Knowledge and Practice of Battery Technicians about Lead Poisoning in the Workplace

Background: The sick building syndrome (SBS) is known as an unhealthy condition of occupants of a building, caused by environmental factors such as small space, poor ventilation, and different pollutants in the building. Symptoms of SBS include anxiety, respiratory, dermal, and sensory problems which start by entering a building or slightly after that, and disappear after leaving the building. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of SBS in the employees of Shahid Beheshti hospital of Kashan. Methods: In a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted, a sample of 279 randomly-selected employees of Shahid Beheshti hospital in Kashan working during 2016-2017, were involved. The study was performed on four groups of doctors, nurses, servants and employees. To collect the data; a questionnaire was used. It consisted of two parts: demographic data and questions of SBS questionnaire of World Health Organization. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS; and statistical tests such as Chi square and Fisher's exact test were performed and logistic regression were used for multivariate analysis. Results: The prevalence rate of SBS in general, in women and in men was estimated 50.81%, 55.3% and 44.7%, respectively. Symptoms of indisposition(47.3%), skin dryness (41.5%) and headaches (38.9%) had the highest frequency. Studying SBS symptoms in different job groups showed that skin dryness and dry and sore throat in physicians were significantly less than those in the other groups (p<0.05). In logistic regression analysis, the only factor influencing SBS was the staff height (p=0.02). Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of the symptoms of building syndrome in all of the four groups, paying more attention to improving the working environment, such as the efficiency of the air conditioner system and increasing the entry of fresh air into the departments, increasing the quality of work life would be of utmost importance which would result in motivating and increasing the productivity in the work environment.

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The significance of psychosocial factors of the working environment in the development of sick building syndrome

Journal of Health Sciences ◽

10.17532/jhsci.2014.187 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 136-142 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Maja Miškulin ◽

Marina Matić ◽

Miodrag Beneš ◽

Jelena Vlahović

Keyword(s):

Psychosocial Factors ◽

Medical Condition ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Sick Building Syndrome ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Institutions ◽

Working Environment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sick Building ◽

The City

Introduction: Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a medical condition in which people in a certain buildings suffer from symptoms of illness or feeling unwell. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of exposure of the employees of public institutions from the city of Osijek to harmful psychosocial factors of the working environment, to assess whether there is a connection between the exposure to these factors and the incidence of SBS symptoms and to clarify the nature of this connection.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted during May 2013 among 178 employees of public institutions in the city of Osijek. An anonymous questionnaire which contained questions relating to demographic data and working status of the participants, their exposure to various harmful psychosocial factors of the working environment and occurrence of certain symptoms of SBS among them was used as a research tool.Results: 96.1 % (171/178) of participants were exposed to harmful psychosocial factors of the working environment. Employees exposed to those factors more frequently expressed symptoms of SBS. The incidence and the number of symptoms of SBS among employees simultaneously grew with the increase of the number of harmful psychosocial factors of the working environment to which they were exposed.Conclusion: The study showed positive connection between the exposure to harmful psychosocial factors of the working environment and the incidence of SBS symptoms, highlighting this issue as a very important subject in the field of occupational medicine and health protection in the workplace.

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Breakfast Skipping Is an Independent Predictor of Obesity but not Overweight Among Children in a Southeastern European Population

International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research ◽

10.1024/0300-9831/a000272 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 86 (5-6) ◽

pp. 242-248 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Genc Burazeri ◽

Jolanda Hyska ◽

Iris Mone ◽

Enver Roshi

Keyword(s):

Task Force ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

European Population ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

World Health ◽

Communist Country ◽

Western Balkans ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Breakfast Skipping

