Periodic Medical Checkup Research Articles

A study of morbidities among electronic equipment manufacturing workers in Goa

Background: Electronic equipment manufacturing units are among the most common industries all over the world. It involves a large amount of employees required for processing, manufacturing, building and setting up electronic equipments. Workers are usually sedentary and involve very less physical movement. Chronic illnesses are common among these sedentary workers of which most important are cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity and diabetes. Considering the importance of the subject and the lack of published evidence on health status of electronic manufacturing workers, our study was done with an aim of assessing selected morbidities among electronic equipment manufacturing units in Goa.Methods: Our retrospective record based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of one month in March 2019. The study was done in electronic equipment manufacturing workers. Data included sociodemographic details of the workers and details of periodic medical check-up. The data analysis was done using and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Chi square test was used to assess association between qualitative variables.Results: Among the 109 electronic manufacturing workers, it was observed that 10.1% (11) had obesity with a BMI >30, 24.8% (27) had hypertension (>140/90) and 31.2% (34) had diabetes mellitus with HbA1c >6.5. In addition, 24.8% (27) had far vision defect and 39.4% (43) had near vision defect. 42.2% (46) had abnormal lung function tests, 0.9% (1) had hearing disability and 4.6% (5) had abnormal ECG findings. Among male workers 0.9% (1) had elevated PSA levels, whereas all PAPs smear reports were normal among female workers.Conclusions: This study highlights the need of periodic medical check-up of the electronic manufacturing workers for timely detection and early management of their health problems.

Dyslipidaemia, carbohydrate metabolism disorders and arterial hypertension detected in academic employees during examinations in occupational medicine.

Many people have CVD risk factors without realising it and it is important to recognise the risk factors as soon as possible. Periodic examinations are a mandatory form of control for all employes in Poland. They provide an excellent opportunity to screen for the most common civilization diseases in the population. The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia and hypertension among academics in a Polish university, and to compare the results between postdoctoral fellows and other academics. The study group were postdoctoral fellows (HAB; N=135, 53 females) and other academics (NHAB; N=286, 179 females) over the age of 40 who reported for a periodic occupational medical check-up. Fasting blood samples were drawn, serum glucose, lipids and blood pressure (BP) were measured. The mean age was 56.7 (SD 9.8) in HAB and 49.8 (SD 8.1) in NHAB. Mean systolic BP and glycaemia were significantly higher in male HAB group than male NHAB (135.8 vs 130.9 mmHg and 6.0 vs 5.6 mmol/l, respectively). The relationship in females was non-significant. The age-adjusted odds ratios (OR [95% CI]) of having elevated low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure in male HAB vs male NHAB were 0.61 [0.32. 1.16], 0.64 [0.33, 1.23], 1.52 [0.80, 2.88] and 2.11 [0.88, 5.23], and in female HAB vs female NHAB - 0.59 [0.31, 1.12], 0.64 [0.32, 1.26], 0.87 [0.40, 1.79] and 1.86 [0.70, 4.68], respectively. Adequately planned occupational medicine examinations provide an opportunity to diagnose dyslipidaemia, hyperglycaemia, or high BP in all groups of employees, including highly educated academics.

A study on selected morbidities among mining workers in Goa

Background: Given the complexity of the underground work system, the accidents at mining site and associated occupational diseases are dysfunctions that reduce the efficiency, productivity and profitability of workers. The present study provides a profile of selected morbidities among mining workers in Goa.Methods: Data was obtained from the records of a Occupational Health Service (OHS) centre in Ponda, Goa that conducted periodic health check ups of mining workers employed in 4 open cast iron ore mines from 4 Talukas, 2 each from North and South districts of Goa. Patient records of 199 workers representing different categories of work were obtained and analyzed. Data primarily focussed on visual acuity, audiometry findings, spirometry reports, ECG and basic laboratory blood investigations.Results: Upon analysis of data, it was observed that a high proportion of workers (43.21%) had defective vision. Assessment of audiometry reports revealed that 22.61% of workers had some form of hearing loss. As much as 19 (9.5%) workers were hypertensive, 26 (13.06%) were diabetic and 26 (13.06%) were dyslipidaemic. As high as 40 (20.1%) workers had ECG changes while 5 (2.51%) had pulmonary function impairment.Conclusions: Mining workers suffer from various health problems, notably, hearing loss, visual impairment, pulmonary function abnormalities and non-communicable diseases. This study emphasizes the importance of pre-employment and periodic medical check-ups in the mining industry for timely detection and appropriate treatment of these health conditions among the mining workers.

