Mould infection, immunological tests and ventilatory lung function among cotton dust exposed workers

A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Shartex spinning and weaving company at Sharkia Governorate to determine the respiratory effect of cotton exposure. Seventy three cotton-exposed workers and 50 healthy workers [control group] were studied. Respiratory symptoms, ventilatory function tests, mycological examination of sputum and immunological examination for fungal reaction against different moulds and cotton extracts were assessed. Respiratory symptoms were frequently reported by exposed workers compared with controls. Among exposed workers, 11 [15.1%] had symptoms of byssinosis and 26 [35.6%] chronic bronchitis. This work has documented reduced lung function associated with work place exposure to cotton dust. Those workers with respiratory symptoms had significantly impaired lung function compared with asymptomatic workers Mould were significantly isolated from exposed workers than control group [P<0.001]. Different mould were isolated as Asp. niger, Cladosporium, Alternaria and others but only Asp. niger was the most significant isolate [P<0.01]. Also, exposed workers were more liable to develop immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to specific cotton extracts [15.1%] and fungal antibodies [10.9%]. However, none of the control subjects gave either skin positive test to cotton extract or positive precipitin reaction. On regression analysis: both smoking and current exposure to cotton dust were the most significant risk factors of byssinosis, chronic bronchitis and impairment of both FEV1 and FVC.Also, duration of cotton exposure and increasing age were significant indicators for loss of FEV1 and FVC respectively.While, current cotton exposure was the only risk factor associated with frequent isolation of mould.In conclusion, workers exposed to cotton dust had increased respiratory symptoms and significant reduction in ventilatory capacity, also they develop immediate skin hypersensitivity reaction to cotton extract, fungal antibodies with more positive sputum culture for fungi than non exposed controls.So, it is recommended that lung function tests should be performed and can be used for routine medical surveillance. Also, anti-smoking programme must be applied

Exclusive breast feeding among a group of working mothers

A cross-sectional survey was carried out to explore how maternal employment affect breastfeeding experiences during the first six months of life with special interest on the factors that influencing continuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Three hundred and twelve working mothers whose infants at six months of age were included in the study. They were interviewed and asked using a questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and antenatal information and work characteristics. The results revealed that initation of breastfeeding among working mothers was frequently high [96.5%]. Also, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding was [71%] in the first month. With return to work, the rate decreased to 20% at 6 months. However, the rate of food supplementing remained relatively stable at 25% and 34% at one and three months respectively. Thereafter, the rate increased to 64% at six months.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that possible accomodation at work, being of 25 years and older, being returned to work not less than 3 months and worked no more than 30 hours per week are the most significant indicators of successful continuation of exclusive breastfeeding.In conclusion, maternal employment has no effect on initiation of breastfeeding. However, returing to work is associated with earlier discontinuation. Possible accomodation at the worksite, time of return to work and number of hours worked per week may be contributing factors. So, provision of facilities to support breastfeeding in the workplace should be encouraged. This necessitates allocating suitable place for milk expression and providing of work nursery. Mothers should have the opportunity to return to work on part-time basis. Work legislations has to reconsider the maternity leave especially for women in private sectors