Morbidity among mine workers: a cross sectional study in Chitradurga, Karnataka, India

Background: Workers represent half the world’s population and are the major contributors to economic and social development. Their health is determined not only by workplace hazards but also by social and individual actors and access to health services. Work-related morbidity and mortality result in suffering and hardship for worker as well as to his or her family. Thus occupational health of working people are crucial prerequisites for overall socioeconomic and sustainable development. The aims and objective were to assess the health status of the people working in mines and study their occupational hazards.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in three actively working mines of Chitradurga city for a period of one year. Complete enumeration method was used to include 493 mine workers. Results: Sesagoa mines were the biggest among the selected mines (69.5% workers). Majority belonged to the age group of 20-30 years with 37.5%, 69% workers were field workers. Around 76.3% workers were working since 1-5 years. 45.20% and 11% workers had undergone pre placement examination and periodic examination respectively. Personal Protective Equipments (P.P.E) were used by 90.50% workers. History of allergy was seen in 21.7% workers, while 11.2% workers reported history of vector borne diseases. Trouble smelling was found in 1.8% workers while 1.6% workers had trouble hearing.Conclusions: Health education on pre placement, periodic examination and use of PPE was found to be less which on itself can be the reason for morbidities among the mine workers hence efforts must be made to improve their knowledge regarding these.

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Healthcare Workers’ Perspectives on the Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine in Terms of Their Exposure to the Influenza Vaccine in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9050465 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (5) ◽

pp. 465

Author(s):

Leena R. Baghdadi ◽

Shatha G. Alghaihb ◽

Alanoud A. Abuhaimed ◽

Dania M. Alkelabi ◽

Rawan S. Alqahtani

Keyword(s):

Saudi Arabia ◽

Influenza Vaccine ◽

Work Experience ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Seasonal Influenza ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Seasonal Influenza Vaccine ◽

History Of

In 2019, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)) caused a global pandemic. There was an urgent need to develop a vaccine against COVID-19 to reduce its spread and economic burden. The main objective of this study was to understand the attitudes and concerns of healthcare workers (HCWs) towards the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine, whether their decision was influenced by their history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine, and factors that influence the acceptance of the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. We selected and surveyed 356 HCWs via an electronic self-administered questionnaire. A total of 61.16% of HCWs were willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and 55.9% of them had received the seasonal influenza vaccine in the preceding year (2019–2020). The strongest predictors for taking the COVID-19 vaccine were the HCWs’ belief that the COVID-19 vaccine would be safe, needed even for healthy people, that all HCWs should be vaccinated against COVID-19, and that HCWs will have time to take the vaccine. Being female, being middle aged, having <5 years of work experience, having no fear of injections, and being a non-smoker were predictive factors for taking the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine. No associations were found between the intention to take the COVID-19 vaccine and a history of taking the seasonal influenza vaccine.

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Prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection and feasibility of TB preventive therapy among Thai prisoners: a cross-sectional study

BMC Public Health ◽

10.1186/s12889-021-11271-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sivaporn Gatechompol ◽

Weerakit Harnpariphan ◽

Ruamthip Supanan ◽

Gompol Suwanpimolkul ◽

Jiratchaya Sophonphan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Latent Tuberculosis ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Preventive Therapy ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Ltbi Prevalence ◽

