Longer Work Duration Research Articles

Analysis of factors associated with the lumbar spine and proximal femur bone mineral density in coal miners: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundChinese coal miners are at high risk of occupational disease becausethey work underground during most of the daylight hours and are exposed to weight-bearing activity. But data concerning bone mineral density (BMD) and risk factors of BMD is lacking. We aim to identify the factors associated with low bone BMD in coal miners. MethodsMeasurements were taken at the lumbar spine and proximal femur using DXA (OSTEOCORE-2 Vision, Medilink, France). Demographic, lifestyle, physical, and occupational characteristics were collected through standardised questionnaires. Univariate, multivariate, and multiple regression were performed. FindingsWe recruited 1650 coal miners aged 30–60 years from Kailuan, a city in Hebei province of China, from May to November, 2011. 51 miners (10%) older than 50 years were osteoporotic, and 191 miners (36%) had osteopenia at the lumbar spine. Four miners (1%) were osteoporotic, and 134 miners (25%) had osteopenia at the femoral neck. Pearson correlation showed that lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD correlated positively with weight (r=0·155, p<0·0001; r=0·194, p<0·0001) and body-mass index (BMI; r=0·108, p<0·0001; r=0·177, p<0·0001). Number of years of work (r=–0·134, p<0·0001) and age (r=–0·116, p<0·0001) were negatively correlated with femoral neck BMD. On multiple regression analysis, BMI was the only independent predictor of lumbar spine BMD (η2=0·005, p<0·0001), whereas both BMI (η2=0·007, p<0·0001) and years of work (η2=0·003, p<0·01) were independent predictors of femoral neck BMD. InterpretationAge, low BMI, and long duration of work are risk factors for low BMD of coal miners in China, along with low calcium supplements intake, less time of sun exposure, smoking, and drinking history. FundingSpecific Research Project of Health Pro bono Sectors, Ministry of Health, China (201002014).

Work-related and ergonomic risk factors associated with low back pain among bus drivers.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common form of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which cause huge economic losses to individuals as well as to the community. Bus drivers have been found to be at an increased risk of LBP owing to several factors associated with physical and occupational circumstances. There is scant knowledge on the problems of LBP among bus drivers in Egypt. To identify the prevalence of LBP among bus drivers and to determine the ergonomic and occupational risk factors associated with this problem. This is a cross-sectional study including 180 public bus drivers who were interviewed using a questionnaire containing items on some sociodemographic, ergonomic, and occupational characteristics. Lifestyle risk factors such as BMI and history of tobacco smoking were also included in the questionnaire. The prevalence of LBP was high (73.9%). LBP was significantly associated with work duration of more than 10 years, working more than 8 h/day and more number of accidents while driving the bus in the previous year. Regarding ergonomic risk factors, those complaining of uncomfortable seat and steering wheels showed significantly higher prevalence of LBP. Public bus drivers in this study experienced high prevalence of LBP, which was associated with long duration of work, driving for more than 8 h daily and uncomfortable seat and steering wheels. Ergonomic and occupational risk factors associated with LBP can be modified by proper organizational strategies and health plans. Therefore, assessment of the sitting biomechanics and regular maintenance of buses are recommended to prevent any adverse health effects.

Work-related and ergonomic risk factors associated with low back pain among bus drivers.

