2024-03-29T15:23:53Z
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/?_action=export&rf=summon&issue=7337
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Study of Some Health Hazards among Operating Theater Personnel Due to Exposure to Anesthetic Gases (II)
Siha
MS
Farahat
SA
Rashed
LA
Helmy
NM
Introduction: Anesthetics are essential materials used in hospitals to induce unconsciousness in patients prior to surgical procedures. The most commonly used agents are isoflurane , sevoflurane and halothane. Aim of work: To assess the health effects of exposure to anesthetic gazes focusing on hepatic and renal manifestations among operating room (OR) personnel. Materials and methods: Operating room (OR) personnel (184: 68 males and 116 females) were included in the study and compared with 192 (63 males and 129 females) from other departments staff of the same hospital mainly from internal medicine hospital and outpatient clinics. The studied groups filled a questionnaire including personnel, family, past and present histories. Liver and kidney function tests were examined. Plain urine samples were collected at the end of shift to test for β2 microglobulin. Operating theaters were evaluated regarding the type of breathing circuits used whether open or closed, the type of anesthetic gases used, presence of air conditioning, and scavenging system. Isoflurane air level was measured using the organic method 103 by OSHA. Results: OR personnel experienced symptoms namely headache, tiredness, drowsiness, and decreased memory compared with their controls, without having statistical significance except for headache. There was a statistically significant increase in the level of ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), total bilirubin, urea, creatinine and B2 microglobulin among exposed when compared to the control group. Also AST (Aspartate transaminase), ALP, direct bilirubin, B2 microglobulin, urea and creatinine were higher among personnel using both open and closed circuits than in those using closed circuits only. The mean values of AST, ALP, total bilirubin, B2 microglibulin urea and creatinine were higher among personnel using isoflurane, sevoflurane and halothane (3 types of anesthetic gazes) more than those using isoflurane and sevoflurane or those using isoflurane only. The mean levels of urea and creatinine were statistically higher among surgeons when compared to other groups. Conclusion: Personnel working in operating theaters are more at risk to develop disturbances in liver and kidney functions compared to the controls especially surgeons. Recommendations: Implementation of adequate and working scavenging system, air conditioning, use of closed circuits whenever possible, periodic checking of anesthetic air levels, periodic biochemical analysis for OR personnel, and replacement of any malfunctioning parts of anesthesia machine.
Liver function tests
Kidney function tests
Isoflurane
Sevoflurane and Operating room personnel
2019
09
01
313
329
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47401_30cec14651812844717b27449059f88c.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Neurobehavioral and Menstrual Disorders among Adolescent Females Environmentally Exposed to Pesticides, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt
Abdel
GM
Salem
EA
Elbadry
AS
Hendy
OM
Rohlman
DS
Abdel-Latif
AA
Introduction: Adolescent females living in agricultural areas where crops are routinely sprayed by pesticidesare expected to be environmentally exposed to pesticidesˊ health hazards partially as those occupationallyexposed. Aim of work: to assess neurobehavioral and menstrual disorders among adolescent femalesenvironmentally exposed to pesticides. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conductedon 100 pesticide exposed adolescent females who had one or more of family members are pesticidesˊ seasonalapplicators and 50 non- exposed adolescent females matched for age and education, served as controls atMenoufia governorate, Egypt; during the period of pesticide application season of cotton crop from the firstof May to the end of September 2017. A self-administered questionnaire and a series of neurobehavioral testswere administered and serum acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity was assessed. Results: A significant lowerAChE activity levels were detected among the exposed group compared to the controls (Mean±SD=238.49±23.83 vs 303.35±78.54 IU/L; respectively). There were significant higher mean scores of trail making test (parts1 and 2) and significant lower mean scores of (similarities test, Benton visual retention test, block design test,Santa Ana dexterity test (dominant and non-dominant hands) and Beery visuo-motor imitation test among theexposed group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Also, the exposed group reported more prevalent irregularmenstrual cycle (26.8%) and intermenstrual bleeding (28.2%) compared to the control participants (8.1% and8.1%; respectively). Conclusion and recommendations: Adolescent females living in agricultural areas andfrom families whose one or more members are pesticidesˊ applicators had significantly lower neurobehavioralperformance, report more prevalent menstrual irregularities and have lower levels of serum AChE compared tothe control group. The neurobehavioral deficits demonstrated a dose–response relationship with AChE levels among the exposed participants. This necessitates the need for implementation of health education programs toprevent or reduce health effects associated with pesticide exposure to adolescent females.
