Risk Factors For Occupational Exposure Research Articles

The Factors That Influence Chemotherapy Exposure Among Nurses: An Integrative Review.

Exposure to chemotherapy is an occupational hazard predisposing nurses to severe health effects. The purpose of this integrative review was to identify the recent literature describing the risk factors for occupational exposure to chemotherapy among nurses. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses methodology was employed to conduct the review. The databases searched were Scopus, PubMed, and CINAHL using the search terms "chemotherapy," "drugs," "exposure," and "nurses." Included articles were published between January 2010 and February 2022, published in peer-reviewed journals for research conducted in the United States, and written in English language. Excluded articles were studies that did not involve nurses in their samples. Review articles, books, theses, and dissertations were excluded as well. The Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice Model was used to assess the level of evidence from the reviewed studies. Fourteen studies were included in this review. Ten studies were rated on Evidence Level III, two on Evidence Level II, one on Evidence Level I, and one on Evidence Level V. The main risk factors for occupational exposure were nurses' knowledge of chemotherapy handling guidelines, nurses' adherence to using the personal protective equipment, nurses' health beliefs regarding chemotherapy exposure, and workplace-related factors such as workload and managerial support. Addressing the identified risk factors would protect nurses from chemotherapy exposure. More research on nurses' health beliefs regarding chemotherapy exposure and the cues to adhere to chemotherapy handling guidelines in the work environment is needed.

Risk factors of occupational exposure in lymphomas

The risk factors for hematological malignancies, in particular lymphoid malignancies, are still poorly understood today. A certain number of risk factors of occupational origin have been the subject of scientific studies since the 1980s. We offer, in this mini-review, a synthesis of data from the literature dealing with risk factors for lymphomas linked to professional exposure. Pesticides and organic solvents have been the most studied and the farming profession seems to be the most affected. We detail here the main pesticides in question. Hair dyes, ultraviolet and ionizing radiations have also been the subject of epidemiological studies. Many of these studies, however, have limitations and biases, and call for caution in interpreting their results and conclusions. Finally, it is recalled that the occurrence of lymphoma linked to an occupational exposure recognized as potentially favorable may be the subject of a request for recognition as an occupational disease, under certain conditions.

Lead and Mercury Exposure and Related Health Problems in Metal Artisan Workplaces and High-Risk Household Contacts in Thimphu, Bhutan.

Background Metal artisans have been using lead and mercury in their settings for centuries. Exposure to these toxic heavy metals causes adverse health effects. We assessed the occupational exposure of metal artisans and their high-risk household contacts at Thimphu, Bhutan. Methods A cross-sectional study in which 134 metal artisan center employees and 48 high-risk household contacts were tested for blood lead and mercury levels. Sociodemographic data, occupational exposure risk factors, and clinical syndrome related to lead and mercury exposure were further obtained and analyzed using EpiInfo 7.0. Results The mean age of the metal artisan center employees was 36.02 ± 10.3. The prevalence of elevated blood lead and mercury level was 38.4% and 51.9%, respectively. Significantly higher prevalence of mercury level was observed among the artisans compared to nonartisans (66.97 vs, 16.0). Among three centers, the goldsmith section of the Department of National Properties had the highest (94.1%). Profession as an artisan, mold designing, performing gold amalgamation, working for >8 hours a day, working for >5 years, and working at home were significant risk factors associated with elevated blood mercury level. Significant association was observed between elevated mercury level and complaints of burning or watery eyes (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.001), anxiety, nervousness, irritability, severe shyness (p=0.029), muscle aches (p=0.019), and stomach cramps or pain (p=0.009). Conclusion The prevalence of elevated blood mercury level is concerning among the artisans. Advocacy, proper usage of personal protective equipment, awareness on chemical safety, and hazard associated with lead and mercury usage are needed to minimize the exposure.

