Does the level of burnout differ between occupational groups in Lithuania?

Background: The strain on workers of the healthcare system and education sector increased psychological distress and burnout. This study aimed to distinguish the occupational group that is the most affected by occupational burnout and to reveal the scope of psychosocial risk factors among each occupational group. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed burnout syndrome among 1,046 participants of different occupational groups in association with psychosocial work environment factors in Lithuania. The anonymous questionnaire was composed of the standardized Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). To find out associations between psychosocial work environment factors and burnout dimensions, a multiple logistic regression model using the stepwise method was applied. Results: The burnout levels in all three dimensions (personal, work-related, and client-related burnout) were significantly higher in physicians' and nurses' groups compared with public health professionals, teachers, and managers (p < 0.05). The job demands were associated with the personal burnout subscale for all occupations, except public health specialists - each one-unit increase of this variable significantly increased the probability of personal burnout from 10 to 16%, respectively by the occupation. Co-worker support was found to have a buffering effect for all occupational groups, except managers - and significantly reduced personal burnout for physicians (OR = 0.80), nurses (OR = 0.75), public health specialists (OR = 0.75), and teachers (OR = 0.79). Conclusion: The burnout levels in all three dimensions differed between occupational groups: there were significantly higher in physicians' and nurses' groups compared with public health professionals, teachers, and managers. Considering the occupational preventive measures in the healthcare sector attention should be paid to the reduction of workload and ensuring good relations between co-workers.

Prevalence of psychosocial work factors and stress and their associations with the physical and mental health of hospital physicians: A cross-sectional study in Lithuania.

Background: A negative psychosocial work environment causes stress to the physicians of healthcare institutions, which affect their physical and mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of psychosocial work factors and stress and their associations with the physical and mental health of hospital physicians in the Kaunas region of Lithuania. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. It was based on a questionnaire survey, which contained the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), three scales of Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ), and Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36 (SF-36) health survey. The study was carried out in 2018. A total of 647 physicians completed the survey. Multivariate logistic regression models were performed by using the stepwise method. In the models potentially, confounding factors such as age and gender were controlled. In our study, the dependent variables were stress dimensions, and the independent variables were psychosocial work factors. Results: The analysis showed that a quarter of surveyed physicians were classified as having low job skill discretion and decision-making authority, and the support of supervisors was weak. Approximately one-third of the respondents had low decision latitude, low co-worker support, and high job demands, and felt insecure at work. Job insecurity and gender were found to be the strongest independent variables for general and cognitive stress. The support of the supervisor was found as a significant factor in the case of somatic stress. Better evaluation of mental health was related to job skill discretion and co-workers' and supervisors' support, but it did not affect physical health. Conclusion: The confirmed associations suggest that looking at work organization factors, reducing exposure to stress, and increasing perception of the psychosocial environment can be linked to better subjective health evaluation.

Association between Outdoor Air Pollution and Fatal Acute Myocardial Infarction in Lithuania between 2006 and 2015: A Time Series Design.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution has a significant effect on human health and there is a broad body of evidence showing that exposure to air pollution is associated with an increased risk of adverse health effects. The main objective of this study was to assess the association of traffic-related air pollutants with fatal AMI during the ten-year period. METHODS: The study was conducted in Kaunas city, where the WHO MONICA register included a total of 2273 adult cases of fatal AMI cases during the 10-year study period. We focused on the period between 2006 and 2015. The associations between exposure to traffic-related air pollution and the risk of fatal AMI were evaluated by using a multivariate Poisson regression model, RR presented per an increase in IQR. RESULTS: It was found that the risk of fatal AMI was significantly higher in all subjects (RR 1.06; 95% CI 1.00-1.12) and women (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.22) when the concentration of PM10 in the ambient air was increased 5-11 days before the onset of AMI, adjusting for NO2 concentration. The effect was stronger during spring in all subjects (RR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03-1.22), in men (RR 1.13; 95% CI 1.01-1.26), in younger-aged (RR 1.15; 95% CI 1.03-1.28), and in winter in women (RR 1.24; 95% CI 1.03-1.50). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that ambient air pollution increases the risk of fatal AMI, and this pertains to PM10 specifically.

