Occupational Groups Research Articles

Public concerns about terrorist threats amid Vietnam's high-tech boom

This study analyzed 1200 samples from the 2020 World Values Survey in Vietnam. Ordinal logistic regression and multinomial logistic regression were used to explore the impact of seven sociodemographic variables on concerns about terrorist attacks, including sex, age, education level, occupation group, social class, income level and religion. Additionally, the Spearman rank correlation test was employed to examine whether there is a significant relationship between concerns about terrorist attacks and perceptions of technological development. The results indicated that different gender, educational level, occupation, income, and religious beliefs significantly influence concerns about terrorism. Furthermore, there is a significant correlation between those who do not believe that technological development will lead to a better life and heightened concerns about terrorist attacks. Thus, when implementing policies to reduce the insecurity of Vietnam citizens, in addition to taking into account relevant demographic factors, it would be advisable to consider incorporating strategies that enhance positive perceptions of high technology.

COVID-19 quer durch die Berufsgruppen – Infektions-, Krankenhausaufenthalts- und ICU-Muster in einem schwedischen Bezirk

COVID-19 Across Professions – Infection, Hospitalisation, and ICU Patterns in a Swedish County The study, which will be published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and which has already been pre-published online in May 2024, is one of the few research projects on the links between COVID-19 and occupational activity that analysed data from all three waves of the pandemic and was able to draw on a particularly large data set (data from 22,000 people). Based on this data, the study determined the number of all positive infection reports, hospitalisations and intensive care unit admissions as well as deaths caused by COVID-19 for relevant occupational groups. Healthcare workers and other professions with frequent/close human contact had a significantly higher number of confirmed COVID-19 infections and a higher risk of hospitalisation than other occupational groups, especially in the first wave of the pandemic, even if this trend gradually weakened with each subsequent wave of the pandemic. Based on this finding, the authors of the study conclude that effective preventive protective measures should be implemented immediately at the beginning of a future pandemic wave for the groups of people and professions particularly affected by frequent and close occupational contact with people. The study’s analysis of data from a longer period of time makes it possible to better recognise changes in infection patterns over time. Keywords: COVID-19 – occupational activity – infection reports – hospitalisations admissions – deaths

Keep on truckin’: how effective are health behaviour interventions on truck drivers’ health? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTruck drivers are a vital workforce, but have higher rates of obesity and other chronic diseases than the general population. The occupation’s sedentary nature, limited physical activity opportunities and access to healthy food, and irregular sleeping patterns contribute to poor health. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on health behaviours and cardiometabolic biomarkers of health in truck drivers.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in February 2024, and reported according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Experimental studies targeting physical activity, sedentary behaviour, sleep, diet, weight loss, drug/alcohol use, and/or smoking were eligible. Two reviewers independently screened and completed data extraction and risk of bias assessment. Data were combined at the study level. Pooled statistics were calculated using mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD) for outcomes that were reported in ≥2 studies. Pre- and post-intervention means and standard deviations (SD) for the intervention and control groups were used to compute effect sizes.ResultsNineteen studies (n=2137 participants) were included. Meta-analyses found a small-to-moderate increase in fruit and vegetable consumption (SMD 0.32, p=0.03) with no other significant effects on other outcome variables.ConclusionsInterventions are moderately effective in increasing truck drivers’ fruit and vegetable consumption, but not other outcomes. There is a dearth of research in the driver population compared to other occupational groups. Future interventions should consider workplace and environmental factors to promote the health and wellbeing of truck drivers.Trial registrationThe study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021283423).

