Periodic Medical Checkup Research Articles

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.

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.

FACTORS RELATED TO EYE FATIGUE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE EMPLOYEES 2022

Background: Eye fatigue is a symptom caused by excessive efforts of the visual system, which is in less than perfect condition to obtain visual acuity. This is influenced by gender, duration, and distance of viewing the monitor. Purpose: Analyze the factors and images related to eye fatigue in customer service employees at PT X in 2021. Method: Descriptive study with cross-sectional design with the total sampling method. The sample in this study was 50 people. The population in this study was 50. This research was conducted on December 27 – January 5, 2022. Data collection was obtained by collecting primary data and secondary data. Data were analyzed by univariate and bivariate using the Chi-square test. Result: That the highest proportion is found in employees who experience eye fatigue complaints as many as 44 people (88%), in employees aged ≤40 years as many as 42 people (84%), employees who have female sex as many as 32 people (64% ), employees who have a working period of >3 years as many as 45 people (90%), had computer use >8 hours a day as many as 46 people (92%), saw a monitor distance of 50 cm as many as 38 people (76%), and there was a relationship between gender (p-value = 0.001), duration of computer use (p-value = 0.004), monitor viewing distance (p-value = 0.002) with the incidence of eye fatigue in customer service employees at PT X in 2022. Conclusion: The results show that eye fatigue does not get worse by placing the computer in such a way that there is no light reflection, conducting periodic medical check-up, and educating employees to intersperse computer use time.

Associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with serum folate, cobalanin, and homocysteine concentrations and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms in healthy adults.

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with various demographic, anthropometric, and genetic characteristics and biochemical parameters in healthy Greek adults. Demographic (age and sex), anthropometric (body mass index/BMI), and genetic (MTHFR gene polymorphisms) characteristics and biochemical parameters (serum folate, cobalamin/Cbl, and total homocysteine/tHcy concentrations), which had been recorded and measured, among others, in the framework of periodic medical examination (military personnel) or check-up (non-military personnel) of 383 healthy Greek adults (199 men and 184 women) were analyzed. Serum 25(OH)D, tHcy, folate, and Cbl levels were determined using immunoassay methods. The MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction and reverse hybridization. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were correlated with Cbl levels and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, while they had a reverse correlation with serum tHcy levels, age, and BMI. There was no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and sex, serum folate levels, and smoking status. Individuals with the 677TT genotype had statistically significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels than those with the 677CC or 677CT genotype, while individuals with the 1298CC genotype had statistically significantly higher serum 25(OH)D levels than those with 1298AA or 1298AC genotype. Moreover, the reverse correlation between the serum 25(OH)D and tHcy levels was statistically significant in all six MTHFR genotypes. Serum 25(OH)D levels are associated with age, BMI, serum tHcy, and Cbl levels and MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism. The most significant finding of our study is the observed reverse correlation of serum 25(OH)D levels with serum tHcy levels. Considering that vitamin D deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) are associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), we suggest that individuals with high serum tHcy levels should be further investigated for, inter alia, their serum 25(OH)D levels.

Periodic Medical Checkup Among Health Workers at A Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Introduction: Periodic medical checkup is an essential component of preventive medicine and health promotion. Assessing the knowledge, perception and practice of health care professional on routine medical checkup set the tone for the general public. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 health care personnel, nurses, doctors and medical laboratory scientist, using a convenience sampling method, to assess their practice of periodic medical checkup. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire, with questions classified under demographics, knowledge, perception and practice. Data processing was carried out using Microsoft excel. Data was checked, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS version 21. Results: The study found a high prevalence of knowledge among the participants. There was, at least, above 90% on all questionnaire items assessing knowledge. Similarly, participants exhibited a positive perception towards medical checkups. 98.7% said medical checkups are important whilst 99.0% said they would encourage the practice of periodic medical checkup. Prevalence of periodic medical checkup was 91.0%. Most of the participants recommended medical checkups be covered by health insurance whilst health facilities should also ensure an annual examination of its staffs. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of medical checkup among health care personnel at the teaching hospital under study, positive attitude as well as a high level of knowledge regarding the practice.

