@article { author = {F., Helal and A., Rashed}, title = {SOME BIOLOGICAL HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {119-130}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.673}, abstract = {Objectives: The current work aimed at assessment of biological hazards among workers of sewer networks.Subjects: The work was conducted on 34 male workers involved in the maintenance of the sewerage system network and a matched unexposed control group (n= 35).Methods: (A) All workers were interviewed using a special questionnaire including occupational history ; and full clinical examination was performed. (B) Detection of HAV and HBV (C) Detection of leptospira spirochete antibodies in serum sample using monoclonal antibody technique. (D) Detection of leptospira spirochete in stool by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). (E) Detection of Helicobacter Pylori in blood sampleby Ig G.Results: We found that there were statistically significant differences between the exposed and the control groups as regards the presence of chronic infection with HAV and Helicobacter and of leptospira spirochete and the presence of abdominal pain and body aches. There was no statistically significant difference between sewage workers <20 years duration of exposure and those > 20 years as regards HAV, HBV, Helicobacter and a statistically significant difference between both groups as regards leptospira spirocheteinfection.Conclusion: There were statistically significant differences between the exposed and the control groups as regards the presence of chronic infection with HAV and Helicobacter and of leptospira spirochete and the presence of abdominal pain and body aches.Recommendation: Biological hazards could be prevented through engineering, medical and legislative measures. The medical measures will help in early detection of the effects of these exposures. This can be partly achieved by developing an effectiveoccupational health service for the workers. Regular awareness programs should be conducted to impart knowledge regarding safer work procedures, the use of personal protective devices and to avoid direct contact with raw sewage. For pipeline or other inspections, remote-controlled robotic cameras can minimize human exposure. }, keywords = {HAV,HBV,Helicobacter pylori,leptospirosis,Biological hazards}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_673.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_673_595a8e63a1bb58c637411e0c687f047f.pdf} } @article { author = {A., Salem and A., Al-Batanony and M., Hegazy and M., Ahmed}, title = {DRUG ABUSE AMONG WORKERS ADMITTED TO MENOUFIYA POISONING AND ADDICTION CONTROL CENTER}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {131-142}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.674}, abstract = {  Background: Drug or substance abuse reefers to the use of illicit (illegal) drugs and to the misuse of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. It is recognized as a serious risk to the health and safety of the user. Screening for substance abuse in workers is very important in the field of prevention and management of the problem of drug abuse. Objectives:This work aims at studying drug abuse among workers admitted to Menoufiya Poisoning and Addiction Control Center to illustrate the socio-demographic data of the drug abusers, the prevalence of drug abuse in different occupations and the impact of drug abuse on health and work. Methods: A total of seventy six worker patients admitted to Menoufiya Poisoning and Addiction Control Center throughout the year 2007 (out off the total number of admitted patients) were included in this study. The control group comprised one hundred and fifty two matching male subjects not knownto be drug abusers. They were selected from volunteer blood donors in Menoufiya University blood bank. The studied population was divided according to occupation into professionals, skilled and unskilled workers. All participants were subjected to a predesigned questionnaire stressing on circumstances of drug abuse, clinical examination and investigations including chest x-ray, ECG, blood analysis for serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibodies (HCAb). Results: Most of the studied individuals were skilled workers (46 persons, 60.5%), followed by unskilled ones (22 persons, 28.9%) and the least were professionals (8 persons, 10.6%). Skilled workers had a significantly higher prevalence of basic education than the others, working more than 12 hours/day at night shifts and living in families of more than three members. Trial was the main cause of drug abuse, friends were the persuading personsnel, pharmacieswere the most prevalent sources of getting drugs and mixed types of drugs were taken by oral route during work shifts. Moreover, hepatitis C antibodies and abnormal  X-ray films showing opacities and/or emphysematous chest were more frequent among drug abusers. Recommendations: As smoking is the first gate for addiction, smoking cessation is mandatory. Religious support and marriage are also recommended. Health education, counseling and effective employee assistance programs may help in preventing drug abuse in workplaces. Legislations for punishment of pharmacists selling these drugs without official prescription must be much more stiff. }, keywords = {Drug abuse,occupational factors,socio-demographic data}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_674.