scholarly journals Factors influencing the use of hearing protection devices in Irish mine workers

Author(s):  
Patrick McGuinn ◽  
Conor Buggy ◽  
Anne Drummond ◽  
Penpatra Sripaiboonkij

Background: Workers who are exposed to high levels of noise should consider wearing HPDs when elimination of noise cannot be put in place. There are several factors including health and safety management systems, peers and policy that could influence workers to either use or not use HPDs. Objectives: To determine worker’s perception of noise risk in a mining setting and to determine if there is an association between organisational rules, knowledge, and the wearing of Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs). Methods: A cross- sectional study was conducted at a mining setting in Ireland in which 116 workers participated; a self-administered questionnaire survey was used. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and binary regression analysis. Results: The study had a response rate of 94% of the entire population. The mean exposure to noise levels that require HPDs is 5.32 hours. The results showed an association between using HPDs and organisation rules; and no association between preventing abnormal hearing, perceived influences in the workplace, knowledge and information. Conclusion: Factors that can influence workers likelihood to wear HPDs are organisation rules; this is unaffected by the influence of colleagues. Each company should have a clear policy to encourage workers to wear HPDs for preventing Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Application: The findings highlighted that a company’s health and safety policy is important to encourage employees to wear HPDs. Mine settings or noisy workplaces should have transparent policies for employees to follow and benefit their hearing health, even if an employee is not aware of the full content of a policy, aspects are known.

Author(s):  
Ahmed Arafa ◽  
Shaimaa Senosy

Abstract Background Menstrual disorders are common gynecological problems among adolescents, however, medical counseling for these disorders is not well documented in developing countries. Objectives This study aimed to assess medical counseling for menstrual disorders among schoolgirls in Beni-Suef city in South Egypt. Methods Using a multi-stage random sampling, a total of 970 preparatory schoolgirls were included in this study. We used a self-administered questionnaire to detect the premenstrual and menstrual disorders as reported by the schoolgirls during the previous 6 months. Medical counseling for the menstrual disorders and other demographic characteristics were also surveyed. Results The mean age of the schoolgirls was 15.4 ± 0.8 years, age of menarche 13.2 ± 1.1 years and menstrual flow days 5.0 ± 1.3. During the past 6 months, 19.4% of the schoolgirls reported medical counseling for at least one menstrual symptom. Dysmenorrhea (89.2%), premenstrual fatigue (32.4%) and headache (31.1%) were the most often reported symptoms. After adjustment for personal and gynecological characters, abdominal bloating [odds ratio (OR) 3.66; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.18–6.17], flow days >4 (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.21–2.47), acne flare (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.01–1.99), dysuria (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.35–3.22) and facial hair (OR 6.89; 95% CI 3.47–13.69) were associated significantly with a higher likelihood of medical counseling. Conclusion Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among preparatory schoolgirls in Beni-Suef, however, there is a noticeable lack of the medical counseling for these disorders. Future research should focus on the barriers to medical counseling for menstrual disorders among adolescents.


PeerJ ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. e4952 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ramazan Azim Okyay ◽  
Ferdi Tanır ◽  
Pelin Mutlu Ağaoğlu

Background Among agricultural workers, especially in the seasonal migratory ones, housing and hygiene related issues, occupational accidents, low levels of education, poverty and absence of social security problems emerge as significant public health problems. This study aims to compare migrant-seasonal workers (MSWs) and resident agricultural workers (RAWs) in terms of socio-demographic characteristics and occupational health and safety in Adana, one of Turkey’s most important agricultural cities. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on RAWs and MSWs, aged 15–65, operating in the province of Adana. The calculated sample sizes for both MSWs and RAWs were distributed using stratified simple random sampling to five districts of Adana. Results The mean age of the 798 participating agricultural workers was 34.6 ± 14.2. Of the RAWs, 78.8% and of the MSWs 57.0% were male; 5.8% of RAWs and 32.8% of MSWs were illiterate. The mean number of people in the households of the participating workers was 5.1 for RAWs and 6.6 for MSWs. Of the RAWs, 20.5% were not covered by any social security scheme while this percentage was 35.1% in MSWs. RAWs worked 9.9 h a day while MSWs worked 10.9 h a day. Of the agricultural workers, 12.9% had injuries caused by occupational accidents. Discussion Agricultural workers, who are a large part of Turkey’s economically active population, do not have healthy and safe working conditions. New regulations in the fields of social security, record keeping, monitoring, supervision, education and occupational health have been implemented recently to solve these problems. Despite the recent improvements there are still some problematic issues in the auditing of the necessary practices.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 268-278
Author(s):  
Norazlifah Muhamad ◽  
Azrianii Ab Rahman ◽  
Mohd Ismail Ibrahim ◽  
Razlina Abdul Rahman ◽  
Wan Nor Arifin Wan Mansor ◽  
...  

