The application of system epidemiology theory and methodology in occupational epidemiology / 中国职业医学

@#Abstract: Occupational epidemiology aims to explore the effect of occupational hazards on the health of workers and understand ， their mechanisms. It plays an important role in occupational health and occupational medicine.Currently occupational ， ， exposures in the workplace are complex and diverse and multiple factors affect workers´ health at the same time. Therefore it is important to elucidate the pathogenesis of occupational disease caused by occupational hazards and implement early - - intervention. System epidemiology collects data on multi level exposure and multi omics information to conduct network analysis - on the relationship amongrisk factors. and to study the mechanisms of exposures and health outcomes based on multi level data. ， ， ， ， Using the study design of system epidemiology occupational environmental lifestyle and social factors are combined as a ， system to evaluate the health of workers which can better evaluate the adverse health effects caused by occupational hazards. - ， ， The studies base on multi omics design will explore the pathogenesis of occupational diseases at the molecular cellular and tissue levels to evaluate the impact of occupational hazards on workers´ health and to explore interventions from multiple - perspectives to reduce the occurrence of occupational or work related diseases.

A comprehensive review of the healthy worker effect in occupational epidemiological studies

The reduction of mortality and morbidity rates among occupational cohort studies may be attributed to the presence of the healthy worker effect (HWE). Occupational epidemiologic studies investigating worker’s health are prone to the risk of having the HWE phenomenon and this special form of bias has been debated over the years. Hence, it’s imperative to explore in-depth the magnitude and sources of HWE, and further, elucidate the factors that may affect HWE and strategies reducing HWE. The HWE should be considered as a mixed bias between selection and confounding bias. The validity threats due to the HWE among morbidity studies are the same as the mortality studies. The consequent reduction due to the HWE in the association between the exposure and outcome may lead to underestimating some harmful exposures in the workplace or occupational settings. Healthy hire effect and healthy worker survivor effect are the main sources of HWE. Several factors can increase or decrease the probability of HWE; therefore, the investigators should consider them among future occupational epidemiological studies. Many strategies can help in reducing the impact of HWE, but each strategy has its weaknesses and strengths. Not all strategies can be applied among all occupational epidemiological studies. Mathematical procedures still need further investigations to be validated. HWE is a consequence of inappropriate comparison groups in nature. The usage of the general population as a reference group is not an appropriate choice. By considering the HWE sources and factors and using appropriate strategies, the impact of HWE may be reduced.

Noise and sleep quality: study among physical education instructors / Ruído e qualidade do sono: estudo entre instrutores de educação física

ABSTRACT This study ivestigated the association between noise and impaired sleep quality in 150 physical education instructors, in bodybuilding gyms. Two questionnaires were applied: evaluation of subjective sleep quality and analysis of explanatory variables. Noise exposure was analyzed. For the data analysis, was used the technique of non-conditional logistic regression, to obtain the values of the adjusted odds ratios (OR) of the significant variables. Two proper adjustment models stood out. The first model presented the significant variables: incorrect performance of the meals (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.08 to 6.02); skin color - black ou brown (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.12) and exposure to noise level above or equal to 80 dB(A) (OR = 1.90; 95% CI 0.87 to 4.12). The second model presented the significant variables: incorrect performance of the meals (OR = 2.35, 95% CI 0.1 to 5.56); exposure level standardized above or equal to 80 dB(A) (OR = 2.03, 95% CI 0.92 to 4.47) and use 0of drugs for depression/anxiety (OR = 0.26; 95% CI 0.53 to 1.33). This research identified the variables that were significantly associated with impaired sleep quality, as exposure to noise, contributing to the adoption of preventive measures.

