PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTOR OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AMONG WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Abdellah
RF
Department of Community, Environment and Occupational Medicine
author
Morsy
KM
Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
author
Elshaboury
I
Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: In terms of lost-work time, restricted workdays and rehabilitation, one of the most costly occupational musculoskeletal disorders is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Aim of work: determination of CTS prevalence and evaluation of some personal and occupational risk factors among construction workers. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 116 cases were enrolled. A questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic data, and occupational history. CTS was assessed by symptoms on the Katz hand diagram and physical examination. Phalen’s test was done for all participants. Results: According to this study, the prevalence of CTS was 27.6% among workers in construction industry. The rate of CTS was significantly higher among electricians than in other workers (P < 0.05). The risk of developing CTS increase with age ≥ 30 years and work duration ≥ 5 years. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that construction workers are at an increased risk of CTS, so awareness should be raised and interventions should specifically target this risk group.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
1
13
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_828_41b36784dd6e631702ae2c8636490432.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.828
THE INTERVENTIONAL EFFECT OF COMBINED REDUCING OCCUPATIONAL UPPER EXTREMITY USE AND PNEUMATIC PUMP ON BREAST CANCER RELATED LYMPHEDEMA
Mansour
N
Department Of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
author
Kahla
Z
Department Of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University
author
Ewies
M
Physical Therapist, National Cancer Institute, Egypt
author
text
article
2016
eng
Background: Breast cancer related lymphedema (BCRL) treatment continues to be a distressing and frequent problem. Aim of Work: To detect the relation between the level of hand use in different occupation and both the grade and stage of BCRL and to determine whether the combined effect of decreased occupational work load of the upper extremities and the use of pneumatic compression pumps could manage BCRL effectively. Materials and Methods: 68 patients with BCRL were selected. Age, body mass index (BMI), history of infection, lymphedema grade and stage, sequential circumferential arm measurements, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), handgrip strength were assessed. All patients underwent pneumatic compression pumping for 3 months combined with changing in their level of hand use. Results: Before intervention, the grades and stages of lymphedema showed statistically significant differences among the different occupational groups (p< 0.05). After applying our interventional measures, statistical significant decrease was detected regarding the VAS and significant increase in right hand grip was observed among one group while the difference of sequential circumferential measurements showed decrease in their values but not to the significant level. Conclusion: Occupations requiring more upper extremity activity had the worst lymphedema clinical grade and stage status. More researches are needed to support our findings and to assess the combined effect of decreased occupational work load of the upper extremities and the use of pneumatic compression pumps.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
15
35
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_829_d45ece52319e9e64627c4ce69cf0d479.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.829
OVERVIEW AND CURRENT SITUATION OF OCCUPATIONAL MEDICINE IN EGYPT
Zawilla
N H
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
author
text
article
2016
eng
Occupational Medicine (OM) is the area of preventive medicine that focuses on the relationships among the health of workers, the ability to perform work, the arrangements of work, and the physical, chemical, and social environments of the workplace. Practitioners in this field recognize that work and the environment in which work is performed can have favorable or adverse effects on the health of workers as well as on that of other populations.In Egypt, the safety and health of workers has been a legal matter of concern since the beginning of the last century. Recently this concern has been increased especially with the inspiration and remit from the newly approved Constitution of Egypt. Article 18 of the Constitution sets a measurable target for health sector investment by stating that government health expenditure be increased to at least 3% of gross domestic product (GDP).In Egypt occupational medicine continues to be one of medicine’s smallest specialties facing challenges in terms of demand for consultants and trainees in occupational health and safety practice. The decline in the number of occupational physicians is surprising when occupational health is such an important aspect of health. Occupational injuries and illnesses are among the five leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Indeed, occupational physicians practice within the framework of a seriously flawed workers’ compensation system. Enormous political and economic pressures from employers, insurers, and business organizations have made the workers’ compensation system malfunction. Workers’ compensation should be drastically revamped to restore its integrity. As physicians concerned with providing worker patients an independent, objective medical service free from perverse economic incentives and employer pressures, we need to work to see that it happens.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