Although the number of pornography exposure is increasing, our understandings on the issues are still lacking. This study aimed to compare gender differences in the attitudes towards pornography among youth in Kelantan. A cross sectional study was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire (PORQUE) on 930 college students in both government and private colleges in Kelantan. The mean scores were significantly higher among females for majority of the items assessing non-permissive feelings toward pornography materials (p<0.001), perception on impact of pornography (p<0.05) and perception on factors contributed to pornography (p<0.05). The mean score for majority of the items assessing permissive and perceptions toward pornography materials were significantly higher among males(p<0.001). Females were more non-permissive towards pornography, better perceived the impact of pornography and factors contributed to pornography compared to males. These findings are important as it serve as a guide for the stakeholders to implement pornography intervention for youth in Malaysia.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 323-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Hussein Subki ◽  
Abdel Moniem Mukhtar ◽  
Rakan Salah Al-Harbi ◽  
Abdulaziz Khaled Alotaibi ◽  
Faisal Ghazi Mosaad ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives: Epilepsy is considered one of the most prevalent causes of morbidity in children. The aim of this study is to determine how epilepsy impacts the lives of children with epilepsy and their families. Methods: A translated version of the “Impact of Pediatric Epilepsy Scale” (IPES) questionnaire was completed by the 80 mothers of children with epilepsy, recruited at three hospitals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia This is a validated self-administered questionnaire used to assess the impact of epilepsy on the lives of the child and family, as well as the quality of life (QoL) of the child. Results: The mean age of children epilepsy was 6.32 years (SD = 3.22). The mean IPES score was 6.28 (SD = 8.42) and the mean child’s QoL was 2.85 (SD= 0.83). 87.5% of the mothers rated their child’s QoL as low. IPES score was significantly associated with cause of seizure (β=0.259; 95%-CI= 0.263 - 10.334; p = 0.039). Child’s QoL was significantly associated with frequency of seizure (β=0.251; 95%-CI= 0.016 - 0.568; p= 0.039) and child’s nationality (β=-0.270; 95%-CI -0.252, -0.013; p= 0.031). Conclusions: Pediatric epilepsy may have a greater impact on the lives of the child and the family when it is not comorbid with cerebral palsy. Quality of life tends to be lower for non-Saudi children, and children with more frequent seizures. Therefore, these groups may need more support in managing the impact that epilepsy has on their daily functioning and quality of life.


2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiane Costa Meira ◽  
Vilma Sousa Santana ◽  
Silvia Ferrite

OBJECTIVE To analyze whether sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related data are associated with the use of hearing protection devices at work, according to gender. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2006, using a random sample of 2,429 workers, aged between 18 and 65 years old, from residential sub-areas in Salvador, BA, Northeastern Brazil. Questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic, occupational, and health-related data. Workers who reported that they worked in places where they needed to shout in order to be heard were considered to be exposed to noise. Exposed workers were asked whether they used hearing protection devices, and if so, how frequently. Analyses were conducted according to gender, with estimates made about prevalence of the use of hearing protection devices, prevalence ratios, and their respective 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS Twelve percent (12.3%) of study subjects reported that they were exposed to noise while working. Prevalence of the use of hearing protection devices was 59.3% for men and 21.4% for women. Men from higher socioeconomic levels (PR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.14;1.90) and who had previous audiometric tests (PR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.15;1.88) were more likely to use hearing protection devices. For women, greater perceived safety was associated with the use of protection devices (PR = 2.92; 95%CI 1.34;6.34). This perception was specifically related to the presence of supervisors committed to safety (PR = 2.09; 95%CI 1.04;4.21), the existence of clear rules to prevent workplace injuries (PR = 2.81; 95%CI 1.41;5.59), and whether they were informed about workplace safety (PR = 2.42; 95%CI 1.23;4.76). CONCLUSIONS There is a gender bias regarding the use of hearing protection devices that is less favorable to women. The use of such devices among women is positively influenced by their perception of a safe workplace, suggesting that gender should be considered as a factor in hearing conservation programs.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kah Heng Lee ◽  
Geza Benke ◽  
Dean McKenzie

