Screening for common mental disorders and substance abuse among temporary hired cleaners in Egyptian governmental hospitals, Zagazig city, Sharqia governorate

Informal employment is common in developing countries, including Egypt. This type of employment may have significant consequences on mental health. To determine the prevalence and risk factors of common mental disorders and substance abuse among temporary hired hospital cleaners. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 242 adult temporary cleaners and 209 permanent cleaners working in 4 governmental hospitals in Zagazig City, Sharqia Governorate, Egypt. All participants were invited to complete a structured questionnaire through a semi-structured interview which included the self-reporting questionnaire 20 items [SRQ-20] and the work stress scale. Assessment of drug use included urine-based screening tests for common substances abused. The prevalence of job stress, common mental disorders and substance abuse, particularly tramadol and cannabis [Bango], was significantly higher in the studied temporary cleaners compared to permanent cleaners. Risk factors associated with increased susceptibility of the temporary cleaners to common mental disorders were family history of substance abuse, high crowding index, history of physical illness, low educational level, and smoking; while being unmarried, male sex, family history of mental disorder, age > =40 years, smoking, and length of service > =8 years, were associated with substance abuse among the same group. Temporary hired hospital cleaners suffered from impaired mental health more than permanent cleaners. Therefore, expanding the coverage of current laws and occupational safety and health standards to cover workers in the informal sector especially in developing countries is 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

Prevalence and sequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among a group of dentists

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence and sequences of musculo-skeletal symptoms among dentists. Sixty one active dentists and equal number of physicians answered a standardized Nordic questionnaire for assessment of musculoskeletal symptoms. The dentists showed a significant higher prevalence of neck, shoulder, lower back, pelvis and foot symptoms. Dentists had an increased risk for back pain lasting more than 30 days [OR 5.78] when compared with physicians. Lower back and shoulder symptoms had caused more troubles for the dentists and had reduced their daily and Leisure activities. Ergonomic education and work organization are needed in dentistry work to overcome the occurrence and consequences of musculoskeletal symptoms among dentists