Environmental pesticides ‘exposure
Adolescent females
AChE
Menstrual and Neurobehavioral disorders
2019
09
01
331
343
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47402_55719ca5af81655d561c3ae13f2084db.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Reproductive Hormones among Electroplaters Exposed to Chromium and Nickel at a Factory for Metallic Industries in Egypt
Shaker
DA
Mohamed
RS
Introduction: Exposure to chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) is prevalent at workplace. Although they are toxic,human studies on their effect on the reproductive system are few and contradictory. Aim of work: To evaluatethe association of male reproductive hormone levels with the concentrations of blood chromium and nickelamong electroplaters in a factory for metallic industries in Egypt. Materials and methods: A cross sectionalcomparative study was conducted on 48 electroplating workers and 48 non-occupationally exposed subjectsused as controls. Personal interview with specially designed questionnaire were fulfilled. Blood nickel andchromium concentrations were determined and the reproductive hormones levels [follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and inhibin] were assayed for all participants. Results: Thestudy showed a statistically significant high levels of the mean values of blood Cr and Ni among electroplatingworkers compared to the control group (1.2±0.93 and 1.3±1.02 μg/L vs 0.4±0.1 and 0.39±0.2 μg/L respectively;p<0.001). Also, a statistically significant high levels of FSH and LH were detected among exposed workers(5.19±2.08 mIU/L and 6.85± 2.67 IU/L respectively) compared to controls (1.95±0.7 mIU/L and 3.97± 0.85IU/L respectively) with low levels of testosterone and inhibin. Significant positive correlations (p<0.05)were found between FSH level and heavy metals (Cr and Ni) levels (r=0.28 and r=0.63; p=0.05 and p<0.002respectively). Conversely, significantly negative correlations were detected as regards testosterone level (r=-.323 for chromium and r=-.571 for nickel; p<0.05 for each). Blood nickel was found to be a significant predictorfor FSH and testosterone level, and smoking index was predictor for all measured reproductive hormonesamong exposed electroplaters. Conclusion: Exposure to high levels of Cr and Ni might affect reproductivehormones levels among male electroplating workers. Regular wearing of good quality’s personal protectiveequipment, especially masks and gloves, to decrease exposure to electroplating fumes, is highly recommended.
Chromium
Nickel
Reproductive hormones
Electroplating workers and Biological monitoring
2019
09
01
345
359
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47847_41aa33235fe223d8f20f77d34f703343.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Health Hazards, Occupational Safety Measures and Knowledge Assessment among Nurses Exposed to Chemotherapy Drugs in Ain Shams University Hospitals, Egypt
El Hosseini
DM
Ghanem
EA
Gamal
DA
Introduction: Several chemotherapeutic drugs are known to be teratogenic and mutagenic to humans. Nursesare the main group of health care workers that are exposed to these drugs during their work. Generally, thework activities that pose the greatest risk of exposure are the preparation and administration of antineoplasticdrugs, and cleaning of chemotherapy spills. Aim of work: 1) To estimate the prevalence of hazardous effectsto which nurses handling cytotoxic drugs (CDs) are exposed 2) To evaluate the current safety measures usedin clinical practice and 3) To assess nurses’ knowledge regarding cytotoxic Drugs. Materials and methods: Across-sectional study was carried out at the Oncology and Hematology unit at Ain Shams University Hospitals,Egypt. The study was carried out on (73) nurses. A convenience sampling was used to select the studysubjects using well-structured self-administered questionnaire and observational check list. Collected datawere analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: Almost more than half of the study nursesfrequently complained from recurrent headache (64.4%), skin irritation (63%), eye irritation (61.6%), and hairloss (52.1%). Reproductive effects were also found: menstrual irregularities (32.9%), low birth weight babies(23.3%), premature labor (19.2%), and malignancy (15.1%). During handling CDs, the majority of nurses(89%) utilized gloves, (61.6%) utilized gowns, and none of them utilized goggles. About (72. %) had fair totalknowledge score regarding CDs, and only few of them (11.0 %) had good total score. Conclusion: Toxiceffects of CDs were highly prevalent among the studied nurses. The safety practice and adopting protectivemeasures among the majority were not consistent with the National Institute for Occupational Safety andHealth (NIOSH) guidelines despite the fair total knowledge score they had.