Intestinal parasite infection and associated factors among food handlers in Feres Bet town, North West Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021

IntroductionIntestinal parasite infections are one of the most serious public health issues in the globe. Individuals' health is harmed by a high prevalence of intestinal parasite infections, which primarily affect physical and mental growth, resulting in malnutrition, anemia, stunting, cognitive impairment, reduced educational achievement, and inefficiency. ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasite infection and associated factors among food handlers in Feres Bet town, North West Amhara, Ethiopia, 2021. MethodsFrom March to April 2021, a facility-based cross-sectionalstudy was undertaken in Feres Bet town among food handlers and drinking establishments. A total of 370 study participants were enrolled in the study utilizing a basic random sampling procedure. Epi data version 3.1 was used to enter the data, and statistical product service solution version 25 was used to clean and analyze it. To show the relationship between dependent and independent variables, a binary logistic regression statistical model was built. Adjested odd ratios with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05 were declared statistically significant. Tables and graphs were used to convey the report. ResultThe study included 370 food handlers out of a total of 399. Approximately 166 (44.9%) of food workers tested positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Hand washing practice after toilet [(AOR: 6.25, 95% CI: 2.05–19.02)], hand washing practice after touching dirty materials [(AOR: 3.71, 95% CI: 1.72–8.03)], hand washing practice before meal (AOR = 12.49, 95% CI = 4.92–31.72), periodic medical checkup [(AOR = 3.42, 95% CI = 1.29–9.06)], were variables significantly associated with intestinal parasite. ConclusionsThe prevalence of intestinal parasite infection among food and drink handlers was found to be 44.9% in this investigation.

Periodic Medical Checkup among Health Workers at a Teaching Hospital in Ghana

Introduction: Periodic medical checkup is an essential component of preventive medicine and health promotion. Assessing the knowledge, perception and practice of health care professional on routine medical checkup set the tone for the general public. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 health care personnel, nurses, doctors and medical laboratory scientist, using a convenience sampling method, to assess their practice of periodic medical checkup. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire, with questions classified under demographics, knowledge, perception and practice. Data processing was carried out using Microsoft excel. Data was checked, cleaned and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science, SPSS version 21. Results: The study found a high prevalence of knowledge among the participants. There was, at least, above 90% on all questionnaire items assessing knowledge. Similarly, participants exhibited a positive perception towards medical checkups. 98.7% said medical checkups are important whilst 99.0% said they would encourage the practice of periodic medical checkup. Prevalence of periodic medical checkup was 91.0%. Most of the participants recommended medical checkups be covered by health insurance whilst health facilities should also ensure an annual examination of its staffs. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of medical checkup among health care personnel at the teaching hospital under study, positive attitude as well as a high level of knowledge regarding the practice.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasites and Enteric Bacterial Infections among Selected Region Food Handlers of Ethiopia during 2014-2022: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Food-borne disease due to intestinal parasites (IPs) and enteric bacterial infections (EBIs) remain a major public health problem. Food handlers, individuals involved in preparing and serving food, working with poor personal hygiene could pose a potential threat of spreading IPs and EBIs to the public. The aim of this study was to examine the overall prevalence and risk factors of IPs and EBIs among food handlers in four selected regions of Ethiopia. Scientific articles written in English were recovered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and other sources from Google Engine and University Library Databases. “Prevalence,” “Intestinal Parasites,” “Enteric Bacterial Infections,” “Associated Factors,” “Food Handlers,” and “Ethiopia” were the search terms used for this study. For critical appraisal, PRISMA 2009 was applied. Stata software version 16 was used to perform the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were evaluated using Cochran's Q, inverse variance (I2), and funnel plot asymmetry tests. A random-effects model was used to calculate the pooled burden of IPs and EBIs and its associated factors among food handlers, along with the parallel odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For this meta-analysis, a total of 5844 food handlers were included in the 20 eligible studies. The overall pooled prevalence of IPs and EBIs among food handlers in four selected regions of Ethiopia was 29.16% (95% CI: 22.61, 35.71), with covering (25.77%) and (3.39%) by IPs and EBIs, respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Giardia lamblia, and hookworm were the most prevalent IPs among food handlers with a pooled prevalence of 7.58%, 6.78%, 3.67%, and 2.70%, respectively. Salmonella and Shigella spp. were the most prevalent EBIs among food handlers with a pooled prevalence of 2.78% and 0.61%, respectively. A high prevalence of IPs and EBIs among food handlers was observed in Oromia (38.56%; 95% CI: 29.98, 47.14), while a low prevalence was observed in the Tigray region (19.45%; 95% CI: 6.08, 32.82). Food handlers who had not taken food hygiene training (OR: 0.68, 95% CI: −0.34, 1.69), untrimmed finger nail (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.47, 2.99), lack of periodic medical checkup (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 0.41, 2.64), lack of handwashing habits (OR: 1.97, 95% CI: 0.53, 3.41), and eating raw vegetables and meat (OR: 2.63, 95% CI: 0.92, 4.34) were factors significantly associated with the prevalence of IPs and EBIs. The prevalence of IPs and EBIs was high in the selected Ethiopian region (Amhara, Oromia, SNNPR, and Tigray) food handlers along an increasing prevalence trend from 2014 to 2022. Therefore, this study recommends the provision of proper health education and training regarding personal hygiene, hand washing, food handling, medical checks, as well as raw vegetable and meat safety.