37
60
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_830_e80c0eaa3d1429ee0de826167a420fda.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.830
EFFECT OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING VERSUS RESISTANCE TRAINING ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY ON PATIENTS WITH FATTY LIVER DISEASES ( PART I)
Badr
NM
Department for Cardiovascular / Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy
author
El-Sayed
SH
Department for Cardiovascular / Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy
author
El Batanony
MM
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , Cairo University
author
Attia
DI
Department of Tropical Medicine Faculty of Medicine ,Beny Sueif University
author
Ali
HM
Department of Fitness and Rehabilitation Unit, Cairo University Hospitals
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Patients with fatty liver disease complain from fatigue and have decrease quality of life. Life change behaviors as diet and exercise are the most important recommendation from therapists. However little is known about type and intensity of exercise which is beneficial in fatty liver diseases management. Aim of work: To assess the effect of high intensity interval training compared to resistance training on quality of life and six minute walk distance in fatty liver disease patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty one female patients with fatty liver disease were assigned to supervise high intensity interval training (HIIT) or resistance training (RT) for eight weeks, paired t test was used for statistical comparison. Results: The results showed that both types of exercise improved quality of life and six minute walk distance significantly, but HIIT was superior to RT in improving Body Mass Index (BMI), 6 minutes walk distance (6MWD) and Chronic liver disease questionnaire (CLDQ). Conclusion: So, it can be concluded that high intensity interval training was more appropriate than resisted exercise training in improving quality of life and six minute walk distance in fatty liver disease patients.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
61
70
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_831_d34a391d2110e993ffe774db5bb9203e.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.831
EFFECT OF HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL TRAINING VERSUS RESISTANCE TRAINING ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY ON PATIENTS WITH FATTY LIVER DISEASES (PART II)
Badr
NM
Department for Cardiovascular / Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy
author
El-Sayed
SH
Department for Cardiovascular / Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy
author
El Batanony
MM
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine ,Cairo University
author
Attia
DI
Department of Tropical Medicine Faculty of Medicine , Beny Sueif University
author
Ali
HM
Department of Fitness and Rehabilitation Unit, Cairo University Hospitals
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Obesity and physical inactivity are independent risk factors for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aim of Work: To assess the effect of high intensity interval training compared to resistance training on blood lipid and hepatic enzyme concentration in women in fatty liver disease patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty one female patients with fatty liver disease were assigned to supervise high intensity interval training or resistance training for eight weeks, paired t test was used for statistical comparison. Results: The results showed that both types of exercise improved blood lipid significantly and observed improvement in hepatic enzyme, but there was no significant difference between the groups after treatment. Conclusion: So, it can be concluded that both high intensity exercise training and resisted exercise training are appropriate in fatty liver disease patient. Introduction: Obesity and physical inactivity are independent risk factors for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aim of Work: To assess the effect of high intensity interval training compared to resistance training on blood lipid and hepatic enzyme concentration in women in fatty liver disease patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty one female patients with fatty liver disease were assigned to supervise high intensity interval training or resistance training for eight weeks, paired t test was used for statistical comparison. Results: The results showed that both types of exercise improved blood lipid significantly and observed improvement in hepatic enzyme, but there was no significant difference between the groups after treatment. Conclusion: So, it can be concluded that both high intensity exercise training and resisted exercise training are appropriate in fatty liver disease patient.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
71
82
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_832_06aa2231105e4a69f0353b53799bd650.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.832
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF WORK RELATED OCULAR INJURIES IN A TERTIARY HOSPITAL, EGYPT
Salem
EA
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine
author
Hegazy
MM
Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology,Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Egypt.