Risk of the occurrence of occupational diseases associated with somatic pathology

Introduction. Recent academic studies in the clinic of occupational medicine demonstrate a significant prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic pathology associated with occupational activity. Objective. to analyze the role of somatic pathology in occurrence of occupational diseases in aluminum, refractory and asbestos-processing production workers in order to identify the directions of preventive measures. Material and methods. The results of the examination of aluminum, refractory and asbestos-processing production workers under the periodic medical check-up and in the clinic were analyzed. Results. According to the periodic medical check-up, only 5.57% of refractory workers, 1.5% of aluminum workers, and 22.7% of asbestos-processing workers were not diagnosed with somatic diseases. Most frequently, workers of the surveyed enterprises reported overweight (up to 68%). lipid storage disease was more likely to occur in the refractory industry (46%), carbohydrate metabolism - in the aluminum industry (22.3%) and asbestos-processing industry (22.6%). In cases with obesity, chronic gastritis, type 2 diabetes, decreased glomerular filtration rate, hyperuricemia, arterial hypertension, and CHD. A considerable influence of somatic pathology on the period of the development of occupational diseases’ has been identified. In patients average work experience before the development of asbestos is reduced from 6 to 12.7 years. In patients with high-grade arterial hypertension, left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy, IHD, overweight and obesity reduction in the average work experience before the development of occupational fluorosis was observed from 3.9 to 6 years. A reduction in the average work experience before the development of silicosis from 10.8 to 13 years was observed in women, as well as in the presence of high-grade arterial hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia and a decrease in blood hemoglobin. Conclusion. The significant impact of somatic pathology on the terms of the occurrence of occupational diseases in workers of aluminum, asbestos-processing and refractory industries was determined.

Acute Respiratory Infection Among Brick Kiln Worker in Banjarnegara, Indonesia and Its Related Factors

Background Occupational risk factors are one of the primary causes of acute respiratory infection (ARI). The high incidence of ARI in Banjarnegara Regency due to the process of bricks manufacturing is needed for further investigation. Objectives: This study aims to analyze risk factors such as air quality, tenure, smoking habits, the use of masks, knowledge of ARI incidence. Methods: This is an analytic study with a cross-sectional design. 342 of brick workers in three villages in Banjarnegara Regency were involved in this study. Air quality examination on dust particles, temperature, humidity, smoke, and air germ numbers was carried out in 15 of the brick kiln. Data about the duration of work, smoking habits, knowledge of ARI, and the use of masks were obtained by a structured questionnaire. Results: This study highlighted that the duration of work was the most influential variable in ARI incidence. Smoking habits and the use of personal protective equipment (mask) while working also correlated with ARI. Conclusion: This study suggested the regular use of a face mask while working to prevent the workers from dangerous pollutants. Periodic medical check-ups for workers and health education are also important prevention to be carried out to reduce ARI incidence.