"Blood lead level among battery factory workers in low and middle-income countries: Systematic review and meta-analysis".

IntroductionLead is one of the most health-hazardous causes of acute and chronic poisoning at workplaces. A limited study was conducted on the blood lead concentration among battery factory workers in low and middle-income countries. Therefore, this study will improve workplace health and safety conditions of workers in this sector and serve as baseline data for further studies in this segment of the working setup.ObjectiveThis review aims to identify the pooled mean blood lead level among battery factory workers in low and middle-income countries.MethodsThe search methods considered the following electronic bibliographic databases: google scholar, PubMed, and other gray literature. A funnel plot and Begg test were used to see the publication bias. The heterogeneity of studies was checked using I-square statistics with a cut of point 75% and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality assessment tool was applied to ensure the quality of the included articles. A random-effect model was applied to pool the blood lead level intoxication. The sub-group analysis and Meta-regression analysis were conducted by country and year of publication to control heterogeneity and to show variation. We included the articles published from 2000 to 2021 year in the English language.ResultsThrough the search strategies, 135 articles were identified and 43 full-text articles were selected for evaluation, and finally, eighteen (18) articles fit the inclusion criteria. From the 18 studies included in the meta-analysis, the mean pooled blood lead level of workers was 37.996 μg/dl (95% CI: 30.680–45.312) which is higher than the threshold limit value set by American conference of governmental industrial hygienists (20 μg/dl). In subgroup analysis by year in the random effect model, the pooled mean of blood lead level from 2006 to 2011= 43.20 μg/dL (35.91–50.50), 2012–2015 = 37.78 μg/dl (25.23–50.29), and 2016–2020 = 36.53 μg/dl (19.44–53.62).ConclusionsThis review showed that the pooled mean blood lead level of workers exposed to lead battery factories was (37.996 μg/dl) which is above the threshold limit value (20 μg/dl). Therefore, attention should be given by employers, government, and researchers to improve the health of working populations exposed to lead exposure in low and middle-income countries through the provision of occupational health and safety services like periodical medical checkups, treatments, and provision of training and adequate and appropriate personal protective equipment.Systematic review registration: Identifier: CRD42022322827.

Implementing an Artificial Intelligence System in the Work of General Practitioner in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug: Pilot Cross-sectional Screening Observational Study