Epidemic characteristics and related risk factors of occupational exposure for pediatric health care workers in Chinese public hospitals: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundHealth care workers have a high risk of occupational exposure. However, the risk of occupational exposure for pediatric health care workers has not been acknowledged in previous studies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occupational exposure rate of pediatric health care workers in Chinese public hospitals, to explore risk factors for occupational exposure, and to put forward corresponding countermeasures to reduce occupational exposure of pediatric health care workers and protect their physical and mental health.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with pediatric health care workers in 43 hospitals in 15 provinces in eastern, central, and western China between July and October 2018. With this sample, we computed the descriptive statistics of the demographic characteristics, calculated the frequency of various types of occupational exposure, and tested risk factors for occupational exposure using a chi-squared test and binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsMost respondents were nursing staff (61.1%) and workers with a low-ranking professional title (50.5%). The most common style of occupational exposure in our sample was a hazard in the work environment (62.6%). Notably, physicians were less likely to experience occupational exposure than nurses (OR = 0.320, 95% CI = 0.241, 0.426). Meanwhile, pediatric health care workers who interpreted the doctor-patient relationship as harmonious (OR = 0.304, 95% CI = 0.152, 0.607) were less likely to suffer occupational exposure.ConclusionPediatric health care workers in Chinese public hospitals have a high occupational exposure risk and the risk factors are complex and diverse. The state, society, hospitals should acknowledge this issue and develop strategies to protect the physical and mental health of pediatric health care workers.

Risk Factors and Intervention Measures of Occupational Exposure of Medical Staffs

Objective: To explore the risk factors and intervention measures of occupational exposure of medical staffs. Methods: The risk factors of occupational exposure were analyzed and targeted intervention measures were made according to professional characteristics of clinical work. Results: The protection consciousness and protection knowledge of medical and nursing staffs were improved. Conclusion: It is required to strengthen the training of occupational exposure knowledge for medical staffs and improve their understanding of occupational exposure. Based on the specific reasons for the existence of the problem, appropriate measures should be taken to improve the compliance of medical staffs, minimize the occupational exposure of health care workers and protect occupational safety of medical staffs.

Anxiety and depression predict musculoskeletal disorders in health care workers

ABSTRACTIncidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is high among health care workers (HCWs). To determine whether MSDs are associated with preexisting anxiety and/or depression, a case-control study was carried out in female HCWs (56 cases/55 controls). Cases were HCWs with a first-time clinical diagnosis of MSD within the previous 2 years. Occupation, workplace, work shift, direct patient assistance, and anxiety/depression scores (Goldberg scale) were assessed. Increased risk of incident MSDs (multivariate logistic regression) was found in workers with preexisting anxiety/depression compared to those without (OR 5.01; 95% CI 2.20–12.05; p < .01). Other significant risk factors were direct patient assistance (OR 2.59; 95% CI 1.03–6.92; p = .04) and morning work shift (OR 2.47; 95% CI 0.99–6.48; p = .05). Preexisting anxiety/depression was associated with incident MSDs in HCWs, adjusting for occupational exposure risk factors.

PLCE1 Gene in Esophageal Cancer and Interaction with Environmental Factors

To study the PLCE1 gene rs2274223 polymorphism with regard to esophageal cancer and its interaction with diet, lifestyle, psychological and environmental factors in Southwest Shandong province. A case series study (case-case) was conducted. Questionnaire data were collected and 3 ml-5 ml venous blood was drawn for DNA extraction among the qualified research subjects. PLCE1 gene polymorphism was detected after PCR amplification of DNA. SPSS 13.0 software was used for statistical analysis of the data. The three genotypes A/A, A/G and G/G PLCE1 gene rs2274223 was 31, 16 and 4 cases, accounting for 60.8%, 31.4%, 0.08% respectively. The difference of three genotypes (AA/GA/GG) proportion between negative and positive family history of patients was statistically significant, χ2=6.213, p=0.045. There was no statistically significant relationship between PLCE1 gene rs2274223 polymorphism and smoking, drinking, χ2=0.119, p=0.998, and χ2=1.727, p=0.786. There was no linkage of the three rs2274223 PLCE1 gene genotypes (AA/GA/GG) proportion with eating fried, pickled, hot, mildew, overnight, smoked, excitant food, eat speed, salt taste or not (p>0.05). or with living environment pollution and nine risk factors of occupational exposure (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in TS scores between different genotype of rs2274223 PLCE1 gene. The PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphism has a relationship with family history of esophageal cancer, but does not have any significant association with age, gender, smoking, alcohol drinking, food hygiene, eating habits, living around the environment and occupation in cases.