The Burnout Syndrome among Women Working in the Retail Network in Associations with Psychosocial Work Environment Factors.

The burnout syndrome is a significant occupational health problem in various employees' populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate burnout level among retail network workers and its associations with psychosocial work environment. The cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted on workers of one Lithuanian retail network (n = 254), where all respondents were women. In order to assess their occupational stress and burnout, two instruments were used: HSE management standards work-related stress indicator tool and Copenhagen burnout inventory (CBI). The statistical analysis showed high prevalence of burnout-the frequency of personal, work-related and client-related burnout was 53.5%, 66.5% and 55.5% respectively. The Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that job demands, control manager's support, coworkers' support and relationships significantly associated with all burnout subscales. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent associations between HSE indicators and burnout subscales. The multivariate logistic regression model revealed that job demands and manager's support were significant factors for all burnout dimensions. In conclusion, in order to reduce occupational burnout among employees working in retail companies, it would be useful for occupational interventions to focus on workload reduction and optimization, and for the human resources management strategy to focus on maintaining this.

Residential Links to Air Pollution and School Children with Asthma in Vilnius (Population Study).

Background and objectives: Many studies have been carried out on the negative health effects of exposure to PM10, PM 2.5, NO2, CO, SO2 and B[a]P for small populations. The main purpose of this study was to explore the association of air pollution to diagnosis of asthma for the whole huge population of school children between 7-17 years in Vilnius (Lithuania) using geographical information system analysis tools. Material and Methods: In the research, a child population of 51,235 individuals was involved. From this large database, we identified children who had asthma diagnosis J45 (ICD-10 AM). Residential pollution concentrations and proximity to roads and green spaces were obtained using the ArcGIS spatial analysis tool from simulated air pollution maps. Multiple stepwise logistic regression was used to explore the relation between air pollution concentration and proximity between the roads and green spaces where children with asthma were living. Further, we explored the interaction between variables. Results: From 51,235 school children aged 7-17 years, 3065 children had asthma in 2017. We investigated significant associations, such as the likelihood of getting sick with age (odds ratio (OR) = 0.949, p < 0.001), gender (OR = 1.357, p = 0.003), NO2 (OR = 1.013, p = 0.019), distance from the green spaces (OR = 1.327, p = 0.013) and interactions of age × gender (OR = 1.024, p = 0.051). The influence of gender on disease is partly explained by different age dependency slopes for boys and girls. Conclusions: According to our results, younger children are more likely to get sick, more cases appended on the lowest age group from 7 to 10 years (almost half cases (49.2%)) and asthma was respectively nearly twice more common in boys (64.1%) than in girls (35.9%). The risk of asthma is related to a higher concentration of NO2 and residence proximity to green spaces.

The Prevalence of Burnout and Its Associations with Psychosocial Work Environment among Kaunas Region (Lithuania) Hospitals' Physicians.

The primary prevention of occupational burnout should be considered as a public health priority worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of burnout and its associations with the work environment among hospital physicians in the Kaunas region, Lithuania. The cross-sectional study was carried out in 2018. The Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ) and the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) were administered to examine occupational stress and personal, work-related, and client-related burnout among 647 physicians. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the association between dependent variable burnout and psychosocial environment among physicians, adjusting for potential confounders of age and gender. The prevalence rate of client-related, work-related, and personal burnout was 35.1%, 46.7%, and 44.8%, respectively. High job control, lack of supervisor, coworker support, job demands, and job insecurity were significantly associated with all three sub-dimensions of burnout. High job demands increased the probability of all three burnout dimensions, high job control reduced the probability of work-related, and client-related burnout and high job insecurity increased the probability of client-related burnout. The confirmed associations suggest that optimization of job demands and job control and the improvement of job security would be effective preventive measures in reducing occupational burnout among physicians.