Selected Morbidities among Workers of an Adhesive Plaster Industry in Goa

Background: The toxic nature of chemicals & pollutants associated with an adhesive plaster industry is well established. A disastrous health sequel would occur among workers of these industries due to exposure to pollution, created & stored wastes, and constant noise & bright light. Objective:To describe selected morbidities among workers in an ad-hesive plaster industry in Goa. Methodology:The study was conducted over a period of two months during which, the data of 135 workers was obtained from an Occupa-tional Health and Safety (OHS) Centre catering to an adhesive plaster industry in North Goa which conducted periodic medical check-ups of these workers. The data included socio-demographic characteristics and details regarding selected morbidities among the workers of the adhesive plaster industry. Result: Among 135 workers, the mean age was 40.96 ± 11.1 years. Majority of the participants were males. It was observed that 5 (3.7 %) had a known history of diabetes and 48 (35.6 %) were hypertensive. Near-vision abnormalities were seen among 66 (48.9 %), whereas 60 (44.4 %) had uncorrected far-vision abnormalities. Obesity was detected among 6 (4.4 %) whereas 40 (29.6 %) were overweight. Obstructive & restrictive respiratory diseases were seen in 3 (2.2 %) & 40 (29.6 %) persons respectively. Audiometry reports revealed 4 (3%) workers had mild to moderate hearing loss. Conclusion: Workers in the adhesive plaster industry suffered from several lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, as well as occupational diseases like audio-visual impairment and lung diseases. This study emphasizes the importance of periodic medical examinations for timely detection & appropriate treatment of the health conditions among such workers.

Longitudinal course of influenza C virus antibody titers of healthy adults in Sendai, Japan.

Influenza C virus causes mild respiratory diseases in humans. Previous studies suggested that the predominant hemagglutinin-esterase gene lineage circulating in children might be selected among the adult population, yet the prevalence of influenza C virus in adults has not been described. To evaluate the frequency of influenza C virus infection in adults. We performed hemagglutination inhibition assays of serum samples collected at periodic occupational medical checkups from employees of a hospital. A total of 679 serum samples were collected from 57 subjects who participated in biannual medical checkups between 2011 and 2016 as part of a longitudinal series. Titers of antibodies against the C/Kanagawa and C/Sao Paulo lineage viruses were detected. Ten serum sample pairs from among the 57 subjects showed at least a four-fold increase in influenza C antibody titers. Samples from three subjects exhibited antibody titer increases for both the C/Kanagawa and C/Sao Paulo lineages, four subjects showed an increased titer against the C/Sao Paulo lineage, and three subjects showed an increased titer against the C/Kanagawa lineage. Half of the antibody titer increases for the C/Kanagawa lineage were detected in May 2014, while the increases for the C/Sao Paulo lineage were detected from 2011 to 2016. The 5-year influenza C virus infection rate was estimated at 17.5 %. There were antibodies that cross-reacted with the C/Sao Paulo and C/Kanagawa lineages. The results suggest that C/Sao Paulo was the main lineage in the adult population of this area, with cocirculation of the C/Kanagawa lineage.

A Cross Sectional Study of Occupational Hazards among Petrol Pump Attendants of Panjim City in Goa

Introduction: Occupational hazards are the risks to life or functioning of an individual that is inherently associated with his occupation or working environment which can have deleterious effect on the individual’s health and his working efficiency. Petrol pump attendants are one such category of workers who are constantly exposed to various hazards at their workplace. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted from November- December 2018 among 7 petrol pumps located in the Panjim city. Census method was used for sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Data was collected using pre-designed semi structured questionnaire. Data was collected using Epicollect 5 mobile app and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Result: Musculoskeletal pain was the most common health problem perceived by the study participants (49.3%) followed by frequent headaches (26.7%), eye irritation (22.7%) and stuffy nose (18.7%). Fuel spillage over skin (68%), extreme weather conditions (37.3%), fuel spillage in the eyes (32%) were the common hazards reported by the participants. None of the study participant was seen wearing goggles, mask or gloves for their personal safety. 73% of the study participants felt that the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be made available for their safety. 22.7% of the study participants had high blood pressure (>140/90mmHg) at the time of interview. Conclusion: This study highlights the most common illnesses experienced by the study subjects at their work place. Provision of PPE to every worker working on the petrol station with periodic medical checkups is required.

