ABSTRACT
Background: Proper training on how to correctly handle loads is one key point for prevention of low back disorders. This study was conducted with the objectives of assessing manual material lifting activities and comparing two methods of training intervention in a porcelain company
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial which was conducted in a porcelain company, all male employees with lifting activities [n=204] participated. The data were collected using Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Questionnaire and Lift/ Lower Force Risk Assessment software for assessing manual material lifting. Intervention methods included booklet and oral training. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Chisquare tests using SPSS software [Version 17.0]
Results: The most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders symptoms were reported in the knee [52.5%], feet [45.1%], and lower back [43.6%]. Risk assessment before intervention showed that in 62.7% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level [AL] 1, 31.9% in AL 2 and 5.4% in AL 3. The risk assessment after intervention showed that in 77.5% of the workers studied, the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in Action Level [AL] 1, 20.6% in AL 2 and 2% in AL 3 [P<0.001]. Also, statistical analysis revealed that oral training [24.5%] was more effective than the booklet training [11.8%] [P=0.018]
Conclusion: This study showed that training intervention could be effective in correction of methods of manual material lifting of workers. It seems oral training for workers of porcelain industry is more effective than the booklet training
ABSTRACT
Fatigue is a common and frequently disabling symptom in cancer patients. Fatigue may be caused by the disease itself, by treatment for the disease, by physical symptoms or conditions resulting from the disease or its treatment. The aim of this study was to assess fatigue and related factors in breast cancer patients. We conducted a cross-sectional study on 119 random samples of breast cancer patients. The Iranian version of QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 questionnaires were used. Univariate methods and multiple regression analysis were performed to identify predictors of fatigue. Overall, 78% of the patients indicated that they were experiencing fatigue to some degree. The mean score on the fatigue subscale was 41.74 +/- 26.91. Of all functional subscales, fatigue showed the strongest influence on social functioning. Linear regression analyses showed that total fatigue was best predicted by pain, appetite loss, body image and type of treatment. Our results support the notion that fatigue in cancer patients is a major problem, which deserved yet more attention from health professionals, and that quality of life in cancer patients might be improved markedly by interventions that effectively reduce fatigue