2024-03-29T13:29:53Z
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/?_action=export&rf=summon&issue=661
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
CHROMOSOMAL ABERRATIONS AND HEMATOLOGICAL ALTERATIONS AMONG RADIATION-EXPOSED HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN MANSOURA UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS, EGYPT.
Awaad
AE
Kamel
EA
Khashaba
EO
El- Dahtory
FAM
Introduction: The relationship between ionizing radiation (IR) exposure levels and the elevation of frequencies of different types of structural chromosomal aberrations (CA) is not yet completely clarified specifically at presumably chronic low-dose cumulative exposures. Aim of work: measurement of frequency of chromosomal aberrations (CA) and hematologic alterations in different radiation exposed occupational groups, verification of the presence of relevant health effects and measurement of accuracy of White Blood Cells (WBCs) count compared to chromosomal gene culture as biomarkersof exposure to IR. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out over a period of one calendar year in 2016 upon 97 Health Care Workers (HCWs) occupationally exposed to radiation in Diagnostic Radiology, Intervention Cardiology and Radiotherapy departments of Mansoura University Hospitals (MUHs) and a reference age- matched group of 50 HCWs unexposed to IR. They were subjected to interview-based semi-structured questionnaire including enquiries on sociodemographic data, full occupational history and clinical history and to blood samplingfor both chromosomal culture and complete blood count analysis. Results: Significant reduction in the count of WBCs and lymphocytes among the exposed groups was found compared to reference group (p<0.001). This reduction was not revealed in MRI operators. Frequency of chromosomal aberrations increased significantly among radiologists, radiotherapists, interventional cardiologists (P<0.001, <0.001, 0.04; respectively). Significant positive correlation between frequency of aberrations and lifetime exposure score was found. The accuracy of WBCs count Area Under Curve
(AUC=0.69) was estimated to be less than Chromosomal Culture (AUC=0.71). Conclusion: HCWs in Radiology Departments of MUHs may be considered to be exposed to higher-than-guidelines doses of IR. Chromosomal aberrations analysis can be used as a sensitive biomarker for IR exposure added to regular CBC done periodically in classified high-risk groups.
Occupational Exposure
Low dose Ionizing radiation
MRI-Chromosomal culture and Interventional cardiology
2017
09
01
325
342
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3924_e004574deabfc10df7bc6675563b2668.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
COMPLIANCE WITH VACCINATION AS AN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY MEASURE AMONG HEALTH CARE WORKERS AT AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS, CAIRO, EGYPT.
Hakim
SA
Mokhtar
A
Introduction: Occupational safety and health is a multidisciplinary field concerned with the health, safety and welfare of people at work. Health care workers are at risk of exposure to vaccine preventable diseases. Employers and health care workers have a shared responsibility of preventing occupationally acquired infections and avoiding causing harm to patients by taking reasonable precautions to prevent transmission of diseases that could be prevented by vaccines. Vaccination programs are hence essential in infection prevention and control of diseases among health care workers. Aim of work: To identify the percentage of vaccinated health care workers in our study population and describe the factors associated with compliance to vaccination as an occupational safety measure. Materials and methods: This is a cross sectional study including 320 health care workers; 100 physicians, 154 nurses and 66 cleaning services from Ain Shams University Hospitals, Cairo, Egypt. All subjects filled an interview questionnaire including socio-demographic and occupational background questions, history of vaccination, attitude towards the importance of vaccines and causes fortaking or not taking recommended vaccines. Health education materials in the form of poster and brochures were distributed on a day assigned for visiting the hospital for that purpose including a message on the importance of taking recommended vaccines, easy accessibility to areas offering the vaccines and possible complications of nottaking the vaccines. Statistical analysis was done using frequency tables and chi square test. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Results: Most of the study participants were females, nurses, from Internal Medicine department with mean work duration of 14 years. About half of the sample reported that they took recommendedvaccines on time. The most common vaccines received by study population were hepatitis B and meningococcal vaccines. Most participants had a positive attitude towards vaccination as regards its importance and effectiveness. Job nature, level ofeducation, positive history of needle stick injuries and attendance of training courses on vaccine importance are significantly associated with positive history of receiving recommended vaccines on time. Conclusion: Raising the awareness of health care workers on the importance of taking recommended vaccines for the safety of themselvesand their patients is highly needed.