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Ocular trauma is a major cause of visual impairment and morbidity worldwide. Aim of work: This study aimed to use discharge records of a tertiary hospital in Egypt to analyze the patterns of work related ocular injuries and prospectively document safety advice. Materials and Methods: Hospital-based, retrospective study conducted on admitted cases of work related ocular injuries in Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt over a period of two years from January 2012 to December 2013. A total of 160 patients of ocular trauma were included. Demographic data, cause and type of injury were recorded as well as visual outcome was assessed. Results: Work related ocular injuries constituted (38.5%) of all admitted cases of eye injury in the Ophthalmic department in the hospital. Most of the injuries that occur appear to be relatively minor and most involve foreign bodies on the eye (46.1%). The majority had good final visual acuity outcomes. Eye injuries were predominant in construction workers (23.1%) followed by factory workers (21.9%) and farmers (19.4%). Grinding and drilling are the two most common tasks being performed when an eye injury developed. Deficient protective measures in workplaces seem to be the major cause of ocular injury. Conclusion: Work related eye injuries remain an important problem. Deficient protective measures in workplaces seem to be the major cause of ocular injury. It can be assumed that health education, as well as application of safety measures and regulations, will significantly reduce the incidence of work related eye injuries.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
83
94
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_833_7b0368e93cb4cba467cc7ed78d83ed17.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.833
FORMALDEHYDE HEALTH HAZARDS AND ITS PRECARCINOGENIC EFFECTS
Zayet
HH
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
author
Lotfy
BM
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
author
Sabry
DA
Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
author
Mohamed
OE
Human Cytogenetics, National Research Center
author
Said
RM
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Formaldehyde (FA) is a high-production-volume chemical with a wide array of uses. Recently, it was re-evaluated for its carcinogenic effects and reclassified as humans carcinogen (Group 1) based on sufficient evidence in human and experimental animal studies. Aim of the work: to evaluate the pre-carcinogenic effects of formaldehyde among medical personnel in The Histopathology Laboratory. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in histopathology laboratory including 30 workers occupationally exposed to formaldehyde and 29 persons matching with the exposed group for age, sex and socioeconomic status with no history of occupational exposure to formaldehyde. A questionnaire was done including inquiries about age, sex, occupational history and special habits. All participants were subjected to the following laboratory investigations: measuring DNA protein crosslink (DPC) and protein 53 (p53) both mutant and wild type. Results: This study shows statistically significant increase in symptoms and signs of respiratory and eye and skin irritation with significant increase of DPC and p53 wild and mutant types as pre carcinogenic effects of formaldehyde. Conclusion: The studied group in the histopathology laboratory was exposed to formaldehyde level above the exposure limits recommended by NIOSH, ACGIH and OSHA with adverse health effects in the form of increase in DPC and p53 (wild and mutant types) which are considered to play an important role in the carcinogenesis of FA.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
95
108
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_834_88e8119f1e2a875cacf3330ae3cbd156.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.834
OXIDATIVE DNA DAMAGE AND MODULATION OF P53 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR GENE AS POSSIBLE MECHANISMS OF CHROMIUM CARCINOGENICITY (PART II)
Abd-El Maksoud
NA
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
author
Zawilla
NH
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
author
Taha
FM
Department of Medical Biochemistry,
Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University
author
Seif Eldin
AS
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Chromium, like many transition metal elements, is essential for life at low concentrations yet toxic to many systems at higher concentrations.Toxic effects of chromium can be classified into sensitizing, caustic and carcinogenic effects. Chromium is one of the best known sensitizing agents; it causes allergic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and occupational asthma. There is sufficient evidence of the carcinogenicity of various chromium compounds in humans encountered via inhalation in industrial applications. Aim of Work: To assess the health effects and carcinogenic potential of chromium exposure in tannery workers with special emphasis on the different job categories for better and detailed evaluation of adverse effects and for more targeted efforts of safety and prevention. Materials and Methods: This work was carried out in twelve small-to medium-sized tanneries, in Misr Al Kadema district in Cairo. The study comprised of two groups, an exposed group (45 male workers) and a matched control group (30 male workers). Equal number of workers (15 workers) representing the different industrial stages of the tanning process were studied in three subgroups of exposed workers, named as preparation, tanning and finishing subgroups. All workers were subjected to a detailed history including present, past, family and occupational history. Clinical examination was performed with special emphasis on chest and skin examination. Laboratory investigations were performed in the form of kidney function test (blood urea and serum creatinine), blood level of Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC), P53 and chromium. Also, urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) was done. Results: A significant increase of chromium level coupled with a significant decrease of TAC was found in the tanning subgroup of exposed workers. However, there was non-significant difference as regards p53 and urinary 8-OHG between the three subgroups. Conclusion: Our results revealed that workers in the tanning job category have increased level of blood chromium, and this increase is associated with oxidative stress damage especially oxidative DNA damage reflected by significant decrement of TAC serum level and increase ( non significant) in urinary 8-OHG.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