Abstract.Aim: To assess the association of breakfast skipping with overweight and obesity among children in Albania, a post-communist country in the Western Balkans, which is undergoing a long and difficult political and socioeconomic transition towards a market-oriented economy. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was carried out in Albania in 2013 including a representative sample of 5810 children aged 7.0 – 9.9 years (49.5% girls aged 8.4 ± 0.6 years and 51.5% boys aged 8.5 ± 0.6 years; overall response rate: 97%). Children were measured for height and weight, and body mass index (BMI) calculated. Cut-off BMI values of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) were used to define overweight and obesity in children. Demographic data were also collected. Results: Upon adjustment for age, sex, and place of residence, breakfast skipping was positively related to obesity (WHO criteria: OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.3–1.9; IOTF criteria: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.4–2.5), but not overweight (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.3 and OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 0.9–1.4, respectively). Furthermore, breakfast skipping was associated with a higher BMI (multivariable-adjusted OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.07). Conclusions: Our findings point to a strong and consistent positive relationship between breakfast skipping and obesity, but not overweight, among children in this transitional southeastern European population. Future studies in Albania and other transitional settings should prospectively examine the causal role of breakfast skipping in the development of overweight and obesity.

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An investigation on the frequency of thoughts, readiness and suicide attempt in individuals with thalassemia

10.53350/pjmhs211561847 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 (6) ◽

pp. 1847-1853

Author(s):

Sahar Attar ◽

Nour Mohammad Bakhshani ◽

Qasem Miri Aliabad

Keyword(s):

Suicidal Ideation ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Genetic Diseases ◽

Thalassemia Major ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The World

Background and Aim: Thalassemia major is one of the most common chronic genetic diseases in the world and in Iran that can impose many adverse effects on the self and society. Psychologically, patients with thalassemia are under stress. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. It is important to identify the people who have the highest risk factors for suicide. The present research investigates the frequency of thoughts, readiness and suicide attempts in people with thalassemia. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Its sample was 150 patients with thalassemia in the age range of 10 to 46 years whom we selected through census by sampling at convenience. We gave to patients a standardized Beck Suicide Thought Assessment Questionnaire. We analyzed the research data using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: From among 150 patients with thalassemia in this study, 57.3% of the respondents were male and 42.7% were female. The results showed that there was a negative and significant relationship between suicide thoughts and attempts and age (-0.234) (P <0.05). The mean prevalence of suicide in men (1.89) was significantly higher compared to women (0.79) (P <0.05). We did not observe significant difference in prevalence of suicide thoughts and attempts between married and single groups with a mean difference (0.69) (P <0.05) and, in different educational groups, no significant difference was reported (P> 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this research showed that among patients with thalassemia, the prevalence of suicidal ideation has a significant percentage. Since suicidal ideation provides a platform for preparation and attempt to commit suicide, so by providing mental health services and regular screening, we can take an effective step to prevent this problem among patients with thalassemia. Keywords: Thalassemia, Suicidal ideation, Suicide.

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Contraceptive knowledge, practices among women in Garhwal region

International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health ◽

10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20190209 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (2) ◽

pp. 793 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ruchita Dixit ◽

Aaradhana Bandhani

Keyword(s):

Family Planning ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Economic Life ◽

World Health ◽

Sources Of Information ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Modern Development ◽

Planning Methods ◽

Family Planning Methods

Background: Family planning is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as, “a way of thinking and living that is adopted voluntarily, upon the basis of knowledge, attitudes and responsible decisions by individuals and couples, in order to promote the health and welfare of family groups and thus contribute effectively to the social development of a country”. The extensive acceptance of family planning, in a society, is an integral component of modern development and is essential for the incorporation of women into social and economic life. Therefore the present study as well focused on the women knowledge and participation in family planning. Objectives: This study projected to evaluate the knowledge of the women about various family planning methods and its sources of information.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 200 married women between 15-60 years of age group selected by multistage random sampling. The women were asked to complete the 20 questions including demographic data. Self structured questionnaire was used to evaluate their knowledge about Family planning methods. Subsequently, the data analyzed by using SPSS version 1.2.Results: In this present study knowledge of family planning methods were higher. Female sterilization and use of condom is the most widely known and practiced method of all contraceptive methods followed by oral Pills and IUDs. Health functionaries were found to the more informative as compared to media and others sources of information regarding family planning methods.Conclusions: From the results found in this study it can be accomplish that women’s awareness regarding family planning was higher and found satisfactory.