Nurses
Chemotherapy
Health Hazards
Occupational safety measures and Knowledge
2019
09
01
361
377
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47849_1ec7f66dbcc0dc46dde45b0a53216e2f.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Work Precariousness, Job Insecurity and Perceived Psychiatric Distress in a Sample of Egyptian Employees
Zalat
MM
Sheta
SS
Introduction: The term precarious work is being increasingly used worldwide. Workers are precarious ifthey are in involuntary part-time work, in seasonal or casual work or in temporary jobs without a legal workcontract or formal appointment. Precarious work becomes a global challenge and constituting a serious problemthreatens the well-being of workers and their families. Aim of work: To verify the existence and prevalenceof job insecurity and precarious employment among a sample of Egyptian workers and to clarify the role ofperceived job insecurity and work precariousness on the worker′s mental health. Materials and methods:A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 130 subjects of private and public sector workers inZagazig city, Egypt. Employment Precariousness Scale was used for measuring the employment precariousnessand General Health Questionnaire was used for estimating the minor psychiatric morbidity. Results: Themajority of private sector workers showed a statistically significant high/very high level of precariousnessand job insecurity (87.7%, and 69.2% respectively) compared to the public sector. Only 10.8% of publicsector showed poor mental health compared to 30.8% for the private sector with a statistically significantdifference. Unsatisfied income, having another or second job, perceived work precariousness and job insecuritydemonstrated significant prediction for psychiatric distress. Conclusion and recommendations: The privatesector workers suffered a higher prevalence of work precariousness, job insecurity, and poor mental health incomparison to public sector workers. Precarious work should be regarded as an important social determinantof mental health problems which necessitate urgent interventions with policy tools in order to improve health,increase firms’ productivity, and so wider economic impact.
Work
Precarious
Job insecurity
Psychiatric distress
Private and public sectors
2019
09
01
379
397
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47852_add1004c324bfa35120b9567078c2fb5.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Adverse Health Effects among Workers in an Egyptian Lead Crystal Glass manufacturing plant
Mostafa
NS
Mahmoud
NE
Elhosseiny
D
Introduction: Glass production workers are exposed to several workplace factors that may affect their health.Lead encountered in the manufacture of crystal glass is known to cause harmful effects. It is necessary tohighlight the health effects of lead among Egyptian crystal glass workers. Aim of work: The aim of the studywas to identify some health disorders in relation to blood lead level (BLL) among Egyptian workers exposedto lead in a lead crystal glass factory and find the association between (BLL) and psychological morbiditiesand biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was carried outin the occupational health clinic at Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. It included 50 workers from alead crystal glass manufacturing plant (exposed group) and 50 non-exposed workers. Data collected includedpersonal data, occupational and medical histories, clinical examination and body mass index (BMI). Blood leadlevel (BLL), serum calcium, serum uric acid, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, serum creatinine, andblood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured for both groups. A general health questionnaire was used to assesspsychological morbidities. Results: Exposed workers and controls were matched for gender and age. Exposedworkers had significantly more gastro-intestinal, neurological, heat-related, ear and nose symptoms. Regardingbiochemical parameters, BLL, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were significantly higher among exposed workers,while serum creatinine was higher among non-exposed workers. Psychological distress was statisticallysignificantly more prevalent among exposed workers and the difference was statistically significant. Amongthe exposed workers, only 60%, 56%, 56% and 26% used gloves, masks, uniform and boots, respectively.Conclusion: Elevated BLL is associated with higher BUN and psychological morbidity among exposedworkers.
