Periodic Checkups Research Articles

From insight to action: Exploring knowledge and practices about periodic medical check-up among community dwelling older adults in Egypt

BackgroundPeriodic Medical Checkup (PMC) is a preventive practice that is a superior strategy to promote health and reduce community morbidity and mortality. AimIdentify the PMC knowledge and practice levels and determine the association between knowledge and practices about the PMC among community-dwelling older adults in Egypt. MethodsThe study is a cross-sectional survey adopting a descriptive correlation design. It was conducted over three months, from the beginning of December 2023 to the beginning of March 2024. A total of 250 older adults were allocated for this study. ResultsLow rates of knowledge and practice of PMC were found among the study participants, and there was a statistically significant association between the two variables. (r = 0.707, P < 0.001). ConclusionThis study supported our hypotheses by demonstrating a positive association between knowledge and practices about the PMC; the higher knowledge scores were associated with higher practices of PMC.

Mitigation and Preparedness of Pet Owners During Disasters.

There are numerous challenges for pet owners in developing countries before, during, and after disasters, comprising poor communication between pet owners and veterinarians for periodic pet check-ups, lack of necessary equipment, lack of proper disaster evacuation training, and a proper shelter to be considered for pets during periods of disasters. In the present letter, a variety of measures and recommendations have been provided, which can be kept in mind throughout the entire disaster management cycle to prevent pet loss.

Association between Periodontal Disease and Oral Benign, Potentially Malignant, Malignant, and Chronic Immune-Mediated Disorders: A Clinical Study.

Background: Periodontal disease is an inflammatory, chronic, and multifactorial disease. The objective of this study is to analyze the association between periodontal disease and some disorders such as papillomas (benign lesions), lichen planus (a chronic immune-mediated disorder), leukoplakia (potentially malignant lesions), and oral cancer (malignant lesions). Methods: For this study, 42 patients were recruited whose supragingival and subgingival plaque was qualitatively analyzed using a phase-contrast microscope, which allowed for the detection of compatible bacterial flora (immobile and composed mainly of cocci) indicative of periodontal health and incompatible bacterial flora (mobile and composed mainly of spirochetes) indicative of periodontal pathology. Patients with incompatible bacterial flora were then subjected to a laser-assisted periodontal treatment with irrigation with hydrogen peroxide within the periodontal pockets (a non-surgical laser-assisted periodontal protocol which is referred to as dye-free photodynamic therapy). Results: Based on the 42 patients recruited, there was no association between oral cavity lesions and periodontal pathogenic bacteria. Four of them were found to have incompatible bacterial flora. Indeed, it was found that almost all the patients had been previously instructed in the proper techniques of home oral hygiene, and more than half of them reported that they carried out periodic check-ups by a dental hygienist. Of the four patients with signs and symptoms of periodontitis, two stated a willingness to undergo the non-surgical laser-assisted periodontal protocol and showed improvements in periodontal indices such as CAL, PPD, and BoP. Conclusions: hygienists and dentists are determining factors in the prevention of periodontal disease and for the maintenance of good oral health.

Oral Health Care Among Women in Perimenopause or Menopause: An Integrative Review.

Women in menopause are at a higher risk of developing oral health problems, affecting their overall quality of life. Several studies have identified the role of health care providers in addressing women's oral health needs across various phases of their lives, yet a review in the area of perimenopause and menopause has not been undertaken. Therefore, the aim of this review was to explore current evidence regarding the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of women in perimenopause or menopause and their health care providers. Additionally, guidelines and recommendations to inform strategies for oral health promotion are included. A systematic search was carried out across 5 databases. Inclusion criteria included articles published in English that examined at least one study outcome: oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of either women in perimenopause or menopause or of health care providers or guidelines around oral health care. Qualitative, quantitative, mixed-methods, and experimental studies with survey components were included with no restrictions on publication period, quality, or setting. A total of 12 articles met the inclusion criteria, with a majority being of poor quality and mostly from low-income and middle-income countries. Overall findings indicated that there was a lack of knowledge and limited practices in maintaining oral hygiene and visiting the dentist among women in perimenopause or menopause. Health care providers exhibited poor attitudes in advising the importance of periodic dental check-ups and informing oral health changes during this period. There were also insufficient guidelines to adopt care for women and guide health care providers in their practice. Women in perimenopause or menopause have limited oral health knowledge and unmet oral health needs. Appropriate guidelines and supportive strategies are required to assist health care providers in providing comprehensive care and encouragement to women in perimenopause or menopause to improve their oral health.

