Medical radiation workers' knowledge, attitude, and practice to protect themselves against ionizing radiation in Tehran Province, Iran.

BACKGROUND: Medical radiation workers are potentially at a risk of unwanted ionizing radiation exposures. This study assessed the radiation protection knowledge, attitude, and practice (RP-KAP) of health-care workers who are occupationally exposed to radiation regarding protecting themselves from radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was cross-sectional in design and was carried out in 16 hospitals affiliated to the Tehran University of Medical Sciences between May and September 2014. Total health-care workers who were occupationally exposed to radiation comprising 670 individuals were included in the study based on census sampling method. In total, 413 individuals consented to complete an anonymous 32-item questionnaire comprising single best choice questions with a numerical value assigned to each correct answer. Each set of RP-KAP questions was scored and categorized as poor, medium, and good. The effect of independent variables for prediction of RP-KAP was explored using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: A significant number of participants had poor RP-knowledge (78.9%), RP-attitude (70.7%), and RP-practice (32.4%). Based on linear regression analyses, it was found that field of study (ß = 0.1, P = 0.001), marital status (ß = -0.14, P = 0.01), and level of education (ß = 0.2, P < 0.001) were the predictors of higher RP-knowledge. In-service RP-training (ß = 0.1, P = 0.04) was associated with an increased RP-attitude. Being a woman (ß = 0.2, P < 0.001) and longer years of experience with radiation (ß = 0.2, P < 0.001) were significantly related to better practice. CONCLUSION: In-service training with appropriate qualified and up-to-date materials based on radiation workers' educational needs and approved protocols and guidelines is recommended.

Association between upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders and mental health status in office workers.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) can lead to potential adverse consequences for individuals and their organizations, and in various research, its relationship to physical and mental health of workforce has been studied. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of MSDs of upper extremities among office workers and its association with mental health status. METHODS: In this cross sectional study, 1488 out of 1630 office workers completed the Standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorders Ques-tionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) (response rate = 91.3%). RESULTS: Upper extremity MSDs were reported in 410 (27.5%) office workers, including 269 (18.1%) shoulder, 79 (5.3%) elbow and 207 (13.9%) hand/wrist symptoms. Based on GHQ-28, 254 (17.1%) participants were found to be at risk of developing a psychiatric disorder that were observed in 26.7% of workers with MSDs symptoms. Shoulder (p < 0.001), elbow (p < 0.001) and hand/wrist (p < 0.001) MSDs were associated with poor mental health. Among the four GHQ-28 subscales (somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction, and depression), anxiety/insomnia was strongly correlated with shoulders (P < 0.001), elbows (P = 0.002), and hands/wrists (P < 0.001) symptoms. CONCLUSION: Office workers with upper extremity MSDs were more likely to be experiencing mental distress. This indicates a need for greater emphasis on preventive programs at workplace to support their psychological well-being.

Risk Factors for Upper Extremity Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Office Workers in Qom Province, Iran.

BACKGROUND: The identification of the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is the first step in designing effective preventive interventions. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between individual, organizational, physical, and psychological factors and upper extremity MSDs (i.e., shoulder, elbow and hand/wrist). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, the study population was comprised of office workers from Qom Province, Iran. Of the 1630 Iranian office workers who were selected via a random multistage cluster sampling method, 1488 completed a comprehensive data collection form designed to investigate the individual, organizational, physical, and psychological factors related to MSDs (response rate: 91.3%). RESULTS: The predictors of shoulder MSDs in the past 12 months were uncomfortable sitting posture (ß = 0.42, P = 0.04), limited rest breaks (ß=0.73, P = 0.012), and no access to adjustable desks (ß = 0.43, P = 0.018). Working on a computer for more than five hours (ß = 0.61, P = 0.004) and an uncomfortable sitting posture (ß = 0.79, P = 0.001) predicted hand/wrist symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Various risk factors in the workplace may contribute to MSDs in different upper extremities. Preventive interventions should hence include ergonomic and office equipment modifications.