scholarly journals Heavy load carrying and musculoskeletal health: An exploratory study of sand miners in Pokhara, Kaski District, Nepal

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aybüke Koyuncu ◽  
Michael N. Bates ◽  
Ziva Petrin ◽  
Myles Cope ◽  
Sandra I. McCoy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Construction Materials ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Load Carrying

ABSTRACTBackgroundTrends in urbanization contribute to the growing global demand for raw construction materials. The health effects of load carrying among occupational groups that mine and carry sand and stone used for construction of roads and buildings remains poorly understood.MethodsWe conducted an exploratory cross-sectional study among a convenience sample of sand miners working at an excavation site on the Seti River in Pokhara, Nepal. Load carrying weight, duration, and frequency were used to categorize miners as having “low” or “high” load-carrying exposures. Probable musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were identified using self-reported symptoms of moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain, as well as physical examinations.ResultsThe average loads carried by female and male sand miners weighed 66.3 kg and 87.3 kg, respectively. Among all participants (N=42), 45.2% reported moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain in at least one body region and 16 (38.1%) had probable MSDs identified using specified case criteria. The prevalence of MSDs was lower among miners carrying, on average, heavier loads compared to those carrying lighter loads (ORa=0.29; 95% CI: 0.05, 1.8), possibly indicative of the healthy worker survival effect. Miners carrying loads for longer durations and frequencies had higher odds of MSDs compared with those carrying for shorter durations and frequencies.ConclusionDespite the pervasiveness of load carrying as an income generating activity throughout the developing world, these populations remain largely excluded from global occupational health agendas. Larger epidemiologic studies are needed to justify action to protect the health and safety of these unrecognized and understudied groups.

A Cross-Sectional Study on Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain in Dhol Players in India

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-77
Author(s):  
Prachita Walankar ◽  
Ninisha Patil
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Targeted Prevention ◽  
Low Back ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Common Site ◽  
Cross Sectional

OBJECTIVE: To explore the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dhol players in India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 96 dhol players. A self-administered questionnaire comprising of demographic profile, dhol player characteristics, presence of musculoskeletal pain, and specific area of pain according to the body region was used to collect information from the dhol players. RESULTS: The mean age and duration of playing dhol experience were 22.26+3.05 and 6.08+1.27 years, respectively. Among 96 dhol players, 93 (96.9%) and 55 (57.3%) reported presence of musculoskeletal pain with respect to the 12-month prevalence and 7-day prevalence, respectively. In 12-month prevalence, the most common site of pain was the low back (67.7%), followed by shoulder (54.2%) and wrist and hand (24%). In 7-day prevalence, the most common site of pain was the low back (41.7%), followed by shoulder (24%) and upper back (15.6%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age (p=0.002) and duration of playing dhol (p<0.001) were associated with 7-day prevalence of musculoskeletal pain. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicated high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in dhol players. Low back, shoulder, wrist/hand, and upper back were common sites of pain. Identification of these factors in dhol players may assist in further research on targeted prevention, scientific recommendations, and rehabilitation.

scholarly journals Heavy Load Carrying and Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse Among Women in Tanzania and Nepal: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aybüke Koyuncu ◽  
Jillian L. Kadota ◽  
Agatha Mnyippembe ◽  
Prosper F. Njau ◽  
Tula Ram Sijali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Pelvic Organ Prolapse ◽  
Pelvic Organ ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Summary Score ◽  
Abdominal Discomfort ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Load Carrying

Heavy load carrying of water, firewood, and sand/stones is a ubiquitous activity for women living in developing countries. Although the intra-abdominal pressure associated with heavy load carrying is hypothesized to increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women, relevant epidemiologic data are lacking. We conducted a comparative study involving two exploratory cross-sectional studies among convenience samples of women carrying heavy loads, with different characteristics: (1) as part of their activities for daily living, in Shinyanga region, Tanzania; and (2) working as sand miners in Pokhara, Nepal. Women were categorized has having &ldquo;low&rdquo; or &ldquo;high&rdquo; load-carrying exposures based on the measured weights of the loads being carried at the time of the survey, as well as on self-reported duration and frequency of load carrying. A summary score for lower abdominal discomfort suggestive of POP was generated using questions from the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI-6). Women with higher load carrying exposures had on average higher discomfort scores in both Tanzania (adjusted prevalence difference (PDa)=3.7; 95% CI: -3.8-11.3; p=0.33) and Nepal (PDa=9.3; 95% CI: -4.9-23.6; p=0.18). We identified trends suggestive of an association between increasing heavy load carrying exposures and symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort. Our findings underscore the need for larger epidemiologic studies of the potential adverse reproductive health effects of heavy load carrying activities on women in developing countries.

