The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
CLIMATE CHANGE AND HUMAN HEALTH
157
170
EN
El Samra
G H
Professor of Occupational and nvironmental Medicine Cairo University
10.21608/ejom.2011.737
Climate is the prevailing conditions of temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind, etc... that are characteristic of a certain region over a long period of time usually exceeding 20 years. Earth’s climate changes naturally between warmth and ice ages but the changes occur over thousands of years. Within the last 150 years, industrial, agricultural and civic activities have resulted in acceleration of these changes due to the accumulation in the atmosphere of earth of increasing concentrations of certain gases known as the greenhouse gases (GHGs). These include: CO2, methane, NOx, CFCs, ...This resulted in warming of the earth’s surface mean temperature, deep ocean warming, melting of the alpine and polar ice caps and the spread of certain diseases, among other changes. Several of these changes have affected human health. Heat waves have resulted in increased death rates especially among the elderly and those suffering from cardio-respiratory diseases. The effect of cold, stormy weather is less pronounced. Increased air pollution will cause more photochemical pollutants and increased pollens and fungal spores resulting in more asthma and respiratory ailments.<br />People living in temperate climates will suffer less but lower socio-economic standards will exacerbate their sufferings. Due to migration of disease vectors and increase of their activity, vector-borne diseases will spread beyond their current geographical limits. Infectious diseases are now emerging, resurging and undergoing redistribution on a global scale. Pests will flourish. There will be more water-borne and food-borne diseases. Malnutrition will result from reduced crop production due to loss of land and water resources, farm animal diseases and destruction of fisheries. Extreme weather<br />events will be more frequent and more severe. Floods will cause death, injury and destruction of land, crops and property and displacement of population resulting in overcrowding, poor hygiene, malnutrition and disease epidemics. Drought will cause malnutrition and disease, and storms will cause death and destruction. Sea level rise will cause inundation of coastal areas, loss and salinization of fertile land and displacement of population. In Egypt, water resources may increase by 30% or be reduced. Parts of the Nile Delta will be submerged and 8.5 million people will be displaced from their homes. There are interactions between global warming and ozone depletion which will result in an increase in UVB exposure.Abbreviations :GHGs : Greenhouse gases CFCs : Chlorofluorocarbons UVR : Ultraviolet rays UVB : Ultraviolet B rays. Greenhouse gases – Extreme weather events – sea level rise – Ozone olet rays UVB : Ultraviolet B rays.<br /> <br />
Climate change – Greenhouse gases – Extreme weather events – sea level rise – Ozone,depletion
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_737.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_737_56c6221357a014af5b4229ecab7ed7d2.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
OCCUPATIONAL SHARP INJURIES IN HEALTH CARE WORKERS; RESULTS FROM EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS AND EL-MINIA GENERAL HOSPITAL
171
181
EN
Refat
M.
Occupational Medicine*, Departments, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
Mohy-El Din
M.
Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
Abu-Baih
M.
General surgery,Departments, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
El- Sanadiki
N.
General surgery,Departments, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
10.21608/ejom.2011.738
Objective: One of the potential occupational hazards for health care workers (HCWs)is sharps injuries especially needle stick injuries (NSIs). These hazards are influenced by numerous factors including setting, environmental factors, staffing levels, type of procedures, devices and equipment.Aim of work:To determine the frequency, characteristics and determinants of occupational sharp injuries in HCWs.Subjects and Methods:This study is a cross-sectional study; involved 160 HCWs employed in jobs with potential exposure to sharps injuries. Data were collected by questionnaire that included demographics, occupation categories; shift work,knowledge of prevention measures and details of sharp injuries.<br />Results: The results showed that 40% of HCWs were > 30ys old; (57.5%) females;(70%) married; and (77.5%) academic workers. Occupational categories showed (45%)nurses; (26.3%) physicians (surgeons and others), (17.5%) technicians, (11.2%) cleaners and (51.9%) working a shift work day and night (rotating shifts). The majority (40.6%)<br />have < 10 years in service and (71.3%) not trained about precautions. Surveyed HCWs,admitted sharp injuries in (42.5%) with reporting percent of 11.8 as they don’t know(18%) or lack of direction (57%). Injuries caused by hollow bored needles (29.2%),stabs, scalpel (30.8%) and others (40%).Conclusion:The frequency of sharp injuries among HCWs is high and reporting is low and awareness of protection is very low. The data showed that continued training effort,<br /> need to be directed toward new HCWs ; this research, also points to the need for better safety devices products and work practices to reduce suture related injuries.
Sharp Injuries,Health Care Workers,Occupational,El-Minia University
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_738.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_738_dd1a70b69408946b406c0eacd597ac34.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
OCCUPATIONAL RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION TO HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN EL-MINIA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS
183
191
EN
Refat
M.
Occupational Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
El-Sharkawy
M.
Clinical Pathology,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
Abd-elrehim
M.
Tropical Medicine,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
El-Sanadiki
N.