RESUMO Este estudo investigou a associação entre ruído e qualidade prejudicada do sono em 150 instrutores de educação física, em academias de musculação. Dois questionários foram aplicados: avaliação da qualidade subjetiva do sono e sobre variáveis explanatórias. A exposição ao ruído foi avaliada. Para a análise dos dados, utilizou-se a técnica de regressão logística não-condicional, para obter os valores das Razões de Chances (RC) das variáveis significativas. Dois modelos finais se destacaram. O primeiro apresentou as variáveis significativas: realização incorreta das refeições (RC = 2,58, IC 95% 1,08 a 6,02); cor da pele - preta ou parda (RC = 0,53; IC 95% 0,25 a 1,12) e exposição ao ruído acima ou igual a 80 dB(A) (RC = 1,90; IC95% 0,87 a 4,12). O segundo modelo apresentou as variáveis significativas: realização incorreta das refeições (RC = 2,35, IC 95% 0,1 a 5,56); nível de exposição padronizado acima ou igual a 80 dB (A) (RC = 2,03, IC 95% 0,92 a 4,47) e uso de medicamentos para depressão/ansiedade (RC = 0,26; IC95% 0,53 a 1,33). Esta pesquisa identificou as variáveis que se associaram significativamente com a qualidade do sono prejudicada, como a exposição ao ruído, contribuindo para a adoção de medidas preventivas.

Epidemiological and occupational profile of eye trauma at a referral center in Espírito Santo, Brazil / Aspectos epidemiológicos e trabalhistas do trauma ocular em um centro de referência no Espírito Santo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To draw an epidemiological and occupational profile of eye trauma at a Brazilian referral center, make comparisons with the literature and provide subsidies for the adoption of adequate prevention and enforcement measures. Methods: Descriptive and prospective epidemiological study using a standardized questionnaire to collect data from 60 patients presenting with eye trauma at an ophthalmology service (HUCAM) between 1 april 2013 and 1 october 2013. Results: The male gender was predominant (80%). Ages ranged from 8 to 60 years. Most accidents (56.7%) occurred in the workplace, followed by the home (28.3%). Most injuries were closed, predominantly contusions, followed by foreign body on the external eye. Importantly, 82.9% of the victims of work-related trauma wore no eye protection at the time of the accident. Conclusions: Eye trauma in the workplace and elsewhere is an important problem of public health as it affects primarily the economically active population and may have serious consequences. A considerable proportion of eye trauma is easily avoidable by using personal protective equipment. To minimize the incidence of eye trauma, more attention should be given to instruction in and enforcement of the use of such equipment, supported by frequent prevention campaigns.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caracterizar os aspectos trabalhistas e epidemiológicos regionais envolvidos no trauma ocular, comparar os dados obtidos com os já publicados na literatura e fornecer subsídios para a elaboração de medidas de prevenção e fiscalização adequadas. Metodologia: Estudo epidemiológico, descritivo, prospectivo, realizado no serviço de Oftalmologia do HUCAM, em 60 pacientes com trauma ocular, no período de 01 de abril a 01 de outubro de 2013, quando foram colhidos dados, por meio de questionário padronizado. Resultados: Houve predomínio de indivíduos do sexo masculino (80%) e em sua maioria os pacientes tinham idades que variavam entre 8 e 60 anos. Predominaram os acidentes no ambiente de trabalho (56,7%) seguido dos acidentes domiciliares (28,3%). A maioria dos traumas foi do tipo fechado, com predomínio das contusões seguidas pelo corpo estranho na superfície ocular. Observou-se também que 82,9% dos pacientes que tiveram o trauma no ambiente de trabalho não usavam o equipamento de proteção individual. Conclusões: Trauma ocular é um importante problema de saúde pública, pois acomete principalmente a população economicamente ativa e pode ter graves consequências. Grande parte destes acidentes poderiam ser facilmente preveni-da através do uso apropriado de equipamentos de proteção individual. Desta forma, orientação, fiscalização para o fornecimento e uso dos EPIs e campanhas de prevenção são importantes para redução desses acidentes.

