Male Office Workers Research Articles

Occupation and Psychophysiological Status of the Male Population of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area

Introduction: The progressively growing road traffic intensity leads to a steady increase in the informational, emotional and psychological burden in drivers. Truck drivers are exposed to numerous occupational risk factors, including hard labor, constant psychological stress, vibration, noise, a fixed working position, poor visibility, and excess concentrations of noxious gases, all affecting their psychophysiological status. Objective: To study the relationship between professional work and characteristics of the psychophysiological status of the male population of the northern region and to establish the presence and strength of correlations between their elemental and psychoemotional status. Materials and methods: We assessed the psychoemotional status of 182 men aged 32.6 ± 6.2 years, including 94 truck drivers and 88 office workers, living in three northern cities of the Russian Federation. We also established their blood and urinary levels of catecholamines (adrenaline and noradrenaline) using enzyme immunoassay and measured hair magnesium and potassium levels using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Results: We observed that the professional drivers of the northern region were more susceptible to psychological stress (p = 0.042…0.001), had higher levels of stress hormones (cortisol and adrenaline) in blood (p = 0.049…0.005) and urine (p = 0.004…0.003), but lower hair levels of magnesium and potassium, the trace elements essential for mental health (p = 0.004…0.003), than male office workers. The correlation analysis of the above parameters proved that psychological stress of the truck drivers was attributed to magnesium and potassium deficiency (r = -0.475…—0.601) and a high level of stress hormones (r = –0.514…–0.828). Conclusion: In order to stabilize emotional and psychological status and to improve the performance, physical health, and the quality of life of professional drivers, it is important to correct their micronutrient status using multivitamin/multimineral supplements and enriched foods.

Effects of Self-Massage and Foot Exercises on Lumbar Spine Pain and Functional Condition in Sedentary Men

Background. Lumbar pain is one of the most common disorders of the musculoskeletal system in workers who sit for prolonged periods of time. Prolonged sitting hours change muscle activity and create tension, which negatively affects the structure of the fascia. Myofascial exercises for the posterior superficial chain have been shown to reduce lumbar pain, but the effect of self-massage and foot exercises on the functional condition of the lumbar in office workers is unclear.
 The aim. To assess the effect of self-massage and foot exercises on lumbar pain and functional condition in male office workers.
 Methods. The study included 20 men (25.8 ± 2,6 year) (10 in the experimental group, 10 in the control group) engaged in sedentary work and experiencing chronic non-specific lumbar pain. Before and after the study, a pain intensity assessment was performed using the numerical rating scale (NRS), a functional status assessment using the Oswestry questionnaire, and an assessment of the superficial length of the back superficial chain (lower part) using the toe reach test. For the experimental group, 5 times a week for 10 weeks for 10 minutes, self-massage was applied to each foot; and 3 times a week for 30 minutes, exercises for the feet.
 Results. After self-massage and foot exercises, the intensity of pain and functional disability decreased significantly (p <0.001), and the length of the back superficial chain (lower part) increased (p <0.001). Functional disability increased in the control group (p <0.001). After the study, functional disability differed significantly between groups (p = 0.02).
 Conclusion. Self-massage and foot exercises improved functional condition and reduced lumbar pain in male office workers.
 Keywords: low back pain, fascia, myofascial chain, massage, physiotherapy.

Direct Effect of Local Cryotherapy on Muscle Stimulation, Pain and Strength in Male Office Workers with Lateral Epicondylitis, Non-Randomized Clinical Trial Study.