vaccines
Health Care Workers
Medical staff
Recommended vaccines and Medical education
2017
09
01
343
355
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3925_4ab54242c42a33067030829fb1bce002.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
EFFECT OF ROTATING SHIFT WORK ON THE LEVEL OF SOME HORMONES AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF RESIDENT PHYSICIANS IN ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS
El-Saadawy
ME
Morad
MH
Gareeb
NS
El-Rafey
DS
El-Shafei
DA
Introduction: Shift work is dividing working hours among two or more occupational groups in order to cover the time needed for duty performance or production process. Physicians participated in a shift-work environment since the early days of medicine. Shift work may alter the secretion levels and circadian pattern of cortisol, prolactin and melatonin. Night shift workers experience a variety of physical symptoms and adverse health effects especially those associated with gastrointestinal dysfunction, cardiovascular morbidity. Also shift work negatively affects quality of life. Aim of work: The current study aimed to assess the disturbances of the normal hormonal profile, quality of life and health status among rotating shift working resident physicians and evaluate the relationship between some occupational risk factors andthese disturbances. Materials and methods: The work was conducted on 50 rotating shift working resident physicians as exposed group, matched with 50 day only working resident physicians and demonstrators as non exposed group using a questionnaire including demographic data, occupational history, Gastrointestinal and Cardiovascular symptoms, Quality of life. Cortisol, prolactin, melatonin serum levels were measured. Results: The prolactin and cortisol showed a statistically significant increase while melatonin showed statistically significant decrease among rotating shift working resident physicians compared to the day-time working physicians. Also Quality of life was worse and GIT and Cardiovascular disorders were more frequent among rotating shift working resident physicians in contrast to those of day-shift. In correlation between hormones level and Cumulative working period, there was a statistically significant positive correlation with cortisol and prolactin and a statistically significant negative correlation with melatonin. Conclusion: The study reported that shift workers had disturbances in the normal hormonal profile, quality of life and health status andthese disturbances increased by high work load.
Rotating shift
Resident Physicians
Melatonin
Cortisol
Prolactin and Quality of Life
2017
09
01
357
378
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3926_c9ac4f148befcc2b2d6caba07990c457.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
GENETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY AND HEALTH EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO NITROAROMATIC COMPOUNDS IN AMMUNITION INDUSTRY
Zayet
HH
Zawilla
NH
Yousry
SM
Abdelsamea
AA
Introduction: Nitroaromatic compounds have been used in multiple applications and are the main constituent of explosives in ammunition industry. Aim of work: To evaluate health hazards among workers exposed to nitro aromatic compounds inthe ammunition industry, and the possible role of oxidative stress in its mechanism of action. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 40 workers as an exposed group comprising all workers engaged in ammunition factory in Helwan area, South of Cairo. The study also involved a control group composed of 40 workers never occupationally exposed to nitroaromatic compounds. All participants were subjected to a detailed specially prepared occupational and medical history questionnaire with full clinical examination, slit lamp examination and ECG scanning. Laboratory investigations were done and included: liver and kidney functions (ALT, AST, Bilirubin, blood urea, Serum Creatinine) complete blood picture, serum 8 hydroxyguanosine level and blood lead level. Results: Clinical examination revealed higher frequency of anorexia, nausea and vomiting, metallic taste, flushing, work accidents, cataract, diminution of vision, contact dermatitis, skin discoloration, bronchial hypersensitivity, reproductive troubles, cardiac ischemia, headache and hypertension among exposed workers compared to control group. Among carried investigations exposed workers showed elevation in mean blood urea while decrease in the mean level of ALT and AST compared to the control group. Mean serum 8 hydroxyguanosine level showed a highly significant statistical elevation in ammunition workers (706.72±355.84 U/ml) compared to their referent control group considerable adverse health effects including cardiac, respiratory, ocular, dermatological and reproductive effects. The highly significant elevation of the mean level of serum 8 OHG in the exposed workers compared to the control group identifies that oxidative stress is a possible mechanism for adverse effects in ammunition workers. Conclusion and recommendations: Ocular, dermal, respiratory, haematological, reproductive and cardiovascular clinical manifestations are to be properly assessed in pre-employment and periodic medical examination. Risk evaluation and management of explosive hazards is very important in ammunition industry. The possible utility of 8 hydroxyguanosine serum level as a marker of DNA oxidative damage may be considered. Workers supplementation withantioxidant medication is highly recommended.
