Increase in the Risk of Respiratory Disorders in Adults and Children Related to Crop-Growing in Niger

Background and Objective. Environmental factors are an increasing concern for respiratory health in developing countries. The objective of this study was to investigate whether Nigerien people living in cultivated areas have more respiratory symptoms than those living in pastoral areas. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2013 in two populations during the rainy season when land is cultivated. Environmental factors including pesticide use and respiratory symptoms were collected in adults and children during face-to-face interviews. Multivariate analysis between exposures and symptoms was performed in children and in adults separately. Results. The study included 471 adults and 229 children. Overall, none of the households reported the use of pesticides for agricultural purposes. However, 87.2% reported the use of insecticides at home. Multivariate analysis showed that people living in agricultural areas compared to those in pastoral areas had an increased risk of respiratory symptoms in adults (wheezing, dyspnea, sudden shortness of breath, and cough without fever) and in children (cough without fever). The use of insecticides showed no effect on respiratory symptoms after adjustment. Conclusion. This first epidemiological study on the environment and respiratory health conducted in Niger demonstrates a significant relationship between respiratory manifestations and the agricultural characteristics of the living area. However only the effect of insecticides in the home on respiratory health was observed.

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PREVALENCE OF RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS AND PULMONARY FUNCTION STATUS OF RESTAURANT WORKERS

Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine ◽

10.37268/mjphm/vol.20/no.3/art.743 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (3) ◽

pp. 163-172

Author(s):

Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar Jabbar ◽

Retneswari Masilamani ◽

Lim Zhi Yik ◽

Chen Pei Fei ◽

Loh Xin Ni ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Function ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Prolonged Exposure ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Pulmonary Function Tests ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chi Square ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mean Values ◽

Cooking Fumes

The cooking process may emit toxic compounds and airway irritants from both the fuel combustion and cooking fumes which is harmful to the respiratory health among the restaurant workers. A cross-sectional study of 243 restaurant workers from the selected restaurants in Sungai Long, Malaysia was conducted. The standardized British Medical Research Council questionnaire on Respiratory Symptoms (1986) was used during the interview to access the symptoms and the spirometry test was performed to evaluate the pulmonary functions of the participants. The data of socio-demography and occupational characteristics were also collected. The most complaint respiratory symptoms by the restaurant workers were breathlessness, which accounted for 33.7%, followed by wheezing (14%). The mean values of all pulmonary function tests (PFT) of the restaurant workers were within the normal range (>80%), except for the Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) (79.09%). The results of the bivariate statistical analysis, Chi-square, ANOVA and t-test, showed the determining factors of the respiratory health among the workers were workers’ age and gender in addition to the working duration and the ethnicity. The restaurant workers in Sungai Long were at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and lower pulmonary function values due to prolonged exposure to cooking fumes. Emphasis should be given to the safety and health of restaurant workers and health education should be provided to the restaurant workers and owners. Strategies to increase notification of such occurrences among these workers should be looked into by related agencies in the country.

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Quantitative examination of the bone health status of older adults with intellectual and developmental disability in Ireland: a cross-sectional nationwide study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026939 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (4) ◽

pp. e026939 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Éilish Burke ◽

Rachael Carroll ◽

Máire O’Dwyer ◽

James Bernard Walsh ◽

Philip McCallion ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Intellectual And Developmental Disability ◽

Face To Face ◽

Objective Health ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Quantitative Examination ◽

Adults With Intellectual Disabilities ◽

Skeletal Integrity

Objectives(1) To investigate the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis among adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and (2) to examine alternative optimal bone screening techniques.DesignObservational cross-sectional study.SettingWave 2 (2013–2106) of the Intellectual Disability Supplement to the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.ParticipantsA national representative sample of 604 male and female persons with ID aged 43 years and over. In total, 575 participants completed quantitative ultrasound (QUS) measurements for one or both feet.Outcome measuresParticipants underwent health assessments consisting of eight objective health measures including the standardised QUS of the calcaneus bone using a GE Lunar Achilles. A preinterview questionnaire and face-to-face interview were also completed.ResultsObjectively QUS identified poorer rates of bone health in people with ID overall with 74% indicating evidence of osteopenia (33.2%) or osteoporosis (41%). Females scored lower than males in the QUS t-scores −2.208 (±1.77) versus −1.78(±1.734). Bone status was stratified by gender (p=0.114), age (p=0.003), level of ID (p<0.0001) and living circumstance (p<0.0001).ConclusionsThis study has shown the prevalence of poor bone health in people with ID is substantial implying an increased risk of fracture due to reduced skeletal integrity. QUS screening has been shown to be useful when combined with clinical risk factors.