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common form of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, which cause huge economic losses to individuals as well as to the community. Bus drivers have been found to be at an increased risk of LBP owing to several factors associated with physical and occupational circumstances. There is scant knowledge on the problems of LBP among bus drivers in Egypt.To identify the prevalence of LBP among bus drivers and to determine the ergonomic and occupational risk factors associated with this problem.This is a cross-sectional study including 180 public bus drivers who were interviewed using a questionnaire containing items on some sociodemographic, ergonomic, and occupational characteristics. Lifestyle risk factors such as BMI and history of tobacco smoking were also included in the questionnaire.The prevalence of LBP was high (73.9%). LBP was significantly associated with work duration of more than 10 years, working more than 8 h/day and more number of accidents while driving the bus in the previous year. Regarding ergonomic risk factors, those complaining of uncomfortable seat and steering wheels showed significantly higher prevalence of LBP.Public bus drivers in this study experienced high prevalence of LBP, which was associated with long duration of work, driving for more than 8 h daily and uncomfortable seat and steering wheels. Ergonomic and occupational risk factors associated with LBP can be modified by proper organizational strategies and health plans. Therefore, assessment of the sitting biomechanics and regular maintenance of buses are recommended to prevent any adverse health effects.

Reduced egfr, elevated urine protein and low level of personal protective equipment compliance among artisanal small scale gold miners at Bibiani-Ghana: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundMercury is a toxic metal with its effects on human health ranging from acute to chronic in a very short time of exposure. Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is the main source of direct human exposure to mercury.AimTo access the effect of mercury exposure on the renal function and level of personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance among small-scale gold miners in Bibiani District of the Western Region of GhanaMethod110 consenting male gold miners were purposively recruited for this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic information from the participants. Work place assessment and interviews were conducted. Urine samples were analysed for protein; blood was analysed for mercury and creatinine. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the chronic kidney disease-epidemiology collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation.ResultsOf the 110 participants, 61(55.5%) exceeded the occupational exposure threshold (blood mercury <5μg/L). Urine protein (41.72±68.34, P<0.0001), serum creatinine (2.24±1.19, P<0.0001) and blood mercury (18.37±10.47, P<0.0001) were significantly elevated among the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group. However, the exposed group had a significantly reduced eGFR (P<0.0001). There was a significant correlation (r=0.7338, p<0.0001) between blood mercury concentration and urine protein concentration. An increase in blood mercury correlated negatively (r = −0.8233, P<0.0001) with eGFR among the exposed group. High urine protein (P< 0.0001) and high serum creatinine (P< 0.0001) were significantly associated with increased mercury exposure. Increased mercury exposure was significantly associated with burning of amalgam (P=0.0196), sucking of excess mercury (P=0.0336), longer work duration (P=0.0314) and low educational background (P=0.0473).ConclusionSmall scale miners at the Bibiani work site are exposed to excess mercury. Proteinuria and reduced eGFR is common in mine workers exposed to excess mercury. We found poor PPE compliance among the study population.

Mortality among Coast Guard Shipyard workers: A retrospective cohort study of specific exposures

ABSTRACTIn a previous analysis of a cohort of shipyard workers, we found excess mortality from all causes, lung cancer, and mesothelioma for longer work durations and in specific occupations. Here, we expand the previous analyses by evaluating mortality associated with 5 chemical exposures: asbestos, solvents, lead, oils/greases, and wood dust. Data were gathered retrospectively for 4,702 workers employed at the Coast Guard Shipyard, Baltimore, MD (1950–1964). The cohort was traced through 2001 for vital status. Associations between mortality and these 5 exposures were calculated via standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). We found all 5 substances to be independently associated with mortality from mesothelioma, cancer of the respiratory system, and lung cancer. Findings from efforts to evaluate solvents, lead, oils/greases, and wood dust in isolation of asbestos suggested that the excesses from these other exposures may be due to residual confounding from asbestos exposure.

Dermatoses among automobile mechanics in Mansoura, Egypt

ABSTRACTThis cross-sectional study was carried out in Mansoura, Egypt to assess the prevalence of occupational dermatoses and their possible risk factors on a convenience sample of car mechanics. Sociodemographic and occupational data were collected, and clinical examination was done. Prevalence of skin diseases was 45.4% and that of exclusively occupational skin diseases was 9.2%. Irritant contact dermatitis, eczema, and tar/oil acne were the most common types (4.6%, 3.1%, 3.1%, respectively). The logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk of occupational dermatoses increased significantly with lack of use of personal protective equipment, longer duration of work, and presence of workplace chemicals (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] were 7.2 [2.7, 19.0], 4.3 [1.7, 10.9], and 3.7 [1.3, 10.5], respectively). Health education and safety measures are essential for prevention and control of hazardous workplace practices and exposure.