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Socioeconomic influences on breastfeeding and weaning practices in a Mediterranean setting

Proceedings of The Nutrition Society ◽

10.1017/s0029665120003912 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽

Author(s):

Justine Parnis ◽

Neville Calleja ◽

Petra Jones

Keyword(s):

Demographic Data ◽

World Health Organisation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Complementary Foods ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Professional Advice ◽

Level Of Education ◽

High Level ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

AbstractThe World Health Organisation (2016) recommends exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months of age and the introduction of complementary foods at around 6 months. International literature suggests that although knowledge of the guidelines is high, only a minority of parents wait until 6 months to wean and sub-optimal weaning practices are common. The aim of this study was to assess breastfeeding and weaning practices and to evaluate the effect of socio-economic determinants on such behaviours in a Mediterranean setting.A cross-sectional study design was used. One-time short interviews with 250 consenting mothers having 8 month old infants were conducted using a structured questionnaire. Mothers attending all the well baby clinics in the primary health care centres of the Maltese Islands for a period of two months were included in the study. The questionnaire included socio-economic and demographic data, details on the initiation and duration of breastfeeding, weaning practices and a short assessment of the infant's usual diet at 8 months.Mothers between 25–34 years old (26%) and mothers with a high level of education (25%) were more likely to breastfeed only during the first 8 months of life without using any other type of milk, compared to younger (6.5%) or older (21%) mothers, and to mothers with a lower level of education (16%). The level of education was also positively associated with the continuation of breastfeeding, with the mean duration of breastfeeding for higher educated mothers being 4 months compared to 2.6 months in less educated mothers. Mothers with a lower level of education and mothers who are house-wives are more likely to give their infants only ready-made foods however associations were in this case borderline significant. On the other hand, appropriateness of weaning age was not associated with any socio-economic factors.The length of breastfeeding and the introduction of complementary foods varied widely between mothers. Compliance with infant feeding guidelines was poor. The mother's age, level of education and employment status all have an impact on breastfeeding and weaning practices. The provision of professional advice and a supportive environment for mothers, together with interventions for increasing awareness may promote maternal adherence to WHO guideline.

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Clinical differences between eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), a multicenter cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-27485/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Guangming Dai ◽

Yajuan Ran ◽

Jiajia Wang ◽

Xingru Chen ◽

Junnan Peng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Logistic Regression ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Univariate Analysis ◽

Underlying Disease ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Chronic Obstructive ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Laboratory Findings ◽

Cross Sectional

Abstract Background AECOPD is highly heterogeneous with respect to etiology and inflammation. COPD with higher blood eosinophils is associated with increased readmission rates and better corticosteroid response. However, the clinical features of eosinophilic AECOPD aren’t well explored. Then, the aim of this study was to investigate the clinical differences between eosinophilic and non-eosinophilic AECOPD. Methods A total of 643 AECOPD patients were enrolled in this multicenter cross-sectional study. Finally, 455 were included, 214 in normal eosinophils AECOPD (NEOS-AECOPD) group, 63 in mild increased eosinophils AECOPD (MEOS-AECOPD) group, and 138 in severe increased eosinophils AECOPD (SEOS-AECOPD) group. Then, demographic data, underlying diseases, symptoms, and laboratory findings were collected. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify the independent factors associated with blood EOS. Correlations between blood EOS and its associated independent factors were evaluated. Results The significant differences in 19 factors, including underlying disease, clinical symptom, and laboratory parameters, were identified by univariate analysis. Subsequently, multiple logistic regression revealed that lymphocytes%, neutrophils% (NS%), procalcitonin (PCT), and anion gap (AG) were associated with blood EOS in AECOPD. Both blood EOS counts and EOS% significantly correlated with lymphocytes%, NS%, PCT, and AG. Conclusions The blood EOS was independently associated with lymphocytes%, NS%, PCT, and AG in AECOPD patients. Lymphocytes% was lower, and, NS%, PCT, and AG were higher in eosinophilic AECOPD. Our results indicate that viral dominant infections probably were the major etiology of eosinophilic AECOPD. Non-eosinophilic AECOPD was more likely associated with bacterial dominant infections. The systemic inflammation in non-eosinophilic AECOPD was more severe.