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Allergic and Respiratory Symptoms in Employees of Indoor Cannabis Grow Facilities

Annals of Work Exposures and Health ◽

10.1093/annweh/wxaa050 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 64 (7) ◽

pp. 754-764

Author(s):

Coralynn Sack ◽

Niloufar Ghodsian ◽

Karen Jansen ◽

Brynne Silvey ◽

Christopher D Simpson

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Skin Prick Testing ◽

Airflow Obstruction ◽

Allergic Diseases ◽

Washington State ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Symptoms ◽

Work Related ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Background While little is known about the occupational hazards associated with Cannabis cultivation, both historical research in the hemp industry and preliminary data from modern grow houses, suggest that Cannabis workers may be at increased risk of respiratory and allergic diseases. Objectives We sought to investigate the association between workplace exposures and health symptoms in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State, USA. Methods We performed a cross-sectional study with all consenting employees in an indoor Cannabis grow facility in Seattle, WA using a questionnaire. The questionnaire gathered data on respiratory, ocular, nasal, and dermal symptoms. A subset of employees with work-related symptoms underwent repeated cross-shift and cross-week measurement of spirometry, fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO), and skin prick testing for Cannabis sensitization. Exposure to Cannabis dust was classified based on self-described tasks, expert opinion, and exposure monitoring of particulate matter. Multivariable logistic regression was undertaken to examine associations between exposure to Cannabis dust (classified as low, medium, and high) and health symptoms. Linear mixed effects models examined the relationship between cross-shift and cross-week changes in spirometry and FeNO. Results Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the employees (n = 31) surveyed were recreational cannabis users, with 81% (n = 25) smoking cannabis multiple times per day. Twenty-two (71%) employees reported one or more work-related symptoms: 65% respiratory, 39% ocular, 32% nasal, and 26% dermal symptoms. There was a trend toward increased likelihood of work-related symptoms with increasing exposure to Cannabis dust, although none of these results were statistically significant. Of the 10 employees with work-aggravated symptoms, 5 had borderline-high or high FeNO, 7 had abnormal spirometry, and 5 had evidence of Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. FeNO increased by 3.78 ppb (95% confidence interval 0.68–6.88 ppb) across the work-week and there was a trend toward cross-week and cross-shift reduced airflow. Conclusions We found a high prevalence of work-related allergic- and particularly respiratory symptoms in the employees of one indoor Cannabis grow facility in Washington State. A high proportion of employees with work-aggravated symptoms had findings consistent with probable work-related asthma based on high FeNO, airflow obstruction on spirometry, and Cannabis sensitization on skin prick testing. However, due to the high incidence of recreational cannabis use among these workers, the relative influence of occupational versus recreational exposure to Cannabis dust on the respiratory health and sensitization status of these workers could not be resolved in this study.

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Occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory health

European Respiratory Review ◽

10.1183/16000617.00006014 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 24 (136) ◽

pp. 306-319 ◽

Cited By ~ 43

Author(s):

Ali Mamane ◽

Isabelle Baldi ◽

Jean-François Tessier ◽

Chantal Raherison ◽

Ghislaine Bouvier

Keyword(s):

Occupational Exposure ◽

Chronic Bronchitis ◽

Respiratory Function ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Epidemiological Studies ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