Evaluation of the ventilation unit for personal cooling system (PCS)

BackgroundWorkers are vulnerable to heat stress when they perform tasks in hot environments. Personal cooling systems (PCSs) are designed to reduce heat strain. A cooling vest with ventilation fans is a type of PCS that can blow air around the body to facilitate convective and evaporative cooling. ObjectiveThis study aims to evaluate the performance of a ventilation unit for a tailor-made cooling vest designed to protect construction workers from heat stress. The performance of this newly designed ventilation unit (Unit B) was compared with that of the ventilation unit used in a commercially available cooling vest (Unit A). MethodThe designed ventilation unit consists of a pair of ventilation fans and a portable battery pack. A hot wire anemometer was used to measure the air flow rate of the fan. The air flow rate and work duration of different ventilation units were compared. The sweating manikin test was conducted to further compare the cooling powers of the ventilation units. ResultCompared with Unit A powered by the alkaline AA battery (6 V, 2122 mAh), Unit B powered by the rechargeable lithium-polymer (Li-Po) battery (7.4 V, 4400 mAh) achieved a higher air flow rate (8–22 L/s vs. 0–13 L/s) and longer work duration (7.05 h vs. 6.22 h). The average cooling power of Unit B on the sweating manikin was 68 W, which was higher than that of Unit A (51 W). Practical applicationsResults showed that the newly designed ventilation unit exhibited higher air flow rate and cooling power. The ventilation unit designed in this study will be incorporated into a tailor-made PCS for protecting workers in the heat.

Chronic Bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Among Textile Workers in Karachi, Pakistan.

To determine the frequency and predictors of chronic bronchitis and COPD among textile workers in Karachi, Pakistan. Cross-sectional survey. Karachi, Pakistan, from October to December 2009. Male textile workers from 15 mills of Karachi were inducted. Data was collected using American Thoracic Society respiratory questionnaire (ATS-DLD-78-a) and spirometry. Out of 372 participants, 29 (7.8%) workers had chronic bronchitis (4, 9.1% aged ≥40 years) and 25 (6.7%) had COPD (12, 27.2% aged ≥40 years). Workers with chronic bronchitis had significantly decreased lung function compared to the healthy workers. Those reporting severe self-perceived dust exposure at work, ≥ 10 pack years of smoking, uneducated, longer duration of work (≥11 years), and ever smokers were more likely to have chronic bronchitis or COPD. In the multivariate analyses, severe self-perceived dust exposure at work (AOR = 7.4; 95% CI: 1.9, 28.0), family history of respiratory illness/symptoms (AOR = 4.8; 95% CI: 1.1, 20.9) and lack of education (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.1, 16.9) were significant predictors of chronic bronchitis. Duration of work ≥11 years (AOR = 5.5; 95% CI: 1.5, 19.7) and pack years of smoking ≥10 years (AOR = 3.5; 95% CI: 1.1, 11.7) were strong predictors for COPD. There is a high frequency of chronic bronchitis and COPD among textile workers. Multiple important predictors for prevention are identified.

Analysis of travel time and mode choice shift for non-work stops in commuting: case study of Beijing, China

