Prevalence and Risk Factors of Patellofemoral Pain in an Automobile Manufacturing Factory

@#Introduction: Patellofemoral Pain (PFP) in workers is a common musculoskeletal problem that has a significant financial impact on industrial companies. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of PFP, its demographic, occupational, and psychosocial risk factors, and the association of genu varum with PFP. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, simple random sampling was used to select 1570 male workers in a large Iranian automobile manufacturing company. Demographic, occupational, and psychosocial data were collected through self-report questions. There were also questions about any occurrence of PFP during the past year. The medial tibial intercondylar distance was measured, and a distance of more than 60 mm was defined as genu varum. Results: The prevalence of PFP occurrence in the past year was 34.9%, and the prevalence of genu varum was 14%. The prevalence of PFP occurrence in the past year was associated with salary (P<0.001), the job satisfaction (P<0.001), duration of standing per day (P<0.001), duration of walking per day (P=0.042), carrying loads (P<0.001), getting physical exercise (P<0.001), and genu varum (P<0.001). Age, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), work duration, and having a second job were not associated with PFP. There was an association between job satisfaction and having a non-sedentary job. Logistic regression revealed job satisfaction, duration of standing, and genu varum as predictors of PFP. Conclusion: The prevalence of PFP was high in this automobile manufacturing company workers. This was the first study of the prevalence of genu varum and its association with PFP in Iran. The results show an association between genu varum and PFP. However, according to the results of this study and similar studies in other countries, further investigations of PFP and its risk factors are a necessity.

Pulmonary adverse effects of welding fume in automobile assembly welders

Welding is one of the key components of numerous manufacturing industries, which has potential physical and chemical health hazards. Many components of welding fumes can potentially affect the lung function. This study investigates the effects of welding fumes on lung function and respiratory symptoms among welders of an automobile manufacturing plant in Iran. This historical cohort study assesses 43 male welders and 129 office workers by a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms as well as lung function status by spirometry. The average pulmonary function values of welders were lower relative to controls with dose-effect relationship between work duration and pulmonary function impairment. The prevalence of chronic bronchitis was higher in welders than controls. Our findings suggest that welders are at risk for pulmonary disease

Urinary beta 2 microglobulin in workers exposed to arc welding fumes

Welding is a process in which two or more metals are attached by the use of heat and, in some cases, pressure. Direct exposure and inhalation of welding fumes causes acute and chronic side effects in humans. Kidney damage is one of these important side effects. beta 2 microglobulin is an 11.8 kilodalton protein and levels increase in the case of some inflammatory and viral diseases, or kidney malfunction and autoimmune diseases. In this study measurements of beta 2 microglobulin were used as a criterion for assessing effects on the kidneys of workers exposed to welding fumes. The study population were electric arc welders in an industrial plant in Tehran, Iran. For control we selected workers who did not have any exposure to welding fumes. Both groups were selected on the basis of a questionnaire and the consideration of criteria for inclusion and exclusion. In the end 50 cases and 50 controls were chosen. A urine sample was collected from all participants and urinary pH was set to between 6-8 using NaOH [1M]. Sample transportation to the laboratory complied with the related standards. The samples were assessed using the ORG 5BM kit. For quantitative assessment of beta 2 microglobulin we used the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay [ELISA] method. The ages of the welders ranged from 21 to 48 years [mean=30.5 +/- 5.9 yrs] and of controls from 23 to 56 years [mean=31.8 +/- 5.9 yrs]. Mean employment duration was 7.86 +/- 5.01years [range 2 to 27 years] for welders. Mean beta 2 microglobulin level was 0.10 +/- 0.096 ?g/ml in welders and 0.11 +/- 0.06 in controls. This difference was not statistically significant [P=0.381]. In conclusion we don't find that exposure to electric arc welding fumes cause a significant change in urinary beta 2 microglobulin compared to the control group