Caracterização do nexo técnico epidemiológico pela perícia médica previdenciária nos benefícios auxílio-doença / Characterization of the technical epidemiological nexus in social security sickness benefits by medical experts

Introdução o Nexo Técnico Epidemiológico Previdenciário (NTEP) modificou a caracterização da etiologia ocupacional de agravo que justifica benefício previdenciário auxílio-doença no Brasil. Objetivo descrever o perfil de requerimentos em que houve indicação de NTEP pelo sistema previdenciário e analisar fatores associados à caracterização/descaracterização do nexo pela perícia médica. Métodos estudo retrospectivo analítico, com amostra de 822 laudos médicos periciais emitidos em São Paulo, entre 2008 e 2011. Realizada regressão logística para avaliar a associação entre a caracterização do NTEP e sexo, idade e diagnóstico incapacitante. Resultados o perfil dos segurados foi de homens (60,6%), na faixa etária de 30-39 anos (31,8%), com lesão por causa externa (35,0%). Foi descaracterizado o NTEP em 59% das situações, a maioria devido ao relato dos trabalhadores de que a lesão não tinha ocorrido no trabalho (70,9%). Houve associação entre a caracterização do NTEP e o diagnóstico da doença incapacitante, principalmente em relação aos distúrbios osteomusculares (OR 7,45; IC 95% 4,88-11,38). Conclusão o diagnóstico é um fator fortemente associado à aplicação do NTEP pela perícia médica. Há uma descaracterização frequente da espécie acidentária nos requerimentos, o que pode minimizar a justiça social ao trabalhador lesionado em decorrência do exercício do seu trabalho. .

Background the Technical Epidemiological Nexus of Social Security (NTEP in Portuguese) has modified the characterization of occupational injuries during evaluation for sickness benefits in Brazil. Objective to describe the profile of sickness benefit requirements when NTEP was indicated by the social security system, and to analyze the factors associated with its characterization/mischaracterization through medical evaluation. Methods retrospective analytical study with a sample of 822 expert medical reports issued in Sao Paulo between 2008 and 2011. A logistic regression model analysis was performed to assess the association between the characterization of NTEP and sex, age, and diagnosis. Results the profile of the beneficiaries was as follows: males (60.6%), aged 30-39 (31.8%), and presenting sickness due to injuries by external causes (35.0%). NTEP was mischaracterized in 59% of the cases, mostly because workers reported that the injury had not occurred at work (70.9%). There was an association between NTEP characterization and disabling diagnosis, mainly due to musculoskeletal disorders (OR 7.45; 95%CI 4.88-11.38). Conclusion the disabling diagnosis is a factor strongly associated with NTEP characterization by medical experts. Commonly, there is a mischaracterization of its application, which could minimize social justice for workers with occupational injury. .

Occupational Dermatoses by Type of Work in Greece

BACKGROUND: To elucidate the relationship between seven occupational dermatoses (ODs) and 20 types of work in Greece. METHODS: This was a prevalence epidemiologic study of certain ODs among 4,000 workers employed in 20 types of enterprise, in 104 companies, in 2006-2012, using data from company medical records, questionnaires, occupational medical, and special examinations. The chi2 test was applied to reveal statistically significant relationships between types of enterprises and occurrence of ODs. RESULTS: A high percentage (39.9%) of employees included in the study population suffered from ODs. The highest prevalence rates were noted among hairdressers (of contact dermatitis: 30%), cooks (of contact dermatitis: 29.5%), bitumen workers (of acne: 23.5%), car industry workers (of mechanical injury: 15%), construction workers (of contact urticaria: 29.5%), industrial cleaning workers (of chemical burns: 13%), and farmers (of malignant tumors: 5.5%). We observed several statistical significant correlations between ODs (acute and chronic contact dermatitis, urticaria, mechanical injury, acne, burns, skin cancer) and certain types of enterprises. There was no statistically significant correlation between gender and prevalence of ODs, except for dermatoses caused by mechanical injuries afflicting mainly men [chi2 (1) = 13.40, p < 0.001] and for chronic contact dermatitis [chi2 (1) = 5.53, p = 0.019] afflicting mainly women. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of ODs is high in Greece, contrary to all official reports by the Greek National Institute of Health. There is a need to introduce a nationwide voluntary surveillance system for reporting ODs and to enhance skin protection measures at work.