109
127
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_835_3cc2d894f64d59a0b1839679ea7fc6b8.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.835
IMPACT OF DIABETES MELLITUS ON WORK PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Wali
H
Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University
author
Hassan
OM
Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University
author
Eldesouky
RS
Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University
author
Abdel Wahab
SM
Department of Community and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University
author
Ibrahim
MM
Senior of Occupational physicians in Orascom Construction Industries, Egypt
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is the eleventh most important cause of premature mortality in Egypt and is one of the most prevalent and costly chronic disease conditions in Egypt, it is associated with a profound negative impact on workers’ productivity. Aim of Work: To assess the impact of diabetes on the productivity of the workers in construction industry. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 34 diabetic workers in construction industry and 34 healthy workers from the same site. Health and performance questionnaire (HPQ) was used. In addition, some questions about socio-demographic characteristics, medical and occupational characteristics. Investigations were done including: fasting and post prandial blood sugar, HbA1c, liver and renal functions, body mass index (weight / hight²) were calculated, 34 workers were chosen as a control group and were matched for socio demographic and occupational characteristics. Results: work days lost due to DM/month ranging from 0-12 and partial loss of work days due to DM/month was 0-3 ,a statistically significant difference between diabetics and controls (where controls were better than diabetic workers) regarding work performance of an average worker, total score of work performance and percentage of total score (P0.05). There was no significant difference between mean value of days lost due to DM and that of days lost due to other reasons (P>0.05). Conclusion: our results provide evidence for a negative impact of diabetes on work productivity among construction workers in Egypt due to increased time loss, increased absenteeism (either partial or total work days loss), yet, the increased performance by the diabetic workers compensated for that loss. Further studies are recommended to explore the consequences of diabetes on work place and to suggest the interventions.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
129
143
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_836_72908e2d483ca947467f94b35513cf4b.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.836
IMMUNE AND NEUROENDOCRINE ALTERATIONS IN LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING RACE
El-Shamra
GS
Department of Biological Science & Sports Health Faculty of Physical Education for Girls, Helwan University
author
Darwish
FA
Department of Biological Science & Sports Health Faculty of Physical Education for Girls, Helwan University
author
text
article
2016
eng
Introduction: Long-distance running race is a stressful event that can significantly affect virtually any of the physiologic systems of runners. More recently evidence has been mounting to support the long-distance running perception that athletes are susceptible to certain illness during intense training and major competition. Aim of Work: To focus on the immune function and neuroendocrine parameters response to prolonged (90 min) and intensive endurance running. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 male children runners (13.51 ± 1.29 years) 0h, 1hour, after the race. Complete blood count, secretion of cytokines in mitogen-activated cell culture and plasma, plasma concentration of β-endorphin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and growth hormone (GH) were analyzed. Results: Significant increase in granulocyte and monocytes (MID-cell) count and lymphopenia were seen immediately after the race. Secretion of interleukin2 (IL-2) and interferon (IFN-γ) significantly declined at 0h and 1h after the running. Secretion of Tumor Necosis Factor (TNF-α) declined at 0h & remained suppressed until 1hours. Suppression in the secretion of (IL-1β) was observed at 1hour. Activated secretion of (IL-6) decreased after 1hours. Peak concentrations of ACTH, cortisol, β-endorphin, and GH were registered after the race (0 &1h). Conclusion: We co-ncluded that long-distance running race associated stress factors can alter physiologic balan-ce of cell-mediated versus humoral and anti-inflammatory versus proinflammatory cytokin-es. Results suggest that hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenocortical axis hormones played a sign-ificant role in the regulation of the observed changes. This information may be beneficial for development of new stress countermeasures to preserve wellness in subjects undergoing intensive physiological stress.
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
1110-1881
40
v.
1
no.
2016
145
159
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_837_05335fdc841d55f22ded3b9067cf6f1c.pdf
dx.doi.org/10.21608/ejom.2016.837