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Perception of Breastfeeding among Female Medical Students, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia 2012

Journal of medical and pharmaceutical sciences - مجلة العلوم الطبية و الصيدلانية ◽

10.26389/ajsrp.g060217 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Ghaida Aziz, Ghaida jabri, Ghaida Al-Ahmadi, Mona Ehab, Marw

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Knowledge Score ◽

Total Sample ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Hormonal Contraceptives ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Mean ◽

Knowledge And Attitude

Breast feeding (BF) is known to have many advantages but our Arab region has a pattern similar to western countries; where exclusive breastfeeding less than 35%. Knowledge given to women during her antenatal visits plays an important influential role in her attitude and practice of BF later on. Objective: To explore knowledge and attitude of female medical students at Taibah University about breastfeeding. Methods: A Cross sectional study was carried out from October to November 2012. It included female medical students. Stratified sampling allocation technique was used; with a total sample of 149 students. A specialty designed self-administrated questionnaire in Arabic form was used. It included socio-demographic data, obstetric history, data about the knowledge and attitude of female medical students towards breastfeeding value and guidelines. Mean percent knowledge score for value of BF, mean percent score for BF guidelines and mean percent score for attitude were calculated. Appropriate statistical tests for qualitative and quantitative data were used accordingly. Results: Majority (91.9%) (of the studied sample) was never married and 37.6% got their knowledge about BF via books. Regarding ever married women, 58.3% only were gravid (mean =2.2±1.94). Only 25.0% were family planning users; 66.7% of them used hormonal contraceptives. Only 20% breast fed their infants with a mean duration for exclusive BF of 3.8 ± 2.87 months and mean age of weaning of 2.3 ±0.63 months. The mean knowledge percent score for guidelines of BF was 64.7±8.45. The mean attitude percent score for concepts related to BF was 76.9±7.91. Conclusion: Media and internet have minor roles in getting knowledge about BF. The mean knowledge score about advantages of BF, guidelines of BF and attitude towards BF of all female medical students; especially academic years were unsatisfactory.

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The prevalence and clinical characteristics of diabetes mellitus in Chinese inpatients with chronic schizophrenia: a multicenter cross-sectional study

PeerJ ◽

10.7717/peerj.12553 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 ◽

pp. e12553

Author(s):

Yanni Wang ◽

Lingyun Zeng ◽

Lijuan Chen ◽

Xin Zhou ◽

Lijuan Huo ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Analysis ◽

Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Clinical Characteristics ◽

Chronic Schizophrenia ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common among patients with schizophrenia. However, information on patients comorbid DM and schizophrenia is limited in China. The present study investigated the prevalence of DM and its clinical characteristics in Chinese inpatients with chronic schizophrenia. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in Chinese inpatients with chronic schizophrenia. Diagnosis of Diabetes was established using World Health Organization diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus (persistent fasting glucose levels ≥ 126 mg/dl or 2-h plasma glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL after a 75-g Oral Glucose Tolerance Test). Patients were also measured height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, triglyceride level, and cholesterol level. Patients’ psychiatric symptoms were measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associated demographic and clinical variables in chronic schizophrenia. Results A total of 988 inpatients (64.6% male, average age of 47.19 ± 12.55) was recruited. The prevalence of DM in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia was 13.8% (95% CI [11.6–15.9]%). Logistic regression analysis showed that overweight (OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.20–3.03], p = 0.006), obesity (OR = 1.85, 95% CI [1.07–3.21], p = 0.028), comorbid hypertension (OR = 2.14, 95% CI [1.34–3.42], p = 0.002), and course of schizophrenia (OR = 1.03, 95% CI [1.01–1.06], p = 0.040) were significantly associated with the DM risk in patients with schizophrenia. Conclusion The findings indicated that diabetes mellitus was non-negligible in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Patients with schizophrenia should be regularly monitored for DM. Overweight/obesity, long duration of schizophrenia, and comorbid hypertension possibly were risk factors for diabetes.

