scholarly journals Semiconductor Work and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes Associated with Male Workers: A Retrospective Cohort Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 63 (8) ◽  
pp. 870-880
Author(s):  
Kyung-Hwa Choi ◽  
Hyunjoo Kim ◽  
Myoung-Hee Kim ◽  
Ho-Jang Kwon

Abstract Objectives A hazardous work environment in semiconductor factories is a threat to the workers’ health. Semiconductor manufacturing characteristically requires young workers, and reproductive toxicity is an important issue. Studies investigating reproductive toxicity among individuals working in the semiconductor manufacturing industry have primarily focused on outcomes in women. Information on the reproductive health of male semiconductor factory workers is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the association between workplace exposures among male workers in a Korean semiconductor company and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods Based on the data from the 2015 Semiconductor Health Survey (SHS), which evaluated the workplace exposures, pregnancy outcomes, and general health of 21 969 employees of the semiconductor industry in South Korea, we included 3868 male workers with 7504 pregnancy outcomes identified by self-reports for this retrospective cohort study. Data regarding the pregnancy outcomes, order of pregnancy, and the years of the outcomes were collected via the SHS questionnaire. Adverse pregnancy outcomes were defined as preterm labor, spontaneous abortion, and stillbirth. Workplace exposures were classified as fabrication, assembly, others, lab, and office work (reference group). A generalized estimating equations model including repeated events of individuals and producing relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate the association between workplace exposure and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Analyses were adjusted for work location, spouse’s employment in semiconductor production work, educational level, marital status, risky alcohol drinking, smoking status, body mass index, order of pregnancy, and age and year of pregnancy outcome, which were based on a priori decisions. Results The adjusted risk for adverse outcomes was higher [RR (95% CI): 1.47 (1.04, 2.07)] among assembly process workers compared with the office workers. Adjusted risks for adverse outcomes among workers in assembly and fabrication, whose spouses also worked in semiconductor production, were 1.60 (95% CI: 1.04, 2.46) and 1.74 (95% CI: 1.18, 2.57) times higher, respectively, compared with the office workers with spouses not working in semiconductor production. Conclusions Based on these findings, semiconductor work might be considered a risk factor for reproductive toxicity among male workers, especially for those whose spouses have the same job.

Author(s):  
Mona Abdo ◽  
Isabella Ward ◽  
Katelyn O’Dell ◽  
Bonne Ford ◽  
Jeffrey Pierce ◽  
...  

Colorado is regularly impacted by long-range transport of wildfire smoke from upwind regions. This smoke is a major source of ambient PM2.5. Maternal exposure to total PM2.5 during pregnancy has been linked to decreased birth weight and other adverse outcomes, although the impact of wildfire smoke contribution has only recently been investigated. The objective of this study was to estimate associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes and ambient wildfire smoke PM2.5. Wildfire smoke PM2.5 exposures were estimated using a previously published method incorporating ground-based monitors and remote sensing data. Logistic regression models stratified by ZIP code and mixed models with random intercept by ZIP code were used to test for associations. The primary outcomes of interest were preterm birth and birth weight. Secondary outcomes included gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, neonatal intensive care unit admission, assisted ventilation, small for gestational age, and low birth weight. Exposure to wildfire smoke PM2.5 over the full gestation and during the second trimester were positively associated with pre-term birth (OR = 1.076 (μg/m3)−1 [95% CI = 1.016, 1.139; p = 0.013] and 1.132 (μg/m3)−1 [95% CI = 1.088, 1.178]; p < 0.0001, respectively), while exposure during the first trimester was associated with decreased birth weight (−5.7 g/(μg/m3) [95% CI: −11.1, −0.4; p = 0.036]). Secondary outcomes were mixed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 148-148
Author(s):  
C.E. Rodriguez ◽  
J. Sheeder ◽  
A.A. Allshouse ◽  
S. Scott ◽  
E. Wymore ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-46
Author(s):  
Adam Morton

Traditional practices during pregnancy may lead to adverse outcomes in migrant women. Very little is known regarding the efficacy or safety of many cultural practices during pregnancy, and research is required to address this deficiency in knowledge. Greater awareness of traditional practices by health professionals may result in improved pregnancy outcomes in migrant women.