Background: Local cryotherapy (LC) is one of the physiotherapeutic methods used in the conservative treatment of lateral epicondylitis (LE). The aim of the study was to verify the direct effect of a single LC procedure on the clinical symptoms of lateral epicondylitis enthesopathy (pain, pain free grip, PFG) and its effect on the bioelectrical properties of the wrist extensor muscles at rest, on maximal contraction and isometric contraction during fatigue. Methods: The study group was 28 men (35.4 ± 6.13 years) with confirmed unilateral epicondylitis. The performed procedures included the assessment of pain (visual analogue scale, VAS), PFG and ARMS (root-mean-square amplitude) and mean frequencies (MNF) of the sEMG signal before (T0) and after (T1) LC on the side with enthesopathy (ECRE) and without enthesopathy (ECRN/E). Results: There was an increase in the ARMS values of the signals recorded during rest and MVC from the ECR muscles both with and without enthesopathy (p = 0.0001, p = 0.006), an increased PFG after LC only on the side with LE (p < 0.0001) and decreased pain (p < 0.0001). During isometric fatigue contraction, a higher ARMS on both the ECRE side (p < 0.0001) and the ECRN/E side (p < 0.0001) was observed after LC treatment, and a lower MNF was observed on both the ECRN/E side (p < 0.0001) and the ECRE side (p < 0.0001) after LC. Conclusions: LC reduces the pain and increases PFG and muscle excitation expressed by ARMS and seems to delay muscle fatigue.

Occupational Health Aspects with Special Focus on Physiological Differences between Office and Metalworkers.

Physical workload adversely impacts inflammation, oxidative stress and mood in heavy workers. We compared these risk parameters between metalworkers (n = 20) and office workers (n = 30), including gender differences. Blood samples were analyzed with thirty parameters to overview endocrinology, inflammation, and psychological and oxidative stress. Despite an adequate antioxidative supply, oxidative stress occurred in metalworkers, as indicated by significantly increased peroxide and homocysteine (Hcy) levels. Moreover, increased concentrations were observed in this group regarding psychological stress and diet-related parameters. Sex-specific differences were determined for physical dimensions, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), Hcy, uric acid, triglycerides, osmolality, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and testosterone. Age-associated differences were observed for DHEAS, glycosylated hemoglobin, adrenaline, AMH and testosterone. In male office workers, the body mass index was associated with increased LDL-HDL, cholesterol-HDL and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In conclusion, these results indicate increased oxidative stress and psychological stress in heavy workers independently of adequate antioxidant sustenance. The sedentary occupation of office workers, in turn, favored diseases of affluence. This might be particularly relevant for long-term occupied persons and older workers due to a hormonal shift coming along, given the risk for oxidative stress-related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, particularly in the case of males, based on their lifestyle habits.

A Non-Exercise Model for Predicting Cardiovascular Risks among Apparently Healthy Male Office Workers-Cross-Sectional Analysis: A Pilot Study.

The health condition of working-age males in Poland remains largely associated with long-lasting sick leaves, one of the main reasons of which being cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this work was to develop a prediction model for FIT Treadmill Score (“FIT” refers to Henry Ford ExercIse Testing (FIT) Project) that only depends on easily accessible somatic data and smoking without the need to perform the exercise test anymore. The study comprised 146 men with a negative cardiological history, aged 26–60, with desk-jobs. By means of regression analysis it was tested to what degree obesity-related indices as well as smoking cigarettes allow for determining the measure level of mortality risk, without the necessity of performing an exercise test. The following independent variables were entered into the linear regression model: age, BMI, Fat%, waist circumference (WC), waist to height ratio (WHtR) as well as smoking. Statistically significant factors were singled out from among them. The obtained model accounts for a significant part (over 87%) of the variability of the mortality risk measure among the tested population. Based on the value of the standardised regression coefficient β, it can be stated that age is the factor that mostly determines the mortality risk measure, followed by the WHtR and smoking. The simplicity of the worked-out model and, resulting from it, the possibility of its common application should enable better health monitoring of working-age men with regard to cardiovascular disease occurrence and, related to it, mortality risk, thereby improving the quality of public health management.