Support workers knowledge, skills and education relating to dementia – a national survey

Background Dementia affects over 55 million people globally, projected to double by 2050. In the UK, non-registered staff, including healthcare assistants (HCAs) and clinical support workers, provide a significant portion of dementia care, yet receive limited training. This study explores the knowledge, training, and attitudes of support workers towards dementia. Methods A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted from February 1 to April 1, 2024, targeting support workers in England. The survey included demographic information, dementia knowledge (using the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale, DKAS), and attitudes (using the Dementia Attitudes Scale, DAS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t-tests, and Pearson’s correlation. Results One hundred and nine support workers responded, predominantly female (90%) and white British (76.4%), from various NHS settings and occupational groups. The majority (79.8%) had received dementia training, primarily from their organisations. Challenges included managing behavioural and psychological symptoms and communication difficulties. There was no significant correlation between years of experience and dementia knowledge (r = -0.019) or attitudes (r = -0.057). However, higher occupational grades were associated with greater dementia knowledge (p = <0.01). A moderate positive correlation was found between dementia knowledge and attitudes (r = 0.35, p = <0.01). Despite high levels of knowledge, support workers often feel inadequately prepared to provide optimal dementia care, indicating a need for more comprehensive training. Challenges in communication and managing symptoms highlight areas for improvement. The study suggests that better training can improve both knowledge and attitudes, enhancing care quality for people living with dementia. Conclusion Support workers play a crucial role in dementia care but require more robust training programs to meet the growing demands. Enhanced training can improve their knowledge and attitudes, leading to better care outcomes for people with dementia.

‘How can you not be traumatised’: Experience of paramedics occupationally exposed to suicide

Background: Exposure to suicide is widely recognised as a major occupational hazard for mental health professionals due to the impacts this can have on their professional and personal lives. Less research has focused on paramedics, who are often the first responders to suicide-related callouts and who also have higher suicide rates themselves. Aims: This article explores the lived experiences of paramedics exposed to suicide in the line of their work, unpacking the impacts and consequences of this exposure on their mental well-being. Method: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to examine the lived experiences of nine paramedics in New Zealand. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Results: Four themes were developed: (1) It's complex and challenging work, as suicide events required different skills from those utilised in other work, leading paramedics to rely on intuition and experience to manage the scenario in the absence of specific protocols; (2) Feeling frustrated and helpless, explored suicide encounters experienced as distressing due to the high volume of calls and lack of perceived responsiveness in the broader health system; (3) The conflict between emotions and ethos, describing suicide exposure as a challenge to maintain their emotional control in the scenes, and perceiving this lack of control as a threat to their competence; (4) Living with the consequences: How can you not be traumatised?, focused on how occupational exposure to suicide impacted participants’ personal relationships and well-being. Conclusion: The challenges posed by occupational exposure to suicide can lead to negative consequences among paramedics. Research should focus on how to diminish the impacts of this traumatic experience on this occupational group.

A Case Study on the Odor Preferences and Influencing Factors in Chinese Residential Environments

Research on odor preference is needed to improve indoor environment quality. There-fore, to create a better odor environment in the living space, it is necessary to determine the common characteristics of odor preferences in the living environment for individuals with a similar cultural background. In this study, representative odors that are found in Chinese living spaces were selected and the odor preferences and individual traits were examined using online surveys. A total of 1236 valid responses were collected and the factors affecting odor preferences were assessed, including social, geographic, and behavioral attributes, using correlation and descriptive analysis. The results revealed that gender, age, occupation, income, mode, and frequency were correlated with odor preference characteristics in the living environment and were the primary factors for the odor preference characteristics. Further analysis revealed that the odor preferences across the gender, age, income, and frequency groups were consistent with the trend for the overall characteristics. The results of the study showed that there were significant differences in odor preferences in the living environment across occupations and living patterns. Different occupational groups showed different characteristics in odor preferences, while the complexity of living patterns and the frequency of odor exposure also had a significant impact on odor preferences. These research findings will enable us to develop customized fragrance solutions based on specific olfactory preferences related to gender, age, occupation, income level, and lifestyle. Integrating the study conclusions into the spatial layout, selection of decorative materials, and ventilation design of residential spaces has practical significance for creating living environments that better meet the needs of residents.

High prevalence of alcohol use disorder & psychiatric comorbidity among coal mine workers: Observations from a cross-sectional study in West Bengal.

