scholarly journals Health Hazards and Preventive Measures of Farm Women

AAOHN Journal ◽  
2002 ◽  
Vol 50 (7) ◽  
pp. 307-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie Juve' Meeker ◽  
Ann Carruth ◽  
Catherine B. Holland

Currently, an increasing number of farms are family owned and women are directly involved in the farming operations as an independent manager or partner. Women play an important role in farm management by marketing farm products, purchasing materials, and financial planning. Because of this involvement, women can be exposed to potential health hazards that can result in chronic illness, debilitation, or death. This study explored and described health hazards affecting farm women in southeast Louisiana, preventive measures used by farm women, and their consistency in using protective equipment with varying levels of time commitment toward farm operations. This cross sectional study included women older than 18 whose family participated in farming operations. A stratified, random sample design with parishes comprising the strata and simple random selection without replacement within each stratum was used to select family addresses. A total of 519 women who met the criteria completed a structured 30 minute telephone interview conducted using The Louisiana Farm Health and Injury Survey instrument. Information elicited included farm work characteristics, prevention practices, and demographics. Results showed that women working 1 to 20 hours per week were less likely to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) than women working more than 20 hours per week. This included wearing seat belts on tractors; using hearing, eye, or breathing protection; and wearing gloves or boots. No differences were found between groups for use of skin protection, hair holders, or helmets on all terrain vehicles (ATVs). The researchers concluded that if nursing interventions such as teaching and counseling related to prevention methods could be provided, the incidence of acute and chronic illnesses and traumatic injury would decline.

Revista CEFAC ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 782-791
Author(s):  
Sonia Regina Lazarotto Schettini ◽  
Cláudia Giglio de Oliveira Gonçalves

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the perception and knowledge of dentists on occupational noise, its prevention, and effects on their health and quality of life. Methods: a cross-sectional study carried out with 54 dentists of both genders. Two questionnaires were applied: one addressing issues of perception and knowledge on noise and its effects, and another on Quality of Life (SF 36). Results: the workplace noise was considered within medium intensity, and a health risk. Some professionals (59.2%) reported knowing noise prevention methods, although they do not use them. Complaints and the most frequently reported symptoms were irritability, difficulty in understanding speech and tinnitus. The perception of the Quality of Life was worse among men. There was association between pain and perception of noise intensity. Conclusion: noise was considered, regardless of gender, harmful to health and associated with perception of musculoskeletal pain. Symptoms and complaints caused by noise have been reported to negatively impact the professional activity of dentists, however, most of them do not adopt preventive measures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 115-23
Author(s):  
Bibeka Shrestha ◽  
Naresh Manandhar ◽  
Sunil Kumar Joshi

Background: Fabrication work is one of the hazardous occupations in which workers are exposed to different occupational hazards and injuries. But the workers lack proper knowledge about protecting themselves from those hazards. This study was conducted, to assess knowledge about occupational health hazards among fabrication workers and to find out the practice of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in fabrication works. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 fabricator workers of Kathmandu District by using a multi-stage sampling technique. Participants were interviewed with a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Results: All the participants were male, and their age ranged from 19-60 years with the mean age of 32.3 years. 71.3% of participants had work-related health complains, among which arc eye (85.76%) was the most common. Among them, 87.1% had at least used one PPE. There was a significant association between awareness about occupational hazards and work experience of fabrication workers (p=0.001), and the practice of PPE with religion (p<0.01). Conclusions: This study found that fabrication workers were aware of occupational hazards and the use of PPE during the fabrication work. But the practice of PPE was not enough to protect them from the occupational hazards.