Investigation of muscle imbalance among asymptomatic and symptomatic neck pain male office workers

IntroductionOffice workers tend to have a forward head and shoulder posture during prolonged use of a computer, which can develop into neck pain owing to the imbalance of neck and shoulder muscles. The aim of this study was to evaluate neck and scapular muscle imbalance including the muscle length and strength among male office workers.MethodsOverall, 72 male office workers aged 20–45 years were recruited for this study. There were 34 participants in the neck pain group and 38 participants in the asymptomatic group. The study was conducted through a self-report questionnaire including demographic data and work characteristics, and a test on neck and shoulder muscle length and strength performed by means of passive movement and a hand-held dynamometer, respectively.ResultsOffice workers with neck pain demonstrated a significantly longer duration of computer use than workers without neck pain (6.50 ± 1.78 hours) (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.016) and less strength in the neck flexor (0.154 ± 0.051 kg/body weight [BW]) (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.017), in the neck extensor (0.183 ± 0.044 kg/BW) (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.029), and on both sides of the serratus anterior muscles (0.233 ± 0.079 and 0.234 ± 0.063 kg/BW) (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &lt; 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in muscle length between the groups.ConclusionsThe study indicated that male office workers with neck pain had a greater imbalance in the neck and shoulder muscles than asymptomatic office workers. Specific treatment for neck pain should be considered to promote muscle balance among male office workers.

Body composition of male office workers compared by means of infrared reflection measurement, bioimpedance analysis and calipermetry

There are currently many different anthropometric methods to determine individual body fat percentage, as well as almost as many variants of bioelectric impedance analysis (BIA) and only a single method of infrared reflection measurement (IR) as easily feasible methods of field research. The present study aims at a simultaneous comparison between calipermetry, IR and BIA. In particular, the question which measurement method could be used as an equivalent method in the event of failure of the BIA or IR is investigated. The sample group consisted of 250 male office workers from the Rhine-Main area (average age 31.75 ± 9.16 years, average height 178.5 ± 6.93 cm and average weight 80.61 ± 9.42 kg). The measurements were previously scheduled and mostly carried out during the lunch break. For anthropometry, 13 skin fat folds were measured with the help of the Accu® Measure Caliper, thigh circumference with the help of a measuring tape, height with a height measuring device and body mass on the weight scale. Subsequently, an IR measurement (Futrex®) and a BIA (InBody®) were performed on the same subject. The parameters of body fat percentage and total body water (in litres) were examined. The statistical methods were correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman comparison and paired t-test for equivalence. For the men studied, the highest correlation coefficients were in the comparisons between the formulas according to Parízkova &amp; Buzkova 1 and Parízkova &amp; Buzkova 3 (r = 0.93), as well as for Parízkova &amp; Buzkova 3 and Parízkova &amp; Buzkova 4 (r = 0.96). The correlation coefficient for the IR vs. BIA comparison was only r = 0.56. A key result of the present study was the finding that certain methods cannot be substituted in an equivalent way, in fact only some calipermetric regression equations.

Factors affecting the health promoting behaviors of office male workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: Using Pender’s health promotion model

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the factors influencing the health promoting behavior(s) of office worker males in the COVID-19 pandemic by applying Pender’s health promotion model.Methods: The participants in this study were 149 male office workers at companies located in S, G and S cities. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and a stepwise multiple regression using the SPSS Window 25.0 program.Results: The subject’s health promoting behaviors and prior related behaviors (r=.58, p&lt;.001), perceived benefits of action (r=.41, p&lt;.001), self-efficacy (r=.53, p&lt;.001), social support (r=.39, p&lt;.001), self-esteem (r=.47, p&lt;.001) and commitment to a plan of action (r=.67, p&lt;.001) showed a high positive correlation. The factpors affecting the subjects’ health promoting behaviors were the commitment to a plan of action (β=.35, p&lt;.001), self-esteem (β=.27, p=.005), prior related behavior (β=.26, p&lt;.001), health status (good) (β=.20, p=.001) and self-efficacy (β=.14, p=.047). These variables explained 63.0% of the subjects’ health promoting behaviors.Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, subjects are more likely to be exposed to disease due to reduced outdoor activity time and irregular eating habits due to the strengthening of social distancing. Health promoting behaviors are an important concept that can maintain health and prevent diseases. To improve the health promoting behaviors of men engaged in office work, it is necessary to develop and operate a health promotion behaviors program considering those variables.