Background & objectives Tobacco (30%), alcohol (21.4%) and cannabis (3%) are the three most commonly abused substances in India. Tobacco and alcohol abuse have higher prevalence rates among different occupational groups as compared to that in general population in the country. Both tobacco and alcohol lead to significant occupational harm in terms of absenteeism, injuries, sickness and lost productivity. This study estimated the patterns of substance use and associated common psychiatric comorbidity in a sample of coal mine workers. Methods Coal mine workers at the age of 18 yr or above engaged in mining activities (skilled/semi-skilled/unskilled) were recruited from the Raniganj - Asansol coal mining areas of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). Participants were screened to identify patterns of substance use and other common mental health problems. All participants were administered ASSIST (The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test); GENACIS (Gender, Alcohol and Culture: An International Study) modified questionnaire; and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for primary screening for anxiety and depression. Results Out of 202 participants 69 per cent (n=140) were found with either 'hazardous and harmful' (moderate risk); or 'dependent' (high risk) patterns of use of either tobacco or alcohol or cannabis or of more than one substance. Only 31 per cent (n=62) were 'low-risk' for all substances. Almost 65 per cent (n=132) and 49 per cent (n=99) participants out of the whole sample (n=202) belonged to 'hazardous and harmful' (moderate risk) and 'dependent' (high risk) pattern of tobacco and alcohol consumption, respectively. About 28.8 per cent (n=38) and 23.7 per cent (n=31) of all participants had anxiety and depression, respectively. Combined moderate to high use of both alcohol and tobacco use was significantly associated with the risk of having anxiety [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=4.896, P<0.015] and depression (AOR=5.335, P<0.012). Interpretation & conclusions Alcohol and tobacco are major substance abuse problems among coal mine workers. This population requires early community and primary care based brief intervention as well as additional community-based pharmacotherapy for substance dependence problems as well as intervention for common mental health issues.

A cross-sectional study on the understanding and attitudes toward influenza and influenza vaccines among different occupational groups in China

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding influenza viruses and vaccines among different professional groups to investigate the reasons for vaccine hesitancy. We collected 2190 questionnaires regarding influenza vaccines in China in 2022. The respondents were categorized into the general population (GP), foreign affairs workforce population (FAWP), and veterinary workforce population (VWP) according to their job positions. Linear regression was used to assess the association between multiple factors and influenza vaccination rates. The association between work and influenza vaccination rates was also assessed by grouping different workforce populations. The vaccination rate of the GP was higher than that of the VWP (odds ratio: 1.342, 95% confidence interval: 1.025–1.853), surpassing the rates reported in previous studies. This may be attributed to heightened concerns about infectious diseases influenced by the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Despite the VWP’s more in-depth knowledge of the VWP on zoonotic diseases and their recognition of their importance, there was no significant difference in influenza knowledge among the three populations. This discrepancy contrasts with the observed differences in vaccination rates. Further investigation revealed that, compared with FAWP, the price of vaccines emerged as a primary influencing factor for vaccination rates (odds ratio:0.398, 95%CI; 0.280–0.564). General concerns regarding the protective effects and side effects of vaccines were also noted.

“You close the door, wipe your sadness and put on a smiling face”: a qualitative study of the emotional labour of healthcare professionals providing palliative care in nursing homes in France

