JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & EPIDEMIOLOGY
Year:2024 | Volume:13 | Issue:1|Papers Count:9

Background: The outbreak of the Covid-19 has been a serious threat to the health and lives of many people. This study aimed to determine the survival rate and its contributing factors in Covid-19 patients who were hospitalized in hospitals in Fars province. Materials and Methods: This study is a hospital-based carried out on 119429 of Covid-19 hospitalized patients in the south of Iran within 2019 – 2022. Information of demographics and clinical characteristics, symptoms, and comorbidity of patients were extracted from medical records. The Kaplan–Meier curve and the Log rank test were used to compare survival rate in different groups. Cox regression was employed to determine the factors that affect survival. Results: The mean age of the participants was 51.5 year. The density incidence of death was estimated to be 16.8, 4.6, and 43.9 per 1000 person-days for all of patient, intensive care unit patients, and intubated patients, respectively. The Multiple Cox Regression results suggested that risk of mortality is 5.61 times higher in patients over 75 years, 3 times higher in patients admitted to the intensive care unit, and 3.4 times higher in intubated patients. Also, the risk of mortality was higher in men and those with underlying disease. Conclusion: We found out that being elder, being a male, hospitalization in the intensive care unit, and being intubated would increase the risk of mortality. Thus, it is treatment management of hospitalized patients is necessary, especially elderly patients and those with underlying diseases.

Background: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are damage to the tissue of the musculoskeletal system that disrupt the flow and functionality of the human body. The current study evaluated changes in years of life lost (YLL) due to MSDs and mortality rates associated with MSDs in the 16 year-period from 2004 to 2019. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, YLL for MSDs for the years 2004-2019 in Fars province was calculated using the YLL template from World Health Organization (WHO), and the number of total deaths due to MSDs in Fars province was obtained from the electronic population-based death registration system (EDRS). Results: Between the years 2004 and 2019, 746 deaths due to MSDs occurred in Fars province. The crude mortality rate increased in men from 1.29 (per 100,000 population) in 2004 to 1.47 in 2019 (p-value for trend=0.057) and in women from 1.18 in 2004 to 2.58 in 2019 (p-value for trend <0.001). Total YLL due to MSDs over the same period was 4,690 and 6,852 (0.14 and 0.22 per 1000 population) in men and women, respectively (female/male gender ratio =1.46). Conclusion: The findings revealed that YLL due to MSDs was higher in females than males. The highest and lowest YLL due to MSDs was seen in the age group of 40-49 and 0-9 years, respectively. To minimize the effects of MSDs, further adjustment in the policies and regulations tailored for appropriate age groups and populations is recommended.

Background: Cognitive failures are one of the most important causes of patients' unsafe events. Hence, it is necessary to consider individual and cognitive, as well as extra-organizational characteristics. The present study was conducted to investigate the association between personality traits, job stress, work-family conflict and nurses' cognitive failures. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 nurses working in three public hospitals in Sari city, Iran, in 2021. The subjects were selected using Stratified Random Sampling. NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) tool, Work-Family Conflict Scale (WFCS), and Occupational Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (OCFQ) were used to measure personality traits, job stress, work-family conflict, and cognitive Failures, respectively. The data were analyzed in SPSS (ve. 23) and regression analysis with the sequential method was applied.  Results: Among 13 studied predictor variables, only extraversion, agreeableness, demand, and role were predictors of cognitive failures. These variables explain 44.1% of the variance of cognitive failure. The b values of neuroticism and conscientiousness to predict cognitive failures were 0.34 and -0.29, respectively (P < 0.001). Although role (b = 0.15, p < 0.001) and demand (b = 0.14, p < 0.001) significantly predict cognitive failure; however, their effect is limited. The results of the study did not provide confirmation for the moderating effect of neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness on the association between work-family conflict, job stress, and cognitive failures. Conclusions: Along with environmental and organizational stress factors, evaluating nurses’ personality traits is necessary to control cognitive failures.

Background: Some menopausal symptoms can negatively affect people's daily activities. The work ability index (WAI) investigates employees at risk of work-related disabilities. The current study, conducted at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, evaluated the association between the severity of symptoms during the menopausal transition and the work ability index. Materials & Methods: In this descriptive study, 170 female subjects in the age range of menopause transition (42 to 54 years) were selected from the list of female employees at Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, using the simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a socio-demographic characteristics form, the work ability questionnaire, and the severity of menopause symptoms questionnaire. Finally, the data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22). ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied for data analysis. Results: The mean±SD of the WAI score was 38.88±6.55. The mean ± SD of intensity of physical, mental, and urogenital menopausal symptoms were 7.44±2.96, 6.46±2.67, and 5.32±2.30, respectively. The Pearson correlation coefficient between menopausal symptom severity and work ability was significantly negative (p<0.001, r=-0.418). Conclusion: The reduced work ability of female employees may cause increased absenteeism, additional costs for the employer, reduced employee productivity, and increased production costs, especially in the industry and service sectors.

