Cardiovascular risk factors among train drivers, Mansoura, Egypt.

Cardiovascular risk factors and diseases are the most prevalent health conditions in train drivers. A comparative cross-sectional study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of some cardiovascular risk factors among train drivers. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and occupational data. Physical activity and dietary habits were assessed, psychological distress was measured. Out of 100 recruited train drivers, 62% had obesity, 46% were hypertensive, 72.8% had dyslipidemia, and 71% had mild and/or moderate level of psychological distress. Being a train driver is independently associated with the likelihood of having obesity (AOR = 14.2) and psychological distress (AOR = 6.6). The prevalence of various cardiovascular risk factors was significantly higher among train drivers than the comparison group. Being a train driver is independently associated with obesity and psychological distress.

Presenteeism and associated factors among railway train drivers.

Background: Presenteeism is an emerging work-related health problem among train drivers. It is more serious than absenteeism, as it accounts for higher productivity losses and may increase the risk of occupational accidents. Train drivers have high rates of mental and physical health conditions that may put them at high risk of presenteeism. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 train drivers working in Mansoura railway station and 100 administrative employees working in the Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura university as a comparison group to estimate the prevalence of presenteeism and its associated factors among train drivers working in Mansoura railway station, Egypt. A questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic, occupational and medical data. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to measure non-specific psychological distress. The Stanford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) was used to assess productivity loss related to sickness presenteeism. Results: The prevalence of presenteeism was significantly higher among train drivers (76%) compared to the comparison group (31%). All participants (100%) with psychological distress reported presenteeism. Being a train driver (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=5.4) and having hypertension (AOR=4.03) are independent predictors for presenteeism. Conclusions: The prevalence of presenteeism and its associated risk factors were significantly higher among train drivers than the comparison group. There is an urgent need for the railway industry to understand the factors that may contribute to presenteeism.

Occupational and non occupational metacarpal bone fractures at the Mansoura University Emergency Hospital: A comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: Metacarpal fractures of the hand occur in active and working population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to compare between occupational and non occupational metacarpal fractures. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional comparative study with prospective components among patients with metacarpal fractures admitted to the Mansoura University Emergency Hospital in a 6-month period. Data were collected using a questionnaire that included personal and occupational histories and accident analysis. Clinical and radiological assessment of healing was done by DASH score and handgrip strength. Disability was estimated according to the Egyptian Labour Law. RESULTS: Of 149 patients, 56.4% and 43.6% were occupational and non occupational metacarpal fractures, respectively. The independent predictors of occupational metacarpal fracture are less than secondary education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.2 (2-8.4)), being married (AOR = 4.2 (2.1-8.5)), and being a male (AOR = 7 (2.5-20)). CONCLUSIONS: Lower education, being married, and being a male are risk factors of occupational metacarpal fractures. Surgery showed better hand function than conservative management.