scholarly journals Variation in Nordic Work-Related Cancer Risks after Adjustment for Alcohol and Tobacco

Author(s):  
Kristina Kjaerheim ◽  
Tor Haldorsen ◽  
Elsebeth Lynge ◽  
Jan Martinsen ◽  
Eero Pukkala ◽  
...  

Background: Alcohol and tobacco strongly increases the risk of cancers of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus, and are also established risk factors for cancer of the liver, colon, and rectum. It is well documented that these habits are unequally distributed among occupational groups. Most occupational cohort studies lack information on these potentially important confounders, and may therefore be prone to bias. Aim: The aim of the study is to present Nordic standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for alcohol and tobacco related cancer by occupation, after adjustment for alcohol and tobacco, and to compare to the unadjusted SIRs. Material and Methods: The study is based on the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) database. We used confirmatory factor analysis models for simultaneous analysis of the cancer sites related to alcohol and tobacco, to obtain factors that allow for computation of adjusted expected numbers from the reference rates. We then calculated adjusted SIRs for the relevant cancer sites for each occupation. Results: For some occupations and cancers, the changes of risk estimates were striking, from significantly high to significantly low and vice versa. Among Nordic farmers, unadjusted SIRs for cancer of the mouth and oesophagus were 0.56 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51–0.61) and 0.67 (CI 0.63–0.70), respectively. After adjustment, estimates changed to 1.10 (CI 1.01–1.21) and 1.16 (CI 1.10–1.22). Unadjusted SIR for pharynx cancer among wood workers was 0.83 (CI 0.75–0.91), adjusted SIR was 1.14 (CI 1.03–1.25). For larynx cancer, results in the opposite direction were seen: unadjusted SIR for economically inactive was 1.38 (CI 1.31–1.46) while the adjusted SIR was 0.91 (CI 0.86–0.96). Conclusions: Adjustment for the latent indicators of alcohol and tobacco consumption changed risk estimates for several occupations, gave a less confounded description of risk, and may guide in the identification of true risk factors.

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A54.2-A54
Author(s):  
Kristina Kjaerheim ◽  
Tor Haldorsen ◽  
Elsebeth Lynge ◽  
Jan Ivar Martinsen ◽  
Eero Pukkala ◽  
...  

BackgroundConsumption of alcohol and tobacco strongly increases risk of cancer of the tongue, mouth, pharynx, larynx, and oesophagus, and are established risk factors also for cancer of the liver, colon, and rectum. It is well documented that these habits are unequally distributed among occupational groups. Most occupational cohort studies do not have information on these potentially important confounders, and may therefore be prone to bias.AimThe aim of the study was to calculate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) adjusted for alcohol and tobacco by occupation, and to compare to the unadjusted SIRs.Material and methodsThe study is based on the Nordic Occupational Cancer (NOCCA) database.We used confirmatory factor analysis models where the unobserved pattern of alcohol and tobacco consumption were considered a latent common factor, and the potential occupational variation on each cancer type latent site specific factors. Results were used to compute adjusted expected numbers of cancer from the reference rates and to calculate adjusted SIRs for the relevant cancer sites for each occupation.ResultsChanges of risk estimates from significantly high to significantly low and vice versa were seen. Among Nordic farmers, unadjusted SIRs for cancer of the mouth and oesophagus were 0.56 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.61) and 0.67 (CI 0.63–0.70), respectively. After adjustment, estimates changed to 1.10 (CI 1.01–1.21) and 1.16 (CI 1.10–1.22). Unadjusted SIR for pharynx cancer among wood workers was 0.83 (CI 0.75–0.91), adjusted SIR was 1.14 (CI 1.03–1.25). For larynx cancer, results in the opposite direction were seen: unadjusted SIR for economically inactive was 1.38 (CI 1.31–1.46) while the adjusted SIR was 0.91 (CI 0.86–0.96).ConclusionAdjustment for the latent indicators of alcohol and tobacco consumption changed risk estimates for several occupations, and may guide in the identification of true risk factors and preventive strategies.


2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 711-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karoline Grødal ◽  
Siw Tone Innstrand ◽  
Georg F. Bauer ◽  
Gørill Haugan ◽  
Toril Rannestad ◽  
...  

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the work-related sense of coherence scale, which measures the perceived comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness of an individual’s current work situation. Methods: Factorial validity, convergent and discriminant validity of the factors, as well as scale reliability were tested with confirmatory factor analyses among two samples of employees in higher education institutions ( N = 6951) and nursing homes ( N = 558). Factorial invariance across occupational groups was also investigated. Results: A modified three-factor structure was shown to be valid and reliable in both samples and invariant across occupational groups. However, problems were detected regarding the discriminant validity between the factors comprehensibility and manageability. Conclusions: The Norwegian version of the work-related sense of coherence scale seems to have good properties. Further development is needed to better distinguish between the comprehensibility and manageability dimensions.