Blood lead
Lead crystal glass factory
Gastro-intestinal
Neurological
Heat-related
Ear and nose symptoms
2019
09
01
399
412
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47854_46d339b35aa133152ed5115f731406dd.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders among Egyptian Dentists Working at Faculty of Dentistry-Ain Shams University
El Hosseini
DM
Momen
MA
Wassif
GO
Introduction: The prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints among dentists is high. The symptoms mightimpair work capacity and the future possibility to stay in the profession. In Egypt, data about the prevalence andrisk factors of this problem are scanty. Aim of work: To estimate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) and its distribution among dental staff, house officers and students at faculty of Dentistry, to find out theinfluence of personal and job characteristics, physical and psychological risk factors at work on the occurrenceof MSDs and to detect the impact of MSDs on participants’ life. Materials and methods: A cross sectionalstudy was carried out among (403) participants. A self-administered questionnaire that included informationabout: personal and job characteristics, a version of Standard Nordic Questionnaire for occurrence of MSDsand modified version of Demand/Control model Questionnaire from Karasek for psychosocial factors. Results:The overall MSDs prevalence among participants was 66.7%, in which 29.3% had chronic complaints. Neckand shoulder pain were the most prevalent sites of complaint reported by 66.5% and 61.8% of the subjectsrespectively, followed by low back pain and wrist pain (59.3%, 46.2%, respectively). The severity of MSDsforced 24.2% of respondents to take analgesic, 30.1% to reduce their daily activities, and 8.6% to go on sickleave. Dental staff significantly had the highest prevalence of MSDs compared to dental students and houseofficers. Older age participants were more prone to MSDs compared to younger ones; female respondents hadhigher MSDs than male but without statistical significance. As regard the physical factors at work: the useof vibration tool, excessive arm elevation and prolonged standing / sitting were significantly associated withincrease in the prevalence of MSDs. Also psychosocial factors: as poor job control was significantly associatedwith the development of MSDs while high work demand didn’t. Conclusion: Work related musculoskeletaldisorders are significant occupational health problems among both dentists and dental students. Their medicalconsequences justify extensive preventive efforts. Specific occupational health education programs, includingergonomic workplace adaptation should be implemented.
Musculoskeletal disorders
dentists
Ergonomics
Risk factors and Sickness absenteeism
2019
09
01
413
428
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47856_350034ce89a93648e139ea799dc46cd1.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Work Related Burnout among Psychiatrists: A Comparative Study
El Hadidy
S
El-Gilany
A
Ibrahim
I
Mashally
E
El-Bahnasawy
A
State
A
Introduction: Psychiatry has been consistently shown to be a profession characterized by ‘high-burnout’ due toeither workplace stressors or specific patient’s nature and condition, together with personal stresses. The waysof coping strategies to face work-related stressors usually determines the development and even the levels ofburnout which is known to be higher among those who adopt maladaptive coping compared to those who adoptadaptive coping strategies. Aim of work: To compare the burnout among psychiatrists verses non psychiatrists.Materials and methods: This comparative cross sectional study included psychiatrists, working in MansouraUniversity Hospital and Demirah Psychiatry Hospital during the period from September to November, 2017. Agroup of physicians were taken from the department of Rheumatology and Dermatology , Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University as a comparative group ; fulfilling the eligibility criteria. Data was collected usinga specially designed questionnaire covering sociodemographic data, educational and occupational historiesand history of exposure to workplace stresses as physical violence. Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)questionnaire and The Ways of Coping Scale questionnaire were also performed. Results: The psychiatristsshowed statistically significant higher prevalence of moderate and high level of both emotional exhaustion anddepersonalization than non psychiatrists (83.6% vs 52.1% and 100.0% vs. 81.7%; respectively). Psychiatristsshowed statistically significant high coping scores than non psychiatrists regarding: seeking social support,planful problem-solving and positive reappraisal. Night shift is statistically higher among psychiatrists than thenon psychiatrists (50.7% vs. 25.4%; respectively). Conclusion: The prevalence of moderate and high level ofemotional exhaustion and depolarization is higher among psychiatrists than non psychiatrists and is associatedwith a significantly higher prevalence of high level of personal achievement among non psychiatrists .Thecommonest way of coping among psychiatrists is active coping.