Factors Associated with Willingness to Pay for Social Health Insurance among Government Employees in Tigrai Region, Northern Ethiopia

INTRODUCTIONDeveloping countries seldom use social health insurance (SHI), and their healthcare finances mostly rely on general revenues and direct out-of-pocket payments. This study investigated the level and factors associated with willingness to pay for SHI among government employees in Tigrai region, North Ethiopia.
 METHODSAn institution-based quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out from June to July 2018 among government employees in Tigrai, Ethiopia. Sample size was determined using single population proportion formula, and multi-stage cluster sampling was used to select the study participants. Data collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire was analyzed using SPSSVersion 20.
 RESULTSThere were 544 (64.5%) respondents who were not willing to pay for SHI. Respondents age older than 39 years were 2.2 times more likely to be willing to pay for SHI, as were those who disagreed with the binding rule of referral system (1.4 times), and with exclusion of periodic medical checkup from the SHI (1.4 times), those who didn’t consider health service quality to be poor (1.6 times), and those who disagreed with the presence of financial insecurity in health institutions (1.7 times).
 CONCLUSIONThis study revealed that government employees’ willingness to pay for SHI was low. SHI agencies should publicize the proclamation for SHI and induce employees with SHI referral system, services excluded, and health facilities’ readiness and service quality to increase willingness to pay. In addition, the government should reconsider the implementation of the proclamation for SHI accordingly.

Prediction of blood test values under different lifestyle scenarios using time-series electronic health record.

Owing to increasing medical expenses, researchers have attempted to detect clinical signs and preventive measures of diseases using electronic health record (EHR). In particular, time-series EHRs collected by periodic medical check-up enable us to clarify the relevance among check-up results and individual environmental factors such as lifestyle. However, usually such time-series data have many missing observations and some results are strongly correlated to each other. These problems make the analysis difficult and there exists strong demand to detect clinical findings beyond them. We focus on blood test values in medical check-up results and apply a time-series analysis methodology using a state space model. It can infer the internal medical states emerged in blood test values and handle missing observations. The estimated models enable us to predict one’s blood test values under specified condition and predict the effect of intervention, such as changes of body composition and lifestyle. We use time-series data of EHRs periodically collected in the Hirosaki cohort study in Japan and elucidate the effect of 17 environmental factors to 38 blood test values in elderly people. Using the estimated model, we then simulate and compare time-transitions of participant’s blood test values under several lifestyle scenarios. It visualizes the impact of lifestyle changes for the prevention of diseases. Finally, we exemplify that prediction errors under participant’s actual lifestyle can be partially explained by genetic variations, and some of their effects have not been investigated by traditional association studies.

About the reasons of low detection of occupational diseases in the Republic of Bashkortostan

Against the background of the continuing deterioration of working conditions and poor quality of periodic medical checkups conducted in the Republic of Bashkortostan, a sharp decrease in the registered occupational morbidity from 180 cases in 2013 to 37 cases in 2018 is observed.

Back pain in a group of computer workers assessed in a physiotherapy unit

BACKGROUND: Modern society work implies computer-based activities generating back pain because of prolonged sitting positions and non-ergonomic postures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the back-pain characteristics in a group of office workers in comparison with potential risk factors. METHODS: The design of the study was retrospective; a group of 109 computer workers with back pain was selected from a private physiotherapy unit between Jan 2018 - Dec 2019. Anthropometric, occupational and behaviour data, symptoms, the diagnosis on the first visit, previous medical diagnosis and specific physical activities were collected from medical records. RESULTS: The studied group (research sample) is formed of information technology operators, engineers and economists, had the mean age 38.91±10.25, with 14.04±9.12 years seniority at work. Most of them addressed to the physiotherapist directly, or they were referred by their family physician; 60% had MRI investigation on the first physiotherapy visit with no medical referral or diagnosis. The symptoms were not reported to the occupational physician. The back pain appeared independent of BMI; the low back pain had higher prevalence in males. Patients reported 6 months of back pain in 57,8% of all cases. The pain was favoured by continuous activity, more than 4 hours, in the sitting posture. CONCLUSIONS: A complex and interdisciplinary team that included an occupational physician, an ergonomist and a physiotherapist could prevent and control back pain in computer workers. Workplace conditions adaptation, proper physiotherapy and periodical medical check-ups could improve the health status of these workers.