Long-Term Survival after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Lithuania during Transitional Period (1996-2015): Data from Population-Based Kaunas Ischemic Heart Disease Register.

Background and Objective: There is a lack of reliable epidemiological data on the long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the Lithuanian population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term (36 months) survival after AMI among persons aged 25-64 years, who had experienced AMI in four time-periods 1996, 2003-2004, 2008, and 2012. Material and Methods: The source of the data was Kaunas population-based Ischemic heart disease (IHD) register. Long-term survival after AMI (36 months) was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. The survival curves significantly differed when p < 0.05. Hazard ratio for all-cause mortality and their 95% CIs, adjusted for baseline characteristics, were estimated with the Cox proportional hazards regression model. Results: The analysis of data on 36 months long-term survival among Kaunas population by sex and age groups showed that the survival rates among men and women were 83.4% and 87.6%, respectively (p < 0.05) and among 25-54 years-old and 55-64 years-old persons, 89.2% and 81.7%, respectively (p < 0.05). The rates of long-term survival of post-AMI Kaunas population were better in past periods than in first period. According to the data of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, long-term survival of 25 to 64-year-old post-AMI Kaunas population was without significantly difference in 1996, 2003-2004, 2008 and 2012 (Log-rank = 6.736, p = 0.081). The adjusted risk of all-cause mortality during 36 months among men and 25 to 54-year-old patients was on the average by 35% and 60% lower in 2012 than in 1996, respectively. Conclusion: It was found that 36 months survival post MI among women and younger (25-54 years) persons was significant better compared to men and older (55-64 years) persons. Long-term survival among 55 to 64-year-old post-AMI Kaunas population had a tendency to decrease during last period, while among 25-54 years old persons long-term survival was without significant changes. The results highlight the fact that AMI survivors, especially in youngest age, remain a high-risk group and reinforce the importance of primary and secondary prevention for the improvement of long-term prognosis of AMI patients.

Association between computer game type, playing time and sense of coherence in Lithuanian adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: As an excessive gaming is the addiction of the 21th century, purpose of our study was to investigate how sense of coherence interacts with gaming time, choice of various games types, age and gender characteristics. Our task was to evaluate relationship between computer gaming and an adolescent's sense of coherence. METHODS: A cross-sectional study based on a self-reported questionnaire was performed among the representative samples of 1,806 adolescents aged 13-18 years. Adolescents reported the amount of time spent gaming computer games, types of games, as well as sense of coherence. The relations between the choice of computer games type, time spent gaming computer games and sense of coherence of respondents were assessed by odds ratio using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: 32.9% of boys and 81.1% of girls reported gaming computer games less than 5 hours per day during the last month (p < 0.001). 30.9% of boys and 4.1% of girls reported gaming computer games more than 10 hours per day during the last month (p < 0.001). Boys and girls aged 13-15 with a weak sense of coherence had significantly higher probability to play action or combat computer games for 5 or more hours per day in comparison to the respondents who had a strong sense of coherence. Also, this probability was 2 times higher among boys than among girls. CONCLUSION: Sense of coherence is a useful tool to identify adolescents who are at risk of excessive gaming. Game playing time is linked to the sense of coherence. Adolescent with a weak sense of coherence had a higher probability to play more times, especially in younger age.

Associations between musculoskeletal pain and work-related factors among public service sector computer workers in Kaunas County, Lithuania.

