The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG MEDICAL AND LAW STUDENTS IN MANSOURA, EGYPT11366510.21608/ejom.2009.665ENEl-Gilany H.Departments of Community Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura UniversityEl-Khawaga GDepartments of Community Medicine ,
Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura UniversityAmr M.Psychiatry ,Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura UniversityAwadalla N.Departments of Community Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura UniversityJournal Article20161109Objective: this study aims to determine whether there is a difference in the perceived stress levels between medical and law students in Mansoura University, Egypt. Method: This is a comparative study between Medical and law students, conducted during October to December 2007. The sample consisted of 283 medical and 277 law students selected through the cluster sampling method. A self-reported questionnaire was used which covered four categories including 15 items of sources of stress. Perceived stress scale and Hospital anxiety and depression scale were used to measure<br />stress, anxiety and depression. Results: Law students were more likely to cite personal,environmental and relationship categories as stressors. The top five stressors in medical students identified in this study were troubles with the instructors, excessive workload, problems with coursemates, close contact with serious illness and personal injury or<br />illness. The high level of preceived stress was reported by 20.1% and 41.2% of medical and law students, respectively. Independent predictors of stress among students were anxiety, depression and number of stressors. Conclusions: Stressors and stress are frequent among medical and law students. Counseling and preventive mental health<br />services should be an integral part of the routine clinical facilities caring for university studentsThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101ROAD TRAFFIC INJURIES IN SAUDI ARABIA, AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE WORKING POPULATION152466610.21608/ejom.2009.666ENElshinnawey M.Dept of Community and Occupational Medicine, Suez Canal University, EgyptFiala L.Dept of Community and Occupational Medicine, Suez Canal University, EgyptAbbas M.Dept of Community and Occupational Medicine, Suez Canal University, EgyptOthman N.Dept. of Statistics, Ministry of Health, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20161109This study aimed at describing the problem of Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs) in Saudi Arabia and their impact on the working population in terms of reduced productivity.Data on road traffic injuries and deaths were collected for the period of 1997 to 2002 and compared to population census during the same period. Potential Productive Years of Life Lost (PPYLL) was calculated. The total number of deaths due to RTIs was 21905 deaths and the total PPYLL due to RTIs was 459820.81. In all age groups, the losses in males were 1.91 to 8.52 times greater than in females, the differences were statistically significant. Both males and females showed an increasing trend of PPYLL for 20 – 29 years, 30 – 39 years, and 10 – 19 years old age groups. The increasing trend was more impressive in males. PPYLL average was 50000 years annually in the productive years of life in years 1997 to 2002, with about 33 % increase in 2002. RTIs are a major<br />health problem affecting all age groups; working population are more vulnerable due to commuting. Losses in productive years are more prominent and serious in productive age groups.The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101EFFECT OF EXERCISE ON VENTILATORY FUNCTION IN WELDERS253766710.21608/ejom.2009.667ENEl Batanony M.Department of Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo UniversitySalem Y.Fitness and Rehabilitation unit, Cairo UniversityEl-Nahas E.Cairo University HospitalsJournal Article20161109Objective: This study was conducted to clarify the effect of different types of exercises in improving ventilatory functions in welders. Methods: Sixty male welders, age rangedbetween 20-30 years, have been selected from Abu Al Yazid welding exhaust factory at 6th of October industrial area. Data of each case were collected from the medical examination<br />and Spirometric results to measure forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and maximum voluntary ventilation (MMV). Before the period of training the workers were classified randomly into three groups. First group was trained by arm exercise connected with breathing. Second group was trained by incentive<br />spirometer. Third group was trained by both arm exercise and incentive spirometer. The ventilatory function test was performed to each subject pre and after two months of training to mark out the values of FVC, FEV1, and MVV. Results: Results showed that breathing exercise programs improve ventilatory functions (FVC, FEV1, MVV) after<br />two months of training. Conclusion: The study supports the importance of arm exercise connected with breathing and incentive spirometer as a method of breathing exercise in improving the ventilatory functions in welders.The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101NECK – UPPER EXTREMITY MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG WORKERS IN EGYPTIAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANY AT MANSOURA CITY395466810.21608/ejom.2009.668ENEl-Bestar F.Community Medicine DepartmentKhashaba O.Community Medicine DepartmentEL-Mitwalli A.Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura UniversityJournal Article20161109The aim of this work was to study the prevalence of neck- upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), mainly carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), among video display terminal(VDT) users and to determine the association between CTS and occupational physical and psychosocial risk factors. A comparative cross- sectional study was conducted<br />upon (60) VDT users (at risk group) and a matched control group composed of (35) non-VDT users. The population studied was subjected to a structured questionnaire, clinical examination, and investigation in the form of electrophysiological studies and of neck X- ray. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence<br />of neck -upper extremity MSD during the past year between the two groups. The prevalence of CTS among the VDT users was 3.3% which was similar to that found in other studies. The mean age of CTS cases (58±1.4years) was statistically significantly higher than the symptom- free VDT users (45.8±4.6years). The physical work stressors<br />and psychosocial factors were more common among CTS cases compared to non-cases, however, the difference was not statistically significant. The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL COMPLAINTS AMONG DENTISTS IN SOME EGYPTIAN CITIES557166910.21608/ejom.2009.669ENHegazy A.Department of Community and Industrial Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar UniversityAwadalla J.Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Mansoura UniversityShenouda S.Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine,
Mansoura UniversityJournal Article20161109Background: Musculoskeletal complaints represent a significant occupational health issue in dentistry. In Egypt , data about the prevalence and risk factors of this problem are little. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints among dentists in some Egyptian cities ,evaluate the influence of personal<br />characteristics, physical and psychological risk factors at work and health status on the occurrence of MSK complaints and to detect the association between MSK complaints and other contributing factors in the development of sickness absence among dentists. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of 350 dentists in 3 cities of Egypt (Cairo , Al-mehalla El-kobra and El-mansoura).The questionnaire involved information on the respondent’s individual characteristics, job history, physical and psychosocial risk factors at work, general health status, and the<br />occurrence of musculoskeletal complaints.Results: Occupational neck and low-back pain were the most prevalent MSK complaintsamong dentists in the past 12 months in Egypt (75.1% and 58.5%, respectively). On the other hand low-back pain was the most prevalent chronic MSK complaints (11.4%) followed by chronic neck pain (7.4%). The occurrence of MSK pain was associated with at least one work- related physical load. Especially important was awkward<br />posture followed by improper workplace ergonomics, prolonged static posture, and repetitive movements .High job demands were associated with shoulder and hand/wrist complaints (OR= 2.26 and 2.17, respectively) . In this study, 27.4% of the respondents reported sickness absence . Chronic low-back pain was the only complaint that<br />increased the risk of sickness absence (OR= 4.83). BMI >30, age > 40 years, perceived moderate general health, need for recovery and basic education were significant contributing factors for sickness absence. Conclusions: MSK complaints are a significant occupational health problem among dentists in some Egyptian cities. Interaction of physical load, psychosocial load, general health conditions, and personal criteria in developing the MSK pain require integrated<br />preventive strategies to minimize their impacts.The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AMONG BUS DRIVERS738467010.21608/ejom.2009.670ENEl Safty A.Department of Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Faculty of Medicine,Cairo UniversitySamir A.Department of Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Faculty of Medicine,Cairo UniversityFayek E.NECTR ,Faculty of Medicine,Cairo UniversityShaker D.Department of Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Faculty of Medicine,Cairo UniversityJournal Article20161109Background: Every day thousands of people are killed or injured on our roads, leaving behind shattered families and communities. Current efforts to address road safety are incomparable to the growing human suffering. One of the most important risk factors for road traffic injuries, is drug abuse. Objectives: Our research team was assigned by one<br />of the largest factories in Egypt to address this problem after recording several accidents during 2007 year, and to determine the role of drugs as a causal factor in traffic crashes. Methods: All the bus drivers employed in this factory were enrolled in this study. A group of referents (n=20) were randomly taken from workers employed in the same<br />factory. Urine samples were collected in the presence of one of our paramedics. Drugs screened were the major drugs of abuse such as Cannabinoids (marijuana, hashish), Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium) and Barbiturates. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was conducted for opiates (morphine, codeine), amphetamines, cannabinoids, benzodiazepines and cocaine. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis (GCMS) was used for estimation of antidepressants, methadone, other analgesics and a number of anticonvulsants, benzodiazepines.Results: Thirty two specimens were analyzed. Metabolites of cannabis were the most commonly detected drugs and were found in 7 cases (21.8%), followed by benzodiazepines in 2 cases (6.3%) and opiates in 2 cases (6.3%). Thirteen Drivers (41.9%) had at least one accident per year. Also it was found that the incidence of car accidents is higher among younger age groups. There is a statistically significant positive association between smoking and drug abuse. Statistically significant positive<br />correlation was demonstrated between experiencing abnormal psychological behaviours and positive drug abuse. Conclusion: Drug usage found in the studied group of drivers was disturbingly high. The introduction of further initiatives to decrease the prevalence of drug use in motor vehicle drivers is required; however, a follow-up study is needed.