This article aims to review the available literature regarding the link between occupational exposure to pesticides and respiratory symptoms or diseases. Identification of epidemiological studies was performed using PubMed. 41 articles were included, 36 regarding agricultural workers and five regarding industry workers.Among the 15 cross-sectional studies focusing on respiratory symptoms and agricultural pesticide exposure, 12 found significant associations with chronic cough, wheeze, dyspnoea, breathlessness or chest tightness. All four studies on asthma found a relationship with occupational exposure, as did all three studies on chronic bronchitis. The four studies that performed spirometry reported impaired respiratory function linked to pesticide exposure, suggestive of either obstructive or restrictive syndrome according to the chemical class of pesticide.12 papers reported results from cohort studies. Three out of nine found a significant relationship with increased risk of wheeze, five out of nine with asthma and three out of three with chronic bronchitis. In workers employed in pesticide production, elevated risks of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (two studies out of three) and impaired respiratory function suggestive of an obstructive syndrome (two studies out of two) were reported.In conclusion, this article suggests that occupational exposure to pesticides is associated with an increased risk of respiratory symptoms, asthma and chronic bronchitis, but the causal relationship is still under debate.

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Assessment of dust exposure and chronic respiratory symptoms among workers in medium scale woodwork factories in Ethiopia; a cross sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10357-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Tegegnework Yitayew Awoke ◽

Abera Kumie Takele ◽

Worku Tefera Mekonnen ◽

Samson Wakuma Abaya ◽

Yifokire Tefera Zele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Work Experience ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Occupational Safety ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Dust Exposure ◽

Wood Dust ◽

Exposure Level ◽

Factory Workers ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background Wood dust in a form of inhalable particulates can penetrate the lung tissues and affect respiratory health. Woodwork factory workers are at a greater risk of developing respiratory health problems because of exposure in their working environment, but existing data were few. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms, associated factors, and concentration of personal total wood dust level among medium-scale woodwork factory workers. Methods An institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among 506 woodwork factory workers. We selected study participants using a simple random sampling technique. We assessed chronic respiratory symptoms using the British Medical Research Council respiratory symptoms questionnaire with a few modifications. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the factors. Forty dust measurements were collected from 20 randomly selected workers using a closed-face cassette (CFC) personal sampler. We analyzed the dust samples gravimetrically using a standard microbalance scale. Results We recruited a random sample of 506 workers in the study with a response rate of 98%. The prevalence of chronic respiratory health symptoms among woodworkers was 69.8% with a prevalence of cough (54.6%), phlegm (52.2%), wheezing (44.6%), breathlessness (42.1%), and chest pain (42.9%). Past occupational dust exposure history (AOR = 2.09, 95% CI; 1.09–4.01), work experience > 5 years (AOR = 9.18, 95% CI; 5.27–16.00), using bio-fuel as energy for cooking (AOR = 2.42, 95% CI; 1.44–4.07), and having no occupational safety and health training (AOR = 3.38, 95% CI; 1.20–9.49) were factors that significantly associated with chronic respiratory symptoms among woodwork workers. The geometric mean (GM) of dust exposure level among woodworkers was 10.27 mg/m3, which exceeded the limit of 10 mg/m3 set by the ACGIH. Conclusions High prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms was reported from woodwork factory workers. Increased work- experience, using bio-fuel as an energy source for cooking, past occupational dust exposure history, and having no occupational safety and health training were identified risk factors. The measured average personal wood dust exposure level was above the recommended occupational threshold limit value. Therefore, workers’ wood dust exposure reduction and control methods and respiratory health awareness programs should be implemented.

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Household Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Rural Crete, Greece: A Cross-Sectional FRESH AIR Study

Atmosphere ◽

10.3390/atmos12111369 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 (11) ◽

pp. 1369

Author(s):

Marilena Anastasaki ◽

Ioanna Tsiligianni ◽

Dimitra Sifaki-Pistolla ◽

Vasiliki Eirini Chatzea ◽

Andreas Karelis ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Air Pollution ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Household Air Pollution ◽