BACKGROUND: Information technologies in occupational activities have been developing very rapid. Epidemiological studies have shown that musculoskeletal disorders are widely prevalent among employees working with a computer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in various anatomical areas and its associations with individual, ergonomic, and psychosocial factors among computer workers of the public sector in Kaunas County, Lithuania. METHODS: The investigation consisting of two parts - questionnaire study (Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) and direct observation (evaluation of work ergonomics using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment [RULA]) - was carried out in three randomly selected public sector companies of Kaunas County. The representative study sample comprised 513 public service office workers. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain in five anatomical areas of the body (shoulders, elbows, wrists/hands, as well as upper and low back) was evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, upper and low back pain were 50.5 %, 20.3 %, 26.3 %, 44.8 %, and 56.1 %, respectively. Individual factors such as gender, age, computer work experience, and body mass index were found as significant for musculoskeletal pain in various musculoskeletal regions. The respondents reporting pain in shoulder, wrist/hand, upper back, and low back areas had a statistically significantly higher mean RULA score. The duration of working with a computer was found as a significant factor for shoulder pain. High quantitative demands were related to musculoskeletal pain in all investigated anatomical areas expect for the low back; weak social support was a significant predictor for complaints in upper and low back areas. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed associations between musculoskeletal pain and work ergonomics; therefore, preventive measures at the workplace should be directed to the improvement in ergonomic work environment, education, and workload optimization.

Problematic computer game use as expression of Internet addiction and its association with self-rated health in the Lithuanian adolescent population.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Computers and the Internet have become an integral part of today's life. Problematic gaming is related to adolescent's health. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of Internet addiction among 13-18-year-old schoolchildren and its relation to sex, age, and time spent playing computer games, game type, and subjective health evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1806 schoolchildren aged 13-18 years were interviewed. The evaluation of Internet addiction was conducted by the Diagnostic Questionnaire according to Young's methodology. The relation between the choice of computer games type, time spent while playing computer games and respondents' Internet addiction were assessed by using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: One-tenth (10.6%) of the boys and 7.7% of the girls aged 13-18 years were Internet addicted. Internet addiction was associated with the type of computer game (action or combat vs. logic) among boys (OR=2.42; 95% CI, 1.03-5.67) and with the amount of time spent playing computer games per day during the last month (≥5 vs. <5h) among girls (OR=2.10; 95% CI, 1.19-3.70). The boys who were addicted to the Internet were more likely to rate their health poorer in comparison to their peers who were not addicted to the Internet (OR=2.48; 95% CI, 1.33-4.62). CONCLUSIONS: Internet addiction was significantly associated with poorer self-rated health among boys.

Associations of morbidity and mortality from coronary heart disease with heliogeophysical factors.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations among morbidity of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and mortality from ischemic heart disease (IHD) with heliogeophysical factors among the Kaunas population. The study population was stratified into three age categories: 25-54, 55-64, and ≥65 years. In this study, solar flares (SF), solar proton fluences (SPF), and geomagnetic activity (GMA) were employed as heliogeophysical factors and used Poisson regression and two methods of time series modeling (lag and lead). Influence of GMA in different age and sex category is uneven. The mean number of AMI events per day was greatest (23 %) among men aged 25-54 years on the third day and the same sex aged 55-64 years-increased 10 % 2 days before when the GMA intensity was A+S. Both for men and women aged ≥65 years, the highest increase in the mean number of deaths from IHD events per day was observed on the second day when the GMA intensity was A+S-51 and 34 %, respectively. Evaluating the impact of SF of 10(-5) ≤ SF < 10(-4) W/m(2) (M+X) intensity, the mean number of AMI events per day was greatest for 55-64-year-old women and men on the same and second days. Such SF were associated with a 13 and 20 % increase, respectively. Evaluating the impact of large fluence SPF, it was determined that the increase in the mean number of AMI events per day among 25-54-year-old men was greatest (30 %) 1 day, and death from IHD (54 %) was observed among women aged ≥65 years 2 days before the energy of the SPF has increased.

