An Analytical Study Carried Out to Identify Symptoms of Occupational Lung Diseases and Preventive Measures among Workers Involved in Marble Industries in Rajsamand District of Rajasthan

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (02) ◽  
pp. 53-57
Author(s):  
Kalika Gupta ◽  
Mitin Parmar ◽  
Pranav Bhavsar ◽  
Milan Chaudhary

BACKGROUND Occupational lung diseases are diseases affecting the respiratory system, including occupational asthma, black lung disease and many more. Workers exposed to marble dust stand an increased risk of suffering from asthma symptoms, chronic bronchitis, nasal inflammation and impairment of lung functions. The recognition of occupational causes can be made difficult by years of latency between exposure in the workplace and the occurrence of disease. Through this study, authors have established the importance of early identification of symptoms of occupational lung diseases and the importance of preventive measures that can be applied to reduce incidence of such diseases. METHODS This was a cross sectional community-based study conducted on 340 marble mining or cutting workers of Rajnagar [Morwar], Rajsamand district of Rajasthan, for a duration of three months. Workers were clinically examined and asked about environmental conditions and use of preventive measures through a questionnaire designed by the investigators and with the help of pamphlets and videos, educational interventions were provided. RESULTS Almost 90 % of the workers didn’t use protective measure like mask or shield. Among the 10 % workers who were using safety measures, 60 % were using face mask and 20 % were using apron at the work place. After the educational intervention given by investigators, around 63 % had started using various safety measures. CONCLUSIONS Early interventions after development of symptoms are important as they can decrease chances of further worsening of the condition. Health education, periodic health check-ups and use of protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases. KEYWORDS Occupational Lung Disease, Cough, Marble Workers, Silicosis

Author(s):  
Ashish Shrivastava ◽  
Shashi P. Tomar ◽  
Mohit Patel

Background: Occupational lung diseases occurs in the workers exposed to occupation related hazards. These include Asthma, COPD, Coal worker pneumoconiosis, Silicosis and Asbestosis. Marble cutting exposes workers to fine dust that can cause a number of pulmonary diseases. Usually these are people from rural areas and they are unaware of health hazards related to occupation. Spreading awareness is the key amongst these people. The objective of the To study the prevalence of symptoms related to occupational lung diseases in marble cutting workers, to estimate current status of preventive measures used and to assess adaptive changes after educational interventionsMethods: A cross-sectional study was done on the marble cutting workers of Bhedaghat who were exposed to dust from marble cutting. A survey of their working environment and level of awareness was done using questionnaires. The workers were questioned about their working environment, usage of local preventive measures and health related problems. They were then taught about occupational hazards and preventive techniques that can be adopted to prevent such hazards. In subsequent visits, again a survey was done on how many of them were using adaptive measures and relevant counselling was done.Results: Most common reported respiratory problem was shortness of breath 26% and utilization of preventive measures was very poor only 5% but After the 2 follow-up visits including interventional measures and health education, the percentage of workers who started using preventive measures increased from 5% to 57.77%.Conclusions: Prevention is the key to occupational lung diseases. Early diagnosis and treatment also play a major role as prolonged exposure to these risk factors may cause irreversible damage. Health education, periodic health checkups and use to protective measures are the essence in preventing occupational lung diseases.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. S795-S795 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia H Rogers ◽  
Elisabeth Brandstetter ◽  
Caitlin Wolf ◽  
Jennifer Logue ◽  
Ashley E Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Individuals experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk of respiratory illness due to high prevalence of underlying chronic conditions, inadequate ventilation and crowding in shelters, and difficulty accessing health services. Few studies have investigated the prevalence and transmission of viral respiratory infections within shelters. We sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for influenza-like illness (ILI) at two homeless shelters in Seattle, WA. Methods Between January and April 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study of adults experiencing homelessness who identified their primary residence as one of the two shelters in Seattle. Participants voluntarily enrolled if they self-reported at least two symptoms of acute respiratory illness in the past week. Demographic, clinical, and behavioral data were ascertained via questionnaire, and a mid-nasal swab was collected. ILI was defined as fever with cough or sore throat. Chronic lung disease was defined as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, and/or chronic bronchitis. Results Among the 480 participants enrolled in the study, 204 (42.5%) reported ILI symptoms. Of those enrolled, 144 (30.0%) had chronic lung disease. The prevalence of ILI was higher among individuals with chronic lung disease (53.5% vs. 42.5%, P = 0.001). A total of 422 (87.9%) had health insurance; the prevalence of ILI was lower among those with health insurance (42.4% vs. 57.8%, P = 0.66). 216 (45.0%) of participants received flu vaccine; the prevalence of ILI was similar among those who received the vaccine than those that did not (42.6% vs. 42.4%, P = 1.00). 129 (30.6%) of those with health insurance sought care for their reported symptoms; ILI was more prevalent in those that sought care than those that did not throughout the observation period (33.8% vs. 21.7%, P = 0.002). Of those with ILI that sought care, 46 (54.8%, P = 0.42) received antivirals or antibiotics. Laboratory results for the corresponding mid-nasal swabs are pending. Conclusion A large proportion of our study population self-reported ILI and chronic lung disease. Despite high insurance coverage, a low proportion of homeless enrolled sought care for their symptoms or received treatment. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Author(s):  
Luca Cegolon ◽  
Melania Bortolotto ◽  
Saverio Bellizzi ◽  
Andrea Cegolon ◽  
Luciano Bubbico ◽  
...  