Local Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Quality Guidelines ◽

Air Quality Guidelines ◽

Wood Stoves

Breathing polluted air is a risk to respiratory conditions. During the Greek financial crisis, the use of household fireplaces/wood stoves shifted from mostly decorative to actual domestic heating, resulting in increased indoor smoke production. We aimed to evaluate household air pollution (HAP), fuel use and respiratory symptoms in rural Crete, Greece. PM2.5 and CO were measured in 32 purposively selected rural households (cross-sectional study) at periods reflecting lesser (baseline) versus extensive (follow-up) heating. Clinical outcomes were assessed using questionnaires. Mean PM2.5 were not significantly different between measurements (36.34 µg/m3 vs. 54.38 µg/m3, p = 0.60) but exceeded the WHO air quality guidelines. Mean and maximal CO levels were below the WHO cut-offs (0.56 ppm vs. 0.34 ppm, p = 0.414 and 26.1 ppm vs. 9.72 ppm, p = 0.007, respectively). In total, 90.6% of households were using wood stoves or fireplaces for heating, but half also owned clean fuel devices. The differences between devices that were owned versus those that were used were attributed to financial reasons. In both cases, the most frequent respiratory symptoms were phlegm (27.3% vs. 15.2%; p = 0.34) and cough (24.2% vs. 12.1%; p = 0.22). Our findings demonstrate the magnitude of HAP and confirm the return to harmful practices during Greece’s austerity. Upon validation, these results can support strategies for fighting fuel poverty, empowering communities and strengthening local health systems.

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DUST EXPOSURE AND RESPIRATORY HEALTH SYMPTOMS AMONG WORKERS IN SMALL SCALE SUNFLOWER OIL INDUSTRY IN SINGIDA TANZANIA

International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH ◽

10.29121/granthaalayah.v5.i12.2017.531 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (12) ◽

pp. 452-464 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Venance Buliga ◽

Larama MB Rongo ◽

Simon HD Mamuya

Keyword(s):

Sunflower Oil ◽

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Extraction Process ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Respirable Dust ◽

Dust Exposure ◽

Small Scale ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Symptoms

Background: Small scale sunflower oil industries are industries which extract oil from sunflower seed. Apart from its contribution to the economic development of the nation, during extraction process much dust concentration produced and respiratory symptoms are unknown. The aim of study was to assess dust exposure and associated respiratory health symptoms among small scale sunflower oil industries workers in Singida Tanzania. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted and 233 participants were interviewed using a modified American Thoracic Society questionnaire to assess the respiratory health symptoms. A Side Kick Casella Pump was used to collect respirable dust from a sub sample of 66 workers from the sieving section. Results: Respirable dust exposure levels for mean, and Geometrical mean was 10.45 mg/m3 (SD 13.90) and GM=5.25 mg/m3 (GSD 0.51) respectively, and 46% of the dust samples (n=66) were above the TLV of 5 mg/m3. Logistic regression analysis between measured dust and respiratory symptoms found to be statistically significant. Higher prevalence of respiratory health symptoms were seen in those with cough (33%), cough with phlegm (46.8%) and wheezy (41.6%). Conclusion: The study concludes that, respiratory symptoms were high and dust exposure was above recommended levels of 5 mg/m3. We recommend use of appropriate RPE.

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Perceived Neighborhood Environmental Factors Related to Sarcopenia in Urban-Dwelling Older Adults

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.1418 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 439-439

Author(s):

Yuri Seo ◽

Miji Kim ◽

Hayoung Shim ◽

Heeeun Jung ◽

Seoyoon Jane Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Environmental Factors ◽

Public Transportation ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Community Dwelling ◽

Older Individuals ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adverse Health Outcomes ◽