2014 ◽  
Vol 99 (12) ◽  
pp. E2668-E2672 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory S. Y. Ong ◽  
Narelle C. Hadlow ◽  
Suzanne J. Brown ◽  
Ee Mun Lim ◽  
John P. Walsh

Context: Maternal hypothyroidism in early pregnancy is associated with adverse outcomes, but not consistently across studies. First trimester screening for chromosomal anomalies is routine in many centers and provides an opportunity to test thyroid function. Objective: To determine if thyroid function tests performed with first trimester screening predicts adverse pregnancy outcomes. Design, Participants and Setting: A cohort study of 2411 women in Western Australia with singleton pregnancies attending first trimester screening between 9 and 14 weeks gestation. Outcome Measures: We evaluated the association between TSH, free T4, free T3, thyroid antibodies, free beta human chorionic gonadotrophin (β-hCG) and pregnancy associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) with a composite of adverse pregnancy events as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included placenta previa, placental abruption, pre-eclampsia, pregnancy loss after 20 weeks gestation, threatened preterm labor, preterm birth, small size for gestational age, neonatal death, and birth defects. Results: TSH exceeded the 97.5th percentile for the first trimester (2.15 mU/L) in 133 (5.5%) women, including 22 (1%) with TSH above the nonpregnant reference range (4 mU/L) and 5 (0.2%) above 10 mU/L. Adverse outcomes occurred in 327 women (15%). TSH and free T4 did not differ significantly between women with or without adverse pregnancy events. On the multivariate analysis, neither maternal TSH &gt;2.15 mU/L nor TSH as a continuous variable predicted primary or secondary outcomes. Conclusion: Testing maternal TSH as part of first trimester screening does not predict adverse pregnancy outcomes. This may be because in the community setting, mainly mild abnormalities in thyroid function are detected.


2018 ◽  
Vol 103 (8) ◽  
pp. 2936-2948 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Rostami ◽  
Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani ◽  
Masoumeh Simbar ◽  
Razieh Bidhendi Yarandi ◽  
Sonia Minooee ◽  
...  

Abstract Context Despite evidence on the association between hypovitaminosis D and adverse pregnancy outcomes and the positive impact of vitamin D supplementation, no evidence exists supporting a universal screening program in pregnancy as part of routine prenatal care. Objective We sought to determine the effectiveness of a prenatal screening program on optimizing 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and preventing pregnancy complications. Also, to identify a safe regimen, we compared several regimens in a subgroup of vitamin D–deficient pregnant women. Design Two cities of Masjed-Soleyman and Shushtar from Khuzestan province, Iran, were selected as the screening and nonscreening arms, respectively. Within the screening arm, a randomized controlled trial was conducted on 800 pregnant women. Setting Health centers of Masjed-Soleyman and Shushtar cities. Patients or Participants Pregnant women aged 18 to 40 years. Intervention Women with moderate [25(OH)D, 10 to 20 ng/mL] and severe [25(OH)D, &lt;10 ng/mL] deficiency were randomly divided into four subgroups and received vitamin D3 (D3) until delivery. Main Outcome Measure Maternal concentration of 25(OH)D at delivery and rate of pregnancy complications Results After supplementation, only 2% of the women in the nonscreening site met the sufficiency level (&gt;20 ng/mL) vs 53% of the women in the screening site. Adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and preterm delivery, were decreased by 60%, 50%, and 40%, respectively, in the screening site. A D3 injection in addition to monthly 50,000 IU maintenance therapy contributed the most to achievement of sufficient levels at delivery. Conclusions A prenatal vitamin D screening and treatment program is an effective approach in detecting deficient women, improving 25(OH)D levels, and decreasing pregnancy adverse outcomes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mouctar Sow ◽  
Myriam De Spiegelaere ◽  
Marie-Pierre Sylvestre ◽  
Marie-France Raynault