Background. The peak of sexually transmitted infections (STI) among adolescents/young adults suggests a low level of prevention. In order to assess whether the level of sexual health education (SHE), received by several channels, was effective at improving sexual behaviors, we conducted a survey among freshmen from four Italian universities. Methods. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted with an anonymous self-reported paper questionnaire, administered during teaching lectures to university freshmen of the northern (Padua, Bergamo, and Milan campuses) and southern (Palermo campus) parts of the country. Knowledge of STI (a linear numerical score), knowledge of STI prevention (dichotomous variable: yes vs. no) and previous STI occurrence (polytomous variable: “no”; “don’t know”; “yes”) were the outcomes in the statistical analysis. Results. The final number of freshmen surveyed was 4552 (97.9% response rate). The mean age of respondents was 21.4 ± 2.2 years and most of them (70.3%) were females. A total of 60% of students were in a stable romantic relationship. Only 28% respondents knew the most effective methods to prevent STI (i.e., condom and sexual abstinence), with a slightly higher prevalence of correct answers among females (31.3%) than males (25.8%). Students with history of STIs were 5.1%; they reported referring mostly to their general practitioner (GP) (38.1%) rather than discussing the problem with their partner (13.1%). At multivariable analysis, a significantly higher level of STI knowledge was observed in older students (25+ years of age), biomedical students, and those from a non-nuclear family; lower levels were found among students of the University of Palermo, and those who completed a vocational secondary school education. Those who had less knowledge about the most effective tools to prevent STIs included males, students from the University of Palermo, students registered with educational sciences, economics/political sciences, those of foreign nationality, and those whose fathers had lower educational levels. The risk of contracting STI was significantly lower only in students not in a stable relationship (relative risk ratio, RRR = 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 95%CI = 0.48; 0.94), whereas such risk was significantly higher in students with higher STI knowledge (RRR = 1.15; 95%CI = 1.08; 1.22). Discussion and Conclusions. University freshmen investigated in this study had poor knowledge of STIs and their prevention. Unexpectedly, those with higher levels of knowledge had an increased risk of STIs. There were no educational interventions—with good quality and long-term follow-ups—that increased the confidence that such SHE programs could have population level effects. A new high-quality study is therefore required to assess the effectiveness of an intervention generating behavioral changes; increasing only knowledge may not be sufficient.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 1241
Author(s):  
Jayasri Helen Gali ◽  
Harsha Vardhana Varma ◽  
Aruna Kumari Badam

Background: More than fifty percent of the cured cases of pulmonary tuberculosis develop some form of chronic pulmonary dysfunction. It can present with varying degrees of lung damage, ranging from minimum functional abnormalities to severe forms of dysfunction that can be an important cause of death. Objective of the study to identify the various Post Tuberculosis Lung Diseases (PTBLDs) and to study impact of the patient and disease related factors on its occurrence.Methods: Cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in 134 adult, post tuberculosis patients, aged between 18-65 years, who have completed at least one year after the end of anti-tubercular treatment. All symptomatic post TB lung disease patients coming to the pulmonology out-patient clinic at the Apollo Institute of Medical sciences and Research were included in the study.Results: Majority were more than 50 years (35.3%) and males (59.4%). Majority were from urban areas (70.7%), low social class (72.2%), and unskilled workers (56.4%). Most common symptom was cough in 74.4% cases. Majority of the cases had symptoms from one week to one month i.e. 47.4%. Only eight cases were found out to be very prompt in reporting their symptoms. 39 cases had some or the other co-morbidity. Current chest X-ray status was normal in only three cases. Mean FEV1 was 1.38 which increased to 1.52; mean FVC was 1.23 which increased to 1.58; mean FEV1/FVC was 67.37 which increased to 72.76 after giving the bronchodilator. 78(58.6%) cases had obstructive and 27(20.3%) had restrictive lung disease. In 30 cases the disease was reversible. Majority of the cases were of pulmonary fibrosis followed by bronchiectasis.Conclusion: Further studies are needed to develop approaches for the prevention, care and treatment of patients with post TBLD.