BackgroundPalliative care provided to frail and dying older persons in nursing homes results in intense emotions for residents and their relatives as well as for healthcare professionals. In France, scant attention has been given to how nursing home professionals manage their emotions when providing palliative care. This study analysed the emotional demands of providing palliative care in the nursing home context, the emotional strategies used by healthcare professionals to navigate such demands, and how these demands affect their emotional wellbeing.MethodsThis qualitative study used a multiple case study approach. We purposively selected nine nursing homes from three geographical provinces in France with diverse ownership statuses (public, private, associative). Individual interviews and focus group discussions were held with 93 healthcare professionals from various occupational groups employed in the participating nursing homes. Data was collected from April 2021 to September 2022 and was analysed using thematic content analysis.ResultsData revealed that providing palliative care to dying residents within the nursing home context results in intertwined rewarding and exhausting emotional experiences for healthcare professionals. Professionals have to utilize multifaceted emotional strategies to navigate these experiences, including suppressing and modifying emotions and distancing themselves emotionally from residents to protect themselves from emotional suffering. Participants noted a lack of formal space to express emotions. Unrecognized emotional labour undermines the wellbeing of healthcare professionals in nursing homes, whereas acknowledging emotions enhances satisfaction and gives enhanced meaning to their crucial role in resident care.ConclusionAcknowledging emotional labour as an inevitable component of providing palliative care in nursing homes is critical to supporting healthcare professional wellbeing, resilience, and retention, which may ultimately improve the quality of care for dying residents. Ensuring quality care and supporting the emotional wellbeing of nursing home professionals requires an organisational culture that considers emotional expression a collective strength-building resource rather than an individual responsibility, in hopes of shaping a new culture that fully acknowledges their humanity alongside their professional skills.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04708002; National registration: ID-RCB number: 2020-A01832-37, Registration date: 2020-12-03.

Q Fever in Greece and Factors of Exposure: A Multiregional Seroprevalence Study.

The epidemiology of Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, varies significantly worldwide. This study aimed to document the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in Greece by measuring specific IgG antibody levels in serum samples from the general population and high-risk groups, including farmers, veterinarians, and laboratory workers. A multiregional, stratified sampling design was employed, with 1,345 participants from Thessaly and Central Macedonia. Serum samples were tested for Coxiella burnetii IgG antibodies, and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with seroprevalence. Overall, 8.1% of participants tested positive for Coxiella burnetii antibodies, with the highest seroprevalence in Larissa (22.2%) and Karditsa (16.1%). High-risk occupational groups, particularly those with direct animal contact, showed a higher seroprevalence (13.6%). Multivariate analysis identified significant associations between seroprevalence and factors such as geographic region, occupation, and gender. The study reveals regional and occupational disparities in Q fever seroprevalence in Greece, particularly in rural areas. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health measures, including heightened surveillance and preventive interventions for high-risk groups.

Incidence of hospital-acquired infections among healthcare workers in Egypt before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background: Hospital-acquired infection is higher among healthcare workers (HCWs) than among other occupational groups, and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated its incidence. Aim: To assess the incidence of hospital-acquired infections among HCWs in, Cairo, Egypt, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This retrospective cohort study collected and evaluated data on hospital-acquired infections (excluding COVID-19) from 1660 nurses, physicians, technicians, and housekeepers in 6 hospitals in Cairo Governorate, Egypt, 1 year before and 1 year during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were analysed using SPSS version 21.0 and descriptive and inferential statistics were used to test the magnitude and direction of relationships between the variables. Results: The rate of hospital-acquired infections was 3.1% before and 1.3% during the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significantly lower risk of hospital-acquired infection among the HCWs during the pandemic than before it. Incidence was highest among housekeepers (10.6%), and physicians had the highest relative risk (4.33). Before the pandemic, pneumonia was the most common hospital-acquired infection (20.8%) among HCWs, while hepatitis C was the most common (8.3%) during the pandemic. The most significant predictors of hospital-acquired infection were COVID-19 (before and during the pandemic), working area and profession. Conclusion: There was a significant reduction in hospital-acquired infections among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic, attributed to increased adherence to infection prevention and control measures. Housekeepers, nurses and emergency department workers were at higher risk, indicating the need for further investigations among these groups of HCWs to understand the contributing factors and design targeted interventions to lower the risks and incidence.