scholarly journals Musculoskeletal Pain and Work-related Risk Factors among Waste Collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A Cross-sectional Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (E) ◽  
pp. 498-508
Author(s):  
Bang Van Nguyen ◽  
Thuy Thi Thu Tran ◽  
Ngan Thi Hoang ◽  
Bich Ngoc Nguyen ◽  
Quynh Thuy Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Persistent Pain ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significance Level ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are prevalent among waste collectors (WCs) in developing countries. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MSDs and the factors associated with the risk of persistent musculoskeletal pain among WCs in Hanoi, Vietnam. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was utilized to study 468 WCs in 2017. The Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire and a questionnaire on demographic and work conditions were used to collect data. Descriptive and multivariate logistics regression analyzes were applied at a significance level of 0.05 to examine the factors related to the risk of persistent pain. FINDINGS: About 74.4% of the participants of this study experienced MSDs in at least one body region and 9.4% reported MSDs in all 10 body sites. The lower back was reported to be the most affected followed by the neck and shoulders. The risk of persistent musculoskeletal pain was significantly associated with age (odds ratio (OR) = 2.31, confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–5.09), gender (OR = 3.29, CI = 1.28–8.44), work hours (OR = 2.35, CI = 1.12–4.92), work shift (OR = 0.48, CI = 0.26–0.92), duration of poor postures of the neck (OR = 0.31, CI = 0.13–0.76), bent back (OR = 0.4 CI = 0.18–0.92) and for medial rotation (OR = 3.01, CI = 1.42–6.36), carrying heavy objects (OR = 2.94, CI = 1.15–7.48), and experience of work dissatisfaction (OR = 3.31, CI = 1.46-7.52), stress (OR = 7.14, CI = 3.14–16.24), or anxiety (OR = 6.37, CI = 3.07–13.21). CONCLUSIONS: High prevalence of MSDs among WCs and its association with self-assessed unfavorable work postures and work-related stress implies the need of mechanical and social support at work for WC to prevent the development of MSDs and persistent pain.

scholarly journals Misconceptions and lack of vaccine confidence: even First Responders are not spared

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Riccò ◽  
L Vezzosi ◽  
F Balzarini ◽  
A G Mezzoiuso ◽  
L Veronesi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
First Responders ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Vaccination Status ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Vaccination Rates ◽  
Attitudes And Practices

Abstract Introduction First Responders (FR) are front-line healthcare workers potentially exposed to different infectious agents. Characterizing their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards immunizations has therefore the potential to significantly improve occupational health and safety. Methods A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was performed during October 2018, collecting a convenience sample among FR from the Parma Province. Participants were inquired on 3 recommended vaccinations (i.e. seasonal influenza vaccine, SIV; measles vaccine, MeV; pertussis vaccine, Pa) and for meningococcal vaccines (MEN, not officially recommended in FR). Knowledge status (KS) and Risk Perception (RP) were assessed as percent values. Multivariate odds ratios (mOR) for factors associated with vaccination status were calculated by means of a binary logistic regression analysis. Results A total of 161 questionnaires were retrieved (mean age 45.1±14.1 years; seniority 10.8 ± 8.6 years). Internal consistency was good (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.894). KS was unsatisfying (46.5% ± 32.4) with uncertainties on the recommendations for MeV and MEN (39.1% and 34.2% incorrect answers). The majority of respondents were favorable towards MEN (89.4%), MeV (87.5%), Pa (83.0%), while 55.3% exhibited a favorable attitude for SIV, and 28.0% had received SIV 2018 (self-reported lifetime status for MEN 26.1%, MeV 42.2%, Pa 34.8%). RP was unsatisfying, particularly for SIV (33.9% ± 18.4). Interestingly enough, neither KS nor RP were associated with vaccination rates, being the main predictor for SIV 2018 a seniority ≥ 10 years (mOR 3.26, 95%CI 1.35-7.91), and higher educational achievements for both Pa (mOR 3.27, 95%CI 1.29-8.30) and MeV (mOR 2.69, 95%CI 1.09-6.65). Conclusions Reasons for vaccination gaps in FR apparently do not find their roots only in FRs’ incomplete KS or RP. However, the very low vaccination rates for SIV, MeV and Pa recommends stronger and more appropriate information campaigns. Key messages Main drivers of vaccination status in First Responders are not solely their knowledge status or risk perception. Achieving better vaccination rates in First Responders requires the understanding of a complex interplay of individual factors.