Abstract Introduction:At a major hazard facility, sporadic cases of occupational noise-induced hearing loss have occurred despite the use of hearing protection devices. Preliminary testing with a system for measuring personal attenuation ratings (PAR) suggested that earplugs may not achieve the attenuation implied by their Australian Class designation in field-use conditions. We believe that ours to be a world-first study at the time it was conducted to check the relationship between Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) and the Australian SLC80 classification for hearing protection devices, and the findings can be used to complement studies based on the American Noise Reduction Ratio (NRR).Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed with 65 volunteers. Participants were recruited from Operations and Maintenance Technicians at the major hazard facility. The participants had their PARs checked with different earplug types using the 3MTM E-A-RfitTM system. An earplug is deemed to have achieved a ‘pass’ if it achieved 22 dB attenuation for 80% of users (the definition for Australian Class 4 hearing protection)Results:None of the earplug types achieved the attenuation implied by their class rating when tested in field-use conditions. There were statistically significant differences in the frequency of achieving a ‘Pass’, and in PAR, depending on earplug type. Roll-down foam earplugs may provide superior attenuation compared to pre-moulded earplugs.Conclusion:Earplugs are unlikely to achieve the attenuation found in laboratory conditions during field-use. Personalised selection of hearing protection devices based on fit-testing results should be encouraged.


Author(s):  
Raúl Payá Castiblanque

The aim of this research was to study the impact of the unitary prevention delegates (UPDs) on the Spanish working environment. To this end, a cross-sectional study was carried out using microdata from the National Survey on Health and Safety Management in Companies (ENGE-2009) with a sample of 5147 work centres. To measure the relationship between the presence of UPD in workplaces with preventive management indicators and damage to health, individual and multiple logistic regression models were carried out, calculating the crude (cOR) and adjusted (aOR) odds ratios by sociodemographic covariates, with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Ambivalent results were obtained. On the one hand, a positive impact of the UPDs was found, in the management of prevention showing a higher probability of prevention plans being carried out (aOR = 3.97; 95% CI: 3.26–4.83), risk assessments (aOR = 5.96; 95% CI: 4.44–8.01) and preventive actions were planned (aOR = 3.01; 95% CI: 2.55–3.56), as well as 1.56 times less likely to register minor occupational accidents (aOR = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.53–0.76). On the other hand, the presence of the UPDs did not promote the activation of a participatory culture and did not reduce the probability of suffering serious and fatal accidents at work. In conclusion, UPDs need to activate workers’ participation to improve results.


2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 252-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zairina Abdul Rahman ◽  
Abdul Sallam Atiya

An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of work-related upper limbs symptoms (WRULS) among office workers and factors associated with it. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the information. A total of 463 (87.7%) office workers from selected government agencies participated in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 34.1 years (range = 18-55 years). Majority (91.6%) were Malay and female (72.8%), and 58.1% were from clerical group. Mean duration of work was 8.7 years. This study found that prevalence of WRULS was 33.0% (95% CI [confidence interval] = 28.8%, 37.3%). Computer users at work had 2.0 (95% CI = 1.1, 3.4) higher odds ratio of developing WRULS and those who used it for 5 hours and more per day had 7.5 (95% CI = 2.3, 24.2) higher odds ratio of developing WRULS. Hand-intensive hobbies and higher education were also found to be associated with WRULS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116
Author(s):  
Hasanain Faisal Ghazi ◽  
Taqi Mohammed Jwad Taher ◽  
Sumayah Al-Mahmood ◽  
Shaimaa Ahmad Hassan ◽  
Rana Talib Al-Nafakh ◽  
...  

   Background: Earlier studies focused on description of clinical presentations of patients in the acute phase of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Recently, records have emerged that some patients continue to suffer from symptoms related to COVID-19 after the acute phase of infection. Yet, there is no clear definition for this condition, and different terminology has encompassed such as “post-acute COVID-19 syndrome”, “post-COVID syndrome” and “long COVID”. This study aimed to identify the prevalence of Post-COVID-19 symptoms among the adult population in Baghdad city.  Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 341 Iraqi adults during the period from January to February 2021. All participants are confirmed and recovered cases of COVID-19. An online self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire includes information about socio-demographic characteristics, presence of co-existing conditions, details about COVID-19 infection, in addition to frequency, type, and duration of symptoms.  Results: The results showed that the mean age of the participants was 30.41 years old and females represented about 65.1% of them. They suffer more frequently from symptoms of depression (6.7%), anxiety (6.2%), and peripheral neuropathy (6.2%) after 12 weeks after the acute phase. Feeling of fatigability was the most frequent symptom mentioned by (12.3%) of the patients that persist for more than 3-4 weeks beyond recovery followed by cognitive impairment in (11.7%) and loss of taste and/or smell in about (11.4%) of them.  Conclusion: The majority of the patients suffered from persistent symptoms of COVID-19 following recovery, some of these symptoms continue for more than 3-4 weeks whereas others persist for longer than 12 weeks. 


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