This paper investigates travel time attributed to non-work stops in multi-purpose commuting trips. Travel time is explained by socio-demographics and spatial attributes, mode shift is also included to analyze the extra travel time, and its trade-off with activity time for four types of non-work stops—eating out, shopping, leisure/social activities, and family/personal/other. Data come from the “Daily Activity and Travel Survey of Beijing 2012”. Descriptive analysis shows that almost 20% of the multi-purpose commuting trips include a mode shift toward a more motorized transport mode than their direct counterparts. Regression results indicate that extra travel time due to detours is significantly related to the activity durations. Regardless of the activity type, longer work duration reduces the travel time. Furthermore, the interaction terms between personal/trip/spatial factors and activities durations show the impacts differ across the activity types. Gender difference is found only for eating out, which suggests that male commuters travel longer for the same amount of activity time. Concerning spatial factors, a greater mix of facilities near workplaces helps to reduce the extra travel time invested for a time unit of shopping and family/personal/other activities. Compared with public transit users, active mode users have shorter travel time for eating out. Timing, work duration and commuting duration as time-budget-related variables show negative impacts on the extra travel time for eating-out, shopping and family/personal/other activities. However, mode shift does not show any significant impact as the hypothesis proposed. Instead of rebalancing the trade-off between travel and activity time, commuters may relocate activity with an expanded opportunity choice set given by a higher mobility level.

Factors effecting influenza vaccination uptake among health care workers: a multi-center cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThe present study aimed to identify factors affecting vaccination against influenza among health professionals.MethodsWe used a multi-centre cross-sectional design to conduct an online self-administered questionnaire with physicians and nurses at state and foundation university hospitals in the south-east of Turkey, between 1 January 2015 and 1 February 2015. The five participating hospitals provided staff email address lists filtered for physicians and nurses. The questionnaire comprised multiple choice questions covering demographic data, knowledge sources, and Likert-type items on factors affecting vaccination against influenza. The target response rate was 20 %.ResultsIn total, 642 (22 %) of 2870 health professionals (1220 physicians and 1650 nurses) responded to the questionnaire. Participants’ mean age was 29.6 ± 9.2 years (range 17–62 years); 177 (28.2 %) were physicians and 448 (71.3 %) were nurses. The rate of regular vaccination was 9.2 % (15.2 % for physicians and 8.2 % for nurses). Increasing age, longer work duration in health services, being male, being a physician, working in an internal medicine department, having a chronic disease, and living with a person over 65 years old significantly increased vaccination compliance (p < 0.05). We found differences between vaccine compliant and non-compliant groups for expected benefit from vaccination, social influences, and personal efficacy (p < 0.05). Univariate analysis showed differences between the groups in perceptions of personal risks, side effects, and efficacy of the vaccine (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis found that important factors influencing vaccination behavior were work place, colleagues’ opinions, having a chronic disease, belief that vaccination was effective, and belief that flu can be prevented by natural ways.ConclusionNumerous factors influence health professionals’ decisions about influenza vaccination. Strategies to increase the ratio of vaccination among physicians and nurses should consider all of these factors to increase the likelihood of success.

Optimizing Interval Training at Power Output Associated With Peak Oxygen Uptake in Well-Trained Cyclists

The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute physiological responses of interval protocols using the minimal power output (MAP) that elicits peak oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak) as exercise intensity and different durations of work intervals during intermittent cycling. In randomized order, 13 well-trained male cyclists (V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak = 67 ± 6 ml·kg·min) performed 3 different interval protocols to exhaustion. Time to exhaustion and time ≥ 90% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak were measured with MAP as exercise intensity, and work duration of the intervals equals either 80% of Tmax, 50% of Tmax, or 30 seconds with recovery period being 50% of the work duration at intensity equal to 50% of MAP. The major findings were that the interval protocol using 30-second work periods induced longer time ≥90% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak and longer work duration at MAP intensity than the interval protocols using work periods of 50% of Tmax or 80% of Tmax (p ≤ 0.05). There was no difference between the protocols using work periods of 50% of Tmax or 80% of Tmax. In conclusion, the present study suggests that the 30-second work interval protocol acutely induces a larger exercise stimulus in well-trained cyclists than the protocols using work periods of 50% of Tmax or 80% of Tmax. The practical application of the present findings is that fixed 30-second work intervals can be used to optimize training time at MAP and time ≥90% of V[Combining Dot Above]O2peak in well-trained cyclists using MAP exercise intensity and a 2:1 work:recovery ratio.