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Factors predicting knowledge on COVID-19 misconceptions and perception of government efforts in Ghana: a cross-sectional study

International Journal of Scientific Reports ◽

10.18203/issn.2454-2156.intjscirep20203547 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 6 (9) ◽

pp. 340

Author(s):

Emmanuel K. Bondah ◽

Daniel O. Agyemang

Keyword(s):

Social Media ◽

Logistic Regression ◽

Regression Model ◽

Logistic Regression Model ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Level Of Knowledge ◽

The Government

Background: With the increasing rate of COVID-19 cases and mortality across the globe, countries and most people have adopted precautionary and preventive measures to avoid been infected with the disease. However, several trending myths and misconceptions also floods the world during this era.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 587 participants (53% males, 78% aged 18-30 years, and 74% having at least tertiary level education) in Ghana, using a convenience snowballing sampling approach. A self-designed questionnaire based on “World Health Organization (WHO) myth-busters” was used for data collection. A logistic regression model was developed to explore variables predicting misconceptions.Results: With about 75% of respondents believing they knew “a lot” about coronavirus, 41% (confidence interval: 37-45) reported a high level of knowledge on the new coronavirus misconceptions. Social media (87%), and television/radio (57%) were the major sources of knowledge. Masters/Ph.D. degree education, National democratic congress (NDC) political members, other political party members, excellent self-health ratings, social media, respondents that anticipate a remedy in 1-5 years, and the perception that the government is “not doing enough” in fighting the pandemic, were reported factors predicting knowledge in a multiple logistic regression model (p<0.05). Region of residence, political affiliation, self-health ratings, predicted time of remedy, and level of knowledge on covid-19 misconceptions were also associated with the perception of government efforts (p<0.05).Conclusion: Most Ghanaians have much belief in trending misinformation related to the pandemic. Public health education and campaigns should address these misconceptions and encourage the public to seek information from credible sources.

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Hypertension and Diabetes as a risk factor for dementia: a cross sectional study

International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences ◽

10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20193910 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (9) ◽

pp. 3337

Author(s):

Arshad Yahya ◽

Robina Shamim ◽

Kuljeet S. Anand

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Risk Factors ◽

Vascular Dementia ◽

Statistical Tests ◽

Positive Association ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

World Health ◽

P Value ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional

Background: A relation between possible cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension and diabetes) and dementia has been studied in the past and an association has been documented, in spite of some studies pointing to the contrary. Our purpose is to analyze the relation between these risk factors and dementia and add some information to the existing concept and will try to conceptualize the pathogenesis of dementia.Methods: This was a cross sectional study. Patients were recruited from amongst those presenting to our department by convenient consecutive sampling method after taking consent. Five hundred patients of different types of dementia were enrolled. Hypertension was diagnosed using JNC7 criteria. World health organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria were used to diagnose diabetes mellitus. The open Epi software version 3 was used to find the absolute values after preparing 2×2 table. Continuous quantitative data were analyzed using chi square test. Odds ratio and Risk ratio were also calculated. For all statistical tests, a p Value less than 0.05 was taken to indicate significance.Results: Study provides the strong positive association of hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) with vascular dementia (VaD) but the relationship of these risk factors were not positively correlated with other dementia. Conclusions: Positive association of these risk factors with vascular dementia were found but not with the other types of dementia.

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