Endotoxin and cancer: [review] / Endotoxina e câncer: [revisão]

Exposure to endotoxin, a component of gram-negative bacterial cell walls, is widespread in many industrial settings and in the ambient environment. Heavy-exposure environments include livestock farms, cotton textile facilities, and saw mills. In this article, we review epidemiologic, clinical trial, and experimental studies pertinent to the hypothesis that endotoxin prevents cancer. Since the 1970s, epidemiologic studies of cotton textile and other endotoxin-exposed occupational groups have consistently demonstrated reduced lung cancer risks. Experimental animal toxicology research and some limited therapeutic trials in cancer patients offer additional support for an anticarcinogenic potential. The underlying biological mechanisms of anticarcinogenesis are not entirely understood but are thought to involve the recruitment and activation of immune cells and proinflammatory mediators (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-1 and - 6). In view of the current state of knowledge, it would be premature to recommend endotoxin as a cancer-chemopreventive agent. However, further epidemiologic and experimental investigations that can clarify further dose-effect and exposure-timing relations could have substantial public health and basic biomedical benefits.

A exposição à endotoxina, componente de paredes celulares bacterianas gram-negativas, é muito comum em plantas industriais e no meio ambiente. Ambientes de alta exposição incluem fazendas de criação de animais, instalações têxteis de algodão e moinhos. Neste artigo, revemos estudos experimentais, epidemiológicos e ensaios clínicos sobre a hipótese de que a endotoxina previne o câncer. Desde os anos 70, estudos epidemiológicos em têxteis de algodão e outros grupos ocupacionais expostos à endotoxina demonstram redução no risco de câncer de pulmão. Pesquisa experimental de toxicologia animal e ensaios terapêuticos limitados em pacientes com câncer dão suporte para um potencial anticarcinogênico. Os mecanismos biológicos anticarcinogênicos de base ainda não são completamente compreendidos, mas acredita-se que incluem recrutamento e ativação de células imunológicas e mediadores pró-inflamatórios (ex.: fator de necrose tumoral α e interleucina-1 e - 6). Devido ao estágio atual de conhecimento, seria prematuro recomendar a endotoxina como agente quimiopreventivo. Porém, pesquisas epidemiológicas e experimentais que esclareçam relações de dosagem-efeito e exposição-relações temporais podem trazer benefícios para a saúde pública e a biomedicina básica.

Comparison of methods of point estimation in occupational epidemiologic studies

Two common study designs of occupational epidemiologic studies are cohort mortality studies, which use the population at risk as a denominator, and proportionate mortality studies, which use the total number of events as a denominator. This study compared the various methods of point estimation for cohort mortality studies, i.e., RR (risk ratio), OR (odds ratio) and SMR (standardized mortality ratio), and those for proportionate mortality studies, i.e., PRR (proportionate risk ratio), POR (proportionate odds ratio) and PMR (proportionate mortality ratio). This study was based on a real dataset of all workers in Metropolitan Toronto, Canada, who applied for compensation for various types of injuries or diseases from the Workers' Compensation Board in 1980. Results showed that within the cohort mortality or proportionate mortality study designs, OR (or POR) in all cases gave the least conservative estimates (farthest away from the null value), while SMR (or PMR) gave the most conservative estimates. The empirical differences between the point estimators were generally small. Our results showed that between study designs the corresponding point estimators were poorly correlated. In addition, this empirical study indicated that the use of the mortality odds ratio did not improve the proportionate mortality study very much in terms of generating results similar to the risk ratio from the cohort mortality design. We drew two conclusions: first, the point estimators within each study design can generally be a good alternative to one another; and second, proportionate mortality studies are not a good approximation for cohort mortality studies.