2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (4) ◽  
pp. 90-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily A. Yu ◽  
Matthew Akormedi ◽  
Emmanuel Asampong ◽  
Christian G. Meyer ◽  
Julius N. Fobil

Aims: This study was conducted to investigate the electronic waste workers’ knowledge about the potential health hazards associated with their work as well as the livelihood alternatives that they would prefer if they were given the opportunity. Methods: A qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted to gather empirical information on e-waste workers’ knowledge about the potential hazards associated with their work and the livelihood alternatives to e-waste recycling with a sample consisting of twenty all-male electronic waste workers at the Agbogbloshie scrap metal yard in Accra, Ghana. Results: Electronic waste workers at Agbogbloshie were found to be exposed to a variety of injuries and illnesses. The workers’ knowledge of the association between their health status and their work was generally poor. Apart from the physical injuries, they did not believe their work played any negative role in their health conditions. They preferred occupations such as farming or professional driving located in the northern region of Ghana to be closer to their families. Conclusions: The study concludes that the low knowledge level of the workers on the hazards that are associated with their work has implications for them accepting technologies to protect them and the natural environment from contamination. It is therefore imperative for any intervention to consider the current low level of knowledge and actively educate the workers to raise their awareness level, taking into account the provision of opportunities for workers to acquire applicable skills for future employment in other fields.


Author(s):  
Noah Oluwatope Emmanuel ◽  
Ukwoma Ilode Police

This study assessed Health Hazards, Perceived Health Problems and Safety Compliances among Mortuary Workers in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Descriptive cross-sectional study recruited 150 eligible respondents from private and public mortuaries, respectively, surveyed from selected mortuaries in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. A structured questionnaires were administered to the respondents which comprises of socio-demographics, occupational history, knowledge and behaviour towards hazards encountered while at their workplace. Descriptive and analytical statistical tools were used to analyze the data. The majority of the respondents were exposed to hazards. The majority of respondents had knowledge of hazards associated with their job, while 11% used personal protective equipment (PPE) always. Hazards abound in mortuaries in Ikwerre L.G.A. even though most workers had received training on hazards and hazards prevention. There was also poor use of PPE by workers of these mortuaries in Ikwerre Local Government Area. It was recommended that health education, provision, enforcement and monitoring of the use of PPE be intensified among this group of workers as measures to mitigate hazards in the study area.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rawlance Ndejjo ◽  
Geofrey Musinguzi ◽  
Xiaozhong Yu ◽  
Esther Buregyeya ◽  
David Musoke ◽  
...  

Objective.To assess the occupational health hazards faced by healthcare workers and the mitigation measures.Methods.We conducted a cross-sectional study utilizing quantitative data collection methods among 200 respondents who worked in 8 major health facilities in Kampala.Results.Overall, 50.0% of respondents reported experiencing an occupational health hazard. Among these, 39.5% experienced biological hazards while 31.5% experienced nonbiological hazards. Predictors for experiencing hazards included not wearing the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), working overtime, job related pressures, and working in multiple health facilities. Control measures to mitigate hazards were availing separate areas and containers to store medical waste and provision of safety tools and equipment.Conclusion.Healthcare workers in this setting experience several hazards in their workplaces. Associated factors include not wearing all necessary protective equipment, working overtime, experiencing work related pressures, and working in multiple facilities. Interventions should be instituted to mitigate the hazards. Specifically PPE supply gaps, job related pressures, and complacence in adhering to mitigation measures should be addressed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1144-1150
Author(s):  
Muralidharan V A ◽  
Gheena S

Covid -19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered strain of coronavirus. As there is no vaccine discovered, the only way to prevent the spread is through following the practice of social isolation. But prolonged isolation may also lead to psychological stress and problems. The objective of the survey was to assess the knowledge and awareness of preventive measures against Covid 19 amongst small shop owners. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted amongst the small shop owners.  A structured questionnaire comprising 15-17 questions had been put forth to assess the Covid 19 related knowledge and perception. The shopkeepers were contacted telephonically and responses recorded. The data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS statistics. Although the majority of the population had a positive perception about the preventive measures against the Covid spread, 36% of the shopkeepers were not aware of the preventive measures against the Covid spread. This study found optimal knowledge and perception of the preventive measures against Covid spread among the shopkeepers but misinformation and misunderstanding still prevailing. The shopkeepers are crucial in the prevention of the spread of Covid 19 and educating them might aid us in the fight against Covid- 19. 


