Long working hours in the healthcare system of the Belo Horizonte municipality, Brazil: a population-based cross-sectional survey

Objective: This study investigated the effect of sick leave criteria on the association between long working hours and psychological distress. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in December 2020, and 27,032 workers completed the questionnaire. First, after testing the interaction effect of overtime work hours and sick leave criteria on psychological distress, we conducted stratified analyses using sick leave criteria. Results: A significant interaction effect was found. When we conducted stratified analyses, the odds ratios increased with longer working hours, both with and without sick leave criteria groups; however, the risk was greater in the without sick leave criteria group, compared with the criteria group. Conclusion: We revealed that working without sick leave criteria could strengthen the association between long working hours and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Faculty Opinions recommendation of Association of respiratory symptoms and asthma with occupational exposures: findings from a population-based cross-sectional survey in Telemark, Norway.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.727449994.793530695 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Sherwood Burge

Keyword(s):

Respiratory Symptoms ◽

Occupational Exposures ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

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COVID-19 Vaccine Intention among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9080835 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 835

Author(s):

Mohammed Noushad ◽

Mohammad Zakaria Nassani ◽

Anas B. Alsalhani ◽

Pradeep Koppolu ◽

Fayez Hussain Niazi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Healthcare System ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Vaccine Coverage ◽

Vaccination Campaign ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Positive Sign ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Public Health Strategies

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused largescale morbidity and mortality and a tremendous burden on the healthcare system. Healthcare workers (HCWs) require adequate protection to avoid onward transmission and minimize burden on the healthcare system. Moreover, HCWs can also influence the general public into accepting the COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, determining COVID-19 vaccine intention among HCWs is of paramount importance to plan tailor-made public health strategies to maximize vaccine coverage. A structured questionnaire was administered in February and March 2021 among HCWs in Saudi Arabia using convenience sampling, proceeding the launch of the vaccination campaign. HCWs from all administrative regions of Saudi Arabia were included in the study. In total, 674 out of 1124 HCWs responded and completed the survey (response rate 59.9%). About 65 percent of the HCWs intended to get vaccinated. The intention to vaccinate was significantly higher among HCWs 50 years of age or older, Saudi nationals and those who followed the updates about COVID-19 vaccines (p < 0.05). The high percentage (26 percent) of those who were undecided in getting vaccinated is a positive sign. As the vaccination campaign gathers pace, the attitude is expected to change over time. Emphasis should be on planning healthcare strategies to convince the undecided HCWs into accepting the vaccine in order to achieve the coverage required to achieve herd immunity.

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Population-based cross-sectional prevalence survey of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy in Sohag—Egypt, 2019

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047757 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. e047757

Author(s):

Heba AlSawahli ◽

Caleb D Mpyet ◽

Gamal Ezzelarab ◽

Ibrahim Hassanin ◽

Mohammad Shalaby ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetic Retinopathy ◽

Rapid Assessment ◽

Good Control ◽

Population Based ◽

Secondary Outcome ◽

Public Health Approach ◽

Eye Care ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Prevalence Survey ◽

Cross Sectional

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and sight-threatening conditions among persons with DM aged 50 years and older in Sohag governorate in Upper Egypt.DesignPopulation-based, cross-sectional survey using the standardised Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness with the addition of the Diabetic Retinopathy module methodology.SettingsSohag governorate in Egypt where 68 clusters were selected using probability proportional to population size. Households were selected using the compact segment technique.Participants4078 people aged 50 years and older in 68 clusters were enrolled, of which 4033 participants had their random blood sugar checked and 843 examined for features of DR.Primary and secondary outcomesThe prevalence of DM and DR; secondary outcome was the coverage with diabetic eye care.ResultsThe prevalence of DM was 20.9% (95% CI 19.3% to 22.5%). The prevalence in females (23.8%; 95% CI 21.4% to 26.3%) was significantly higher than in males (18.9%; 95% CI 17.1% to 20.7%) (p=0.0001). Only 38.8% of persons diagnosed with diabetes had good control of DM. The prevalence of DR in the sample was 17.9% (95% CI 14.7% to 21.1%). The prevalence in females was higher (18.9%; 95% CI 14.0% to 23.8%) than in males (17.1%; 95% CI 13.0% to 21.2%). Up to 85.3% of study participants have never had eye examination. Sight-threatening DR (R4 and/or M2) was detected in 5.2% (95% CI 3.4% to 7.0%) with only 2.3% having had laser treatment.ConclusionThe prevalence of uncontrolled DM in Sohag governorate in Egypt is higher than the national prevalence. There is a high prevalence of sight-threatening retinopathy and/or maculopathy with few people having access to diabetic eye care. A public health approach is needed for health promotion, early detection and management of DR.