Background. Early identification of risk factors (RF) associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is essential for the prevention of CVDs and their complications. CVD risk factors can be identified using Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems, which are capable of learning, analyzing and drawing conclusions. The advantage of AI systems consists in their capacity to process large amounts of data over a short period of time and produce ready-made information. Objectives. Evaluation of the efficiency of implementing an AI software application by a general practitioner for identifying CVD risk factors.Methods. The study included data from 1778 electronic medical histories of patients aged over 18, assigned to an outpatient and polyclinic department of Muravlenkovskaya Gorodskaya Bolnitsa (Muravlenko municipal hospital), Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug (Russia). The study was conducted in four stages. The first stage involved a preliminary training of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) system under study using numerous CVD risk assessment scales. The Webiomed predictive analytics and risk management software by K-SkAI, Russia, was selected as a platform for this purpose. The second stage included an analysis of medical data to identify CVD risk factors according to the relative risk scale for patients under 40 and the SCORE scale for patients over 40. At the third stage, a specialist analyzed the previous and new information received about each patient. According to the results of the third stage, four risk groups for CVD (low, medium, high and very high) were formed. At the fourth stage, newly diagnosed patients with a high risk of CVD, who had not been previously subject to regular medical check-up, were directed for additional clinical, laboratory and instrumental follow-up examination and consultations of relevant specialists. Statistical data in absolute terms and as a percentage were obtained. Statistical processing of the results was carried out by a computer program aimed at medical decision support. Content visualization was performed in spreadsheets and charts.Results. Based on the data obtained, the AI system under study divided all patients into CVD risk groups and identified uncounted factors. The AI system confirmed a high and very high risk of CVD according to SCORE (Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation) in 623 people, who were already receiving appropriate cardiological assistance. The RFs that had not previously been taken into account in the diagnosis were recorded in 41 (11.5%) patients from the very highrisk group and in 37 (12.7%) high-risk patients. The AI system identified a high risk of CVD in 29 people who had not been previously under care of a general practitioner or other specialists due to their infrequent visits to health care facilities. These patients were detected by the AI system following periodic and preliminary medical check-ups (35%), full in-patient treatment for other diseases (31%), when seeking help of other specialists (17%), as well as when obtaining a medical certificate for a driving license (12%), admission to a swimming pool (3%) or possessing a weapon (2%). In a group with the newly diagnosed patients at a high risk of CVD, men dominated (24 persons, 82%) and women comprised only 8% (5 persons). All these people were of working age between 40 and 50. In order to confirm the information received, the supervising physician subsequently referred patients for a follow-up examination, as a result of which only 1 person (3%) was not diagnosed with a somatic pathology.Conclusion. The efficiency of the AI system under study comprised 97%. Permanent monitoring of all parameters of electronic medical histories and outpatient records is an efficient method for timely identification of RF at any visit of a person to a health care facility (preventive and periodic medical examinations, regular check-ups, specialist consultations, etc.) and their assignment to respective CVD risk groups. Such monitoring ensures an effective medical supervision of able-bodied populations.

Selected morbidities among workers of a chemical processing industry in Goa

Background: Exposure to various physical, mechanical, chemical hazards and unsafe practices by workers of fertiliser industries leads to many illnesses. So far not much attention has been given to occupational hazards in fertilizer industry. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to assess selected morbidities among workers in a fertilizer industry in Goa.Methods: The study was conducted over a period of November 2018 to December 2018. The data of the workers was obtained from an occupational health and safety (OHS) centre catering to a fertilizer industry in North-Goa which conducted periodic medical check-ups of the workers. The date included details regarding selected morbidities among workers of the fertilizer industry.Results: Among the workers, over one-third i.e. 104 (37.3%) were overweight and 38 (13.6%) were obese with body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m2. 22 (7.9%) workers were hypertensive, 35 (12.5%) were diabetic, 46 (26.5%) had abnormal far vision and 24 (8.6%) had near vision abnormalities. Spirometry reports showed 17 (6.1%) workers suffered from mild restrictive lung disease. Assessment of audiometry reports revealed that 2 (0.8%) workers had mild hearing loss, 4 (1.6%) had moderate hearing loss and 2 (0.8%) had severe hearing loss.Conclusions: Workers in a fertilizer industry suffer from several morbidities, including the diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity. Apart from this, they also suffer from hearing impairment, visual impairment and conditions impairing their pulmonary functions. Periodic medical examinations are needed for timely detection and appropriate treatment of these health conditions among the workers.