Ammunition workers
Nitroaromatic health hazards
TNT (trinitrotoluene) and 8hydroxyguanosine
2017
09
01
379
398
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3927_03544323ee31b4e3b983b524ea0153f4.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
SURVEILLANCE OF HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS IN A MEDICAL INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Abdel-Maksoud
A
Momtaz
M
El-Sherif
GH
Introduction: Hospitalized patients are at risk to develop sepsis from infections due to colonized intravenous lines, surgical wounds, and/or bedsores. Multidrug resistant Acinetobacter commonly colonizes patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and can cause serious infections. The APACHE II severity score has shown a good calibration and discriminatory value across a wide range of disease processes, and remains the most commonly used international severity scoring system worldwide. Aim of work: to evaluate the patients having different types of hospital-acquired infections in the medical ICU, especially infections caused by multidrug resistant organisms (as Acinetobacter spp.), in a specific period of time, applying the APACHE II scoring system of severity. Materials and methods: The study included 148 patients from the medical ICU in Cairo University Hospital. Routine laboratory investigations were done together with chest X-rays, ECG, abdominal ultrasound and bacterial cultures,and APACHE II scores were calculated for all patients. Results: We found that the mostcommon cause of death in ICU patients in our study was sepsis (48% of all deaths). Most frequently reported isolated organisms were Klebsiella spp. (24.4%), E-coli (21.8%), and Acinetobacter spp. (17.1%). There was a meaningful association between observed mortality rates in patients in ICU and their APACHE II score evaluation, so APACHEII score had a strong positive correlation with actual mortality rate. Conclusion: Sepsis was the cause of high mortality rates in medical ICU, and the most important step in the prevention and control of infection in the ICU is continuous application of effective infection control measures.
Hospital-acquired infections
ICU
APACHE II
Sepsis and Klebsiella spp
2017
09
01
399
411
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3928_76269d88e49708bd5d10f9be0261a0f3.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
SELF-REPORTED HEALTH COMPLAINTS OF SCHOOL TEACHERS IN BENI-SUEF, EGYPT
Ewis
A
Senosy
S
Introduction: Teachers may suffer mental and physical health problems due to the adverse effects of a variety of job functions and the heavy occupational stress they are exposed to with the frequent overtime work. Most of the previous studies focused on one type of health problems. Aim of work: To assess the prevalence of the self-reported health complaints among school teachers in Beni-Suef, Egypt with special emphasis to ascertain the impact of demographic, lifestyle and work-related characteristics on teachers’ health. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among teachers from 13 randomly-selected schools in Beni-Suef district. A total of 373 school teachers participated in the study by filling out a selfadministered questionnaire. Results: About 84.5% of studied school teachers reported at least one or more health complaints. The most frequently reported complaints included errors of refraction (33.5%), tiredness (21.7%), cough (20.9%), low back pain (20.6%), hoarseness of voice (19%), neck pain (16.9%) and joint pain (14.7%). Except for varicose veins, most of health complaints were significantly higher among maleteachers than females. Additionally, teachers whose age was more than 40 years, from governmental schools, with Body Mass Index (BMI) >25, from rural areas, physically inactive, current smokers, and spending more than 2 hours/day watching TV were more likely to have at least one health complaint. Conclusion: School teachers in Beni- Suef have various self-reported health complaints that are prevalent and aggravated by different risk factors such as male gender, aging, residence, type of schools as well as the unhealthy lifestyle e.g., physical inactivity, increased BMI and smoking. We believe that encouraging teachers to adopt better health-promoting lifestyles will improve their health and decrease their complaints.