Burnout syndrome
Ways of coping
Psychiatrists stress
Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Questionnaire and The Ways of Coping Scale Questionnaire
2019
09
01
429
440
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47859_9c4e9c26a00de876b2424f543ea4f544.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Workplace Friendship among Minia University Hospitals’ Nurses
Abd EL Latief
OK
Refeai
SA
Mohammed
ES
Emam
Emam SA
Ghazawy
ER
Introduction: Friendship at work is a natural occurrence in the workplace, so examination of themanifestation of friendship in the workplace is a critical issue for organizations. Nurses play a central role inhealthcare, linking their communication effectiveness to team, organization, and patient outcomes. Nurse careis one of the most important predictors of patient satisfaction, which linked to patient treatment plans. Theprofession remains burdened by numerous stressors which can result in turnover. The current study focuseson how friendships at work may develop commitment behaviors to combat turnover intention in nursing. Aimof work: To determine the relation between work place friendship, personal and work characteristics amongnurses working at Minia University Hospitals and to assess its effect on turnover intention and job performance.Materials and methods: It is a cross sectional study included all nurses who work at Minia University Hospitalsduring the study period from December 2018 to January 2019 (476 nurses). Workplace Friendship Scale, jobperformance and turnover intention were measured. Results: In the Friendship Opportunity Dimension (FOD)subscale, there was a significant difference in scores between males and females. There were no effects ofmarital status or age group regarding workplace friendships. There was a significant effect of department andwork shift on opportunity and prevalence of friendship. Friendship opportunity had an effect on job performance(β=0,150 and p=0.005), however it had no significant effect on turnover intention. On the other hand, friendship < br />prevalence had a significant effect on both job performance and turnover intention scale (β=0,195 and p=0.0001,β=-0,170 and p=0.002 respectively).Conclusion: There were good interpersonal relationships between nurses working at Minia University Hospitals. Friendships seemed to be more developed among males. Night shiftshad more opportunities for friendships at the workplace. Workplace friendship influenced job performance andturnover intention
Friendship
Work
Nurses
Turnover intention and Job performance
2019
09
01
441
452
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47863_2f2808240c2821a822317baf97baa701.pdf
Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine
Egypt. J. Occup. Med.
1110-1881
1110-1881
2019
43
3
Physician-Patient Communication: Perception and Practice among Doctors Working in Tanta University Outpatient Clinics, Egypt
Shalaby
SS
Saied
SM
Zayed
HA
Introduction: Effective physician-patient communication plays a crucial role in establishing a successfultherapeutic outcome. Having good quality communication skills is vital for doctors to build up agreeabledoctor-patient connection. In Egypt, the discipline of effective doctor-patient communication is stillunderestimated Aim of work: This study aimed to assess physicians’ perception concerning the significanceof effective physician-patient communication and to evaluate their actual practice and patient communicationskills. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians working at outpatientclinics at Tanta University Hospitals. Data collection was done using a self-administered questionnaire sheetconveyed to 275 randomly selected physicians working in different outpatient clinics. Physicians’ perceptionconcerning effective communication was assessed by means of self-assessment questions created by Samueland Albert, and the level of physician-patient communication practice was assessed using the adaptedKalamazoo Checklist. Results: The study included 275 physicians; 48.6% of participants had highly perceivedthe significance of effective communication. ‘Effective doctor-patient communication is highly associatedwith increased patient satisfaction’ showed the highest perception among physicians (94.5%). The medicalcurriculum followed by media and internet were the commonest sources of participants` information. About41.8% of participant physicians had ‘good’ communication with a higher percentage among female doctors.Significant positive correlations were found between physicians’ years of experience and communication skillspractice competencies. Conclusion: About half of the physicians highly perceived the significance of effectivedoctor-patient communication and more than two-fifths of them had good doctor-patient communicationskills. Enforcement of training courses concerning effective physician-patient communication is substantiallyrecommended for both undergraduate students and graduated physicians.
Physician-patient communication
perception
Practice and Tanta University
2019
09
01
453
467
https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_47867_933c514dd97b173ab0927bb58d3c7f57.pdf