Aktivitas Fisik Rutin untuk Mencegah Penyakit Degeneratif

Degenerative or metabolic disease is a disease caused by excessive activities that give people no time to maintain their body health. This continuous condition can increase the death risk. This phenomenon is widely found with the existence of obesity in many places including in Gamping hamlet, Ambarketawang village, Gamping district, Sleman regency. Recently, the trend of this disease has gone up. Therefore, creating the society’s awareness about this issue is necessary to do through an empowerment program. This program is expected to decrease the death risk caused by metabolic or degenerative disease mainly for housewives who have never-ending activities. The society empowerment program is implemented through an organization for women namely Family Welfare Program. This program implementation is done in some stages namely:1) early physical quality examination (body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar and uric acid); 2) a group creation that concerns about healthy life; 3) socialization on healthy life pattern; 4) psychomotor routine gymnastics twice a week for 10 weeks; and 5) final physical quality examination. It is recorded from this empowerment program that 38.29 % suffers from obesity, 6.38 % suffers from diabetes mellitus (DM), 36.17 % suffers from high uric acid and 10.64 % suffers from hypercholesterolemia. After regular gymnastics twice a week in 10 weeks, it is recorded that the obesity decreases to 34.04 % and the DM decreases to 4.26%, while hypercholesterolemia increases to 17.02%. The uric acid, on the other hand, remains stable. To maintain their further health, continuous routine gymnastics, periodic medical check-up (at least once a year), especially for people aged > 40 years. Another success of this program is the creation of Healthy Life Caring Community.

Communication with superiors and colleagues and other occupational stressors. Correlations with work ability, self-efficacy and health in employees from primary and secondary education

Abstract During periodic occupational medical checkup, in a sample including all employees from two high schools, a secondary school and a kindergarten, we administered through voluntary completion, questionnaires which assessed the employees’ occupational stress in terms of individual characteristics, anxiety, sense of self-efficacy, work ability, emotional exhaustion and health status (using ShortForm 36 questionnaire). A number of 233 questionnaires were returned. Only the occupational stressor represented by communication with superiors correlates significantly negatively with work ability in all four units. Work ability and communication with superiors also have average scores which differ significantly and are concordant in all four units. In the secondary school, work ability has the highest average value and the lowest average value of “communication with superiors” stressor. The same values are decreasing for WAI in order, from high school 2 to high school 1 and kindergarten while the stressor represented by communication with superiors has increasing values in order from high school no 2 to high school no. 1, and kindergarten. These results show that programmes to reduce occupational stress in school units should primarily address the school unit leadership in order to improve their communication with employees.

Morbidities among Shipbuilding Workers in Goa: A Retrospective Record-Based Study

Background: Shipbuilding industry is among the heaviest and most hazardous production industries. The workers are exposed to various chemicals and physical hazards. Chronic illnesses are important among long term shipyard workers. The current study was performed to assess selected morbidities among shipbuilding workers in Goa and to suggest suitable measures to minimize the hazards. Methods: A retrospective record-based cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of two months from November to December 2018. The data of 791 workers was obtained from OHS centre catering to the shipbuilding industries in North-Goa which conducted periodic medical check-ups of the shipbuilding workers. The data included socio-demographic details and details regarding selected morbidities among shipbuilding workers. Result: The records of 791 workers working in shipbuilding industry was analysed. A high number of workers i.e. 216 (23.3%) were overweight. As high as 196 (24.8%) workers were hypertensive, 101 (12.8%) had diabetes, 76 (9.6%) had dyslipidaemia while 3 (0.4%) were anaemic. 40 (5.1%) had restrictive lung disease, while 9 (1.1%) had obstructive lung disease. Assessment of Audiometry reports revealed that 190 (24%) workers had mild hearing loss, 33 (4.2%) had moderate hearing loss and 14 (1.8%) had severe hearing loss. Conclusions: Shipbuilding workers suffer from several health problems, notably, hearing impairment, visual impairment, lung conditions impairing pulmonary functions as well as lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, overweight and dyslipidaemia. Periodic medical examinations are needed for timely detection and appropriate treatment of these health conditions among the shipbuilding workers.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Health Profile of IT Professionals in Goa