teachers
self-reported
Subjective
Health and Complaints
2017
09
01
413
428
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3929_56f26e42310815784cd36ce0e1e6f99a.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS: AN ERGONOMIC INTERVENTION PROGRAM AMONG AL-AHRAR HOSPITAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS NURSES
Bolbol
SA
El-Shafei
DA
Abdelsalam
AE
Abdelsalam NM
NM
Alian
SM
Introduction: Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders are common among healthcare workers especially nurses, and because they are preventable, attention should be raised towards the importance of training as the first step for improving both health of nurses and quality of patient care thus decreasing both human and economic costs. Aim of work: This study was conducted to assess the prevalence of workrelated musculoskeletal disorders, to implement an ergonomic training program and to evaluate the effect of ergonomic intervention program nurses’ physical workload and work style. Materials and methods: intensive care units’ nurses from two hospitals participated in the study and completed questionnaires including Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, physical work load questionnaire and Workstyle Short Form questionnaire. An intervention training program was conducted in one hospital on ergonomic principles, musculoskeletal disorders, patient manual-handling techniques, stretching and relaxation exercises for major body regions, other hospital regardedas control. Evaluation of the effect of the program was conducted after 6 months. Results: Low back pain was the commonest cause of job change among intervention and control hospitals nurses (11.9%, 13.0% respectively). Most of nurses reported a moderate physical workload. There was significant reduction in physical work load and improvement in the Work style after intervention (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Considering the fact of decreased resources needed to equip the Egyptian hospitals with advanced patient handling equipment and as a glance of hope to improve nurses’ health and safety while performing their job, our ergonomic training program showed significant improvement in nurses’ activities that will help in reducing Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) and thus improvement of their quality of life.
Musculoskeletal disorders
An Intervention Program
ergonomic
Intensive Care Units and Nurses
2017
09
01
429
446
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3930_0215c42815d88916caf1ae02c763087d.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
PULMONARY FUNCTION PARAMETERS AMONG ANATOMY LABORATORIES WORKERS EXPOSED TO FORMALDEHYDE.
Abdellah
RF
Nasr El-Din
WA
Introduction: Instructors, technicians and workers in anatomy laboratories are at high risk as they deal with formaldehyde. Aim of work: To identify the magnitude and patterns of respiratory functions changes among workers in anatomy lab exposed to formaldehyde. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional analytic design (Ex Post Facto) carried on 34 laboratory workers exposed to formalin from anatomy departments both faculty of medicine and faculty of veterinary in Suez Canal University and 34 workers in the same institute not exposed to formaldehyde. A questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographic data, occupational history and the symptoms resulted from formaldehyde exposure. The pulmonary function tests included FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FEF25–75% and PEF and was carried out by computerized spirometer. Results: The mean age of the exposed group was 33.8 ±9.4 years while that of nonexposedgroup was 34.8 ± 9.4 years, the difference was statistically non-significant. The most common symptoms experienced among anatomy laboratories workers where cough, nasal and eye irritations, which are 76.4%, 73.5% and 70.5%, respectively. In the non-exposed group, the most commonly reported complaints were throat irritation (14.7%), cough (8.82%) and nasal irritation (8.82%). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). All pulmonary function parameters were found to be significantly lower among the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. Thedifference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: exposure to formalin during anatomy dissection is hazardous to workers’ health in Anatomy department. Medical colleges should take more safety measures to reduce formalin exposure among Anatomy laboratories workers.