Role of military physicians in cancer screening practices: The DEPISTmed study.

e22502 Background: Cancer poses a significant health challenge within the military population, impacting both medical and economic aspects, as well as military operations. Despite the potential benefits of early cancer detection, adherence to organized and individual screenings remains below 50%. The pivotal role of military physicians, especially within military forces, in cancer prevention and screening is crucial.The main objective was to investigate the professional practices of military physicians in cancer screening, aiming to understand their perceptions, practices, and the role of screening in their daily routines. Methods: A prospective, observational, non-interventional cohort study was conducted, utilizing anonymous self-assessment questionnaires among military physicians practicing in army or joint military medical centers. Criteria for inclusion involved physicians engaged in patient care, including the performance of medical check-ups. Demographic data, perceptions, declared practices, and primary prevention measures were assessed through secure electronic questionnaires. Results: Between June 1, 2023, and September 30, 2023, 169 practitioners were included, with 51% were female. The median number of visits per practitioner was 400 (range 150-600). The study revealed a heightened concern among military physicians regarding cancer screening, particularly for breast, colon, and testicular cancers, with over 78% of practitioners expressing a significant level of concern (range: 59-90%). However, our investigation exposed disparities in clinical examinations and the prescription of additional tests, specifically within organized screenings among unit physicians. Less than 7% utilized recommendation sheets. Conclusions: Military physicians express a genuine concern for cancer screening, indicating the periodic medical check-up as an opportune moment for imparting screening information. The study highlights limitations such as the need for dedicated training, availability of materials, and optimizing patient care pathways. This research sheds light on the critical role of military physicians in cancer screening and provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving screening practices within military healthcare settings. The findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions to enhance adherence to screening guidelines and strengthen cancer prevention efforts within the military healthcare system.

Depression, anxiety and stress among flight crews in Tunisia

IntroductionThe mental health of flight crews is of paramount importance. Due to the demanding nature of their work, crew members are subject to various stress factors such as irregular working hours, time differences, operational demands and high passenger safety responsibilities.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the mental health of Tunisian flight crews working for a private airline.MethodsThis is an exhaustive cross-sectional study which included all flight crews working for a private airline in Tunisia who consulted the occupational medicine and pathology department at the Farhad Hached University Hospital in Sousse as part of their periodic check-up. Data collection was based on a pre-established questionnaire which included socio-demographic data, lifestyle habits and professional data. The DASS21 questionnaire was used to assess depression, anxiety and stress.ResultsOur study included 160 participants. The median age was 42 years with a female predominance. More than half were smokers (58.8%). Alcohol was consumed by 41.3% of flight crews. The vast majority drank coffee (84.4%). With regard to professional data, 71.3% were flight attendants. The median length of service was 15 years. The majority of participants had operated a medium-haul flight (&lt; 5 hours) during the last month (65%). The majority of participants (85.6%) had a normal depression score. Almost a third of the participants (28.5%) had anxiety scores ranging from mild in 24 to extremely severe in one patient. The majority of flight crews had a normal stress score (90%). After multivariate analysis, unmarried marital status, working more than 2 days a week and stress were factors independently associated with anxiety.ConclusionsWork-related psychosocial risks can have a major impact on workers’ mental health. It is therefore essential to take these risks into account and put in place preventive measures to protect workers’ mental health and promote their well-being at work.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Abstract 3465: Association with total reproductive year and the risk of biliary tract cancer in women