Assessment Changes in Hematological Parameters for Iraqi Individuals That are Working in Petrol Refineries

The attention has been increased to assess the hematological toxic effects of petroleum products from refineries especially the volatile chemical contaminants (VCC) like benzene. Petrol pump operators are workers frequently exposed to petroleum products that has been occasionally associated with large incidences of hematological disorders and adverse health effects as a result of damage to the haemopoietic system accompanied by depletion to the bone marrow. This study was made to evaluate the hematological parameters among petrol refinery workers according to the duration of exposure. A cross sectional study was done in Al Najaf -refinery for petrol. It involved 101 petrol pump operators, thirty one (31) healthy male office workers who were considered as the control group and two groups of seventy (70) male petrol pump operators as the study group. The samples of blood were collected from both study and control groups and tested for red blood cells count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), packed cell volume (PCV) level and platelet count (Plt). Chronic exposure to volatile chemical contaminants has a harmful effects on refinery workers with increasing the risk of developing hematological disorders due to the deleterious effects on the bone marrow

Adding a smartphone app to global postural re-education to improve neck pain, posture, quality of life, and endurance in people with nonspecific neck pain: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundIn this study, the effect of adding a smartphone app to an 8-week global postural reeducation (GPR) on neck pain, endurance, quality of life, and forward head posture (FHP) in patients with chronic neck pain and FHP was evaluated.MethodsSixty male and female office workers (38.5 ± 9.1 years) with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned into three groups: group 1 (GPR+ a smartphone app, n = 20), group 2 (GPR alone, n = 20), and group 3 (the control group, n = 20). The primary outcome was pain and the secondary outcomes were disability, quality of life, endurance, and posture. Pain, disability, endurance, quality of life, and posture were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), progressive iso-inertial lifting evaluation (PILE) test, quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), and photogrammetry, respectively, at pre-and post-8-week interventions. A one-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) has been conducted to statistically analyze the data.ResultsThe GPR+ a smartphone app had statistically significant improvements versus GPR alone in pain (mean difference, − 2.05 ± 0.65, ES (95% CI) − 0.50 (− 1.04 to − 0.01), P = 0.04), disability (difference = 11.5 ± 1.2, ES (95% CI) = 0.31 (0.22 to 0.97), p = 0.033), FHP (difference = 1.6 ± 0.2, ES (95% CI) = 0.31 (0.09 to 0.92), p = 0.047), and endurance (difference = 2 ± 3.3, ES (95% CI) = 0.51 (0.02 to 1.03), p = 0.039). Both of the GPR+ a smartphone app and GPR alone groups had statistically significant differences versus the control group in all outcomes.ConclusionWhen a workplace assessment and management could not be as part of any intervention, adding a smartphone app to GPR for NP may be an appropriate tool to administer a home and work exercise program resulting in elevating pain and disability, as well as improving FHP and endurance.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials using the UMIN-RCT website UMIN000039720. Retrospectively registered on January 9, 2020.

Occupational Exposure to Vegetable Oil: a Risk Factor of Blood Lipid Disorder

Introduction: Few pieces of evidence are available about the association between occupational exposure to vegetable oil and the risk of blood lipid problems. This study was aimed to investigate the relationship between exposure to vegetable oil and blood lipid profile in a vegetable oil factory. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was carried out on 30 male workers exposed to vegetable oil as an exposed group and 30 male office workers as an unexposed group in a vegetable oil factory. Blood lipid profiles as total cholesterol, triglycerides, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) were measured by analyzing the blood samples in both groups in a clinical laboratory. Results: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body weight, height, Body Mass Index (BMI), and physical activity. The results showed significantly higher mean levels of triglyceride and LDL in the exposed group compared to the unexposed group (P &lt; 0.001), while HDL mean levels in the exposed group were significantly lower than the unexposed group (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The findings revealed the possible association between blood lipid disorders and occupational exposures to vegetable oil. Further researches are proposed to study the mechanisms of occupational respiratory and skin lipid absorptions in different types of vegetable oils.