Occupational Hazards in the Thai Healthcare Sector.

Healthcare personnel work in vulnerable conditions that can adversely impact physical and/or mental health. This paper aims to synthesize the state of knowledge on work-related illnesses, injuries, and risks experienced by Thai healthcare workers. We found that Thai healthcare personnel, like others worldwide, are at risk for injury related to needle sticks and sharp instruments; infectious diseases due to biological hazards exposure such as airborne pathogens and patient secretions; muscle pain due to workload and long duration of work; and psychological disorders related to stressful working conditions. Because detailed surveillance data are limited for the Thai healthcare workforce, we recommend that additional surveillance data on Thai healthcare workers' health outcomes be collected. Future research efforts should also focus on evidence-based interventions in order to develop methods to prevent and treat occupational health injuries and illnesses acquired in the workplace for Thai healthcare sector workers.

Assessing the impact of waste picking on musculoskeletal disorders among waste pickers in Mumbai, India: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as well as the impact of the occupation of waste picking on complaints of MSDs among waste pickers. The study attempts to...

The impact of occupational experience on cognitive and physical functional status among older adults in a representative sample of Korean subjects.

ObjectiveThis study investigated the impact of occupation on cognitive and physical function within an occupational window of the past 15 years using a nationally representative sample in Korea.MethodsA total of 4,408 subjects aged 60 and older were selected from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA). Functional health was evaluated using the Korean versions of the Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (K-IADL), and Activities of Daily Living (K-ADL) measures.ResultsThe prevalence of lower function was higher among women than among men, and employed persons had better cognitive and physical function compared with the retired and unemployed. Longer work duration during the past 15 years significantly and positively affected all measures of function in men, whereas it only improved physical function in women. Manual laborers exhibited improved functional capacity with longer work durations over the past 15 years, although they presented lower functional scores compared with non-manual laborers. There was a curvilinear relationship of work duration with cognitive and physical function among men and manual laborers.ConclusionIn our population, longer work duration, especially for men and for manual laborers, appears to be a significant contributor to the cognitive and physical function of older people.

Factors associated with immunization against Hepatitis B among workers of the Family Health Strategy Program.

Cross-sectional study conducted among workers of the Family Health Strategy Montes Claros. To investigate the report of vaccination against Hepatitis B, verification of immunization and the factors associated with dosages of anti-HBs. We collected blood samples from those reported that they had one or more doses of the vaccine. We evaluated the association of the dosage of anti- HBs with sociodemographic conditions, occupational and behavioral. The associations were verified by Mann Whitney and Kruskal Wallis and correlation Spermann by linear regression using SPSS® 17.0. Among the 761 respondents, 504 (66.1%) were vaccinated, 52.5 % received three doses, 30.4 % verified immunization. Of the 397 evaluated for the determination of anti-Hbs, 16.4% were immune. It was found that longer duration of work was associated with higher levels of anti-HBs, while levels of smoking were inversely associated with anti-HBs. These workers need for vaccination campaigns.

Night-shift work and incident diabetes among African-American women.

The aim of this study was to assess shift work in relation to incident type 2 diabetes in African-American women. In the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS), an ongoing prospective cohort study, we followed 28,041 participants for incident diabetes during 2005-2013. They answered questions in 2005 about having worked a night shift. We estimated HR and 95% CIs for incident diabetes using Cox proportional hazards models. The basic multivariable model included age, time period, family history of diabetes, education and neighbourhood socioeconomic status. In further models, we controlled for lifestyle factors and BMI. Over the 8 years of follow-up, there were 1,786 incident diabetes cases. Relative to never having worked the night shift, HRs (95% CI) for diabetes were 1.17 (1.04, 1.31) for 1-2 years of night-shift work, 1.23 (1.06, 1.41) for 3-9 years and 1.42 (1.19, 1.70) for ≥ 10 years (p-trend < 0.0001). The monotonic positive association between night-shift work and type 2 diabetes remained after multivariable adjustment (p-trend = 0.02). The association did not vary by obesity status, but was stronger in women aged <50 years. Long duration of shift work was associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The association was only partially explained by lifestyle factors and BMI. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which shift work may affect the risk of diabetes is needed in view of the high prevalence of shift work among workers in the USA.