Online Survey on the Acceptance of Latent Tuberculosis Testing and Isoniazid Preventive Therapy among Healthcare Workers in Nigeria

Background: Healthcare workers in Nigeria are exposed to myriads of occupational risks including workplace acquired infections such as tuberculosis. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey and used google form to administer the questionnaire via social media networks. Descriptive statistical methods were used to summarize data on socio-demographic characteristics and responses to questions, Microsoft excel and SPSS version 20.0 for statistical analysis of data summarized as categorical variables, frequency (n) and percentages (%). Results: About six out of ten of the participants believed that they could be severely ill if they got tuberculosis. Majority of respondents 413 (89.2%) reported acceptance of latent TB testing while 87.7% agreed to take Isoniazid treatment if they test positive for LTBI. The occupational risk group was found to be less likely to accept LTBI testing. Also, respondents from the Northeast (OR = 4.225; 95% CI = 1.216-14.688; p value = 0.023) and southeast (OR = 4.494; 95% CI = 1.382-14.609; p value = 0.012) were four times more likely to accept isoniazid preventive treatment respectively. Participants who held that tuberculosis is a serious disease were more likely to accept isoniazid preventive treatment (OR = 2.220; 95% CI = 1.100-4.480 p value = 0.026). The majority of the HCW (56%) in the study never get tested for LTBI. Conclusion: the majority of the healthcare workers in this study showed that TB is a dangerous disease and agreed to get regular testing and isoniazid therapy to prevent tuberculosis.

Identifying the approach to financial sustainability: Navigating the complexities of earning and spending

This study provides insightful information about personal finance by examining the complex relationship between income and spending patterns in various occupations. It reveals strong relationships between income levels and expected results through regression analysis, providing insight into how different occupational groups are impacted by financial well-being. Building on this basis, a thorough one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests show that students, academics, labourers, business owners, and government employees have remarkably different spending preferences. These results highlight the significant impact of occupation-specific variables on financial behaviour, including benefits, income stability, and social expectations. This research provides a path corresponding to specific policy interventions and programs aimed at financial literacy. By promoting economic resilience and well-being across a range of demographic and occupational landscapes, the ultimate objective is to cultivate a future in which responsible spending practices are shared realities rather than just ideals.

The risk of insomnia by work schedule instability in Korean firefighters.

Firefighters are exposed to shift work, as well as unpredictable emergency calls and traumatic events, which can lead to sleep problems. This study aimed to investigate the risk of insomnia by work schedule instability in Korean firefighters. This study used the Insomnia Severity Index to assess the insomnia in firefighters. The work schedule stability was classified with the frequency of the substitute work and the timing of notification for work schedule changes. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the adjusted odds ratio of insomnia by work schedule stability with covariates including sex, age, education, smoking, alcohol, caffeine intake, shift type, job, and underlying conditions. Of the 8,587 individuals, 751 (8.75%) had moderate to severe insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index ≥ 15). The prevalence of insomnia was statistically significantly higher as the frequency of substitute work increased: <1 time per month (6.8%), 1-2 times (9.5%), 3-5 times (13.4%), and more than 5 times (15.7%) (p < 0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of insomnia was statistically significantly higher when the timing of the schedule change notification was urgent or irregular: no change or several weeks before (5.4%), several days before (7.9%), one day before or on the day (11.2%), irregularly notification (11.6%) (p < 0.001). In comparison to the group with good frequency of the substitute work/good timing of schedule change notification group, the adjusted odds ratios of insomnia were 1.480 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.237-1.771) for Good/Bad group, 1.862 (95% CI: 1.340-2.588) for Bad/Good group, and 1.885 (95% CI: 1.366-2.602) for Bad/Bad group. Work schedule instability was important risk factor of insomnia in firefighters. It suggests that improving the stability of work schedules could be a key strategy for reducing sleep problems in this occupational group.

Working conditions and health status in workers in boiler and welding production in power engineering