Background: The crisis of COVID-19 has greatly impacted the mental health of healthcare workers, and neglecting it can cause burnout syndrome among them. This study investigates job burnout and its association with the general health among healthcare professionals (HCPs) during the coronavirus pandemic. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study in 2022, 400 employees of Kermanshah hospitals were selected using the convenience sampling method and Cochran's formula. The online questionnaire had 3 parts. The first was demographic information, the second was Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and the third was a 28-question general health questionnaire. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical and analytical tests, including the chi-square test, linear regression, and correlation at a significance level of less than 0.05 using SPSS software, version 19. Results: All the job burnout components had a strong correlation with general health items Emotional Exhaustion (r=-0.509, p<0.01), Reduced Personal Accomplishment (r=-0.514, p<0.01), and Depersonalization (r=-0.614, p<0.01)). Among all the components of job burnout, depersonalization could predict 38.6% of general health changes in employees working in the hospitals of Kermanshah City. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals in Kermanshah hospitals have experienced a lot of job burnout during the pandemic of Covid-19, and this problem was related to their general health status.

Background: COVID-19 has been declared a pandemic and has caused tremendous psychological stress, potentially causing psychological disorders among healthcare workers as a vulnerable group. The COVID-19 pandemic's impacts are unavoidable for Indonesian healthcare workers. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of stress, anxiety, and depression among Indonesian healthcare workers battling the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: An online survey was conducted from August until September 2020 among Indonesian healthcare workers, including general physicians, specialist doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, and laboratory staff. A standardized self-reported e-questionnaire was generated using the Google form and was shared through online platforms. A total of 1107 respondents were obtained. After providing informed consent, respondents completed a survey that collected sociodemographic data and assessed stress, anxiety, and depression using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS 42). Statistical analysis, including chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact tests, was employed, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results:  The findings revealed a prevalence of 9.7% for stress, 20.1% for anxiety, and 8.8% for depression among Indonesian healthcare workers. Anxiety emerged as a predominant mental health issue, particularly among nurses. Stress closely mirrored anxiety's prevalence across professions, while depression exhibited lower prevalence rates compared to anxiety and stress. Conclusions: This study provides crucial insights into the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Indonesian healthcare workers, highlighting the significant burden of stress, anxiety, and depression. Urgent interventions and support mechanisms are warranted to safeguard the mental well-being of healthcare professionals amidst the ongoing crisis

Background: WBV and heat stress are important hazardous agents, which can affect the people’s cognitive function. The present study aimted to explore the effect of co-exposure to heat stress and WBV on auditory-visual attention and reaction time in a laboratory setting.  Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 32 consenting male students chosen from the university in accordance with the inclusion criteria. The participants were required to complete the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) in order to determine their state of health. The Ishihara color blind test was performed afterward. Heat stress exposure was exerted at a WBGT index of 22, 29, and 34 °C, with 22 °C as the control condition. WBV was applied at 0.53, 0.81, and 1.12 m/s2, as well as a no WBV exposure condition (the control), making a total of 12 different exposure modes. The reaction times and auditory-visual attention of the subjects were measured via the IVA test. Further, the individuals’ heart rate was recorded by a digital heart rate monitor. Results: Elevation of WBV acceleration and WBGT from 29°C to 34°C independently caused a significant reduction in auditory-visual attention, as well as a significant rise in reaction times. Co-exposure to WBV and heat stress significantly affected auditory-visual attention and reaction time (p<0.001). Conclusions: According to the results, WBV and heat stress are two influential factors on cognitive performance which can reduce concentration and attention devoted to work.

Background: Individual factors influence safety behavior, especially personality and psychological variables. Self-efficacy and perceived control are among these psychological drivers that were less addressed in the industrial environments and work safety. In this regard, the present study was conducted to investigate the association between safety self-efficacy and safety perceived control with the dimensions of safety behaviors. Methods and Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a steel industry in Yazd province during the spring of 2023. 252 employees from different occupational groups (workers, supervisors, and production managers) were included in the study. Griffin and Neal's questionnaire was used to check the safety behavior dimensions (safety compliance and safety participation). Moreover, safety self-efficacy and safety perceived control were evaluated using Proactive-Safety Role Orientation Questionnaire (PRO-SAFE). To analyze the data, correlation, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regression model were used. SPSS-24 software was used to analyze data.    Results: We found a positive and significant association between psychological drivers and safety behavior. The regression model showed that with a unit increase in the safety self-efficacy score, the mean score of safety compliance, and safety participation increased by 0.36 and 0.36, respectively. Furthermore, with a unit increase in the safety perceived control score, the mean score of safety compliance and safety participation increased by 0.41 and 0.44, respectively.  Conclusion: Considering positive and significant association between psychological drivers and safety behavior, creating and promoting psychological drivers in the individuals can improve the level of safety in the workplace and reduce accidents.

Background: Acupressure is a branch of complementary medicine that is non-pharmacological and non-invasive. We conducted this technique to see its effect on pulmonary function in Rafsanjan Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex workers. Materials and Methods: This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 82 workers with abnormal spirometry results. Respondents were selected by convenient sampling and then randomly divided into the two groups of 41 people. In the intervention group, after acupressure training, the participants were asked to stimulate 2 points first on one side of the body and then on the other side. The Two points were LU7 and LU9. The pressure was applied using fingers for 2 minutes at each point, at a specific time, and for 5 days by the participants themselves. In the control group, acupressure was used at ineffective points that the samples did not know about. FVC, FEV1 indices, and six-minute walk test (6MWT) in both groups were measured and compared before and after the intervention. Results: No significant difference was observed between the control and intervention groups before the study based on FVC, FEV1 and 6MWT scors.  There was also no difference in the control group before and after the study based on these indices. However, in the treatment group, the FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratios significantly increased after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions: Acupressure can effectively improve the functional parameters of the lungs, especially in workers who suffer from pulmonary dysfunction due to occupational diseases.