Abstract Background: Many studies have reported that female reproductive factors, such as parity, age at menarche or menopause, breastfeeding, or age at first birth, were associated with or not associated with the development of biliary tract cancer (BTC). Our study was planned to determine whether a long-term rather than transient exposure was associated with the risk of BTC, including total reproductive year, which was defined as the time from menarche to menopause throughout the life cycle. Methods: This nationwide cohort study included 1,059,533 women with natural menopausal women aged 40-69 years who underwent the periodic health check-up provided by the Korean National Health Insurance System in 2009. The median follow-up period was 9.3 years. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to estimate the risk of BTC based on the female reproductive factors. Results: During the 9,867,152 person-years of follow-up, 4,198 patients (0.4%) were newly diagnosed with BTC. The incidence of BTC was significantly increased in subjects younger than 40 years at menopause compared with those aged 40 years or older (HR 1.341, 95% CI, 1.095-1.642). This trend was consistent even when menopause age was subdivided into 5-year intervals (&amp;lt;40 vs. 40−44, 45−49, 50-54, and ≥ 55 years) for those aged 40 years or older. When compared by categorization into four quartiles, the incidence of BTC tended to be numerically lower than that of the bottom 25% with the lowest age of menopause (designated as Q1 reference group). Compared to those with total reproductive year of 30 years or more, the incidence of BTC increased significantly in the group with less than 30 years of total reproductive year (HR 1.106, 95% CI, 1.014-1.206). This tendency was significantly reproduced in comparison by categorizing the entire group into quartiles. Compared to the lower 25% group (designated as Q1 reference group), the risk of BTC showed a significant linear inverse correlation with the longer total reproductive year. Q1 group has significantly higher incidence of BTC compared to the other groups (p &amp;lt; 0.001). This trend was repeated in various subgroup analysis. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that women under the age of 40 at menopause had an increased risk of BTC compared to those over 40 years of age. Similarly, a longer period of total reproductive year was associated with a lower risk of BTC, suggesting a protective female hormonal effect on BTC. Total reproductive year may be more reliable indicator in that it reflects the actual lifetime exposure to female hormones. Citation Format: Chi Hoon Maeng, Kyungdo Han, Joo-Hyun Park, Jung Yong Hong. Association with total reproductive year and the risk of biliary tract cancer in women [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 3465.

Craniofacial anthropometric measurements of the cohort of Egyptian male school children and their utility in detection of abnormalities

BackgroundAnthropology is a scientific discipline which applies scientific methods to identify and quantitate inter-individual variations in body structure and function. Anthropometry assesses craniofacial dysmorphology in genetic disorders and helps to detect phenotypic differences in diseases with common underlying cause. This study is part of a comprehensive cross-sectional study of craniofacial and oral findings in Egyptian school children. This paper focused on establishing the norms of Egyptian male school children and its utility in determining the differences in facial measurements of a child with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS). Thirty craniofacial measurements were taken from 55 healthy Egyptian school children aged 12–14 years with mean age 13±0.64\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$13\\pm 0.64$$\\end{document} and a PWS child aged 13.6 years. The PWS measurements were compared with healthy children of the same age using computed Z-score.ResultsMorphological face height of the PWS child was within the normal range. However, upper face height and nose height were significantly lower with Z-scores of -\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$-$$\\end{document} 3.18 and -\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$-$$\\end{document} 2.7, respectively; right and left mandibular body length and upper lip height were significantly higher than the mean of healthy children with corresponding Z-scores of 2.95, 2.48, and 2.33.ConclusionsBy establishing the norms of Egyptian male school children and utilizing these data, we can identify the difference in facial measurements among children with abnormalities like PWS. This information can be used during periodic checkups as a simple, non-invasive, and economical method for the detection of these abnormalities.

Morbidity profile, hepatitis B vaccination and personal protective equipment usage among sweepers of a medical institute in central India: A cross-sectional study

IntroductionHealth care workers are exposed to a variety of occupational risks making them susceptible to infections, besides being at risk of non-communicable diseases. The objectives of this study were to assess the morbidity pattern and associated factors among sweepers working at a tertiary care centre in Central India. MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2016 to September 2018 among 253 sweepers, who were administered a self-reported questionnaire. Information was collected related to demographic profile, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccination status; and screening for co-morbidities was done using clinical examination and blood tests. ResultsMean duration of employment was 11.9 (±13.0) years. A total of 117 (46.2%) of the 253 sweepers reported one or more chronic conditions and 197 (77.9%) reported one or more systemic problems, most commonly musculoskeletal (113, 44.7%), cardio-vascular (68, 26.9%), ocular (44, 17.4%), dental (36, 14.2%), respiratory (28, 11.1%) and gastrointestinal disorders (16, 6.3%). Total 5s8 (22.9%) participants reported single and 80 (31.6%) reported multiple needlestick injuries, while only 77 (30.4%) had completed hepatitis-B vaccination schedule. Multivariable adjusted analysis revealed that age (Odds Ratio OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00–1.06), male gender (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.65–5.88) and waist hip ratio (OR: 433.19, 95% CI: 5.12–36622.87) were significant predictors of chronic conditions, while female gender, shorter length of service and knowledge about PPE were significant predictors of PPE usage. ConclusionsMost of the sweepers had at least one morbidity, highlighting the importance of periodic health check-ups, training, and awareness programmes. Provision of appropriate PPE and immunization with HBV is also recommended.