Trends of myocardial infarction morbidity and its associations with weather conditions.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the trends of myocardial infarction (MI) morbidity and evaluate the associations with some meteorological factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on MI morbidity were collected from Kaunas ischemic heart disease registry and information about meteorological factors from Kaunas meteorological station was collected. RESULTS: The overall morbidity rates of acute MI among men aged 25-64 increased by 2.0%/yr. (P=0.02), whereas among women did not change significantly (+1.2%/yr., P=0.2) during 1995-2007. Among men aged 65-84 the overall morbidity rates of MI were without significant changes (-1.0%/yr., P=0.3) and among women decreased significantly by -1.7%/yr. (P=0.03). During 1995-2000, a weak inverse significant correlation between atmospheric air temperature and morbidity of MI (r=-0.05, P=0.019) was documented (in women and the elderly r=-0.045 and -0.048, respectively, P<0.05). Weak correlation between atmospheric air wind speed and MI morbidity in women (r=-0.042, P=0.05) and in population of older age (r=-0.056, P=0.099) was determined. In men and in elderly population a direct weak correlation between atmospheric pressure and MI morbidity was found (r=0.114 and 0.166, respectively, P<0.01). In this study monthly and seasonal variation of MI rates were observed. In winter period MI rates were higher to compare with other seasons (χ(2)=18.682, df=3, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The overall morbidity rates of MI increased among Kaunas men aged 25-64 and tended to increase among women, whereas among men aged 65-84 MI morbidity trends were without statistically significant changes and significantly decreased among women during 1995-2007. Weak inverse correlations between atmospheric air temperatures, rainfall level and direct correlation between air wind speed, atmospheric pressure and MI morbidity were established. Months/seasonal variations during analyzed period were observed.

Associations between neck musculoskeletal complaints and work related factors among public service computer workers in Kaunas.

OBJECTIVES: Information technologies have been developing very rapidly, also in the case of occupational activities. Epidemiological studies have shown that employees, who work with computers, are more likely to complain of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The aim of this study was to evaluate associations between neck MSD and individual and work related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation which consisted of two parts - a questionnaire study (using Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire and Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire) and a direct observation (to evaluate ergonomic work environment using RULA method) was carried out in three randomly selected public sector companies of Kaunas. The study population consisted of 513 public service office workers. RESULTS: The survey showed that neck MSDs were very common in the investigated population. The prevalence rate amounted to 65.7%. According to our survey neck MSDs were significantly associated with older age, bigger work experience, high quantitative and cognitive job demands, working for longer than 2 h without taking a break as well as with higher ergonomic risk score. The fully adjusted model working for longer than 2 h without taking a break had the strongest associations with neck complaints. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed, that neck MSDs were significantly associated with individual factors as well as conditions of work, therefore, preventive actions against neck complaints should be oriented at psychosocial and ergonomic work environment as well as at individual factors.

The effect of atmospheric temperature and pressure on the occurrence of acute myocardial infarction in Kaunas.

OBJECTIVE. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of meteorological variables (atmospheric temperature and pressure) on the daily occurrence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). MATERIAL AND METHODS. The study used the daily values of atmospheric temperature and pressure in 2000-2007. The meteorological data were obtained from the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service for Kaunas. The relative risks of event occurrence were computed for 5°C atmospheric temperature and for 10-hPa atmospheric pressure variations by means of the Poisson regression model. RESULTS. The occurrence of AMI and atmospheric temperature showed an inverse linear relationship, while the occurrence of AMI and atmospheric pressure, a positive linear relationship. Among the youngest subjects (25-44 years old), no relationships were detected. Contrary, among the subjects aged 45-64 years and those aged 65 years and older, the occurrence of AMI significantly decreased with higher temperature (P=0.001 and P=0.002, respectively). A decrease in atmospheric temperature by 10ºC reduced the risk of AMI by 8.7% in the age groups of 45-64 and 65 years and older and by 19% in the age group of 25 years and older. Among the first AMI cases, the risk increased by 7.5% in the age group of 45-64-year olds and by 6.4% in the age group of 25-64-year olds. The relationship between atmospheric temperature and pressure, and AMI occurrence was found to be linear but inverse. An increase in atmospheric pressure by 10 hPa resulted in an increase in risk by 4% among the subjects aged 65 years and more and by 3% among the subjects aged 25 years and more. CONCLUSIONS. Atmospheric temperature and pressure variations had the greatest effect on middle-aged and aging subjects (starting from 45 years). At younger age, the effect of such factors on the AMI risk was considerably lower.