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_674_c26215eb142e1c0a3edb92d9ba7cbbf7.pdf} } @article { author = {E., El Okda and M., Abd Elaziz and H., Samaha}, title = {COMPARATIVE STUDY OF RISK ASSESSMENT OF FORMALDEHYDE EXPOSURE AMONG STUDENTS IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE FACULTIES OF MEDICINE IN EGYPT}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {143-153}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.675}, abstract = {Objectives : This study aimed at evaluation of the discomfort level produced by formalin vapors on medical students during the daily dissection schedule. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in two medical faculties, Ain Shams University (general) and Misr University (private). It explored the effects of exposure of the students of both faculties to the vapors of embalming fluids containing different concentrations of formaldehyde and related symptoms. Results:. Higher prevalence of irritation : Itching,soreness of skin and GIT symptoms was found among Ain Shams University students exposed to higher concentration of Formaldehyde and the difference was highly statistically significant.Conclusion: Considering the severity of the toxic symptoms caused by formaldehydefumes the need of a standardized embalming fluid that has a lesser concentration of formaldehyde. The lesser concentration of formaldehyde will in turn reduce the toxic effects and the other chemicals that are used like surgical spirit, glycerine and carbolicacid will help in maintaining a good preservation of the cadavers. }, keywords = {Embalming fluid,Formaldehyde,formalin,Students}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_675.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_675_5439590e0453611bad1b830703e72dc6.pdf} } @article { author = {E., Shama}, title = {PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICES REGARDING OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AND SAFETY MEASURES AMONG PRINTING WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {155-174}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.676}, abstract = {Objective: The present cross sectional study aimed at assessing the practices and perceptions of workers in printing shops regarding occupational health hazards and safety measures applying the principles of the HBM. Methods: A total of 135 workers - directly involved in the printing industry- were recruited from 10 small sized printing hops in Alexandria, Egypt. An interview-led questionnaire was used to collect data  regarding personal characteristics, workers’ safety behaviors, perceived threat and perceived benefits and barriers related to safety behaviors. Results: The results showedthat 82.2% and 92.6% of workers never wore overalls and gloves respectively. None of the workers used ear, eye or respiratory protectors. The majority of workers had low perception of risk of different health hazards they are exposed to. Only 17% had high threat perception and only 24.4% had high perception of benefit. The main barriers to adopting safety measures were interference with job performance, comfort issues, unavailability of PPE and not being trained. Conclusion: The study concluded that protective behaviors and perceptions among printing workers are extremely inadequate.The study highlights the importance of effective safety education and training to enhance workers perception of threat and benefit and decrease their perception of barriers. Thus adoption of safety behaviors can be achieved. Special attention should be directed towards young workers and those with lower education }, keywords = {Printing workers,safety practices,health belief model,perceived threat,perceived benefit,Perceived barriers}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_676.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_676_5e4acb74b5d7142f54a4dce1c4194a1f.pdf} } @article { author = {A., Elshinnawey and A., Othman}, title = {JOB SATISFACTION OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN THE SACRED PLACES DURING HAJJ SEASON 1429H (2008G).}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {175-186}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.677}, abstract = {Background: Health care of pilgrims is a major priority for the government of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and measurement of job satisfaction of health care workers (hcw) is an important step for planning for increasing productivity and quality of care.Aim: This study aimed at assessing the level of job satisfaction and its determinants inhcw involved in health care of pilgrims in the sacred places in Makkah, KSA. Materials and Methods: through a cross sectional study, a sample of 584 hcw were examined according to a structured questionnaire and a modified IDAK group job satisfaction scale. Hcw were classified into satisfied and unsatisfied according to tested cutoff point.Results: The rate of job satisfaction was 83.73 %. Job satisfaction was significantly increased in older hcw, females, Non-Saudis, working in Arafat area, and frequently participating hcw in hajj seasons. Job retention was significantly expected to increaseby 76.03% among satisfied, older age groups, Non-Saudis, preventive teamwork and frequently participating hcw in Hajj seasons. Conclusion: Rate of job satisfaction in hcw in Hajj was high in comparison to other common health care situations. Job retention rate was accordingly expected to be high but lower than satisfaction rate. Recommendations:Younger, males, Saudis, new participants or with lack of previous participations and low paid hcw must be targeted by research, training and education to enhance their job satisfaction and job retention before going to work in Hajj. }, keywords = {Key words: Job satisfaction-health care workers- Hajj – Saudi Arabia}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_677.