Surgery,Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
10.21608/ejom.2011.739
Background: Health care workers (HCWs) may increase chance of acquiring hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) infections through occupational exposure.Aim of the study: The prevalence of markers for HBV and HCV were studied among HCWs at El-Minia University Hospitals over a 24 months period starting from Jan.2008.<br />Subjects and methods: The study consisted of wide survey of all HCWs in direct contact with blood from different hospital departments using standardized questionnaire. Blood samples of 10 ml of venous blood were tested for HBV and HCV<br />antigens in 180 exposed HCWs and 181 controls.Results: The study showed a total incidence of HBV antigens of 7.5% in male exposed HCWs and 6.0% in female exposed HCWs compared to 2.6 % in male controls and 2.8% in female controls. As regard HCV markers, the total incidence in HCWs showed 3.7% in male and 5% in female exposed HCWs compared to 1.3% in male controls and 1.9% in female controls. HCV showed higher incidence of seropositivity in medical staff working in dialysis units and operative rooms. Conclusion: The study showed that the risk of transmission of HBV and HCV infections to HCWs could be due to the lack of knowledge of hazards and ignorance of protection<br />protocols. Vaccination of exposed HCWs to HBV and enforcing quality improvement projects and preventive programs will reduce the incidence of occupational exposure.
Key words: Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C,Occupational Exposure,Health Care Workers,El-Minia University Hospitals
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_739.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_739_a496d243f8bace9234f5e3ea1dd7466d.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESSORS AND HAZARDS AMONG EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDERS (EMR)IN MANSOURA CITY
193
209
EN
Khashaba
E.
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University.
El sheref
M.
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University.
AL-Wehedy
I.
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University.
Neamatallah
M.
Department of Medical Biochemistry , Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University
10.21608/ejom.2011.741
Aim of work: This research was done to assess the possibility of higher levels of psychosocial stressors and related hazards (burnout, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder) among EMR compared to control group. Objective assessment of stress exposure was done through measuring levels of urinary cathecholamines. Methods: A comparative cross sectional study was conducted upon (140) emergency medical responders (EMR) and a matched control group composed of (140) non-emergency workers. The groups studied were interviewed using semi structured questionnaire<br />including sociodemographic data, job stressors, Malach burnout inventory (MBI),Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Davidson Trauma scale for PTSD. Urine cathecholamine levels were assessed in subsample of studied population. Results: The most severe acute stressors among EMR were dealing with traumatic events followed by dealing with serious accidents and young victims. Chronic stressors were more commonly reported among EMR compared to comparison group. EMR had higher prevalence of high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization compared to<br />comparative group. More than tenth of EMR had clinical level of PTSD compared to 3% only of comparison group. The mean levels of epinephrine and Nor epinephrine were significantly higher among EMR compared to comparative group. Conclusion: EMR had perceived dealing with traumatic events and serious accidents as the most severe<br />acute stressors. EMR group had higher prevalence of chronic work related stressors than comparative groups.EMR had higher levels of burnout and PTSD compared to control group. Depression was not statistically significant different between EMR and control group.
missed
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_741.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_741_3088161fb4d053b34f030a1c4596221d.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
WORKPLACE HARASSMENT ASSOCIATED HEALTH HAZARDS AND QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AMONG HARASSED WORKERS IN AN INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
211
226
EN
Alazab
M.
Department of Community medicine and Occupational medicine Faculty of medicine, Alazhar University
10.21608/ejom.2011.743
Background: harassment at the workplace in Egypt is still a hidden problem and most organizations do not have a policy to combat it. WHO/ILO defined harassment as “repeated and over time offensive behavior through vindictive, cruel, or malicious attempts to humiliate or undermine an individual or groups of employees”. Objectives:To find out the proportion of harassed workers among the studied workers, to determine causes and forms of harassment among the examined workers, to find out the psychosomatic and psychological manifestations among the studied workers and to<br />identify the pattern of quality of working life among the harassed workers. Methods:A cross - Sectional study was conducted among 1127 workers. The workers were investigated with regard to forms of harassment. All harassed subjects were examinedto explore the associated psychosomatic and psychological manifestations and also to identify the pattern of quality of life among them. Results: 71.3 % of the studied workers have experienced harassment at the workplace. The most prevalent forms of harassment among the examined workers were: discount the person’s thoughts (64.2%),<br />screaming at him (53.1%), refuse reasonable requests (49.1%), and regular, unfair criticism in front of colleagues (39.7%). The main factors which encouraged harasserS were: need to meet deadline (91.2%), excessive workload (83.7%), keep workers alert and active (79.6%) and low performance on the part of workers (67.3%). The most<br />prevalent psychosomatic manifestations were; loss of concentration (60.7%), insomnia (57.1%), headache (53.4%), tachycardia (52.7%), and unexplained fatigue (47.3). Prevalence of depression among the harassed workers was 26.6% and manifestations of posttraumatic stress disorders were; recurrent recollection of the event (31.6%), recurrent distressing dreams of the event (33.3%) and feeling as if the traumatic event were recurring (24.2%).%). Conclusions: 71.3 % of the studied workers experienced harassment at the workplace. Recommendation: Policy against harassment at<br /> workplaces could be addressed as an element of occupational health program.
