The Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Environmental and Health Impact of Open Burning Rice Straw67970811834910.21608/ejom.2020.118349ENEl Safty AMKDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Cairo University, Egypt.Journal Article20201012Introduction: Egypt is an agricultural country and the largest rice producer in the Middle East region. It is an important strategic crop that is planted in Nile Delta area. The term rice straw describes the dry stalks of the rice crop that remains after the removal of the grain during harvesting process. Rice straw biochemical composition is the typical structure of agricultural- based lignocellulosic residue. Farmers all over the world had the habit of open burning of rice straw as a disposal method of the voluminous residues of harvested rice. This practice causes significant amount of air pollutants like gases as NOx, CO, CO2, fine dust (PM2.5, and PM10), that affects the air quality, leads to climatic changes and deteriorates public health. The Egyptian Ministry of Environmental Affairs had controlled this practice that has both environmental and health impacts, through installing intelligent monitors all over Egypt that give alarm in case of exceeding the limits stated by the national environmental law. Efforts had been directed towards onsite collection of rice straw and convincing farmers to recycle the straw into a wide range of products and to provide them with machines for the processing of the rice straw for free added to exploring opportunities of agro-industrial uses as household fuel, livestock bedding, papers, fertilizers, furniture and construction. Consequently, increase the commercial demand for rice straw that derived up prices resulting in the establishment of more rural activities and services. This act improved<br />the air quality and reduced the negative impact on the environment and public health.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118349_3b570ce80840c2beda71be381db233de.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001The impact of an Educational Training Program on Nurses in Reduction of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia70972611835010.21608/ejom.2020.118350ENKhalifa EMDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Seif Eldin ASDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.+Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences and Rehabilitation, Princess Nourah bint
Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudia Arabia.Journal Article20201012Introduction: Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is a critical hospital acquired infection causing high morbidity and mortality among critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICU). Nurses play a fundamental role in prevention of VAP by adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Lack of knowledge and inadequate infection control program application are barriers against reduction of VAP incidence. Aim of work: To evaluate the effectiveness of an educational and training program of ICU nurses on their knowledge and practices regarding evidenced based guidelines for VAP prevention, to detect its impact on the incidence rate of VAP and to raise the nurses’ awareness of their occupational health and safety by adherence to infection control guidelines. Materials and methods: A quasi- experimental pre-post design, interventional study was conducted on seventy nurses at five ICUs at the Manial hospital, Cairo University. Pre- intervention questionnaire and observational checklist were used to assess nurses’ knowledge and practice of care bundle for VAP prevention. An educational and training programs about occupational health, safety and infection control measures was applied, and then post- intervention assessment was followed. Analysis of VAP incidence rate was performed after reviewing the medical records. Results: There was statistically significant improvement of knowledge in the post-intervention assessment except for the use of chlorhexidine which showed non-statistically significant differences between pre and post intervention (˃ 0.05). Nurses’ practices regarding infection control measures and care bundle for VAP prevention showed statistically significant improvement in the post- intervention assessment (˂ 0.05) except for the use of clean unsterilized gloves and use of chlorhexidine swab which were the least practices adopted in 4.3% and 12.9% of nurses respectively. The mean VAP incidence rate was 24.86± 5.19 and was reduced to 5.47.96± in the post intervention phase (statistically significant). Conclusion: There was an overall improvement of nurses’ knowledge and practices of evidence based guidelines for VAP prevention associated with reduction of VAP incidence rate after the implementation of the program.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118350_47224445bb12c2b2ca6998e3ce50728c.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Violence among Pharmacists and Their Assistants in The Community Pharmacies72774411835210.21608/ejom.2020.118352ENElHadidy SDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.El-Gilany ADepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt.Journal Article20201012Introduction: The staffs working in community pharmacies are at high risk of all forms of workplace violence. The studies investigating the prevalence or the psychological impacts of work related violence in community pharmacies are deficient. Aim of work: To estimate the period prevalence (last 12 months) of work-related violence, its types, associated factors and psychological effects among pharmacists/assistants in community pharmacies in Mansoura city. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was done in community pharmacies in Mansoura city. A total of 509 pharmacists/<br />assistants completed the questionnaire. Data was collected using a questionnaire included personal and socio-demographic data, occupational history and history of exposure to any violent incident in the last 12 months. The questionnaire included details of the last violent incident and the subjective response to a violent event, using the Arabic version of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Results: The overall prevalence of exposure to any type of violence in the last 12 months was 34.6 %. The prevalence of verbal violence was higher than the prevalence of threat, physical<br />violence and bullying (29.7% vs. 11.6%, 10.8% and 9.6%; respectively). The significant independent predictors of any form of workplace violence were the age group from 19 to 40 years, being assistant pharmacist , working in night shifts and having little or moderate/severe worrying about work related violence. Conclusion: The workplace violence was prevalent among working pharmacists / assistants in Mansoura city (in the last 12 months) and the verbal violence was the commonest type. About one third of those exposed to violence had clinically significant IES-R scores indicating having<br />post-traumatic stress disorder.