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_677_91d3765b8317ffd785f7f275288298e5.pdf} } @article { author = {C., Fahmy and A., Kamel}, title = {RESPONSE TO A SIMPLE VASCULAR TEST FOR WORKERS CHRONICALLY EXPOSED TO COLD}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {187-196}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.678}, abstract = {Objective: The present study was designed to investigate local and systemic responses to cold provocation testing as a simple vascular test for workers chronically exposed to cold. Materials and Methods: The study included 22 male workers from cold storage facilities and a matched non-exposed control group of 20 subjects. All participants were non-hypertensives and free from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. They were subjected to a questionnaire, resting blood pressure measurement, cold provocation testing and Doppler radial systolic blood pressure measurement before and after cold provocation. Results: Hypertensive response was observed more significantly among cold exposed workers than controls (p= 0.003). Blanching response to cold was not significantly different between exposed and control groups. Coupled response was significantly higher among cold exposed workers than controls (p= 0,006) and it was independently determined by duration of exposure (p= 0.001). Conclusion: It seems that coupled response to cold provocation testing is a simple outcome measure for screening chronically exposed workers to cold. }, keywords = {Key words: Workers exposed to cold – Vascular test – Cold provocation – Blanching response _ Hypertensive response}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_678.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_678_f8fc2e667e771f82526a83039380dd9a.pdf} } @article { author = {C., Fahmy and A., Mansour and A., Kamel and M., Moselhi and F., Abbas}, title = {CARDIO-RESPIRATORY DISORDERS AMONG SEWAGE WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {197-209}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.679}, abstract = {Objective: The present study was designed to investigate cardio-respiratory disorders among sewage workers in Alexandria in order to suggest the suitable preventive measures for this sector.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 67 male sewage workers and a control group of 60 non-exposed matched persons. All participants of the study were subjected to an interview using a pre-designed questionnaire and clinical general and systemic examinations as well as specific investigations including resting ECG, pulmonaryfunction testing, plain chest X-ray and measurement of the level of sulf-hemoglobin.Results: This study showed high smoking rate among sewage workers in comparison to controls (p=0.010). The resting ECG changes reported among the exposed workers in the present study were mainly left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and ischemic changes (p=0.027). Sulf-hemoglobin level was an independent determinant factor in multiple logistic regression models with LVH and ischemic changes as the dependent variables (p= 0.050 and 0.000 respectively).Significant reductions in percent predicted FVC and FEV1 among the exposed group versus controls (p=0.000 and 0.001 respectively), suggesting a restrictive pattern of impairment, were observed. Respiratory manifestations were the independent determinant for FVC and FEV1 in multiple regression analyses (p= 0.031 & 0.05 respectively).Conclusion: Cardio-respiratory disorders among sewage workers should be considered in health surveillance of this sector with emphasis on antismoking measures. }, keywords = {Sewage workers, cardio-respiratory disorders, left ventricular hypertrophy,,ischemic changes, pulmonary functions, sulf-hemoglobin}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_679.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_679_cced706c09ac5548955a8ca985415c53.pdf} } @article { author = {M., El Mahdy and M., Radwan}, title = {ASSESSMENT OF DIFFERENT HEALTH HAZARDS IN PAINTING INDUSTRY}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {211-232}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.680}, abstract = {Introduction: Painters are among the highly and chronically exposed occupational groups either in industrial or commercial field. The health effects of organic solvents have been known for more than a century either from occupational exposure or from organic solvent abuse. Long term heavy solvent exposure is hazardous to the nervous system, hepatic, renal, blood and other body systems. Aim of the study: to assess the different health hazards encountered in the paintingindustry with special reference to the effects of organic solvents and toluene as the major solvents used and to assess the effectiveness of urinary orthocresol as a biological indicator of exposure.Subjects and Methods: The studied population comprised 68 individuals divided into exposed and control groups. The workers were all males with age ranging from 31 to 55 years with a mean value of (40.74 ±1.63). The duration of exposure ranged from 9 to 30 years. The age of the control group ranged from 30- 58 years with a mean of (48.33+1.85). All workers were interviewed with a detailed questionnaire about presence of neuropsychological, respiratory, renal, hepatic and hematological symptoms.Detailed personal, medical and occupational history were included. Thorough physical examination was done. Complete blood picture, liver function tests, kidney function tests, serum electrolytes, ventilatory function tests , urinary o-cresol level and urine analysis were also done. Results: Liver fnction tests showed no statistically significant difference between the exposed workers and the control groups. In correlation with duration of exposure statistically significant difference was found between exposed workers as regards SGPT level. Complete blood picture results showed normal levels with no difference between exposed and controls; but some parameters decreased with increased duration of exposure.Urinary o-cresol level showed a statistically significant difference between exposed workers and control group (p-value 0.000). Ventilatory functions of the studied groups showed that exposed workers had lower values of all parameters measured. Conclusion: The results strengthen the relationship between the different health hazards encountered in painting industry and the duration of exposure. Hematological, immunological and cardiovascular effects are further suggested and should be tested thoroughly in future studies.