younis F
1
El-batanony M
2
Fotoh D
3
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine,
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine Unaizah College of Medicine, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia
Department of Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menoufia, Egypt,
Introduction: School teachers are prone to various occupational problems especially musculoskeletal disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) which may cause sick leave, absenteeism and early retirement leading to decreased productivity at work. In developing countries, a paucity of researches was done in this field. Aim of work: To assess the prevalence and the risk factors of CTS among symptomatic school teachers in Menoufia, Egypt. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study of symptomatic school teachers at the Physical Medicine, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation Department, Menoufia University Hospital from January to October 2018. A self-administered questionnaire including participants’ personal, occupational and pain information were used. Also, nerve conduction studies were done of both right and left median nerves including motor and sensory. Results: One hundred and eighty seven school teachers responded to the study. The prevalence of CTS was reported by 62% of symptomatic teacher. Both hands of CTS teachers had significantly higher mean latency and lower amplitude and nerve conduction velocity of motor and sensory nerve studies when compared to non CTS one. The severity of carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands of CTS teachers was mainly moderate grade. The CTS was significantly prevalent among female school teachers and primary or secondary level of school. A combination of risk factors: body mass index, school level, working duration, working hours per day and working computer hours per day; were found to be significantly associated with increasing CTS. Conclusion and recommendations: The symptomatic school teachers had high prevalence of CTS which is affecting their work and education system as a whole. An implement intervention programs is needed by the higher authorities to address this issue. An adequate care, ergonomic rules and exercise program have to be recommended so as to alleviate this disorder.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67768_491a055673498e77cacfe0f958ac8314.pdf
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
School teachers
Risk factors and Nerve conduction
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
499
512
10.21608/ejom.2020.67769
67769
IMPACT OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS ON MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH IN COAL TAR WORKERS
Mansour NA
1
Anis MT
2
Soror KM
3
Mohamed RS
4
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Department of Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Sexual Transmitted Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Introduction: It’s well known that exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increasesthe risk of cancer; however less is known about their adverse effects on male reproductive health. Aim of work: To assess the effects of occupational exposure to PAHs on male reproductive health in a company for coke production. Materials and methods: A cross sectional comparative study was performed on an exposed group of coal tar workers (No=45) and a matched control group (No=45). Personal interview with specially designed questionnaire and standardized self-completed questionnaire was done to assess the erectile dysfunction. Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH Pyrene) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) in addition to reproductive hormones and semen analysis were assessed. Results: The study revealed a statistically significant increase in the level of 1-OHpyrene,MDA and estradiol ratio among the exposed group with Mean ±SD 8.42±3.61, 11.95±7.29, 7.89±3.45 vs 3.14±3.51, 2.44±1.61, 6.59±2.21 respectively among the controls with p < 0.05. As for reproductive hormones, no statistical significant differences were found between both groups. Erectile dysfunction score showed significant prevalence of moderate (28.9%) and severe (26.7%) grades of erectile dysfunction among the exposed group vs 11.1% and 8.9% respectively among the control (p<0.05). By doing Liner regression analysis, it was found that Testosterone and Estradiol ratio were the predictors for erectile dysfunction score (β=0.96 and 0.86 respectively) (p<0.05).Concerning semen analysis, there was a statistically significant decrease in the seminal fluid volume, semen concentration and sperm motility (grade B) with increase of pus cells among exposedgroup compared to the control group (p<0.05) while no significant difference for other semen parameter. A significant positive correlation was found between 1-OHpyrene and MDA (r =0.63, p<0.001), while no significant correlation was found between 1-OHpyrene, MDA on one side and reproductive hormones on the other side (p>0.05). Conclusion and recommendations: The adversehealth effect on the male reproductive system in the current study might be one of the hazards that can be attributed to occupational exposure to PAHs in coal tar workers. Regular wearing of good quality personal protective equipment, especially masks and gloves is highly recommended to decreaseexposure to PAH in addition to screening with urinary 1-OH pyrene and serum MDA levels.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67769_f08d18b59f244bb4a52bff391cc7b045.pdf