Crisis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 91-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Alderson ◽  
Xavier Parent-Rocheleau ◽  
Brian Mishara

Background: Research shows that there is a high prevalence of suicide among nurses. Despite this, it has been 15 years since the last literature review on the subject was published. Aim: The aim of this article is to review the knowledge currently available on the risk of suicide among nurses and on contributory risk factors. Method: A search was conducted in electronic databases using keywords related to prevalence and risk factors of suicide among nurses. The abstracts were analyzed by reviewers according to selection criteria. Selected articles were submitted to a full-text review and their key elements were summarized. Results: Only nine articles were eligible for inclusion in this review. The results of this literature review highlight both the troubling high prevalence of suicide among nurses as well as the persistent lack of studies that examine this issue. Conclusion: Considering that the effects of several factors related to nurses' work and work settings are associated with high stress, distress, or psychiatric problems, we highlight the relevance of investigating work-related factors associated with nurses' risk of suicide. Several avenues for future studies are discussed as well as possible research methods.


Author(s):  
Zoe Del Fante ◽  
Nicola Di Fazio ◽  
Adriano Papale ◽  
Paola Tomao ◽  
Fabio Del Duca ◽  
...  

Physical risk assessments allow us to understand work-related critical issues, thus representing a useful tool in risk management strategies. In particular, our study focuses on the identification of already known and emerging physical risks related to necropsy and morgue activities, as well as crime scene investigations. The aim of our study is, therefore, to identify objective elements in order to quantify exposure to such risk factors among healthcare professionals and working personnel. For the research of potentially at-risk activities, data from the Morgue of Policlinico Umberto I Hospital in Rome were used. The scientific literature has been reviewed in order to assess the risks associated with morgue activity. Measurements were performed on previously scheduled days, in collaboration with the activities of different research units. The identified areas of risk were: microclimate; exposure to noise and vibrations; postural and biomechanical aspects of necropsy activities. The obtained results make it possible to detect interindividual variability in exposure to many of the aforementioned risk factors. In particular, the assessment of microclimate did not show significant results. On the contrary, exposure to vibrations and biomechanical aspects of load handling have shown potential risk profiles. For this reason, both profiles have been identified as possible action targets for risk management strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beibei Feng ◽  
Kedi Chen ◽  
Xiaoxia Zhu ◽  
Wing-Yuk Ip ◽  
Lars L. Andersen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common cause of pain, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand region and is associated with repetitive wrist and hand use in office workers. However, scarce knowledge exists about the epidemiology of clinically confirmed CTS among Chinese office workers. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of wrist/hand symptoms and CTS in office workers in China and to identify associated risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was carried out in a metropolitan city in China involving 969 respondents (aged 17–49 years) from 30 workplaces. A questionnaire was distributed to each participant to collect their demographic, work-related physical and psychosocial factors, and wrist and hand symptoms. The wrist and hand pain/numbness symptoms were marked on a body chart and the nature and intensity of symptoms, nocturnal symptoms, as well as aggravating activities were also recorded. Clinically confirmed CTS cases were screened based on the history, Phalen’s test, Tinel Sign and skin sensation testing among symptomatic respondents. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for the occurrence of self-reported wrist and hand symptoms and clinically confirmed CTS. Results The clinically confirmed CTS prevalence was 9.6%. The prevalence of wrist and hand symptoms were 22 and 15%, respectively. Frequently working in pain was associated with higher odds of CTS. Multivariate modelling adjusted for age and gender showed that prolonged computer use time and working without breaks were associated with presence of wrist/hand symptoms (adjusted ORs: 1.11 (95% CI 1.02–1.22) and 1.88 (95% CI 1.12–3.14)). Educational level was inversely associated with CTS and smoking was associated with wrist/hand complaints (adjusted OR: 2.20 (95% CI 1.19–4.07)). Conclusions The prevalence of work-related clinically confirmed CTS symptoms among young office workers in China is high. Frequently working in pain is closely associated with clinically confirmed CTS. Intense computer use and no breaks at work are associated with wrist and hand symptoms.


2021 ◽  
pp. 108705472110256
Author(s):  
Lingjing Chen ◽  
Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz ◽  
Emma Björkenstam ◽  
Syed Rahman ◽  
Klas Gustafsson ◽  
...  

Objective: To investigate risk factors of disability pension (DP) in young adults diagnosed with ADHD in Sweden. Method: In total, 9718 individuals diagnosed with incident ADHD in young adult age (19–29 years) 2006 to 2011, were identified through national registers. They were followed for 5 years and Cox regression models were applied to analyze the DP risk (overall and by sex), associated with socio-demographics, work-related factors, and comorbid disorders. Results: Twenty-one percent of all received DP. Being younger at diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.54; 95%confidence interval [CI] 1.39–1.71); low educational level (HR = 1.97; 95%CI 1.60–2.43 for <10 years); work-related factors at baseline (no income from work [HR = 2.64; 95%CI 2.35–2.98] and sickness absence >90 days [HR = 2.48; 95%CI2.17–2.83]); and schizophrenia/psychoses (HR = 2.16; 95%CI 1.66–2.80), autism (HR = 1.87; 95%CI 1.42–2.46), anxiety (HR = 1.34; 95%CI 1.22–1.49) were significantly associated with an increased risk of DP. Similar risk patterns were found in men and women. Conclusion: Work-related factors and comorbid mental disorders need to be highlighted in early vocational rehabilitation for individuals with ADHD.


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