}, keywords = {painting- solvents – toluene- occupational exposure- urinary o-cresol}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_680.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_680_2ecca4119e357932fcab74c726b71738.pdf} } @article { author = {I., Attia and M, El Mahdy and M., Radwan}, title = {EVALUATION OF HEALTH HAZARDS AMONG CADMIUM-EXPOSED WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {233-251}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.681}, abstract = {Introduction: Cadmium is a cumulative multisystem metallic toxin widely used in industry causing occupational exposure, while the main source of cadmium in the generalpopulation is diet and smoking.Aim of the work: To demonstrate the hazardous effects of long-term occupational exposure to cadmium as a multisystem metallic toxin. Subjects and methods: The study included 42 male workers exposed to cadmium from the electroplating sections of one factory, with a mean age of (41.19 ± 1.44) years and 30 control subjects with a mean age of (48.33 ± 1.85) years. The two groups were matched as regards age, sex and socioeconomic status. Individuals included in the present study had to respond to a questionnaire and were subjected to thorough clinical examination, assessment of liver and kidney functions, serum electrolytes, blood cadmium level - as an exposure biomarker - complete urine analysis, ventilatory functionsand prostate specific antigen as an early predictor of prostatic cancer. Results: The prevalence of clinical manifestations was significantly higher among the exposed versus the control group. The blood cadmium and the PSA levels were foundto be higher among the exposed group. Ventilatory functions showed statistically significant difference between both groups indicating an obstructive pattern due to inhalation of cadmium fumes. Also, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding levels of blood urea, serum creatinine and some serum electrolytes.Urine analysis showed higher protein excretion in the exposed group. Conclusion: Chronic occupational cadmium exposure in egyptian workers causes damage to different body systems and results in their dysfunction. Prostate specific antigen(PSA) can be used for screening of prostate cancer among cadmium-exposed workers.}, keywords = {Cadmium- Prostatic cancer- PSA- Renal toxicity- Ventilatory functions-Carcinogenicity}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_681.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_681_d81a01691e9f0a2fbdc021f87567e10e.pdf} } @article { author = {A., Farahat and A., Kishk}, title = {COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS CHANGES AMONG EGYPTIAN SEWAGE NETWORK WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {33}, number = {2}, pages = {253-270}, year = {2009}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2009.682}, abstract = {Objectives: The current work aimed at investigating the cognitive functions impairment among workers of sewer networks due to exposure to H2S and the relation of this impairment ,if any, to the level of H2S exposure biomarker “urinary thiosulfate”. Besides, the validity of using Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) as screening test for cognitive impairment among the exposed workers was tested.Subjects: The work was conducted among 33 sewage network maintenance male workers and a matched unexposed control group (n= 30).Methods: The participants were subjected to clinical neurological history, estimation of urinary thiosulfate, and assessment of cognitive dysfunction by using neurophysiological (simple reaction time, P300 test) and neuropsychological tests (Wechsler MemoryScale) and frontal executive functions tests. Results: Clinical neurological history revealed significantly higher neurological symptoms(headache, memory defects, lack of concentration) among exposed workers compared to their controls (P< 0.05). Exposed workers had significantly prolonged simple reaction time and delayed P300 latency and showed poor performance of most of neuropsychological tests. Marked elevation of urinary thiosulfate was observed among theexposed workers (P< 0.001) but this elevation was not correlated with the duration of exposure or any of the other measured parameters. Exposed workers had significantly lower mean value of MMSE scoring than that of the controls (P<0.001). Conclusion: Exposure to H2S among sewer network workers is associated with cognitive impairment which can be screened by applying MMSE as a simple rapid test for hydrogen sulfide occupationally exposed workers.  }, keywords = {Key words: hydrogen sulfide,sewer networks,Thiosulfate,MMSE,P300,neuropsychological test,frontal executive functions}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_682.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_682_7d2a542106c646b950e0073617a73edd.pdf} }