Uptake of dental hygienist services by the Israeli 65+ age group.

To learn about the use patterns of dental hygienist services, by the 65+ age group in Israel and to identify the main barriers facing different population groups. Telephone interviews with a representative sample of 512 older adults aged 65 and over were conducted from February to April 2020. About 50% of the older adults aged 65 and over visited a dentist (2.9 visits on average) and 35% visited a dental hygienist in the year preceding the interviews. 17% reported never visiting a dentist and 45% never received care from a dental hygienist. Dental care use rates are lower in the outlying areas of the country, among non-Jews and among those who find it difficult to cover monthly household expenses. Those who regularly visit a dental hygienist maintain a preventive oral health routine, including tooth brushing and visits to the dentist for periodic preventive check-ups. They are aware of the harmful effects of eating sweets in between meals. Most of the older adults aged 65 and over are unaware of the reform under which hygienist' care was included in the basket of services provided by health plans. There is underutilization of dental hygienist services and lack of awareness of proper oral health behaviour in the lower socioeconomic group. As less than 50% of older adults are aware of the legal rights for dental care, there is a need to raise awareness of the reform and the services provided under it.

Effect of Restoration Design on the Removal Torque Loss of Implant-supported Crowns after Cyclic Loading.

To compare the removal torque loss (RTL) percentage of screw-retained, cement-retained, and combined screw- and cement-retained implant-supported crowns after cyclic loading and measure the impact of cyclic loading on removal torque. Thirty-two dental implants (4.0 × 10 mm) in resin blocks and abutments were divided into four groups (n = 8) based on restoration design: combined screw- and cement-retained group (SC), two cement-retained groups: cemented with adhesive resin cement (AR) (Panavia V5) or provisional cement (PR) (RelyX Temp NE), and screw-retained one-piece titanium group (TI). Removal torques were measured in Newton-centimeter (Ncm) before and after 500,000-cycle cyclic loading with forces ranging from 20 to 200 N at 15 Hz. The RTL percentage in each group was calculated. The paired t-test was used to detect the difference between pre-loading (RT1) and post-loading removal torque (RT2) in each group and 1-way ANOVA was used to detect the difference of RTL percentage between groups. The post-loading removal torques in all groups were significantly lower than their pre-loading removal torques (p < 0.001). The 1-way ANOVA test found no significant difference in the RTL% between the study groups. The PR group exhibited the lower RTL% (30.74 ± 7.3%), followed by the TI (30.78 ± 5.6%), AR (32.12 ± 2.5%), and SC (35.71 ± 5.1%) groups. Combined screw- and cement-retained restorations exhibited similar RTL compared with other restoration designs, and cyclic loading significantly affected the removal torque. Combined screw- and cement-retained restorations can be utilized in single-tooth situations, offering a comparable impact on screw joint stability while providing benefit of retrievability. Cyclic loading significantly influences joint stability, periodic checkup for screw loosening is recommended. How to cite this article: Jongsiri S, Arksornnukit M, Homsiang W, et al. Effect of Restoration Design on the Removal Torque Loss of Implant-supported Crowns after Cyclic Loading. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):951-956.

Self-Reported Work-Related Musculoskeletal Problems and Associated Risk Factors Among Three-Wheel Car Drivers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Community-Based Study.

Globally, the demand for mobility is increasing. Three-wheel cars are one of the best options for meeting this demand and creating new job opportunities in most developing countries, including Ethiopia. Drivers are highly susceptible to developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Even though several studies on other groups of drivers have been conducted, little is done in Ethiopia among three-wheel car drivers. This study investigated the prevalence of MSDs and identified their associated risk factors among three-wheel car drivers in Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among drivers of three-wheel cars from August 05 to October 07, 2022. A stratified sampling followed by a simple random sampling technique was used to select 422 respondents.Structured and pretested questionnaires adapted from the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire were used to collect the data. Epi-data version 4.2.0.0 and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the collected data, respectively. In the previous 12 months, 62.45% of three-wheel car drivers had musculoskeletal disorders in any body region (95% CI: 58.36, 66.14). The back pain was the most frequently reported site of pain in this study. This study showed that the habit of doing physical exercise, work experience, site of service, taking rest breaks while driving, and having comfortable sitting posture was risk factor for musculoskeletal pain. In this study, the overall 12-month prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among three-wheel car drivers was high. Periodic health checkups for drivers, lifestyle changes, delivering training, and creating awareness are important to address this high-burden occupation-related problem.