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118352_d9488b26f97c50613ef5eff2fdf89628.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Emergencies in Occupational Environment74576011835410.21608/ejom.2020.118354ENManawil MDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Journal Article20201012Emergency is a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action as it threatens serious damage to health, life, property, or environment. A workplace emergency is an unforeseen situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies in occupational environment include natural emergencies, fire and explosion, chemical, physical and mechanical accidents, biological exposures, and psychosocial trauma (as violence at workplace). Identification of the flammable and combustible materials stored in the workplace is a prerequisite for the developing of fire prevention plan. Gases arising from many industrial processes can be flammable and explosive, toxic, or asphyxiating. Confined spaces carry many serious risks including asphyxiation. Chemical spill can be a source of hazardous waste which necessitates emergency response. Radiation and nuclear accidents can occur if radiation sources are stored or used improperly, or safety procedures are not followed. Electrical accidents can be fatal, but they are preventable. Biohazard as infection by<br />hepatitis B and C is present among healthcare personnel through needle stick injuries and contamination incidents. Mechanical accidents include machinery, falling and transport accidents which may result in fatality. Violence can be a source of emergency in the workplace which may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder that needs trauma intervention. Terrorism involves the deliberate use of chemical, biological, radiation or nuclear weapons. Emergency workers including firefighters, police officers, and paramedical personnel have to deal with threatening situations. Emergency response plan outlines the resources, responsibilities and training requirements needed to deal with emergencies in a controlled manner. In Egypt, many industrial accidents are not recorded and there is lack of coordination between programs and efforts of accident prevention and preparedness.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118354_623ba55b40312d858b5f4ac5c440a909.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Health Hazards and Some Correlates among Oil Refinery Workers76177611835710.21608/ejom.2020.118357ENDarwish MMMDepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.Zayet HHDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Alhaj MSMinistry of Health, Yemen.Elghazally SADepartment of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.Journal Article20201012Introduction: Oil is a naturally occurring liquid found in rock formations. It consists of a complex mixture of hydrocarbons of various molecular weights plus other organic compounds. The workers in Aden (Yemen) Petroleum Refinery are exposed to a wide variety of hazards that may affect their health which can be broadly classified as; physical, chemical, biological, mechanical/ergonomics and psychological hazards. Aim of work: To identify the prevalence of work-related morbidities among Aden refinery workers and to study some associated correlates. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in Aden Refinery Company (ARC), Alburigah district, Aden governorate, Republic of Yemen and included 398 workers. Data was collected by using semi structured questionnaire which included demographic data, detailed occupational history of the current and previous jobs, and history of work related illness. Results: The mean age of the studied workers was 42.91 ± 7.89 years. The study showed that allergy (e.g. occupational asthma, allergic rhinitis, skin allergy etc) is the most frequently recorded illness among the study participants (55.5%). Hypertension (42.2%) is the second common illness among them. Hypertension and cardiovascular diseases were statistically significant higher among smokers and those with work duration of ≥ 30 years. About one third (32.7%) of the studied sample had medical history of post-employment hearing defects which was statistically significant among those with work duration of ≥ 30 years, those who had history of noise exposure (37.5%) and those who were smokers. The current study also revealed that 8 cancer cases (2%) among the studied participants were rediagnosed post-employment. We also found that 10% of the workers were suffering from symptoms (fatigue, headache, nasal irritation and difficulty of breathing) during the working hours. Conclusion: Petroleum refinery workers are exposed to hazards that affect their health especially allergic diseases. These health effects were higher among smokers and those with long work duration (≥ 30 years).https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118357_967490c1fe269528383d7c6f40160a4e.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Pattern of Acute Corrosives Poisoning at Poisoning Control Unit: A One Year Retrospective Clinical Study.77779211835910.21608/ejom.2020.118359ENAli NEMDepartment of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Abo El Wafa SMDepartment of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Journal Article20201012Introduction: Acute corrosive poisoning is considered a major problem in clinical toxicology all over the world including Egypt as a result of their availability and easy accessibility. Aim of the work: To study and evaluate the hazardous effects of corrosive substances through retrospective study of the acute corrosive poisoning. Materials and methods: All acute corrosive poisoned patients who are admitted to Benha Poisoning Control Unit, Benha University Hospitals, Egypt, from 1st February 2018 to 31th January 2019 were included in the study. All demographic and clinical data were collected and<br />analyzed. Results: Out of 2570 intoxicated cases, 245 cases (9.5%) were due to corrosives exposure, 67.8% were below the age of ten, 61.2% were males, 77.1% were