Working conditions of Iranian hand-sewn shoe workers and associations with musculoskeletal symptoms

The working conditions and the prevalence of self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms among 180 Iranian hand-sewn shoe workers were evaluated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected using both questionnaire (for assessing musculoskeletal symptoms and associated risk factors) and direct observations of posture (by the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA] method). The prevalence and severity of symptoms was very high among the study population. The mean RULA grand score of 6.2 indicates that in most cases the workers' postures at their workstations need to be investigated and some changes are required immediately. Multiple logistic regression models indicated that the job experience, daily working hours, duration of continuous work without breaks, feeling pressure due to work and working postures were significantly associated with musculoskeletal symptoms of different body regions. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for hand-sewing tasks. These findings can help to better understand the working conditions of those jobs involving hand-sewing operation and highlight the potential for ergonomic interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms among these working groups.Practitioner Summary: Working conditions of hand-sewn shoe workers and their musculoskeletal symptoms were investigated. The prevalence and severity of musculoskeletal symptoms was very high among the study population. Poor working postures, feeling pressure due to work, long duration of work without breaks and prolonged daily working hours were positively associated with musculoskeletal symptoms.

Association between shift work and obesity among female nurses: Korean Nurses’ Survey

BackgroundShift work has been hypothesized as a risk factor for obesity. In this study, we investigated the association between current shift work and body mass index (BMI) among female nurses in Korea. The relationship between duration of shift work and BMI of the participants was also evaluated.MethodsThis cross-sectional survey evaluated participants in the Korean Nurses’ Survey, conducted from October to December 2011, using web-based self-administered questionnaires. A total of 9,989 nurses were included among 10,000 who registered on the survey web site (5,287 shift workers and 4,702 non-shift workers). Current shift workers were divided into tertiles of shift work duration (0.08–3.00 years, n = 1,732; 3.08–6.75 years, n = 1,731; and 6.83–38.00 years, n = 1,686). The BMI thresholds of overweight and obesity were ≥23 kg/m2 and ≥25 kg/m2, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.ResultsMean participant age was 33.2 ± 8.6 years and the mean BMI was 20.9 ± 2.5 kg/m2. There were statistically significant differences in current smoking status, regular drinking habit, dietary habits, regular exercise, sleep problems and self-perceived health status according to duration of shift work. The overall prevalence of overweight/obesity (18.6%) and obesity (7.4%) increased significantly as shift work duration increased from the lowest to highest tertile (P for trend <0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed no association between current shift work and BMI. However, after adjusting for potential confounders, the participants with the longest duration of shift work were 1.63 (95% CI, 1.22–2.17) times more likely to be overweight or obese than those with the shortest duration. There was a significant positive association between obesity and shift work duration in the unadjusted analysis; however, it was attenuated and no longer significant in the multivariate model.ConclusionsThe duration of shift work was positively associated with prevalence of overweight/obesity in nurses in Korea. Although these findings need to be confirmed in prospective studies, they suggest that special attention should be paid to female nurses with a long duration of shift work.

20 The impact of occupational experience on cognitive and physical functional status among older Korean adults

ObjectivesDespite growing employment levels in the geriatric population, there exists little evidence regarding the specific relationship between occupation and health for older individuals. We investigated the impact of occupation on...

42 Rotating night shift work and health status among nurses and midwives

ObjectiveNight shift work has been linked to several chronic diseases such as gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, although the epidemiological data for rotating night shift nurses are inconclusive. The...