Occupational exposures to blood and body fluids (BBF): Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice among health care workers in general hospitals in Lebanon

Healthcare workers (HCWs) who are employed in traditional health care workplaces face a serious danger that may threaten their life; it is their exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF). In Lebanon, the introduction of a hospital accreditation system has put a particular emphasis on staff safety, and on the evaluation of professional practice (EPP) programs. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 277 HCWs working in 4 general hospitals in South Lebanon. Objective: 1) describe the prevalence and the risk factors for occupational exposure to BBF among HCWs; 2) evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices of HCW concerning blood-borne pathogens and adherence to universal safety precautions. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 32.14 years (SD = 10.33), 57.4% were females. 43.3% of HCWs expressed that they use gloves all the time for every activeity of care. 67.1% were aware that needles should not be recapped after use; registered nurses and nursing students were more aware than physicians and nursing assistants (nurse) in this subject. 30% of HCWs declared having had at least one occupational exposure to BBF; 62.7% of all accidental exposure was reported to the department responsible for managing exposures. Percutaneous injuries were the most frequently reported. Vaccination coverage was 88.4% for hepatitis B, and 48.4% against influenza. The source patient was tested in 43.4% of reported BBF exposures. Accidental exposure to BBF was more frequent in older people (OR = 3.42; p = 0.03) and the more experienced. Subjects working in intensive care unit ward reported more exposure to BBF (OR = 3; p = 0.04). Participants incurring exposure to BBF resorted to different measures after the injury suggesting a lack of a uniform policy for post-exposure prophylaxis. Conclusion: Exposure to BBF represents an important and frequently preventable occupational hazard for HCWs in Lebanon that requires continuous EPP of HCWs, and a comprehensive approach for prevention and management.

Occupational Exposure to Blood-Borne Pathogens in a Tertiary Hospital

Incidence and risk factors for occupational exposure to blood-borne pathogens (OEBBPs) in a tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia was assessed. Reported sharps injuries from 2009 to 2010 were analyzed and benchmarked using patient days. OEBBPs caused by sharps injuries increased from 41 in 2009 to 65 in 2010, with an incidence rate of 4.09/10 000 patient days in 2009 and 5.9/10 000 patient days in 2010. Most episodes (41%) occurred during recapping of hollow bore needles after obtaining blood specimens. The highest incidence was among nursing staff(n/N = 87/106; 82%), and injuries also occurred in housekeeping staff (3.7%). A correlationbetween morning shift and OEBBPs was observed, and the highest number of episodes occurred in the emergency room (21.5%) and renal dialysis unit (16.9%). There was exposure to HCV (n = 13) and HBV (n = 4) but not to HIV (n = 0), and no seroconversions were documented. Education on adherence to universal precaution measures and use of safety engineered devices as well as the introduction of an OEBBP notification hotline are recommended.

Developing a comprehensive pesticide health effects tracking system for an urban setting: New York City's approach.

In recent years, there have been substantial investments and improvements in federal and state surveillance systems to track the health effects from pesticide exposure. These surveillance systems help to identify risk factors for occupational exposure to pesticides, patterns in poisonings, clusters of disease, and populations at risk of exposure from pesticide use. Data from pesticide use registries and recent epidemiologic evidence pointing to health risks from urban residential pesticide use make a strong case for understanding better the sale, application, and use of pesticides in cities. In this article, we describe plans for the development of a pesticide tracking system for New York City that will help to elucidate where and why pesticides are used, potential risks to varied populations, and the health consequences of their use. The results of an inventory of data sources are presented along with a description of their relevance to pesticide tracking. We also discuss practical, logistical, and methodologic difficulties of linking multiple secondary data sources with different levels of person, place, and time descriptors.