Background: Keeping in mind, the increasing burden of health problems among professionals working in IT industry and lack of evidence on health status of IT Employees in Goa, the present research study was undertaken. Aim: To study the health profile of workers employed in selected IT companies in the largest industrial estate of Goa. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was a retrospective, record-based study conducted over a period of 2 months. Data was obtained from the records of an Occupational Health Service (OHS) centre after assuring confidentiality. The variables of study comprised sociodemographic data (age, sex), anthropometry (height, weight), vitals (pulse, blood pressure), vision (near, far and colour) and basic blood/urine laboratory investigations and ECG readings. Data was entered into Excel spreadsheet and analysed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data. Results: Mean age of the employees was 38.91±7.80 years (79.7% males and 20.3% females). 33.9% were overweight and 6.8% were obese. 11% had diabetes and 31.4% had hypertension. The proportion of patients having pre-hypertension, prediabetes was 42.2% and 2.5% respectively. 36.4% had dyslipidaemia of which 30.5% were having hypercholesterolemia and 5.9% were having hypertriglyceridemia. Conclusion: This study highlights the need of periodic medical check-ups of the IT professionals for timely detection and early management of health problems.

Uncovering Consumer Demand for Proactive Nutrition Solutions (P17-007-19)

ObjectivesProactive Health is a comprehensive study on consumer perception of added functionality in food and beverages, and ingredient preferences linked with specific perceived functional benefits.We wanted to more deeply understand consumer acceptance, knowledge and expectation from added functionality and functional ingredients. In particular, we asked questions to understand preference for certain ingredients and how these vary across different functional benefits.This study aligns sought on uncover rational for why consumers add nutrition functionality and proactive health. Our research focused on how consumer perceptions can inform the food and beverage industry and influence future innovation in food and beverages. MethodsThe study is based on 965 US consumers, conducted in 2019 with the goal to understand and determine consumer expectation and importance of functional benefits derived from food and beverages. The study included consumers across gender, age groups, and ethnicities, uncovering specific preferences of functional benefits, and corresponding functional ingredients.The research was conducted across health conscious consumers in the US, who always pay attention to on pack details and claims, read the ingredient deck, as well as the nutritional panel.A quantitative online research study was conducted to estimate specific consumer preferences of 85 different ingredients across various functional benefits were surveyed in addition to specifics on various food and beverages category insights as it pertains to added functionality.All differences across age, gender, ethnicities and life stages highlighted in the research are at a 95% significant difference level. ResultsIn this study we found that 67% of Americans are proactive with their health and 57% are trying to manage their diet via a healthy diet. Gen Z and Older Millennials are the most proactive with their Health (76% and 72%, respectively). Sleep stress and energy are the most common types of health priorities for proactive health consumers (51%, 50%, and 40%, respectively). However, proactive consumers priorities change toward cardiovascular health while eating out. Dietary supplements and medication are used extensively to help consumers meet their goals, but supplements are much more likely used for weight control (65%). Foods commonly used for proactive health were nutritional beverages (55%), yogurts (52%) and proteins powders (50%). ConclusionsThe past decade has witnessed a dramatic increase in consumer proactivity with regards to their health. Consumer management of personal health is no longer limited to periodic medical checkups, prescription medication, or dietary supplements alone. The results of this study can better help us identify which methods consumers use to proactively improve health, and allow nutrition practitioners to formulate solutions that match consumer demand. Funding SourcesKerry, Inc. Supporting Tables, Images and/or Graphs▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪▪

Interest of Systematic Chest Radiography during Periodic Medical Visits in Workers