History Of ◽

Chest X Ray ◽

Latent Tb ◽

Latent Tb Infection

Abstract Background Prisons are considered as major reservoirs for tuberculosis. Preventive therapy for latent TB infection (LTBI) is an adjunctive strategy to control TB. However, LTBI data in Thai prisoners is limited. This study assessed the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among prisoners in Klong Prem Central Prison, Bangkok. Participants were screened for active TB by questionnaire and chest X-ray. LTBI was evaluated by Tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFTP) among subgroup. Participants with positive TST or QFTP were considered to have LTBI. Participants with LTBI were offered IPT. Results From August 2018–November 2019, 1002 participants were analyzed. All participants were male with a median age of 38 (IQR 32–50) years. LTBI identified by either TST/QFTP was present in 466 (46.5%) participants. TST was positive in 359 (36%) participants. In the subgroup of 294 participants who had both TST and QFTP results, 181/294 (61.6%) tested positive by QFTP. Agreement between TST and QFTP was 55.1% (Kappa = 0.17). The risk factors associated with LTBI were previous incarceration (aOR 1.53, 95%CI, 1.16–2.01, p = 0.002), history of prior active TB (aOR 3.02, 95%CI, 1.74–5.24, p < 0.001) and duration of incarceration ≥10 years (aOR 1.86, 95%CI, 1.24–2.79, p = 0.003). Majority of LTBI participants (82%) agreed to take IPT. Three hundred and 56 (93%) participants completed treatment whereas 27 (7%) participants discontinued IPT due to the side effects of INH. Conclusion This is the first study to evaluate the prevalence of LTBI and feasibility of IPT among Thai prisoners. LTBI prevalence in male prisoners in Thailand is high. LTBI screening and treatment should be implemented together with other preventive components.

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Undernutrition and associated factors in orphan children aged 6–59 months in Gambella Southwest, Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045892 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (7) ◽

pp. e045892

Author(s):

Solomon Feleke ◽

Gudina Egata ◽

Firehiwot Mesfin ◽

Gizachew Yilak ◽

Abebaw Molla

Keyword(s):

Associated Factors ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Access To Health Services ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Orphaned Children ◽

Access To Health ◽

Study Participants ◽

Children Under 5

ObjectiveThe study aimed to assess the prevalence of stunting, wasting, underweight and associated factors in orphaned children under 5 years old.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingGambella City, Ethiopia.ParticipantsA sample of 419 under 5 orphaned children included in the study. Eligible households with orphans had selected using a systematic random sampling method. The lottery method was used when more than one eligible study participants live in the household. An OR with 95% CI was performed to measure the strength of association between each dependent variable and independent variables. Variables with p<0.05 were declared statistically significant.Primary outcomeThe main outcome of this study was the prevalence of undernutrition among orphaned under 5 and its associated factors.ResultsPrevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight in orphan children under 5 were 12.2%, 37.8% and 21.7%, respectively. The prevalnce of wasting peaks among age group of 36–47 months (42.5%), whereas underweight peaks in 48–59 months (27.7%). Food insecurity, wealth index, family size, vitamin A supplementation, diarrhoea, fever 2 weeks before the survey, children under 5 and parents’ death were associated with undernutrition.ConclusionThe prevalence of stunting, wasting and underweight among orphan children under 5 was significantly high. Multisectoral collaborative efforts towards access to health services, improving income-generating activities, micronutrient supplementation and social support and protection targeting orphan and vulnerable populations have to be built up.

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Malaria among migrants in a university hospital in Colombia during 2018: A case series

Tropical Doctor ◽

10.1177/0049475520981301 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 004947552098130

Author(s):

Fabián R Carreño-Almánzar ◽

Adán Coronado-Galán ◽

Sonia A Cala-Gómez ◽

Agustín Vega-Vera

Keyword(s):

Latin American ◽

Previous History ◽

Case Series ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Imported Malaria ◽

University Hospital ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Clinical Profiles

Imported malaria has increased in Colombia since 2015 and has been attributed to migrants coming from Venezuela. We present a series of malaria cases, nested in a retrospective cross-sectional study between 2017 and 2018, aimed at calculating the prevalence of medical diseases among immigrants in a University Hospital in Colombia. Among 154 immigrants admitted for medical causes between 2017 and 2018, 8 were diagnosed with malaria, all due to Plasmodium vivax. Of these, seven had uncomplicated malaria, five had a previous history of malaria, one was critically ill, but none died. We highlight that, similar to other case series of imported malaria, Latin American migrants were young, with similar clinical profiles, having a low proportion of severe cases, and P. vivax was the most frequent cause.

