relationship between eye discomfort symptoms and work with video display terminals among a group of computerists

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of subjective eye discomfort symptoms due to visual display terminal work, and its association with some confounding factors as age, sex, and daily work time. 93 computerists representing the exposed group and 78 office employees not using VDTs [referent group], were matched for age, sex and duration of employment All participants were interviewed and subjected to a pre-constructed, questionnaire inquiring on personal, occupational and medical histories, also questions asking about the occurrence of certain specific eight eye adverse symptoms were included. The results indicated that VDT workers, in computer and data processing services reported a statistically significant higher prevalence of eye discomfort symptoms compared with that of referents and the women suffered from significant more eye complaints than men. That prevalence was significantly associated with the increase in daily time of VDT use. We strongly recommend that VDT workers should be encouraged to have their vision tested and corrected for specific occupational tasks at regular intervals. Reducing the number of daily hours of VDT Use to 3 hours or fewer via increased rest breaks or scheduled ulternative work was also strongly advised

Some respiratory disorders in mattress - makers, an epidemiologic study

This study has been carried out in the year 1997 in Zagazig City on a random sample of 88 mattress-makers and a similar number of workers of the Faculty of Medicine, as a control group, to determine the prevalence of respiratory disorders and identify risk factors. The studied groups were interviewed using the M.R.C. [1960] questionnaire on respiratory symptoms. Then, they were subjected to chest clinical examination and spirometry by the vitalograph. Dust concentration in the work places was estimated. Prevalence of respiratory disorders in mattress-makers and control group was 63.6% and 31.8. respectively [P < 0.05]. In mattress-makers: prevalence of ch. cough, ch. bronchitis, dyspnea, byssinosis and crackles was 25%. 21.6, 10.2%, 6.8% and 5.7%, respectively. corresponding to 12.5%, 9.1%1.1%, 0% and 0% in the control group [P < 0.05]. Most cases of byssiriosis were grade 1 and F1. Spirometry showed lower mean of FVC% of predicted and FEV[1] FVC% in mattress-makers than in the control group [P < 0.05]. Prevalence of smoking in mattress-makers was 42%. Prevalence of some respiratory disorders was related to duration of exposure. Other risk factors were smoking and dust concentration. Recommendations: Organization of health education program about hazards of exposure to dust, smoking and importance of proper ventilation and using masks

Perinatal mortality in twin pregnancy a survey of twin deliveries in Zagazig

A survey of all twin deliveries from October 1994 through May 1997, in Zagazig area was done using prenatal data records and hospital files. Among 23, 680 deliveries, there were 188 pairs of twins representing 7.9/1000 births. Among these there were 44 deaths, this gives a prenatal mortality rate of 117/1000 twin birth representing 9% of the overall prenatal deaths, and approximately 6 times the death rate for singletons. 60.5% of all deaths occurred in women who failed to receive antenatal or intranatal care. Immaturity accounts for the majority of prenatal deaths [75%]. 93% of deaths occurred in low birth weight infants < 2500 g, of these 75.5% were <1500g. We recommend increased utilization of prenatal services for all twin pregnancies, and delivery should take place in well equipped and staffed hospitals. Improvement of hospital statisites and recording system by well trained personnel and using of computerized software programs are highly recommended

Acute responses to occupational exposure to methyl methacrylate among a group of dentists

Peak expiratory flow rates and acute work-related symptoms were compared in a group of 32 dentists and matched non-exposed control group [n=35] to determine the occupational response to methyl methacrylate in dental practice. A significantly higher prevalence of work-related symptoms and an acute decline in PEFR were observed among the dentist group in comparison with the control non-exposed group. 12.5% of dentists showed a decline in PEFR more than 20% after 2 hours of exposure. Replacement by a safer material, using local exhaust ventilation and protective devices were recommended

Fatigue among a group of industrial workers: effect of work conditions and lifestyle factors

The aim of the present cross - sectional study was to identify the prevalence of subjective fatigue complaint during and/or after work to investigate its association with different categories of health-related habits and occupational conditions to identify the possible modifiable risk factors. The study examined 816 subjects, representing the total male workforce of the Egypt Company For Oil and Soap Manufacturing in Zagazig City. Personal and medical histories, data about health - related habits and work condition were collected using a preconstructed questionnaire. The results indicated that 30.7% of studied workers experienced subjective fatigue complaint during and/or after work. There was a high statistically significant association between fatigue prevalence and most of the studied variables of health-related habits and work conditions. Smoking, poor night sleep. non-engagment in sport activities, and lack of temperature control at work site are the major predictors of fatigue which are deemed to be modifiable factors. Improving ergonomic aspects of work and advising workers on their lifestyles were strongly recommended. Also, further studies focusing on interventions of identified modifiable factors were advised