Occurrence of respiratory symptoms and lung function deficits among fruit and vegetable market workers

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of occupational exposures among fruit and vegetable market workers on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and on the level...

CORRELATION BETWEEN METABOLIC SYNDROME AND SERUM URIC ACID IN THE OFFICE WORKERS OF A BUMN COMPANY IN SURABAYA, INDONESIA

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factor which consists of central obesity, hypertriglyceride, low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level, hypertension, and hyperglycemia. Its incidence among the office workers is increasing. Uric acid is often associated with cardiovascular disease while risk factor of cardiovascular disease is associated with metabolic syndrome. Objective: To analyze correlation between metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid level in office workers. Materials and Methods: This study used medical record of health examination of PT Wijaya Karya Divisi IV male office workers aged of 20 – 60 years. The data taken consisted of abdominal circumference, triglyceride level, HDL level, fasting blood glucose level, blood pressure, and serum uric acid levels. The diagnostic criterion of metabolic syndrome used in this study was National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) that had been modified for Asians. The correlation of metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid level was analyzed with chi-square test with IBM SPSS Statistic 20 application. Results: There was no significant correlation (p=0.598) between metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid leves in male office workers of PT Wijaya Karya Divisi IV. Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid level among male office workers of PT Wijaya Karya Division IV had no correlation.

NO CORRELATION BETWEEN METABOLIC SYNDROME AND SERUM URIC ACID IN THE OFFICE WORKERS OF BUMN COMPANY IN SURABAYA

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factor which consists of central obesity, hypertriglyceride, low High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level, hypertension, and hyperglycemia where the incidence increases among the office workers. Uric acid is often associated with cardiovascular disease while risk factor of cardiovascular disease is associated with metabolic syndrome. Objective: To analyze the correlation between metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid level in office workers. Method: This study used medical record of health examination of PT Wijaya Karya Divisi IV male office workers aged of 20 – 60 years. The data taken consisted of abdominal circumference, triglyceride level, HDL level, fasting blood glucose level, blood pressure, and serum uric acid levels. The diagnostic criterion of metabolic syndrome which was used in this study was National Cholesterol Education Program’s Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) that had been modified for Asian. The correlation of metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid level was analyzed by chi-square test with IBM SPSS Statistic 20 application. Results: There was no significant correlation between metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid leves in male office workers of PT Wijaya Karya Divisi IV (p=0.598). Conclusion: Among the male office workers of PT Wijaya Karya Division IV, it had no significant correlation between metabolic syndrome and serum uric acid level.

The relationship between working hours and the intention to quit smoking in male office workers: data from the 7th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016-2017).

BackgroundThe intention to quit smoking is one of the most important factors in smoking cessation. Long working hours is also a constant issue, and many studies have shown an association between the working hours and diseases, including cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. This study evaluated the relationship between working hours and the intention to quit smoking among Korean male office workers, and blue collar workers for comparison.MethodsThis study was based on the Seventh Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2017). A total of 1,389 male workers were smokers, and then office workers and blue collar workers were selected. Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) for the intention to quit smoking according to smoking-related characteristics and working hours after adjusting for age group, body mass index (kg/m2), marital status, household income (quartile), educational level, drinking, exercise, smoking-related characteristics (smoking initiation age, smoking amount, and attempt to quit smoking more than 1day in the past year) and working hours.ResultsThe percentage of workers who had the intention to quit smoking in 6 months was higher in office workers (38.9% for office workers and 29.4% for blue collars, p = 0.017). Blue collar workers had higher percentages of workers who worked more than 52 hours per week (19.8% for office workers and 38.9% for blue collar workers, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that working > 52 hours per week was significantly associated with a lower intention to quit smoking within 6 months among male office workers (OR = 0.30, 95% confidence interval = 0.14–0.66).ConclusionsWorking more than 52 hours per week was positively related with a lower intention to quit smoking among currently smoking male office workers. Further studies are needed considering more work-related variables such as job stress and physical load.