2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (146) ◽  
pp. 170080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara De Matteis ◽  
Dick Heederik ◽  
Alex Burdorf ◽  
Claudio Colosio ◽  
Paul Cullinan ◽  
...  

Occupational lung diseases are an important public health issue and are avoidable through preventive interventions in the workplace. Up-to-date knowledge about changes in exposure to occupational hazards as a result of technological and industrial developments is essential to the design and implementation of efficient and effective workplace preventive measures. New occupational agents with unknown respiratory health effects are constantly introduced to the market and require periodic health surveillance among exposed workers to detect early signs of adverse respiratory effects. In addition, the ageing workforce, many of whom have pre-existing respiratory conditions, poses new challenges in terms of the diagnosis and management of occupational lung diseases. Primary preventive interventions aimed to reduce exposure levels in the workplace remain pivotal for elimination of the occupational lung disease burden. To achieve this goal there is still a clear need for setting standard occupational exposure limits based on transparent evidence-based methodology, in particular for carcinogens and sensitising agents that expose large working populations to risk. The present overview, focused on the occupational lung disease burden in Europe, proposes directions for all parties involved in the prevention of occupational lung disease, from researchers and occupational and respiratory health professionals to workers and employers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 147997312199457
Author(s):  
Winifred Ekezie ◽  
Alex Robert Jenkins ◽  
Ian Philip Hall ◽  
Catrin Evans ◽  
Rajendra Koju ◽  
...  

While chronic lung disease causes substantial global morbidity and mortality, global estimates have primarily been based on broad assumptions. Specific country data from low-income countries such as Nepal are limited. This review assessed primary evidence on chronic respiratory disease burden among adults in Nepal. A systematic search was performed in June 2019 (updated May 2020) for studies through nine databases. High levels of heterogeneity deemed a narrative synthesis appropriate. Among 27 eligible studies identified, most were low-moderate quality with cross-sectional and retrospective study design. Chronic lung diseases identified were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchiectasis and restrictive lung diseases. Studies were categorised as: (i) community-based, (ii) hospital-based and (iii) comorbidity-related and disease burden. Reported disease prevalence varied widely (COPD, 1.67–14.3%; asthma, 4.2–8.9%). The prevalence of airflow obstruction was higher among rural dwellers (15.8%) and those exposed to household air pollution from domestic biomass burning as opposed to liquid petroleum gas users (Odds Ratio: 2.06). Several comorbidities, including hypertension and diabetes mellitus added to the disease burden. The review shows limited literature on lung disease burden in Nepal. Publications varied in terms of overall quality. Good quality research studies with prospective cohorts related to respiratory conditions are required.


Author(s):  
Ogbeyi Ofikwu Gabriel ◽  
Jenewari Atiye Joseph ◽  
Ogbeyi Aba Francis ◽  
Afolaranmi O. Tolulope ◽  
Aba John Paul ◽  
...  

Background: The rapid increase in the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection is an important public health issue worldwide. Millions of the general population is at an increased risk of being infected but they lack the awareness and preventive measures against this infection. This study was carried out among barbers in Naka, Gwer West Local Government area of Benue state, to determine the predictors of awareness and preventive measures against hepatitis B.  Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study involving all barbers in Naka were carried out. Structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used in collecting data from the respondents. Data were analyzed using statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0. Adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used as point and interval estimates on the logistic model while a p value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The total number of respondents in this study was 57. The mean age of the respondents was 25.9±2.10.  Majority (92.2%) of the respondents had heard of hepatitis B, 48.9% were able to identify the cause of the disease as virus. Majority of the respondents (78.7%) identified vaccination as a preventive measure against hepatitis B. On vaccination, more than half (51.1%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Vaccination and information significantly affect prevention and awareness p=0.015 and 0.001 respectively.Conclusions: Awareness of hepatitis B was high in this study but awareness about causes and clinical presentations were low. There is need for proper health education programmes to improve their knowledge about hepatitis B and its prevention.