Assessment of Intestinal Parasites, Enteric Bacterial Infections, and Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Street Food Handlers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Background Food-borne infections are common public health problems worldwide. A street food handler with poor personal hygiene contributes to the transmission of intestinal parasites and enteric bacteria to the public via contaminated foods. In Ethiopia, health risks associated with street food are common. Previous studies in this area are scanty. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites, enteric bacterial infections, and antimicrobial susceptibility among street food handlers in Jimma town. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2020 among 260 street food handlers in Jimma town. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews. About 3 grams of the fecal specimen were collected from each food handler for bacterial culture and concentration techniques. The data were entered into Epi-Data 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 20. Associated factors were identified by using binary logistic regression analysis. A statistically significant association was determined at a p-value less than 0.05. Results The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteric bacterial pathogens was 39.2% (33.3%–45.2%) and 8.85% (5.4%–12.3%), respectively. Ascaris lumbricoides (18.5%) and Salmonella (8.1%) were the most predominant parasite and enteric bacterial isolates, respectively. Not trimming fingernails (AOR = 2.884; 95% CI: 1.682–4.945) and not washing hands with soap after toilet (AOR = 3.342; 95% CI: 1.939–5.761) were factors associated with increased risk of infection by intestinal parasites or enteric bacterial pathogens. All Salmonella and Shigella isolates were 100% resistant to ampicillin. Conclusion The infection with intestinal parasites and enteric bacterial pathogens detected in this study indicated that street food handlers may serve as sources of pathogens/parasites for transmission and experience morbidities due to the infections. Therefore, periodic medical checkups and creating awareness of personal hygiene are mandatory to reduce the risk of infections.

Effectiveness of Narrative Persuasion on Facebook: Change of Attitude and Intention towards HPV

Abstract Information, detection and prevention are very important factors in sexually transmitted diseases such as human papillomavirus, which is linked to cervical cancer and other cancers (WHO, 2015). This paper aims to demonstrate empirically whether the use of narrative in new media, such as Facebook, produces a greater impact on attitudes and intention in sex education issues, such as human papillomavirus, than the same information presented in non-narrative. Also, the role of the viewer’s involvement in this persuasive effect is analysed. A group of young university students was tested before and after viewing a Facebook profile on HPV in a narrative vs non-narrative format. The narrative proved to be more effective than the non-narrative, provoking a more positive attitude towards periodic medical checkups and towards the intention of being tested for HPV. Additionally, narrative transportation proved to have a direct effect on attitude, while involvement with both the story and the character play a moderating role on intention. In conclusion, this paper demonstrates that structured narrative format in Facebook is an effective tool in the field of health education and prevention of HPV, which could also play a role in preventing cervical cancer.

Association between Occupational Stress and Psychopathological Symptoms Among Nurses in Cardiovascular Hospital During COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: Occupational stress is known to be one of the factors that are often found in nursing professionals. Occupational stress can affect a person both physically and mentally. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional workload for healthcare professionals, including nurses. This study aimed to analyze the association between occupational stress and psychopathological symptoms among nurses in Cardiovascular Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 108 nurses in Cardiovascular Hospital X. Samples were taken by simple random sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Occupational stress was assessed by Expanded Nursing Stress Scale (ENSS) and psychopathological symptoms were assessed by Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90). Results: The mean ENSS total score was 88,17 ± 32,24 (maximum score of ENSS was 228). 19,4% of nurses had psychopathological symptoms. Somatization, obsessive-compulsive, and psychoticism had higher t-score values than other SCL-90 subscales. There was a strongly significant association between occupational stress and psychopathological symptoms (p<0,001). Conclusion: Its highly recommend early diagnosis and prompt treatment for psychopathological symptoms among nurses. Monitor and evaluation of occupational stress and psychopathology in nurses are recommended as periodic medical check-up program in hospital.