Harassment,psychosomatic,PSYCHOLOGICAL,Quality,Work,life
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_743.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_743_c9c59c72ad0a9694b057508fca4cb2b7.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
SOME OF THE NON-AUDITORY EFFECTS OF NOISE AMONG EXPOSED WORKERS IN ABOU-QURKAS SUGAR FACTORY, EL-MINIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.
227
236
EN
El-Khateb
AS.
Community and Industrial Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Assiut).
El-Moselhy
EA
Community and Industrial Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University (Assiut).
Refaat
TM.
Community and Industrial Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University.
El-Rehany
MA
Bio-Chemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, El-Minia University.
Zayet
HH.
Industrial Medicine and Occupational Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.
10.21608/ejom.2011.744
Noise is an important health issue that affects more than hearing. Scientific research demonstrates that health effects occur at noise levels below those that impair hearing.Some of these health effects include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, negative effects on sleep, communication, performance and behavior. Forty three healthy workers exposed to noise in different sections in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory were examined.Sound pressure levels in the work place ranged from (65 – 110 dBA). Annoyance, ear pain and heart burn were the most important complaints of the workers (93.0%, 65.1% and 44.2%, respectively). Mid-shift heart rate and blood pressure showed significant increase in comparison with pre-shift levels (P < 0.001). Increase in values of fasting blood sugar level and lipid profile are not statistically significant. Of the exposed subjects 81.3%, had highs levels of urinary vanillylmandelic acid (mid-shift compared<br />with pre-shift) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The study concluded that work stress due to noise is a common problem among workers exposed to noise in Abou-Qurkas sugar factory, and therefore efforts should be directed towards reducing its level and keeping it in check.<br />
Non-auditory,Noise,sympathomimetics and stress & Sugar Factory
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_744.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_744_5e5343f5a87100f88c6d61727cc0b7e5.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
MAJOR CHEMICAL DISASTERS IN EGYPT AND ABROAD PART 1:ABROAD
237
255
EN
Emara
M.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Faculty of Medicine Cairo University
Zayet
H.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Faculty of Medicine Cairo University
10.21608/ejom.2011.745
Generally, the term disaster means sudden great misfortune and it is a destructive event that results in the need for a wide range of an emergency resources. Occurrence of disasters invariably has profound implication for public health. Disasters may be classified into natural, as floods and earthquakes, technological which are associated with industries and conflict-related disaster which are, usually, related to wars and revolutions. In this article we are essentially concerned with chemical disasters, although other causes are important. We may discuss such causes in other articles.<br />The chemical disasters may occur suddenly or gradually according to their results or events. There is a surprising fact that about 50% of acute disasters are due to unplanned transportation of chemicals.The worst of acute chemical disasters happened in Bhopal, India (1984) where more than 2500 died and more than 250000 suffered due to the exposure of the people of Bhopal to the released methyl isocyanate pesticide. Another sudden episode occurred in Seveso, Italy (1976) where about 37000 persons were injured due to exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin. There were many gradual or insidious episodes, but we shall choose the most famous ones according to their place of occurrence, for example, Karkola, Finland (1930), Japan (two episodes,1939 and 1953) ,Turkey (1956), Iraq (1971), Love Canal, New<br />York (1976) and Spain (1981). Other worldwide occurrence of medical problems for example, acute air pollution episodes, polychlorinated biphenyls and their dangerous effects will be discussed.<br />
disasters, air pollution episodes, polychlorinated biphenyls, itai itai and,Minamata disease
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_745.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_745_c50cd817fe111b24de5665b48fb7898f.pdf
The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
1110-1881
2357-058X
35
2
2011
07
01
THE IMPACT OF MODIFYING OCCUPATIONAL RISK FACTORS ON THE OUTCOME OF TREATMENT OF CHRONIC VENOUS ULCER.
277
287
EN
Refaat
M.
Departments of Occupational Medicine ,
Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
Ewis
A.
Departments of Occupational Medicine , Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
Osman v
O.
Vascular Surgery,Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
El-Sanadiki
N.
Vascular Surgery,Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
10.21608/ejom.2011.746
Venous hypertension and chronic venous disease (CVD) occur frequently in the working population. Several epidemiological studies have shown statistically significant association between CVD and duration of standing and sitting at work.This study evaluates the impact of modifying and correcting different occupational risk factors on the outcome of treatment of chronic venous ulcer. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A (17 patients) were subjected to combined<br />conservative treatment followed by surgical treatment and group B (15 patients) were treated only by surgical treatment. The conservative treatment consisted of educational sessions on occupational risk factors and compression therapy.<br />The results showed similar figures of demographics, risk factors, clinical characteristics and current occupation in the studied groups. In group A, all patients healed; (2/17)showed short term healing and (15/17) showed long term healing. While in group B(3/15) patients showed no healing, (5/15) showed short term healing and (7/15) showed long term healing. The differences being statistically significant (X2 =7.1, P=0.02) This indicates that for treatment of indolent chronic venous ulceration modifying occupational risk factors and adverse lifestyle behaviors will have a significant impact<br />on the results of treatment.
chronic venous ulcer,occupational risk factors,conservative treatment,surgical treatment
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_746.html
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_746_ebdf3dcf1940d1c3ed0debb5907b370c.pdf