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Malondialdehyde (MDA)
1-Hydroxypyrene
(1-OHpyrene)
Semen analysis and Reproductive health
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
513
528
10.21608/ejom.2020.67770
67770
EFFECTS OF SHIFT WORK ON DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRIENTS INTAKE OF SECURITY GUARDS
Abdel Hamied AM
1
Elhadidy SS
2
El-Sabakhawi DH
3
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Department of Field and Research Studies, NationalNutrition Institute, Cairo, Egypt
Introduction: Shift work means working at times out of normal daylight hours (8:00 am to 2:00 pm) or work during the weekends. Also it refers to a work schedule that involves irregular or unusual hours, such as night work and rotating shift work, in contrast to normal daytime work. Shift workers prefer to eat fast foods and tend to have fewer meals over 24 hours. Security guards experience shifts that negatively affect their dietary behavior and nutritional status. Aim of work: To assess the effect of shift work on dietary habits and nutrients intake among the security guards at Mansoura University. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study of all (166) security guards at Mansoura University who were exposed to an interviewer–administrated questionnaire for socio-demographic data and occupational history, anthropometric measurement, evaluation of dietary habits and dietary survey. Results: Mean±SD of Body Mass Index (BMI) (34.6±8.8) and waist circumference (105.1±15.9 cm) were statistically significantly higher among night shift guards than those with other shifts. Number of meals was statistically significantly fewer (2 meals/day) but snacks number was significantly higher (> 3 snacks/day) among night shift guards. Night shift guards had the highest daily carbohydrate and fat intake and lowest daily protein intake with a statistically significant difference with other shifts. They also had the lowest daily intake of iron, calcium and vitamin. Conclusion: Security guards with night shift experienced few meals intake with more snacks during their shift with reduced intake of protein, iron, calcium and vitamin A and with increased carbohydrate and fat intake.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67770_4fb10ffd07e03aec6443dc15087a49d6.pdf
Security workers
Dietary habits
Nutrients
Vitamins and Shift work
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
529
544
10.21608/ejom.2020.67771
67771
ASSESSMENT OF AWARENESS AND PRACTICE OF IONIZING RADIATION PROTECTION PROCEDURES AMONG EXPOSED HEALTH CARE WORKERS
Salah Eldeen NG
1
Farouk SA
2
Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine
Department of Nuclear Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Egypt.
Introduction: Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation is the result of exposure at work sites for diagnostic and therapeutic practices. Ionizing radiation is an energy type in the form of electromagnetic waves or particles. Radiographic imaging is extremely valuable as a diagnostic tool in medical fields leading to different health hazards to health care workers (HCWs) and to the surrounding environment if safety measures are not observed. Aim of work: To assess awareness and practice of ionizing radiation protection procedures among (HCWs) occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation at Zagazig University Hospitals. Materials and methods: All HCWs (technicians, nurses, physicians, and physicists) occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in diagnostic radiology (DR) department, Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine (CO&NM) department, and Nuclear Medicine (NM) unit who accepted to share in the study were included as study population (No=195). A cross-sectional study was carried out at the previous departments in Zagazig University Hospitals. A self-administered, structured questionnaire composed of three sections, A, B and C was the study tool. Section A comprised questions regarding demographic data, section B included questions about awareness of radiation protection procedures, and section C was composed of questions about safe practices of HCWs regarding ionizing radiation exposures. Results: The study revealed that satisfactory awareness of radiation protection procedures among HCWs in the three departments was (51.3 %) with no statistically significant difference between different radiation units. But HCWs had inadequate practice score (18%) regarding the use of safety measures of radiation exposure. Satisfactory awareness of radiation protection procedures of exposed workers was highly significantly associated with higher educational level (44.2%), years of experience ≥ 10 years (36.8 %), being a physician (73.7%) and getting training courses (61.1%). Also, adequate practice of radiation protection procedures among exposed workers was found to be highly significantly associated with higher educational level (74.3%), years of experience ≥ 10 years (68.6%), being a physician (80.0%) and getting training courses (71.4%). Conclusion: satisfactory awareness about radiation protection procedures among exposed HCWs was noted while inadequate practices of radiation protection procedures in the workplace were found.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67771_29b5608831ba8c0c532f90a8d82fe845.pdf
Ionizing radiation
Radiation Hazards
Radiation Protection Procedures