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Hepatitis B virus infection and its associated factors among medical waste collectors at public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia: a facility-based cross-sectional study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05918-x ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Degu Abate Mengiste ◽

Abebe Tolera Dirbsa ◽

Behailu Hawulte Ayele ◽

Tewodros Tesfa Hailegiyorgis

Keyword(s):

Hepatitis B Virus ◽

Hepatitis B ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Medical Waste ◽

Health Facilities ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Eastern Ethiopia ◽

B Virus ◽

History Of

Abstract Background The risk of hepatitis B virus infection among medical waste handlers who undergo collection, transportation, and disposal of medical wastes in the health institutions is higher due to frequent exposure to contaminated blood and other body fluids. There is limited evidence on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B among medical waste handlers in eastern Ethiopia. The study was aimed at studying the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus and associated risk factors among medical waste collectors at health facilities of eastern Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among randomly selected medical waste collectors from public health facilities in eastern Ethiopia from March to June 2018. A pre-tested and well-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics and hepatitis B infection risk factors. A2.5ml venous blood was also collected, centrifuged and the serum was analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen using the instant hepatitis B surface antigen kit. Descriptive summary measures were done. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used to assess the risk of association. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted with 95% CI and all value at P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant. Results From a total of 260 (97.38%) medical waste collectors participated, HBV was detected in 53 (20.4%) of the participants [95%CI; 15.8, 25.6]. No significant differences were observed in the detection rates of HBV with respect to socio-demographic characteristics. In both bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis, being unvaccinated (AOR = 6.35; 95%CI = [2.53–15.96], P = 0.001), history of blood transfusion (receiving) (AOR; 3.54; 95%CI; [1.02–12.24], P = 0.046), history of tattooing (AOR = 2.86; 95%CI = [1.12–7.27], p = 0.03), and history of multiple sexual partner (AOR = 10.28; 95%CI = [4.16–25.38], P = 0.001) remained statistically significantly associated with HBsAg positivity. Conclusion This cross-sectional study identified that HBV infection is high among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia. Immunization and on job health promotion and disease prevention measures should be considered in order to control the risk of HBV infection among medical waste collectors in eastern Ethiopia.

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Analysis of the relationship between periodontitis and osteoporosis/fractures: a cross-sectional study

BMC Oral Health ◽

10.1186/s12903-021-01496-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Seok-Jin Hong ◽

Byoung-Eun Yang ◽

Dae-Myoung Yoo ◽

Sung-Jae Kim ◽

Hyo-Geun Choi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Odds Ratio ◽

Bone Destruction ◽

Epidemiological Data ◽

Income Group ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Inflammatory Factors ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory disease resulting in patients exhibiting high levels of inflammatory factors causing systemic inflammatory bone destruction that may lead to osteoporosis development. The association between periodontitis and osteoporosis has been documented; however, the findings remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the association between periodontitis and osteoporosis using a cross-sectional study design and Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES) health examinee data. Methods This cross-sectional study used epidemiological data from the KoGES during 2004–2016. Of 125,324 participants (age, 40–79 years), 9969 with periodontitis and 115,332 controls (without periodontitis) were selected. We analyzed the history of osteoporosis and fractures of all participants. All participants were examined according to age, sex, income group, obesity, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, and food intake. To analyze the odds ratio (OR) of periodontitis for those with osteoporosis and fractures, a logistic regression model was used. Results The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of periodontitis for osteoporosis was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.01–2.31; P < 0.001). The aOR of periodontitis for any fracture was 1.54 (95% CI 1.46–1.62; P < 0.001). Conclusion Osteoporosis and fractures are associated with periodontitis. Performing regular oral hygiene and examinations of bone mineral density are recommended to prevent aggravation of osteoporosis and periodontitis.