The influence of psychological “IBASHO” feelings other than home and workplace on depressive tendency - For single male office workers from late 20s to 40s -

本研究では，心理的居場所感の有無という心の感覚が，抑うつ傾向に及ぼす影響について検討した。先行研究は青年期を対象としたもの（則定，2006，2008；杉本，2006）が多いが，本研究では25～49歳の独身男性事務系会社員344名に対してWeb調査を実施した。心理的居場所感については，中村・岡田（2016）を参考に，本来感・役割感・安心感，の3因子を想定し，そのような感覚を抱く場所が，自宅・職場以外に有か無かを問う項目とした。抑うつ傾向については「日本語版自己評価式抑うつ性尺度」（福田・小林，1973）を使用した。結果として，3因子について有無の組合せを変数（8群）とした分散分析の結果，特定の群間において5％有意な抑うつ傾向の差が確認された。さらに，本来感・役割感・安心感，を説明変数，抑うつ傾向を目的変数とした重回帰分析を実施した結果，影響は安心感（β＝－.13, p＝.054）よりも本来感（β＝－.16, p＝.037）で強かった（R2adj＝.12, p＜.001）。以上の結果から，自宅・職場以外の居場所は職場や自宅と異なり，期待外の環境変化に晒されることなく身を置くことが出来ることから，ここに，抑うつ傾向を軽減させる効果的なメンタルヘルスの一施策を得たと言えよう。

A Recommender System Model Using a Neural Network Based on the Self-Product Image Congruence

This study predicts consumer preference for social clothing at work, excluding uniforms using the self-product congruence theory that also establishes a model to predict the preference for recommended products that match the consumer''s own image. A total of 490 Korean male office workers participated in this study. Participants'' self-image and the product images of 20 apparel items were measured using nine adjective semantic scales (namely elegant, stable, sincere, refined, intense, luxury, bold, conspicuous, and polite). A model was then constructed to predict the consumer preferences using a neural network with Python and TensorFlow. The resulting Predict Preference Model using Product Image (PPMPI) was trained using product image and the preference of each product. Current research confirms that product preference can be predicted by the self-image instead of by entering the product image. The prediction accuracy rate of the PPMPI was over 80%. We used 490 items of test data consisting of self-images to predict the consumer preferences for using the PPMPI. The test of the PPMPI showed that the prediction rate differed depending on product attributes. The prediction rate of work apparel with normative images was over 70% and higher than for other forms of apparel.

Sitting, standing and moving during work and leisure among male and female office workers of different age: a compositional data analysis

BackgroundGendered patterns of physical activity behaviours may help explaining health inequalities between men and women. However, evidence on such patterns in the working population is sparse. This study aimed at documenting and comparing compositions of sitting, standing and moving at work and during leisure among male and female office workers of different age.MethodsSitting (including lying), standing and moving were measured using accelerometry for, on average, four working days in 55 male and 57 female Swedish office workers. Behaviours were described in terms of time spent in four exhaustive categories: sitting in short (< 30 min) and long (≥30 min) bouts, standing, and moving. In a compositional data analysis approach, isometric log-ratios (ilr) were calculated for time sitting relative to non-sitting, time in short relative to long sitting bouts, and time in standing relative to moving. Differences between genders (men vs. women), domains (work vs. leisure), and according to age were examined for each ilr using ANOVA.ResultsAt work, time spent sitting in short bouts, sitting in long bouts, standing, and moving was, on average, 29, 43, 21 and 7% among men, and 28, 38, 26 and 7% among women. Corresponding proportions during leisure were 34, 27, 27 and 13% among men and 28, 27, 32 and 13% among women. Men spent more time sitting relative to non-sitting ( {eta}_p^2 =0.04, p = 0.03) than women, and less time standing relative to moving ( {eta}_p^2 =0.07, p = 0.01). At work compared to during leisure, both genders spent more time sitting relative to non-sitting ( {eta}_p^2 =0.47, p < 0.01); within sitting more time was spent in long relative to short sitting bouts ( {eta}_p^2 =0.26, p < 0.01), and within non-sitting, more time was spent standing than moving ( {eta}_p^2 =0.12, p < 0.01). Older workers spent less of their non-sitting time moving than younger workers ( {eta}_p^2 =0.07, p = 0.01).ConclusionMale office workers spent more time sitting relative to non-sitting than female workers, and more time moving relative to standing. Both genders were sitting more at work than during leisure. Older workers moved less than younger. These workers could likely benefit from interventions to reduce or break up prolonged sitting time, preferably by moving more.