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PvMSP8 as a Novel Plasmodium vivax Malaria Sero-Marker for the Peruvian Amazon

Pathogens ◽

10.3390/pathogens10030282 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (3) ◽

pp. 282

Author(s):

Elizabeth Villasis ◽

Katherine Garro ◽

Angel Rosas-Aguirre ◽

Pamela Rodriguez ◽

Jason Rosado ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Plasmodium Vivax ◽

Area Under The Curve ◽

Surface Protein ◽

Merozoite Surface Protein ◽

Population Based ◽

Peruvian Amazon ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Malaria Exposure ◽

Plasmodium Vivax Malaria

The measurement of recent malaria exposure can support malaria control efforts. This study evaluated serological responses to an in-house Plasmodium vivax Merozoite Surface Protein 8 (PvMSP8) expressed in a Baculovirus system as sero-marker of recent exposure to P. vivax (Pv) in the Peruvian Amazon. In a first evaluation, IgGs against PvMSP8 and PvMSP10 proteins were measured by Luminex in a cohort of 422 Amazonian individuals with known history of Pv exposure (monthly data of infection status by qPCR and/or microscopy over five months). Both serological responses were able to discriminate between exposed and non-exposed individuals in a good manner, with slightly higher performance of anti-PvMSP10 IgGs (area under the curve AUC = 0.78 [95% CI = 0.72–0.83]) than anti-PvMSP8 IgGs (AUC = 0.72 [95% CI = 0.67–0.78]) (p = 0.01). In a second evaluation, the analysis by ELISA of 1251 plasma samples, collected during a population-based cross-sectional survey, confirmed the good performance of anti-PvMSP8 IgGs for discriminating between individuals with Pv infection at the time of survey and/or with antecedent of Pv in the past month (AUC = 0.79 [95% CI = 0.74–0.83]). Anti-PvMSP8 IgG antibodies can be considered as a good biomarker of recent Pv exposure in low-moderate transmission settings of the Peruvian Amazon.

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The relationship between socioeconomic position and health literacy among urban and rural adults in regional China

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-10600-7 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wei Chen ◽

Hongfu Ren ◽

Na Wang ◽

Yaqing Xiong ◽

Fei Xu

Keyword(s):

Health Literacy ◽

Educational Attainment ◽

Socioeconomic Position ◽

Population Based ◽

Outcome Variable ◽

Average Income ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Logistic Regression Models ◽

Rural Adults

Abstract Background To examine associations of socioeconomic position (SEP), separately indicated by education, monthly family average income (FAI) and occupation, with health literacy (HL) among adults in regional China. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among urban and rural adults (aged 25–69 years) who were randomly selected, using the probability proportionate to size sampling approach, from Nanjing municipality of China during October and December of 2016. HL, the outcome variable, was assessed using the Chinese Resident Health Literacy Scale. SEP, our independent variable, was separately measured with educational attainment, monthly family average income and occupation. Logistic regression models were introduced to examine SEP-HL association with odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results Totally, 8698 participants completed the survey. The proportion of participants with unweighted and weighted adequate HL was 18.0% (95%CI = 17.2, 18.8%) and 19.9% (95%CI = 16.6, 23.6%), respectively, in this study. After adjustment for possible confounding factors, each SEP indicator was in significantly positive relation to both unweighted and weight HL level. Participants who obtained 13+ and 10–12 years educational attainment, respectively, had 2.41 (95%CI = 1.60, 3.64) and 1.68 (95%CI = 1.23, 2.29) times odds to record weighted adequate HL compared to their counterparts who were with 0–9 years education. Subjects within upper (OR = 1.92, 95%CI = 1.24, 2.98) and middle FAI tertile (OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.19, 2.13), respectively, were more likely to report weighted adequate HL relative to those who were within lower FAI tertile. White collars were more likely to have weighted adequate HL (OR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.09, 1.61) than blue collars. Conclusions Each of education, FAI and occupation was positively associated with health literacy among urban and rural adults in China. The findings have important implications that different SEP indicators can be used to identify vulnerable residents in population-based health literacy promotion campaigns.

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Cross-sectional association between long working hours and liver function: the Kangbuk Samsung Health Study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041595 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (12) ◽

pp. e041595

Author(s):

Eunchan Mun ◽

Woncheol Lee ◽

Min-Woo Nam ◽

Hyun-Il Kim ◽

Hyeongcheol Kim ◽

...