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Assessment of alcohol use disorder and its associated factors among alcohol users of medical and surgical outpatients attending a specialized hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Mental Health Systems ◽

10.1186/s13033-021-00454-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Demeke Demilew ◽

Berhanu Boru ◽

Getachew Tesfaw ◽

Habtamu Kerebih ◽

Endalamaw Salelew

Keyword(s):

Alcohol Use ◽

Associated Factors ◽

Alcohol Use Disorder ◽

Alcohol Use Disorders ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

History Of ◽

Male Sex

Abstract Background Alcohol use disorder increase the risk of physical harm, mental or social consequences for patients and others in the community. Studies on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among medical and surgical outpatients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study is meant to provide essential data on alcohol use disorder and associated factors among alcohol user medical and surgical outpatients to intervene in the future. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted by using the systematic random sampling technique. Alcohol use disorders were assessed using the World Health Organization’s 10-item Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, a P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant in the multivariate analysis and the strength of association was measured at a 95% confidence interval. Results The prevalence of alcohol use disorder was 34.5% with a 95% CI (29.20, 39.80) among study participants. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, male sex (AOR = 3.33, 95%CI: 1.40, 7.93), history of mental illness (AOR = 2.68, 95%CI: 1.12, 6.38), drinking for relaxation (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.02, 3.48) and history of lifetime tobacco use (AOR = 5.64, 95%CI: 1.95, 16.29) were factors significantly associated with alcohol use disorder. Conclusion The prevalence of alcohol use disorders among medical and surgical outpatients was found to be high. Male sex, history of mental illness, alcohol use for relaxation and lifetime cigarette smoking need more attention during the assessment of patients in the medical and surgical outpatient departments.

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Use of electronic cigarettes and secondhand exposure to their aerosols are associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Respiratory Research ◽

10.1186/s12931-020-01569-9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Abdullah Alnajem ◽

Abdullah Redha ◽

Dalal Alroumi ◽

Ahmed Alshammasi ◽

Mohamad Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cigarette Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Uncontrolled Asthma ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Current Asthma ◽

The Past ◽

Asthma Symptoms ◽

History Of

Abstract Background Globally, a surge in electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use has been observed in recent years, with youth being the most susceptible group. Given their recent emergence, studies assessing the health consequences of using e-cigarettes and exposure to their secondhand aerosols (SHA) are limited. Hence, this study sought to assess associations between e-cigarette use and household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted by enrolling high school students (n = 1565; aged 16–19 years) in Kuwait. Participants self-completed a questionnaire on tobacco products use (e-cigarettes and cigarettes) and asthma symptoms. Current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking were defined as any use in the past 30 days. Household exposure to SHA from e-cigarettes in the past 7 days was reported as none (0 days), infrequent (1–2 days), and frequent (≥ 3 days). Asthma symptoms included current (past 12 months) wheeze, current asthma (history of clinical diagnosis and current wheeze and/or medication use), and current symptoms of uncontrolled asthma (≥ 4 attacks of wheeze, ≥ 1 night per week sleep disturbance from wheeze, and/or wheeze affecting speech). Associations were assessed using Poisson regression with robust variance estimation, and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results Among the analytical study sample (n = 1345), current e-cigarette use and cigarette smoking was reported by 369 (27.4%) and 358 (26.6%) participants, respectively. Compared to never e-cigarette users and never cigarette smokers, current e-cigarette users with no history of cigarette smoking had increased prevalence of current wheeze (aPR = 1.54, 95% CI 1.01–2.45) and current asthma (aPR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.03–3.41). Moreover, the frequency of exposure to household SHA from e-cigarettes was associated with asthma symptoms. For example, compared to those with no exposure to household SHA, frequent exposure to household SHA was associated with current wheeze (aPR = 1.30, 95% CI 1.04–1.59), current asthma (aPR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.13–2.16), and current uncontrolled asthma symptoms (aPR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.35–2.62). Conclusions E-cigarette use and their household SHA exposure were independently associated with asthma symptoms among adolescents. Hence, such observations indicate that e-cigarette use and passive exposure to their aerosols negatively impact respiratory health among adolescents.

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