unmarried and 58% came from rural areas. The majority of intoxication were during summer months (48.2%), and 54.3% of intoxicated patients were at home. The way of intoxication was mainly accidental (82.9%) and by oral way (90.6%). The most common causative agent was sodium hypochlorite (60.8%), followed by phenol (23.7%) and caustic potash (Potassium hydroxide) (15.5%). Commonly observed symptoms were GIT with respiratory manifestations (58.8%), respiratory manifestations (32.7%), dermal manifestation (7.3%) and CNS manifestations (0.8%). About 52% of patients were treated symptomatically: 32.6 % with oxygen, 10.2% treated by<br />dermal decontamination and 4.5% with GIT decontamination. Most of cases (78 %) were improved and discharged, 18.4% referred for endoscopy and 3.7% discharged against medical advice. Conclusion: Acute corrosives poisoning was mainly accidental toxic issue in Egypt among rural male children below 10 years old. Sodium hypochlorite found to be the commonest corrosive agent used and commonly observed symptoms were GIT with respiratory manifestations most of patients were treated symptomatically and most of them improved and discharged.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118359_84467a2bfb9f9831fc115de4e6fb0352.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Occupational Hazards Risk Assessment of Nurses Working in Operating Roms79380811836010.21608/ejom.2020.118360ENSaleh MADepartment of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine,
Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Wali MHDepartment of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine,
Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Hassan OMDepartment of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine,
Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Bayomy HDepartment of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine,
Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Nabil NDepartment of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine,
Benha University, Benha, Egypt.Journal Article20201012Introduction: Operating room nurses ( ORN) are exposed to various hazards in operating rooms (ORs) which can affect their health. Aim of work: To identify potential occupational hazards in the OR , to assess the risk of adverse health effects among (ORN) related to these hazards and to recommend prevention and control measures to protect them .Materials and<br />methods: This cross-sectional study targeted all nurses staff working in ORs in Benha University Hospitals, Qualubeyia Governorate, Egypt. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire included demographic data and occupational history with special emphasis on occupational hazards in ORs based on the International Hazard Datasheet on Operating room nurse. Data on attitude towards OR hazards and their impacts on ORN were also obtained Their mean age was . Results: The study recruited 167 female nurses. 32.77±8.42 years old. More than 90% were acquainted with the concept of OR occupational hazards. Eighty four percent of the studied nurses reported that they were adversely affected by OR occupational hazards. The risk of exposure was high for radiation, blood borne diseases and contracting nosocomial<br />diseases. The risk was significant for exposure to anesthetic drugs and gases, latex allergy and muscle pain due to awkward body positions.Conclusion: The complex structure of operating rooms lead to increased occupational hazards<br />which affect operating room nurses’ health.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118360_aba267590a9cb297ec447bbda69f5c28.pdfThe Egyptian Society of Industrial MedicineEgyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine1110-188144320201001Epigenetic Changes and Cardiovascular Risks among Workers Occupationally Exposed to Iron and Zinc80982411836210.21608/ejom.2020.118362ENMohamed RSDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Helmy NMDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.Seif Eldin ASDepartment of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University.+
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Princess Nora Bint Abul
Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaJournal Article20201012Introduction: Several metals such as Iron and Zinc were found at high concentration in foundry particulate matter and demonstrated to have procoagulant effects, these effects may occur through epigenetic changes of pro-inflammatory genes. So, Iron and Steel workers are at a high risk for cardiovascular diseases. Aim of work: Evaluation of the risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases among individuals occupationally exposed to Iron and Zinc. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional comparative study was performed on 60 persons working in Iron and Steel factory and 60 subjects used as control group with no history of occupational exposure to Fe or Zinc. All study population was subjected to personal interview with specially designed questionnaire. Serum Iron and Zinc levels together with Endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) test were measured. Assessment of methylated DNA of Endothelin-1 (EDN1) and Nitric-oxide synthase-3 (NOS3) genes were performed. Results: the current study showed highly statistically significant<br />increase of serum Iron, Zinc levels and percentage of ETP among exposed group when compared to the control with Mean ± SD 125.6±22.9, 110.9±19.2,168±0.5 vs 63.6±15.3, 42.5±7.2, and 102.22±12.36 respectively. There was also a significant decrease of methylated DNA of EDN1and NOS3 genes among exposed group with Mean ± SD 0.71±0.3, 0.75±0.3 versus 1.51±1.01,4.09±0.68 respectively among the control group. Serum levels of Iron and Zinc and percentage of ETP were negatively correlated with methylated DNA of NOS3 and EDN1 genes r= -0.304, r=-0.450, r=-0.259, r= -0.787, r= -0.866 and r= -0.618 respectively (p value <0.005), while positive correlation were detected between Iron and Zinc levels with ETP (r= 0.692 and r=0.625). It was found that Iron, Zinc and NOS3 are determinants for END1 while the latter is the only predictor for NOS3. Conclusion: The risk of thrombosis and cardiovascular diseases were related to occupational exposure to high levels of Iron and Zinc. So, regular wearing of good quality’s personal protective equipment, especially masks and gloves, is highly recommended to decrease exposure to these metals.https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_118362_dca226c1cf25054e0e432c9bb60c12bb.pdf