Nutritional habits of middle-aged schoolchildren from Kaunas town and Raseiniai district.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate nutritional habits of middle-aged schoolchildren living in a town and district of Lithuania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The 8th-9th-grade schoolchildren were questioned by an anonymous questionnaire. A total of 329 students, 169 from Kaunas and 160 from Raseiniai district, participated in the study. RESULTS: Only half of students reported that they had breakfast (61.3% of schoolboys and 47.6% of schoolgirls). More students from the district had dinner in the school canteen as compared to Kaunas students. Only 14.0% of schoolchildren followed nutrition regimen (14.8% of students from Kaunas and 13.1% of students from Raseiniai always had their meal at the same time). Every second schoolboy and schoolgirl consumed vegetables and fruits every day. Whole grain bread was consumed every day similarly frequently by students from Kaunas and Raseiniai, 25.4% and 18.8%, respectively; the students from Kaunas consumed skim milk more frequently, 26.0% and 11.9%, respectively (P<0.05). Confectionery was consumed more frequently by schoolchildren from Kaunas as compared to schoolchildren from Raseiniai district (63.9% vs. 55.0%); however, it was consumed more frequently by boys than girls. Less than one-fourth of Kaunas students (20.7%) consumed potato chips every day, whereas the percentage of the students from Raseiniai district was only 10.0% (P<0.05). Pizzas, kebabs, and hamburgers were consumed more frequently by schoolboys than schoolgirls. Knowledge of healthy nutrition was obtained mainly from media by 48.6% of students; every eighth student got this information from parents, every tenth from physicians, and 7.0% from teachers. CONCLUSIONS: Middle-aged students from both Kaunas town and Raseiniai district did not follow nutrition regimen; half of them did not have their breakfast before going to school. Fruits and vegetables as recommended foods were consumed by half of the participants; every fourth student consumed skim milk, and every fifth student consumed whole grain bread. The students more frequently consumed such foods as confectionery and smoked meat, which are not recommended (every second student); every fourth had an intake of carbonated drinks (the students from Kaunas more frequently) and potato chips (the students from Kaunas more frequently), and every tenth consumed pizzas and fried potatoes. More than half of students obtained knowledge of healthy nutrition from media, and every tenth--from the physicians.

[Morbidity of textile industry workers in Kaunas]. / Kauno miesto lengvosios pramones imoniu darbuotoju sergamumas.

OBJECTIVE: According to the Department of Statistics at the beginning of 2003, 551 textile industry and garment enterprises operated in Lithuania. The purpose of the study was to evaluate morbidity among workers in textile industry enterprises in Kaunas and analyze the data obtained in relation to sex, age, profession, and occupational health hazards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sick-leave-based case-control study was conducted in the units of four textile enterprises where 1842 workers were employed. Data were categorized in relation to sex, profession, and kind of sickness. Age was grouped in the following way: under 29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, and over 50 years. RESULTS: In the period of survey, 1482 cases of sick leave were reported in the enterprises where 1842 workers were employed. The main cause of absence because of sickness was respiratory diseases--37.3% (30.27 cases per 100 workers), nursing took the second place--17.0% (13.76 cases per 100 workers). Accidents and injuries made up 9.3% (7.5 cases per 100 workers), musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders--7.9% (6.4 cases per 100 workers). Data were analyzed using statistical programs SPSS 97, Epi-Info 6.0. CONCLUSIONS: Main morbidities reported included respiratory diseases (37.3%), nursing (17.0%), accidents and injuries (9.3%), musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (7.9%). The incidence of morbidity among workers engaged in workplace where occupational risk factors exceeded hygienic standards was higher. The rate of morbidity also increased with age and sex; morbidity among women was 1.5 higher than among men.