2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mustafa Mohamed Ibrahim Ali ◽  
Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed Ahmed ◽  
Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla Omer ◽  
Gaffar Alemam A. Manhal

Abstract Background COVID-19 is a novel respiratory infectious disease. Preventive measures against COVID-19 include facemask use, physical distancing and good sanitation and hygiene practices. Risk perception of COVID-19 is important in prevention. Lockdown was imposed in Sudan in early 2020. The study aim to: study the compliance, risk perception and attitude of University of Khartoum Medical Students to safety measures during the period of COVID-19 lockdown. Methodology: A University-based cross sectional study was conducted at the University of Khartoum, Faculty of Medicine in 435 students selected via proportionate stratified random sampling through a self-administered semi- structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Pearson and Mann Whitney U test were used to measure associations. Result Out of 435 participants, a mean adherence of 57.7%, mean risk perception of 73.6% was elicited. And 80.3% had a positive attitude towards lockdown. Adherence had significant association with gender and risk perception. Risk perception had no significant relation with gender. Conclusion In conclusion, adherence to preventive measures among medical students of the University of Khartoum was poor. Risk Perception was high. Attitude towards lockdown was positive.


2019 ◽  
Vol 65 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-87
Author(s):  
Elena S. Mazurenko ◽  
Sofiya K. Malyutina ◽  
Liliya V. Shcherbakova ◽  
Svetlana V. Mustafina ◽  
Tatiana M. Nikitenko ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: The attention to the forearm fractures, as to osteoporotic fractures, is important for ensuring early detection of individuals at increased risk of future fractures and taking preventive measures. AIMS: To determine the frequency of a history of forearm fractures in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and without diabetes, and their association with risk factors for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 20152017, in Novosibirsk, a random urban population sample of males and females, 5884 years old (n=3878), was surveyed. The study included persons who signed the informed consent to conduct the study, excluded individuals who wrote a waiver of taking blood to determine biochemical parameters. In total, the analysis included n=3393 people, 718 of them with DM2 (21.2%). Work design is cross-sectional research. The collection of information on fractures during for the last 3 years, the registration of socio-demographic data; and risk factors for NCD, a study of biochemical blood parameters. The analysis of the association of DM2 and a complex of risk factors for NCD with a chance of a forearm fracture. RESULTS: The prevalence of forearm fractures in the last 3 years did not differ in patients with DM2 compared with those examined without diabetes and was 2.4% and 2.8%, respectively (p=0.557). Men with fractures had higher cholesterol and HDL values, women had lower body mass index (BMI), compared with people without fractures. According to the results of a multivariate analysis in women, the chance of a forearm fracture is directly associated with smoking in the past, a total cholesterol level of more than 200 mg/dl and inversely associated with a BMI. In men, associations were found of the chance of a forearm fracture with an increase in the level of cholesterol. There was no evidence of DM2 with forearm fracture. CONCLUSION: The obtained data on the incidence of fractures and their association with risk factors for chronic low risk infections suggest the need for preventive measures for osteoporotic fractures, both in people with and without DM2.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (147) ◽  
pp. 170100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthias Griese

Children's interstitial lung diseases (chILD) are increasingly recognised and contain many lung developmental and genetic disorders not yet identified in adult pneumology. Worldwide, several registers have been established. The Australasian Registry Network for Orphan Lung Disease (ARNOLD) has identified problems in estimating rare disease prevalence; focusing on chILD in immunocompetent patients, a period prevalence of 1.5 cases per million children and a mortality rate of 7% were determined. The chILD-EU register highlighted the workload to be covered per patient included and provided protocols for diagnosis and initial treatment, similar to the United States chILD network. Whereas case reports may be useful for young physicians to practise writing articles, cohorts of patients can catapult progress, as demonstrated by recent studies on persistent tachypnoea of infancy, hypersensitivity pneumonitis in children and interstitial lung disease related to interferonopathies from mutations in transmembrane protein 173. Translational research has linked heterozygous mutations in the ABCA3 transporter to an increased risk of interstitial lung diseases, not only in neonates, but also in older children and adults. For surfactant dysfunction disorders in infancy and early childhood, lung transplantation was reported to be as successful as in adult patients. Mutual potentiation of paediatric and adult pneumologists is mandatory in this rapidly extending field for successful future development.This brief review highlights publications in the field of paediatric interstitial lung disease as reviewed during the Clinical Year in Review session presented at the 2017 European Respiratory Society (ERS) Annual Congress in Milan, Italy. It was commissioned by the ERS and critically presents progress made as well as drawbacks.


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