Background: Systematic chest X-ray is the most prescribed examination by occupational physicians during periodic medical check-ups in our context, unlike in most countries where this practice has been discontinued. Objective: The objective was to determine the diagnostic yield and cost-effectiveness of chest radiography during periodic medical check-ups of workers in Ngaoundere. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was carried out in Ngaoundere Regional Hospital from January to December 2018, concerning all persons coming to perform a systematic chest X-ray in the context of the periodic medical check-up having been consented to participate in the study. Posteroanterior (PA) chest radiographs were obtained from all workers during this periodic medical check-up. The variables studied were: age, sex, clinical manifestations, antecedents, job type, cost, and chest X-ray results. Statistical analysis was performed using the Sphinx Plus2-Lexica-V5 Edition software. Results: 753 workers were selected for this study, of whom 88.04% were men and 11.96% were women, a sex ratio H/F is of 7.4, the average age was 39 ± 7.89 years with extremes of 24 and 56 years, the most frequent job type was the administration (38.37%), the storekeepers (17.92) and the drivers (15.27%), most of them were asymptomatic (97.47%), some had cough (2.52%), chest pain (2.12%), dyspnea (0.26%) and fever (0.13%). History was dominated by lung infection (2.39%), pleurisy (1.06%) and tuberculosis (0.79%). 7.43% of workers occasionally smoked tobacco and consumed alcohol. 41 cases of pathologies (5.44%) were found on the chest X-ray, including 1 case (0.13%) of evolutionary pathology, 40 cases (5.31%) of sequelae pathologies. When the results of the chest X-ray are compared with the clinical signs and the pathological history of the workers, it is found that the only case with evolutionary abnormalities on the chest X-ray showed clinical signs and that the other cases with sequelae abnormalities had either clinical signs or antecedents related to these abnormalities. The cost of a chest X-ray at the time of our study was 5,000 FCFA ($8.59), for a total of 3,765,000 FCFA ($6473.74) for all the X-rays performed. Conclusion: In view of the low rate of abnormalities on the chest X-ray and the sequelae nature of the pathologies, it can be said that the routine X-ray of the chest during the periodic medical check-ups has a low diagnostic yield and a low cost-effectiveness ratio and is not profitable. It should be non-systematic and case-by-case based on the clinical context and background of workers.

Association of total flight hours with lipid blood profiles among civilian pilots in Indonesia

Occupational exposure to environmental factors such as cosmic radiation and hypoxia can affect the lipid metabolism and the blood lipid profile of a pilot. Accordingly, flight safety is threatened by the incidence of dyslipidemia, as a main risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart attack. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in a consecutive sample of civilian pilots who attended periodic medical check-ups at Balai Kesehatan Penerbangan, Indonesia. Blood lipid profile data were obtained through questionnaire, and variables such as the total flight hours, food intake, body mass index (BMI), smoking habit, and physical activity were included in the analysis. Among the 128 respondents who met the inclusion criteria, the prevalence of dyslipidemia was 61.7% and the low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol index was high, at 57%. Obesity and inappropriate food intake were the dominant risk factors associated with dyslipidemia in this study; namely, civilian pilots with inappropriate food intake had a 2 times risk of dyslipidemia relative to those with an appropriate food intake [odds ratio (OR) = 2.01; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.91–4.43; p = 0.08, while obese pilots had a 4 times risk of dyslipidemia relative to those with a normal BMI (OR = 3.47; 95% CI: 1.29–10.84; p = 0.002. In conclusion, inappropriate food intake and obesity appear to contribute to increased dyslipidemia among civilian pilots in Indonesia.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN ANEMIA AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AMONG ELDERLY IN RURAL AREAS, SHARKIA GOVERNORATE

Background: Anemia is a common, multifactorial condition in the elderly; it is prevalence increases with age which adversely affects older adult's general health and physical activity. Rural elderly are more prone to becoming anemic due to lack of medical facilities and poor economic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between anemia and physical activity among elderly in rural areas, Sharkia governorate. Design: A cross-sectional descriptive design was utilized in the study. Setting: The study was conducted at Sharkiat Mobasher Village, Elibrahemya District, Sharkia Governorate. Sample: A systematic random sampling technique of 150 elderly, then anemic elderly were selected and given the nutritional guidelines. Tools: Four tools were used to collect the study data: I) A structured interview sheet. II) The Mini Nutritional Assessment short form (MNA). III) Assessment of elderly's activity level [Katz scale for activities of daily life (ADLs) & International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form]. IV) Laboratory investigations [complete blood count (CBC) & stool analysis]. Results: The study results revealed that the prevalence of anemia among the studied elderly was 36.7%. The anemic elderly had poorer physical activity level and more disability in activities of daily living than non-anemic elderly. Conclusion: Anemia representing an important health problem among older individuals and had an adverse effect on the elderly's physical activity. Recommendation: Health education programs to increase the elderly awareness about the importance of periodic medical check-up and healthy life habits.