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Liver Function ◽

South Korea ◽

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen ◽

Working Hours ◽

Health Study ◽

Health Examination ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Long Working Hours

ObjectivesAlthough the effects of long working hours on liver function remain unclear, in South Korea, there is a social perception that long working hours are associated with poor liver function. Thus, long working hours have recently become a major issue. This study aimed to determine the association between long working hours and liver function, as indicated by the alanine transaminase (ALT) levels.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingLarge university hospitals in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea.ParticipantsWorkers in formal employment who underwent a comprehensive health examination at the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centre clinics in Seoul and Suwon, South Korea, between January 2011 and December 2018. Of the 386 488 participants, 212 421 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis.Primary outcome measureALT elevation.ResultsThe participants were predominantly well-educated (86.1%), male (69.3%) and in their 30s (49.6%). In total, 13.4% of the participants presented ALT elevation (>40 IU/L). There was no significant association between working hours and ALT elevation in the general population and in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative group. Conversely, in the HBsAg-positive group, working >60 hours per week compared with 35–40 hours per week was significantly associated with ALT elevation. The association was more pronounced in those with ALT levels >80 IU/L (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.24 to 3.01) than in those with ALT levels >40 IU/L (OR: 1.45, 95% CI 1.20 to 1.75). The p values for trend were <0.05.ConclusionsLong working hours were associated with ALT elevation only in hepatitis B virus carriers and not in the general population. Provided that there is adherence to the legal working hours, there is no need to further restrict working hours for liver health, irrespective of HBsAg status.

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Maternal adherence to micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China: a large-scale population-based cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-028843 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. e028843 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Danmeng Liu ◽

Yue Cheng ◽

Shaonong Dang ◽

Duolao Wang ◽

Yaling Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Large Scale ◽

Northwest China ◽

Population Based ◽

Shaanxi Province ◽

Micronutrient Supplementation ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Start Time ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Scale Population

ObjectivesTo report the situation of maternal micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China and to examine the rates of and factors related to the adherence to micronutrient supplementation among pregnant women in this region, where dietary micronutrient intake is commonly insufficient.DesignA large-scale population-based cross-sectional survey.SettingTwenty counties and ten districts of Shaanxi Province.ParticipantsA sample of 30 027 women were selected using a stratified multistage random sampling method. A total of 28 678 women were chosen for the final analysis after excluding those who did not provide clear information about nutritional supplementation before and during pregnancy.Main outcome measuresMaternal adherence to micronutrient supplementation (high and low) were the outcomes. They were determined by the start time and duration of use according to Chinese guidelines (for folic acid (FA) supplements) and WHO recommendations (for iron, calcium and multiple-micronutrient (MMN) supplements).ResultsIn total, 83.9% of women took at least one kind of micronutrient supplement before or during pregnancy. FA (67.6%) and calcium (57.5%) were the primarily used micronutrient supplements; few participants used MMN (14.0%) or iron (5.4%). Adherence to supplementation of all micronutrients was low (7.4% for FA, 0.6% for iron, 11.7% for calcium and 2.7% for MMN). Higher educational levels, higher income levels, urban residence and better antenatal care (including pregnancy consultation and a higher frequency of antenatal visits) were associated with high adherence to micronutrient supplementation.ConclusionMaternal micronutrient supplementation before and during pregnancy in Northwest China was way below standards recommended by the Chinese guidelines or WHO. Targeted health education and future nutritional guidelines are suggested to improve this situation, especially in pregnant women with disadvantaged sociodemographic conditions.

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Exposure of Petrol Station Attendants and Auto Mechanics to Premium Motor Sprit Fumes in Calabar, Nigeria

Journal of Environmental and Public Health ◽

10.1155/2009/281876 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 2009 ◽

pp. 1-5 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

N. E. Udonwa ◽

E. K. Uko ◽

B. M. Ikpeme ◽

I. A. Ibanga ◽

B. O. Okon

Keyword(s):

General Population ◽

Potential Risk ◽

Venous Blood ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Survey ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Petrol Station ◽

Risk Of Exposure ◽

Structured Questionnaire

A population-based-cross-sectional survey was carried out to investigate the potential risk of exposure to premium motor spirit (PMS) fumes in Calabar, Nigeria, among Automobile Mechanics (AM), Petrol Station Attendants (PSA) and the general population. Structured questionnaire was administered on the randomly chosen subjects to elicit information on their exposure to PMS. Duration of exposure was taken as the length of work in their various occupations. Venous blood was taken for methaemoglobin (MetHb) and packed cells volume (PCV). Mean MetHb value was higher in AM (7.3%) and PSA (5.8%) than in the subjects from the general population (2.7%). PCV was lower in PSA (30.8%), than AM (33.3%) and the subjects from the general population (40.8%). MetHb level was directly proportional, and PCV inversely related, to the duration of exposure. The study suggested increased exposure to petrol fumes among AM, PSA, and MetHb as a useful biomarker in determining the level of exposure to benzene in petrol vapour.

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