Increased Risk

Abstract Sarcopenia is common among older individuals and has adverse health outcomes. However, little is known about its association with neighborhood environmental factors. We explored the relationship between sarcopenia and neighborhood environmental factors among community-dwelling older adults aged 70–84 years in urban areas in the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study. There were 1,776 participants in this cross-sectional study (mean age 75.9±3.8 years, 54.1% women). Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia guidelines. The neighborhood environmental factors were assessed using the 17-item Environmental Module of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-E). The prevalence of sarcopenia was 22.5%. In the multivariate analysis adjusted for potential confounders, compared to the 5th quintile of the IPAQ-E score, the odds ratio (OR and 95% confidence interval [CI]) for sarcopenia in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quintile were 2.14 (1.41-3.26), 1.70 (1.11-2.61), 1.76 (1.16-2.68) and 1.62 (1.07-2.47), respectively. Sarcopenia was associated with environmental factors including access to destinations (β = -0.015) and neighborhood safety (β = -0.008) (all p<0.05). Furthermore, no access to public transportation (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.20-3.50), poor access to recreational facilities (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.02-1.92), no presence of destination (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07-2.21), hill hazard (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.77), and lack of safety from traffic (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.02-1.79) was associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia. Our study suggests that neighborhood environmental characteristics are associated with sarcopenia and better neighborhood environmental strategies can help prevent sarcopenia among older adults.

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Assessment of Respiratory Symptoms Among cleaners in Governmental Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Comparative Cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.2.11981/v1 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Biruk Getahun ◽

Diresibachew W. Haile ◽

Dessalegn Demeke ◽

Mekuriaw Mesfine Birhan ◽

Tigist Tadele ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Respiratory Health ◽

Addis Ababa ◽

Hospital Setting ◽

Occupational Exposures ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Control Group ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Objective Respiratory disorders are the most common occupational diseases. Occupational exposures to dust, fumes, chemicals and gases are associated with increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms. Although cleaning represents a significant part of the working population worldwide, it is a relatively understudied occupation and respiratory health of professional cleaners in hospitals have not been significantly addressed in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the respiratory symptoms of cleaners working in hospital setting. A comparative cross sectional study design was employed on 140 study participants. The study was composed of 70 cleaners and 70 control subjects. Respiratory symptoms were assessed using standardized questionnaire. The data was coded, entered, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results Prevalence of dry cough, productive cough, wheezing, breathlessness and chest pain for cleaners was higher than the control group. Cleaners had odds of wheezing 2.05 times (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 0.77-5.50) than the controls. The odds of dry cough among cleaners was 4.7 times than among non-cleaners which was the most prevalent respiratory symptom. Based on the study the risk of developing respiratory symptoms were higher among cleaners than controls (p<0.05 to dry cough and breathlessness).

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Higher severity of cocaine addiction is associated with tactile and somatic hallucinations

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.11.006 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

pp. 63-69 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

C. Roncero ◽

L. Grau-López ◽

R.F. Palma-Álvarez ◽

L. Rodriguez-Cintas ◽

E. Ros-Cucurull ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Multivariate Analysis ◽

Psychotic Symptom ◽

Psychiatric Comorbidity ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cocaine Addiction ◽

Treatment Center ◽

Psychotic Symptoms ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to describe the features of cocaine-dependent patients who have had cocaine-induced tactile/somatic hallucinations (CITSH), and to analyze the association with addiction-related variables and psychiatric comorbidity, comparing patients with CITSH, patients with cocaine psychotic symptoms (CIP) and no CITSH, and patients without any psychotic symptom.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in 767 cocaine-dependent patients in an outpatient treatment center for addictions. The following data were obtained: sociodemographic characteristics, CIP information, addiction-related variables and psychiatric comorbidity. A bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed.ResultsOf the whole sample, 6.6% reported CITSH at some point of their lives, 48.4% had suffered some CIP other than CITSH, and 45% had not experienced any psychotic symptom. According to multivariate analysis, risk of overdose increases by 12.1 (OR) times the probability of having had CITSH compared patients with CIP-no-CITSH. Other variables associated to patients with CITSH were: age of drug use onset, presence of episodes of overdose, prevalence of psychotic disorder induced by cocaine. In general, in all variables studied, patients with CITSH presented worse clinical features (addiction variables and psychiatric comorbidity) than patients with CIP without CITSH and non-CIP group.ConclusionCITSH are usually associated with other psychotic symptoms induced by cocaine. The patients who experienced CITSH are more severe cases compared both with patients with CIP without CITSH and patients without CIP. Increased risk of overdose is an important issue in this type of patients.

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