Awareness and Personal Protective Equipments
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
545
562
10.21608/ejom.2020.67772
67772
CARDIOVASCULAR AND HORMONAL DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS OCCUPATIONALLY-EXPOSED TO NOISE
Khalifa EM
1
Shehata RA RA
2
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
Introduction: Noise exposure is a common risk factor for many health adverse effects like hearing impairment, cardiovascular diseases and psychosocial dysfunction. Hypercholesterolemia is suspected to be the main factor for the pathogenesis of prolonged noise-associated cardiovascular extra-auditory effects of occupationally-induced noise. Occupational stress and noise exposure were associated with lowering of total and free testosterone in active male workers which in turn was considered as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, obesity and many other diseases causing overall mortality. Aim of work: To evaluate the environmental measurement of occupational noise intensity at different units of concrete pipes industry and to assess the effect of occupational noise exposure (either auditory or extra-auditory) on the exposed workers with emphasis on cardiovascular symptoms, serum cholesterol and testosterone levels. Materials and methods: A comparative cross sectional is conducted upon 105 male workers in a company for reinforced concrete pipes at Cairo, Egypt. The study group ages ranged from 24- 60 years. Duration of work ranged from 2- 40 years. The workers are classified into two groups: group (A): 52 workers who are exposed to high level noise ≥ 85dB, and group (B): 53 workers who are exposed to low level noise < 85dB.Both groups were interviewed using specially designed questionnaire with emphasis on occupational history ,cardiac history ,history of hearing impairment and sleep disturbances .Clinical (general and systemic) examination was done. Laboratory investigations were performed including serum total cholesterol level, total and free serum testosterone levels. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was significantly higher among workers exposed to noise level above 85dBA (61.5% ) as well as the prevalence of cardiac symptoms as palpitation , ischemic heart diseases and history of catheterization were significantly higher among workers from group (A) (53.8%, 40.4% and 15.4% respectively). The levels of total serum cholesterol were significantly higher among workers exposed to noise levels above 85dBA (odds Ratio = 17.6) while total and free testosterone were significantly lower among the same group. Conclusion: The current study revealed that exposure to chronic occupational noise above 85dBA was associated with hypercholesterolemia that leads in turn to cardiovascular disorders and also associated with low levels of serum testosterone hormone.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67772_138d8ee716c091120e874eaed3e832d8.pdf
Occupational noise
Serum cholesterol
Serum testosterone and cardiovascular disorders
eng
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
2020-01-01
44
1
563
576
10.21608/ejom.2020.67773
67773
SOME LABORATORY PARAMETERS AND EPIGENETIC TESTING AMONG PRINTING WORKERS
El-Saka SF
1
Abou-ElWafa HS
2
Neamatallah MA
3
Elbestar SF
4
Al-Wehedy A
5
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine
Introduction: Printing workers are exposed to a variety of chemicals e.g. solvents, ink, that could exert potential health effects. Aim of work: to study some selected biochemical, hematological parameters, and epigenetic changes of four genes among Mansoura University Printing Press (MUPP) workers. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 workers in (MUPP) and 50 administrative employees from January 1 to June 30, 2018. A questionnaire was used to study socio-demographic profile and some occupational characteristics, use of personal protection on duty, and hand hygiene facilities. Complete blood picture, some kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid) and some liver function tests (serum albumin, bilirubin, and liver enzymes), and promoter regions methylation of four genes (P15, iNOS, CYP2E1, MAGE1) were investigated. Results: Both groups had nearly similar blood count. Printing workers had significantly higher serum creatinine (p≤0.001), uric acid (p=0.02), and liver enzymes (p≤0.001) however significantly lower serum albumin (p=0.04). Promoter regions methylation among printing workers was significantly higher for P15, iNOS, and CYP2E1 genes and MAGE1 promoter region un-methylation. There was no statistically significant association of promoter region methylation of P15 and iNOS genes with any of the socio-demographic and occupational characters of the studied groups. However, association between chemical exposure with methylation of CYP2E1 promoter region and association between age, duration of employment, and chemical exposure with un-methylation of MAGE1 promoter region were significant. Conclusion: Printing workers showed disorder of several laboratory parameters and some sort of promoter region methylation of studied genes in the form of significantly higher serum creatinine, uric acid, and liver enzymes while significantly lower serum albumin. They had significantly higher promoter regions methylation for P15, iNOS, and and MAGE1 promoter region un-methylation.
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_67773_33ddcdbfb0a9644b09a9ea7f575a9060.pdf
Printing workers
Solvent
Liver and kidney functions
Epigenetic
CYP2E1 genes and MAGE1 promoter