Orbital pleomorphic sarcoma: A case report

Aims/Purpose: To report a case involving an undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma localized in the orbit.Methods: Case report and literature review.Results: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcomas (UPS) are one of the least common types within all malignant sarcomas, with their incidence reaching 5–10% of the cases. Within this group of UPS, tumours involving the head and neck have an even lower incidence (approximately 3 to 5%). We report the case of an 86 year old male with a history of cardiovascular disease, presenting with a painless lesion in his right eye. The orbit CT reported a soft tissue lesion in contact with the right ocular globe, lacrimal gland and extraconal fat. At examination the patient registered best corrected visual acuity right eye (OD) no light perception right eye and left eye (OS) 20/50. At slit lamp examination OD is not evaluable due to corneal compromise. OS anterior segment and posterior pole with no alterations. Immunohistochemistry was negative for P40, desmine, CD34, SOX‐10 and cytokeratin cocktail. S100 had weak and patchy staining. These results led to a giant cell pleomorphic sarcoma diagnosis, histological grade 3. The patient underwent urgent orbital exenteration, with an adequate postsurgical evolution and oncology follow up.Conclusions: The diagnosis of an UPS is based on exclusion, due to their heterogeneous nature, with histological characteristics that overlap with other malignant mesenchymal neoplasms, mainly with metastatic sarcomatoid carcinoma and melanoma. These tumours are characterized by their rapid growth and potential for metastasis, especially in the lungs. Treatment includes surgical resection, sometimes combined with adjuvant chemotherapy. Strict periodic checkups are essential, since local recurrence is frequent (between 19 to 31%), with most cases occurring within the first 24 months.

Occupational Health Assessment and Risks in Automotive and Wood Manufacturing Industries: A Retrospective Study

Objective: This study examines workers' health status and occupational risks in the automotive manufacturing and wood manufacturing sectors based on medical examinations conducted between January 2019 and January 2020. Materials and Methods: It involves 27 individuals with an average age of 36.26. Younger workers, especially those aged 20 to 35, show a higher propensity for workplace accidents due to their engagement in hazardous tasks and limited experience. The research emphasizes prevalent health issues such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases among these workers, influenced by sedentary work routines and inadequate physical activity. Workers employed for 1-10 years exhibit the highest incidence of workplace accidents, warranting careful monitoring in this demographic. Key factors observed include tobacco consumption, blood cell counts, hemoglobin, glucose, liver function indicators, and exposure to hazardous substances. The study highlights prevalent hearing impairment and lung abnormalities in these workers, aligning with global trends in occupational health. Results: It recommends regular health screenings, lung film examinations during initial employment, and periodic check-ups for early detection and treatment. While acknowledging limitations, such as study specificity and resource constraints, it underscores the role of such studies in shaping policies, guiding preventive measures, and enhancing worker health and safety in high-risk industries. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for proactive health monitoring and regular screenings to safeguard workers' health, even in industries where symptoms might not be evident.

Unraveling the Interplay between Degradation Mechanisms during Battery Cycling Conditions: Influence on SEI Growth