Prevalence of elevated blood leads and exposure to lead in construction trades in Iowa and Illinois.

Despite lowering of the permissible exposure level for lead in construction from 200 to 50 microg/m3 in 1993, excessive lead exposure continues to be a problem. Relatively little data are available from the Midwestern U.S. on the environmental lead concentrations generated during various construction activities and the potential for worker exposure. This study characterized the prevalence of blood lead concentrations in high-risk construction trades in Iowa/Illinois, and identified risk factors for occupational exposure to lead in these construction workers. A sample of 459 workers was selected from the total population of all union members from trade groups of painters, plumbers/pipefitters, ironworkers, laborers, and electricians. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire obtaining information on demographics, symptoms, occupational history, work practices, personal protective equipment, and training. Venous blood samples were collected from each participant and analyzed for blood lead (using atomic absorption spectroscopy) and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin levels. Blood lead levels (BLLs) of construction workers ranged from 0.1 to 50 microg/dL. Geometric mean blood lead concentrations by trade group were: laborers (7.6 microg/dL, n = 80); painters (5.9 microg/dL, n = 83); ironworkers (5.2 microg/dL, n = 87); plumbers (4.4 microg/dL, n = 82); electricians (2.4 microg/dL, n = 91). Blood lead levels for painters and laborers were significantly higher than other trade groups, and levels for electricians were significantly lower (p < 0. 01). Participants reported working primarily on commercial and industrial projects including new construction, renovation, and demolition. There were significant differences between the types of projects performed by different trade groups with laborers performing more highway/bridge renovation (p < 0.01), and plumbers reporting more residential remodeling (p = 0.05), repair of water lines containing lead (p = 0.04), or work on lead joints (p < 0.01). In addition to trade, elevated blood lead levels were associated with the type of construction project (especially bridge renovation and residential remodeling) and activities that include welding, cutting, rivet busting. The age of the home in which the worker lived, and hobbies such as casting/smelting lead for bullets or sinkers, were also important risk factors. Compliance with OSHA's Construction Lead Standard, and implementation of good occupational health and safety practices in general, was poor. Blood lead levels of 459 construction workers differed by the type of trade, type of project and specific job activity owing to differences in the inherent exposure potential of each task. Although the numbers of workers performing lead abatement projects were small, the trend for lower BLL in this group provides evidence that training, implementation of engineering controls, and proper use of personal protective equipment such as respirators is effective in controlling lead poisoning.

Occupational transmission of HIV in health care workers

Health care workers have a small but real risk of acquiring HIV infection as a result of occupational exposure. In this paper, we review all reports in the scientific literature from 1984 through to December 1993 of confirmed and probable cases of HIV seroconversion after a specific occupational exposure. A total of 64 confirmed cases have been reported, 24 in Europe, 36 in the USA and 4 in other countries. Most seroconversions have resulted from percutaneous exposure (91%) to AIDS patients (62%), usually caused by hollow bore needlestick injuries inflicted during blood drawing procedures. Almost all seroconversions have been detected within 6 months of exposure (94%) and have usually been preceded by an episode of acute illness (73%). Ten seroconversions have occurred in spite of partial or complete courses of zidovudine prophylaxis. An additional 113 probable cases have been reported, 75 in the USA, 35 in Europe and 3 in other countries. Aggregating the results of the prospective studies carried out, it is calculated that the risk of seroconversion following percutaneous exposure is 0.33% or ∼ 3 in 1000 exposures (95% Cl: 0.21–0.52%), while the risk following mucocutaneous exposure is much lower (0.04%, 95% Cl: 0.006–0.31%). The documented failure of zidovudine prophylaxis following occupational exposure in a number of instances indicate its effect is, at best, only partial; furthermore, exposure to source patients who have been receiving the drug may lead to transmission of zidovudine-resistant strains of HIV. Risk factors for occupational exposure to HIV and for transmission, given that an exposure has occurred, are discussed.