Molecular characterization of algerian strains of Blastocysts sp

RésuméIntroductionBlastocystis sp. est un protozoaire colonisant le tube digestif de l’Homme et de nombreux animaux et il est à ce jour le parasite le plus fréquemment retrouvé dans les selles humaines. Dans certains pays en développement, sa prévalence dans les populations étudiées peut dépasser 50 %. Sur le plan morphologique, les isolats de Blastocystis sp. trouvés chez différents hôtes sont très similaires. Cependant, ces mêmes isolats présentent entre eux une très grande diversité génétique et pas moins de 17 sous-types (ou génotypes) ont déjà été identifiés à partir de données moléculaires. Des études de génotypage ont été réalisées dans de nombreux pays à travers le monde et en particulier dans certains pays du pourtour méditerranéen comme la France, l’Espagne, l’Italie, la Turquie ou l’Égypte. En revanche, très peu de données de génotypage sont disponibles en Algérie. À cet effet, nous avons réalisé la présente étude dont le but était d’identifier et de génotyper Blastocystis dans des échantillons de selles humaines et animales.Patients et méthodesMille huit cent soixante-neuf (1 869) prélèvements de selles appartenant à un personnel de cuisine dans le cadre du contrôle médical périodique, à des sujets pour la fourniture d’un certificat médical requis pour le traitement d’un dossier de visa et à des patients atteints de troubles gastro-intestinaux ont été examinés. À côté des selles humaines, des échantillons d’animaux, dont 10 volailles, 2 bovins et 2 murins ont été examinés. Toutes les selles ont été soumises à un examen microscopique direct complété par des techniques de concentration et une coloration de Ziehl Neelsen modifiée. La caractérisation moléculaire de 39 isolats humains et 14 d’origine animale a été réalisée par le séquençage et les séquences obtenues comparées à celles disponibles auprès de GenBank. Le séquençage n’a été contributif que pour 30 souches humaines et 9 souches animales.RésultatsSur l’ensemble des échantillons humain examinés, 284 étaient positifs (15,19 %) avec une prévalence de 7,38 % pour le Blastocystis. Parmi les 30 souches ayant fait l’objet d’une caractérisation moléculaire, le ST3 était prédominant (15/30, 50 %) suivi de ST1 (10/30, 33,33 %) et en troisième position le ST2 (4/30, 13,33 %). Le ST4 n’a été identifié que chez un seul patient (1/30, 3,33 %). La corrélation entre le statut clinique et le sous-type de Blastocystis identifié a montré que le nombre de ST3 était élevé chez les sujets asymptomatiques (11/15, 73 %) comparativement aux sujets symptomatiques (4/15, 26,66 %), de même pour le sous-type ST1 (7/10, 70 % versus 3/10, 30 %). À l’inverse, le nombre de ST2 était plus élevé chez les sujets présentant des troubles gastro-intestinaux (3/4, 75 %). À côté des souches humaines nous avons génotypé 7 souches aviaires, 2 souches murines et 2 souches bovines. La caractérisation des souches aviaires a révélé 5 ST6 (71,42 %) et 2 ST7 (28, 57 %). Les souches murines et bovines sont identifiées en tant que ST7 et ST6 respectivement.

EFFECT OF OCCUPATIONAL, NON OCCUPATIONAL, AND SOCIODEMOGRAPHICS CHARACTERISTICS FACTORS TO THE FATIGUE RISK OF SHIP STEEL SMELTING PRODUCTION WORKERS

Work fatigue is a process of decreasing efficiency, work performance, and reduced physical strength or endurance to continue the activities that must be done. This study was conducted to determine the effect of occupational factors (work climate, physical workload), non-occupational factors (sleep quality, disease history, exercise habits, drinking water consumption), and socio-demographic characteristics (age, marital status, nutritional status, childhood). work) against work fatigue. Based on the results of research using the Industrial Fatigue Research Committee questionnaire, as many as 36% of workers experienced moderate fatigue and 22% of workers experienced severe fatigue. The research method used ordinal logistic regression, Mann Whitney and Kruskall Wallis. The results of the partial test showed that sleep quality (p-value 0.021), age (p-value 0.009), and years of service (p-value 0.000) had an effect on work fatigue. The results of the different test indicate that there are no variables that have differences in work fatigue. The recommendations given are doing progressive muscle relaxation, education about important aspects of sleep quality, changing work positions, providing job rotation and training planning, conducting regular and periodic medical check-ups.

A Cross Section Survey Assessment Study on the Knowledge and Practice of Periodic Medical Check up among the Saudi population

In Saudi Arabia most of the individuals give very little attention to issues like health or no priority to medical checkup. This investigation was carried out to measure knowledge, practice of periodic medical checkup in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia people. A cross-sectional investigation was conducted among 1015 participants. A structured interviewer administered an online questionnaire were distribute by social media and whatsApp. We collected data and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Association between categorical variables were explored using bar chart and tables, Level of significance was set at 5%. The main age of the respondents was 21-30 years, 78.4% were females and 64.2% were married. About 42.1% have ever heard of periodic medical check-up , 57% of those who haven’t ever heard of periodic medical checkup and only 21.9% among those who had ever done it had frequent medical check-up and 78.1% didn’t do it. Attempt is required in ensuring that periodic medical check-up is urged. There is a need to study the factors associated with the uptake of medical check-up among the study population and effort should be made by health agencies to educate traders on the various types of medical check-up, their indications and benefits as well as its practice encouraged.