2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110127
Author(s):  
Salma Abbas ◽  
Faisal Sultan

Background: Patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities during outbreaks hinges on a prompt infection prevention and control response. Physicians leading these programmes have encountered numerous obstacles during the pandemic. Aim/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate infection prevention and control practices and explore the challenges in Pakistan during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study and administered a survey to physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes at 18 hospitals in Pakistan. Results: All participants implemented universal masking, limited the intake of patients and designated separate triage areas, wards and intensive care units for coronavirus disease 2019 patients at their hospitals. Eleven (61%) physicians reported personal protective equipment shortages. Staff at three (17%) hospitals worked without the appropriate personal protective equipment due to limited supplies. All participants felt overworked and 17 (94%) reported stress. Physicians identified the lack of negative pressure rooms, fear and anxiety among hospital staff, rapidly evolving guidelines, personal protective equipment shortages and opposition from hospital staff regarding the choice of recommended personal protective equipment as major challenges during the pandemic. Discussion: The results of this study highlight the challenges faced by physicians leading infection prevention and control programmes in Pakistan. It is essential to support infection prevention and control personnel and bridge the identified gaps to ensure patient and staff safety at healthcare facilities.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Alshdaifat ◽  
Amer Sindiani ◽  
Wasim Khasawneh ◽  
Omar Abu-Azzam ◽  
Aref Qarqash ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Residency programs have been impacted by the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. In this study we aim to investigate and evaluate the impact of the pandemic on residents as well as residency training programs. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including a survey of 43 questions prepared on Google forms and electronically distributed among a convenience sample of residents training at a tertiary center in North Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in the period between October 30th and November 8th of 2020. The survey included questions that addressed the impact of the pandemic on residents’ health as well as training programs. The study participants included residents in training at KAUH in 2020 and were stratified according to the type of residency program (surgical residents (SRs) and non-surgical residents (NSRs)). Statistical methods included descriptive analysis, Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test, Mann Whitney U test, and Cramer’s V and r statistics as measures of effect sizes. Results Of all 430 residents, 255 (59%) responded to the survey. A total of 17 (7%) of residents reported being infected with COVID-19 and a significant difference was reported between SRs and NSRs (10% vs 4%, V = .124 “small effect” (95% CI; .017–.229), p = 0.048). Approximately, 106 (42%) reported a decrease in the number of staff working at the clinic and 164 (64%) reported limited access to personal protective equipment during the pandemic. On a 4-point Likert scale for the feeling of anxiety, the median was 2 (2–3 IQR) in the NSRs group, vs 2 (1–2 IQR) in the SRs groups, with the NSRs being more likely to feel anxious (r = 0.13 “small effect” (95% CI; 0.007–0.249), p = .044). Similarly, the proportion of residents who reported feeling anxious about an inadequacy of protective equipment in the work area was significantly greater in the NSRs group (90.3% vs 75.2%; V = .201 “small effect” (95% CI; .078–.313), p = .001), as well as the proportion of residents who reported feeling increased stress and anxiety between colleagues being also significantly higher in the NSRs group (88.1% vs 76%; V = .158 “small effect” (95% CI; .032–.279), p = .012). Conclusion The burden of the ongoing pandemic on the mental health status of residents is very alarming and so providing residents with psychological counseling and support is needed. Also, critical implications on the flow of residency training programs have been noticed. This necessitates adapting and adopting smart educational techniques to compensate for such limitations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 156-159
Author(s):  
Anup Ghimire ◽  
Shyam Sundar Budhathoki ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Abha Shrestha ◽  
Paras K Pokharel

Background: Injuries are a problem worldwide in all occupations. Welders are exposed to many hazards at work resulting in a variety of health problems including injuries at work. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence and factors associated with injuries among welders in Dharan city of eastern Nepal.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 86 welders in Dharan city. Occurrence of injury in past 2 weeks and past 12 months were recorded. Data regarding sociodemographic along with occupational characteristics was collected using semi structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 17.Results: All the welders in this study were male with almost half of the welders under the age of 25 years and about a fifth (21.1%) of the welders having received some form of welding training. In the past 12 months, 21.1% of the welders suffered from work related injuries. More than 95% welders used at least one personal protective equipment in this study. More injuries were seen among welders with age ≥35 years, working experience ≥ 5 years, not received training and not using of PPE at work. However, these factors were not found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Work related injuries are high among welders of Dharan. Further research is required to explore the relationship between age, literacy, training and use of personal protective equipment with the occurrence of injuries among the welders.


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