Study of the effects of chronic diseases and injuries on industrial workforce in Alexandria

A study was conducted to find the magnitude of physical impairments and disabilities resulting from chronic diseases and injuries in relation to claims of inability to carry on work within a year duration. The population chosen for this study was the industrial workers presented to the job turn-over Comittee at Alexandria Health Insurance within a period of one year [3600 workers]. They presented with different degrees of physical defects and disability resulting from either chronic diseases or injuries. Collected data included personal informations, occupational history and clinical diagnosis. Evaluation of these disabilities was done through history, examination and laboratory investigations. Determination of the degree of disability and limitation was based on the measurement of function in respect to general capacity. Re-placement of the disabled worker was done according to the health and physical defects. Workers were grouped into industrial sectors according to the Occupational Health Committee at Alexandria Health Insurance [1984]. Results obtained in this study revealed that 767 workers [21.31%] of those presented to the Committee were shifted to light work, 7.17% of them were female workers. This proportion of disabled workers in respect to all industrial sectors was significantly higher than overall proportion for all sectors except the Petroleum, spinning and weaving and related industries. The mean age of these workers was 43.722 +/- 8.758 years and the mean work duration was 18.846 +/- 8.876 years. Causes of these physical impairments were mainly vision defects [25.29%], 1ocomotor system impairment [19.29%], respiratory diseases [18.77%] and heart diseases [17.86%]

Study of the effect of exposure to carbon disulfide on cardiovascular system

The aim of this work is to define the CVS effects of exposure to CS2 on exposed workers. The effects studied included changes in blood pressure, ECG changes, especially ischemic changes and findings suggesting peripheral vascular diseases. It was concluded that exposure to CS2 resulted in obesity, intermittent claudicating, elevation of blood pressure, although within the normal range and ischemic heart changes especially among exposed workers less than 40 years of age

Effect of exposure to grain dust on respiratory system of exposed workers

A study was conducted in a factory concerned with storage of grain. The target population were all exposed workers [n= 32]. A control group [n= 32] matched as regards age, sex, socio-economic conditions and with no past or present history of grain dust exposure was examined similarly. The results revealed that exposure to grain dust resulted in an increase in prevalence of respiratory symptoms in the form of rhinitis and sinusitis, and bronchitis. The non-respiratory symptoms were in dermatitis. A significant decrease in lung function test was also found in the of a significant lowering in FEV1.0 / VC% and measured VC/ predicted VC% values. Chest radiographic examination revealed no abnormal findings among all exposed workers

effect of a suggested barrier cream as a prophylactic measure for control of petroleum acne and folliculitis

A prophylactic cream formula composed of lanolin and zinc oxide was used among workers exposed to petroleum derivatives as a mean for the control and prevention of petroleum acne and folliculitis. A population of 57 workers suffering from petroleum acne and folliculitis was taken from the Occupational Medicine Center. All workers except three cases continued our study [54 workers]. After giving them treatment till complete cure of the lesion the suggested prophylactic cream was given alone to each worker, for 3 months duration with continuation of exposure. Workers were checked continuously for any recurrence. After stopping application of the proposed prophylactic cream workers were followed up for a year duration. They were considered as a control match case during use of prophylactic cream and without using it. Results obtained revealed that application of the suggested prophylactic formula i.e. Lanolin and zinc oxide proved that no recurrence occurred among exposed workers under prophylaxis and that recurrence of the lesion was found among 68.52% after stopping application of the prophylactic cream

Effect of exogenous supply of glucose and thiamin on some physiological and psychological parameters of fatigue after a standardised effort test

Giving glucose and thiamine orally for 50 students, half an hour before a standardized effort test of 300 watts for 45 seconds improves manifestations of fatigue. A statistical significant decrease in respiratory and pulse rates, as well as in changes of degree of attention stability resulting from the performance of an effort test, is obtained following the administration of such nutrients than without. Also, the recovery pattern of the physiological manifestations of fatigue [respiratory and pulse] after the effort test improves by giving the nutrients

Electrocardiographic changes with special reference to coronary heart disease and physical activity at work among Egyptian employees

The study comprised 1121 workers with different levels of physical activity at work from a factory in Alexandria. The examined population was classified according to age, sex, occupation, level of physical activity at work and working duration. The examination included body weight and height, smoking habit, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar and an E.C.G. was recorded for each one. Studied population was categorized in groups according to the level of physical activity at work to four main groups i.e. heavy, moderate, sedentary [executive and intellectual] and drivers. Comparison between various occupational groups with different levels of physical activity at work in our study, revealed that a high significant frequency of ischaemic heart diseases associates sedentary life. After elimination of other significant factorials [age, obesity, D.M. and hypertension] that played a role in coronary heart diseases development among our sample, there is still frequent occurence of such disease among sedentary workers

Evaluation of importance of a medical screening programme applied among an industrial population

A screening medical programme was applied among an industrial population [1140] workers in Alexandria during year 1982. A carefully planned questionnaire was designed. It included personal history, occupational history, habits and a detailed past history of chronic diseases which may impair the general efficiency of workers. For each worker, an E.C.G., a spirogram, measurement of blood pressure, an audiogram and an X-ray film were made. Blood analysis for sugar, urea level as well as haemoglobin percent was included. Urine was also analysed for abnormalities. Determination of intra-ocular tension was also added to the previous investigations. Chronic diseases checked-up during this study, were hypertension, rheumatic and coronary heart diseases, DM. and chronic obstructive and restrictive pulmonary diseases with emphasis on tuberculosis. Hepatic and urinary tract diseases as well as anaemia were also included. Cases of deafness and increase of intra-ocular tension were detected too. Results obtained ascertained the necessity of a periodic medical examination for the early detection of non-occupational chronic diseases. As it was found that the percent of cases detected suffering from these diseases was much higher than those giving a positive past history. This periodic medical examination should include everyone in the industry independent of nature of work. The age suggested for such programmes is 40 years and more, except for anaemia, the age is 30 years