<br />The magnitude of this problem has to be studied on a large scale. We recommend preemployment and periodic drug screening for all professional car drivers for safer work practice. Random urine screening for drugs, should also be carried out specially for those who drive on highways.The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101PERIPHERAL NERVE DYSFUNCTION AMONG WORKERS WITH LONG-TERM OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ORGANOPHOSPHATE PESTICIDES.8510267110.21608/ejom.2009.671ENEl-Helaly ME.Department of Community MedicineHazem M.Department of NeurologyMosad SM.Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical ToxicologyEl- Biomy AA.Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine. Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptJournal Article20161109A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess cholinesterase activity, study the work practices and investigate the prevalence of peripheral nerve dysfunction among workers with long-term exposure to Organophosphate pesticides (OP). The study was carried out on 36 Organophosphate sprayers with long-term exposure to Organophosphate and<br />20 controls unexposed to pesticides, from Dekernes, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt. All participant were submitted to general medical examination, neurological evaluation,nerve conduction study and electromyography. Plasma cholinesterase (AChE) level was estimated for both OP sprayers and the controls. Most of the OP sprayers<br />had practiced pesticide application with improper personal hygiene. OP sprayers had a statistically significant lower plasma AChE mean level (1548.9 ± 801.7 mU/ ml) compared to the controls (6751.7 ± 990.8 mU/ml). The study reported a higher prevalence of peripheral neuropathies among OP sprayers (38.9 %) in comparison to<br />the controls (5.0%) (P<0.01). However, most of the diagnosed neuropathies among the OP sprayers were subclinical neuropathies (78.6%) and possible neuropathies (21.4%).In conclusion, long-term occupational exposure to OP, was associated with subclinical and possible neuropathies, but not confirmed neuropathies .These results may reflect<br />an early stage of OP toxic effects on the peripheral nerves among Organophosphate sprayers due to chronic exposure.The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188133120090101RELATION BETWEEN ANEMIA AND BLOOD LEVELS OF LEAD, COPPER, ZINC AND IRON AMON CHILDREN10311767210.21608/ejom.2009.672ENHegazy AADepartment of Pediatric MedicineMorsy A.Department of Pediatric MedicineAbd Elsalam M.Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls,Al-Azhar UniverisityRAM S.Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls,Al-Azhar UniverisityZaher MM.Department of Community and Occupational Medicine,**Department of Pediatric MedicineJournal Article20161109Background: Anemia is a wide health problem among infants and children in many parts of the world, and is often associated with decreased some trace elements (iron, zinc, copper) and increased heavy metals as lead. Lead plumbing has contaminated drinking water for centuries and has contributed to elevated blood lead concentrations<br />in children.Objectives: This study was done to determine the association of blood lead level (BLL) above 10μg ⁄ dl to the increased risk of anemia of varying severity. It also aimed at investigating the relationship between anemia and the changes in - blood iron, zinc and copper levels.Measurement of lead level in drinking water was also considered being a known -source of exposure to lead.Subjects and methods: The study is a cross-sectional performed on 60 children from<br />the pediatric clinic in Al-Zhraa University hospital and special Pediatric clinic in a rural area. Venous blood samples were taken from the studied population for estimation of hematological parameters as well as iron and ferritin levels. The concentration of zinc, copper, and lead was measured in the serum using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer.<br />According to the level of hemoglobin, the studied population was divided into an anemic and a control group at a level more than 11g/dl .The anemic group was further classified into mild (Hb level 10-10.9 g ⁄dl ), moderate (Hb level 8-9.9 g ⁄dl) and severe (Hb level< 8g ∕dl) anemia. The studied subjects were also categorized into low (>10 μg/dl) and high (≥10 μg/dl) blood lead level groups.Results: Approximately 63.33% of the children had blood lead level more than and<br /> equal to 10μg/dl while only 36.67% of them had blood lead level less than 10μg/dl. At the blood lead level range of 10-20 μg/dl, significant association was obtained for mild and severe anemia. In children with anemia, the level of iron and ferritin were found to be significantly lower than those of the control groups (p value <0.001). However, other<br />elements (zinc and copper) did not show any statistically significant difference between the anemic and the control groups. Environmental assessment of the lead level in drinking water revealed the presence of levels higher than the permissible limit determined by the World Health Organization (WHO).Conclusion: Elevation of Lead level in drinking water might be one of the causes behind increased BLL in children with anemia. Active steps should therefore be taken<br />towards the control of lead pollution thus reducing the prevalence of anemia among children.