Although the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is integral for the operation and stability of Li-ion batteries, its continuous growth over the battery life leads to in loss of cyclable material and overall degradation which results in capacity face. Therefore, a proper understanding of the mechanisms and factors involved in the SEI evolution during battery operation is integral for both reliable ageing models, allowing proper prognosis of the state of health (SoH), and improvement of battery lifetime.Generally, studies of SEI growth have focused on calendar ageing experiments, in which the battery is left undisturbed for long periods of time and periodic check-up cycles are performed to estimate the capacity loss over time. Despite significant advances in the understanding of SEI formation with this kind of experiments, the specific limiting mechanism for SEI growth is still under discussion, with electron or Li-interstitial diffusion through the SEI being the main candidates in recent studies. Calendar ageing provides a suitable framework to study SEI growth in almost isolation from other degradation mechanisms but neglects the synergistic effects that can occur between them in real operation conditions, in which the SEI growth will be influenced by other degradation processes. For example, it has been reported that lithium plating can favor SEI formation and that new SEI will growth in exposed active material through cracks in the particles or in the existing SEI. Although initial efforts towards accounting for these synergies are already present in the literature, they have been applied to sparse sets of data and particularized for single chemistries.In this work we focus on the study SEI growth during cell operation and its interplay with other degradation mechanisms in the cell in different regimes to partially isolate degradation processes (e.g., varying cut-off voltages to favor lithium plating). To this end, we carry out electrochemical cycling tests with LNO/Gr and NMC811/Gr full coin cells and also assemble 3-electrode cells to differentiate between positive and negative electrode contributions. Moreover, the individual contributions from the different degradation mechanisms are assessed by combining EIS measurements, incremental capacity analysis and morphological characterization.The results of the characterization are then used to parametrize the implementation of degradation models (SEI, particle cracking, lithium plating, loss of active material...), with both semi-empirical and physics-based approaches, within a Doyle-Fuller-Newman pseudo-2D framework. The results of the model are then compared with the full coin cells experiments and used to evaluate the degradation synergies and provide best-practice approaches to balance battery performance and lifetime. Moreover, the flexibility of the model with degradation is tested using larger publicly available and literature datasets for different chemistries to assess its suitability in cases for which the complete model parameterization is not available (as it is often the case in commercial cells).

Leading Risk Factors for Diseases of the Circulatory and Musculoskeletal Systems in Metallurgical Workers

Introduction: It is important to assess health impact of the entire set of heterogeneous risk factors and identify the key ones in order to develop personalized measures for prevention of non-occupational diseases in workers. Objective: To establish the major risk factors for circulatory and musculoskeletal disorders in employees of a metallurgical enterprise. Materials and methods: We used anonymized data from a special assessment of working conditions and production control of the forging departments of the forging-rod and forging-press shops of a metallurgical enterprise producing titanium alloys for the years 2016–2020. To determine the presence of personal biological and behavioral risk factors for diseases of the circulatory and musculoskeletal systems, we examined anonymized data of the periodic medical check-up conducted in 2020 of 146 male blacksmiths working with hammers and presses. The mean age of the workers was 35.9 ± 8.8 years (range: 21 to 57 years) and their mean length of current employment was 18.9 ± 9.7 years (range: 2 to 41 years). The method of simple and multiple logistic regression was used to build models for predicting the likelihood of a disease; odds ratios were calculated with a 95 % confidence interval. The quality of the models was assessed using the maximum likelihood estimation. Results: We determined the factors allowing prediction of the disease likelihood. The prevalence of circulatory diseases correlated with age, length of employment, and the body mass index, whole-body and hand-arm vibration, noise exposure, high ambient temperature, thermal radiation, and heavy physical work. The prevalence of musculoskeletal diseases, in its turn, had a somewhat weaker statistically significant association with the same risk factors. Models predicting the likelihood of circulatory and musculoskeletal diseases have been built. The best predictive model for circulatory diseases included the combined effect of the body mass index and heavy physical work while that for musculoskeletal disorders – of the body mass index and hand-arm vibration. Conclusion: Multiple logistic regression used to analyze statistical relationships between work-related risk factors and disease prevalence in employees in specific occupations allowed identification of the leading factors contributing the most to the disease development and can be recommended for solving practical problems in occupational medicine.

The Influence of Elderly Posyandu Management on Health and Quality of Life at the Sinoa Community Health Center in Bantaeng

Background: The Elderly Posyandu (integrated healthcare center) at the Sinoa Community Health Center in Bantaeng has an important role in maintaining the quality of life of the elderly in the community. Apart from providing health services, this smallest service unit will also facilitate various non-medical activities so that the elderly have a place to work and be active. Purpose: This is the researchers' idea to examine whether there is an influence of the Elderly Posyandu program on the quality of life of the elderly in the Sinoa sub-district, Bantaeng. Methods: This study used a quantitative method with a cross-sectional design. The population of this study was 210 elderly with a total sample of 136 elderly selected by means of proportional stratified random sampling. Data collection was carried out by means of interviews using a questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using the path analysis test. Results: Results of path analysis, where the independent variable (predictor) is the Elderly Posyandu variable include extension (X1) and elderly gymnastics (X2), the mediation variable is the elderly health (Y), and the dependent variable (response) is the quality of life of the elderly (Z), show that periodic medical check-up (X3) through the elderly health variable (Y) has the greatest indirect influence on the quality of life of the elderly in the Sinoa sub-district, Bantaeng. Conclusion: Posyandu management for the elderly is very important because it will affect the quality of life of the elderly. The management in question includes the elderly Posyandu program.