Peculiarities of medical students' nutrition.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the study was to investigate the peculiarities of medical students' nutrition, to compare the dietary habits between first-year and third-year students, to compare male and female students' nutrition, and to evaluate the tendencies of its change. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous survey using a specially designed questionnaire was carried out on 349 first- and third-year students of the Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy at Kaunas University of Medicine. Students' factual nutrition was evaluated by the number of meals per day, the time of eating, and the frequency of consumption of food products. The findings of the questionnaire-based study were stored in a database and analyzed using Excel software. Statistical relationships were determined using EPI Info software by applying the nonparametric chi(2) criterion. Statistical significance was determined using Student's criterion. RESULTS: The nutrition of first- and third-year students is irregular and differs in the time and number of meals. Only 20% of students daily ate 400 g of fruit and vegetables as recommended by the World Health Organization. Medical students, especially males, used excessive amounts of animal fat. Every seventh student consumed too salty food. Medical students consumed insufficient amounts of bread, potatoes, cereals, and other products that constitute the basis of the pyramid of healthy nutrition. Twenty-three percent of males and nearly as many females used alcohol once per week. Nearly one-half of students did not exercise at all, and 9.1% of third-year female and 14.5% of third-year male students were overweight. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of students did not follow the dietary regimen and consumed the majority of food products during the second half of the day. Students' nutrition was not balanced - medical students consumed too much fat, especially those of animal origin. Students consumed insufficient amounts of vegetable fats and fish products, fruit and vegetables, and thus their food may lack soluble dietary fibers and vitamins. First-year and third-year female students used vegetable oils more frequently, used more vegetables, and complied with dietary regimen more often than male students. The nutrition of first- and third-year students does not differ statistically significantly. Alternative types of nutrition (vegetarian nutrition and various diets) are not popular among medical students.

Association between occupational asthenopia and psycho-physiological indicators of visual strain in workers using video display terminals.

BACKGROUND: There is a body of scientific literature examining functional changes in vision due to video display terminals (VDTs). The aim of our study was to determine the relationship of functional visual strain and symptoms of asthenopia and to evaluate the association between subjective and objective indicators of visual strain. MATERIAL/METHODS: Four hundred four office workers with and without involvement in VDT work were included in the study. To evaluate visual strain we used a questionnaire for subjective complaints, evaluated the main ophthalmologic indicators, and measured psycho-physiological indicators. RESULTS: The questionnaire data showed that 88.5% of the VDT workers complained of various vision disorders. VDT workers who complained of worsened vision, redness of the eyes, eye pain, and diplopia during work were found to show more significant changes in the psycho-physiological indicators objectively reflecting strain of the vision analyzer. In the group of people with symptoms of asthenopia, the differences in the indicators of visual sensomotoric reaction, constancy of clear vision, and changes in the periods of clear and unclear vision were statistically reliably greater than in people without symptoms of visual strain. CONCLUSIONS: The subjective perception of visual strain related to VDT work was confirmed by ophthalmologic and psycho-physiological measurements. Changes in ocular and psycho-physiological function before and at the end of the workday are a good objective index of visual and central nervous system strain.

Occupational health problems in modern work environment.

UNLABELLED: Analysis of occupational health problems in Lithuania and their relation to factors of modern work environment is presented. The article analyses the health of transport workers, airlines pilots and stewards, video display terminal workers and its relation to work environment. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and evaluate influence of changing occupational environment to workers' health. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Complex evaluation including several enterprises with different work profile and conditions. Evaluation of work environment, assessment of psychophysiological and ophthalmological data of workers as well as morbidity studies were performed. RESULTS: Occupational environment of transport workers is related with high levels of noise, vibration, mercury, carbon monoxide, welding aerosols, and dust. Main diseases for transport workers are upper respiratory tract and lung diseases, accidents, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal disorders. Cases of temporal morbidity for pilots and stewards are upper respiratory tract and lung diseases, accidents, intoxications and nervous system diseases. The main effects of video display terminal on operators' health are vision fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. Ophthalmologic symptoms and vision fatigue are related to changes in eyes and central nervous system fatigue, as well as syndrome of "dry eyes". CONCLUSIONS: Changeable work environment is affecting employees' health with specific changes, which depend upon work character, experience and worker's age.