Formaldehyde exposure
Respiratory function
Anatomy department and Suez Canal
2017
09
01
429
446
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3931_1e5ec557b576af27660f9a91da1769ae.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
MEDICAL WASTE MANAGEMENT EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INTERVENTION PROGRAM IN ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS
El-Naggar
S
Abass
R
El-Gohary
S
Bolbol
S
Abd-El-Azem
W
Introduction: Medical waste poses a substantial health risk to health care professionals, patients, waste workers, and the environment. Proper handling, treatment and disposal of biomedical waste play a vital role in hospital infection control program. The strongest factor influencing the degree of compliance to proper waste management guidelines are education and training. Aim of work: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of health care workers regarding proper waste management, to estimate frequency of exposure to sharps and to design a specifically tailored hospital-based educational and training program about proper medical waste management. Materials and methods: An interventional study was conducted on 388 health care workers. All workers completed questionnaires to measure socio-demographic and occupational characteristics and to assess the knowledge and attitude of health care workers (HCWs) about proper waste management. A checklist to assess self-protection practice regarding health care waste management was also used. A training program about proper medical waste management was given to all workers and evaluation of the program was done after 3 months. Results: The doctors and nurses have good knowledge and attitude, but average to low practice; auxiliary workers have low to average knowledge, good attitude and bad practice. The educational and training program was effective and had impact of enhance knowledge, attitude and practice. The socio-demographic charactershad minimal effect on the percentage of change of knowledge, attitude and practice among doctors and nurses and with no effect among workers. No correlation was found between knowledge attitude and practice. Conclusion: Our ntervention program was effective and had impact on enhancing knowledge, attitude and practice among the studied group of health care workers.
Health Care Workers
Medical waste management
Intervention program
Knowledge
Attitude and Practice
2017
09
01
459
474
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3932_2a583fa1f8d664a860284aba85900f18.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2017
41
3
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS AMONG SHIFT WORK NURSES AT A GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITAL, ZAGAZIG CITY.
Ahmed
AS
Oraby
EE
Introduction: Disruption of biological rhythms as a result of shift work has been associated with gastrointestinal (GIT) symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, diarrhea or constipation. Aim of work: To determine the magnitude of gastrointestinal disorders and its possible risk factors among shift work nurses. Materials and methods: a cross sectional study was conducted among (163) nurses at Al-Ahrar hospital, the studied nurses was classified into shift work (112) and non-shift work (day workers) (51) groups. Data collection: a questionnaire composed of 2 parts; a) Part one: includes socio-demographic and work characteristics data; b) Part two: Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaire. Results: the prevalence of gastrointestinal disorders among shift work nurses was (72.3%) compared to (52.9%) of non-shift work group with statistically significant differences. Reflux syndrome was a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder among shift work group that reported by (50%) of them compared to15.7% of non-shift work group. Also indigestion syndrome was higher among shift work group than non-shift group (30.4% and 15.7%) with statisticallysignificant differences. Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) score was 0.73±0.33 in shift work group, compared with a mean score of 0.59±0.42 among nonshift work group with statistically significant differences (p<0.02). Consumption of coffee and tea more than 3 cups per day and non-fixed shifts per month increase the risk of gastrointestinal tract disorders among shift-work nurses (OR= 3.34 and 2.69 respectively). Conclusion: Participation in shift work, especially rotating and non-fixed shifts is associated with the development of gastrointestinal disorders. It isrecommended that fixed shifts per month decrease the risk of developing GIT disorders.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Shift work
risk factors
Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale and Nurses
2017
09
01
475
487
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_3933_44f74b0a9dd0e30a4b1490ada77106b6.pdf