Gender as a determinant of lifestyle in young university students

Abstract Introduction Lifestyles is part of the subject's personal decisions, resulting from the exposure and interaction of factors such as living conditions, behavior patterns, socio-cultural elements, a set of norms, habits, and routines, which affect negatively or positively the health, but since it is a personal decision, it is detached from determinants such as gender. Therefore, the objective of the study was to identify the differences in the lifestyle of university students according to gender. Methods Analytical cross-sectional study. The FANTASTIC questionnaire was applied to 187 students with an average age of 20.5 years from the Santo Tomás University in Bogotá and Bucaramanga, Colombia. A chi-square test was performed for each qualitative question and an ANOVA for the quantitative data resulting from each factor, taking gender as the basis of analysis. Statistical analyzes were processed in SPSS 25.0, at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results It was found that women walk daily for more than 30 minutes (p = 0.00; 95% OR: +4.0 women); men are more likely to smoke (p = 0.001; 95% OR: +2.6 men) and drive after drinking alcohol (p = 0.012; 95% OR: +2.5 men); performance of periodic medical check-ups (p = 0.007; 95% OR: +2.0 men) and compliance with traffic orders (p = 0.004: 95% OR: +2.9 men) and seat belt use (p = 0.006; 95% OR: +1.0 men) is higher in men. Significant differences were found between tobacco consumption (p = 0.001), and alcohol (p = 0.013), physical activity (p = 0.011) and other behaviors (p = 0.001). Conclusions Men are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as tobacco and alcohol consumption and less physical activity; therefore, gender is a determining factor for the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits. Key messages The lifestyle of the university population is influenced by gender, which is why promotion and prevention campaigns must be differential between men and women. Sex is a determining factor for a healthy lifestyle.

Sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumor with a very unusual onset: two case reports

BackgroundIntra-abdominal desmoid tumors are rare soft tissue tumors that arise mainly in the mesentery and pelvis. Their etiology may include genetic mutations, estrogen-associated changes after childbirth, and mechanical factors such as a history of abdominal surgery. However, there are cases of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors that develop in the absence of such causes. Since they are rare, diagnosis is often difficult based on clinical findings. We encountered two cases of patients with sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumors with a very unusual onset and contrasting features.Case presentationThe first patient was a 51-year-old asian man who presented with sudden onset of abdominal pain. He was referred to our department because of a giant tumor detected on abdominal ultrasonography. Imaging revealed a 19-cm tumor with internal tumoral hemorrhage; however, no definitive diagnosis was made. Tumor resection was performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The second patient was a 41-year-old asian man, and right hydronephrosis was detected on abdominal ultrasonography during a periodic medical checkup. We diagnosed invasion of the primary mesenteric tumor into the right ureter using diagnostic imaging and performed ileocecal resection with partial right ureteral resection for a definitive diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. Although the tumors of both patients had developed from the ileal mesentery, the tumors were substantially different from each other based on their imaging findings, macroscopic morphology, and progression pattern. Meanwhile, they showed similar pathological characteristics. Both consisted of bundles of collagen fibrils of spindle-shaped fibroblasts with low cell atypia. Moreover, they were diagnosed as desmoid tumors using positive immunohistochemical staining for β-catenin.ConclusionsNeither patient had susceptibility factors for desmoid tumors, and to our knowledge, there have been very few reports to date of intra-abdominal desmoid tumors that were diagnosed because of acute abdominal pain caused by tumoral hemorrhage or asymptomatic obstructive uropathy. Furthermore, it is clinically interesting that the two patients showed contrasting progression patterns and imaging findings. Intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are rare and may present with various symptoms and findings similar to those observed in our patients. Diagnosis therefore requires experience and knowledge that is not bound by preconceptions.