Abstract Background The risk of unfavourable pregnancy outcomes for immigrant mothers varies according to their birthplace, socioeconomic status (SES) and comparison group. This study aims to identify the characteristics of Montreal newborns who are more or less at risk of LBW, prematurity and SGA, according to the mother's birthplace and SES. Methods The analysis focuses on all singleton live births in Montreal between 2003 and 2012 (N=214,620). Logistic regression models were estimated using generalized estimating equations in order to: 1) compare the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes between Canadian-born and immigrant mothers. The latter were categorised into 8 groups according to world regions; 2) estimate the odds ratio of the association between adverse pregnancy outcomes and the mother's SES (education and income quintile) for each group. Results The risk of LBW, prematurity and SGA vary considerably depending on the mother’s birthplace. For these three outcomes, mothers from the Caribbean and South Asia have a higher prevalence than all other groups. Three other groups compare favourably to Canadian-born mothers: mothers from North Africa, Europe & the USA, and Central and West Asia. The association between SES and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes varies from one group of mothers to another. Among Canadian-born mothers, there is a classic health gradient, with low SES mothers being particularly vulnerable. While income is not associated with the risk of adverse outcomes among immigrant mothers, education is for many groups. The association is however weaker than for Canadian-born mothers. Conclusions It is important to assess the influence of both immigration and SES to better identify the children who are most at risk of experiencing perinatal health concerns. In Montreal, some immigrant women are particularly vulnerable, but so are socioeconomically disadvantaged native Canadian women. Conversely, North African-born mothers with low SES present a particularly low risk. It has also been found that a high level of education reduces the risk among several groups of immigrant women, as opposed to findings in other contexts.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakash Prabhakarrao Doke ◽  
Sonali Hemant Palkar ◽  
Jayashree Sachin Gothankar ◽  
Archana Vasantrao Patil ◽  
Amruta Paresh Chutke ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: The health of women during the preconception phase though critical, is a comparatively ignored part in her life cycle. The presence of health risks is judged as hazardous to the wellbeing of women and their forthcoming progeny. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of various pregnancy outcomes and assess the association between various risk factors and adverse outcomes. Methods: It was a population-based cross-sectional analytical study. The study was carried out in Nashik District, having a large mountainous area. It included two randomly selected blocks, one tribal and one nontribal, in which interventions were planned in the later stage. For comparison, two adjacent blocks, one tribal and one nontribal, were also included. All women who had a pregnancy outcome in the preceding 12 months (01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018) were interviewed. Trained Accredited Social Health Activists under the direct supervision of Auxiliary Nurse Midwives and Medical Officers conducted the survey. Multivariate analysis was carried out to find the adjusted risk ratio of having a particular adverse outcome because of the specified potential risk factors.Results: A total of 9,307 women participated in the study. The prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was abortion 4.1%; stillbirth 1.6%; preterm birth 4.1%; LBW 11.2%; congenital physical defect 2.6%. Prevalence of consanguineous marriage, heavy work during the last six months of pregnancy, pre-existing illness, tobacco consumption, direct exposure to pesticides and domestic violence during pregnancy was 17.6%; 16.9%; 2.2%; 5.6%; 2.3%; and 0.8%, respectively. Risk factors that were significantly associated with abortion include existing illness at the time of conception and performing heavy work in the last six months of pregnancy. Consanguinity, tobacco consumption during pregnancy and pre-existing illness were identified as risk factors for stillbirth. Significant risk factors of LBW were heavy work in the last six months of pregnancy, pre-existing illness and residence in a tribal area. Conclusion: The survey showed that risk factors differentially affect outcomes of pregnancy. Preconception and antenatal care should include counselling about consanguineous marriages, identifying and managing a pre-existing illness, avoiding tobacco consumption in the prenatal and natal period, and avoiding heavy work during pregnancy.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ratna Patel ◽  
Ajay Gupta ◽  
Shekhar Chauhan ◽  
Dhananjay W. Bansod

Abstract Background Several risk factors predisposing women and their live-borns to adverse outcomes during pregnancy have been documented. Little is known about sanitation being a factor contributing to adverse pregnancy outcomes in India. The role of sanitation in adverse pregnancy outcomes remains largely unexplored in the Indian context. This study is an attempt to bring the focus on sanitation as a factor in adverse pregnancy outcome. Along with the sanitation factors, few confounder variables have also been studied in order to understand the adverse pregnancy outcomes. Methods The study is based on the fourth round of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-IV) covering 26,972 married women in the age-group 15–49. The study variables include the mother’s age, Body Mass Index (BMI), education, anemia, and Antenatal care (ANC) visits during their last pregnancy. The household level variable includes place of residence, religion, caste, wealth index, access to toilet, type of toilet, availability of water within toilet premises, and facility of hand wash near the toilet. Children study variables include Low Birth Weight (LBW), the order of birth (Parity), and the death of the children of the women in the last 5 years. The target variable Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (APO) was constructed using children born with low birth weight or died during the last pregnancy. Results We calculated both adjusted as well as unadjusted odds ratios for a better understanding of the association between sanitation and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Findings from the study showed that women who did not have access to a toilet within the house had a higher risk of adverse pregnancy outcome. In the multivariable model, no association was observed for adverse pregnancy outcome among women who did not have access to toilet and women who used shared toilet. Teenage (15–19 years), uneducated, underweight and anemic mothers were more likely to face APO as compare to other mothers in similar characteristics group. Conclusions Our findings contribute to the decidedly less available literature on maternal sanitation behaviour and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our results support that sanitation is a very significant aspect for women who are about to deliver a baby as there was an association between sanitation and adverse pregnancy outcome. Education on sanitation practices is the need of the hour as much as it needs to follow.


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