scholarly journals Work Related Musculoskeletal Pain in Golf Caddies—Johannesburg, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (10) ◽  
pp. 3617
Author(s):  
Jennica Garnett ◽  
Felix Made ◽  
Nonhlanhla Tlotleng ◽  
Kerry Wilson ◽  
Nisha Naicker
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Golf Course ◽  
Golf Courses ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Work Related

Golf is an important and growing industry in South Africa that currently fosters the creation of an informal job sector of which little is known about the health and safety risks. The purpose of the study is to investigate the prevalence and significance of musculoskeletal pain in male caddies compared to other golf course employees while holding contributing factors such as socioeconomic status, age, and education constant. Cross-sectional data were collected and analyzed from a convenience sample of 249 caddies and 74 non-caddies from six golf courses in Johannesburg, South Africa. Structural interviews were conducted to collect data on general demographics and musculoskeletal pain for two to three days at each golf course. On average, caddies were eight years older, had an income of 2880 rand less a month, and worked 4 h less a shift compared to non-caddies employed at the golf courses. Caddies were approximately 10% more likely to experience lower back and shoulder pain than non-caddies. Logistic regression models show a significantly increased adjusted odds ratio for musculoskeletal pain in caddies for neck (3.29, p = 0.015), back (2.39, p = 0.045), arm (2.95, p = 0.027), and leg (2.83, p = 0.019) compared to other golf course workers. The study findings indicate that caddying, as a growing informal occupation is at higher risk for musculoskeletal pain in caddies. Future policy should consider the safety of such a vulnerable population without limiting their ability to generate an income.

scholarly journals Heavy Load Carrying and Symptoms of Pelvic Organ Prolapse among Women in Tanzania and Nepal: An Exploratory Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1279
Author(s):  
Aybüke Koyuncu ◽  
Jillian L. Kadota ◽  
Agatha Mnyippembe ◽  
Prosper F. Njau ◽  
Tula Ram Sijali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Pelvic Organ Prolapse ◽  
Pelvic Organ ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Summary Score ◽  
Abdominal Discomfort ◽  
Abdominal Pressure ◽  
Heavy Load ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Load Carrying

Heavy load carrying of water, firewood, and sand/stones is a ubiquitous activity for women living in developing countries. Although the intra-abdominal pressure associated with heavy load carrying is hypothesized to increase the risk of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) among women, relevant epidemiologic data are lacking. We conducted a comparative study involving two exploratory cross-sectional studies among convenience samples of women carrying heavy loads, with different characteristics: (1) as part of their activities for daily living, in Shinyanga region, Tanzania; and (2) working as sand miners in Pokhara, Nepal. Women were categorized has having “low” or “high” load-carrying exposures based on the measured weights of the loads being carried at the time of the survey, as well as on self-reported duration and frequency of load carrying. A summary score for lower abdominal discomfort suggestive of POP was generated using questions from the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory (POPDI-6). Women with higher load carrying exposures had on average higher discomfort scores in both Tanzania (adjusted prevalence difference (PDa) = 3.7; 95% CI: −3.8–11.3; p = 0.33) and Nepal (PDa = 9.3; 95% CI: −4.9–23.6; p = 0.18). We identified trends suggestive of an association between increasing heavy load carrying exposures and symptoms of lower abdominal discomfort. Our findings underscore the need for larger epidemiologic studies of the potential adverse reproductive health effects of heavy load carrying activities on women in developing countries.

scholarly journals Musculoskeletal pain and associated factors among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam: A cross-sectional study.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bang Van Nguyen ◽  
Thuy Tran ◽  
Ngan Thi Hoang ◽  
Bich Ngoc Nguyen ◽  
Quynh Thuy` Nguyen
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire

Abstract Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent among waste collectors in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and risk factors of persistent musculoskeletal disorders among waste collectors in Hanoi, Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was utilized to study 468 waste collectors in 2017. The Örebro Musculoskeletal Pain Questionnaire and questionnaires on demographic and work conditions were used to collect data. Descriptive and Multivariate logistics regression analyses were applied at the significant level p<0.05. Findings: 67.4% waste collectors participating into this study reported musculoskeletal disorders in at least one body region. Lower back was the most affected site, followed by pain in the neck and shoulders. The risk of persistent musculoskeletal disorders associated with age, gender, work hours, work shift, duration of poor postures of the neck and back, carrying heavy objects, and experience of work dissatisfaction, stress or anxiety. Conclusions: High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among waste collectors and association with self-assessed unfavorable work postures and work-related stress imply the need of mechanical and social support at work for waste collectors to prevent the development of musculoskeletal disorders.

scholarly journals The Weight of Schoolbags and Musculoskeletal Pain in Children of Selected Schools in Thimphu, Bhutan: A Cross-sectional Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-32
Author(s):  
Thinley Dorji ◽  
Saran Tenzin Tamang ◽  
Sonam Yoezer ◽  
Kuenzang Wangdi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Body Region ◽  
Cluster Sampling ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Grade 8

Background: The carriage of loads on the back in children, >10% of one’s body weight (BW), induces postural change and morbidity related to spinal pain. We studied the weight of schoolbags and the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain related to carrying schoolbags among children in Thimphu, Bhutan. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, with a multistage cluster sampling, conducted amongst grade 8 and 10 students. Data were collected using a standardized self-administered questionnaire and weights of students and schoolbags were measured. Descriptive statistics were used to present the findings. Means were compared using t test and risk factors were identified using logistic regression. Results: There were 131 students whose schoolbags weighed >10% body weight (BW). The mean weight of schoolbags was 4.6 ±1.5 kg for grade 8 students and 4.0 ±1.5 kg for grade 10 students. Musculoskeletal pain in at least one body region was reported by 411 students. Schoolbags weighing >10% BW and carrying the bags over only one shoulder were significant risk factors for reporting musculoskeletal pain. There were 197 students whose schoolbags did not have any safety feature; students did not use them consistently even if they were present. Conclusions: The weight of school bags that were more than the recommended ≤10% BW was a strong factor in reporting musculoskeletal pain. Parents and students may be educated on the use of schoolbags with safety features. Measures such as providing storage facilities in schools may reduce the weight of bags.

Improving Questionnaires for Medical Surveillance of Hazardous Drug Exposure: Results of a Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 216507992199145
Author(s):  
Peter Mitchell ◽  
Patricia Marie McGovern ◽  
Steven Kirkhorn
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Drug Exposure ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Plain Language ◽  
Medical Surveillance ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Tertiary Healthcare

Background: Numerous drugs pose harm to healthcare workers. Medical surveillance (MS) questionnaires often do not capture desired information. Social cognitive theory, plain language, and quality improvement were explored to design an MS questionnaire. The goal of this study was to pilot test an MS questionnaire assessing employees’ hazardous drug (HD) exposures consistent with a 2016 public standard addressing safe handling of HDs in health care. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used to conduct qualitative analysis of questionnaire data collected from a convenience sample of three to five employees from each of the four departments at elevated risk of HD exposures in a large tertiary healthcare organization. Key research questions addressed employees’ understanding of questionnaire items and interview completion rates. Findings: Fourteen employees (oncology nurses, pharmacy technicians, housekeepers, and laundry workers) participated. None had participated in the organization’s prior hazardous drug medical surveillance (HDMS) activities. For the surveillance process, employees preferred in-person interviews to emailed questionnaires. Challenges for questionnaire comprehension related to employees’ basic skills of literacy and numeracy. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Strategies for ensuring employee comprehension of health and safety communications are critical. Questionnaires should be written in plain language employees can understand the first time it is read.

scholarly journals Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Husain ◽  
Fatemah Ashkanani
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Fast Food ◽  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Lifestyle Behaviours ◽  
Late Night ◽  
Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

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