The food hygiene practices among workers in restaurants of Wasit Governorate, Iraq

Objectives: To determine the knowledge, attitude and practices related to food hygiene among those working inrestaurants.Method: The descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted from January 5 to April 30, 2019, within restaurantslocated in Hay, Kut, Numania, Badra, Azizia and Suwera cities in the Wasit Governorate of Iraq. Those included usingsimple random sampling technique were food handlers of either gender. Data was collected using a predesignedquestionnaire.Results: Of the 330 subjects from 55 restaurants, 320(96.9%) were males and 10(3%) females. The overall mean agewas 31.6±9.5 years (range: 15-55 years). Overall, 193(58.4%) subjects were married, 279(84.5%) had work experience&lt;10 years, 90(27.2%) had professional training, 212(64.2%) had studied up to secondary level, and 113(34.2%) wereworking as waiters. Of the total, 127(38.48%) subjects correctly described food hygiene, and 197(59.69%)acknowledged the necessity of obligatory periodical check-ups. Hygiene practice scores were poor in 223(67.57%)cases.Conclusion: The food hygiene knowledge, attitude and practice of food handlers in restaurants of Wasit governoratewere found to be poor.Keywords: Restaurants, Health, Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Hygiene, Surveys.

The Utility of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose in Patients of Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Care Hospital: An Observational Study

Abstract Background: Monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary in patients with diabetes mellitus, especially in newly diagnosed patients. Regular monitoring and periodic checkup and monitoring is required to know level of control of blood sugar. Although investigations done in laboratory are more reliable, it becomes impracticable and costly affair in the Indian situation. Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a good option for glycemic control and hypoglycemia diagnosis. The aim of our study is to estimate the utility of SMBG in diabetes mellitus and to study its effect in the improvement of glycemic control. Materials and Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. We administered a structured questionnaire to 100 patients with diabetes mellitus. The questionnaire included data about the use of glucometer, hypoglycemia episodes, hospitalizations, and glycemic control, for which we used fasting and postprandial blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c (HBA1c). Results: Out of the 100 patients included into the study, 35% used glucometer for SMBG. The mean values of fasting blood glucose in glucometer users and nonusers were 117.78 and 173.08, respectively (P = 0.043). The mean values of postprandial blood glucose in glucometer users and nonusers were 169.64 and 223.65, respectively (P = 0.042). HbA1c levels above 6.5 were seen in 49% of glucometer users and 54% of glucometer nonusers. More than three episodes/month of severe hypoglycemia were seen only in those who did not use glucometer and amounted to 23% of people in that group. Conclusions: The study concluded that the use of glucometer for SMBG improves glycemic control in patients of diabetes mellitus. The results also showed a decline in the number of severe hypoglycemia and hospitalization incidences in the SMBG group.

Reliability of a Newly Developed Tool to Assess and Classify Work-related Stress (TAWS-16) for Indian Workforce.

Work stress is associated with non-communicable diseases, increased healthcare costs, and decreased work productivity among employees in the information technology sector. There is a need for regular work-stress screening among employees using valid and reliable tools. The Tool to Assess and Classify Work Stress (TAWS-16) was developed to overcome limitations in existing stress assessment tools in India. This study aimed to test the reliability of TAWS-16 in a sample of managerial-supervisory employees. This observational reliability study included data from 62 employees. Test-retest and inter-method reliability were investigated using a TAWS-16 web application and interview by telephone, respectively. Kappa values and intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated. Internal consistency was assessed through Cronbach's alpha. For both test-retest and inter-method reliability, the agreement for both work-related factors and symptoms suggestive of work stress exceeded 80%, and all kappa values were 0.40 or higher. Cronbach's alpha for test-retest and inter-method reliability was 0.983 and 0.941, respectively. TAWS-16 demonstrated acceptable reliability. It measured stressors, coping abilities, and psychosomatic symptoms associated with work stress. We recommend using TAWS-16 to holistically identify work stress among employees during periodical health check-ups in India.