Relation between Working in Petrol Station and Blood Hemoglobin Levels for the Filling Workers in Al-Najaf City/ Iraq

Petrol station workers were exposed to several pollutants like air pollutants by inhalation, or skin contact with petroleum derivatives like benzene, and another port of entry. This comparative cross-sectional study was conducted to find a relationship between working in petrol stations and hemoglobin blood levels of the workers in Al- Najaf-city. The exposed worker’s group was (50 male) of petrol station workers aged 20-50 years, the years of working was (1 ?15 years) of ( ?7 h/day) that included in this study, the comparison group was 50 healthy male service and office workers aged (20-50 years) matching with the study group from alKufa Technical Institute, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University. Blood samples were tested at the field by using a digitized portable device (hemochromax plus) which gave the blood hemoglobin concentrations at mg/dl of the petrol stations worker. The results of blood hemoglobin were compared between both groups. There was a highly statistically significant difference (HS) between Gas station workers and Control group at the P-value of (0.001) of Hb blood concentration levels and the mean of gas station worker and control group were (11.57 and 15.58 mg/dl) respectively. there was a highly statistically significant difference (HS) between not anemic and anemic workers at the P- value ( 0.000), and there were 47 workers (94%) out of all 50 workers had anemia after the field test. There was a statistically significant difference (HS) between Hb levels of Gas station workers and Standard Normal Hb Level at the P-value = 0.007. There were a moderate inverse negative correlated between the time of exposure in the year and blood hemoglobin levels in mg/dl at the (r = - 0.57), which mean there were decreases of blood hemoglobin levels of the worker when increases of the duration of service employment. The study concluded from all results that were finding that decreased blood hemoglobin concentration than the normal value of the petrol stations workers for all stations, which might be due to the adverse effect of the workplace pollutant on bone marrow. Attention should be given by a periodical medical assessment of all workers in the petrol stations, and Obligate the petrol stations managers for supplies all personal protective equipment for all workers.

Prospective Evaluation of Cardiovascular, Cardiorespiratory, and Metabolic Risk of German Office Workers in Comparison to International Data

Background: Employment in the administrative sector is characterized by prolonged sedentary work, which has been tied to increased morbidity and compromised health. The aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular, cardiorespiratory and metabolic risk parameters of German office workers (OWs) in comparison to OWs from other nations. Material and Methods: A total of 46 male office workers from the North Rhine-Westphalia region (Germany) participated in the survey. Anthropometric measurements, cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, as well as laboratory parameters were taken. The 10-year cardiovascular risk was calculated by using the Framingham risk score. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome was based on the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation. Cardiorespiratory status was assessed by exercise spirometry. Results: The analyzed group of OWs demonstrated a high prevalence of preobesity (Body Mass Index 26.4 ± 4 and waist circumference 97.3 ± 11.7 cm) and 58.7% of the OWs showed an abnormally large waist circumference. Cardiovascular risk was correspondingly elevated as compared with other international studies (9.7% ± 9.2%). High risk cardiovascular profiles were detected in 10.7% of the participants and 33% of the OWs in our study group were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. The oxygen uptake of the OWs was 34.1 ± 8.1 mL/kg−1·min−1. Conclusions: The German OWs show elevated cardiovascular risk assessed using the Framingham risk score and also a high tendency for metabolic syndrome. The OWs need to be made further aware of the cardiovascular risk and resulting health implications. Implementation of health promotion concepts such as corporate sports activities or nutrition courses should be taken into consideration to counteract cardiovascular risk factors and the subsequent development of cardiovascular disease in later life.