Introduction. Preserving the health of qualified workers of older age groups is especially important under conditions of exposure to occupational hazards. The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of occupational hazards on the development of occupational and somatic diseases among workers of various age groups in the main occupations of mechanical engineering. Materials and methods. The study tested the results of hygienic research at workplaces of an enterprise in the power engineering industry in the manufacture of welded metal structures. We assessed the health status in workers based on the results of an in-depth medical examination and ultrasound examination of the vessels of the upper extremities with assessment of blood flow indices. Using a survey method, data were obtained on assessing the influence of production factors on the health status in workers. Results. The working conditions in the main occupational workers groups were assessed as harmful grades 1–3, the priority occupational hazards were: increased noise, and at the workplaces of electric gas workers there were also fibrogenic aerosols, chemical substances, and heavy physical work. Electric and gas welders and boilermakers work in the most unfavourable conditions, about 30% of whom continue to work after reaching retirement age. We have established a significant gain in the incidence of arterial hypertension and sensorineural hearing loss among workers over 40 years of age and an increase in the prevalence of all chronic diseases in the age group over 60 years. Limitations. The study is limited by the number of workers examined and the lack of ability to assess the health status of the studied contingent of workers over time. Conclusion. In conditions of exposure to elevated noise and other occupational hazards, there is an enhancement in the prevalence of work-related and somatic diseases in workers over 40 years of age. With advancing age, the rise in the vascular resistance index is observed, however, the first signs of peripheral blood flow disturbance are often recorded at a young age. In this regard, it is necessary to introduce methods of early diagnosis and prevention of occupational and work-related pathology.

Posting Holistic Health and Fitness Reels on Social Media Platforms to Improve Soldier Health in the Brigade.

As of 2020 Holistic health and fitness (H2F) teams have been embedded into brigades to engage Soldiers in Preventative Mental, Physical, Nutritional, Spiritual, and Sleep Readiness services. This represents a change in Army culture from a focus on testing to one of wellness because of increasing sleep concerns, mental health concerns, and injury rates. Soldier awareness of H2F services, where to find them, how to use them, and command endorsement of H2F professional's services has been limited and not well studied. Most soldiers fall into the Generations Y and Z categories, and this population tends to access information primarily from social media sources. Social media platforms therefore represent potentially effective ways to reach these individuals to increase their awareness of H2F services. This quality improvement project used therapist produced brief interactive videos covering the topics of sleep hygiene and consequences of sleep supplement use and sleep deprivation, mental readiness, and journaling as a form of mindfulness. Video reels were posted to one brigade H2F's social media (Facebook and Instagram) platforms to improve Soldier awareness and engagement in wellness activities in these areas. Data were tracked before and after the initiation of the reel series via Facebook and Instagram MetaBusiness Suite, and via utilization tracking for H2F occupational therapy group and 1:1 visits. Data tracked before and after the initiation of the video series revealed an 898.2% increase in Facebook access, including reel reach, and increases in 1:1 and group sleep and mental readiness visits to the H2F occupational therapist. The use of social media to facilitate soldier awareness and use of H2F mental and sleep readiness services is a viable option for H2F units seeking to enhance their reach in these areas. The project created very little demand on the local therapist's time or to brigade resources and may help increase Soldier accessing of H2F resources online and directly.

Evaluation of Microbiota Awareness Among the Healthcare Professionals in Kars Harakani State Hospital

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate microbiota awareness among the healthcare professionals in Kars Harakani State Hospital by their gender, educational status, marital status, and occupational groups. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between 1-31 December 2023 with the participation of the healthcare professionals (n=329) working at Kars Harakani State Hospital. In the study, a questionnaire form inquiring about sociodemographic characteristics and Microbiota Awareness Scale (MAS) were used. MAS consists of the subfactors of “general information”, “product information”, “chronic disease”, and “probiotic and prebiotic”. Results: Product information, chronic disease, and probiotic and prebiotic subscale scores and MAS total scale scores of females were found to be higher than males. The general information mean score of those with graduate education levels was higher than those with associate degree levels. The product information score of the married participants was determined to be higher than the single participants. The general information mean score of physicians was higher compared to the mean scores of nurses and technicians, while the product information mean score of technicians was lower than the mean scores of physicians, nurses, and midwives. The chronic disease mean score of nurses was higher than that of physicians, and their probiotic and prebiotic mean score and MAS total scale mean score were higher compared to the mean scores of technicians. Conclusion: Microbiota awareness levels among healthcare professionals vary according to their occupational groups.

Potential Impacts of Prolonged Face Mask Use on Temporomandibular Joint Health as Neglected Lifestyle Repercussions of COVID-19 Pandemic-A Narrative Review.

Since December 2019, COVID-19 has rapidly spread worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare it a pandemic and advocate for the widespread use of face masks to mitigate transmission. In this review, we delve into the potential impact of prolonged face mask use on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health, an area that has garnered limited attention amidst COVID-19 research. Research has revealed that improper mask fit and constant readjustment can lead to TMJ abnormalities. Similarly, there is a demonstrated correlation between continuous mask usage and an increased incidence of headaches, temporomandibular pain, and diminished quality of life. Many studies have highlighted discomfort in the preauricular area, headaches, TMJ noises, headache, jaw pain, and muscle fatigue, as well as dermatological disorders, which have been attributed to prolonged mask wear and its impact on TMJ health. Our study catalyzes future research endeavors, urging a deeper exploration of the implications of long-term mask wear, not only in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic but also among occupational groups regularly exposed to extended mask use. By unraveling the complexities of TMJ health in the face of evolving preventive measures, we aim to enhance our understanding of this issue and safeguard the well-being of mask-wearers worldwide.

Investigated of Epidemiological and Incidence of Human Brucellosis in Southwest of Iran, a Retrospective Study from 2014 to 2021

Background: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic disease worldwide, primarily caused by Brucella abortus, and can lead to potential infertility in both men and women. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of brucellosis over a seven-year period (2014 - 2021) in Andika city. Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the medical records of brucellosis patients at the Health Vice-Chancellor of Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, during 2014 - 2021. The study variables included age, gender, history of contact with infected animals, place of residence, occupation, consumption of dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt), and education. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 22. Results: A total of 162 patients were reported from 2014 to 2021. The highest number of brucellosis cases occurred in 2015. In this study, 42% of the patients were men and 58% were women. Of the total patients, 62.3% were from rural areas, while 37.7% were from other areas. Among occupational groups, homemakers had the highest frequency of brucellosis cases at 30.2%. The age group with the highest incidence was 21 - 30 years, at 21%. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that the majority of patients were from rural areas and were female. The incidence of brucellosis in Andika city appears to be decreasing. Since human brucellosis incidence closely correlates with the incidence in animals, controlling the disease in animals can help reduce human cases.

Evaluation of a self-monitoring protocol for assessing soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure among chimney sweeps.

Traditional methods for measuring chemical exposure have challenges in terms of obtaining sufficient data; therefore, improved methods for better assessing occupational exposure are needed. One possible approach to mitigate these challenges is to use self-monitoring methods such as sensors, diaries, or biomarkers. In the present study, a self-monitored method for measuring soot exposure, which included real-time air monitoring, a work diary, and the collection of urine samples, was evaluated. To validate the method, exposure measurements during the workday and diary entries were compared with velocities calculated from GPS tracking and the expected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolite patterns in urine. The method was applied with chimney sweeps, an occupational group at a high risk of many severe health outcomes and for whom effective control measures for reducing exposure are needed. In the study, 20 chimney sweeps followed a self-monitoring protocol for 8 consecutive workdays. Personal exposure to soot was measured as black carbon (BC) using micro-aethalometers. A diary was used to record the work tasks performed, and urine samples were collected and analysed for PAH metabolites. From the expected 160 full day measurements, 146 (91%) BC measurements and 149 (93%) diaries were collected. From the expected 320 urine samples, 304 (95%) were collected. The tasks noted in the diaries overlapped with information obtained from the GPS tracking of the chimney sweeps, which covered 96% of the measurement time. The PAH metabolites in urine increased during the work week. Factors believed to have positively influenced the sample collection and task documentation were the highly motivated participants and the continuous presence of trained occupational hygiene professionals during the planning of the study and throughout the measurement stage, during which they were available to inform, instruct, and address questions. In conclusion, the self-monitored protocol used in this study with chimney sweeps is a valuable and valid method that can be used to collect larger numbers of samples. This is especially valuable for occupations in which the employees are working independently and the exposure is difficult to monitor with traditional occupational hygiene methods.